AIA Philippines Launches Advantage Max With Global Income Fund Options

AIA Philippines Launches Advantage Max With Global Income Fund Options

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

AIA Advantage Max combines life insurance coverage with access to global investment-linked funds, giving eligible customers in peso and US dollar denominations the potential for quarterly distributions.

AIA Philippines has introduced AIA Advantage Max, a single-premium investment-linked insurance product that combines life insurance protection with access to global investment funds offering potential income distributions.

Announced on October 19, 2026, the product is available in Philippine peso and US dollar denominations. It is designed for customers seeking global investment exposure alongside life insurance coverage, with two fund options: the Global Dynamic Income Paying Fund (GDIF) and the Global Adventurous Income Fund (GAIF).

According to AIA Philippines, GDIF has a historical annualized payout rate of more than 6%, while GAIF targets an annualized payout rate of 7%. These figures are not guaranteed investment returns. Actual distributions and account values may fluctuate with market performance and the applicable fund and policy conditions.

The launch expands AIA Philippines’ investment-linked insurance offerings for customers looking to combine wealth accumulation, potential income and life protection in one product.

Two global fund options for potential quarterly income

Advantage Max gives policyholders access to two global investment options, each with a stated income objective.

The Global Dynamic Income Paying Fund (GDIF) seeks to provide regular target income and long-term total return through exposure to different income-generating asset classes. AIA’s published fund information identifies investments that may include fixed-income securities, equities, covered call options and collective investments. 

The Global Adventurous Income Fund (GAIF) is the newer option under Advantage Max. AIA Philippines says the fund targets an annualized payout rate of 7%, although actual payouts will depend on investment performance and applicable conditions.

Both options are intended to provide potential quarterly distributions. However, an annualized payout rate should not be treated as a promised annual return or a guaranteed amount of income. Investors should review each fund’s objectives, asset allocation, risks and charges before making a decision.

Customers can choose between AIA Peso Advantage Max and AIA Dollar Advantage Max based on the currency they will use for the single-premium payment. The choice of currency is an important consideration because exchange-rate movements can affect the value of investments and any proceeds measured in another currency.

Start-up and loyalty bonuses reward long-term participation

In addition to access to the investment funds, Advantage Max includes bonuses subject to policy terms and conditions.

The product offers a start-up bonus of up to 5% of the single premium, distributed over the first five policy years. Beginning in the 10th policy year, eligible policyholders may also receive a loyalty bonus equivalent to 2% of the average monthly account value over the preceding 60 months. The loyalty bonus is available every five years thereafter, subject to the product’s requirements.

These features may appeal to customers planning to maintain their policies over the long term. However, prospective policyholders should check how the bonuses are credited, the conditions for receiving them, and how policy charges and investment performance affect the overall account value.

Bonuses should not be interpreted as a guarantee that the investment will grow or that a policyholder will receive a particular level of income.

Life insurance protection until age 100

Advantage Max combines its investment component with life insurance coverage until age 100.

AIA Philippines states that the death benefit is the higher of 125% of the single premium or 105% of the account value, including credited start-up bonuses. The company also says the product offers guaranteed issuance without requiring medical examinations.

The specific benefits available to a policyholder will depend on the contract and its conditions. Customers should review the policy documents to understand the coverage, exclusions, charges and circumstances that could affect the policy’s benefits.

Goh Chong Yong, Chief Investment Officer of AIA Philippines, said the product reflects the importance of diversification, professional management, disciplined risk management and protecting the wealth people build.

According to the company, the combination of insurance protection and global investment access is intended to help customers pursue long-term financial goals while retaining life coverage.

What customers should consider before investing

Investment-linked insurance products combine insurance benefits with investments whose values can rise or fall. They are not the same as deposits with guaranteed interest, and potential fund distributions do not necessarily mean an investor’s capital has increased.

AIA’s published information for its Global Dynamic Income-Paying Fund warns that investment values may fall as well as rise and that investors may not recover the full amount invested. It also notes that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. 

Before committing a single premium, prospective customers should consider:

Risk tolerance and time horizon: Global funds can experience market fluctuations, so customers should assess whether the investment suits their financial goals and ability to absorb losses.

Income expectations: Historical or target payout rates are not guaranteed returns. The timing and amount of future distributions may vary.

