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IT Modernization Tops C-Suite Priorities in 2025

Thursday, September 18, 2025


C-Suite Leaders Pour IT Budgets Into Modernization, But Success Hinges on Strategy

Digital transformation has become the buzzword of the decade, but for many enterprises, turning big investments into real returns remains tricky. A new global study commissioned by Rocket Software and conducted by IDC shows that while executives are eager to modernize their IT systems — with up to 30% of budgets earmarked for it — most organizations are still struggling to achieve the results they want.

From cybersecurity threats to talent shortages, the road to modernization is riddled with challenges. For Filipino businesses looking to stay competitive in a digital-first world, the study offers valuable insights on how to future-proof operations while avoiding wasted investments.

IT Modernization Tops C-Suite Priorities

According to the survey of over 800 IT decision-makers across nine countries, nearly two-thirds of executives rank IT modernization as a top priority. Enterprises are no longer just focusing on cost savings — they’re now looking at modernization as a driver of innovation, agility, and customer satisfaction.

Planned spending in the next two years is expected to reach 25–30% of IT budgets, but organizations that lack a well-rounded strategy risk falling behind.

Barriers Holding Back ROI

The study revealed the top challenges businesses face in modernization:
  • Cybersecurity risks (51%)
  • Data quality and integration issues (43%)
  • Skills and training shortages (39%)

For enterprises in the Philippines and beyond, these issues echo a familiar story. Many companies adopt new tech quickly but underestimate the need for training, data management, and strong security measures.

The Competitive Advantage of Mature Strategies

Organizations with mature, integrated approaches covering infrastructure, applications, data, security, people, and AI readiness are achieving twice the results compared to less-prepared peers.

Michael Curry, President of Data Modernization at Rocket Software, emphasized that success isn’t just about adopting AI or cloud technology. Instead, it comes from “embedding security, governance, and skills development into every phase,” turning IT modernization into a real competitive advantage.

Key Research Insights

Some of the standout findings from the IDC White Paper include:

AI-Ready Infrastructure: 44% of businesses are prioritizing AI-ready tools and platforms. Among the most advanced, 82% are already building infrastructure for high-performance AI models.

Cybersecurity First: 57% of respondents will make cybersecurity and resiliency their top investments in 2025.

Data as the New Gold: Leading organizations are heavily focused on data quality, cataloging, and stewardship to ensure trustworthy enterprise-wide access.

AI and Cloud Skills: Nearly half of businesses plan to strengthen in-house AI expertise and improve data pipelines.

Mainframe Modernization: About 26% of enterprises will update mainframes to better integrate workloads and enterprise data.

Why Talent and Strategy Matter More Than Ever

The study also highlighted a talent gap as a critical challenge. Half of the surveyed enterprises plan to grow IT headcount, with a strong focus on AI, cloud, and cybersecurity skills.

Mary Johnston Turner, Research VP at IDC, noted that modernization maturity is “not just about technology adoption — it’s about the ability to adapt, scale, and deliver measurable business value.”

For local companies, the lesson is clear: modernization isn’t just about chasing the latest tech. Without a comprehensive strategy that includes security, skills, and data governance, investments risk falling flat. Businesses in the Philippines can learn from global leaders by pairing tech adoption with strong organizational readiness to stay competitive in the AI-powered economy.

If your business is looking at digital transformation, don’t just focus on tools. Invest in people, security, and long-term strategy to make sure every peso spent on IT modernization delivers ROI.

See where your organization stands: take Rocket Software and IDC’s 8-minute Modernization Index assessment to measure your IT strategy across six critical pillars and benchmark against peers.

To download the full IDC White Paper (doc #US53640525, July 2025), click here.


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RLC Residences Named Developer of the Year Again at DOT Property Philippines Awards 2025

RLC Residences, led by OIC-General Manager Teddy Bernas (7th from left) won Developer of the Year at the Dot Property Philippines Awards 2025



Winning once is impressive—but winning twice in a row? That’s a mark of true excellence. RLC Residences has just secured its second consecutive Developer of the Year award at the DOT Property Philippines Awards 2025, held at Okada Manila. This back-to-back triumph places the company among the most trusted and innovative names in the country’s real estate scene.

