Category: Business Mirror

MICRO-CREDENTIALS are rapidly reshaping the way Filipino employers hire, evaluate, and reward graduate talent.

Coursera’s Micro-Credentials Impact Report 2026 found that 96 percent of Filipino employers hired at least three candidates with micro-credentials in the past year, signaling a decisive shift toward skills-first hiring.

For employers, micro-credentials are becoming a trusted signal that candidates can create immediate positive impact. In fact, 77 percent of Filipino employers say candidates with micro-credentials move faster through hiring pipelines-4 percentage points above the global average, reinforcing their value as a marker of job readiness.

A Google report estimates that AI could unlock approximately $50.7 billion in productivity and cost benefits for the Philippines by 2030-an opportunity that hinges on a workforce equipped with the right skills.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has responded through its Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 1, Series of 2025, which creates a national framework for industry-aligned, stackable micro-credentials, making higher education the focus of the skills transformation.

Based on insights from more than 3,500 employers, learners, and higher education leaders in seven countries that include the Philippines, the 2026 report revealed that 89 percent of Filipino employers are willing to offer higher starting salaries to graduates with micro-credentials, with 36 percent willing to offer a raise of more than 15 percent for GenAI micro-credentials. Eighty-five percent of Filipino graduates who earned micro-credentials secured a role aligned to their field within 12 months.

‘As AI reshapes the workplace, employers are placing a premium on candidates who can prove they have practical, job-ready skills,’ said Managing Director for Coursera Asia Pacific Ashutosh Gupta. ‘In the Philippines, micro-credentials are no longer just a differentiator: they are becoming an essential signal of employability.’

‘The data shows strong alignment between employers, students, and higher

education leaders: learners want credentials that count toward degrees, employers are willing to pay more for them, and universities see them as critical to staying relevant,’ Gupta noted. ‘CHED’s CMO is a pivotal step, giving universities the policy foundation to embed micro-credentials at scale. Those that move fast will define the next generation of Filipino talent.’

Key findings

EMPLOYERS are embracing micro-credentials as proof of job readiness:

96 percent of Filipino employers hired at least three candidates with micro-credentials in the last year;

89 percent are willing to offer higher starting salaries to graduates with micro-credentials;

90 percent said entry-level hires with micro-credentials perform better in their first year; and

77 percent said credentialed candidates move faster through hiring pipelines.

Students are choosing institutions that offer credit-integrated credentials:

4.6 times as many Filipino students are likely to pursue micro-credentials with formal credit recognition (79 percent) than without it (17 percent).

62 percent said the strongest signal of rigor is an industry-created micro-credential that counts toward a degree; and

85 percent of Filipino graduates secured a role aligned to their field within 12 months.

Higher education leaders see embedded micro-credentials as a competitive advantage:

86 percent agreed that embedding micro-credentials links academic learning with workforce relevance;

63 percent said institutions without embedded micro-credentials face moderate or significant strategic risk;

75 percent said programs with embedded micro-credentials experience higher student retention; and

75 percent agreed that embedding micro-credentials leads to a faster curriculum refresh rate.

Proof of skill: key

AMONG the institutions already leading the charge is iPeople Inc., which has embedded more than 50 professional certificates across six schools. These include all the Mapua schools in Manila, Laguna, and Mindanao; National Teachers College; University of Nueva Caceres; as well as the modern Mapua Malayan Digital College.

‘The Philippines is at an inflection point. Our graduates are talented, but talent alone doesn’t win in a global job market. Proof of skills does,’ pointed out Mapua Education Group president and CEO Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo. ‘Micro-credentials embedded into a degree give Filipino students exactly that: industry-recognized and globally credible evidence of what they can deliver from Day 1. What gives me real confidence is that CHED is now establishing policy frameworks around this.’

Through their partnership with Coursera, Dr. Maestrecampo said: ‘We [can] bring these credentials into our programs at scale, combining global content with local academic rigor.’

THE Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has formally authorized the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) to offer 13 for-credit micro-credentials.

The recognition follows the approval of the programs by the CHED Commission en banc through Resolution No. 397-2026 and is valid from June 2026 to June 2029.

The micro-credentials are compressed, competency-based, and verifiable learning units that recognize specific knowledge and professional skills. Unlike non-credit certificates, they carry academic credit and may be stacked toward selected undergraduate degree programs, thus providing learners with more flexible pathways to higher education.

