Category: Business Mirror

Senator Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan has filed a resolution calling for a Senate investigation into the structural integrity, design, construction, implementation, and maintenance of flood control projects, while urging the development of a comprehensive national flood management plan.

Proposed Senate Resolution No. 592, filed on August 11, aims to develop an integrated and evidence-based national flood management plan after heavy monsoon rains and typhoons flooded Metro Manila and nearby provinces in recent weeks.

‘Ang flood control projects ay hindi lamang nasa papel at inaagiw sa mga opisina ng pamahalaan. Dapat itong ikinakasa nang wasto, nai-implementa nang tama, at napoproteksyunan ang mga Pilipino,’ he said.

‘At hindi rin sapat na may proyektong nakikita. Ang tanong ay kung tama ba ang proyekto? Tama ba ang disenyo? Maayos ba ang pagkakagawa at bahagi ba ito ng isang malinaw na plano para sa buong lugar? Kung kanya-kanya ang proyekto at walang kabuuang direksyon, baka imbes na solusyon, lalo pang lumala ang problema,’ he added.

In the resolution, the lawmaker pointed out that it’s not enough that the government is implementing various flood control projects, but that these projects must be planned and implemented with an integrated national flood management master plan in mind.

‘Again, walang kwenta ang mga flood control projects kung iba-iba ang sistema, proseso, at disenyo. Kailangan well-coordinated yan sa bawat bayan, munisipalidad, at siyudad. Hindi naman nalilimitahan ang tubig. Pupunta ‘yan kung saan may espasyo, kaya dapat ang ating flood control projects ay magkakarugtong,’ he explained.

Pangilinan also stressed in the resolution the need to strengthen transparency and accountability in the use of public funds for flood control projects, acknowledging ‘reports of alleged ghost, substandard, redundant, or improperly implemented’ flood control projects that are the subject of ongoing investigations.

The resolution seeks the development and adoption of an evidence-based National Flood Management Plan that will ‘provide a common framework for national and local flood control projects, river basin and watershed management, drainage and land use planning and other measures necessary to reduce flood risk and protect affected communities.’

Whoscall, the caller ID and anti-scam mobile app developed by Gogolook Philippines, convened its first Anti-Scam Community Meet-Up at The Globe Tower in Bonifacio Global City, signaling a new era of collaboration between the public and private sectors in the fight against digital scams.

Held in strategic collaboration with Globe Telecom and ScamWatch Pilipinas, this initiative serves as a core component of Whoscall’s broader ‘Know the Unknown’ movement. The campaign is dedicated to empowering Filipinos with the tools to authenticate dubious URLs and proactively report fraudulent activities. By convening influential figures from the public sector, banking industry, and technology sphere, the meet-up tackled the urgent challenge of digital security in the Philippines, where the suspected scam rate of 4.1% continues to outpace international averages for the sixth year running.

Whoscall’s first anti-scam community meet-up aims to strengthen partnerships among stakeholders, increase knowledge sharing on scam trends and prevention strategies, generate actionable insights to improve Whoscall’s anti-scam solutions, and build an expanded community that promotes a safer digital environment for all Filipinos.

Strengthening digital trust through collaboration

Mel Migriño, Country Head and General Manager of Gogolook Philippines, described the meet-up as a trailblazing effort to unite diverse sectors in a shared mission.

‘This first Anti-Scam Community Meet-Up is a landmark moment. For the first time, we are enjoining government, private sector, and communities in one ecosystem to fight scams. Whoscall’s vision is to build a safer digital environment for Filipinos by expanding the anti-scam community, strengthening enterprise protection through innovative solutions, and supporting the government’s efforts against scams. Collaboration is the most powerful weapon against digital threats.’ Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, highlighted the GoSafe program as an important initiative for Globe’s customer protection. ‘The First Anti-Scam Community Meet-Up demonstrates how partnerships can empower communities and stakeholders to take control of their digital safety. Globe’s GoSafe program is designed to educate and protect customers through awareness campaigns, security features, and customer protection measures. By joining forces with Whoscall along with ScamWatch Pilipinas, we are extending our commitment to help Filipinos navigate the digital world safely and confidently.’

