The convenience and accessibility of mobile apps and online banking have made cashless transactions the preferred payment method for many Filipinos. According to a study, cash usage has declined to 87%, down from 96% in 2022, as consumer habits increasingly favor cashless payments.
However, this rapid shift towards digital banking brings its own set of challenges, particularly in the area of security.
Its completion benefits 4,362 households or a population of 18,904 individuals in three different barangays within Palawan, including Brgy. New Busuanga in Busuanga; Brgy. 6 in Coron; and Brgy. Malaking Patag in Culion.
Initiated in January this year, the project was launched to increase the capacity of the Calamianes Watersheds and improve the availability and resilience of clean water in the islands. This was done via a two-pronged approach: by enhancing forest management and protection and by providing rainwater harvesting facilities and supporting the application of the 3R (Recharge, Retention, and Reuse) water technologies.
The launch of EasyWay is a major milestone in the build-up to EastWest Bank’s 30th-anniversary celebration, which kicked off this August and will run through July next year. It highlights the bank’s continuous drive for improvement, always striving to exceed the expectations of its valued customers.
EasyWay represents another important step in EastWest’s ongoing efforts to deliver customer-focused and up-to-date banking services. It is part of a broader digital ecosystem that includes EasyBiz, Komo, ESTA, and EastWest Pay, reflecting the bank’s holistic approach to addressing diverse customer needs with advanced solutions.
Visa cards can be used to pay on modern jeepneys in Cebu and Mandaue City, creating a seamless transit experience and inclusive acceptance for daily commuters and tourists in the Philippines
Visa, a world leader in digital payments, is collaborating with Good Transport Solutions Inc. (GTSI), a transit mobility solutions provider, and GHL, a leading nationwide payment service provider and payment acquirer. This collaboration has enabled the use of Visa cards for payments on modern jeepneys in Cebu and Mandaue City, the second biggest city in Cebu.
The initiative kicked off today with an official launch ceremony at the Cebu IT Park Transport Terminal, with Good Transport Solutions Inc. (GTSI) working in partnership with local transport operators, Lahug Apas Transport Cooperative (LATRANSCO) and Mandaue Transport Cooperative (MTC), to launch 120 modern jeepneys in Cebu and 20 modern jeepneys in Mandaue City. The onboard terminals in these vehicles now accept Visa payments. This initiative, part of a pilot project, signifies Visa's commitment to promoting transit acceptance in the Philippines with plans to expand to more modes of transit in coming years.
In a country where the people are still in the process of recognizing life insurance as a tool for securing their families' futures, Sun Life stands as an industry leader that guides Filipinos towards achieving greater financial security. At the helm of this endeavor is Al Quitangon, a seasoned veteran in the realm of finance who now serves as Sun Life's Chief Distribution Officer.
Quitangon’s journey with Sun Life is one marked by a deep understanding of financial planning. As a former advisor himself, he perceives the challenges and aspirations as client might have and uses this as a fuel to lead governed by client-centric values.
“Everyone who steps into the world of insurance knows that this isn’t just a job, this is a calling. It’s about empowering Filipinos to take charge of their future, allowing them to have the right knowledge and tools necessary to be prepared for the unforeseen challenges of life,” said Quitangon. His personal philosophy on finances puts education to the fore, believing that financial literacy is the cornerstone of long-term prosperity.
In addition to this remarkable achievement, Sun Life Grepa has also been recognized at the International Finance Awards, winning the same category this year. This marks their second win at the International Finance Awards, having been previously recognized as Best Insurance Provider for SME-Philippines in 2022.
As the festive "ber months" of 2024 approach, Filipinos are not only looking forward to celebrations but also focusing on financial stability and planning for their future. Mocasa, the Philippines' first virtual credit wallet, is here to help individuals and families take control of their finances with practical saving strategies tailored for this season.
The "ber months" are a time of heightened spending on holiday festivities, gifts, and travel. Financial security during this period isn't just about saving money—it's about creating a roadmap to achieve your financial goals while enjoying the season. Whether you're preparing for emergencies, planning for holiday expenses, or setting aside money for future needs, Mocasa recognizes the unique financial challenges of the "ber months" and aims to provide practical tips to help Filipinos navigate this time with confidence.
A key part of these decisions is building a financial safety net, ensuring families are emotionally, physically, and financially prepared for parenthood and life's milestones. This is now recognized as a crucial element of the national financial inclusion strategy, as highlighted by the Financial Inclusion Steering Committee (FISC) under the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in their National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 2022-2028.