Charges and policy conditions: Review the applicable fees, bonus requirements, coverage terms and potential consequences of withdrawing or terminating the policy.

Currency exposure: Customers choosing a US dollar-denominated option should understand how exchange-rate changes may affect their finances.

Overall financial needs: Consider how the product fits alongside emergency savings, other investments, existing insurance and near-term spending needs.

Potential quarterly distributions may help support recurring expenses, but customers should not rely on them as guaranteed funding for healthcare, critical illness or other essential costs.

AIA Philippines encourages interested customers to consult an AIA Life Planner and review the product’s features, risks, charges and policy conditions to determine whether Advantage Max is suitable for their circumstances.

The launch adds another option to the company’s portfolio of insurance and investment solutions, bringing global fund access and life protection together in a single-premium product. Its suitability will ultimately depend on each customer’s financial objectives, investment horizon and tolerance for risk.

For more information, visit AIA Philippines.

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Coca-Cola Philippines Wins Brand of the Year at SMARTIES 2026

Coca-Cola Philippines Wins Brand of the Year at SMARTIES 2026

Coca-Cola Philippines has earned eight awards at the SMARTIES Philippines 2026 Awards, with its campaigns highlighting how data, AI and personalized digital experiences can support consumer engagement and marketing performance.

Coca-Cola Philippines has been named Brand of the Year at the SMARTIES™ Philippines 2026 Awards, taking home eight awards for campaigns that combined consumer insights, technology and brand storytelling.

Organized by MMA Global, the SMARTIES awards recognize marketing initiatives that demonstrate innovation and business impact. The 2026 awards recognized campaigns across areas including omnichannel marketing, artificial intelligence (AI), personalization, commerce and retail media. 

Two campaigns contributed to Coca-Cola Philippines’ recognition: Coca-Cola Festive 2025, which used multiple media channels and data-informed audience targeting to connect with consumers during the holiday season, and Year in Cravings, developed with Grab to turn users’ food-ordering habits into personalized digital experiences.

Together, the campaigns illustrate how consumer data and technology can be applied to different stages of the customer journey, from building brand awareness to encouraging engagement and repeat purchases.

Coca-Cola Festive 2025 connects holiday storytelling across channels

Coca-Cola Festive 2025 received Gold for Omnichannel Marketing and Silver for Innovative Use of AI in Advertising.

The campaign extended Coca-Cola’s annual Christmas messaging across television, outdoor advertising, digital platforms and retail touchpoints. Its digital placements included Meta, YouTube and TikTok, while Connected TV helped bring the campaign into home viewing and family mealtime settings.

The approach gave the brand multiple opportunities to reach Filipino consumers throughout the holiday period rather than relying on a single advertising channel.

Campaign activations also brought the Christmas message into consumer experiences. These included the Emoji Cup promotion with quick-service restaurant partners and Sound of Home, an initiative focused on connecting Filipinos in the country with loved ones working overseas.

The campaign’s AI-related recognition highlighted the use of audience data and AI-enabled targeting to make festive communications more relevant. Regional and local market insights also helped the brand identify opportunities to connect with consumers at appropriate moments during the season.

For marketers, the campaign demonstrates how an established seasonal platform can be extended across media and consumer touchpoints while using data to refine audience engagement.

Grab partnership turns food-ordering habits into personalized experiences

Coca-Cola Philippines also received six awards for its collaboration with Grab through the Year in Cravings campaign.

The initiative drew inspiration from year-end recap formats, giving users a personalized look at their food-ordering behavior. The experience included customized food personas and insights based on favorite meals and cravings.

It also featured food and Coca-Cola beverage pairings within the Grab app, enabling users to revisit and reorder combinations that matched their preferences.

The campaign earned two Gold awards, two Silver awards and two Bronze awards across customer growth and conversion, instant promotions, brand experience, personalization, and retail media or online-to-offline (O2O) marketing.

Rather than treating personalization as a messaging exercise alone, the campaign connected it to the purchasing journey. Personalized insights encouraged users to engage with their own ordering patterns, while in-app pairings provided a direct path to relevant products and potential repeat orders.

The partnership brought together Coca-Cola Philippines, Grab, agency partners and their respective teams to connect consumer insights with digital engagement and commerce.

