MANILA, PH – March 2026 – Sun Life Philippines, the country’s No. 1 life insurance company in terms of total premium income, recently hosted the Women’s Business Mission of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada at the company’s head office in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening ties between Canada and the Asia-Pacific region through research, dialogue, and strategic business engagement. Its Women’s Business Mission brings together women-led and women-owned Canadian companies to explore opportunities for collaboration, trade, and investment in key markets across Asia, while advancing women’s economic empowerment and inclusive growth.
The Women’s Business Mission event underscored Sun Life’s commitment to empowering women in the insurance and financial services industries by championing innovation, collaboration, and technology-driven solutions that strengthen connections between the company and its Clients.
As part of the experience, delegates were given a firsthand look at Sun Life’s digital transformation initiatives through interactive technology booths showcasing tools developed in-house to enhance both advisor and Client experience. These included Advisor Social, a digital content management platform for advisors; Advisor Buddy, a digital onboarding and navigation tool for new advisors; and Medical Document Translation, a cost-efficient, low-risk solution that helps accelerate underwriting decisions.
“We are incredibly proud of the tools we build in-house, but true innovation requires knowing what you can’t build alone,” said Nathalie Bernardo, Vice President and Site Head of Sun Life Global Solutions Philippines. “At Sun Life, we actively look for opportunities to partner with startups because they bring the agility and niche expertise we need to solve complex problems fast. We treat our partners as co-creators, and looking at the brilliant women founders in this room, my genuine hope is that some of your companies will soon join our ecosystem.”
Meanwhile, Sun Life Philippines CEO & Country Head Benedict Sison, highlighted Sun Life’s Canadian roots. “What began as a Canadian company’s commitment to the Philippine market has grown into a long-standing partnership with Filipino families, businesses, and communities, and we’re excited to do more,” he said.
Present during the event were Sun Life’s women leaders, including Joy Castillo, Chief Operations Officer of Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc.; Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer of Sun Life Philippines; Michelle Cordero-Garcia, Chief Human Resources Officer of Sun Life Philippines; and Nathalie Bernardo, Vice President and Site Head of Sun Life Global Solutions Philippines.
Sun Life Philippines continues to champion women leadership across its organization. Women make up 73% of the company’s more than 22,000-strong advisor force, while 51% of its senior leadership roles are held by women. This reinforces Sun Life’s belief that inclusive leadership drives stronger outcomes for Clients, communities, and the business.
Persistent gaps in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities in schools continue to put Filipino children at risk of preventable infections. In the Philippines, diarrhea remains one of the leading causes of illness and hospitalization nationwide, with studies linking around 80% of diarrhea-related deaths to poor access to safe water and sanitation. This recent health concern shows how unsafe water and poor hygiene continue to expose children to avoidable infections.
Enter Batang Matatag, Erceflora’s flagship advocacy, tackling child mortality from diarrhea by flipping the script—from treatment to prevention. The initiative champions gut health awareness, hygiene education, and improved sanitation, reaching over 200,000 children across different regions in the Philippines since its launch in 2022.
“Batang Matatag reflects our commitment to protecting children not just through treatment, but through prevention—empowering communities with the knowledge, habits, and support to build strong foundations for lifelong health and resilience. Real change begins with the small things families do every day, it starts at home, in schools, and in everyday choices,” said Rica Mateo, Erceflora ASEA Zone Brand Lead.
The Batang Matatag initiative by Erceflora has built WASH facilities and donated refrigerated drinking fountains to over 104 schools across BARMM, Luzon, and Rizal, helping drive measurable health gains and improving everyday environments where children learn and grow. 20% decline in diarrhea cases in partner Rizal schools and a 50% reduction in BARMM schools have been observed during School Year 2024–2025.
Looking ahead, Erceflora aims to reach 150,000 students and healthcare providers in 2026 as the program expands across Rizal and Metro Manila, strengthening its mission to build more resilient children through better gut health and hygiene practices.
