Category: Business Mirror

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) proudly announces its win as the Best Small Business Banking Service in the Philippines at The Asian Banker Philippines Excellence in Retail Finance and Financial Technology Awards 2025. This prestigious recognition underscores BPI Business Banking’s continued leadership in empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with financial solutions that are madali, magaan, at mabilis.

This award reaffirms BPI’s position as the partner of choice for SMEs, providing accessible and inclusive financial products and services that support long-term business growth.

‘SMEs are the lifeblood of the Philippine economy. At BPI, we understand their challenges and aspirations, and we are proud to walk with them in their journey of growth,’ said BPI Business Banking Head, Dominique ‘Ococ’ Ocliasa.

‘This recognition reflects our commitment to deliver purpose-driven innovation, relevant financing, and capacity-building support to SMEs nationwide,’ he added.

In 2024, BPI Business Banking achieved a 106% growth in SME loan portfolio and an 18.2% increase in SME clients, driven by data-centric strategies and a customer-first approach. Central to this success is Ka-Negosyo On The Go (KNOTG), the Philippines’ first fully digital SME loan application platform, featuring a Loan Finder, Eligibility Checker, and online loan application tool. Last year, the KNOTG platform grew its leads generation by 141% and its online applications by 95%, with approved accounts amounting to PHP 1.32 billion in loan amount.

BPI also introduced alternative credit scoring models, expanding financing access to underserved sectors. Notably, BPI’s simplified pre-qualified loan application program has helped expand access to financing for underserved yet credit-worthy SMEs, and contributed 24% to the 2024 loan portfolio growth.

While leading with digital innovation, BPI remains committed to personalized service. The bank’s hybrid model combines advanced technology with human touchpoints, ensuring every SME client receives expert guidance and long-term support.

Through initiatives like BizTalk, Ka-Nego Talk, and the Ka-Negososyo series, BPI delivered business education and insights to over 900 SME clients in 2024.

Complementing its lending products is BPI BizLink, a secure, 24/7 digital banking platform that enables over 22,000 SMEs to manage their finances seamlessly-whether it’s paying suppliers, employees, or government dues.

As the only commercial bank in the country offering an end-to-end online SME loan process with integrated e-signing via DocuSign, BPI sets the benchmark for innovation and inclusivity in SME financing.

The award reflects BPI’s broader mission to reinvent banking by focusing on digitalization, sustainability, and a customer-centric approach. With resilience and foresight, BPI continues its 174-year legacy of banking excellence, delivering real value to customers, employees, and communities alike.

Federal Land NRE Global Inc. (FNG) said it will launch the second tower of its The Observatory development in Mandaluyong by the first half of 2026 after its first tower outperformed the company’s previous number one project in Taguig.

William Thomas F. Mirasol, FNG president, said the first residential tower, which has 692 units and called ‘Sora’ or the Japanese word for sky, has been outselling its Seasons Residences in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig.

‘The launching of the second (tower) should happen within the first half of 2026. At the pace that we are currently selling, there will be a need for the second tower in the first half of next year,’ Mirasol said.

FNG is a joint venture between Federal Land Inc. and Nomura Real Estate Development Co. Ltd.

Sora is set to be completed on 2030, and Mirasol said the company sold 60 percent of the project since it opened it up since July.

‘It’s selling faster than the Seasons Residences did, which was surprising because the Seasons is in BGC and there’s been a sustained demand there versus here, it’s not really that type of investor market that we were enjoying in BGC,’ Mirasol said.

‘The people are beginning to really recognize the potential of Mandaluyong, especially the Japanese market.’

The said development is priced at P290,000 per square meter, lower than BGC’s P460,000 per square meter, according to Mirasol.

‘So, you know we have some people walking in our showroom in Seasons Residences, (we’re saying that) down the road there’s Observatory. So, we’re getting that market also, the aspirational market who wants the BGC lifestyle but isn’t quite there yet.

‘So they will just drive across the bridge and they will have another option,’ he said.

The Observatory is a 4.5-hectare mixed-use township by FNG. It sits beside Robinsons Land Inc.’s own development, along Edsa and Pioneer Street in Mandaluyong.

It will have nine towers, but Mirasol said the first phase of development only covers three residential towers, with an office building.

It is envisioned to have residential towers, retail offerings and an office building.

‘The development offers a modern retreat in a strategic location, emphasizing convenience and comfort, and empowering homeowners to thrive in the city. Showcasing the essence of The Observatory, its latest 1,700-square meter sales pavilion presents FNG’s harmonious convergence of Japanese and Filipino cultures.’

