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True to its mission of championing the well-being of its people, Mynt, the parent company of leading finance super app GCash, is enhancing its medical and financial support for its employees-reflecting a deep commitment to compassion and holistic care.

As part of its Alagang GCash program and to further strengthen its health and wellness campaign, this partnership with AC Health aims to ensure that GCash Kabarkadas receive comprehensive cancer care, supporting them throughout their entire treatment journey.

The Healthway Medical Network will also provide essential support for the program by offering a range of preventive care and treatment services to employees, including vaccinations and health screenings at their facilities.

Developed to redefine employee support, the Alagang GCash program provides holistic care to its workforce. It aims to address every aspect of well-being-financial, physical, mental, emotional and familial-and set a new benchmark for employee benefits in the Philippine digital finance sector.

‘What we’re doing is we’re making our benefits better, especially for cancer care, so that we’re more worry-free. It’s our attempt to tell you that you’re not alone when these things happen,’ said Martha Sazon, president and CEO of Mynt.

“At Mynt, we believe that caring for our people means supporting every part of their well-being-from health to financial security, and even emotional resilience. Through Alagang GCash and our partnership with AC Health, we want our employees to feel that they are never alone in their journey, especially during life’s most difficult battles,” Mynt chief people officer Robert Gonzales added.

The event brought together the Mynt leadership team and its partners to solidify its commitment through the Working with Cancer Pledge-from the cancer care standee to the ribbon pins worn proudly by its employees.

The Working with Cancer Pledge rallies companies and organizations around the world to erase the stigma of cancer and create an environment where employees impacted by cancer feel supported in the workplace.

The new comprehensive cancer care benefit of Mynt includes a reimbursable allowance for cancer prevention and screening, building on the existing coverage for annual medical check-ups, vaccines and wellness.

In addition, the company will now cover any remaining cancer-related treatment and hospitalization expenses for employees that exceed their current HMO and critical illness benefits.

Employees diagnosed with cancer will also be granted an additional 60 paid leaves, while those with dependents who are battling this serious illness will be entitled to an additional 30 paid leaves so they can take care of them. These are in addition to their annual vacation leaves, sick leaves and paid time off.

As part of its holistic approach to care, Mynt will provide access to a psychologist specialized in supporting cancer patients and employees with loved ones facing a cancer diagnosis, helping them navigate the emotional challenges and strengthen their mental well-being.

Mynt will also assign a case manager who can conduct home visits, as needed, to help patients with their recovery. Additionally, employees will have access to a pool of caregivers, if needed.

Employees diagnosed with terminal cancer may claim up to 100% of their life insurance benefit during their treatment journey.

Through Alagang GCash, the company underscores its commitment to holistic employee wellness, ensuring that every Kabarkada is supported not just at work but in their overall health and well-being.

Veteran journalist, poet and culture writer Pablo Tariman has died after battling several illnesses. He was 76 years old.

Tariman passed away yesterday, October 9, at around 1 p.m. according to ABS-CBN, which received the news from his wife Merlita Lorena-Tariman through family friend and fellow writer Elizabeth Lolarga.

More colleagues confirmed Tariman’s passing on social media, including photojournalist Arnold Jumpay, as well as Tariman’s grandson Emmanuel Acosta.

A benefit concert was just held last month for the writer, who was suffering from tuberculosis, diabetes, hypertension and liver complications, among other illnesses.

Leading the tributes for Tariman was another good friend Cecile Licad, whom Tariman covered many times over the years.

“He is one of the Philippines’ truly great writers, poets… [he] dedicated his life passionately to writing for the arts, music, films, and culture,” Licad said. “A very intuitive and sensitive person. He will sorely be missed by many, many people he had inspired.”

Licad added that her upcoming concert in Catanduanes, where Tariman was born, will be dedicated to him.

Tariman was a staple of the arts and culture scene in the Philippines, writing for notable publications like the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Vera Files.

Some of the many artists he wrote about were Lea Salonga, Peque Gallaga, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Nonoy Froilan, John Lloyd Cruz, and National Artists Nora Aunor, Ishmael Bernal, Lino Brocka and Ricky Lee.

More recent releases were 2020’s “Ode to Frontliners,” “Love, Life and Loss – Poems During the Pandemic” from 2022, “Encounters in the Arts” earlier this year, and a number pieces done in honor of his deceased daughter Kerima.

A consumer advocacy group has urged policymakers to prioritize legislation that addresses regulatory blocks hindering the country’s digital infrastructure rollout.

In a statement, CitizenWatch Philippines said there is a pressing need to modernize the National Building Code, streamline right-of-way (ROW) acquisition, and clarify rules around homeowners’ association (HOA) restrictions on telco access.