Pru Life UK, the Philippines 'leading life insurer, takes home three prestigious awards from the 21st annual International Business Awards®.
The International Business Awards®, also known as Stevie® Awards, are the world's premier business awards. They were created in 2002 to honour and generate public recognition of the achievements and positive contributions of organisations and working professionals worldwide.
.jpg)
Poor nutrition is a major contributor to a range of chronic diseases and among the most common diseases in the country are diabetes, heart disease, and anemia. Recent data also show the Philippines is experiencing a surge in obesity rates and diet-related deaths. The National Nutrition Survey revealed that the prevalence of overweight and obese adults has increased significantly over the past decade. These highlight the urgent need for improved nutrition and healthcare strategies to address this growing epidemic.
This recognition underscores Sun Life’s commitment to fostering an engaged workplace for its employees while creating a positive impact on the community.
Sun Life’s dedication to employee well-being and engagement has led it to implement innovative programs and initiatives that aims to empower its employees to shine together, make life brighter, and shape the future. Fostering a culture of collaboration and growth, the company enables its employees to be their authentic selves at work.
Meanwhile, the company’s philanthropic arm, the Sun Life Foundation, has consistently demonstrated a strong focus on addressing the needs of vulnerable communities. More than short-term projects, Sun Life Foundation mounts sustainable initiatives focused on education and financial literacy, community health, and environment conservation. This empowers the communities to take the reins themselves for a deeper sense of ownership and fulfilment.
Thermina Akram, Go Negosyo Executive Director; Joey Concepcion, Go Negosyo Founder, Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Sun Life Philippines Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer; and Cary Casipit, Sun Life Philippines Head of Client Segments Marketing
Sun Life Philippines, the country’s leading life insurance company, and Go Negosyo, a renowned non-profit organization dedicated to entrepreneurship, recently formalized their strategic tie-up aimed at enhancing financial literacy and safeguarding the future of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The Malayan Golfer’s Insurance, recently named as the Best New Insurance Product–Golfers Insurance Philippines 2024 by World Economic Magazine Inc. and International Business Magazine, is an insurance product designed to help golfers play with peace of mind amid risks they could face on the course. Most golfers enjoy the game for mental stimulation which calls for focus and strategy. However, certain risks could disrupt the main benefits of playing golf such as equipment loss or damage, and liability for third party damages and injuries.
With Malayan Golfer’s Insurance, expect full swing protection as it offers comprehensive coverage which protects golfers from a wide range of risks including medical expenses and vulnerability of equipment such as expensive golf clubs and bags to theft, damage or loss during transport or on the course.
Marking 30 years of dedicated service, EastWest eagerly anticipates its year-long celebration commencing this August. As the banking arm of Filinvest Development Corporation, one of the country's leading conglomerates with interests in real estate, hospitality and tourism, power generation and sugar, the Bank proudly carries on the Gotianun legacy of entrepreneurial spirit, perseverance, integrity, and innovation to create banking solutions for its diverse clientele.
Looking back, its journey over the past three decades highlights its blend of the traditional warmth of the East and the forward-thinking mindset of the West. Founded in 1994, EastWest Bank has grown to become one of the Philippines' leading universal banks, known for its customer-centric approach and innovative financial solutions, helping countless Filipinos achieve their financial goals.
Visa, a global leader in digital payments, is actively supporting Southeast Asia's journey into becoming a cashless society. As mobile wallet usage grows in the region, Visa enhances consumer options by enabling cardholders to use their cards directly with merchants or e-wallets such as Maya and GrabPay in the Philippines.
Jeff Navarro, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines, said: “Visa’s research found that in the Philippines, 87% of surveyed respondents have used their mobile wallets in the last 12 months. Our partnerships with e-wallets in the Philippines enable Visa cardholders to cash in their wallets using their cards issued in the Philippines, which is in alignment with the growing preference for cashless transactions in the Philippines. These partnerships provide consumers with more choices and support small businesses by enhancing their ability to accept payments, keeping pace with the expanding use of digital payment methods like cards and mobile wallets. At Visa, we're committed to broadening access to diverse digital payment options that are seamless and secure, to promote financial and digital inclusion."
MDRT is an association of life insurance agents and financial advisors that aims to promote ethical standards, best practices, and the promotion of the sales profession for life insurance as well as the health and long-term care industry. To become a member, a financial advisor must pass stringent membership requirements. With this, MDRT has become a hallmark of excellence in the life insurance industry and the financial services sector.
