PLDT Enterprise rallies businesses to be their own first line of cyber defense

Sunday, July 6, 2025

PLDT Enterprise

In today’s digital-first landscape, where cyber threats evolve just as rapidly as the technologies designed to combat them, PLDT Enterprise, the corporate arm of PLDT, and ePLDT, PLDT’s ICT subsidiary, are reinforcing their commitment to cybersecurity. Championing efforts to educate, empower, and inspire proactive action toward a safer and more secure cyberspace, the group is urging its clients and customers to transform every employee and leader into a “Human Firewall.”

According to Alexis Bernardino, Field CISO and Cybersecurity Product Head of PLDT Enterprise and ePLDT, respectively, “Fraud schemes like phishing, smishing, vishing, and other similar scams, continue to increase in the Philippines. Given all these dangers, we continue to empower our clients’ workforce to become the first line of defense against cyber threats.”

A Snapshot of the Threat Landscape

The Philippines is one of the most active digital markets in the world and with it comes heightened exposure to cyber threats. Phishing, SMShing, and vishing attacks continue to proliferate, with scammers impersonating executives, hijacking QR codes (quishing), and sending fraudulent messages through messaging apps. These attacks continue to grow with cybercrime economy projected to hit $10.5 trillion globally by 2025, reflecting how valuable digital data has become.

Now, these threats have become local realities: fake CEO messages, spoofed HR announcements, and urgent payment requests are targeting Filipino businesses more frequently. But many times, a simple call to verify a suspicious message can help a company avert a major breach.

#CommittedToCybersecurity: From Awareness to Empowerment

PLDT Enterprise and ePLDT continue to promote a culture of cyber resilience through practical education. By simplifying technical topics and emphasizing everyday action, they provide essential cyber hygiene tips:

  • "Pause, Check, Protect" before clicking on links or responding to unusual requests.
  • Verify identities using trusted communication channels.
  • Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to secure logins.
  • Separate work and personal device usage to prevent crossover risks.
  • Avoid oversharing on social media, which scammers use for reconnaissance.

“At PLDT, we are committed to providing secure systems and building a digital community where vigilance is second nature,” Bernardino shared.

Securing Systems and Strengthening Trust Through Innovation

To support this, PLDT Enterprise, together with ePLDT, delivers comprehensive cybersecurity solutions that include protecting employee devices and data, providing professional services to improve organizations’ security postures, and offering AI-enabled managed solutions that identify, analyze, and prevent cyberthreats.

With a proactive cybersecurity strategy shaped by decades of experience, ePLDT’s certified experts lead threat intelligence, detection, and rapid response initiatives, equipping customers with tools, tailored insights, and 24/7 protection from real-world attacks.

From advanced threat detection to real-time incident handling, ePLDT works closely with customers to assess risks, close vulnerabilities, and stay one step ahead of evolving threats.

In addition, PLDT Enterprise, the first and only telco in the Philippines to receive the GSMA Open Gateway API certification, empowers businesses with Silent Authentication, an innovative solution that enhances customer protection by enabling secure, frictionless digital transactions. This eliminates the need for traditional passwords and OTPs by allowing merchants to verify identities directly with the telco network via the Application Programming Interface.

This kind of human-plus-technology approach ensures that cybersecurity involves both the systems in place and the people who use them.

A Shared Responsibility for a Safe Digital Philippines

Cybersecurity is not just the responsibility of IT departments. Everyone has a role to play. “You can't outsource vigilance,” Bernardino emphasized. “Every organization must embed a cybersecurity mindset into the very grassroots of their organizational culture.”

This vision aligns with the broader agenda of sustainable development of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by enabling safe digital access, promoting inclusive education, and protecting economic activities.

“Cybersecurity has now evolved from a technical task to a shared responsibility. Our mission is to embed that cyber-first mindset into every Filipino business, and there is no better time to start than today,” Bernardino said.

To learn more about how your organization can become a Human Firewall, visit https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-committed-to-cybersecurity-pr
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FedEx Expands Export Permit Services Network with 41 New Retail Outlets, Strengthening Support for Filipino SMEs


Federal Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, is enhancing its support for Filipino small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with significant expansion of its export permit services. Now available at 18 International Parcel Express (IPX) and 23 Airspeed outlets nationwide, this initiative underscores FedEx's dedication to making international shipping more accessible and empowering local businesses to thrive in the global market.