‘We support the national commitment to digital transformation,’ said Orlando Oxales, lead convenor of CitizenWatch. ‘To move forward, we need enabling policies that respond to the realities of the digital age. Connectivity should be treated as a basic utility, not a privilege.’

He noted that several legislative proposals that sought to address these issues were filed in the last Congress such as House Bill 900 on telecommunications readiness of buildings, House Bill 4472 on ICT infrastructure requirements for housing developments and House Bill 6571 on ROW guidelines, but these have yet to be refiled in the current 20th Congress.

‘These are critical measures that warrant prioritization,’ Oxales said. ‘We encourage lawmakers to refile, refine and pass these bills so we can create a legal environment more responsive to connectivity needs.’

The group cited persistent barriers telcos face: outdated building codes, restrictive HOA practices, and lengthy ROW permitting at the local level.

‘Our Building Code dates back to 1977, long before internet connectivity became essential to life,’ Oxales said. ‘As a result, many buildings lack provisions for broadband infrastructure, leaving residents with limited or delayed access.’

CitizenWatch supports proposals to require telco-ready designs in building plans – from in-building fiber pathways to network access points – integrated into the permitting and occupancy process.

‘Proactively designing for digital connectivity ensures that no community is left behind,’ Oxales added. ‘It also lowers the cost and complexity for providers, benefiting consumers.’

Oxales further emphasized that these reforms should also consider how the Magna Carta for Homeowners Associations is applied.

‘If the internet is now considered a basic need, then access to it should not be subject to a ‘social acceptability’ requirement,’ he said. ‘We do not require public consultation to install water pipes or power lines because they are essential utilities. Internet connectivity should be treated with the same level of importance.’

The group also pointed out that allowing more than one telco to access a building or community would foster competition and improve service quality. ‘These reforms should encourage infrastructure designs that accommodate multiple telcos, so residents aren’t forced to rely on just one provider,’ Oxales noted. ‘This avoids a situation where one internet service provider holds a building or community hostage simply because no other operator was given access.’

The group underscored the importance of addressing ROW challenges, which continue to delay the deployment and energization of telco towers and underground fiber. While the 19th Congress ratified the reconciled version of the ‘ARROW’ Act, CitizenWatch believes there is still room to strengthen implementation and coordination among national agencies, LGUs and utility providers.

‘We can further streamline permits and harmonize standards across agencies and LGUs,’ Oxales said. ‘This is essential for infrastructure rollout, especially in underserved areas.’

CitizenWatch called for national policy guidance to prevent HOAs and developers from creating barriers to telco access. The group advocates for rules that ensure fair and reasonable access for telcos and ISPs, especially in high-density residential and commercial developments.

‘Connectivity should be available to all, regardless of whether they live in gated communities, condominiums or urban centers,’ Oxales said. ‘Policy clarity ensures residents aren’t deprived of broadband connectivity due to inconsistent interpretations.’

As the demand for digital services continues to rise across education, healthcare, business and governance, CitizenWatch stressed the urgency of institutionalizing reforms that enable last-mile connectivity.

‘Digital access is no longer optional – it is foundational to inclusive development,’ Oxales said. ‘We urge lawmakers and agencies to remove the barriers limiting our people’s full participation in the digital economy.’

State agencies and private companies yesterday launched a program designed to make essential medicines more accessible in underserved areas.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Professional Regulation Commission and private firms held a ceremonial signing of the memorandum of understanding for the Regulatory Sandbox Pilot Program for Flexible Supervision of Pharmacies in the presence of President Marcos at Malacañang.

The pilot program aims to address the current shortage of about 27,500 registered pharmacists across the country, according to a statement issued by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

The initiative will enable licensed pharmacists to remotely supervise multiple community pharmacies and widen their reach without compromising safety and quality standards.

‘Under the regulatory sandbox pilot program for flexible supervision of pharmacies, medicines will be more accessible to the people because it aims to address the lack of registered pharmacists in the country,’ PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro said at a press briefing.

‘Under the program, a registered pharmacist can supervise community pharmacies through tele-pharmacy and video supervision,’ she added.

Some days just call for something extra, and after long hours, endless deadlines, or that long-awaited suweldo, you #SUPERDESERVE a meal that delivers the best of everything you crave.

With the Jollibee Super Meals, you no longer have to choose between Jollibee favorites because it’s got them all in one special plate.

