SOCIAL MEDIA

Home Credit Philippines Partners with Globe At Home to Make Learning Tools and Connectivity More Accessible This Back-to-School Season

Wednesday, July 23, 2025


Every Sulit-Skwela laptop purchased via Home Credit comes with a FREE GFiber Prepaid UNLI internet

Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), the country’s leading consumer finance company, has partnered with Globe AT HOME to provide Filipino families with affordable financing access to essential learning devices and reliable internet connectivity this back-to-school season. The partnership was formalized through a recent Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing held at the Globe Tower in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Through this collaboration, every laptop purchased under Home Credit’s Sulit-Skwela deals will come with a FREE GFiber Prepaid UNLI internet. This initiative aims to bridge the gap in financial and digital inclusion in the country as students and their families prepare for the new academic year.

“As the back-to-school season begins, this partnership with Globe is a milestone in Home Credit’s mission to empower more Filipino families through financial and digital inclusion. By offering learning devices bundled with reliable internet through our flexible installment plans, we help bridge the gap, making essential tools more accessible to students as they prepare for the school year,” said Puneet Suneja, HCPH’s Chief Sales Officer.

Get a Sulit-Skwela laptop via Home Credit

Home Credit’s Sulit-Skwela deals offer families affordable financing solutions to secure essential back-to-school gadgets. The promo features flexible installment plans of up to 24 months, with options that include 0% interest and zero downpayment, making it easier for parents to upgrade or purchase new learning tools while managing their budget this season.

The Sulit-Skwela promo includes a wide range of laptops and other must-have devices from the most trusted brands in the country, including Acer, Asus, Apple, Lenovo, HP, and others. With more laptop models available, customers can choose from budget-friendly options to high-performance units, including gaming laptops, ultrabooks, and 2-in-1 devices that function as both laptop and tablet. Each device offers reliable performance, with select models featuring long battery life, powerful processors, sizable storage, and larger RAM.

The Sulit-Skwela promo is available in over 15,000 Home Credit partner stores across more than 75 provinces nationwide from May 15 to July 31. Customers only need one valid ID to apply, and eligible applicants can receive approval in as fast as one minute.

Enjoy FREE GFiber Prepaid UNLI internet with every laptop purchase


Customers who purchase a laptop under Home Credit’s Sulit-Skwela promo will receive free GFiber Prepaid UNLI internet with no lock-in period, no monthly bills, and no installation fee. They can simply load up the prepaid fiber service when needed, giving families full control over their internet spending.

After completing the laptop purchase, customers will be prompted to scan a QR code to check if GFiber is available in their area. If the location is serviceable, Globe will then collect customer information and schedule the installation, which can be completed within two to three working days.

“It’s amazing how two big brands are coming together to modernize the Filipino home. Through this partnership with Home Credit, we’re not just expanding fiber connectivity. We’re making it more accessible to families through flexible financing. Home Credit has built a strong, trusted presence across the country, and we’re only at the tip of what we can do together. This collaboration empowers more students with the internet access they need as they gear up for the school year,” said Danny Theseira, Senior Advisor for Globe’s Broadband Business.

Customers may also apply through the Home Credit App to get pre-approved product installments. The app is available for download on Google Play, the App Store, or Huawei AppGallery. For in-store transactions, Home Credit representatives are ready to assist customers throughout the process.

To view the complete list of available laptops and other essential back-to-school gadgets, and to locate nearby partner stores, customers may visit Shoppingmall.ph.
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Protecting Filipino Farmers from Climate Losses: Igloo’s Weather Index Insurance Offers a Solution


Filipino farmers are left vulnerable to financial losses from extreme climate events, yet only one-third are insured.

After months of scorching heat, the country is now grappling with torrential rains as the rainy season sets in. While the rains offer hope for renewed harvests, they also carry the threat of stronger, more destructive typhoons. Despite their vital role in food production, farmers remain among the most vulnerable, repeatedly bearing the brunt of extreme weather with limited protection.

In 2024, the Department of Agriculture reported agricultural losses amounting to ₱57.8 billion, affecting over 1.4 million farmers and fisherfolk across the country. These losses were caused by a mix of calamities, including El Niño-induced droughts, typhoons, pests, and volcanic activity. El Niño alone accounted for ₱15.7 billion in damages, severely hitting key crops like rice and corn. Despite this, only one-third of farmers in the country are insured, according to the World Bank, even with government-subsidized premiums.

In its commitment to make insurance more accessible, leading insurtech Igloo aims to help bridge this protection gap with Weather Index Insurance (WII), an index-based insurance coverage specifically aimed to protect agriculture businesses and farmers against climate risks.

