Why Today's Filipino Workers Are Looking Beyond Salary

Health, security, and peace of mind are becoming just as important as compensation

For many Filipinos, work has always been about more than just earning a living. It is about providing for loved ones, building a better future, and creating a sense of security for the people who matter most. Today, however, the way employees evaluate job opportunities is evolving. While salary remains an important consideration, many are increasingly looking beyond compensation such as healthcare access, family protection, financial security, work-life balance, and overall well-being. 

Recent studies suggest this shift is becoming more pronounced. Aon's 2025 Human Capital Employee Sentiment Study found 64% of Filipino employees are considering changing employers within the next year, highlighting the growing importance of creating a workplace experience that goes beyond a paycheck.

EastWest Builds Smarter, More Relevant Banking for Customers

EastWest is advancing a smarter, easier and more customer-focused model of banking--using data to deliver more relevant financial options, improving everyday service experiences, and helping broaden investor access to one of the country’s landmark public offerings.

These initiatives earned EastWest three major recognitions from Asian Banking & Finance (ABF): Mid-Sized Retail Bank of the Year – Philippines and Analytics Initiative of the Year – Philippines, both for the second consecutive year at the Asian Banking and Finance Retail Banking Awards, and its first IPO Deal of the Year – Philippines award at the Asian Banking and Finance Corporate and Investment Banking Awards.

The awards demonstrate the impact of EastWest’s continued push to make banking more intuitive, accessible, and relevant to customers’ evolving financial needs. The Bank combines digital convenience with personal, advisory-led service across its store network which provides customers with more ways to transact, seek guidance, and manage their money with confidence. In 2025, digital transactions accounted for 51% of total transactions, while new digital onboarding capabilities enabled customers to open accounts and access services with less time and effort.

EastWest also completed customer journey improvements across digital onboarding, dispute resolution, complaints handling, and in-store experience. These enhancements helped drive an eight-point improvement in the Bank’s Net Promoter Score and a lower complaints ratio, reflecting stronger customer experience outcomes.

“Our progress begins with understanding what customers genuinely need and removing the friction that can get in their way,” said Ms. Ivy B. Uy, EVP and Head of Branch Banking Group. “Whether they are opening an account, exploring an investment, growing a business, or planning for the future, we want every interaction with EastWest to feel more relevant, thoughtful, and easy.”

The same customer-first discipline also shaped EastWest’s award-winning analytics initiative. As market conditions evolved and customer preferences shifted, the Bank used data-driven insights to better understand how customers manage savings, investments, and liquidity across different life stages and financial goals.

These insights gave EastWest Stores and relationship managers a stronger basis for meaningful customer conversations, enabling more personalized guidance on fixed-income investment options while supporting both immediate needs and long-term financial planning.

Beyond retail banking, EastWest was also recognized for its role in expanding access to the Philippine capital market as a Domestic Participating Underwriter for the initial public offering of Maynilad Water Services, Inc.

Completed in November 2025, the transaction became one of the largest initial public offerings in Philippine history and drew strong investor interest, reinforcing confidence in the country’s capital markets.

Through its distribution network and client relationships, EastWest helped support domestic and retail investor participation, contributing to a more diversified shareholder base. The offering also strengthened Maynilad’s capital base for long-term water and wastewater infrastructure investments while broadening its access to funding.

“These recognitions reflect different strengths of the Bank, but they are connected by one purpose: creating meaningful value for the people and institutions we serve,” Uy added. “They encourage us to keep listening, learning, and finding better ways to help our customers move forward.”

EastWest’s latest ABF wins validate its customer-focused growth strategy: using insight to make financial decisions more relevant, improving access across physical and digital channels, and connecting more Filipinos to opportunities in banking and investment.