What the recognition means for modern marketing

The two campaigns approached consumer engagement differently. Coca-Cola Festive 2025 used an integrated media strategy and AI-enabled targeting to support seasonal storytelling, while Year in Cravings applied personalization within a digital commerce platform.

Both relied on understanding consumer behavior and using that information to shape how people encountered the brand.

This is increasingly relevant to marketers working across channels. Reaching consumers on multiple platforms is only one part of the challenge; campaigns also need to give people a reason to interact, remember the brand or take an action. Personalization and data-informed planning can help marketers make those interactions more relevant, although their actual business impact depends on campaign performance and measurable results.

According to Frenissa Lagman, Marketing Head of Coca-Cola Philippines, the recognition reinforces the importance of understanding what matters to consumers and creating experiences that feel relevant, memorable and rewarding.

The Brand of the Year award and eight campaign honors place Coca-Cola Philippines among the recognized brands at this year's SMARTIES awards. The company said it intends to continue exploring ways to connect with consumers through creativity, technology and consumer understanding.

For more information about Coca-Cola Philippines and its initiatives, visit the company's official Philippine website.

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inDrive Driver Wellness Day Focuses on Driver Welfare

inDrive Driver Wellness Day Focuses on Driver Welfare

inDrive Philippines has brought healthcare services, mental wellness activities, and livelihood guidance together through its Driver Wellness Day initiative, highlighting the growing importance of driver welfare in the ride-hailing industry.

Held in Manila, the initiative gave participating drivers access to physical examinations, doctor consultations, vital-sign checks, a mental health workshop, and financial and livelihood information. The event also included group exercise and community activities, extending the focus beyond drivers' daily work on the platform.

The initiative reflects a broader business question for digital mobility companies: how can platforms support the people who provide their services, beyond the technology that connects drivers with passengers?

What Did inDrive's Driver Wellness Day Offer?

The October 2026 initiative brought together several forms of support in one event, addressing physical health, mental well-being, and livelihood concerns.

Participating drivers received physical examinations and doctor consultations, along with checks for blood pressure, heart rate, body mass index (BMI), and blood sugar. These basic screenings can help identify health indicators that may require further assessment by a healthcare professional.

Vanessa Taqueban, country driver operations lead at inDrive Philippines, said the initiative was intended to give drivers time and access to resources to focus on their own well-being.

The program also included a group Zumba session and a mental health workshop led by speaker Darwin Magpili. A separate livelihood workshop offered practical information and resources related to financial and livelihood opportunities.

To encourage community participation, the event featured games, small prizes, and a mobile phone raffle for selected drivers.

Why Does Driver Well-Being Matter to the Ride-Hailing Industry?

Driver welfare is an important consideration for ride-hailing platforms because their services depend on people spending substantial time on the road while managing the demands of work and personal life.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has highlighted occupational health and safety concerns in the platform economy, including long working hours, work-related stress, and challenges associated with digital management systems. These concerns make access to health information and practical support relevant to discussions about the future of platform-based work.

For mobility companies, driver-support initiatives can provide a way to engage directly with their driver communities. However, a one-day event should not be treated as proof of lasting improvements in health, financial security, or service quality. Those outcomes depend on continued support and measurable results.

inDrive's Wellness Day brings several forms of assistance together, offering participating drivers an opportunity to access basic health services and learn about resources that may help them manage everyday challenges.

How Does the Initiative Address Mental Health and Livelihood?

The program went beyond medical screenings to recognize that drivers' needs extend into their financial and personal lives.

The mental health workshop provided guidance on maintaining well-being while working on the road. The livelihood session, meanwhile, offered information about financial and livelihood opportunities, although the announcement did not specify the particular programs or resources covered.

These areas are relevant to the wider platform economy, where access to work, earnings, working time, and social protection can influence workers' overall experience.

For companies operating digital platforms, initiatives that combine health education and livelihood information can create opportunities to listen to drivers and understand their needs. Their long-term value, however, depends on whether participants can access useful support beyond the event itself.

What Does This Mean for inDrive's Business Strategy in the Philippines?

The wellness initiative also provided an opportunity for inDrive to engage with its driver community beyond everyday platform operations.

Sidd Mantri, inDrive's chief product officer, attended the event and discussed the company's product vision and direction in the Philippines, including key product developments. The announcement did not provide details about specific upcoming features or launch dates.