With this strategic development, FedEx export permit services are now accessible at 240 locations nationwide, including 199 2GO outlets, along with 23 newly added Airspeed sites and 18 IPX centers.

Each authorized retail store is fully equipped to assist business owners with crucial documentation and regulatory compliance for international export shipments. This expanded network significantly enhances the availability and convenience of FedEx export permit services for SMEs and e-commerce retailers across the country.

The service encompasses a wide range of items, from fishery products and magnetic media storage devices to consumer goods like medicines, supplements, medical devices, soaps, creams, and toothpaste, as well as repair and return items, and certificates of origin.

This latest initiative is part of FedEx's broader efforts to foster the growth of the Philippine export sector. By streamlining access to international trade, FedEx maintains its role as a trusted logistics provider for businesses of all sizes, ensuring that Filipino products can reach customers worldwide swiftly, reliably, and in full compliance with global standards.

Discover how FedEx is supporting Filipino SMEs here.

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Get Closer to Your Dream Ride

PSBank Auto Loan

Start the journey with PSBank Auto Loan

Whether it’s the daily commute, weekend errands, or family road trips, a reliable car gives you the freedom and confidence to go wherever life takes you. More than just a means of transportation, it’s an investment in convenience, safety, and peace of mind.

With PSBank Auto Loan, getting behind the wheel is simple, fast, and hassle-free.

Fast, Flexible, and Made for Everyday Life

Let’s face it: buying a new car is a big investment. That’s why having the right financing partner makes all the difference. With so much to manage in a day, car financing should be the least of your concerns.

Start your journey by planning ahead with the PSBank Auto Loan Calculator, which helps you estimate your potential monthly payments in just a few clicks. Once you're ready, you can apply for a PSBank Auto Loan online—and get a loan decision in as fast as 24 hours.

Managing your payments is just as simple.You can make payments through PSBank Mobile, PSBank Online, over-the-counter at any PSBank branch, or at 7-Eleven stores, among others.

And here’s a bonus: when you make advance or excess payments, you automatically earn rebates through the Prime Rebate feature. That means you can reduce your total loan amount, shorten your loan term—or even both.

Looking for more options? Check out PSBank’s Pre-Owned Cars at budget-friendly prices. You can either browse available units online, or drop by the PSBank Pre-Owned Auto Mart at 8003 Lands R Us Realty Compound, Manalac Ave., Bagong Tanyag, East Service Road, Taguig City. Units are available for viewing from Monday to Saturday, 8am to 4:30pm.

Your Maaasahan Partner on the Road

For those balancing work, family, and everything in between, a dependable ride starts with a dependable partner—with help from PSBank Auto Loan with Prime Rebate to make it all possible.

Apply for a PSBank Auto Loan through PSBank Online Loan Application, or visit your nearest PSBank branch. For more information, visit www.psbank.com.ph or follow PSBank on Facebook.
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Ant International Launches Alipay+ Voyager, a Built-in End-to-End AI Travel Companion for Digital Wallet and Super App Users

Friday, July 4, 2025

 

Alipay+ Voyager converts Alipay+'s agentic travel AI solutions into one multi-task interface for e-wallet and super app users

● OTA and travel merchant partners such as Agoda, Fliggy and Trip.com offer seamless, end-to-end traveller experience through Alipay+'s global partner apps, from trip planning, trip booking to product and service discovery

● Alipay+ plans to further deepen and expand its AI offerings for fintechs and super apps as a global wallet gateway for connectivity and growth.


With launch partners including Agoda, Fliggy and Trip.com, Ant International introduces Alipay+ Voyager, an AI travel companion integrated into digital wallets for the travel industry to simplify and enhance travel experiences for global consumers.

Alipay+ Voyager combines Ant International's agentic AI capabilities with the galaxy of cross-border travel services offered by OTA partners and 100 million global merchants in Alipay+'s partner ecosystem.

Through its one single AI interface embedded in e-wallets and super apps, Alipay+ Voyager assists travellers, via text or voice in their local language, to complete itinerary planning, booking, and purchasing in-destination merchant offerings with a seamless flow.