‘This milestone formalizes Benilde’s long-term strategy to champion lifelong learning while positioning the college as one of the country’s credentialing authorities,’ Vice Chancellor for Academics Angelo Marco Lacson said.

The recognized micro-credentials span the fields of real estate, hospitality, tourism, culinary arts, architecture, and design.

The School of Professional and Continuing Education will soon offer real estate certifications for Land Laws and Property Titling; Highest and Best Uses for Real Estate; Real Estate Planning, Development and Environmental Concerns; Effective Real Estate Marketing Tools; Real Estate Financial Planning and Management; and Real Estate Project Feasibility Studies.

Other credentialing opportunities include Amadeus Reservations Fundamentals; Basic Education Courses in Opera Property Management System, and Opera Sales and Catering Management System; and the Basic Education Course in Micros Fidelio Materials Control System. Architecture-related offerings include Drafting Technology, Computer-Aided Design and Drafting, and Building Technology and Utilities.

The chorus was infectious – ‘NME – NME – NME – NME. New Move for Error…’ – again and again.

The song ‘New Move for Error’ caused a stir in the burgeoning underground music scene when legendary DJ Howlin’ Dave of rock station DZRJ played that song from the punk band Third World Chaos in 1984.

Punk rock and New Wave gained a beachhead on Philippine shores, and local music would never be the same again.

Following the first-ever independent release of New Wave band Ocean Zoo’s Animal Party extended play single in 1983, punk band Chaos followed with a seven-inch release of ‘Quitter’ and ‘We Are the One’ (RCA Victor) a few months later. The single was produced by Tony Huelves, in-house producer for Vicor Music Corp. and its labels, Sunshine and Blackgold. At the time, Vicor was also the local distributor of RCA Records.

Then, in 1984, this time renamed as Third World Chaos, the four-piece crew of the late Potit Mangali on vocals, Tommy Tanchanco on guitars and backing vocals, Manny Pascual on bass and backing vocals, and Dino ‘Fer’ Solver on drums put out their only album, New Move for Error’ (distributed by Dyna Records).

‘The records were distributed through major labels, but they didn’t push or even promote them,’ recalled Pascual. ‘It was very disappointing. That is why we went to them in the first place.’

The records didn’t appear in most record stores at that time. One only knew of their availability if one went to punk gigs or listened to DZRJ or read Jingle Chordbook magazine, which extensively covered the then-burgeoning punk scene.

Somehow, all the copies sold out by word of mouth. And today, both the seven-inch single and the original long-playing album are some of the most coveted Holy Grails in Filipino music. If one does find an original copy in the market, whether in near-mint or in poor condition, it sells for anywhere from Php 8000 to Php 15000 and more. Even the European bootlegs fetch a huge sum because of the absence of original copies.

Thankfully, both have been rereleased for old and new fans by German underground label Merciless Records without having to break the bank.

Aside from ‘We Are The One’ and ‘Quitter,’ the New Move For Error album produced by Chaos and Howlin’ Dave features fan-favorite tracks like ‘Rebel Rockers,’ ‘You Won’t Anymore,’ ‘Insult The Useless People,’ and the anthemic title track. The LP version also comes with deluxe packaging that consists of a transparent vinyl, a recreated gig poster, as well as inserts featuring an old magazine interview in the underground magazine Herald X, and a lyric sheet. The album jacket also sports an obi strip.

‘I lost my copies a long time ago, and to have reissued versions is like a gift to all of us decades later,’ added Pascual. ‘It is something we can also share with our families as well as fans. We hope new listeners will like our music.’

The Chaos single and New Move for Error are the latest releases from Merciless Records, which previously released Dead Ends’ first three studio albums – Complaints, Second Coming, and Damned Nation – individually and in pizza-box-style sets. Then last year, the German label reissued Dead Ends’ contemporary, Deceased’s Never Rest in Peace.

‘The Philippines has a rich punk rock history,’ noted Joern Thoendel, who owns Merciless Records. ‘With punk a global movement, we feel that it is also a good time to introduce Filipino punk to a European and global audience.’

