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| (L-R) GCash International head of sales and APAC Paolo Real and general manager Paul Albano, Xendit co-founder and chief technology officer RC Chen and country general manager Christian Reyes (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/GCash) |
GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance super app and largest cashless ecosystem, recently launched its strategic partnership with Xendit, a leading payment gateway in the Asia Pacific region — a collaboration that is expected to streamline cross-border remittances, making it easier and more convenient for Overseas Filipinos to send money home. Xendit’s extensive payment infrastructure is designed to enable key remittance players in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region to facilitate transactions to GCash users whether they are in the Philippines via international remittance or overseas in the 16 markets where GCash is currently live for international mobile numbers.
“Our partnership with GCash is a significant milestone in our mission to transform digital payments and drive financial inclusion across the APAC region. By leveraging Xendit’s robust payment infrastructure, we’re enabling seamless and secure remittance transactions for GCash users, both domestically and internationally. This collaboration not only enhances cross-border remittances for millions of Filipinos but also strengthens our position as leaders in the fintech ecosystem, fostering greater financial inclusion and expanding our reach in the region," says Xendit Philippines Country General Manager Christian Reyes. With this partnership, Filipinos can expect to enjoy faster and more efficient remittances. Users can now send money to GCash accounts with minimal processing time and fees. The partnership also leverages the widespread reach of both Xendit and GCash, making it easier and more convenient for users to send and receive money.
Moreover, by providing a more accessible and affordable remittance solution, the partnership contributes to the country’s financial inclusion journey and the economic empowerment of Filipinos. “At GCash, we prioritize finance for all Filipinos whether they are in the Philippines or abroad. With our partnership with Xendit, and our robust ecosystem of financial products embedded in our app,we make it easier for Filipinos to remit and connect back home," said GCash International General Manager Paul Albano.
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PLDT, Smart Expand Tech-Enabled Learning Strategies In Metro Manila, South Luzon Elementary Schools
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| Top photo: The students of Camarin D Elementary School in Caloocan City who are among the recipients of PLDT-Smart Learn Smart Kits Bottom photo: (1st from left) One Meralco Foundation Finance Manager Mary Ann Orbeta, (6th from left) Smart Stakeholder Management Manager Mary Jane Francisco, (7th from left) Camarin D Elementary School Principal IV Dr. Nimfa Narcise (6th from right) Meralco First Vice President and Head of MPower Redel Domingo, (5th from right) MPower Sales Planning and Programs Head Cheyenne Zaldarriaga, (4th from right) MPower Strategic Account Management Head Franklin Esteban, (1st from right) MPower Strategic Account Manager Erica Jane Alvarez (Image Source: Manila Standard/Smart Communications Inc.) |
PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) boost learning delivery platforms of elementary schools in Metro Manila and southern Luzon, in support of Brigada Eskwela activities led by Mpower, Meralco’s local retail electricity supplier. “PLDT and Smart advocate the use of technology to ensure that there will be no learner and teacher left behind. Our Learn Smart Kits feature digital innovations and adaptive learning strategies aimed at improving learner outcomes,” said PLDT and Smart Assistant Vice President (AVP) and Head of Stakeholder Management Stephanie V. Orlino.
PLDT and Smart, in collaboration with MPower and One Meralco Foundation, turned over five Learn Smart Kits during the Brigada Eskwela at Camarin D Elementary School in Caloocan City. The PLDT Group will likewise deploy five Learn Smart Kits each in Tangos 1 Elementary School in Navotas, Tanzang Luma Elementary School in Imus, Cavite, and Bubuyan Elementary School in Calamba, Laguna. The Learn Smart Kit contains educational materials like digital copies of the Central Visayan Institute Foundation Dynamic Learning Program (CVIF DLP) Learning Activity Sheets (LAS), Maging Laging Handa disaster preparedness videos, Smart’s eStorytelling, SEAMEO Innotech’s Digital Citizen e-Book and a Smart Bro Pocket WiFi device to download additional learning resources.