“Being Batang Matatag starts with taking care of one’s body, but this mission goes far beyond any single product or organization. We call on parents, educators, and partners to work with us—because building stronger, healthier children is a shared responsibility we cannot achieve alone,” Opella Healthcare Philippines Country Head, Emma Valette emphasized.
Batang Matatag Day 2026: Growing the Mission, Strengthening More Young Lives Five years in, Batang Matatag isn’t slowing down—it’s scaling up. Batang Matatag Day 2026 marks a renewed push to expand the program’s reach, highlighted by a visit from Opella Healthcare’s executive leaders—CEO Julie Van-Ongevalle, Chief Growth Officer Alberto Hernandez, and Chief Strategy and Corporate Affairs Officer Matthieu Brucker—and partnerships with seven new schools, including Maharlika Integrated School in Taguig.
There, 200 Grade 2 and 3 learners joined interactive activities—including the Batang Matatag Bus sessions on proper handwashing—to promote healthy habits early and strengthen well-being at its foundation.
“For the past five years, in partnership with Manila Water Foundation, schools, and communities across BARMM and Luzon, we’ve been helping children look after their health—especially their gut health, which supports 70% of immunity. We want more kids across the Philippines to know this and be truly Batang Matatag. We’re committed to reaching even more this year,” Carol-Ann Stewart, Opella Healthcare AMEA President, noted.
For partner schools, the impact is already tangible—and points to what sustained investment can achieve.
“Batang Matatag’s services and contributions came at a crucial time, enabling us to provide improved drinking and washing facilities that will have a lasting impact on our school community. We are honored to be among the program’s beneficiaries. More than the resources, your commitment has brought joy to our learners and strengthened an environment where they can thrive, grow, and build healthier habits for the future,” said Dr. Romeo O. Olalo, Principal of Maharlika Integrated School.
MAHALAGANG PAALALA: ANG ERCEFLORA GUT DEFENSE AT ERCEFLORA GUT RESTORE AY HINDI GAMOT AT HINDI DAPAT GAMITING PANGGAMOT SA ANUMANG URI NG SAKIT.
MAT-PH-2600358 / Ver 1.0 / DA 03-2026 / DM 03-2026 Opella Healthcare Philippines Inc.
From breakthrough hits to enduring anthems, the band is set to perform a career-spanning set featuring new arrangements and a few surprises
Pinoy rock icons The Dawn returns to the big stage with another major concert celebrating their 40th anniversary in the local music industry.
Following the successful staging of Ballet & Ballads, a special collaboration between the band and Ballet Manila held early this year, The Dawn is gearing up for another special show featuring the current band lineup and some exciting surprises that will surely make headlines once announced.
Dubbed “Kwarenta,” the highly anticipated concert will take place at The Theatre at Solaire on Saturday, June 27, 2026. The concert also marks The Dawn’s legacy as one of the pillars of Filipino rock music, producing remarkable classics that resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
Directed by Paolo Valenciano, Kwarenta will showcase a career-spanning setlist drawn from The Dawn’s 1987 self-titled debut up to 2018’s Ascendant, signaling an even more ambitious and carefully curated production—both in concept and design.
Emerging in the mid-1980s, The Dawn helped define the modern Filipino band movement. Over the decades, the band has built a formidable catalog anchored by enduring anthems such as “Enveloped Ideas,” “Salamat,” and “Iisang Bangka,” which have transcended eras and shifted cultural discussions. Their work has become part of the collective memory of Filipino audiences: performed in intimate gatherings and singing contests, large-scale concerts and battle-of-the-bands competitions, and everything in between.
Kwarenta, as a concept, is a comprehensive portrait of The Dawn’s journey as a collective. Their story is one of persistence and reinvention. Lineup changes, industry shifts, and the loss of key figures—including founding guitarist Teddy Diaz—have emboldened their history and catapulted them into the pantheon of Pinoy rock greats. Few acts achieve such longevity while maintaining audience connection and renewed creativity.
As vocalist Jet Pangan reflects, reaching 40 years was never assumed; it is, in many ways, the result of hard work, discipline, and support from fans. ”Four decades is something to be really thankful for, and it’s all because there are still people out there who enjoy our music and gigs.”