‘Scam awareness is not enough. Communities must not only understand how scams work but also be equipped with practical tools that allow them to fight back. This is why Whoscall is an important part of the Scam Watch Pilipinas Anti-Scam Quad Model. It gives people the power to identify suspicious calls and messages, prevent scams before they happen, report potential threats, and help protect others in the community. When people are informed, connected, and armed with the right technology, they become active defenders against scammers,’ Jocel De Guzman, Co-Founder of ScamWatch Pilipinas, emphasized the importance of collective action through the group’s Anti-Scam Quad Model.

Industry and government perspectives

The meet-up also featured insights from Derick Adil, Globe Head of AI and Privacy Governance, who presented GoSafe’s advanced security features; Meta’s Head of Public Policy, Gio Tingson, who outlined the platform’s detection technologies and user education initiatives; and Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) Director Paulo Ullado, who shared updates on the Philippines’ scam landscape and the upcoming National Anti-Scam Hub (NASH), a centralized initiative to strengthen inter-agency coordination, scam reporting, and response capabilities nationwide.

Building a nationwide anti-scam ecosystem

The event concluded with networking and community engagement sessions, enabling participants from government, private sector, financial institutions, technology companies, and advocacy groups to exchange ideas and explore future collaborations.

Migriño reaffirmed Whoscall’s mission: ‘We are protecting individuals, enterprises, and industries. Every partnership forged is a step toward a safer tomorrow, where trust in digital experiences fuels growth and innovation.’

Mobile users can download Whoscall via the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store for caller identification, scam detection, and other digital safety features. For more info, visit https://whoscall.com/en.

Alternative pop band embraces raw emotion, infectious energy, and a fresh musical direction with their latest release

After a string of well-loved releases, alternative pop band Madeline is back with a brand-new single, ‘Di Mapigilan,’ a vibrant and emotionally charged anthem that captures the exhilarating feeling of emotions that can no longer be contained.

Composed of vocalist and guitarist Madeline Ramboyong, lead guitarist RB Bandiola, bassist Jerome Faustino, and drummer Shan Regalado, the four-piece band continues to evolve while staying true to the heartfelt songwriting that has resonated with listeners through tracks such as Kaya Kong Mag-isa, Tinamaan, Hintay, ‘Di Bale Na Lang, Wala Na, Sayang, Sa Panaginip, Akin Ka, Kahit Sandali, and Kung Hindi Na Tayo.

A Song About Embracing Unstoppable Emotions

‘Di Mapigilan’ explores the overwhelming emotions that come with falling for someone, experiencing excitement, or pursuing a passion with complete honesty. Inspired by both personal experiences and a Korean drama that sparked the initial idea, the song blends relatable storytelling with an energetic, feel-good sound.

‘It’s all about those intense feelings na hindi mo na kayang itago or kontrolin, whether that’s falling for someone, excitement, or pure passion,’ shares vocalist Madeline Ramboyong.

‘Life is too short to hold back whatever you’re feeling.’

Bassist Jerome Faustino adds that the song encourages listeners to be honest about their emotions. ‘It’s really about realizing that it’s okay to express what you’re truly feeling.’

For lead guitarist RB Bandiola, the song serves as a reminder that every emotion deserves to be embraced. ‘It’s okay to be sad or happy and to let yourself love someone, even if it feels scary or unexpected.’

The title, ‘Di Mapigilan,’ perfectly captures the heart of the track. It reflects a moment when emotions become so genuine and overwhelming that holding them back is no longer possible.

A Brighter Sound for a Growing Band

While Madeline has built its identity around emotionally driven music, ‘Di Mapigilan’ introduces a brighter, funk-inspired sound with a faster pace and more playful lyricism.

The band considers the track a reflection of its artistic growth, balancing catchy melodies with emotional authenticity while creating a song audiences can sing along to and enjoy.

From the initial demo to the final recording, ‘Di Mapigilan’ went through months of jam sessions, preproduction, arrangement refinements, and studio work, allowing the song to evolve into its polished final form. ‘We didn’t rush the process,’ says Faustino. ‘We wanted everything to feel complete before releasing it.’