The presence of a senior product executive placed driver engagement alongside the company's broader product discussions. Direct interaction with drivers can offer businesses an opportunity to hear about user experiences, although the announcement did not indicate whether feedback gathered during the event would influence future product decisions.

For a digital mobility platform, the relationship with drivers is both operational and community-based. Technology helps facilitate transactions, but the people providing the service remain central to the experience.

What Should Companies Measure Beyond a Wellness Event?

For businesses looking to make driver welfare part of their broader strategy, the next step is determining whether one-time activities translate into sustained support.

Several measures can help organizations assess the value of similar initiatives:

Access to healthcare: Track participation in screenings and whether drivers can obtain follow-up consultations when needed.

Continued wellness support: Assess whether mental health education and other resources remain available after the event.

Livelihood assistance: Clarify what financial education, training, or income-related resources drivers can access.

Driver feedback: Gather feedback to understand which services participants find useful and what additional support they need.

Long-term outcomes: Evaluate changes over time rather than relying solely on attendance or event participation.

These are suggested measures for evaluating driver-support programs, not results reported by inDrive. The company did not disclose participant numbers, program costs, follow-up arrangements, or long-term outcome data in the announcement.

A Broader View of Mobility and Driver Support

inDrive's Driver Wellness Day places driver health, mental well-being, and livelihood education within the conversation about digital mobility services in the Philippines.

The initiative provided participating drivers with access to basic medical services, wellness activities, and livelihood information in a shared community setting. Its longer-term significance will depend on whether similar support continues and how effectively it addresses drivers' needs.

As ride-hailing platforms evolve, driver engagement offers companies an opportunity to look beyond app features and transactions. Sustained welfare programs, transparent communication, and meaningful evaluation can help businesses better understand the people whose work keeps their services running.

For more information about the company's services and initiatives, visit inDrive's official website.

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Understanding “silent struggles” at work and how hirers can address them

Understanding “silent struggles” at work and how hirers can address them

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Jobstreet by SEEK tackles workplace burnout, with 38% of Filipinos feeling exhausted by their jobs

While the Philippine workforce may appear largely positive, a closer look reveals the “silent struggles” many employees face: challenges that may not always be visible but can affect their well-being, engagement, and overall experience at work.

According to Jobstreet by SEEK’s Workplace Happiness Index: Philippines 2025, one in four employed individuals feels neutral or unhappy with their job, while 38% report experiencing chronic burnout. These findings shed light on the realities employees may be quietly navigating and highlight the need for employers to look beyond hiring in the evolving workforce landscape.

The “silent struggle” behind positive workforce sentiment

With a sizable percentage of employees feeling burnt out or exhausted, employers need to look more closely at the factors affecting employee satisfaction and engagement.

Jobstreet by SEEK reveals that workload stress is a key contributor, with only 57% happy with their current workload and 42% saying that a better work-life balance would improve their happiness at work – second only to higher compensation. Yet, employees experiencing these hesitate to express and voice out their concerns, which eventually takes a toll on their well-being and productivity.

These overlooked challenges may not always immediately lead to resignation; however, the report suggests that they may lead to absenteeism and poor mental health outcomes, resulting in employees gradually losing motivation, becoming less engaged, or struggling with persistent fatigue while continuing to fulfill their responsibilities.

For employers, recognizing these “silent struggles” is an opportunity to take a more proactive approach to employee engagement. Jobstreet by SEEK encourages hirers to adopt a more intentional, people-centered approach to recruitment and retention, with an emphasis on career pathways, continuous development, and employee well-being.

Employers can help build stronger relationships by communicating clear job expectations, reinforcing consistent mentorship, and providing career growth opportunities. These offer greater stability and security for workers who may feel financial pressures or uncertainty about their career progression.

Equally important is fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes mental well-being, work-life balance, and open communication through regular check-ins, helping employees feel valued and supported as they grow in their roles. Cultivating an environment where every silent struggle is heard creates a thriving workplace.

Similarly, organization-wide appreciation systems and team-bonding initiatives help bridge the gap for employees quietly experiencing burnout or isolation. Regularly recognizing individual contributions and building strong peer-support networks reinforces a sense of belonging, ensuring team members feel genuinely acknowledged and connected beyond their daily tasks.