Sharing Jet’s enthusiasm, guitarist Francis “Kiko” Reyes promises a 40th anniversary show that will go down in history as one of the decade’s finest. “40 years is quite a big slice of time. We wanted to highlight the stuff that has happened across four decades. It’s a milestone; it’s definitely not lost on us. It will be special and, I think, quite emotional. It won’t be just a ‘the best of’ gig.”
Audiences can expect reimagined and exciting new arrangements, incredible production values, and the possibility of surprise guest appearances. The celebration extends globally with the Kwarenta Tour, with confirmed dates across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and more cities to be announced.
Event Details: Kwarenta: The Dawn 40th Anniversary Concert June 27, 2026 The Theatre at Solaire, Paranaque City
The bar opens at 6:00 PM / The show starts at 8:00 PM Exclusive after-party (SVIP bundle) at 11:00 PM
Tickets will be available starting 12 noon, 6 April 2026.
For tickets, please contact:
Ticketworld: www.ticketworld.com.ph Ticketworld: +63 917 550 6997, +63 999 954 5922 The Dawn Hotline: +63 949 686 6768
GCash introduces its new international transfers feature which enables Filipinos to send same-day transfers with transparent tracking and competitive forex
As part of its commitment to enabling Finance for All Filipinos, GCash, the country’s leading finance app and largest cashless ecosystem, has launched GCash International Transfers. This first-of-its-kind e-wallet feature enables users to send money directly from their GCash wallet to international bank accounts, cards, and e-wallets.
The service is currently available in 16 countries, including the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Singapore, India, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, with plans to expand to more countries soon.
Ideal for families that send support for loved ones abroad or micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sourcing raw materials, inventory, or specialize services from overseas, this new feature enables GCash users to send money in Philippine pesos to international bank accounts, cards, and e-wallets in key countries. Recipients receive funds in their local currency, eliminating conversion concerns and ensuring straightforward access to transferred amounts.
This new initiative breaks down time and cost barriers for families who send allowances, educational support (including for “pasabuy” services), and business funds to suppliers abroad.
“GCash International Transfers reflects our commitment to extending financial inclusion beyond Philippine borders,” said Arjun Varma, GCash international general manager. “We want Filipinos to have access to fast, affordable, and transparent international transfers, whether they are supporting family abroad, sending allowances to students, or paying for goods and services across borders.”
Before the launch of this service, sending money abroad using traditional transfer methods was often complicated by slow processing times, high fees, and a lack of visibility on when funds would arrive. GCash International Transfers addresses these challenges by enabling same-day crediting for most corridors and next-day transfers to the United States, giving recipients faster access to funds when they need them most in just 5 easy steps.
Zero transfer fees from March 12 to 31 for Middle East transactions
Filipinos in the Philippines can now send money internationally to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman via GCash with absolutely zero fees and no minimum transfer amount. This special offer is available from March 12 to 31, 2026, making it easier for families back in the Philippines to provide financial support to their loved ones in the Middle East.
Users can easily complete an international transfer by tapping Transfer on the GCash dashboard, selecting International, choosing the destination country, channel, and recipient type, and confirming the payer. Throughout the process, the feature provides real-time tracking, giving both senders and recipients transparency on the transfer status, which is not typically available in traditional bank transfers. With service fees starting as low as ₱180 and designed to be up to 2–3 times more affordable than typical bank remittance charges, the service ensures more of every peso sent reaches its intended destination.
The fully digital experience means users can complete international transfers anytime, anywhere, without the need to visit physical remittance centres or banks, which is particularly valuable for Filipinos in provinces and remote areas who may have limited access to traditional remittance services.
By removing barriers of time, cost, and uncertainty in cross-border payments, GCash International Transfers strengthens the financial connectivity of Filipino families, students, businesses, and communities across 16 countries.
Reinforcing its vision of Finance for All, GCash ensures that Filipinos can access essential financial services and support their connections worldwide with ease, transparency, and security.
The Filipino R&B icon urges young artists to protect themselves – an issue mirrored in his new film, Songs For Selina
Filipino R&B king Jay R recently weighed in on the controversy surrounding the exploitative practices in the local music industry.