Alipay+ Voyager is first launched on three of Asia’s biggest mobile wallets, Alipay (Chinese mainland), AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR, China) and GCash (the Philippines) ahead of the summer travel peak. It will roll out to more Alipay+ payment partners throughout 2025.

Alipay+, started as a cross-border payment technology solution, now helping 36 leading e-wallets and payment apps with 1.7 billion consumer accounts connect to over 100 million merchants. The Alipay+ Wallet Tech team has been working with e-wallet partners in emerging markets to develop payment, security and growth capabilities and solutions since 2015. Today, the team plans to further build out other agentic AI suites for different industries on Alipay+ GenAI Cockpit, its main AI platform for fintechs.

Driving Global Connectivity and Growth in the Merchant-Wallet-Consumer Ecosystem

The online travel market is expected to grow 10% annually through 2032, with mobile already making up two-thirds of traffic. Travellers, especially Gen Zs, increasingly favour unique, hyperlocal experiences, using mobile-first, all-in-one solutions to uncover their best options.

Alipay+ Voyager has a number of distinct features:

● Intelligent end-to-end assistance from one single hub in familiar wallets: research, decision and action support before, during and after the trip

● Real-time global-to-local connections: seamless transitioning to local services like ride-hailing, public transport, shopping, dining and sightseeing;

● Purposeful, forward-looking curation: Voyager AI intuitively understands a user’s preferences, proactively solves problems when there are issues such as flight delays or bad weather, and surfaces hyper-relevant options in real-time before a traveller even asks, all within their home e-wallet;

● A new growth gateway for merchants and OTAs: captures multiple core markets through one easy deployment across the largest regional and global e-wallets.


“Travellers today are using more tech to enhance their trips, and there is a need for the industry to adapt and meet these new and emerging expectations,” said Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International. “By integrating a proactive, always-on AI travel companion within digital wallets that consumers already use frequently, we’re empowering travel and wallet partners with new opportunities to engage travellers in a more relevant, personalised way, through every step of their journey.”

Gil Hazan, Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Agoda, said: "At Agoda, we are committed to making travel more accessible and seamless for everyone. By integrating our extensive supply network as one of Asia's leading online travel platforms with Alipay+ Voyager's expansive wallet partnerships, we can offer travellers a more convenient and personalized booking experience. This collaboration enables us to reach a broader audience and provide tailored travel solutions that cater to the diverse needs of today's travellers."
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EastWest Trust and Asset Management Group Honored for Best Discretionary & Advisory Service Offering at Global Private Banking Innovation Awards 2025


East West Banking Corporation proudly announces that its Trust and Asset Management Group (TAMG) has received the prestigious Best Discretionary & Advisory Service Offering award at the 2025 Global Private Banking Innovation Awards, marking another significant milestone in the Bank’s growing legacy of excellence in wealth and investment management.

Despite operating with a lean team of just 33 officers, EastWest TAMG manages an impressive asset base having achieved significant year-on-year growth in 2024. Over the past five years, TAMG has averaged better than market AUM growth, reflecting both disciplined investment strategies and consistent fund performance. This global recognition reinforces TAMG’s vision of delivering strategic, client-centric investment solutions that drive meaningful outcomes for both institutional and retail clients.

“This award is a reflection of the trust our clients place in us, and the discipline and innovation our team brings to every portfolio,” said Raul Victor De Guzman, Head of Trust and Asset Management Group at EastWest. “We are proud to deliver institutional-grade investment solutions that remain accessible, cost-effective, and tailored for the Filipino investor.”

EastWest Head of Financial Markets and Wealth Management, Raffy S. Algarra Jr., shared his view on the recent recognition: “At EastWest, we believe that financial empowerment should be accessible to every Filipino. This award affirms that our approach, grounded in trust, deep expertise, and genuine accessibility, is resonating with clients. The success of our Trust and Asset Management Group speaks to the kind of value we strive to create, always in step with our customers and their goals.”