Copies of Third World Chaos’ New Move for Error and the seven-inch single can be purchased locally through Mutilated Noise Records on Facebook or through Merciless Records’ Bandcamp page.

Celebrity dentist Dr. Sam Bernardo continues to champion better oral health awareness among Filipinos, urging the public to take dental care seriously and not wait until problems become painful before seeking professional help.

As the founder of Awesam Smile Dental Clinic, Bernardo has made patient education and preventive dental care part of her advocacy, emphasizing the importance of regular checkups and proper oral hygiene.

‘The most common issue I notice is that people are unaware of the importance of oral health. They only visit the dentist when their teeth ache,’ Bernardo said.

She stressed that greater awareness can help prevent more serious dental problems, particularly among people who tend to postpone consultations because of cost, fear, or lack of information.

‘If we increase the spread of dental health education, we can reduce dental issues. Another thing I constantly emphasize is that the longer we wait, the worse things will get,’ she added.

Beyond her private practice, Bernardo has also been involved in initiatives aimed at bringing dental services and education closer to communities that have limited access to professional care.

According to Bernardo, some patients in underserved communities are unable to prioritize dental treatment because of their basic needs.

‘They really can’t go to the dentist. So, while we’re doing extractions, we try to teach them the proper way to care for their teeth,’ she said.

She also pointed out the realities faced by families who have to prioritize food and other essential expenses before dental treatment.

‘Of course, we have to understand that they’ll prioritize their basic needs, like food. That’s why we decided to hold this event in Happyland to help those who are suffering from tooth pain,’ Bernardo explained.

For the dentist and oral health advocate, the goal goes beyond treating toothaches. She hopes to encourage Filipinos to develop a more proactive approach to oral health through proper hygiene, regular dental consultations, and early treatment.

Her advocacy also reflects Awesam Smile Dental Clinic’s stated mission of educating patients about oral health practices while providing professional and comfortable dental care.

Bernardo’s message remains simple: dental care should not only begin when pain becomes unbearable. With proper education, prevention, and timely consultation, Filipinos can take better care of their oral health and protect their smiles in the long run.

XBOX continues to celebrate its 25th anniversary, this time with a presentation of its upcoming games at one of the biggest gaming conventions in the world in Cologne, Germany.

With the company marking its 25th year of play, gaming company Xbox will feature 25 new games in its booth, allowing fans to experience them before launch.

Here are some of the titles that gamers can expect:

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4-One of Xbox and Microsoft’s biggest franchises will be present at gamescom. Gamers can enjoy the action-packed, multiplayer experience firsthand of this latest addition to the established game.

Halo: Campaign Evolved-Explained as a ‘faithful yet modernized remake’ of the beloved and legendary campaign, gamers will see the revival with updated visuals, refined gameplay, and expanded combat options for Halo.

Fable-Playground Games will have its first live demo of one of the most awaited fantasy role-playing games in 2027. Here, players will have a chance to see its combat, visuals, and a preview of what to expect from the game.

Stranger Than Heaven-An upcoming action-adventure game developed by RGG Studio and published by Sega, this distant prequel to the Like a Dragon franchise will present the innovative combat system of the game.

Other games to be presented alongside Xbox include Gears of War: E-Day, Minecraft Dungeons II, METRO 2039, Forza Horizon 6, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, Alien Deathstorm, Alien: Isolation 2, Armatus, Bad Magpie, The Blood of Dawnwalker, Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, Crowsworn, Genigods: Nezha, Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, STAR WARS Zero Company, Terrible Lizards, Turok: Origins, and Valor Mortis.

Filipino fans who cannot go on-site in Germany can still tune in to Xbox’s presentation as they will have a livestream on YouTube and Twitch, with the show also available in American Sign Language (ASL) and English Language Audio Descriptions. The show will start by 10 pm on August 26, Philippine Standard Time.

A refreshing face with a stylish presence in the beauty-queen circuit, Scarlet Chua is also a dynamic advocate for children’s welfare, empowering women and celebrating diversity.

Scarlet, 36, is the reigning Mrs. Universe Pacific Philippines 2026, from the Mrs. Universe Philippines system spearheaded by former winner Maria Charo Laude. A proud Filipino-Chinese, she is a graduate of Chiang Kai Shek College.