PLDT and Smart’s education programs are aligned with the Department of Education’s key priorities under Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara. The agency’s five-point agenda prioritizes boosting learners’ foundational skills in reading, math and science to improve the Filipino students’ performance in international large-scale assessments, professional development of teachers, employing digital innovations to augment existing teaching strategies, ensuring senior high school graduates are ready for employment, and improving educational infrastructures and resources. PLDT and Smart continue to collaborate with partners nationwide to promote inclusive and equitable quality education. These initiatives align with the PLDT Group’s efforts to help achieve the nation achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), especially #4 on Quality Education, with a strong emphasis on digital literacy.
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Puregold Ramps Up Visayas Expansion, Targets Growth With Innovation And Strategic Community Initiatives
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| Puregold Hinunangan in Southern Leyte (Image Source: Manila Standard/Puregold Price Club Inc.) |
Puregold Price Club Inc. is poised for exponential growth in the Visayas region, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s aggressive expansion strategy. With 70 stores operating both in Visayas and Mindanao regions, Puregold is setting its sights on further strengthening its presence in the country’s key growth regions, paving the way for a broader market share and investment opportunities. Puregold presents a clear growth story: an established player expanding in high-potential regions with a business model integrating innovation and community engagement. The company’s ability to seamlessly blend business growth with social responsibility enhances its brand equity and strengthens its long-term competitive advantage.
Puregold’s emphasis on strategic growth matches its commitment to fostering community relationships — a unique dual approach that continues to drive its vision. A key example is Puregold’s Sari-Sari Store Masskaravan & Concert held last October 18, 2024 at the Bacolod City Government Center. “Beyond opening more doors, our expansion enables us to directly engage with new households and small businesses. This particular Sari-Sari Store Masskaravan proves how Puregold creates value for our customers and the communities where we operate," said Puregold Price Club Inc. President Ferdinand Vincent Co.
The company’s concerted focus on regional markets, particularly in Visayas and Mindanao, is part of a larger strategy to drive sustainable growth. With plans to open additional stores, Puregold is positioning itself as a growth ally in these emerging markets. Investors stand to benefit from this upward trend as Puregold leverages its strong market positioning and operational efficiency to unlock new market revenue streams.
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MILO Celebrates Philippine Sports With Gathering Of Champions
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| MILO Philippines' Gathering of Champions brought together sports partners, clinics and institutions nationwide in one in rallying the Philippines through sports. (Image Source: Manila Standard/Nestlé Philippines Inc.) |
MILO® held its Gathering of Champions last October 11, 2024, an initiative bringing together over 60 sports partners, clinics, and institutions across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao who are one in the cause in rallying the nation through sports. MILO®, being at the forefront of uplifting Filipino families to be more active and supporting grassroots athletes, mounted the Gathering of Champions as a way to give thanks and recognize the various milestones of its many sports partners as it ushered in its 60th anniversary in 2024. Sports partners such as the Department of Education (DepEd), the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and the Philippine Olympic Commission (POC) were present at the event and touched on their milestones in further paving the way for sports inclusivity and accessibility in the country.
“We believe in the dedication of our current icons, whose impact uplifts aspirations of those still at the grassroots level. I would like to extend my gratitude to MILO® Philippines, for being one of our partners in promoting physical wellness and health. Let us work even harder to build more victories and discover new grassroots talents who will become our future flag-bearers. Happy 60th anniversary to MILO® Philippines,” said PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann. All partners were presented with a trophy paying homage to their contributions to Philippine sports, all of whom contributed to the over two million Filipinos engaged throughout various disciplines, from taekwondo, sepak takraw, and basketball, to football, swimming, and more. Overall, the event sought not only the many achievements each champion reached in 2024 but also everyone’s shared efforts in championing both the goal of MILO® and theirs – to improve sports accessibility and inclusivity.
Nestlé Philippines Inc. Senior Vice President and Business Executive Officer of Beverages and Confectionery Veronica Cruz shared, “Across PWDs, women in sports, Indigenous peoples and grassroots athletes, we are proud to have fostered strong partnerships with institutions in providing a bridge for more children and Pinoys to get into sports.” At the event, MILO® also bared its plans for 2025 which include even more robust initiatives to continue rallying Filipinos to be active and get into sports such as increased National MILO® Marathon legs and a wider footprint across their grassroots sports initiatives which include MILO® Barangay Liga, MILO® Safe Swim, and continued initiatives together with the celebrated organizations. MILO® remains steadfast in its commitment to provide nourishing energy to fuel athletes’ bodies and empower them to be at their best not just in sports, but in life. By supporting children at a young age and providing the nutrition to sustain their growth and development, the brand looks forward to further enriching partnerships to mold more champion journeys.