"This report serves as the voice of our Filipino talent experiencing ‘silent struggles’ in their workplace. In the same way, we hope to assist hirers in strengthening employee morale and retention by helping them understand the value of a compassionate, human-centered approach to hiring—not only for the candidates but also for the long-term success of their organizations,” said Dannah Majarocon, Jobstreet by SEEK’s Managing Director in the Philippines.

Addressing these “silent struggles” at the onset means looking beyond just recruitment, as long-term engagement depends on the support, opportunities, and workplace experience employees receive throughout their journey.

For more information about Jobstreet by SEEK, visit https://www.jobstreet.com.ph/.

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AIA Philippines Brings Breast Cancer Screening to 100 Teachers in Bulacan

AIA Philippines Brings Breast Cancer Screening to 100 Teachers in Bulacan

Sunday, October 18, 2026

Access to preventive healthcare remains an important challenge for many Filipino women. AIA Philippines, The Medical City (TMC), ABS-CBN Foundation, and the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, have partnered to provide free breast cancer screening to 100 public school teachers through the Hope Mobi Clinic program.

Conducted from September 2 to 4, 2026, the initiative brought breast health services directly to women educators in San Jose del Monte. The program also formalized cooperation among the participating organizations through a memorandum of understanding, reinforcing their shared commitment to improving access to community-based healthcare. 

The initiative highlights how partnerships among private companies, healthcare providers, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations can help address practical barriers to preventive care, including travel, cost, and limited access to medical facilities.

Why Is Accessible Breast Cancer Screening Important in the Philippines?

Breast cancer remains a major public health concern among Filipino women. The International Agency for Research on Cancer's Global Cancer Observatory estimated more than 28,000 new breast cancer cases in the Philippines in 2024, accounting for approximately 32% of new cancer cases among women, according to the figures cited in the announcement.

Early detection can help identify breast cancer before it progresses to more advanced stages. However, early breast cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms, making access to appropriate screening and medical assessment important.

The World Health Organization distinguishes between screening, which looks for signs of disease in people without symptoms, and early diagnosis, which involves recognizing possible warning signs and obtaining prompt medical evaluation.

Both approaches require access to appropriate healthcare services, timely diagnosis, and follow-up treatment when needed. Screening alone is not a guarantee against cancer, but it can form part of a broader strategy for early detection. 

For women who face financial or logistical barriers, bringing services closer to their communities can make preventive healthcare more practical.

How Does the Hope Mobi Clinic Help Expand Healthcare Access?

The Hope Mobi Clinic is a mobile healthcare initiative through which AIA Philippines and The Medical City bring breast cancer screening services to underserved communities.

Rather than requiring participants to travel to a hospital or dedicated screening facility, the mobile setup brings services closer to where people live or work. The program also provides guidance on breast health and the next steps for follow-up care when needed.

During the Bulacan outreach, 100 public school teachers received breast cancer screening. Participants also had access to blood typing, blood pressure checks, and blood sugar testing provided by The Medical City. The local government unit supplied grocery packages.

The program's approach reflects a practical consideration in community healthcare: availability is only one part of access. Cost, transportation, time away from work, and awareness of available services can also influence whether people seek preventive care.

By organizing screening in a community setting, the participating organizations aim to reduce some of these barriers for women educators.

Why Are Teachers a Focus of the Initiative?

Teachers play an important role in communities, but their professional responsibilities can make it difficult to prioritize personal healthcare.

Public school educators balance classroom instruction, lesson preparation, student support, administrative work, and other responsibilities. Access to convenient health services can help reduce the practical burden of seeking preventive care.

AIA Philippines President and CEO Melita Teo said the initiative aims to make preventive breast cancer screening more accessible to teachers and encourage them to take action concerning their health.

The partnership also reflects a broader approach to community well-being: supporting educators means recognizing their needs as individuals, not only their responsibilities within schools.

For the education sector, workplace and community-based health initiatives can complement existing health services by helping employees access screening, health information, and appropriate medical guidance.

The long-term value of such programs depends on whether participants can obtain follow-up assessments and treatment when necessary, as well as whether similar services remain accessible over time.

How Corporate and Community Partnerships Can Support Preventive Care

The Hope Mobi Clinic initiative brings together organizations with different roles in healthcare delivery and community engagement.