The lineup includes:

Super Meal A: 1-piece Chickenjoy, Burger Steak, Half Jolly Spaghetti, Rice and Drink

Super Meal B: 1-piece Chickenjoy, Half Jolly Spaghetti, Fries and Drink

Super Meal C: Yumburger, Half Jolly Spaghetti, Fries and Drink

Each option brings together classic Jollibee dishes in one rewarding meal, making it easy to celebrate and treat yourself to something special without having to choose.

It’s the reward that hits every craving while giving you big servings and big value, making it the well-deserved treat-yourself meal for paydays, celebrations, achievements or extra-gutom days.

‘We want all Filipinos to celebrate their wins and achievements in life, whether big or small-with Jollibee to be part of that joyful experience. With Super Meals, you get a rewarding meal, bringing together Jollibee’s best-tasting favorites in one hearty, special plate. It’s a bundle made for everyday indulgence and joyful moments alike,’ said Luis Berba, Assistant Vice President of Jollibee Philippines.

So, the next time you’re asking yourself, ‘Which Jollibee favorite should I treat myself with, in celebration of today’s big win?’ Don’t stress. The answer is you #SUPERDESERVE all of them, in the Jollibee Super Meals!

The Jollibee Super Meals is available nationwide in all Jollibee stores for dine-in, takeout or delivery. Order now through the Jollibee App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood or foodpanda, and give yourself the super treat you #SUPERDESERVE.

Invoking the late Nelson Mandela’s concern for the elderly, the oldest member of the House of Representatives has decried the ‘digital and social exclusion’ of Filipino senior citizens from government services.

‘In this age of digital transformation, many elderly Filipinos are left behind,’ 83-year-old Rep. Salvador Pleyto Sr. of Bulacan’s 6th district lamented in a privilege speech on Wednesday.

Pleyto cited as example the ‘online’ transactions imposed by government financing institutions, like the Social Security System for about 23 million private sector workers and the Government Service Insurance System for 1.6 million government employees.

‘Without assistance, many senior citizens are unable to access these services, cutting them off from opportunities and benefits that are rightfully theirs,’ Pleyto said.

He pointed out that members have to make sure that they have phones with Wi-Fi and have downloaded the apps of the agencies before they can receive their ‘reduced pension.’

‘But how about the seniors who live in far-flung and very remote areas in the country that do not have cellular phones and can’t even get any Wi-Fi signal? Will this stop their pension? Or do they still have to go on a long trip to the provinces and cities if only to get their pension?’ he asked.

Reminding House members of Mandela’s resentment of discrimination, Pleyto quoted the late African leader: ‘A society that does not value its older people denies its roots and endangers its future.’

The Elderly Filipino Week was observed in the country from Oct. 1 to 7.

‘Their hands once toiled to feed the younger generation, their wisdom continues to guide, and their sacrifices made us what we are today,’ Pleyto said as he appealed to fellow lawmakers to act decisively to improve the welfare of senior citizens.

Describing many of the elderly as ‘living their twilight years in poverty, illness and neglect,’ Pleyto pressed for stronger social protection and medical support for senior citizens, noting four key challenges they face: poverty, lack of access to healthcare, social neglect and digital exclusion.

Newly-appointed Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said that he will lift the restriction on public access to government officials’ Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).

In a press briefing on his first day in office on Friday, October 10, Remulla said that he may issue a memorandum on Wednesday, October 15, on the lifting of the restriction on SALNs.

‘Public information yan, hinahanap natin. We’re talking transparency, let’s go all the way,’ Remulla said. (That is public information; we are seeking it out. We’re talking transparency, so let’s go all the way.)

‘Pati kami, kasama kami diyan,’ he added. (Even us included.)

However, echoing his pronouncement after his oath-taking on October 9, he said that there is information that may be redacted, which he referred to as ‘privacy matters.’

Remulla also plans to expand the scope of investigations by crowdsourcing citizen-generated information for lifestyle checks and complaints.

He said the office is moving away from sole reliance on dedicated fact-finding teams, choosing instead to incorporate direct input from the public through an open communication channel.

Access to the SALN was severely restricted during the tenure of former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, as per Memorandum Circular No. 1, Series of 2020.

This policy effectively barred the public and the media from obtaining copies of a SALN unless they first secured a notarized letter of authority from the official who filed it.

SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC), the hospitality arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc., is stepping up its waste management efforts as it targets composting 80 percent of its food waste by 2040.

SMHCC said that it has diverted 323 tons of food waste through its ‘Plate for the Planet’ program since its 2019 launch in Pico Sands Hotel and Taal Vista Hotel.

The company said this is equivalent to the amount of waste produced by more than 500 Filipino households in an entire year.