Security Bank and Security Bank Capital clinch nine wins for landmark infrastructure deals at The Asset Triple A Awards 2026

Security Bank and Security Bank Capital Investment Corporation won nine awards for landmark infrastructure deals at The Asset Triple A Awards. Seated (L-R): Yvonne Joanna P. Marcelo, EVP and Corporate Banking Group Head, Security Bank; Victor Lee, President and CEO, Security Bank; Virgilio Chua, President and CEO, Security Bank Capital. Standing (L-R): Nescy Joy Mendoza VP and Team Lead, Security Bank; Kimberly Malka Soner, AVP and Relationship Manager, Security Bank; Angelica Alonzo, Enterprise Risk Analyst, Security Bank; Roberto Tejuco, VP and Relationship Manager/Team Lead, Security Bank; Serafin Del Rosario, FVP and Enterprise Risk Evaluation Head, Security Bank; Michael Patrick F. Cruz, VP and Relationship Manager/Team Lead, Security Bank; Maria Margarita Antoinette C. Lee, FVP and Executive Director and Coverage and Origination Team Head, Security Bank Capital; Marie Jeanine Lansang, AVP and Associate Director and Deal Execution Team Head, Security Bank Capital; and Daisy Garcia, SVP and Managing Director and Deal Execution Team Head, Security Bank Capital

Security Bank marks ArteFino’s 10th anniversary with exclusive cardholder privileges

Security Bank is celebrating the 10th anniversary of ArteFino with exclusive privileges for its cardholders, while continuing its longstanding support for Filipino artisans, designers, and homegrown brands.

From July 30 to August 2, 2026, ArteFino's Isang Dekada edition will bring together more than 100 Filipino brands across The Fifth, North Court, South Court, and Lifestyle Hall at Power Plant Mall in Makati City.

Throughout the four-day event, Security Bank cardholders will enjoy complimentary admission upon presentation of their Security Bank card, a dedicated payment lane for faster checkout, and flexible payment options, including 0% ChargeLight Installment for up to 12 months or Charge Now, Pay Later on a minimum single-receipt purchase of PHP10,000.

"ArteFino has always been about celebrating the people behind the craft. The makers, the stories, and the traditions they carry forward. That's something we're proud to support," said Tanya Deakin, Corporate Communications Division Head of Security Bank. "As we celebrate 75 years of BetterBanking, we're grateful to partner with organizations that create opportunities for Filipino entrepreneurs while giving our clients access to experiences they'll genuinely enjoy."

Sun Life Philippines wins two awards at Insurance Asia Awards 2026

King Domingo, Client Experience Lead, Sun Life Philippines; Daureen Andal, Chief Product Solutions Officer, Sun Life Philippines; and Tim Charlton, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Insurance Asia Magazine

Sun Life Philippines has been recognized for excellence in both innovation and employee engagement, winning two honors at the Insurance Asia Awards 2026:

Insurance Product Innovation of the Year – Philippines for Sun Life EasyLink Protect

Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. Reaffirms Commitment to Helping OFWs "Come Home for Good"

Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc., in partnership with the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute and the Associated Marine Officers' and Seamen's Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP), brought its continuing advocacy to life by co-presenting a two-leg Overseas Filipinos Health and Financial Wellness Expo.

Held in Cebu and Iloilo, the initiative brought together migrant workers, seafarers, dependents, and stakeholders for a day focused on health, financial literacy, and community support. 

On-site services and informational sessions were provided by government agencies, including the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG Fund, and PhilHealth. Meanwhile, healthcare services were delivered by Physicians Diagnostic Services Center Inc., which offered physical examinations, blood sugar testing, and a wellness lecture addressing the unique health challenges faced by seafarers.

Security Bank marks 75 years with opening of 391st branch in Muntinlupa

Security Bank executives and guests at the opening of the Bank’s new branch in Muntinlupa City (From left): Rebecca Muyot, FVP and Area Head; Jedidiah Presnedi, Councilor of Muntinlupa City; Nikki Faith Yap, Business Manager – OIC of Muntinlupa Branch; Richard D. Fong, President of REDFO Corporation and Former President of Ayala Alabang Village; Leslie Cham, EVP and Branch Banking Group Head; Estelita D. Patdu, Building lessor and Board Member – Professional Regulation Commission (PRC); Rozzano Rufino “Ruffy” Biazon, Mayor of Muntinlupa City; Victor Lee Meng Tek, President and CEO of Security Bank Corporation; Hon. Stephanie "Phanie" Teves-Wong, Vice Mayor of Muntinlupa City; Suzette Pineda, FVP and Region Head; Ronald Austria, SVP and Branch Banking Luzon Distribution Head; Kathlyn Abalos, Business Manager – Cluster Head

Fiuu Secures JCB Direct Acquiring License to Strengthen Regional Card Acceptance Across Southeast Asia

Fiuu expands JCB acceptance to Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines, with Thailand planned next.