Unlike traditional insurance, which requires assessing actual damages after a disaster, WII uses measurable weather data, such as rainfall, temperature, or wind speed as triggers for payouts. When a predefined threshold is crossed, compensation is automatically released, enabling faster and more objective claims processing.

This parametric model has already been successfully deployed in Vietnam, where WII is available through telecommunications company MobiFone’s agricultural app, MobiAgri, which uses the latest technologies in Big Data, AI, blockchain, AR, and VR to support digital farming. By embedding Igloo’s Rainfall Weather Index Insurance into MobiAgri, the initiative offers a holistic platform designed to improve crop yields, manage climate risks, and promote sustainable farming. Deployment is in 18 provinces and cities, supported by a network of over 2,000 rain stations and 650 meteorological stations.

“We believe the same model can be applied to the Philippines, where frequent typhoons and prolonged droughts continue to impact agricultural productivity,” said John Chen, Igloo’s Country Manager for the Philippines and Thailand. The company has been in talks with local stakeholders to introduce weather-based coverage and is actively looking to expand its offerings in the country

“With the right partners, including government agencies to agritech platforms and cooperatives, we can bring insurance closer to Filipino farmers and equip them with the tools to better withstand the effects of climate change,” Chen added.

Learn more about Igloo’s products and services by visiting iglooinsure.com
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Globe brings services closer to Bohol with new pop-up store

Tuesday, July 22, 2025


Globe has opened a new pop-up store in Bohol to make it easier for residents and tourists to access mobile and broadband services right where they are. This is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to bring reliable connectivity closer to communities that need it most.

Bohol has seen a sharp rise in tourist arrivals this year, particularly in Panglao. February 2025 alone saw 70,458 guests, while total foreign tourist arrivals in the first quarter reached 110,253, a 7.3% increase from the same period in 2024, according to the Philippine Information Agency. With more people coming in and digital needs growing, Globe saw the need to provide faster, more convenient access to its services on the ground.

“We’re excited to serve the people of Bohol more directly,” said Chai Alano, Vice President of Channel Management Group at Globe.“This pop-up store is one way we’re bringing our services closer to the community. We want Boholanos and tourists alike to stay connected, whether it’s for work, school, or simply staying in touch with loved ones.”

At the Globe Bohol pop-up store, customers can get prepaid SIMs, apply for new mobile postpaid lines with or without devices, or renew their existing plans. It also offers broadband services and reliable internet to households and small businesses through GFiber Prepaid and Globe AT HOME, providing reliable internet to households and small businesses. For local establishments such as small hotels, cafés, and restaurants, fiber connectivity can support online bookings, enable food delivery services, and offer WiFi to guests, helping them attract more customers and cater to the growing number of tourists.

For mobile needs, the store offers prepaid SIMs that are well-suited for foreign visitors and digital nomads. These SIMs come with no long-term commitment and give users immediate access to data for social media, navigation, remote work, or simply staying connected while in Bohol. The store also accepts all forms of payment for bill transactions, making it easier for customers to manage their accounts.

Beyond setting up new services, the store is ready to assist with customer concerns, including service issues and technical support. It’s designed to be a one-stop shop for everything Globe, offering convenience, speed, and real-time support.

The Bohol pop-up, located at the Upper Ground Floor of Island City Mall in Tagbilaran City, is part of a broader effort to make Globe’s services more accessible nationwide, especially in areas experiencing rapid development and increased connectivity needs.

To learn more about Globe’s network initiatives in the Visayas, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.

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Beko recognized as Global No. 1 sustainability leader in its industry, climbing to the 17th spot on TIME Magazine’s World’s Most Sustainable Companies 2025


As the world faces environmental challenges, pushing for sustainability is even more crucial. When sustainability steps in, we are given the chance to make the world a healthier place to live – and in the Philippines, this sentiment rings truer and louder than ever.

At the core of Beko, Europe’s No. 1 Large Home Appliance company*, is creating a sustainable future through innovative home solutions that help households live more comfortably and healthily.

The brand has always stayed true to its commitment, which is further reinforced by being recognized once again as one of TIME Magazine’s World’s Most Sustainable Companies.

Beko has achieved a significant milestone, moving up to #17 overall, a remarkable jump from its previous #44 ranking, and secured the #1 position in its industry. This accomplishment is particularly notable given TIME's more stringent 2025 evaluation criteria, which cover environmental and social stewardship, reporting, and transparency. With more than 5,000 global brands being evaluated, this feat is a testament to Beko’s world-class quality.

