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| Representatives from Bell-Kenz Pharma, the Bell-Kenz Foundation, PHINMA Education, and PHINMA Foundation seal their partnership to launch the First 1000 Days Nutrition Program during the MOA signing. L-R: Adele S. Traspe (CSDL Director, PHINMA University of Pangasinan), Heide G. Foulc (Community Development Specialist, PHINMA Education), Cheryl Jane P. Chan (COO/VP, Southwestern University PHINMA), Christopher A. Tan (Country Head, PHINMA Education Philippines), Dr. James Cayetano (President, Bell-Kenz Foundation), Maria Teresa Reyes-Go (Secretary, BK Foundation), Reggie D. Genova (VP for Organizational Development, Bell-Kenz Pharma Inc.), Patrick Emmanuel S. Larraga (Head of Corporate Branding & PR, Bell-Kenz Pharma Inc.), and Sheryll Bongalonta Caberte (CSR Manager, Bell-Kenz Pharma Inc.) (Image Source: HMOph/Bell-Kenz Pharma Inc.) |
Bell-Kenz Pharma, through the Bell-Kenz Foundation, successfully partnered with PHINMA Education to officially launch the First 1000 Days Nutrition (F1KD) Program, a bold step in the fight against malnutrition and stunting among Filipino children. The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing held recently and will begin implementation across PHINMA campuses and partner communities. With a strong track record in healthcare and advocacy, Bell-Kenz Pharma plays a lead role in providing medical support, research collaboration, and on-the-ground health programs. The company brings its expertise in maternal and child nutrition to support interventions during the most critical window of human development, which spans from conception to age two.
PHINMA Education Philippines Country Head Christopher Tan cites “an estimated 33% of Filipino children under 5 years old suffer from stunting”. He further adds, “while it is not impossible for these children to succeed, acquiring necessary skills for job employment is exponentially difficult. That is why we are committed to establishing intervention centers, focused on early childhood nutrition.” “This is not just a program. It is a movement. We are proud to work with PHINMA Education in creating communities that prioritize health, development, and long-term wellness,” said Bell-Kenz Foundation President Dr. James Cayetano. Through the First 1000 Days nutrition initiative with Phinma Education, Bell-Kenz aims to create grassroots impact and a scalable model of care. The F1KD Program is currently being piloted in Cebu and will expand to more campuses in the coming months.
Dr. Cayetano expressed optimism, stating, “We are inspired by Phinma’s dedication and we are confident that we will achieve an outcome greater than the combination of the partnership.” This partnership reflects Bell-Kenz Pharma’s strong commitment to public health and social development. It empowers families, supports education, and helps build a healthier next generation. For more information about the First 1000 Days nutrition advocacy of Bell-Kenz Pharma, visit www.bell-kenz.net.
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GCash VP And Head Of New Businesses Winsley Bangit Encourages ‘Customer-First’ Mindset At Product Summit
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| GCash vice president (VP) and head of new businesses Winsley Bangit speaking at the 1st Mansmith Product Masters Summit about intentional innovation (Image Source: INQUIRER.net/GCash) |
Innovation must serve a purpose or risk becoming noise — and that purpose is your customer. This was the key message of GCash VP and head of new businesses Winsley Bangit during the 1st Mansmith Product Masters Summit held at the RCBC Plaza Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in Makati City. A pioneering thought leadership event, the 1st Mansmith Product Masters Summit convenes business leaders to tackle the full spectrum of product development from ideation to execution. Designed to offer both strategic insights and actionable frameworks, the summit serves as a platform for cross-industry learning and innovation.
In his session entitled “Building A Robust Product Roadmap”, Bangit, who leads strategy and partnerships for the super app’s emerging growth areas like MadTech, insuretech, wealth management, and sustainability, challenged the race toward speed and merely for speed. During his talk he emphasized intentional innovation — the practice of designing products with real user problems in mind, guided by clarity and continuous validation. “I’ve always believed that the best products are built when we listen closely to real customer needs — and when we learn from one another across industries. Products shouldn’t be built just because they can be, they should be built because someone genuinely needs them,” said Bangit. Citing the journey of GCash from e-wallet to inclusive digital finance platform, Bangit emphasized that true differentiation lies not in tech alone, but in building ecosystems that uplift everyone in them. “We started as a payments solution, but we did not stop there. We tried to identify where we can enhance things, enable users, and enable merchants and we evolved into an ecosystem with much more.”