A Performance-Driven Music Video

To match the song’s high-energy vibe, Madeline chose to release its first-ever performance-focused music video, directed by Jeremy Jay Abaño and Charls Anthony Mangubat.

Instead of following a traditional narrative, the video highlights the band’s chemistry and live performance energy through dynamic visuals, creative camera work, and striking visual effects.

‘We felt that a standard storyline wouldn’t do justice to the song,’ Ramboyong explains. ‘We wanted viewers to experience the excitement and fun of performing it.’

The shoot required multiple takes and long hours to maintain the same level of energy throughout every performance, making it both physically demanding and incredibly rewarding.

‘Rather than telling a specific story, we let the performance become the story,’ says Bandiola.

Since its release, ‘Di Mapigilan’ has already begun connecting with listeners, with fans sharing that the song has become part of their driving playlists and keeping it on repeat.

For the band, hearing that listeners personally relate to the track remains the most meaningful feedback. ‘We hope people see themselves in the song,’ says Faustino. ‘Everyone experiences moments when they simply want to be honest about what they’re feeling.’

More Music on the Horizon

While ‘Di Mapigilan’ currently takes center stage, Madeline confirms that more music is already in development.

The band hopes to eventually release a full-length album, but for now remains focused on promoting the single through live performances, visual content, and upcoming releases.

Fans can also expect new material that explores different sides of Madeline’s sound while preserving the distinct musical identity that has become the band’s signature.

‘We’re continuously writing and creating new songs,’ says Ramboyong. ‘The next release will definitely showcase another side of our music-something fresh, but still unmistakably Madeline.’

With ‘Di Mapigilan,’ Madeline delivers a powerful reminder that the strongest emotions are often the ones worth embracing-and that sometimes, the best thing to do is simply let them flow.

‘Di Mapigilan’ is now available on major digital streaming platforms.

Follow Madeline on their official social media channels @madelinemusicph for updates on upcoming releases, live performances, and new content.

Some 630,000 children aged six months to five years in Central Visayas are being eyed for vaccination as health authorities and the Cebu Provincial Government intensify efforts to curb measles and rubella cases through a supplemental immunization campaign.

The Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH 7) and the Cebu Capitol are conducting the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) from August 10 to 28, covering eligible children in Cebu and Bohol.

In Cebu, the campaign is being implemented as ‘Ligtas Tigdas 2026,’ with vaccination activities extending from provincial and municipal health facilities to communities and barangays.

Dr. Faith Curaraton, DOH 7 Regional National Immunization Program medical coordinator, said the campaign is intended to give children additional protection against the two highly contagious diseases.

She emphasized that the vaccines are provided at no cost and are considered safe and effective.

‘It is free, it is safe, it is effective. Mao ra gyud na amoang mahatag sa mga bata para ma-protektahan sila,’ Curaraton said.

The provincial government is supporting the effort through the mobilization of its health personnel and facilities.

Gov. Pamela Baricuatro earlier issued Executive Order No. 40, establishing the Provincial Immunization Task Force to improve coordination among agencies and local government units in carrying out the vaccination program.

Baricuatro said the campaign should be viewed beyond vaccination statistics, as every child immunized represents another family being protected from a preventable illness.

‘Every vaccination is not simply a number added to our accomplishment. Behind that number is a child we are protecting, a parent we are giving peace of mind, and a family we are helping keep safe,’ the governor said.

She added that Cebu should work toward ensuring that no child becomes seriously ill from a disease that can already be prevented through vaccination.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Sheila Faciol said 16 provincial and district hospitals will be used as vaccination venues. Rural health units in the province’s cities and municipalities will, likewise, participate in the campaign. The Provincial Health Office will coordinate with DOH 7 and local health offices throughout the three-week activity to locate and vaccinate eligible children, including those in barangays.

Barangay health workers are also being enlisted to help identify children within the target age group and facilitate their registration for vaccination.

The intensified campaign follows a reported increase in measles and rubella infections nationwide. Based on DOH figures, cases rose by 32 percent in 2025 from the previous year, while 73 percent of reported cases were among unvaccinated children.

Measles and rubella, both commonly referred to as tigdas, spread easily through the air and can result in serious health complications. Severe measles infections can be fatal, while vaccination remains the primary preventive measure, as there is no specific medicine that cures measles.