“We’re proud to be the sector leader, not just by intent, but through verifiable progress, smart design, and industry-leading transparency,” shared Hakan Bulgurlu, CEO of Beko. “What matters is building systems that allow people and the planet to thrive, at every level, and in every market - and that starts with the dedication and endeavour of our teams around the world.”

Beko has garnered several nods in its sustainability performance, including using 27,835 tonnes of recycled plastics in products and recycling 1.86 million Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) since 2014. In terms of renewable energy installed, Beko also reached 90.2MWp in manufacturing. The low-carbon products accounted for 71.5% of turnover, with energy-efficient products representing 61.9%.

“It’s a validation of our belief that sustainability must scale,” Bulgurlu shared. “As we continue our journey to net zero by 2050, this milestone affirms the impact of credible data, long-term thinking, and putting sustainability at the center of how we grow.”

Visit any leading appliance store near you or visit www.beko.com/ph-en and on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at @bekoph to know more.

*Licensee limited to certain jurisdictions.
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PH needs 7,000 new classrooms yearly for the next 15 years— PIDS urges long-term planning


The Philippines must build 7,000 classrooms annually for the next 15 years to resolve severe backlogs and future-proof its education system, according to the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

During a live podcast at Centro Escolar University titled “Classroom Shortages and Teacher Quality: Kaya Bang Mag-Level Up ng Polisiya?” and hosted by Professor Jose Cris Sotto, PIDS education experts called for long-term, systemic solutions to the country’s decades-old classroom crisis.

“If education is something important to us, as a nation, we should be able to put our heads together to address this issue,” said Dr. Michael Ralph Abrigo, PIDS Senior Research Fellow and lead author of the study, “Low Fertility, Ageing Buildings, and School Congestion in the Philippines,” commissioned by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2).

Fertility decline helps, but urban congestion persists

The study notes that lower fertility rates and targeted infrastructure projects have reduced national congestion. Still, overcrowding remains severe in key areas such as Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Region XII, and BARMM.

In 2021, for example, over 90% of students in Northern Manila elementary schools were enrolled in classes with 50 or more pupils, Southern Manila recorded 76.8%, while Eastern Manila logged 60.1%. Nearby provinces, such as Rizal (66.0%) and Cavite (57.7%), showed similar strains.

The study projects a nationwide decline in school enrollment from 2040 to 2060 due to declining fertility.

“Per the PSA projections, if our Total Fertility Rate drops to around 1.7 by the 2050s, our population will start to decline... With fewer children entering school, we’ll need fewer classrooms and teachers,” Abrigo shared.

But this trend doesn’t apply evenly: regions like BARMM continue to see a rising school-age population, pushing local education systems beyond capacity.

Infrastructure alone won’t cut it

Abrigo emphasized that infrastructure must be paired with bold and scalable reforms.

“DepEd is not in the business of constructing buildings. Their mission is improving education, and classrooms are just one part of that,” he said.

He cited public-private partnerships like education vouchers, which offer private school alternatives, to help ease public school congestion.

He also recommended flexible scheduling and shared space agreements for underutilized classrooms.

Abrigo also called for greater national support for under-resourced LGUs, particularly those unable to utilize their Special Education Funds (SEF).

Effective reform, he added, requires transparent, data-driven planning and coordinated infrastructure deployment among government agencies.

“Currently, classroom construction procedures are lengthened by phased budgeting, site verification, bidding, and hazard assessment processes,” he noted.

He recommended a forward-looking master plan, updated regularly to identify locations with impending demand, ensuring classrooms are built ahead of enrollment surges.

Abrigo also highlighted that these plans must consider local nuances—especially in disaster-prone regions—to reduce delays and wasted resources.

Turning demographic shifts into gains

PIDS underscored that a shrinking youth population offers a chance to boost per-capita income—but only if the country invests heavily in education.

The so-called “demographic dividend” refers to the economic growth potential that arises when a country has more working-age people than dependents, like children or the elderly. But this opportunity only pays off if the workforce is healthy, educated, and productively employed.

“The demographic dividend isn’t automatic — we must invest in human capital through education, health, and employment to ensure our future workforce is ready,” said Abrigo.

This means not just increasing education budgets, but rethinking how the system is built and managed, Abrigo added.

“There should be a very strategic project management. It's not just about the budget per se,” he said.
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MyFintech Week 2025 Unpacks Key Trends Transforming The Financial Landscape

Saturday, July 19, 2025

MyFintech Week 2025

Malaysia's Flagship Fintech Event Unites Innovators and Policymakers to Accelerate Collaboration and Drive an Interconnected Future of Finance

MyFintech Week (MyFW) returns for its highly anticipated third edition from 4 – 7 August 2025, at a pivotal juncture as Malaysia assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship. This milestone underscores a renewed emphasis on regional collaboration and shared growth within the dynamic fintech ecosystem.