The event gathered a diverse group of product managers, entrepreneurs, designers, and marketers to equip the country’s sharpest builders with the mindset and tools to create products that resonate. Alongside Bangit, the event featured leaders from Nestlé, JS Unitrade, and Ipsos, offering cross-industry insights on innovation, research, and vision-driven product development. The summit is organized by Mansmith And Fielders Inc., the Philippines’ leading marketing and entrepreneurship training and consulting firm known for equipping professionals and enterprises with tools for breakthrough thinking.
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Get Covered Instantly: Palawan ProtekTODO’s ProtekSure Now Available Via PalawanPay Bill Pay
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| (Image Source: Manual To Lyf/Palawan Group Of Companies) |
Palawan ProtekTODO, the microinsurance arm of trusted financial services provider Palawan Group of Companies (PGC), has officially launched ProtekSure, an embedded insurance feature within the PalawanPay app that provides users with instant, affordable, and accessible accident coverage. ProtekSure offers a simple yet powerful solution, allowing users to secure personal accident insurance when they pay bills via the PalawanPay app.
Unfortunately, many Filipinos still hold sentiments like “Mahal naman ang insurance” or “Hindi para sa’kin ’yan, marami pa akong kailangang unahin.” As a result, many Filipinos shy away from getting insurance policies. 2025 data from Statista shows that the Philippines has an underdeveloped insurance market with a penetration rate of less than two percent. Palawan ProtekTODO aims to help address this gap by making insurance affordable, relevant, and accessible — embedding low-cost, high-value protection into a platform that users already trust and use daily. With this innovation, PalawanPay users can now easily opt in to ProtekSure during their bill payment process. For just 0.85% of their bill amount, they get 30 days of personal accident insurance — with coverage worth 36 times the value of their payment For example, paying a ₱1,000 bill unlocks up to ₱36,000 in accident coverage for just ₱8.50. By adding a small amount, users gain instant protection — making coverage more accessible without the usual financial or procedural barriers. PGC President and CEO Karlo M. Castro emphasized that ProtekSure is a step toward more inclusive protection: “In line with our mission to serve more Sukis, we introduce ProtekSure to offer a practical and empowering way to provide protection for Filipinos. To make the process even easier, we have embedded insurance options as our PalawanPay Sukis do their transactions, such as bill payments.”
Building on the strong and sustained success of ProtekPadala — an innovative PalawanPay feature that protects users from fraud and other unlawful online activities — ProtekSure represents the next step in PGC’s mission to make insurance more accessible and relevant to everyday Filipinos. ProtekPadala proved that embedding insurance into familiar, everyday transactions like remittances works: thousands opted in because the protection was affordable, convenient, and seamlessly integrated into something they were already doing. Now, with ProtekSure, Palawan Group is extending that model to bill payments, further reinforcing its commitment to delivering inclusive, tech-enabled financial tools to underserved communities. By integrating affordable accident coverage directly into daily financial activities, Palawan ProtekTODO is redefining how insurance is perceived and accessed in the Philippines. ProtekSure enables users to take small, practical steps toward lasting financial security, proving that peace of mind doesn’t have to come at a high cost.
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Youth Leaders Come Together At Globe's #GoForIt Student Fest 2025 To Pursue Dreams, Build Connections
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| (Image Source: HMOph/Globe Telecom) |
Over 250 student leaders from across the country gathered in Metro Manila for the kickoff of Globe Telecom’s #GoForIt Student Fest 2025, a youth-focused event aimed at encouraging young Filipinos to pursue their aspirations through technology and community support. Held at the Power Mac Center Black Box Theatre in Ayala Malls Circuit Makati, the event brought together students aged 18 to 23 years old for a day of talks, networking, and immersive activities. The gathering opened the year’s nationwide series of student festivals, which promote digital inclusion, innovation, and real-world experience. With the theme “Let’s go for that dream. Go for it.”, the initiative was designed to help young participants move forward in their personal and professional journeys.
Globe chief marketing officer Roche Vandenberghe said the program aims to show students what is possible when passion meets opportunity, offering access to internships, mentorships, grants, and events. Speakers from various fields were invited to connect with participants representing three major academic tracks — HUMSS (Humanities and Social Sciences), ABM (Accountancy, Business, and Management), and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Singer-songwriter Zack Tabudlo, addressing HUMSS students, spoke about his early struggles and how rejection shaped his music career in a talk titled “From Rejection To Recognition: Turning Setbacks Into Soundtracks Of Success”. For ABM students, AgriConnect PH founder Soj Gamayon shared how he used AI to support Filipino farmers, leading his team to win the Red Bull Basement World Finals in just 150 days. His platform was selected from over 110,000 entries worldwide. Gamayon discussed his journey as a young entrepreneur and his vision for scaling innovation through partnerships with tech platforms like Globe. STEM students heard from artist and tech content creator Mikael Daez who talked about the role of curiosity and connectivity in helping him build a career in the digital space. His session entitled “Leveling Up In Life” emphasized using digital tools to find purpose and opportunity.