A Celebration of Innovation and Sustainability

Aside from the top honor, RLC Residences also walked away with multiple awards that highlight its versatility and forward-thinking approach:

Special Recognition Award for Sustainable Construction – a testament to the brand’s commitment to eco-friendly and responsible building.

Le Pont Residences (Bridgetowne Destination Estate) – crowned Best Condominium Architectural Design for its world-class aesthetic.

MIRA (Quezon City) – recognized as Best Smart Home Condominium for future-ready living features.

Mantawi Residences (Cebu) – awarded Best Sustainable Development as the first EDGE-certified residential project in the province.

SYNC (Pasig City, C5 Road) – honored as the Best Starter Home Condominium, catering to young professionals and first-time homeowners.

More Than Just Four Walls

Speaking about the milestone, Karen Cesario, Senior Director, Marketing Head and Chief Integration Officer of RLC Residences, shared that these awards affirm their mission: to build homes that go beyond four walls—spaces designed to nurture lifestyles, support ambitions, and provide lasting value. She emphasized that with Robinsons Land’s 45 years of expertise, RLC Residences will continue to raise the bar in residential development.

Recognizing the Best in Real Estate

The DOT Property Philippines Awards, organized by DOT Property Group, is one of Southeast Asia’s most prestigious award-giving bodies in real estate. It celebrates developers and projects that embody excellence, innovation, and sustainability—making RLC Residences’ multiple wins even more meaningful.

This isn’t the first time RLC Residences has gained recognition on a regional level. In 2024, the company was named Developer of the Year Southeast Asia at the DOT Property Asia Awards, proving that its impact goes beyond the Philippines.

From premium residences in Metro Manila to sustainable projects in Cebu, RLC Residences continues to shape communities that reflect the aspirations of Filipino families and global investors alike. With these new accolades, homebuyers can feel even more confident about choosing a developer that consistently delivers both quality and innovation.

Interested in exploring their award-winning projects? Check out rlcresidences.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

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Palo Alto Networks Launches Prisma SASE 4.0 with Next-Level Browser Security

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

 


Protecting Enterprises Against Highly Evasive Cyber Threats

In today’s digital-first world where the browser has become the new enterprise operating system, Palo Alto Networks has taken cybersecurity to the next level with the launch of Prisma® SASE 4.0. This industry-leading secure access service edge (SASE) solution introduces Prisma Browser, designed to stop sophisticated threats that slip past traditional defenses.

From neutralizing malware hidden in encrypted traffic to safeguarding private applications, Prisma SASE 4.0 sets a new benchmark in enterprise security, reinforcing Palo Alto Networks’ leadership in the global cybersecurity space.

Why Browser Protection Is Critical Today

As cloud apps, AI tools, and corporate data increasingly live inside the browser, consumer-grade browsers simply aren’t enough. Cybercriminals are now crafting attacks that assemble directly within the browser, bypassing secure web gateways and leaving organizations vulnerable.

Prisma Browser fills that gap with real-time in-browser protection, detecting and blocking malware before it can cause damage — a layer of defense legacy solutions miss.

Key Innovations in Prisma SASE 4.0

AI-Augmented Data Security

Prisma SASE 4.0 uses AI-powered classification to secure sensitive data, from patents to contracts and source code. With over 140 pre-trained ML classifiers and customizable models, it delivers 10x fewer false positives compared to traditional systems, protecting against risks from AI agents, copilots, and plugins that access company data.

Smarter Private App Security

Dynamic business applications are prime targets for hackers, and static firewalls are no longer enough. Palo Alto Networks’ Private App Security automatically adapts to evolving threats, updating security policies in real-time to shield mission-critical apps.

Market-Proven Leadership

With $1.3 billion in SASE annual recurring revenue (ARR) in 2025 — a 35% YoY growth — Palo Alto Networks is scaling faster than the market. It serves over 6,300 SASE customers, including one-third of the Fortune 500, and holds multiple Gartner Magic Quadrant Leadership positions across SASE, Security Service Edge, and SD-WAN.

What This Means for Businesses

As Anand Oswal, Executive Vice President of Network Security, explains, “It’s no longer just about blocking threats—it’s about enabling growth. Traditional security stacks can’t keep up with today’s AI-driven attacks. With Prisma SASE 4.0 and last-mile protections in the browser, we’re setting a new standard for enterprise security.”

