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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Department Of Trade And Industry) |
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is spearheading the Philippines’ bid to become Asia’s Premier Creative Hub by 2030 with the Malikhaing Pinoy Creative Expo (MPEx), held last September 3-7, 2025 at SMX Aura, Taguig City, in celebration of the Philippine Creative Industries Month (PCIM). The MPEx, a flagship initiative of the Malikhaing Pinoy Program, led by the DTI through the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council (PCIDC) Secretariat, to elevate Filipino creative industries, is the first event to gather all nine creative domains — audiovisual media, visual arts, digital interactive media, design, performing arts, publishing, traditional cultural expressions, creative services, and cultural sites — and their 73 sectors.
Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque said that the expo emphasizes the vital role of Filipino creativity in driving economic progress. “Under the clear directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Trade and Industry is fully committed to harnessing the power of our creative industries. The DTI will continue to provide our artists and creators with the necessary infrastructure and support, like this Malikhaing Pinoy Creative Expo, until Filipino talent gains the global recognition it truly deserves.” The expo featured a dynamic and immersive setup, showcasing the nine domains through dedicated creative pavilions where visitors were able to explore exhibits of paintings, sculptures, and art toys, as well as original works in comics, animation, and publications. Another key component of the event is the series of “Malikhaing Pinoy Chats” which brought together professionals, creative workers, aspiring creatives, and government policymakers for thought-provoking presentations and conversations. Meanwhile, the “Creative Matchmaking For Filipino Games” pitching session provided indie and student game developers an opportunity to present their ideas to industry leaders and potential investors where Dungeon King of Midnight Equinox stood out and earned the Best Game Pitch award.
The event also featured a wide array of prominent exhibitors and organizations including the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) for audiovisual and digital interactive media, the Design Center of the Philippines and Philippine Fashion Coalition for design, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) for the performing arts, and the Ayala Museum representing the cultural sites domain.
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GCash, Western Union Expand Global ‘Cash In’ To Over 200 Markets To Serve More Filipinos Globally
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/GCash) |
The Philippines’ leading finance super app, GCash, is expanding its global ‘cash in’ feature through a strategic partnership with Western Union, one of the world’s most trusted international money transfer providers, with a global financial network spanning over 200 countries and territories worldwide. Filipinos living and working overseas may ‘cash in’ (send money) to GCash e-wallet accounts through the Western Union App, website, or through a network of hundreds of thousands of retail locations worldwide. Additionally, they can also send funds to their families and friends with GCash accounts. Once completed, funds are credited instantly to the GCash wallet and can be used immediately for essentials such as groceries, bills, online shopping, savings, insurance, or even investments. Customers can now send up to Php500,000 per transaction.
“At GCash, we remain committed to driving financial empowerment for all Filipinos, wherever they are in the world. This collaboration with Western Union enables fast, secure, and reliable remittances, ensuring that the hard-earned money of OFWs reaches their families swiftly and safely,” said GCash International general manager Paul Albano. Western Union’s global scale now connects with the extensive local cashless ecosystem of GCash — the largest in the country. GCash users in the Philippines benefit from over 339,000 cash-in and cash-out outlets, 5.2 million QR-accepting merchants, and more than 520 partner brands on the GLife platform. Western Union Regional Vice President for the Philippines, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Islands Gregory Laurent said, “Our partnership with GCash, one the the Philippines’ most respected financial services brands, enables us to stay true to our purpose of serving the aspiring populations of the world with accessible, easy-to-use services, particularly in the digital space. It is yet another mark of the importance we place on the Philippines and consumers in the country, as well as the Filipino diaspora abroad.”
For millions of OFWs, this integration removes long-standing friction in the remittance process and strengthens their ability to support their families from afar. GCash continues to evolve from a money transfer platform into a holistic digital finance hub that serves the needs of Filipinos, wherever they may be. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), personal remittances from OFWs reached US$38-billion in 2024, an all-time high and accounting for over 8% of the country’s GDP. “While digital adoption is accelerating, a significant portion of these remittances is still routed through over-the-counter channels. The integration of GCash with Western Union provides a digital-first alternative that empowers OFWs and their families to manage money more efficiently, securely, and on their terms,” said Albano.