Married to businessman Wilfred Evan Chua, they are blessed with three wonderful boys named Caden, Travis and Ethan. While her profession centers around her family, she also uses her platform to inspire women, promote cultural understanding, and encourage purposeful living.

A recent awardee at ‘Faces of Success’ by ‘Awards Guru’ Richard Hiñola, Scarlet shares her values, passions and convictions in this exclusive interview:

MRS. UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES 2026

‘I joined Mrs. Universe Philippines to prove that motherhood is not the end of a woman’s dreams. It can be the beginning of an even greater purpose. I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and inspire women, especially mothers, to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams at any stage of life.

‘As a titleholder, my responsibility is to represent the organization with integrity, serve my community, champion meaningful advocacies, and use my voice to inspire positive change. I believe a crown is not just a symbol of beauty, but a platform for service and purpose.

‘Mrs. Universe Philippines was my first-ever beauty pageant, and it completely transformed me. I didn’t enter with experience, I entered with purpose and the courage to say yes to a dream. Every challenge, from the runway to the QandA, helped me discover a stronger, more confident version of myself. It reminded me that it’s never too late to grow, and that the greatest victory is overcoming your own fears.’

FASHIONISTA

‘Fashion has always been one of my passions because it is a beautiful form of self-expression. I believe true style isn’t about wearing the most expensive clothes, it’s about wearing pieces with confidence, elegance and purpose. I love timeless, sophisticated and feminine fashion that reflects who I am while remaining appropriate for every occasion. To me, the best accessory will always be a genuine smile.’

CREATIVE COLLABORATORS

‘A beauty queen may stand alone on stage, but behind her is an entire team working with passion and dedication. I’m deeply thankful to all the creatives who believed in me and helped bring my vision to life.

‘My official photographers and videographers were Mark Neto Diaz, Jhade Ochea, Kevin Burca, Christian Rubenicia and Jayron Acala. I also would like to express a heartfelt gratitude to my coaches and mentors Mike Tagle, Hemi Escudero Tamayo, Jomari Conception, Kai Louis, Niño Gonzales, Jules Inoc, and my family, friends and supporters who believed in me from the beginning.

‘My evening gown at the Grand Coronation Night at Mrs. Universe Philippines was designed by Leo Almodal, my stylists for the whole pageant journey were Vhee Co, Jev and Ken Batino, my hair and makeup artist was Jay-R Ten, Joan Castro, Jerome Phokz Bognot and Heart Abad Zafra.

‘For my ‘Faces of Success’ look, I also had the privilege of collaborating with Style by Jev and Ken Batino, hair and makeup by Peejay Gardose Trangria, all talented creatives who helped me present my best self while staying true to my elegant and timeless style.’

HARMONY ACROSS CULTURES

‘As a Filipino-Chinese woman, I have always valued the richness of embracing two cultures. That inspired me to create my advocacy, Harmony Across Cultures, which promotes understanding, respect, and unity among people from different backgrounds.

‘Its core values are respect, understanding, inclusivity, cultural appreciation, and unity. As a beauty queen, I hope to use my platform to encourage people to celebrate diversity while recognizing the values that connect us. As a mother, I want to raise my children to be proud of their identity, respect every culture, and lead with kindness and compassion.

‘I believe the world becomes more beautiful when we choose understanding over judgment. Through Harmony Across Cultures, I hope to build bridges, foster meaningful connections, and inspire future generations to embrace diversity with open hearts.’

OUTREACH ACTIVITIES

‘My lady friends and I from our Bible study group organized outreach activities with Muntindilaw for Kids at Muntindilaw Elementary School, Falcon, Cainta on October 18, 2025, and April 25, 2026.

‘We believe every child deserves to feel loved, valued, and given the opportunity to dream, regardless of their circumstances.

‘As a mother of three boys, seeing children who face challenges in life deeply touches my heart. It reminds me how blessed my own family is and inspires me to give back whenever I can.

‘For me, charity is more than donating resources, it is about giving hope, encouragement, and reminding children that they are seen, cared for, and never forgotten. Through our outreach with Muntindilaw for Kids, I had the privilege of sharing not only assistance but also time, compassion, and genuine connection with the children and their families.

‘This experience strengthened my belief that even small acts of kindness can create a lasting impact. It also reflects my personal mission of using my platform to inspire others to serve with compassion, uplift communities, and make a positive difference. One child, one family, and one act of kindness at a time.