The event also featured hands-on activities such as the Dream Booth, where participants recorded short videos stating their goals, and a Human Bingo networking challenge. Students were also introduced to the Globe Community Builders Program which offers volunteer roles, internships, grants, and ambassador positions. Globe Rewards and student-specific perks were available via the GlobeOne app, reinforcing the company’s support for youth lifestyle and learning needs. Globe said it remains committed to providing students with access to technology, digital tools, and career-building opportunities, in line with its broader goal of empowering the country’s next generation of leaders.
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Smart Levels Up Customer Experience In Nueva Ecija With Upgraded Cabanatuan Store
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| (Image Source: WheresRR.com/Smart Communications Inc.) |
PLDT’s wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. (Smart), has officially unveiled its newly upgraded Smart Store at the 2nd Floor Cyberzone of SM City Cabanatuan, reaffirming its commitment to delivering world-class customer service and digital experiences to communities in Nueva Ecija and nearby provinces. Originally located at NE Pacific Mall, the store was transferred to SM City Cabanatuan in 2016 to meet the growing needs of the region. Today, it continues to be a vital touchpoint for customers seeking a full suite of services — from SIM activations and device sales to billing inquiries, technical support, and access to Smart’s latest digital innovations.
“This new Smart Store is more than just a retail space — it’s a hub for connection, empowerment, and service. We are proud to bring a more personalized and elevated customer experience to Cabanatuan City, a place rich in heritage and heart, and known as the Gateway to the North,” said Smart Vice President and Head of Retail Operations and Transformation Eden Techico. The store’s opening was graced by distinguished guests including Cabanatuan City Mayor Myca Vergara, Camp Tinio Barangay Captain Anita Pascual, officers from SM City Cabanatuan, and Smart executives who together celebrated this milestone in bringing closer and more meaningful service to the people of Nueva Ecija. Customers can explore the latest Smart Prepaid and Postpaid, and PLDT Home offers, switch their mobile numbers to Smart or TNT, and discover new gadgets to enhance their productivity and lifestyle, whether at home or on-the-go. The store also features self-care kiosks and is staffed by knowledgeable specialists who ensure every visit is meaningful and efficient.
Cabanatuan City, the largest in Nueva Ecija — dubbed the “Rice Granary Of The Philippines” — is home to vibrant communities and historical landmarks such as Plaza Lucero and the Cabanatuan Cathedral. It is a dynamic city that continues to thrive as a center of commerce and culture. This initiative is part of the PLDT Group’s broader mission to expand its retail footprint and bring reliable connectivity closer to every Filipino.
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Skyro Chill Mobile Rolls Out Cool Surprises At Partner Stores
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| (Image Source: Philippines Graphic/Skyro) |
Skyro brought six days of fun, excitement, and cool surprises to Mandaluyong, Malabon, Rizal, and Pampanga as its Skyro Chill Mobile visited the stores of its partner merchants — Home Along, FC Home Center, and Abenson. Visitors were able to play an exciting Chill Pong! Game with some lucky participants winning a brand-new air-conditioner. Guests also got free ice cream to beat the summer heat.
Joining the fun was easy! Customers just needed to download the Skyro app which served as their ticket to participate in the activities. After, they played the Chill Pong! Game where they were given three chances to shoot the ping pong ball in the Skyro cups which each contained surprises, including the grand prize of a brand-new air-conditioner, or a Skyro umbrella, along with other prizes. Skyro Head of Marketing Iya Lelyanova explained, “The Skyro Chill Mobile is our way of introducing our brand and boosting app downloads while bringing happiness to many more Filipino customers through an engaging and interactive way.” The Skyro Chill Mobile van activation further strengthens the brand’s mission of providing hope, happiness and financial support to Filipinos, bringing awareness on the brand’s loan products and features including cashback, and the Skyro Flexi – considered one of the most customer-friendly loan features in the country.
Participants were able to share the fun by posting their experience on various social media platforms with the hashtags #SkyroChillMobile and #Skyro, and by tagging Skyro’s official Facebook page: Skyro – Shop Now, Pay Later. To enjoy exclusive loan offers from Skyro such as flexible payment and cashback, download the Skyro app for free on AppStore for iPhone users, and Google Play for Android users.