From left to right: Daniel Han (Head Acquiring, JCB International Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, Malaysia Branch), Kenta Yanase (Country Manager, JCB International Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Malaysia Branch), Shimpei Yamaguchi (Managing Director of JCB International Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.), Eng Sheng Guan (Chief Executive Officer of Fiuu), Jacqueline Lim (Chief Business Development Officer of Fiuu) and Oon Wee Keong (Chief Operating Officer of Fiuu)

Fiuu, the leading fintech platform in Southeast Asia, has secured a JCB Direct Acquiring license as a Regional Acquirer across Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. The milestone strengthens Fiuu’s card acquiring capabilities by enabling Fiuu to connect directly with JCB and process transactions in-house, reducing reliance on intermediaries and giving merchants a more dependable way to accept JCB payments across online and offline channels.

3 Tips to Help Freelancers Price Their Work More Confidently

Learning how to set rates is one of the hardest parts of freelancing. It can be difficult to know whether you’re charging too much, too little, or just enough. If you’re a young freelancer trying to figure it out, here’s an expert guide to pricing your work from three seasoned professionals.

Start with a minimum sustainable rate

For many new freelancers, the first step in pricing starts with an important personal consideration: How much do you actually need to earn to make freelancing sustainable? For finance expert Arnel Legaspi, this means building a baseline rate that reflects the minimum needed to sustain both your personal and work expenses.

Security Bank expands free fund transfers to all customers

As part of its commitment to delivering BetterBanking, Security Bank is making fund transfers free for all customers starting July 10, 2026. 

For years, free fund transfers have been among the exclusive benefits enjoyed by the Bank's Gold, Wealth, Corporate, and Business Banking clients. Beginning July 10, 2026, Security Bank is extending this benefit to all customers, making everyday banking simpler, more convenient, and more affordable. 

Maya bags Gold and Silver at PR Awards Asia-Pacific 2026

Maya, the Philippines’ leading digital financial services platform, won two accolades at the PR Awards Asia-Pacific 2026—Gold in the Best Brand Collaboration category and Silver in the Consumer Launch category. Its Welcome to Maya Black campaign was also shortlisted in the PR Event category. 

Maya took home Gold in the Best Brand Collaboration category, a new award under the Effectiveness track, for its 2025 campaign, Save a Housemate. Save with Maya. 

Billease grows FY2025 revenue over 80% to US$151 million as net profit rises to US$13.6 million

The consumer-finance platform delivered a return on assets of 6.8% while investing in growth ahead of its move into banking

Billease, one of the Philippines’ leading consumer finance and buy-now-pay-later platforms, today reported audited consolidated results for the financial year ended 31 December 2025. Revenue grew more than 80% to US$151.2 million and net profit reached US$13.6 million, extending Billease’s multi-year track record of profitability—a rare position in a market where the majority of digital banks and lenders remain in the red.

The platform’s gross loan book grew more than 77% to US$212.1 million, total assets reached US$233.5 million, and Billease now onboards more than 100,000 new customers every month. The business delivered a return on assets of roughly 6.8%.

Alcantara Foundation and Alsons Dev Gain National Recognition for Championing Davao’s Creative Community

Representatives of the Alcantara Foundation and Alsons Dev at the 2026 CSR Guild Awards, where their joint initiative was a Finalist in the Outstanding CSR Project for Arts and Culture category.

The Conrado Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc. (Alcantara Foundation) was recognized as a Finalist in the Outstanding CSR Project for Arts and Culture category at the 2026 CSR Guild Awards, held on June 30, 2026 at The Westin Manila in Mandaluyong City, for its corporate social responsibility initiative with Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev).

Recognition was given for the Alcantara Foundation and Alsons Dev’s joint project aimed at strengthening Davao City’s creative industry. A key milestone is the 2025 Culture, Arts, and Heritage Summit, a multi-stakeholder platform that convened over 300 artists, cultural workers, and representatives from the government, academe, and private sector to identify sector needs, co-develop strategies, and help build an enabling environment for creative growth.

Robi Domingo's Boss Era is All About Putting People First

For years, Robi Domingo has been one of the country's most recognizable television personalities, effortlessly hosting live shows, interviewing celebrities, and becoming a familiar face in Filipino homes. Away from the spotlight, however, he has embraced a role that's redefining what success means to him - an entrepreneur, employer, and leader.