Children infected with measles may develop fever, red or watery eyes, coughing, colds, skin rashes, and swollen lymph nodes, or lusay.

At the campaign’s regional launch at the Cebu Capitol Social Hall on August 10, eight babies were vaccinated. Baricuatro also took part in the activity by giving Vitamin A supplements to children.

Asia’s premier designer toy convention, POP TOY SHOW (PTS) Singapore 2026, is making its much-anticipated return for its fourth edition from 21 to 23 August 2026 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre. Ahead of the show, fans and collectors can expect an exciting line-up of exclusive product launches, first releases, limited-edition collectibles, and artist-led creations.

As the 2026 headliner, MOLLY takes centre stage with the first launch of the MOLLY Chrysanthemum Ice Cream in Singapore. Created to celebrate MOLLY’s 20th anniversary, this Singapore-exclusive treat will make its debut at POP TOY SHOW Singapore 2026, giving fans the first opportunity to savour it. The anniversary celebrations also feature the MEGA ROYAL MOLLY 400% 20th Anniversary and the MOLLY 20th Anniversary Exhibition Exclusive Fridge Magnet.

In addition, fans can shop a range of POP TOY SHOW Singapore 2026 Exclusives, including KUBO – Soup Dumplings, CHAKA Unicorn · Abide in the Light, and HACIPUPU Giraffe. HIRONO fans will also have something to look forward to, with the first launches of the Hirono Hisyphus Sculpture and the Hirono Dino Plush Doll Pendant at this year’s show.

More POP MART artists have also confirmed their attendance for PTS Singapore 2026, including NICKEL (SuperTuTu), Nightsays (1001MOONS), and Dan (ZSIGA). Fans will also have the opportunity to meet CJ Chujia Yin (TinyTiny) and Yanran Chen (KeyA), who will be making their PTS Singapore debut.

International Highlights

International exhibitors and featured artists will bring a diverse range of exclusive art toys, character merchandise, and collectible releases to Singapore.

A major highlight this year will be Lil’ Shit POPaganda by Matt Gondek x Ron English. Limited to an edition of 100 pieces, the 7-inch sculpture will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a purchase limit of two pieces per customer per day.

From Mexico, Catmynt and Jenny Cherry will make their first appearance in Singapore, each bringing exclusive pieces to PTS. Catmynt will present a Maneki Neko-inspired piece drawing from nature and the power of thunder, while Jenny Cherry will release Kawaiiju Rainbow Glow, a Singapore-exclusive special edition limited to five hand-painted pieces.

Returning exhibitor Planetbear will bring its new blind box series to Singapore, while Maoco Land will introduce two limited products and debut Vivian, a brand-new IP described as an elegant kitten with curly hair, dreamy eyes, and a love of all things shiny and sparkly.

Indonesia’s Kongandri x Ericnoah will also present PTS-exclusive releases, including Owange Boy by Kongandri, limited to 70 pieces, alongside Mechasoul Gwen NV-01 and Mechasoul Yoshi NV-02 by Ericnoah. Thailand’s Wood You Mind will showcase its Merlion piece and a limited-quantity Bunny Necklace, blending traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary art toy aesthetic.

Fans can also get their hands on Singapore-themed exclusives from CHUCHUMEI, including the CHUCHUMEI Loves Merlion Ceramic Coaster and the POP TOY SHOW Singapore 2026 Exclusive Postcard, as well as Yuna Park’s launch collection of art prints and PTS-exclusive products, all available for pre-order.

Singapore Highlights

Singaporean creators and homegrown brands will also be strongly represented at PTS Singapore 2026, bringing locally inspired stories, original characters, and exclusive collectibles to the show floor.

Also returning is Precious Thoughts, back for its third consecutive year. They will be launching URDU’s vintage Sanrio art toy collection in highly limited numbers, available exclusively at POP TOY SHOW Singapore.

My SpaceCats, created by Singaporean artist Rex Lee, will present Kensington Mau and Wonka Mau as part of its PTS Exclusive Limited Edition Collector Series. Centred on Mau and Kitty, SpaceCats celebrates joy, curiosity, tenderness, and the wonder found in ordinary moments.