Mirasol said they are ‘very excited’ about marketing the FNG brand in the country.

‘The Philippine consumer has an affinity for things Japanese. Cars, electronics, culture, food, everything. The Japanese, they know how to do things better. So this partnership for us is very strategic. Take advantage of their know-how and our know-how in the local market.’

THE world’s happiest kingdom and Southeast Asia’s happiest nation have officially forged diplomatic ties.

The Philippines and Bhutan formally established diplomatic relations Monday, October 6, 2025, marking a new chapter in bilateral cooperation between two Asian countries known for their resilience, cultural pride, and people-first development models.

The Joint Communiqué was signed in New Delhi by Philippine Ambassador to India Josel F. Ignacio and Bhutanese Ambassador to India Major General Vetsop Namgyel, in a ceremony hosted by the Royal Bhutanese Embassy. Diplomats and staff from both missions witnessed the historic event.

Ambassadors Ignacio and Namgyel hailed the formalization of ties as a milestone built on years of goodwill and collaboration.

‘Today, we have given flesh to the mutual aspiration of our governments and peoples to promote mutual understanding and strengthen friendship and cooperation, guided by the principles of the UN Charter and international law,’ said Ambassador Ignacio.

He noted that the Philippines and Bhutan had cultivated ‘cordial ties for years,’ with Manila extending technical assistance and training to Thimphu. The establishment of diplomatic relations, he added, is ‘ushering in a new epoch’ for bilateral engagement.

‘We foresee engagements between both our countries gaining new momentum-in economic interaction; people-to-people, tourism and cultural exchanges; and cooperation in multilateral fora to advance shared advocacies,’ Ignacio said.

Ambassador Namgyel echoed the sentiment, citing Bhutan’s longstanding access to Philippine education and training programs through the Colombo Plan, the Asian Development Bank, and the JICA Third Country Program.

‘Many Bhutanese students have completed undergraduate and master’s degrees in Philippine universities,’ Namgyel said.

He also thanked the Philippines for its contribution to Bhutan’s De-Suung (‘Guardian of Peace’) Skilling Program, which has hosted 17 Filipino expert trainers to date.

Namgyel affirmed Bhutan’s commitment ‘to work closely with the Philippine Embassy to take our friendship and cooperation to new heights in the years ahead.’

The ceremony concluded with a reception featuring Bhutan’s traditional Suja Desi-butter tea and sweet saffron rice-alongside Filipino and Bhutanese dishes.

The diplomatic milestone carries symbolic weight: Bhutan, globally admired for its Gross National Happiness (GNH) index-a development model that prioritizes well-being over GDP-is often cited as the happiest country on earth.

The Philippines, meanwhile, consistently ranks among the happiest in Southeast Asia, buoyed by strong family ties, community spirit, and cultural resilience despite economic and climate challenges.

With this signing, the Philippines becomes the 58th country to establish diplomatic relations with Bhutan, and only the sixth among ASEAN member states.

Davao is one of the most competitive cities in Mindanao, that’s why it is a preferred location of multinational outsourcing companies. The city is also regarded as one of the safest localities in the country, making it an appealing business destination for expatriates. Over the years we have seen Davao faring well in terms of competitiveness, as measured by key indicators including size of domestic economy, disaster resilience, ease of business registration, etc. In our view Davao holds a lot of promise and is one prime location that office landlords and occupants should keep an eye on.

Colliers Philippines believes that the city’s skilled manpower will continue attracting outsourcing locators. This should be supported by the seamless coordination of the city’s business groups, information and communications technology (ICT) councils, and academe.

Colliers is optimistic that the development of more integrated communities in the city should result in the construction of newer and more sustainable office spaces. Tenants should be on the lookout for the completion of these high-quality office spaces and should even consider pre-leasing.

Competitive vacancy outside Metro Manila

As of end-Q2 2025, overall vacancy in Davao reached 5.5 percent (down from 6.6 percent a quarter ago), one of the lowest vacancies outside the capital region due to sustained demand from outsourcing companies.

With this level of vacancy, Davao is the only office market hub outside Metro Manila that enjoys a landlord’s market status.