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PLDT, Smart, ADZU Launch Literacy Apps To Support Chavacano And Tausug Communities
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Smart Communications Inc.) |
As the world becomes more and more digitally borderless, helping children retain and learn in their native languages safeguards the Philippines’ rich linguistic heritage and makes education more accessible, meaningful, and culturally rooted for future generations. Toward this, PLDT and Smart Communications Inc., in partnership with Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) and with the support of the Department of Education – Division of Zamboanga City, have officially launched the literacy mobile applications called “Apprende” for Chavacano and “Hinduan” for Tausug.
“The launch of ‘Apprende’ and ‘Hinduan’ is close to our hearts because it allows children to learn in their own mother tongue, making education more meaningful. At the same time, it helps preserve our local languages so that the next generation can continue to value and celebrate their heritage. These apps are among the many learning tools we’ve developed with our partners to make education more inclusive and impactful for the communities we serve,” said PLDT and Smart Assistant Vice President and Stakeholder Engagement Head Stephanie V. Orlino. Designed to promote literacy and numeracy in mother tongues, the mobile applications also aim to preserve local heritage while making learning more accessible for younger generations. ADZU Grade School Principal Ellen Segurigan expressed heartfelt gratitude to PLDT and Smart for bringing these innovative learning tools to the community, stating, “Today, we celebrate more than the launch of two mobile applications; we celebrate the preservation, appreciation, and joyful learning of our local languages. With these apps, students will not only gain knowledge but also discover the richness of our heritage, enjoy the beauty of our words, and connect with one another in meaningful ways.”
The “Apprende” and “Hinduan” literacy applications complete a set of 13 mobile applications developed by PLDT and Smart with various partners as part of their long-standing commitment to advancing education and promoting digital inclusion. This initiative also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) 4: Quality Education, as it fosters inclusive, equitable, and quality learning opportunities for all. Moreover, it contributes to UNSDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by helping to preserve cultural heritage and strengthen community identity through language.
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FEU Tech Secures Tier 1 Global Recognition For Engineering Excellence
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| (Image Source: The Manila Times/Far Eastern University Institute Of Technology) |
Far Eastern University Institute of Technology (FEU Tech) has achieved Tier 1 accreditation from the Philippine Technological Council (PTC), placing the school among the country’s most respected engineering institutions. This recognition means that FEU Tech’s accredited baccalaureate programs in Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering meet the highest international standards. The PTC represents the Philippines in the Washington Accord, an international agreement that sets stringent benchmarks for engineering education across 25 signatory countries. These include major economies such as Japan, Singapore, China, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Recognition under the Accord means that FEU Tech graduates hold credentials that are accepted and respected worldwide, and would open doors to advanced studies, professional licensure, and careers in some of the most competitive markets.
“With this international recognition, our engineering students now gain access to a world of opportunities. The recognition of our five engineering programs as Tier 1 by the PTC and their alignment with the Washington Accord is a powerful testament to the exceptional quality, global relevance, and industry readiness of our curriculum, faculty, and graduates,” said FEU Tech Senior Executive Director Dr. Benson Tan. Tier 1 status is conferred only on institutions that demonstrate exceptional leadership, robust quality assurance, and significant impact on the engineering profession. For FEU Tech, it is both an endorsement of its academic excellence and a reaffirmation of its credibility as a distinguished institution in the field. For employers, it assures that graduates are trained to the same rigorous standards observed by top engineering schools worldwide. For students and their families, it signals that an FEU Tech education is an investment in a degree with international currency, one that carries weight and recognition beyond the Philippines.
Tan emphasized, “This milestone reaffirms our unwavering commitment to providing an engineering education that meets the highest global standards. Our students can now move forward with even greater confidence, knowing that their FEU Tech degree is not only globally respected but also professionally competitive.” With this recognition, FEU Tech continues to strengthen its place among the nation’s most credible and forward-looking engineering institutions that produce graduates prepared to excel locally and around the globe.