Singapore lifestyle and stationery brand Pigeoncrafts will release the PTS Exclusive Pigeoncrafts Random Character Keychain. Known for its endearing original characters and playful humour, Pigeoncrafts brings joy, chaos, and misunderstood animals to its character universe.

Sad Shrimps, a Singapore lifestyle brand known for bright, playful illustrations, will debut its first-ever blind boxes and blind bags at PTS Singapore 2026.

Mox Monsters, a Singapore-based independent toy factory, will launch Gold Fish Balls, a new toy line designed by Singaporean artist scong and manufactured locally. The series combines a darkly humorous character concept with small- to medium-sized injection-moulded production runs. Beyond the product launch, Mox Monsters also emphasises inclusive manufacturing, with its production and packaging processes involving disabled and less fortunate individuals.

POP TOY SHOW Singapore 2026 continues to build on its line-up of official partners. Besides FandN and Haidilao, this year’s show also welcomes Morris Garages (MG) / Intelligence in Motion (IM) as the Official Car Partner, ECOVACS as the Official Partner, and UGREEN as the Official Supporter. These partnerships mark another milestone in POP TOY SHOW’s growth as a leading platform for art toy culture in the region.

Ticketing Information

Tickets for PTS Singapore 2026 are currently on sale. For full event details and ticketing information, visit poptoyshow.com.sg. Visitors will be directed to Trip.com, the official ticketing partner, to purchase tickets.

For fans seeking the full PTS experience, the 3-Day Fun Pass is priced at S$268 and is limited to 1,500 tickets. Each account may purchase only one 3-Day Fun Pass, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

3-Day Fun Pass holders will enjoy early entry on all three days and one additional product raffle slot. Fun Pass holders will receive a limited-edition goodie bag featuring a curated selection of MOLLY-themed and event-exclusive items, including the Angry Molly Single Record Set ‘Do’, Angry Molly 20th Anniversary Exhibition Exclusive, POP TOY SHOW Singapore 2026 MOLLY Tote Bag, MOLLY Enamel Pin Set, MOLLY Luggage Strap, and MOLLY Pouch.

Fun Pass holders will be assigned to one of three entry groups, with staggered early-admission times across the event days.

Standard Tickets are priced at S$40 for pre-event purchases and S$45 during the event, providing single-day access from 11am. Child Tickets are priced at S$12 and are available for children aged 3 to 12. Children aged 3 and under do not require a ticket.

Please note that Child Ticket holders will be able to enter the event but will not be eligible to enter product raffle draws or purchase POP MART products. Only customers aged 13 and above, subject to prevailing regulations, will be eligible to enter product raffle draws or purchase blind boxes.

PTS Singapore 2026 will be held from 21 to 23 August 2026 at Marina Bay Sands, Expo and Convention, Level 1 – Halls A, B, and C. Public opening hours are 11am to 7pm daily, with last admission at 6.30pm.

We Hope Medical group is preparing to open its first Free Chemotherapy Center in Valenzuela City, a landmark initiative aimed at expanding access to life-saving cancer treatment for residents. Mayor Wes Gatchalian visited the facility this week to inspect ongoing preparations and meet with the We Hope Medical Group leadership.

Located within the city’s growing health services hub, We Hope Valenzuela Chemotherapy Center is designed to provide free chemotherapy sessions, medical consultations, and patient support services for Valenzuela residents diagnosed with cancer. This private initiative is aligned with the city’s commitment to strengthening public health programs and reducing the financial burden faced by families undergoing long-term treatment.

During his visit, Mayor Gatchalian met with the medical team, staff, and clinic manager overseeing the final stages of setup. He emphasized the city’s goal of making cancer care accessible, compassionate, and community-centered. ‘Cancer treatment should never be out of reach for any Valenzuelano. This center is a promise that the city will stand with every patient and every family fighting this battle,’ Mayor Gatchalian said during the inspection.