This comes after young singer-songwriter MRLD broke her silence about her departure from OC Records, alleging unfair compensation and limited marketing support, with claims that have sparked broader conversations online about transparency, artist rights, and the power imbalance between emerging musicians and record labels.
In a TikTok video posted over the weekend, Jay R spoke out about what he calls “uncomfortable truths,” reflecting on the dark side of the industry that has long placed new artists at a disadvantage. “I’ve been in this industry for more than 20 years, and situations like this really do happen to artists,” Jay R said. “It has happened to me as well. When you’re starting out, you enter record deals and contracts without fully understanding what’s written in them. Sometimes, you don’t really comprehend the terms.” He stressed the importance of legal advice and contract literacy for emerging musicians navigating the complexities of recording agreements.
“That’s why it’s important for artists to carefully read their contracts,” he added. “You should have a lawyer and review everything line by line. You need to understand exactly what you’re getting into. It’s a harsh truth about the industry, but it’s real. And honestly, I think it’s perfect timing that this issue has come to light. Artists need to be educated about what really happens behind closed doors.” The short-form video post has garnered more than a million views on TikTok and Facebook, combined, fueling wider debate about accountability with the music business.
Jay R further expanded on the topic during the press conference for Songs For Selina, a music-themed film that he produced and stars in. While fictional in form, the project echoes the same tensions now being publicly discussed: creative ownership, exploitation, and the invisible pressures artists face behind the spotlight. “Artists sometimes fear being marginalized or even blacklisted when they speak about the truth,” Jay R shared. “The story of Songs For Selina comes from real experiences: ours and the stories of fellow artists who have lived through these realities.”
Starring Rachel Coates and Mica Javier, Songs For Selina explores the power structures embedded in the music industry and the ethical dilemmas confronting artists as they navigate ambition, loyalty, and survival in a competitive landscape.
Whether by coincidence or design, the film’s themes now resonate with real-world conversation unfolding across the Philippine music scene—one that many believe is long overdue. Songs For Selina opens in Ayala Cinemas nationwide beginning March 18, 2026.
Baguio City once again came alive with colors, blooms, and celebration as the Panagbenga Festival filled its streets with floats, music, and the vibrant spirit of the Cordillera community. Beyond the festivities, the festival also highlighted a deeper story unfolding on the ground: how local entrepreneurs—many of them small family-run businesses—are gaining greater access to financial tools that allow them to participate more fully in the local digital economy.
For many nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises (NMSMEs), access to safe and convenient financial services is not just about efficiency—it is about opportunity, dignity in work, and the ability to grow their livelihoods. At this year’s Panagbenga Festival, GCash, the country’s leading finance super app and largest cashless ecosystem, supported local merchants by bringing practical digital solutions and on-ground activities that help level the playing field for small businesses.
By enabling simpler, safer, and more accessible transactions, these tools help ensure that even the smallest vendors—from sari-sari stores to flower stalls—can serve more customers and benefit from the surge in tourism during one of the country’s most beloved cultural celebrations.
The grand celebration was led by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan, together with Congressman Mauricio Domogan and the Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon as guests of honor. The local government recognized the growing role of digital financial access in helping communities strengthen livelihoods and support inclusive economic participation.
“As proof of Baguio’s resilience, our deep pride in our Cordillera heritage, and our unique capacity to celebrate culture with discipline, it fuels our creative economy and strengthens local livelihood,” said Vice Mayor Olowan.
For this year’s festivities, GCash carried the theme “Festival of Progress: Empowering Local NMSMEs as the Heart of the Celebration,” highlighting how cashless payments help small businesses serve more customers and unlock new income opportunities during peak moments of celebration.
GCash activations reached festival-goers and merchants across multiple touchpoints—from bus terminals and malls to gas stations, public markets, and along the famous Session Road. Merchant crawls showcased MSMEs embracing digital finance, while mall and market activations demonstrated how QR payments and GCash Pera Outlet can transform everyday stalls into community financial service points.