For businesses in the Philippines and worldwide, this means stronger protection, simplified operations, and a clear path to scaling securely in the AI era.

Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT concern anymore — it’s a growth enabler. With Prisma SASE 4.0, Palo Alto Networks redefines how enterprises can protect users, apps, and data at the browser level while staying ahead of rapidly evolving threats.

Prisma SASE 4.0 will be generally available later this year. To learn more, visit Palo Alto Networks’ blog
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FWD Life Insurance Climbs to No. 2 Spot in the Philippines for H1 2025


Strong Growth Amid a Resilient Insurance Market

FWD Life Insurance Corporation (FWD Philippines) is celebrating a major milestone as it secures the #2 ranking among life insurers in the country for the first half of 2025. According to the latest report from the Insurance Commission, FWD achieved a new business annual premium equivalent (NBAPE) of ₱4.6 billion, marking a 39% increase year-on-year—the highest percentage growth among the top 10 insurance firms in the country.

On top of this achievement, FWD also ranked #1 in single-pay premiums, further strengthening its position as one of the fastest-growing players in the Philippine insurance industry.

Leadership Driven by Trust and Innovation

FWD Philippines President and CEO Soon Liang Lau credited this success to the trust of Filipino customers and the dedication of the company’s nationwide teams. He shared, “These milestones not only strengthen our position in the industry but also reflect the trust our customers place in us and the relentless dedication of our teams nationwide. Our consistency is a testament to protecting more Filipino lives and our vision of changing the way people feel about insurance.”

Outperforming Industry Trends

The Philippine insurance sector as a whole showed resilience, with total NBAPE climbing by 12.92% to ₱18.86 billion in the first quarter of 2025. FWD’s 39% growth, however, significantly outpaced the industry average, underscoring its ability to deliver results above market trends.

This momentum is fueled by FWD’s:
  • Innovative product offerings tailored to the needs of modern Filipinos.
  • Financial literacy initiatives that empower people to make informed decisions.
  • Expanding regional hubs that make insurance more accessible nationwide.

Beyond Business: A Commitment to Filipinos

FWD’s mission goes beyond financial performance. The company continues to drive initiatives that support nation-building, from community programs to efforts that promote health, protection, and financial security. This aligns with its 10-year vision of changing the way people feel about insurance—making it simpler, more customer-centric, and easier to understand.

FWD’s rise to the #2 spot is not just about rankings—it’s a reflection of how innovation, trust, and customer focus can transform an industry. As more Filipinos look for reliable financial protection in uncertain times, FWD is proving to be a strong and trustworthy partner for the future.

To explore FWD’s products and services, visit www.fwd.com.ph.
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Wise Business Account Empowers Filipino MSMEs to Go Global

Monday, September 15, 2025


Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are eager to expand internationally, but outdated payment systems have long held them back. Traditional bank transfers remain slow, expensive, and filled with hidden charges—costing local businesses a staggering ₱39.5 billion in 2024 alone due to exchange rate markups.

Recognizing this gap, Wise has officially launched the Wise Business Account in the Philippines, a digital-first solution designed to help MSMEs send, receive, and manage money globally with speed, transparency, and lower costs.

Why Wise Business Matters for Filipino MSMEs

MSMEs make up 99.6% of all businesses in the country, yet many lose thousands of pesos every year just on unnecessary bank fees. According to Wise’s research, nearly half of Filipino MSMEs still rely on traditional banks for international payments—despite the inefficiencies.

With the new Wise Business Account, MSMEs can:

Receive payments in 24 currencies – Get paid like a local in 10 major currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, SGD, etc.) for a one-time fee of ₱1,400, or access 14 more via SWIFT with full fee transparency.

Send money globally, faster – Pay overseas suppliers or employees at the real mid-market exchange rate (the same one on Google) with no hidden markups. Over 70% of payments arrive within 20 seconds.

Spend anywhere, anytime – Use the Wise Business debit card in 150+ countries, free from foreign transaction fees. Business owners can also set spending limits and track employee expenses in real time.

Streamline operations – Integrate with accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks, generate invoices, and even pay up to 1,000 people at once—perfect for scaling companies.

Best of all, account opening is 100% online with no monthly fees or minimum balance required.