AIA Philippines supports the program as part of its broader focus on health and well-being. The Medical City provides medical services, while ABS-CBN Foundation contributes its community engagement work. DepEd's San Jose del Monte division helps connect the initiative with public school teachers.

The partnership was strengthened through a memorandum of understanding involving the organizations, formalizing their shared commitment to expanding access to breast health services.

For businesses, the initiative illustrates how corporate social responsibility programs can extend beyond donations or one-time campaigns. Partnerships that combine funding, clinical expertise, community relationships, and access to intended beneficiaries can help deliver services directly to people who may otherwise face difficulties obtaining them.

However, meaningful impact depends on more than the number of people reached. Programs also need appropriate referral pathways, access to diagnostic services, and continuity of care for participants who require further evaluation.

These considerations are important when assessing the longer-term value of community health programs.

What Is AIA Philippines' Approach to Health and Well-Being?

AIA Philippines says the initiative aligns with its purpose of helping people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives. It also supports the company's Rethink Healthy campaign, which promotes a broader view of well-being that includes physical health, mental well-being, financial security, and a sense of purpose.

For the company, the Hope Mobi Clinic is one way to translate that focus into community-based preventive healthcare.

The program also builds on the partnership between AIA Philippines and The Medical City, which have been bringing breast cancer screening closer to underserved communities since 2023.

The addition of ABS-CBN Foundation and the DepEd Schools Division of San Jose del Monte expands the network of organizations involved in delivering the initiative.

The next measure of its impact will be how effectively the partners sustain access to screening, help participants navigate follow-up care, and identify opportunities to reach additional communities.

Why Early Detection Must Be Paired With Follow-Up Care

Breast cancer awareness campaigns can encourage women to pay attention to their health, but awareness must be supported by accessible medical services.

Women should consult a qualified healthcare professional if they notice unusual breast changes, including a lump, changes in breast shape or size, skin dimpling, nipple changes, or unusual discharge. These signs do not automatically mean cancer, but they warrant appropriate medical assessment.

For people without symptoms, the right screening approach and schedule depend on factors such as age, individual risk, medical history, and local clinical guidance. A healthcare professional can help determine which services are appropriate.

The World Health Organization emphasizes that early detection works best when it is connected to timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

The Hope Mobi Clinic initiative demonstrates one way organizations can bring preventive services closer to communities. Sustained partnerships and clear follow-up pathways will be important in helping more women turn access to screening into meaningful healthcare support.

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PRSP Names Doris Isubal-Mongaya First Visayas Regional Chair in 69 Years

PRSP Names Doris Isubal-Mongaya First Visayas Regional Chair in 69 Years

The Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) has appointed Doris Isubal-Mongaya, founder and CEO of Cebu-based PRWorks Inc., as the first Regional Chair of its Visayas Regional Network in the organization's 69-year history.

Announced in Cebu City on October 16, 2026, the appointment marks a step toward expanding professional representation and development opportunities for public relations practitioners outside Metro Manila. The initiative also places regional communications, responsible information sharing, and professional standards at the center of PRSP's efforts to strengthen the industry nationwide.

The appointment was formalized during a gathering at SM City Cebu, which included the induction of new PRSP members from the Visayas. It forms part of the organization's regional initiative, STEWARDING PRSP: Amplifying Voices, Building Trust.

Why Is PRSP Expanding Its Regional Network?

PRSP's appointment of a Visayas Regional Chair is intended to make the professional organization more accessible to communicators working outside the country's capital.

For businesses operating across the Philippines, public relations often requires an understanding of local audiences, media organizations, cultural differences, and regional business environments. A stronger regional network can help practitioners exchange knowledge and build professional relationships closer to the communities they serve.

PRSP President Ana Pista, APR, described the appointment as a milestone in the organization's efforts to strengthen regional representation.

Pista said the initiative recognizes the expertise of regional communicators and aims to expand access to professional development while strengthening connections among practitioners across the Visayas.

For the communications industry, the move creates an opportunity to bring more regional perspectives into national discussions about public trust, corporate reputation, and responsible communication.

Who Is Doris Isubal-Mongaya?

Isubal-Mongaya brings more than two decades of public relations experience to the regional leadership role. She founded PRWorks Inc., a Cebu-based agency serving organizations across the Visayas and Mindanao.