Alongside his thriving media career, Robi has expanded into entrepreneurship through his ventures in the milk tea industry and his food business, Oink. While building successful businesses has been rewarding, it has also given him a new perspective on leadership and responsibility. "They're both challenging in very different ways. When you're in front of the camera, the pressure is immediate. You have to think on your feet and deliver your best because you only have one chance to get it right," he shares. "Running a business is a different kind of pressure because it's long-term. You're not just thinking about yourself anymore - you think about your business partners, your employees, your customers, and the families that depend on the business. Every decision, whether it's marketing, product development, or operations, has a ripple effect."

Security Bank awards BYD Sealion 6 DM-i to grand winner of 12 Gifts of Christmas Raffle Promo

(From left): Fortunato Miguel Gupit, CASA Growth and Retention Manager. Deborah “Debbie” Novero and her brother, winner of the brand-new BYD Sealion 6 DM-i during the handover ceremony at BYD Bacoor

Security Bank officially concluded its 12 Gifts of Christmas Raffle Promo after successfully awarding two BYD Sealion 6 DM-i units to lucky clients, marking one of the Bank’s biggest raffle prize giveaways to date.

The campaign rewarded clients for saving and maintaining deposits with Security Bank while encouraging greater engagement through digital banking channels. Over the course of the promo, clients nationwide had the opportunity to win premium prizes through multiple raffle draws, reinforcing the Bank’s commitment to making saving more rewarding for Filipinos.

Sun Life Strengthens High-Net-Worth Advisory Capabilities as 100 Advisors Complete Exclusive CTEP Certification Program

Marking a significant milestone in its commitment to elevating expertise within its high-net-worth advisory team, Sun Life Philippines announced that 100 financial advisors have successfully completed an exclusive delivery of the Chartered Trust and Estate Planner (CTEP) program. 

A specialized program, CTEP equipped participating advisors with advanced knowledge across six comprehensive modules covering estate planning fundamentals, estate taxation, wills and trust strategies, gifting and life insurance planning, business succession arrangements, and special powers of attorney.

Delivered by seasoned financial industry experts, the CTEP curriculum combined comprehensive theoretical knowledge with practical case studies, enabling advisors to apply learning immediately to real-world client scenarios involving business succession, philanthropic structuring, and incapacity planning.

UnionBank Private wins triple global awards for next-generation wealth management excellence

Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) has earned multiple international recognitions at the prestigious Global Private Banker Innovation Awards 2026, underscoring its commitment to helping clients build and preserve their financial legacy through tailored wealth management solutions and NextGen empowerment. Through UnionBank Private—its highest-tier wealth management segment serving ultra-high-net-worth individuals—the Bank was recognized for delivering holistic and forward-looking financial solutions, securing three major accolades:

Best Next-Generation Offering - Philippines

Best Private Bank for Client Experience – Philippines

Excellence in Intergenerational Services by a Private Bank

Ate Shawie’s grocery list comes with advice on life’s essentials

Imagine walking into a supermarket and seeing Megastar Sharon Cuneta working as a clerk, helping shoppers fill their carts. One moment, she's at the checkout counter recommending must-have essentials; the next, she's strolling through the aisles, sharing practical tips and chatting with shoppers like everyone's trusted Ate.

This is the premise of InLife's latest campaign featuring InLife's Dreamweaver Sharon Cuneta, which encourages Filipinos to rethink what truly belongs on their essentials list. Through familiar grocery staples and relatable life moments, the campaign delivers a timely reminder that insurance is no longer just a luxury but an essential part of protecting the people and future we value most.

Your Mid-Year Money Reset: Five Ways to Make the Rest of 2026 Count

There's something about the middle of the year that makes people reassess everything: the routines they've kept, the goals they've quietly abandoned, and the habits they want to change. Money shouldn't be any different.

Halfway through 2026 isn't just another milestone on the calendar, it's an opportunity to check whether your financial habits are still helping you get where you want to go. Because the smartest financial plans aren't the ones you never change, they're the ones that evolve as life does.

Whether your priorities have shifted or you're simply looking to finish the year stronger, here are six practical ways to give your finances a mid-year reset with Maya, the country's #1 Digital Bank and leading all-in-one fintech platform.