Co-organised by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB), Fintech Association of Malaysia (FAOM), and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), MyFW 2025 will delve into the pressing trends shaping the future of finance under the theme ‘Ideate, Innovate, Co-create: Shaping the Future of Finance’.

This year’s event features exciting content designed to deepen understanding of how evolving technology, regulatory shifts, and societal demands intertwine to redefine the regional financial landscape. From masterclasses and hackathons to high-level dialogues, MyFW 2025 will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to navigate the complexities of financial transformation and foster actionable insights.

Distinguished speakers include:

  • Dato' Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour, Governor of BNM
  • Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi, Executive Chairman of SC
  • Eddie Yue, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority
  • Chia Der Jiun, Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore
  • Dr Yanis Varoufakis, Former Minister of Finance of Greece
  • Peng Yang, Chief Executive Officer of Ant International
  • YM Raja Datin Paduka Teh Maimunah Raja Abdul Aziz, Chief Executive Officer of AEON Bank
  • Tan Sri Andrew Sheng, Chairman of George Town Institute of Open & Advanced Studies

Key Focus Areas:

Finance for the Future: Exploring how artificial intelligence, blockchain and open finance are reshaping financial services. It will also explore efforts to build secure digital asset ecosystems with a focus on regulatory alignment to foster responsible innovation and trust.

Finance for Change: Championing the expansion of Islamic and social finance to amplify socio-economic impact. It will highlight the role of technology in democratising access to climate and nature finance, while showcasing inclusive financial solutions and literacy initiatives that empower communities to make informed, resilient financial choices.

Finance for a Resilient Ecosystem: Spotlighting high-impact investment opportunities and strategic initiatives to cultivate a digitally skilled talent pool. It will also address the pressing challenges of cybersecurity and operational resilience, emphasizing cross-sector collaboration to combat financial fraud and strengthen infrastructure integrity.

MyFW 2025 is positioned as a crucial platform for advancing key outcomes for nationwide policy alignment through a whole-of-nation approach, ecosystem development and deployment of initiatives to cultivate responsible innovation. It aims to complement ongoing financial innovation and inclusion efforts across the region by empowering emerging fintech players and existing incumbents, elevating Malaysia’s regional position and shaping a forward-looking financial landscape.

For further details regarding the program, speakers, and registration, visit https://myfw2025.com.my/
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Schneider Electric Named World’s Most Sustainable Company in 2025 by TIME and Statista


Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, has once again secured the top spot as the World’s Most Sustainable Company in 2025. The prestigious recognition comes from TIME Magazine and Statista, following a comprehensive evaluation of 5,700 companies across multiple sustainability metrics.

This marks the second consecutive year that Schneider Electric has claimed the No. 1 position in the World’s Most Sustainable Companies ranking, highlighting its unwavering commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) excellence.

Leading the Way in Sustainability and Climate Action

Schneider Electric’s repeat recognition underscores its industry leadership in sustainability, with clear, measurable progress toward its environmental goals. The company is on track to achieve a 25% absolute carbon reduction across its value chain by 2030, with a target of Net-Zero CO₂ emissions by 2050. These goals are guided by its SBTi-validated Schneider Sustainability Impact (SSI) 2021–2025 program, which serves as a roadmap for driving climate-positive outcomes across its ecosystem—including customers, suppliers, and local communities.

"We’re incredibly honored to be recognized as the world’s most sustainable company for the second year in a row," said Olivier Blum, CEO of Schneider Electric. "Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Our goal is to be a trusted partner for delivering both efficiency and environmental impact. Our purpose, mission, and values position us as a true Impact Company—where performance, purpose, and culture align to build a more sustainable future."

How the World’s Most Sustainable Companies Are Ranked

The annual ranking by TIME and Statista assesses 20 key performance indicators (KPIs) such as:

  • Scope 1 and 2 emissions
  • Energy consumption relative to company size
  • Use of renewable energy
  • Emissions reduction targets
  • Sustainability commitments and reporting transparency
  • Social and environmental performance indicators

Only 500 companies make the final list, placing Schneider Electric in a global leadership position for its climate-conscious operations and impact-driven strategies.

Recognized Worldwide for Sustainability Excellence

In addition to the TIME and Statista honor, Schneider Electric was also named the World’s Most Sustainable Corporation 2025 by Corporate Knights, becoming the only company to top the Global 100 list twice. It also received the titles of Most Sustainable Corporation in Europe and in France by the same organization.

With back-to-back global honors, Schneider Electric reinforces its role as a sustainability trailblazer, helping shape a greener, more efficient, and inclusive world.
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