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Globe Starts Blocking AI-Generated, CGI, Animated Child Sexual Abuse Imagery
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| (Image Source: MegaBites/Globe Telecom) |
Globe Telecom, a staunch advocate for online safety, has started blocking non-photographic imagery (NPI) of child sexual abuse – those made using artificial intelligence, computer-generated imagery (CGI), animation, cartoon, drawings and other non-live methods – as it ramps up measures against malicious content. Within August 27-September 27, 2024 which is its first month of implementing this measure, the network blocked 343 URLs (Uniform Resource Locators) and 16 domains containing NPI flagged by its partner Internet Watch Foundation (IWF).
The IWF has been at the forefront of combating NPI, recognizing its potential to cause significant harm to viewers and its illegal status in many jurisdictions. On its website, the IWF said even accidental viewing of child sexual abuse material, even those made with CGI or cartoons, “can cause lasting damage for the person who stumbled upon it". “Globe is committed to creating a safer online environment for everyone, especially children. Our intensified efforts to block access to harmful content, including NPI, demonstrate our dedication to protecting children from online sexual exploitation," said Globe's Chief Information Security and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Officer Anton Bonifacio.
Globe’s initiative to block NPI is part of its long-standing sustainability campaign #MakeITSafePH which aims to combat online child sexual abuse and exploitation. The company has invested over $2.7M in advanced content filtering systems to detect and block illegal content. In the first half of 2024 alone, Globe blocked access to 1,718 domains and 190,167 URLs related to child sexual abuse materials. The company also deactivated 2,726 domains linked to illegal gambling sites. Globe’s efforts are in line with the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009 (Republic Act No. 9775) which mandates internet service providers (ISPs) to deploy technologies that prevent access to or transmission of child pornography.
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Puregold Pusong Panalo: A Force For Good In Rural Communities
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| (Image Source: BusinessWorld Online/Puregold Price Club Inc.) |
Puregold Price Club Inc. reinforces its commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development through its social responsibility initiative Pusong Panalo. The multichannel retailer has extended support to Laiban Elementary School in Tanay, Rizal. This recent effort marks a pivotal step in Puregold’s ongoing mission to enhance lives and foster development in rural areas. The Pusong Panalo program, known for its community-centered approach to giving back, brought significant changes to the Laiban Elementary School.
Puregold installed solar panels in the school, ensuring a sustainable and reliable energy source that will benefit students and faculty in the coming years. The initiative also included the construction of a new playground and replenishment of the canteen, providing students with a more complete and enjoyable learning environment. In addition, the retailer donated new laptops to the school’s teachers, addressing the growing need for technological tools in education. Both students and teachers also received grocery packs for their families. “Puregold believes that education is a powerful tool that can transform lives. It is a privilege to partner with these communities and help give tools that students and teachers need to thrive,” said Puregold Price Club Inc. President Ferdinand Vincent Co. Laiban Elementary School is located in the remote and mountainous region of Tanay, Rizal and has limited access to resources and infrastructure. With Puregold’s support, the school is now better equipped to meet the needs of its students and staff.
Puregold’s Pusong Panalo program has been instrumental in bridging the gap between urban and rural communities, offering much-needed aid to areas that are often overlooked. The company’s continuous efforts, which include infrastructure improvements, technology donations, and essential goods distribution, demonstrate its steadfast dedication to creating lasting positive impacts on the communities it serves. As part of its long-term vision, Puregold pledges to extend its support to 30 schools in remote areas by 2028. Puregold plans to help four more schools in 2024. To pay it forward, Laiban Elementary School has nominated another school in Tanay to get additional solar panels, a new learning center, and improved comfort rooms. “Our goal is to unite our growing community and establish a referral network among the schools we’ve supported, inspired by the Filipino Bayanihan spirit,” said Vincent. To help more schools in need, please reach out through one of the following channels: email at alingpuring@puregold.com.ph, send a message to Puregold’s official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/puregold.shopping, or write to Aling Puring at Puregold Price Club Inc., Head Office — New Building, 900 D. Romualdez St., Paco, Manila, Philippines, 1007.