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Approved On The Frontlines Of Financial Literacy: Cebuana Lhuillier And Peraktikal Reach Philippine Marines
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| (Image Source: INQUIRER.net/Cebuana Lhuillier) |
Cebuana Lhuillier, a long-standing advocate of financial inclusion, has partnered with Peraktikal, the grassroots financial literacy initiative founded by veteran finance educator Armand Bengco, to bring practical financial education directly to members of the Philippine Marine Corps stationed across the country. The initiative reflects a shared belief that financial empowerment should be accessible to every Filipino, especially to those who dedicate their lives in service to the nation, often at great personal risk.
“Our Marines sacrifice so much for our country, and it’s only right that we help equip them with tools to secure their financial well-being. Financial literacy is a right, not a privilege. We remain committed to reaching every Filipino, wherever they may be and wherever they are in their financial journey,” said Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier. Military personnel often face unique financial challenges such as deployments, relocation, and unexpected expenses. This collaboration responds to that reality by offering relevant and practical lessons designed to help build long-term financial resilience. Peraktikal was created to make personal finance easier to understand and apply. Its sessions cover core topics like budgeting, debt management, understanding insurance, emergency saving, responsible investing, and retirement planning — all delivered in a simple, relatable, and action-oriented format. Through four sessions held in Tawi-Tawi, Taguig, Cavite, and Zamboanga, the Marines participated in live discussions, interactive coaching, and open forums that allowed them to ask questions and receive advice tailored to their circumstances.
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Many Marines shared that it was the first time they encountered financial topics presented in a way that matched their experiences. Peraktikal’s clear and accessible approach helped participants understand how to apply key financial principles in their everyday lives. Lhuillier added, “Our partnership with Peraktikal is part of Cebuana Lhuillier’s broader mission to reach Filipinos wherever they are. Whether in busy cities or remote military bases, we are committed to promoting financial literacy and access to services that truly make a difference.” This initiative is part of Cebuana Lhuillier’s continued efforts to uplift communities through education and empowerment, ensuring that every Filipino has the tools to build a stronger, more secure financial future.
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OPPO Teams Up With MSL Philippines To Power Campus eSports Nationwide
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| (Image Source: Speed Magazine/OPPO Philippines) |
OPPO and MOONTON Student Leaders (MSL) Philippines have entered into a long-term partnership to expand campus eSports nationwide, empowering Filipino students with access to OPPO’s cutting-edge gaming technology. Through the partnership, OPPO and MSL Philippines are set to launch a nationwide university roadshow featuring eSports tournaments and exclusive first-hand experience of the new OPPO Reno14 Series 5G which sports the following features built for student gamers:
● AI HyperBoost 2.0 – Keeps games running smoothly with stable frame rates and smart cooling, even during extended matches.
● AI LinkBoost 3.0 – Ensures stronger, uninterrupted connectivity, perfect for crowded campus networks.
● AI Nano Dual-Drive Cooling System – Prevents overheating, letting students play longer without performance drops.
“Filipino students are shaping the future of eSports. Our role is to equip them with reliable, high-performance tools so they can play and create at their best. Through this partnership with MSL Philippines, we will bring hands-on experiences to campuses and help more young gamers unlock their potential,” said OPPO Philippines Associate Marketing Director Joanarc Sales. “MSL Philippines exists to develop student talent and build inclusive eSports communities. This partnership allows us to bring competitive eSports opportunities to more schools and inspire the next generation of Filipino gamers,” said MSL Philippines Community Manager Ken Ryan Lee. Together, OPPO and MSL Philippines aim to nurture the next generation of eSports champions while fostering inclusive, tech-driven communities across campuses nationwide. For more information about the partnership between OPPO and MSL Philippines, you may visit OPPO’s official website at www.oppo.com.ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official Facebook page.