For this year’s Panagbenga, GCash initiative highlighted how accessible digital tools—from QR payments to community-based digital hubs for financial transactions — can help small merchants participate more equitably in the festival economy and expand their growth opportunities.
“Financial inclusion is about ensuring that every enterprise — no matter the size — has access to the tools needed to participate and thrive in today’s economy. Through solutions such as QR payments, SoundPay Plus, EasyPOS, and PocketPay, we help give smaller businesses the same opportunities as larger enterprises. At the same time, GCash Pera Outlet enables sari-sari stores and market stalls to provide essential services such as bills payment, remittances, and mobile load, bringing financial access closer to communities,” said Cleo Celeste Santos, GCash vice president and head of public sector.
Strengthening livelihoods at the community level
Across Baguio’s neighborhoods, sari-sari stores, flower vendors, cafés, and market stalls are more than businesses—they are lifelines that sustain families and support local communities. During Panagbenga, these entrepreneurs serve as the frontliners of local commerce, welcoming thousands of visitors and supporting household incomes.
For many merchants, access to digital financial tools has helped make their livelihoods more stable and resilient.
Jen, a cashier at Caroline Trading, has seen the small sari-sari store grow into a mini mart since adopting GCash. “Halos lahat nasa GCash na po, at mas dumami pa ang pumupunta dahil parang pinakamadaling way dito sa amin—very convenient. Mas nag-improve yung sales kasi halos cashless na po lahat. Para sa mga negosyo na mag-start pa lang, i-try lang nila kasi effective siya.”
For GCash Pera Outlet partner Marie Audrey Salvador, a general merchandise store owner in Baguio’s public market, going cashless created a more stable income stream while allowing her business to serve as a financial access point for the community.
“Nag-start kami ng negosyo noong July 2023, at napakarami na nitong naitulong sa akin—sa bills, sa rents, at sa travels with family. Dati sapat-sapat lang; ngayon nakaka-afford na rin kami mag-travel. Aside from cashless payments, nagse-serve din kami as cash-in, cash-out, pay bills, at load—sobrang laki ng tulong.”
Meanwhile, Tita Leah’s Food Specialty, a well-loved Baguio delicacy brand, found that digital payment tools helped streamline operations as their business expanded. “Dati hiwalay din ang nakukuha ng transaction confirmation. Na-solve yun ni SoundPay. Ngayon hindi na kailangan ng storekeeper na tumawag sa amin for confirmation—seamless na siya,” shared Don Paez.
For Yuan, a barista at Balai Studio Cafe, the shift to cashless payments also means better service for a growing number of tourists. “GCash eases our business operations at talagang napakadali. Marami po kaming foreigners na customer at naghahanap din po sila ng cashless payment.”
Protecting livelihoods in the digital space
As more Filipinos embrace digital finance, ensuring safety and trust remains essential to protecting the livelihoods of merchants and consumers alike. GCash continues to promote awareness and education to help users safeguard their accounts and income. The message remains simple but important: do not click suspicious links and never share your one-time password (OTP) with anyone.
By strengthening financial safety and awareness, GCash aims to ensure that small businesses can confidently participate in the digital economy while protecting the income they work hard to earn.
Sustaining inclusive growth beyond the festival
While Panagbenga lasts only a few weeks, its impact on communities can endure far longer. By expanding access to financial tools and services, GCash supports local entrepreneurs in building stronger businesses, supporting their families, and contributing to the broader local economy.
For GCash, working alongside communities like Baguio City is part of a broader commitment to advancing financial inclusion, expanding economic opportunity, and helping build an economy where progress is shared—ensuring that the benefits of growth reach even the smallest businesses at the heart of Filipino communities.
Summer is here, and that means long sunny days, weekend getaways, and a wardrobe refresh that matches the season’s vibrant vibe. Whether you love breezy streetwear, timeless classics, or stylish accessories that are both functional and playful, SM City Valenzuela has the hottest picks to keep you summer-ready.
ARTWORK: FUN AND FUNCTIONAL
ARTWORK brings a playful twist to your summer wardrobe. Their bag, t-shirt, and bag charm bundle are perfect for adding personality to your everyday look. Each piece is uniquely designed with quirky prints and colors that make it a breeze to mix and match for sunny outings.