‘I hope our efforts inspire more people to come together, serve with compassion, and create positive change in their own communities. After all, when we unite with love and a shared purpose, we become instruments of hope in the lives of others.

FACE OF SUCCESS

‘For me, success is not measured by crowns, awards, or accomplishments alone, but by who you become in the process and the lives you touch along the way. It’s about living with purpose, staying true to your values, and making a positive difference wherever you go. A crown may have a season, but your influence can last a lifetime. If I can inspire even one person to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams, then I consider that true success.

‘Receiving the ‘Faces of Success Award’ is an incredible honor because it reminds me that true success is not about being seen, it’s about making others feel seen, valued, and inspired. This recognition motivates me to continue leading with purpose, humility, and compassion while using every opportunity to make a positive impact.’

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Friday he will endorse a successor, who will not only continue his legacy of weeding out corruption in the government and sustain the country’s growth through nation-building, but also run against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte in the 2028 presidential elections.

Currently, only Duterte, who is facing an impeachment trial in the Senate, has publicly announced her intention to run as president in the 2028 polls.

Marcos said he is looking for a like-minded candidate who will sustain the reforms he initiated to prevent public works anomalies as well as preventing pork barrel or government funds used by politicians for pet projects that aim to please voters.

‘The government has to continue to do that because corruption is not, is not, uh, is not a, is not a Filipino problem. Corruption is a human problem. There is corruption everywhere. What you want to do is to lessen and if not eliminate as much as possible,’ Marcos said at the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines Presidential Luncheon in Manila on Friday.

‘The candidate I will endorse will be somebody who I am confident will continue what we have begun in terms of the anti-corruption push,’ he added.

Among the achievements of his campaign against corruption, which he stated in his fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona) last year, Marcos said, was the Sumbong sa Pangulo website, which was launched in August 2025, where the public can report non-operational or anomalous flood control projects.

As of May 31, the website already had 11,756 reports of defective flood control projects, 2,255 of which were unfinished, and 2,960 which were non-existent.

Marcos said he also ordered reforms in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to make sure its operations are more transparent.

He said the government is trying to remove discretionary decisions from government officials and employees in transactions by promoting digitalization.

‘So digitalization is our, is our most powerful tool for that because we remove that human element where wastage, uh, corruption can creep into,’ Marcos said.

The chief executive said he hopes the next president will also continue holding dialogues with the public and local government units so they can contribute to ‘nation building.’

‘Hopefully we have started that process once again of nation building, that we are making the country better. We’re not just custodians and just, you know, just making sure to do the same, whatever the last admin did,’ Marcos said.

‘That’s the legacy I hope to leave; that now the government is your partner hand in hand with every citizen, with every sector, hand in hand trying to build a better Philippines, trying to make the Philippines better,’ he added.

Asked for an update on the announcement he made at his fifth Sona last month that the Office of the Ombudsman will soon be filing charges against his cousin, Leyte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Marcos said he currently has no update on the matter.

Romualdez is facing plunder charges for his alleged involvement in acquiring about P56 billion of ill-gotten wealth from 2022 to 2025.

Marcos pointed out that while he does not interfere with the decision of the Ombudsman, he will call its office to get an update on Romualdez’s case.

Okada Foundation, Inc. (OFI) turned over a PHP 20 million donation to the Malasakit and Bayanihan Foundation, Inc. on August 11 at Okada Manila, supporting nationwide humanitarian relief and educational assistance for Filipino families in need and underprivileged graduates.

The turnover ceremony was attended by OFI President James Lorenzana and representatives of the Malasakit and Bayanihan Foundation, led by Secretary General and Treasurer Marc Benedict R. Talavera and Chief of Staff Dr. Shane Kinsley E. Veloso. Also present were Atty. John Cyril E. Santiago, Utopia G. Cuyugan-Talavera, and Mariano L. Valiente Jr.

The donation will support the foundation’s ‘Malasakit sa Kapwa’ Nationwide Humanitarian and Educational Recognition Program. It will fund grocery packs containing food and hygiene essentials for indigent families, particularly those affected by natural and man-made disasters, as well as graduation grocery gift packs for underprivileged graduates of state universities and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) institutions.