According to PRWorks' official profile, the agency's work reflects a focus on strategic communications and community impact. Its services include public relations, digital communications, events management, and integrated marketing communications.

Her professional experience extends beyond corporate communications to community advocacy and disaster-relief efforts. She has emphasized the role of public relations in supporting communities, expressing the view that effective PR should help improve people's lives.

For regional businesses, that approach reflects a broader understanding of communications: reputation is shaped not only by publicity but also by how organizations engage with stakeholders and respond to community concerns.

Isubal-Mongaya said PRSP's expansion into the Visayas was overdue and expressed confidence that the regional network would help develop public relations as both a profession and a career in the region's economic centers.

What Does the Appointment Mean for Regional Communications Professionals?

The new regional leadership structure is designed to strengthen professional connections, broaden learning opportunities, and support the development of communications talent outside Metro Manila.

For practitioners in the Visayas, a stronger professional network could provide greater access to industry discussions, training, and collaboration with peers. Students and early-career communicators may also benefit from opportunities to learn about the standards and responsibilities expected in professional public relations.

For companies with regional operations, a more connected communications community may also help facilitate knowledge sharing on local stakeholder engagement, crisis response, and reputation management.

These are potential benefits rather than guaranteed outcomes. Their impact will depend on how the regional network develops its programs, engages members, and sustains participation over time.

PRSP Highlights Crisis Communication, Measurement, and AI Ethics

The Cebu gathering included PRSP's Professional Development Program, with sessions on strategic measurement, crisis communication, and responsible communication, including AI ethics.

These subjects reflect important considerations for communications teams as organizations rely on digital channels to reach audiences and respond to emerging issues.

Strategic measurement helps organizations assess whether communications activities are achieving their objectives. Rather than counting media mentions alone, practitioners may examine audience engagement, message understanding, stakeholder response, and other measures tied to organizational goals.

Crisis communication focuses on how organizations share timely, accurate information when unexpected events threaten public safety, operations, or reputation. Clear communication and consistent updates can help stakeholders understand what is happening and what actions an organization is taking.

AI ethics in communications concerns the responsible use of artificial intelligence in research, content creation, and audience engagement. Issues include verifying generated information, protecting confidential data, identifying misleading content, and maintaining human accountability for published material.

For corporate communications leaders, these areas are increasingly connected. Technology can help teams work more efficiently, but professional judgment remains essential when accuracy, trust, and organizational reputation are at stake.

How Does the THINKaMuna Media and Truth Forum Fit Into the Initiative?

The regional gathering also included THINKaMuna: Media and Truth Forum, organized in partnership with MediaQuest Holdings Inc., THINKaMuna Pilipinas, and TikTok.

Held at the Cube Wing Atrium of SM Seaside City Cebu, the forum brought together students, educators, public relations practitioners, and other communications professionals to discuss misinformation, disinformation, responsible information sharing, and the role of communication in building public trust.

Misinformation generally refers to false or inaccurate information shared without necessarily intending to deceive. Disinformation involves information deliberately created or distributed to mislead.

The distinction matters to businesses, institutions, and communications professionals because inaccurate information can spread rapidly online, affecting public understanding and organizational credibility.

For communications teams, addressing these risks requires more than issuing corrections after a claim circulates. It also involves checking sources, providing clear evidence, communicating transparently, and ensuring that information shared with audiences can be substantiated.

The forum's focus on truth and responsible communication complements the regional network's professional development goals by connecting industry practice with broader public information concerns.

What Comes Next for PRSP's Visayas Regional Network?

Through the Visayas Regional Network, PRSP aims to strengthen professional relationships, widen access to development programs, and support public relations as a career across the regions.

The launch in Cebu was sponsored by PMFTC Inc., CARMA, Jollibee Philippines, Meralco, Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN), and SM Prime Holdings.

The appointment establishes a new regional leadership role within PRSP's longstanding professional community. The next measure of its impact will be how effectively the network translates that structure into practical opportunities for practitioners, students, and organizations across the Visayas.

For an industry built around relationships and trust, stronger regional participation could help ensure that the perspectives shaping national communications are informed by experiences beyond Metro Manila.