Driving Superior Investment Performance

Among its most notable accomplishments in 2024, four unit-linked insurance funds managed by TAMG for bancassurance partner EastWest Ageas outperformed their respective peer groups:

  • The Equity VUL Fund, which tracks the Philippine Stock Exchange Index, posted a remarkably low tracking error of 0.0079%, the best in its category.
  • The High Dividend Equity VUL Fund delivered a 19.23% return, outperforming its closest competitor by 711 basis points.
  • The Peso Active Equity VUL Fund beat its peer by 155 basis points with a return of 7.43%.
  • The Dollar Income Payout Fund generated a 7.05% return net of payouts, 349 basis points higher than its closest peer.

Innovation and Accessibility in Investment

TAMG’s comprehensive suite includes Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs), investment management accounts, fiduciary services, and escrow arrangements tailored for a wide spectrum of client needs, from institutional investors to individual clients planning their financial future.

In 2025 and beyond, EastWest TAMG plans to launch new investment products, including actively managed and PERA UITFs, gold investment options, and deeper integration with Komo, EastWest’s digital banking platform. This will make investment opportunities even more accessible, especially for a younger, digitally enabled market.

In parallel, the group is expanding its portfolio sales team and automating operational workflows to increase both client service levels and investment research capacity.

Market-Leading Efficiency and Value

Setting itself apart in a competitive market, TAMG also offers one of the lowest trust fees in the Philippine market at just 0.9%, compared to the average 1.7% charged by competitors. This efficient model allows clients to maximize returns, further strengthening TAMG’s value proposition.
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Allianz PNB Life Supports Zero Hunger Through Sustained, Strengthened Food Rescue Partnership


Food insecurity remains a pressing issue in the Philippines, with 27.2% of Filipinos experiencing involuntary hunger according to a Social Weather Stations survey conducted on March 15 to 25, 2025.

This contrasts with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) 2024 Food Waste Index Report of 2.95 million tonnes a year, or 26 kilograms (kg) per capita of food waste in the Philippines. The Food Waste Index measures the amount of food and its inedible parts wasted in retail, food service, and households. The household sector worldwide accounted for 60% or 631 million tonnes of wasted food, followed by food service at 28% or 290 million tonnes, and retail at 12% or 131 million tonnes. This posts not only a challenge to overflowing landfills; the food waste materials also emit greenhouse gases that impact the environment.

Sustainable solutions to this inequity were discussed in the recent Zero Summit led by Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) Philippines, a food rescue and environment foundation that rescues good quality surplus food and makes these available to vulnerable communities.

Sustainability as a strategy


With its unwavering commitment to sustainability and social impact, Allianz PNB Life (AZPNBL) continues its partnership with SOS Food Rescue Philippines. Gino Riola, AZPNBL Chief Marketing Officer, delivered the keynote message during the Zero Summit opening session.

AZPNBL is committed to operating as a responsible business, taking into account the impact of its activities on people and the environment. In his talk, “Sustainability as a Strategy,” Riola focused on the importance of making sustainability the core of every enterprise.

He encouraged other business leaders to start with Purpose. “Sustainability strategies must be grounded in the company's core purpose and values,” he explained.

He added that it is also important to link the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework to the business goals. This echoes the ESG triple bottom line principle: People, Planet, Profit. “Sustainability must be integrated into the business model, he added. “It should not be mere optics. Hindi pwedeng puro palabas lang, dapat may balik din o clear connection to the organizations mission for it to be sustainable. Sayang ang effort kung hindi rin lang maipapagpatuloy.”

Innovation and compassion

SOS Philippines Food Rescue Country General Manager Rachel Marie Q. Luna underscored the importance of partnerships in helping the advocacy reach more Filipinos in need. “It is in these partnerships that our mission is able to reach farther, respond faster and serve more communities.”

Luna proudly shared that through its partners and its food rescue ambassadors, it has already reached its year-to-date goal, with more than 2.5 million meals served. “At Scholars of Sustenance Philippines, we believe no one should go hungry while good food is being discarded. That is why we recover surplus and deliver it to those who need it most-creating a food system that is not only charitable but circular by design. One that transforms excess into access, waste into worth, and scarcity into shared abundance.”

“We are here today because of partners who help bring this vision to life-not just through generosity, but through action. Partners who give us the courage to move forward with quiet but steady confidence in tomorrow, and who show us that building harmony is more than an aspiration-it is something we can come home to.”