Office transactions up 32% YoY

In H1 2025, Davao recorded 10,400 sq metres (111,900 sq feet) of office space transactions, up 32 percent YOY and accounting for 7 percent of the total deals in areas outside the National Capital Region (AONCR). Among the notable deals recorded in Davao from 2024 to H1 2025 were spaces occupied by Teleperformance, Alorica, Optum, VA Platinum, Ibex and CubeWork. These firms took up spaces in Matina IT Park (Plaza de Luisa Development Inc.), Robinsons Cybergate Delta 1 (Robinsons Land) and The Uprise (Felcris Hotels and Resorts). Other outsourcing firms that have established their presence in the province are OP360, Concentrix, Wipro, iQor, Cloudstaff, Sutherland, and VXI.

As of end H1 2025, net take-up in Davao reached 23,000 sq meters (247,500 sq feet), already more than double the 10,900 sq meters (117,300 sq feet) of net absorption recorded a year ago. By end-2025, Colliers projects net take-up to reach 30,000 sq meters (322,800 sq feet).

Office supply to grow by 20% by 2027

As of end-Q2 2025, Davao’s office stock reached 379,000 sq meters (4.1 million sq feet). From 2025 to 2027, we project the average annual completion of 26,800 sq meters (288,400 sq feet) of new office space in Davao, up from only 1,600 sq meters (17,200 sq feet) of new supply completed annually from 2021 to 2023. Among the office towers likely to be completed during the period include SM Lanang BPO Towers 1 and 2, One Republic Plaza and Azuela Technohub.

From 2026 to 2027, Colliers sees the completion of new office towers in Davao city by Megaworld, Robinsons Land, Ayala Land, and SM.

Bustling residential hub

Colliers believes that the increasing office transactions in Davao should partly support residential demand in the city. The entry of national property developers such as Megaworld, Ayala Land, Robinsons Land, Filinvest Land, SMDC, Vista Land, and Cebu Landmasters (CLI) also strengthened Davao’s position as a major property investment destination in the VisMin region.

For the condominium segment, among the developers which launched projects since 2024 include Filinvest Land, Torre Lorenzo and Damosa Land. These projects are priced between P180,000 and P283,000 (USD3,200 and USD5,100) per unit with take-up ranging from 63 percent to 100 percent. Meanwhile, CLI, Alsons Properties and Phinma Properties recently launched new house-and-lot projects in the city. Vista Land continues to be a major player in the residential lot only segment.

Property firms are also launching expansive integrated communities in Davao which will feature residential, office and retail components. Ongoing township projects include CLI’s Davao Global Township (DGT), and Alsons Properties’ Northtown. Ayala Land recently launched the 204-hectare Ascenda.

The launch of these master-planned communities will likely be the norm moving forward as Davao residents and investors put a premium on convenience and sustainability. There’s no doubt that Davao is well-positioned to reap the gains of a rebounding and evolving property market down south. Developers and investors should be quick in capturing these opportunities.

The Department of Science and Technology Region 1 (DOST Region 1) successfully brought together innovators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders at the 2025 Regional SETUP and CEST Summit held on September 16, 2024, at Hotel Ariana and Restaurant, Paringao, Bauang, La Union.

The event, spearheaded by the Regional Program Management Office of the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program, served as a venue to highlight success stories, share knowledge, and strengthen partnerships for innovation and sustainability.

In her keynote message, DOST 1 Regional Director Teresita A. Tabaog described the gathering as a high-level conference that signifies the participants’ greatest achievements. She urged the attendees to treasure both good and difficult experiences, as these shape competence and drive innovation. ‘We all strive for success, and as Tony Robbins once said, ‘The path to success is to take massive, determined action.’ That action begins now,’ she emphasized, inspiring technopreneurs and community leaders to continue learning and innovating for a brighter and more sustainable future.

The morning session focused on technology and innovation for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). On behalf of Balik Scientist Dr. Albert J. Causo, Engr. Nicole Abejuela underscored DOST’s support for beneficiaries through the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies such as big data, cloud computing, and cybersecurity to boost efficiency and competitiveness. Ms. Johnestle Loi Cena also introduced the CUATRO program, designed to bridge gaps between entrepreneurs and suppliers, describing it as a one-stop transformation platform that fosters growth for businesses and future-proofing policies for communities.

The afternoon sessions, dubbed ‘CESTsions,’ centered on the theme ‘CESTalk: Circular Economy Demystified.’ Ms. Aloha May Renion of DENR Regional Office discussed the Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022, which holds companies accountable for managing plastic packaging waste while promoting eco-friendly practices. Mr. Drake Lim of SM City La Union highlighted the Waste Free Future campaign, which recycles materials, processes food waste into compost, and converts cooking oil into biofuel. Engr. Edison Acosta of DOST-Ilocos Sur concluded the discussions by emphasizing the role of the circular economy in creating new opportunities for innovation through renewable energy, biodegradable packaging, and waste-to-product technologies.