Bringing Support to Local Communities

As the charitable arm of Okada Manila, OFI sees the contribution as an opportunity to help address needs that directly affect families and communities. The donation will provide practical relief to Filipinos facing difficult circumstances, including those rebuilding their lives following disasters, while supporting underprivileged graduates as they complete their education and prepare for what comes next.

‘Our partnership with the Malasakit and Bayanihan Foundation, Inc. allows us to reach Filipinos at different points of need, from families facing difficult circumstances to graduates preparing for what comes next,’ said James Lorenzana, President of Okada Foundation, Inc. ‘Through initiatives like this, we hope to contribute to stronger, more resilient communities and create an impact that extends well beyond the assistance we provide today.’

A Shared Commitment to Stronger Communities

OFI advances its social development initiatives through four key pillars: Health, Education, Cultural Heritage, and Environment. This partnership reinforces its commitment to Education through assistance for underprivileged graduates, while extending humanitarian support to families and communities facing difficult circumstances.

Through partnerships with organizations that share its commitment to meaningful social impact, OFI continues to translate these priorities into programs that address real community needs and create lasting benefits for Filipinos across the country.

BYD Cars Philippines has expanded its lineup of electrified vehicles with the launch of the All-New Atto 2 in DM-i and EV versions, while simultaneously rolling out the updated Seal 5 DM-I, marking another step forward to bring sustainable mobility. The addition of these two Atto 2 versions reflects the brand’s intent to offer practical choices across different segments, whether for families, professionals, or businesses seeking to modernize their fleets.

The Seal 5 DM-i enters as a refined sedan built on plug-in hybrid technology, combining efficiency with everyday usability. Meanwhile, the All-New Atto 2 arrives as a versatile SUV, available in both pure electric and hybrid variants, designed to lower barriers to ownership and make the switch to electrified driving more attainable. Together, these models strengthen BYD’s growing portfolio of New Energy Vehicles.

Atto 2 EV

THE Atto 2 EV stands as BYD’s most accessible full battery electric SUV, expanding the brand’s electrified lineup with a model that blends everyday usability and modern design. Beneath its clean, compact form lies a front-wheel-drive system powered by a permanent-magnet synchronous motor that produces 174 horsepower and 290 N-m of torque. Energy comes from BYD’s trusted Blade Battery (Lithium Iron Phosphate) with a 45-kWh capacity. This setup delivers up to 380 kilometers of pure electric range on the NEDC cycle.

From the outside, the Atto 2 EV carries a youthful SUV stance with balanced proportions, a bold front fascia, and aerodynamic lines that give it a confident yet approachable look. LED headlamps, daytime running lights, and side-mirror-integrated turn lamps complete its contemporary styling. Inside, the cabin emphasizes comfort and connectivity.

A 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment system anchors the dashboard, paired with seamless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interior layout is straightforward and functional, with supportive seating, multiple charging ports, and thoughtful storage spaces that suit Filipino families and professionals alike.

Safety and visibility are central to the Atto 2 EV’s design. It comes equipped with six parking sensors and a 360-degree see-through mode camera system, giving drivers a clear view of their surroundings and added confidence in tight spaces. Multiple airbags, electronic stability control, and advanced braking technologies further enhance protection across varied driving conditions. A highlight feature is its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, allowing owners to power external electronics, appliances, or equipment directly from the vehicle.

Pricing begins at ?1.338 million, effective September 1, 2026. Ownership is supported by an 8-year Drive Unit warranty, a 6-year/160,000 km bumper-to-bumper coverage, and an 8-year/160,000 km Blade Battery warranty. With its grounded design, proven powertrain, and dependable safety systems, the Atto 2 EV stands as a confident step into full electric mobility.

Atto 2 DM-i

FOR those seeking flexibility, the Atto 2 DM-i comes in Dynamic and Premium variants, both built on BYD’s Super DM-i plug-in hybrid system. Each combines a 1.5-liter high-efficiency gasoline engine with an electric motor powered by a 7.9-kWh Blade Battery (Lithium Iron Phosphate). The system delivers a balanced output of 162 hp and 300 N-m of torque. With up to 45 km of electric-only range and a combined range of 1,340 km certified by the Automobile Association Philippines, the Atto 2 DM-i offers the practicality of a hybrid with the efficiency of an EV.

