EastWest Rural Bank Boosts Back-to-School Readiness through DepEd Partnerships

Expanding support for DepEd with learner protection, teacher wellness, and Brigada Eskwela initiatives

EastWest Rural Bank donated 20 smartphones to DepEd Learner Support Center to strengthen responsiveness of learner protection services nationwide, including mental health, child welfare, and anti-bullying response. 

As classes open nationwide this June, EastWest Rural Bank (EWRB)—EastWest Banking Corporation’s rural banking arm—is strengthening its support for both students and educators. The Bank is rolling out a multi-faceted program focused on learner protection, teacher wellness, and community engagement initiatives in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd).  

Where work finds balance

PNB Makati Center stands at the core of Makati’s renewed business district. Under PNB Holdings, the building aligns with the district’s shift through adaptive reuse.

At first glance, the Makati business district projects a sense of permanence, its skyline defined by a mix of legacy towers and modern developments. Yet beneath this, leasing activity once softened as businesses explored newer hubs across the metro.

Come 2026, it held its ground anew, particularly along Ayala Avenue as it recorded most of the leasing activities for the first quarter of the year, the highest among Metro Manila submarkets. At the center of this resurgence is PNB Makati Center, a focal point in Makati’s second act and its evolving business landscape.

Sun Life Foundation Transforms Four Schools Through Brigada Eskwela

The new school year is looking brighter as Sun Life Financial-Philippines  Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation) brings a fresh start to four schools across the country for Brigada  Eskwela, the Department of Education’s annual volunteer-led school maintenance initiative. 

This year, efforts were poured into transforming Taguig City’s Daanghari Elementary School. 119  volunteer Sun Life advisors and employees repainted hallways and classroom furniture following initial  works to repair damages and improve safety and accessibility of the school grounds. To bolster the  school’s disaster preparedness, Sun Life Foundation also donated 450 hard hats for students and school  staff.  

Joining the drive were members of Sun Life’s leadership: JJ Moreno, Sun Life Philippines CEO and Country  Head; Joy Castillo, Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. Chief Operating Officer and Sun Life Foundation  President; Al Cruz, Sun Life Philippines Chief Strategy and Enablement Officer and Sun Life Foundation  Vice President; and Kristine Millete, Sun Life Foundation Executive Director. 

With Sun Life Foundation’s support, Sun Life employees and advisors also mounted Brigada Eskwela  drives across three schools in the provinces: Kabugwason Elementary School in Bacolod City; Donato M.  Pison Sr. Memorial School in Iloilo City; and Divisoria Elementary School in Zamboanga City. Together, the  volunteers made repairs, cleaned, and repainted classrooms, helping bring the schools into shape for the  opening of classes. 

“Participating in Brigada Eskwela is a cherished tradition that reflects Sun Life’s unwavering commitment  to Filipino education,” said Castillo. “By creating bright, safe, and inclusive learning environments, we  support our educators and pave the way for students to achieve a brighter future.”

As the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, the country’s top life insurance company in terms of  premium income, Sun Life Foundation is dedicated to supporting programs that enhance educational  opportunities and learning capabilities of Filipino children nationwide. 

Dad-Approved Guide to Moneymaxxing

Long before "moneymaxxing" became a trend, dads were already experts at it. They're the ones who compare prices before buying, keep money set aside "just in case," and find ways to make every peso go further. What once felt like classic dad behavior turns out to be surprisingly relevant today.

Here are a few dad-approved ways to moneymaxx with Maya, the country's #1 Digital Bank and leading all-in-one fintech platform.

Security Bank marks 75 years from a position of strength

Few institutions remain relevant for 75 years.

Security Bank is marking the milestone with growing customer adoption, disciplined execution, and a clear focus on delivering strong outcomes for customers, shareholders, and communities.

Founded in 1951 as the first private and Filipino-controlled bank established after the Second World War, Security Bank has grown alongside the country's development, serving generations of individuals, entrepreneurs, corporations, and institutions across the Philippines through changing economic cycles, technological shifts, and evolving customer expectations.

“What defines the Bank is consistent execution, especially in periods of uncertainty,” said Victor Lee Meng Teck, President and Chief Executive Officer of Security Bank. “For 75 years, we have focused on serving customers well while adapting to change. Customer expectations will continue to evolve, and our responsibility is to keep improving how we serve them while staying grounded in the discipline and long-term thinking that have shaped the Bank through generations.”

Sun Life Grepa Sustains Momentum, Emerges Among Fastest- Growing Life Insurers in Q1 2026

Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (Sun Life Grepa) continues to build on its strong performance, posting solid gains across key metrics in the first quarter of 2026. The results reinforce momentum established at the close of 2025 and highlight the impact of its expanded distribution strategy and strengthened bancassurance operations.  

The company now ranks 7th in Total Premium Income (TPI) and 5th in New Business Annual Premium Equivalent Income (NBAPE), outpacing industry averages in both revenue growth and new business generation. 

Manulife Named #1 Life Insurer for AI Maturity for Second Consecutive Year by Evident

Named top insurer in Canada, first in the AI Leadership category, and ranked third overall – underscoring Manulife’s strategic priority to be an AI-powered organization

Manulife has been named the number one life insurance company for AI maturity overall for the second consecutive year in the 2026 Evident AI Index for Insurance, is now the top insurer in Canada and number one in the AI Leadership category and ranks third overall. These accolades highlight Manulife’s ability to scale AI-driven innovation across its global footprint, delivering measurable business value and impact, and accelerating its strategic priority to operate as an AI-powered organization. 

“We’re proud to be named the number one life insurer for AI maturity for the second year in a row—and are now a top three company overall. This is a powerful validation of Manulife’s refreshed enterprise strategy, and our commitment to being an AI-powered organization globally,” said Phil Witherington, President and CEO, Manulife. “As we continue to scale, we are focused on disciplined execution and responsible deployment. We expect to generate more than $1 billion of enterprise value by 2027, with $300 million achieved as of year-end 2025, reinforcing that our approach is not only improving productivity and efficiency, but also delivering real impact for our customers, colleagues and shareholders.”