The Summit closed with an open forum where participants shared insights and suggestions on sustainability and innovation. Overall, the 2025 Regional SETUP and CEST Summit stood as a platform for collaboration and inspiration, reinforcing the role of science, technology, and innovation in building smarter, more competitive, and sustainable communities in Region 1.

Eton Properties Philippines, Inc., the real estate arm of the Lucio Tan Group, achieved a new milestone after being named among the Top Ten Developers at the prestigious 2025 Hubexo Asia Awards Philippines.

This recognition affirms Eton Properties’ track record in Philippine real estate, delivering master-planned communities, residential condominiums, office buildings, and mixed-use developments that elevate urban living and contribute to local economic growth.

The Hubexo Asia Awards-formerly known as the BCI Asia Awards-is now on its 20th year of honoring the region’s most accomplished real estate developers and architectural firms. It recognizes companies with outstanding project portfolios and a strong commitment to design excellence, innovation, and sustainability across Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

‘Being counted among the nation’s top developers is an honor for Eton Properties,’ said Ar. Adrian Chua, Chief Operating Officer of Eton Properties Philippines. ‘This recognition reflects the dedication of our people and partners who consistently deliver projects that respond to the evolving needs of our customers and help shape the country’s real estate landscape.’

Eton Properties has steadily grown its footprint nationwide through landmark projects such as the 12-hectare Eton Centris township in Quezon City and the 600-hectare Eton City in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. These developments showcase Eton’s ability to combine modern design, functional spaces, and strategic locations to create thriving hubs for business and lifestyle.

With its inclusion in the Top Ten Developers in the Philippines, Eton Properties strengthens its position as a key player in the local real estate industry, continuing to deliver projects that embody its values of excellence, integrity, and long-term value creation for stakeholders and communities.

This year’s awardees of the 2025 Hubexo Asia Awards Philippines, where Eton Properties Philippines, Inc. was honored as one of the Top Ten Developers. Now on its 20th year, the annual awards celebrate leading real estate developers and architectural firms for their excellence in design, innovation, and sustainability.

Conglomerate SM Investments Corp. has secured its 17th consecutive Platinum Award at the Asset Corporate Sustainability Leadership Awards organized by Hong Kong-based The Asset Publishing and Research Ltd.

Its banking arm, BDO Unibank Inc. also received a platinum award for its sustainability performance.

‘More than the recognition, we see these accolades as a testament to the SM group’s expansive sustainability initiatives, from green financing, waste and water management, energy efficiency, to corporate governance,’ Frederic C. DyBuncio, president and CEO of SMIC, said.

The company also received the Best Investor Relations Team Award for its initiatives on social media and web-based services. Both SMIC and BDO also earned the Best Sustainability Team Awards for effectively advancing their sustainability agendas and engaging stakeholders.

According to the magazine, awardees undergo a rigorous process where company submissions were reviewed, checked and analyzed in detail by its editorial board, with evaluations benchmarked against peers across industries and markets.

‘We share these awards with our people, investors, and host communities. We are committed to continue pursuing initiatives that create shared value,’ DyBuncio said.

The Asset awards spotlight companies that have successfully navigated today’s business complexities and demonstrated how integrating sustainability principles strengthens long-term business resilience and investor confidence.

I study the Philippine economy and find myself split between cautious optimism and a tear in my eye when I survey the economic trajectory. Part of me nods at the progress, the other part shakes its head at the same old barriers. The government has worked overtime to lure investment and sell a story of resilience. But whether that story survives 2025 is a different question.

The ‘2025 Philippines Investment Climate Statement’ published in September 2025 by the US Department of State offers some insight into foreign thinking and evaluation. Note that any and all government assessments are biased for its own self-interest. But we need to know what they are thinking.

Let us start with the positives. The Philippines’ macro fundamentals are solid enough that ‘While potential challenges from global economic headwinds could impact the economy in 2025, sovereign credit ratings remain at investment grade, supported by the country’s sound macroeconomic fundamentals.’

In 2024, real GDP growth clocked in at 5.6 percent. That came short of the administration’s 6.0-6.5 percent target, but that outcome is not embarrassing. ‘High inflation and interest rates, extreme weather events, and weak global demand for Philippine exports weighed on economic growth,’ says the Department of State.

However, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) stagnated as usual: net inflows in 2024 stood at about $9 billion, virtually unchanged from the prior year. That suggests the underlying incentives are not powerful enough-or the external environment not friendly enough-to drive a money surge. A fancy red carpet at the airport will not help if investors see potholes on the highway to the hotel.

In November 2024 the government passed the marquee CREATE MORE Act, extending tax incentives up to 27 years, adding deductions, clarifying VAT zero-rating rules, and aiming to streamline local tax regimes.

These moves improve predictability and look attractive on paper. But no incentive can disguise the same old obstacles: crumbling infrastructure, expensive power, clogged logistics, muddy regulation, and courts that crawl. ‘Foreign investors describe the inefficiency and uncertainty of the judicial system as a significant barrier to investment’. Without competent regulators, real checks on corruption, and permits that do not take a lifetime, laws alone are lipstick on the pig.

The Marcos administration’s infrastructure drive could help if corruption does not chew it to pieces. But credibility comes from results, not photo ops. Right now, building a major project still means chasing 157 signatures from barangay to Cabinet-plus handing out enough Christmas fruit baskets to stock a supermarket.’Business registration in the Philippines is cumbersome due to multiple agencies involved in the process. The government has taken steps to address these issues, but the business registration and permitting processes remain an irritant to investors.’

And even if you survive that gauntlet, a bigger wall looms: family-owned conglomerates that dominate industries and guard their turf with capital, distribution channels, and political ties. Toss in regulatory flip-flops and local meddling, and the message to outsiders is clear- welcome, but do not expect to play on equal terms.

From a 2025 perspective, the Philippines must calculate against several threats. First, global growth is softening, particularly in advanced economies. Demand for electronics, BPO services, and export goods may weaken. Second, monetary policy in the US and elsewhere may remain confused, pressuring capital flows into other emerging markets. Third, climate risk is not a footnote-it is a central economic risk. Typhoons, floodings, and storms are real drag factors on infrastructure, agriculture, and investor confidence.

Still, the Philippines has latent strength. Remittances and the BPO sector will remain cushions no matter all the gloom-and-doom talk.

The Philippines therefore faces a paradox: the scaffolding of growth is sturdier than a decade ago, but the winds against it are stronger. Global softness, climate disruption, and fragile governance systems pose real threats. The country is not in crisis, but it is walking a tightrope where balance depends less on external goodwill and more on domestic execution.

The bottom line is straightforward: the Philippines is neither a disaster nor a miracle. The domestic market is large, the demographics are favorable, and the services sector continues to expand. Yet the same decades old obstacles persist.

Investors should pay attention, but with both eyes open. The opportunities are real, but so are the traps. The winners will be those who engage selectively, measure risks precisely, and rely on analysis rather than on any government narratives.

E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.

The flood control scandal has become the hottest topic today in the country because it has affected a lot of Filipinos regardless of social status.

Whether it’s real, imagined, real, incomplete or ghost projects, the flood control projects have become familiar to a lot of Filipinos, according to Guillermo Luz, chairperson of Liveable Cities Philippines and chief resilience officer of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation.

He adds it’s exhausting the people’s patience. ‘And what is most alarming is that many of the hardest hit structures were in areas supposedly protected by flood control projects themselves,’ says Luz during the recent Liveable Cities Lab on Rethinking Flood Resilience through Sustainable Urban Planning forum.

A smorgasbord plan

In his talk organized by the Liveable Cities Lab on Rethinking Flood Resilience through Sustainable Urban Planning, prominent urban planner Dr. Nathaniel von Einsiedel, the principal planner of CONCEP Inc. laments that the country is adopting an agglomerate approach in the flood management plan. ‘We don’t have a National Integrated Flood Management policy master plan. What we have is a hodgepodge of water-related policies and plants and offices, says Einsiedel, who also served as the first Commissioner for Planning of the Metro Manila Commission.

‘And what is interesting, and this is something that’s at the bottom of the list is the river basin control office under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. There are 18 River Basin Development Councils in the Philippines, but for some reason, they never convene,’ adds Einsiedel.

Einsiedel describes the current scenario as very fragmented, inadequate and lacking in interjurisdictional collaboration. Right now, the government’s approach is to build gray infrastructure such as the reservoir levees, flood walls, flood gates, sea walls, etc. Nevertheless, these infrastructure are very expensive, but as we all have been a source of illegal wealth for some people.

Besides, these major infrastructure projects disturb the land and disrupt the natural flow of water. ‘When you change the route of a river, you hasten the flow, and once the speed of water accelerates, it erodes the sides of it,’ he points out.