Visually, the DM-i variants distinguish themselves from the EV model through subtle exterior cues. Both feature LED headlamps, daytime running lights, and side-mirror-integrated turn lamps, but the DM-i lineup carries its own color palette-Midnight Blue, Ski White, Harbour Grey, and Cosmos Black-and rides on 215/60 R17 alloy wheels. The Premium variant adds power-folding side mirrors and a 360-degree see-through mode camera system with six parking sensors, enhancing visibility and maneuverability in tight spaces.

Inside, the Dynamic variant offers a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity and fabric upholstery, while the Premium steps up with leather seats, a 12.8-inch display, and DiPilot ADAS, BYD’s advanced driver-assistance suite featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Both share the same smart-first SUV DNA-comfortable seating, multiple USB ports, and practical storage-built for everyday use.

Pricing starts at ?1.048 million for the Dynamic and ?1.258 million for the Premium, effective September 1, 2026. Each variant includes an 8-year Drive Unit warranty, 6-year/160,000 km bumper-to-bumper coverage, and 8-year/160,000 km Blade Battery warranty, ensuring long-term reliability for Filipino motorists.

Seal 5 DM-i

THE facelifted Seal 5 DM-i builds on the success of its predecessor, now offered in Essential and Dynamic variants. At its core is BYD’s fifth-generation Super DM-i plug-in hybrid system, combining a 1.5-liter high-efficiency gasoline engine with an electric motor powered by BYD’s 7.42 kWh Blade Battery (Lithium Iron Phosphate), generating 160 hp and 210 N-m of torque.

Both variants deliver up to 55 kilometers of pure electric range, with the hybrid system seamlessly taking over for longer journeys. Together, the setup provides a combined driving range of up to 1,600 kilometers, making the Seal 5 DM-i a practical sedan for both city commutes and extended travel.

On the outside, the Seal 5 DM-i presents a refined sedan silhouette with sharper lines, a reworked front fascia, and LED lighting signatures that highlight its modern character. The Dynamic variant adds sportier alloy wheels and chrome detailing, distinguishing it from the Essential.

Inside, both variants feature an 8.8-inch digital cluster and a 10.1-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Automatic climate control with rear vents, multiple USB ports, and a spacious 522-liter trunk expandable to 1,295 liters with folded seats emphasize everyday usability.

Safety and driver confidence are enhanced with Cruise Control, TPMS, rear parking sensors, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Hill Hold Control, Automatic Vehicle Hold, and multiple airbags. Both variants also integrate BYD’s DiPilot driver-assistance system, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation features-technology that elevates the Seal 5 DM-i beyond conventional sedans.

Pricing begins at ?948,000 for the Essential and ?1.048 million for the Dynamic, effective September 1, 2026. Each unit includes an 8-year Drive Unit warranty, 6-year/160,000 km bumper-to-bumper coverage, and 8-year/160,000 km Blade Battery warranty, underscoring BYD’s commitment to long-term reliability.

FORTUNE Life Insurance Company formalized its partnership with PinoyLiga Cup through PEMC Marketing Consultancy, officially becoming a co-presentor of ‘2026 PinoyLiga Cup- The Big Dance.’

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing was held at the Fortune Life Head Office in Makati last Wednesday.

The agreement was signed by Emma M. Abad, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Fortune Life Insurance Company, and Francis Solon D. Benitez, Agency Lead of PEMC Marketing Consultancy.

Under the partnership, Fortune Life will provide Group Personal Accident Insurance coverage for team players and coaches participating in the collegiate cup, ensuring that young athletes are protected as they compete for one month.

The games officially began last Tuesday at the Enderun Colleges in McKinley, BGC.

This initiative reflects Fortune Life’s continuing commitment to provide meaningful support to young Filipino athletes and underscores the shared commitment of both organizations to promoting protection and preparedness, particularly for students actively engaged in sports and training.

The company recognizes the importance of safeguarding student-athletes under existing government policies, including CHED Memorandum Order No. 13, Series of 2026, and Republic Act No. 10676, or the Student-Athletes Protection Act.

Fortune Life stands behind the young athletes who represent the future of Philippine sports, committed to ensuring that protection reaches every Filipino as they compete, grow and pursue their goals.