GIORDANO: GO FOR CLASSIC
Giordano has been defining casual style in the Philippines since 1989. The brand continues its legacy of simplicity, comfort, and quality with modern wardrobe staples. This season, the classic t-shirt dress is your go-to piece for effortless summer style. Pair it with sneakers for daytime adventures or sandals for a relaxed evening look.
Anello: The Go-To Summer Bag
Travel light and in style with Anello. Known for its practical and stylish bags, Anello, a Japanese brand, simplifies summer packing. The signature Kuchigane backpack opens wide for easy access and holds everything you need for beach trips or city explorations. For eco-conscious shoppers, the Repreve collection uses recycled PET bottles so you can stay stylish and sustainable.
BNY: Streetwear That Moves With You
Summer is all about carefree, laid-back style, and BNY delivers just that. This homegrown streetwear brand champions Filipino urban fashion with lightweight jackets, denim shorts, and statement tees. Affordable, trendy, and comfortable, BNY is perfect for long walks, city adventures, and weekend chillouts.
Outland: Footwear for Every Adventure
No summer wardrobe is complete without the perfect pair of shoes. Outland combines premium leather craftsmanship with comfort in its sandals, slip-ons, and slingbacks. Whether for a seaside escape or a casual city date, these shoes let you move with confidence while keeping every outfit stylishly grounded.
PENSHOPPE: SUMMER ACCESSORIES and SCENT
Penshoppe takes summer style beyond clothing. Their scented candles and fragrance gel beads keep your personal space fresh and inviting, while twill caps protect you from the sun without compromising style. Perfect for accessorizing your summer wardrobe, these essentials let you stay on-trend from morning errands to evening hangouts.
The heat is rising, and so should your fashion game. From wardrobe staples to statement pieces and travel-ready accessories, SM City Valenzuela is your go-to destination this summer. Refresh your summer look today and step into the season with confidence, style, and fun.
(L-R) general manager for GCash International Arjun Varma, and Careem Pay vice president Mohammad El Saadi
GCash, Careem Pay partnership enables faster remittances for Filipinos in UAE
The Philippines’ leading finance superapp GCash has partnered with Careem Pay, a digital payments service available within the Careem app, to enable faster and more reliable money transfers for overseas Filipinos living in the UAE.
Following the official signing between GCash and Careem Pay at Careem’s head office in Dubai, users can now send money directly to GCash wallets in the Philippines, making transfers to family and friends faster and more convenient.
Through this direct integration, users in the UAE can now avoid the delays often associated with traditional bank transfers and the inconvenience of visiting physical remittance centers. Transfers settle within minutes, with funds credited straight to the recipient’s GCash app for immediate access.
Designed for Filipino expats who regularly support loved ones back home, the partnership focuses on making remittances simpler, more dependable, and easier to complete. By enabling direct wallet-to-wallet transfers, Careem Pay and GCash help ensure that funds reach recipients quickly and without unnecessary steps. To send money from the UAE to the Philippines, users simply need to download the latest version of the Careem app, select Pay on the home screen, and follow the steps under the Send Abroad tab.
First transfers made easier for first-time users To mark the launch of the partnership, Careem Pay is offering a special promotion for transfers to the Philippines. Users can receive AED 20 cashback and enjoy zero fees on their first transfer by entering the code GCASH20, while Careem Plus members can benefit from exclusive rates on Careem Pay.
Arjun Varma, General Manager for GCash International said, “Sending money home is one of the most meaningful things our customers do with Careem Pay. For many Filipino expats, it’s about supporting loved ones, covering school fees, or helping parents with everyday expenses.”
“By integrating directly with GCash and adding cash pickup across nearly 15,000 locations, we’ve made the process simpler, faster, and more reliable, with most transfers now reaching their families in the Philippines within minutes,” said Mohammad El Saadi, Vice President of Careem Pay.