Moreover, Einsiedel says infrastructure requires regular maintenance, and the Philippine government is not very well known for effective maintenance. He also warns that it creates a false sense of security among the people. ‘We need to rethink the existing approach to flood management and to shift from the traditional two things that are at the forefront of mitigating flood hazards-floodplains and stormwater management.

He adds that the people also need to understand that flooding is a natural curse. Flood damage occurs only when human beings interfere with the natural flooding process by one altering the water course, for example, developing areas in the upstream of the watershed, and cutting down forests in the mountains.

As far as subdivisions are concerned, the problem is that the drainage plants of subdivisions are limited only to the boundary of their subdivision. ‘They don’t bother to collect where the outfalls are, which is a local government unit (LGU) responsibility. Now another problem is the alteration of the water course, because this should not be allowed,’ says Einsiedel.

In fact, when property owners buy a lot and it’s supposed to be depressed,, the traditional approach is the tambak method. It’s just actually just transferring the flood water to the area outside the property.

If there’s an existing flood management policy, that practice should not be allowed. In case it can be allowed, the developers have to get the permit. They also have to show that it will not alter the natural flow of water.

Stormwater management

Unlike rural areas that have a lot of previous open space that can absorb rainwater, urban areas have a lot of roads which cannot absorb rainwater. The rainwater is conducted through culverts, and they’re conducted to the lowest areas, and they cause flash floods.

‘Most of our towns and cities have conventional drainage systems that are limited mainly to the population areas, and many of them, or most of them, actually have not considered the additional volume of water caused by climate change,’ says Einsiedel.

Although there is a template that they follow based on the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development guidelines, Einsiedel says they don’t really translate this into storm water management systems, and mostly they rely on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to do the flood control plans for the jurisdictions.

‘If we are to solve the problem of flooding, we need to understand that this is a natural occurrence, and that we need to study the location, the specific conditions of the place where we need to come up with the floodplain management system and the stormwater management system,’ Einsiedel points out.

Following the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu and surrounding provinces on September 30, 2025, DigiPlus Interactive Corp., through its social development arm, BingoPlus Foundation, mobilized immediate assistance to the hardest-hit families residing in the island’s northern region.

On October 5, 2025, the Foundation delivered 1,000 family relief packs to the municipalities of Daanbantayan and Medellin, enabled by employee volunteers from Cebu-based BingoPlus branches.

Each pack was designed to support the immediate needs of a family of five and included 10 liters of potable water in reusable containers, 5 kilograms of rice, a hygiene kit, and basic medicine. Collectively, the effort reached 1,000 families or about 5,000 individuals across both municipalities.

‘These are communities that need swift, reliable help,’ said Paul Henczen Tamayo, BingoPlus Foundation Program Manager for Resilience and Healthcare. ‘Through our BayanihanPlus initiative, we work hand in hand with local officials and community leaders to reach the hardest-hit areas, prioritize those most in need, and get essential goods to families without delay.’ Dan Kemuel Mabano, BingoPlus Area Manager for Cebu adds, ‘While we had initially targeted the towns of Bogo and San Remigio, information on-ground advised us to go farther up into Medellin and Daanbantayan because relief goods still needed to reach those areas too.’

This deployment underscores DigiPlus and BingoPlus Foundation’s ongoing commitment to stand with Filipinos in times of crisis – leveraging the reach of its retail network to deliver immediate relief and hope to communities in need.

Don Adviento, BingoPlus Regional Manager for Visayas and Mindanao shared, ‘Following BingoPlus Foundation team’s quick deployment of relief packs from our DigiPlus warehouse in Parañaque, our employees from Cebu City, Mandaue, and Talisay volunteered to oversee the final distribution in northern Cebu.’

‘It was a challenge transporting our stocks and navigating through the congestion and aftershocks, but it is rewarding to be able to deliver much-needed help to our fellow Cebuanos. Daghang salamat (many thanks) for the teamwork – from our head office, to our branches and our LGUs (local government units),’ adds Judaline Geraldez, Branch Manager of BingoPlus Park Mall and team lead of employee volunteers deployed.

The Foundation continues to assess the evolving needs of affected communities in coordination with local government units and partner agencies as recovery progresses. For coordination, assistance, or partnership opportunities.

Despite challenges in transporting and distributing relief packs to the northernmost towns affected by the 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Cebu, BingoPlus employee volunteers remain all smiles throughout the initiative, reflecting their commitment to ‘multiply the fun’ and ‘multiply the good’ for communities they serve.