The facility is currently undergoing final compliance requirements, staff training, and safety checks. Once operational, it will offer:

Free chemotherapy sessions for eligible residents

On-site oncologists and specialized nurses

Patient navigation and counseling services

Laboratory and Diagnostics

Despite the passage of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA), many patients continue to struggle with late diagnosis, limited access to specialized care, and high out-of-pocket expenses. Chemotherapy alone can cost up to ?120,000 per cycle, with total treatment reaching ?5 million or more, pushing families into debt, asset liquidation, or treatment abandonment. With thousands of patients delaying or abandoning treatment due to cost, We Hope Medical Group is here to operate specialized medical facilities and programs that make treatments accessible, affordable, and sustainable. Through strong partnerships with LGU’s, National Government, and communities.

‘ Our mission is simple but powerful. No Filipino should ever have to choose between financial survival and life-saving cancer treatment,’ Dr. John Paul Aclan DBA. We Hope Medical Group proudly highlights the visionary leadership of the Chairman and CEO, whose bold vision and unwavering commitment to accessible healthcare have redefined cancer care for Filipino families. We Hope Medical Group believes that every Filipino deserves access to quality healthcare.

The organization’s rapid growth reflects a deep commitment to public health innovation, community partnership, and sustainable healthcare delivery. By targeting 100 operational centers by year-end, We Hope Medical Group is setting a new national standard-one where compassion meets innovation, and where healthcare systems are built around the needs of the people.

BOTOLAN, Zambales-Zambales officials are closely monitoring major river systems still containing massive lahar deposits following week-long heavy rains that swelled waterways and inundated floodplains in several towns in the province.

Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. on Monday ordered the preemptive evacuation of residents in barangay San Juan, this town, after inspecting a collapsed portion of a dike that shields at least six barangays from the lahar-filled Bucao River.

‘As of now, we are dropping armor rocks into the scoured portion and doing sandbagging to strengthen the dike foundation and prevent a total breach,’ Ebdane said.

‘We’re doing all we can to prevent a dire situation like that in 2009 when the earth dike along Bucao gave way and caused a major disaster in Botolan. We don’t want that to happen again,’ Ebdane said.

Domingo Mariano, the provincial consultant on infrastructure development, the barangays of San Juan, Paudpod, Carael, Bangan, Capayawan, and Batonlapoc could be flooded should the Bucao River Dike burst owing to prolonged pressure from the swollen river.

These villages are directly on the path of the Bucao River and bore the brunt of the massive flooding in 2009, Mariano pointed out.

Aside from Bucao River, Mariano said all eyes are now onto the Sto. Tomas River bordering San Marcelino, San Felipe and San Narciso towns in southern Zambales, after strong current washed out a bridge in barangay Sta. Fe, San Marcelino, on Sunday, and isolated the upland barangay.

At least 15 barangays in the three adjoining towns are located along the Sto. Tomas River, which drains directly from the foothills of Mount Pinatubo.

Ebdane said the lahar from the 1991 volcanic eruption continues to be a major threat to Zambales communities during the rainy season when heavy downpour dislodges massive deposits upstream and send them cascading downriver.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in Central Luzon estimated that 6.7 billion cubic meters of volcanic debris remain on the Zambales side of Pinatubo, with three billion cubic meters, or 63.8 percent of river-bound lahar, in the Bucao River basin, and 1.6 billion cubic meters in the Sto. Tomas River basin.

Mariano said the provincial government has been actively undertaking dredging of the Bucao and Sto. Tomas rivers under the Zambales River Restoration Program since 2023, but had so far only cleared the river deltas due to the huge volume of lahar sand in the waterways.

Heavy rains from habagat or the southwest monsoon and the recent typhoons that entered the country also brought more lahar downriver and temporarily stopped dredging operations, Mariano added.

Meanwhile, the Zambales Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said in an initial report that six infrastructure facilities in the province were damaged during heavy habagat rains induced by the Typhoons Luis and Maymay starting last week.

The Sta. Fe Bridge in San Marcelino town, which was swept away by strong river current, and a Small Water Impounding Project in barangay Amungan, Iba, which was buildt at a cost of P700,000, were totally destroyed, it said.

The PDRRMO also listed four partially damaged structures: a multi-purpose hall in San Miguel, San Antonio; the Tanguay Slope Protection in Sto. Niño, Cabangan; another slope protection project in Bayto, Sta. Cruz; and the San Juan Dike in Botolan town.