‘Plate for the Planet is now active across 10 of our hotel properties and three convention centers. This reflects our commitment to closing the loop on food waste, reducing our carbon footprint and bringing guests closer to the farm-to-table experience,’ SMHCC executive vice president Peggy Angeles said.

The program tracks the journey of food from sourcing to serving, starting with green procurement and support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and local farmers, encouraging responsible consumption, reducing plastic use and managing food waste effectively.

SMHCC said that its kitchens are equipped to minimize waste through accurate forecasting, mindful production and cooking techniques that optimize inventory and preserve freshness.

Composting likewise plays a central role in the program, with food waste converted into soil-enriching material used to grow vegetables, herbs and fruits that return to the table for guests to enjoy.

SMHCC said the initiative supports the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ efforts to reduce food waste and landfill contributions, helping mitigate methane emissions from decomposing organic waste.

‘As the hospitality sector faces climate and waste challenges, Plate for the Planet demonstrates how targeted interventions can reduce environmental impact while reinforcing SMHCC’s leadership in sustainable and resilient hospitality practices,’ the company said.

Moving forward, SMHCC’s strategy includes expanding partnerships with local producers and MSMEs to promote inclusive sourcing and integrating more local produce into menus.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered for the immediate evacuation of areas at risk of a tsunami following a massive earthquake that struck off the coast of Davao Oriental on Friday, October 10.

State seismologists have already issued a tsunami warning in several coastal areas in Visayas and Mindanao, namely Eastern Samar, Dinagat Islands, Davao Oriental, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur.

‘I have directed the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the Office of Civil Defense, the Armed Forces, the Philippine Coast Guard, and all concerned agencies to immediately carry out evacuations in coastal areas, activate emergency communication lines, and coordinate closely with local governments,’ Marcos said in a statement.

Search and relief operations are also being prepared and will be deployed once it is safe, Marcos added.

Both the Department of Health and the Department of Social Welfare and Development are on standby to provide emergency aid.

‘To our kababayans in the affected regions, please stay alert and calm. Move to higher ground and stay away from the shore until authorities declare it safe. Follow all instructions from your local disaster councils and barangay officials. Your safety is our top priority,’ Marcos said.

The quake, initially recorded at a magnitude 7.6 and revised down to 7.5, struck in the waters off the coast of Manay, Davao Oriental.

Several local government units and schools have already suspended classes in light of the earthquake.

The earthquake that struck Davao came one week after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu, killing several people and destroying vital infrastructure.

A Cebu City councilor has filed an ordinance seeking the full disclosure of City Hall employees in all positions, including their corresponding salary grades.

The proposed ordinance, authored by Councilor Kendrick Go, is entitled ‘An Ordinance Mandating the Disclosure of the Names, Positions, Employment Status, Office Assignments, and Salary Grades of all Cebu City Government Employees, Including Regular, Casual, Co-terminus, and Job Order Personnel, Requiring Employees to Execute a Limited Waiver Under the Data Privacy Act for These Specific Details, Providing for Procedures and Sanctions for Non-Compliance.’

This initiative aims to counter allegations that the City is keeping numerous ‘ghost employees,’ raising concerns on accountability, transparency, and the proper use of public funds.

Go said that transparency in government is essential in maintaining trust and accountability.

He said among the most effective ways to combat the reported ghost employees is through the public disclosure of government workers’ salaries.

‘This practice is not just about revealing numbers; it is a cornerstone of good governance, ensuring that public funds are managed responsibly and that government officials and employees are held accountable for their compensation decisions,’ the proposed measure said.

Once the proposed ordinance is approved, it will apply to all employees of the Cebu City Government, including regular, casual, co-terminus, and job-order (JO) personnel.

Part of the procedures to be done as per ordinance is for employees to fill out a disclosure form that shall be published quarterly by the Human Resource Development Office (HRDO). Employees will also be required to execute a limited waiver under the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (R.A. 10173).

Under this form, employees are required to disclose their full name, position title, employment status, and corresponding salary grade.

This information shall be made public on the Cebu City Government’s official website and the Cebu City Public Information Office’s official Facebook page. It will also be posted in three conspicuous places – the HRDO Bulletin Board, ABC Building, and DGS Building.

Failure to submit this information will subject the HRDO and department heads to sanctions outlined in the ordinance, which include a written reprimand for the first offense, a 30-day suspension for the second offense, and administrative liability under Civil Service rules.

For employees who refuse to sign the waiver, the ordinance also prescribes penalties such as non-renewal of contracts for JO employees, withholding of appointment or disciplinary action for casual and co-terminus employees, and disciplinary action for regular employees.