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Manulife Launches Global Diversified Real Asset Feeder Fund in the Philippines

Manulife Launches Global Diversified Real Asset Feeder Fund in the Philippines

Friday, October 16, 2026

Manulife Investments Philippines has expanded its investment offerings with the launch of the Manulife Global Diversified Real Asset Feeder Fund, an income-paying unit investment trust fund (UITF) that gives Filipino investors access to a range of global real asset investments.

The fund, previously known as the Manulife Global REIT Feeder Fund, has been converted from a real estate-focused strategy into a multi-asset portfolio. Its investments include global real estate investment trusts (REITs), listed infrastructure, natural resources equities, and U.S. Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS).

The change reflects a broader investment approach that aims to combine income opportunities, long-term growth potential, and exposure to assets that may respond differently to inflation and changing market conditions.

What the Manulife Global Diversified Real Asset Feeder Fund Offers

Real assets include investments connected to physical property, infrastructure, and natural resources. These can include commercial real estate, transportation networks, energy systems, and other assets that support economic activity.

Through the new fund structure, investors can access several categories of global real assets through a single professionally managed UITF, rather than building a portfolio of these investments individually.

The fund invests across four main areas:

Global REITs: Listed companies and trusts with exposure to income-generating real estate.

Listed infrastructure: Investments in publicly traded infrastructure businesses and assets that support essential services and economic activity.

Natural resources equities: Shares in companies involved in natural resources and related industries.

U.S. Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS): U.S. government securities whose principal adjusts with changes in the Consumer Price Index, helping provide protection against U.S. inflation.

The combination is intended to diversify the portfolio's sources of income and potential returns. However, diversification does not eliminate investment risk, and the fund's value may fluctuate with market conditions.

Why Real Assets Are Drawing Investor Attention

Global economic changes are creating demand for the physical infrastructure that supports technology, energy, and commerce.

The expansion of artificial intelligence and digital services, for example, requires data centers, reliable electricity, and supporting infrastructure. Modernizing transportation and supply chains also calls for investment in physical networks, while the transition to new energy systems is reshaping demand for resources and power infrastructure.

These developments provide a longer-term context for real asset investing. Companies and securities linked to these sectors may benefit from structural changes in the economy, although their performance depends on valuations, operating results, interest rates, regulation, and broader market conditions.

For investors concerned about inflation, certain real assets may offer potential diversification benefits. Yet their returns are not guaranteed to keep pace with inflation, and different asset classes can respond differently to economic shifts.

Income and Long-Term Growth Are Key Fund Objectives

According to Manulife Investments Philippines, the fund seeks to deliver income and long-term inflation-adjusted returns through its diversified global allocation.

Its income-paying structure may appeal to investors who want exposure to multiple real asset categories within one investment product. The fund also aims to provide access to long-term economic trends through professional portfolio management.

Aira Gaspar, president and chief executive officer of Manulife Investments Philippines, said the fund brings together global real asset opportunities in a single solution, giving investors convenient access to asset classes that may otherwise be more difficult to build and manage independently.

The fund is managed by Manulife Investment Management's Multi-Asset Solutions Team, which oversees the company's global multi-asset investment strategies.

Investors should note that the fund's objectives are targets, not guarantees. Its returns may be affected by global equity market movements, interest rates, currency fluctuations, and the performance of the underlying investments.

Minimum Investment and How to Access the Fund

The Manulife Global Diversified Real Asset Feeder Fund is available with a minimum investment of US$1,000 or ₱1,000, according to the company announcement.

Investors can open a UITF account online through Manulife iFUNDS. They may also contact a Manulife Wealth Specialist for additional information about the fund.

Before investing, prospective clients should review the fund's prospectus or other official product documents for details on fees, risks, income distributions, redemption conditions, and eligibility requirements. They should also consider whether the fund's investment strategy matches their financial goals, time horizon, and ability to tolerate losses.

More information is available through the official Manulife Philippines investment funds page.

A Broader Route to Global Real Asset Exposure

The conversion of the former Manulife Global REIT Feeder Fund into a diversified real asset fund gives investors access to a wider set of global investment categories through one UITF.

By combining real estate, infrastructure, natural resources, and inflation-linked U.S. government securities, the fund aims to offer multiple sources of income and potential long-term returns. Its suitability, however, will depend on each investor's needs, risk tolerance, and broader portfolio strategy.

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