PDRRMO head Rolex Estella also said that as of 5:00 p.m. on Monday, a total of 7,044 individuals, or 2,441 families, have evacuated their homes due to rising floodwaters across the province.

Of these, a total of 4,706 persons, or 1,621 families, remained in evacuation centers while 102 families composed of 285 individuals sought shelter with relatives, Estella said.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) is accelerating the future of banking by expanding its Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS), API, and ecosystem banking capabilities, enabling financial services to become seamlessly embedded into the digital platforms where people live, work, shop, travel, and transact.

As embedded finance reshapes the global financial services landscape, RCBC continues to pioneer innovations that remove friction from banking, strengthen financial inclusion, and create new opportunities for businesses, fintechs, merchants, and consumers to participate in the rapidly evolving digital economy.

This vision was highlighted by RCBC Executive Vice President and Chief Innovations and Inclusion Officer Lito Villanueva during the LEAP East Conference in Hong Kong, where he joined global industry leaders from Thunes, HSBC, and Global Payments to discuss how embedded finance is redefining customer relationships, digital commerce, and the future of financial services.

The panel underscored that banking is increasingly becoming invisible, embedded directly into digital experiences rather than confined within traditional banking channels. The conversation explored how value is shifting from simply enabling payments to creating trusted ecosystems that connect banks, fintechs, merchants, governments, and consumers through seamless digital experiences.

‘Banking is no longer a destination. It is becoming an embedded capability that enables commerce wherever customers are,’ said Villanueva. ‘The future belongs to ecosystem banking, where financial services are integrated seamlessly into everyday digital experiences through secure APIs, strategic partnerships, and interoperable digital infrastructure.’

RCBC has been at the forefront of this transformation through its Banking-as-a-Service platform, enabling fintechs, digital platforms, enterprises, and ecosystem partners to integrate banking capabilities directly into their customer journeys. Through secure APIs, partners can embed account opening, digital payments, collections, fund transfers, virtual accounts, lending, identity verification, and other financial services without having to build banking infrastructure from the ground up.

The Bank’s growing API ecosystem powers collaborations across digital commerce, mobility, government services, remittances, transport, and financial inclusion, allowing organizations to accelerate innovation while delivering frictionless customer experiences.

RCBC’s embedded finance initiatives likewise include its U.S. Virtual Account solution, which allows customers and businesses to receive U.S. dollar payments through dedicated U.S.-based accounts without maintaining a physical bank account in the United States. The Bank has also expanded the use of payment tokenization, replacing sensitive card credentials with secure digital tokens that enhance security while enabling seamless online, mobile, and contactless payment experiences.

Further demonstrating its commitment to customer-centric digital innovation, RCBC is among the first banks in the Philippines to offer unlimited free person-to-person fund transfers through both InstaPay and PESONet via its RCBC Pulz and RCBC DiskarTech mobile banking platforms. Through this pioneering FREEmium proposition, millions of loyal customers can transfer funds digitally without paying transaction fees, making everyday banking more affordable while accelerating the country’s transition toward a cash-lite economy. The initiative reflects RCBC’s belief that digital financial services should not only be secure and convenient but also accessible and inclusive for every Filipino.

These innovations complement RCBC’s flagship digital platforms, including RCBC Pulz, DiskarTech, and ATM Go, which collectively demonstrate how digital banking, financial inclusion, agency banking, and embedded financial services can work together within a unified ecosystem. Together with its Banking-as-a-Service platform and expanding API capabilities, RCBC is enabling financial services to become an integral part of commerce, mobility, government services, digital marketplaces, and everyday life.

According to Villanueva, embedded finance represents far more than a technological evolution. It fundamentally changes how financial institutions create value in a platform-driven economy. ‘The next generation of banking will not be defined by standalone banking applications, but by trusted ecosystems where financial services are embedded into platforms that millions already use every day,’ Villanueva said. ‘Institutions that embrace openness, interoperability, and collaboration while maintaining the highest standards of security, compliance, and customer trust will lead the future of financial services,’ Villanueva added.