With faster and more reliable digital remittance options, GCash empowers overseas Filipinos in the UAE to send money home with confidence and ease. For more information, please visit www.gcash.com. To learn more about Careem Pay, visit www.careem.com/en-AE/pay.
Building a digital future: GCash celebrates 7th Bangsamoro Foundation Day with a push towards inclusive, cashless communities
In support of the commitment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to promote inclusive and people-centered progress, GCash, the country’s leading finance app, took part in the 7th Bangsamoro Foundation Day by working alongside the Bangsamoro Government to deliver initiatives focused on digital inclusion, financial literacy, and community empowerment.
Recognizing that limited access to banking infrastructure remains a barrier to economic participation in many Bangsamoro communities, GCash partnered with the Ministry of Human Settlements and Development (MHSD) and the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) to bring practical, entry-level digital financial tools closer to citizens. Through these collaborations, the initiative aimed to reach households, beneficiaries, and communities that are often underserved or excluded from the formal financial system.
To help more Bangsamoro residents join the formal financial system, GCash also provided easier access to the GCash Visa Card. This lets users use their digital wallet for everyday purchases, even in places that still require a card. With more ways to pay safely and conveniently, users can participate more actively in the local economy and the shift toward digital payments.
Complementing access, GCash emphasized financial capability and protection through guided demonstrations and financial literacy sessions. Participants were introduced to practical digital wallet use cases relevant to daily life, such as remittances, bill payments, and essential purchases. Residents also took part in financial literacy sessions that focused on cybersecurity, fraud awareness, and responsible digital behavior. These sessions aimed to ensure that adoption of digital finance is safe, informed, and sustainable, particularly for first-time users, PWDs, children, and senior citizens.
“Financial inclusion is more than about access to tools; it is about enabling people to participate fully in the economy and in society,” said CJ Alegre, Head of Sustainability at Mynt, parent company of GCash.
“By working closely with the Bangsamoro Government and engaging communities on the ground, we help ensure that digital finance becomes a practical, safe, and empowering resource for everyday life. When more people are connected to the formal financial system, entire regions benefit through greater economic activity, resilience, and opportunity,” he added.
The participation of GCash in the Bangsamoro Foundation Day reflects its broader strategy to deepen presence in BARMM by combining access, education, and partnerships. By engaging directly with communities and local government stakeholders, the initiative contributed to building trust in digital financial services and supporting the region’s transition toward a more inclusive and resilient digital economy.
Through sustained on-ground engagement and collaboration with regional partners, GCash continues to advance digital inclusion nationwide, helping ensure that communities in BARMM are not left behind as the country moves toward a cash-lite, digitally empowered future.
Marikina City, Philippines, 10th March 2026 – Get ready for an all-out shopping weekend as SM City Marikina brings back its much-awaited 3-Day Sale happening on March 13, 14, and 15. It’s the perfect time to pursue your gala plans, discover exciting promos, and enjoy bigger savings from your favorite stores.
From fashion must-haves and beauty finds to gadgets, home essentials, and everyday favorites, shoppers can enjoy discounts of up to 70% off mall wide. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, looking for gifts, or simply spending a fun day at the mall, this is the moment to max out the deals and enjoy a rewarding shopping experience all for you.
Every ₱1,000 single or accumulated purchase earns you an e-raffle entry for a chance to win exciting prizes. Make the most of your visit by dropping by during the weekend, when shoppers can max out their chances with double e-raffle entries on Saturday and Sunday.
You can also earn more entries while dining or catching a movie. Get one (1) e-raffle entry for every ₱250 single-receipt purchase at the SM Foodcourt, and one (1) e-raffle entry for every purchase of four (4) cinema tickets at SM Cinema—making your mall gala even more rewarding.
Shopping gets even better with exclusive perks at SM Store:
• Up to 50% off on select items
• Exclusive early access with extra 10% off for SM Prestige Cardholders on March 12
• SMAC Weekend with extra 10% off for SMAC Cardholders from March 13 to 15
Round up your shopping crew and go all out this March at SM City Marikina’s 3-Day Sale. With irresistible deals, exciting promos, and rewarding experiences waiting around every corner, it’s a shopping event designed all for you.