Since the launch of its partnership with SOS Philippines in 2023, AZPNBL has conducted food drives and volunteer activities among its employees, along with the donation of a truck that is used for food rescue missions. “We stand alongside those who believe that a better world is ours to make; that real, lasting impact grows from intention, care, and collaboration. And we are moved by those whose spirit to go further reminds us that progress happens when we push beyond limits and choose purpose, again and again,” Luna said.

The global focus of Allianz is on climate action. Riola said that this is reflected locally through Carbon footprint reduction initiatives in operations, its continued partnership with SOS Food Rescue Philippines, and the upcoming relocation to a certified green building in Makati. Riola adds, “Allianz is committed to sustainability—not just in protecting the future of its clients, but in ensuring the planet is ready for tomorrow.”
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GPCCI RTD Highlights Urgency for Integrated Cardio-Renal-Metabolic Care in the PH

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Integrated Cardio-Renal-Metabolic Care in the PH

The German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI), in partnership with the German Embassy Manila and Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines, convened a multi-stakeholder roundtable discussion to address the pressing issue of cardio-renal-metabolic (CRM) health and explore strategies for more integrated and patient-centered care.

The roundtable brought together leaders and experts from medical associations, patient advocacy groups, academic institutions, and the pharmaceutical industry. Discussions focused on aligning efforts across sectors and government agencies to respond to the growing incidence of interconnected cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic conditions.

“Addressing CRM conditions is not only about clinical treatment. It is about equity, education, and empathy,” said Dr. Cherry Sevilla-Arenas, from the Philippine Heart Center on her keynote address. “Despite growing awareness, many patients continue to fall through the cracks due to uneven access and fragmented systems of care. If we want to move toward meaningful health outcomes, we must align our efforts—across government, industry, and communities—to prevent care fragmentation and ensure no Filipino is left behind.”

From the patient perspective, Mr. Ralph Degollacion of Healthy Philippines Alliance described the real-world implications of managing CRM conditions, including the emotional, social, and financial burdens that patients and families endure. He emphasized the persistent stigma and exclusion faced by many, rooted largely in the lack of universal access to high-quality, accessible health services, including early diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Rodney Jimenez of the Philippine Heart Association advocated for the institutionalization of interdisciplinary training through elective rotations and certification options in CRM care. He pushed for unified workflows, shared care plans, and integrated support roles as essential components in delivering consistent and effective patient care. He further advocated, along with other medical associations, for the establishment of disease registries and implementation of universal healthcare.

Offering the perspective of the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Greta Cortez of Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines reflected on the evolution from fragmented disease awareness toward a more systemic understanding of CRM interconnectedness. She highlighted initiatives such as It Starts with U: Get CheCKD which aimed to provide health screening and disease awareness for chronic kidney disease and related CRM conditions.

According to a representative from the public health sector, strengthening the country’s healthcare system is imperative to effectively respond to the rising incidence of chronic illnesses and to increase resilience in the face of future public health challenges. They emphasized the need for culturally appropriate, high-quality care across all levels, as well as the continued provision of free consultations and medicines for common non-communicable conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia.

During the open forum, participants from across sectors raised key concerns and potential solutions to improving CRM care. Discussions touched on the importance of early intervention, unified data systems, community-level engagement, and integrated care models. Experts also emphasized the need for greater public awareness, improved workplace wellness, and continued collaboration between public and private stakeholders. The roundtable served as a platform to identify challenges while also reaffirming a collective commitment to systemic, long-term improvements.

“This roundtable served not only as a space for exchange but as a launching point for more unified action and healthcare delivery reforms for CRM.” says GPCCI President Ms. Marie Antoniette E. Mariano, reflecting from the conclusion of the event “Our goal is to help create bridges between patients, practitioners, business community, and policymakers, and we will continue to support efforts that bring impact to Filipino communities.”

In his closing message, Dr. David Klebs, Economic Counsellor of the German Embassy Manila, affirmed Germany’s support for CRM awareness and the importance of cross-sector partnerships. He emphasized the value of long-term collaboration to strengthen public health education, policy implementation, and holistic care.
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