RCBC continues to deepen strategic partnerships with global payment networks, fintech companies, technology providers, merchants, and public sector institutions to accelerate innovation across payments, digital identity, embedded lending, open finance, and cross-border financial services. These initiatives reinforce the Bank’s vision of creating a connected, inclusive, and borderless financial ecosystem that empowers consumers, businesses, and communities alike. As digital commerce continues to evolve, RCBC remains committed to building the financial infrastructure that powers the next generation of digital experiences while strengthening the Philippines’ position as one of Asia’s leading digital banking and fintech innovation hubs.

‘Embedded finance is not about banks disappearing,’ Villanueva concluded. ‘It is about banks becoming more relevant than ever by powering the ecosystems that will define tomorrow’s digital economy. At RCBC, we are committed to making banking invisible where it should be, accessible where it matters most, and valuable to every Filipino.’

‘Global platforms such as LEAP provide valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, learn from other markets, and showcase how collaboration can accelerate financial inclusion and digital transformation,’ he added.

LEAP East marked the conference’s first edition outside Saudi Arabia, bringing together more than 25,000 participants, including over 400 exhibitors, 250 startups, and 250 investors, to discuss emerging technologies shaping the future of digital commerce, artificial intelligence, fintech, and cross-border financial services across Asia.

RCBC has continued expanding its digital banking ecosystem through innovations such as RCBC Pulz, RCBC DiskarTech, and RCBC ATM Go, supporting the country’s growing shift toward digital payments and financial inclusion.

A family living wage has moved into discussions between labor groups and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) pressed for a clearer benchmark in determining workers’ pay.

During a meeting with Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino, TUCP proposed discussing the guiding principles for determining a family living wage, alongside other long-running labor concerns.

‘We are with you in that aspect; that is part of the Constitution, the terminology of living wage,’ Tolentino said in response.

TUCP also raised freedom of association, security of tenure, certification elections, maritime voluntary arbitration and collective bargaining agreements during the talks.

Among the measures it sought support for were House bills that would strengthen union formation and rationalize government intervention in labor disputes.

Other proposals would remove dismissal and imprisonment as penalties for workers who participate in strikes.

Labor representatives also brought up legislation needed to implement International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 190, which addresses violence and harassment in the world of work.

Talks, likewise, covered ILO Convention No. 188 on work in fishing and Convention No. 193 on decent work in the platform economy, both of which Tolentino supported.

Concerns involving workers in the electric cooperative and sugar industries were also discussed, with labor officials providing updates on issues raised by TUCP.

Tolentino told the group that the department would remain open to criticism and concerns from workers.

‘If we make mistakes, criticize us. I’ve been trying to be very transparent. If you have any concerns, just let me know,’ he said.

THE National Student Athletes Championship (NSAC) World Invitational presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will bring together eight teams from the Philippines, Japan, Taiwan and Australia for a three-day competition beginning Friday at the PhilSports Arena.

University of Santo Tomas (UST), San Beda, Jose Rizal University (JRU) and Far Eastern University (FEU) will vie against the Fighting Eagles Nagoya and Tenri University from Japan, National Formosa University from Taiwan and Elite Stacks AUS from Australia in the tournament organized by Asiabasket.

PSC chairman Patrick ‘Pato’ Gregorio welcomed the staging of the international tournament and the opportunities it creates for Filipino student-athletes.

‘The NSAC World Invitational gives our student-athletes an opportunity to compete against international opposition here at home and gain valuable experience that can contribute to their development,’ Gregorio said.’ The PSC is pleased to support initiatives that create more meaningful competitive opportunities for Filipino athletes.’

Asiabasket Founder and CEO Jai Reyes said the tournament reflects the organization’s goal of creating more opportunities for Philippine basketball to engage with international competition.

‘The NSAC World Invitational is a reflection of our vision to elevate Philippine collegiate basketball beyond our borders,’ Reyes said. ‘We want to provide our student-athletes with the opportunity to compete against quality international programs while showcasing the talent, passion, and competitiveness of Philippine basketball on a larger stage.’

The eight-team tournament will follow a knockout format with classification games, ensuring each participating team plays three games.

JRU faces Elite Stacks AUS, San Beda takes on National Formosa University, UST meets Tenri University,and FEU battles Fighting Eagles Nagoya on opening day.