Security Bank refinances 17.4 MW Hermosa solar plant

Security Bank, CN Green Roof Asia, Climate Fund Managers, and Norfund have partnered to support renewable energy delivery to Bataan communities. Seated (L-R): Marie Carmela Lim, Sales and Acquisition Head, Security Bank; Virgilio Chua, President and CEO, Security Bank Capital and Investment Corporation; Yvonne Joanna Marcelo, Corporate Banking Group Head, Security Bank; Steve Rawles, CEO, CN Green Roof Asia; John Benedict Victorino, Senior Investment Manager, Climate Fund Managers; and Ryan Oetama, Investment Manager, Climate Fund Managers. Standing (L-R): Marvin Matias, Coverage and Origination Team Head, Security Bank Capital and Investment Corporation; Josh Carlo Samson, Other Fiduciary Services Dept. Head, Security Bank; Westin Raymond Contreras, Investment Consultant, CN Green Roof Philippines; Michael Patrick Cruz, Corporate Banking Team Head, Security Bank; Mary Joy Flores, Finance Manager, CN Green Roof Philippines; Donna Talledo, Legal Consultant, CN Green Roof Philippines; and Emylou Jane Juanillo, Corporate Banking Jr. Relationship Manager, Security Bank

In line with our evolving brand identity, the company, formerly known as Insular Life, is now officially referred to as InLife.

Beyond the paycheck: When enough is not enough

True financial security requires not just an income but also the right partner to achieve it. 

Many people believe they have achieved financial independence when they can provide for their basic needs, pay the bills and still enjoy life’s little luxuries.

But ask anyone who has experienced a serious illness, lost a loved one unexpectedly, or reached retirement without adequate savings, and they will tell you that income alone does not guarantee financial security.

Security Bank Capital named FinanceAsia’s Best Domestic Debt Capital Markets House

Virgilio Chua, President and CEO of Security Bank Capital, received the Best Debt Capital Markets (DCM) House – Domestic award from Jasmine Tai, Associate Head of Conferences at FinanceAsia and Corporate Treasurer Corporate Treasurer at Haymarket Media Group, during the FinanceAsia Awards 2026 ceremony held on June 25 at Conrad Hong Kong.

Security Bank Capital Investment Corporation (“Security Bank Capital”), the wholly owned investment banking arm of Security Bank Corporation, has been named Best Debt Capital Markets (DCM) House – Domestic at the FinanceAsia Awards 2026 held in Hong Kong on June 25, 2026.   

Security Bank celebrates 75 years with customer rewards across priority banking and credit cards

As it marks its 75th anniversary, Security Bank is rolling out a range of offers that give customers more ways to be rewarded, whether they’re financing a car or home, using their credit card, or building a deeper relationship with the Bank.

Anchored on its theme, “With you then. With you now. With you always,” the anniversary promotions reflect the Bank’s focus on supporting customers through key moments and everyday financial needs, while delivering meaningful value across its core products.

Gold Circle: Expanded access and everyday benefits

Among the highlights is expanded access to Gold Circle, the Bank’s priority banking program. Until July 31, 2026, eligible customers who take out a qualifying home or auto loan will be granted Gold Circle status.

Wais moves for peace of mind with Home Credit

One smart move gave Joyce Tan peace of mind when she needed it most, showing how Home Credit supports its customers through life’s unexpected moments.   

Joyce Tan, a Wais Home Credit customer since 2020, bought her iPhone 13 in 2021 with the added peace of mind of HOME CREDIT PROTECT. A Gen Z professional living independently in Taguig, Joyce balanced her work, rent, bills, and daily expenses while finding practical ways to manage lifestyle purchases with Home Credit products and services. This one move of buying her phone with Home Credit Protect, unexpectedly guarded her from an unforeseen medical emergency that surfaced in her life with sudden changes in her blood pressure eventually needing her to be hospitalized for Stage 2 hypertension.  

Moneymaxxing Your Credit Card Without Maxing It Out

In an economy where everything seems more expensive than it used to be, people aren't avoiding credit anymore. They're finding ways on how to make it work harder for them.

This shift fueled the rise of Moneymaxxing, a growing mindset focused on getting more value from the money you're already spending—whether that's through rewards, cashback, flexibility, or simply using the right financial tools for the right purchases.

Credit cards, when used strategically, can play an important role in that equation.