From Local Startup to Global Brand

For Raphaela Amat Agupitan, Managing Director of Koru Adventures & Travel Inc., switching to Wise Business was a turning point. “In 2024 alone, we saved around ₱280,000 in bank fees. Payments that used to take days now arrive within hours, improving our cash flow significantly. Wise Business also made it easier for our overseas clients—who now make up 60% of our customer base—to pay us. That’s how we grew from a small local business in 2020 to an international brand serving 14 countries today.”

She added that the Wise Business card simplified expense management for her team, freeing up more time to focus on growing their business instead of drowning in paperwork.

One Account for Global Growth

According to Areson Cuevas, Country Manager of Wise Philippines, the platform is designed to cut through the complexity that many small businesses face. “More than half of MSMEs juggle multiple payment providers just to manage their global operations. With Wise Business, they can do everything from one account—receive, send, spend, and manage their money with full transparency. Whether you’re a freelancer in Manila or a startup in Cebu, Wise Business helps you scale globally without the financial roadblocks.”

Building on Fintech Momentum in the Philippines

Wise is no stranger to the Philippines. It was the first global fintech fully integrated with InstaPay and PESONet, processing about 12% of all inbound remittances. With the Wise Business launch, those same reliable and cost-efficient solutions are now extended to MSMEs, giving them the tools to compete on the global stage.

If you’re tired of hidden fees, slow transactions, and complicated cross-border payments, the Wise Business Account might just be the upgrade your business needs to go global with ease.
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EastWest Wins Double at 2025 Quill Awards


Celebrating Communication Excellence in Banking and Insurance

Filipino excellence once again shines on the international stage as Team EastWest proudly takes home not one, but two trophies from the 2025 IABC Philippines Quill Awards. Both East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) and EastWest Ageas Insurance (EWA) were honored for their impactful communication campaigns that inspired customers and empowered employees.

EastWest’s 30th Anniversary Campaign: “Further for You”

Marking three decades in the industry, EastWest’s milestone campaign “Further for You” earned recognition for its creative storytelling and customer-first initiatives. Featuring ambassadors Donny Pangilinan and Carlos Yulo, the year-long celebration went beyond branding. From exclusive events and digital rollouts like the EasyWay App to an anniversary logo inspired by the yin-yang, the campaign beautifully blended Filipino warmth with technological innovation.

The campaign showcased what EastWest stands for: making banking easier, more personal, and more meaningful. It proved that in today’s fast-paced world, financial services can be both human-centered and future-forward.

EWA’s “LOVE PURPLE” Campaign: Inspiring Unity Through Purpose

Meanwhile, EastWest Ageas Insurance earned its own Quill for “LOVE PURPLE: Uniting Employees with One Goal, One Color, One Purpose.” The campaign brought the company’s refreshed identity, “What’s Your PURPLE?” to life, inspiring its employees—fondly called Stewards—to embrace their unique culture.

From vibrant merchandise to music festival-inspired events, the campaign united employees around a single vision: to serve customers with passion and authenticity. It proved that strong internal culture translates to better customer experiences.

As EastWest Head of Marketing Norman Martin C. Reyes shared, these victories are rooted in people: customers who inspire and employees who bring the brand’s purpose to life. Both campaigns reflect how meaningful communication can create impact not just within organizations, but also in the lives of Filipinos who trust these institutions.

The Prestige of the Quill Awards

The IABC Quill Awards are considered one of the most prestigious recognitions in the communication industry. With thousands of entries submitted every year, only a few stand out. This double win cements EastWest’s position as a brand that balances customer-first values with innovation and creativity.

EastWest and EWA’s recognition is more than just a trophy—it’s a reminder that businesses thrive when they put people first. Whether you’re a customer experiencing seamless banking or an employee finding purpose in your work, these wins highlight the power of communication done right.
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Baguio City Launches GoodGovChain with BayaniChain for Blockchain Governance


A milestone for transparency and accountability in Philippine local governance

Baguio City is making history as the first local government unit (LGU) in the Philippines to adopt blockchain technology for governance. In partnership with BayaniChain, the city has launched GoodGovChain, a digital platform designed to secure public records, ensure accountability, and set new standards for transparent governance.

This pilot project is not just a win for Baguio—it represents a significant step toward modernizing government systems nationwide, aligning with Senator Bam Aquino’s proposed “Blockchain the Budget” bill.

Blockchain for Trust in Governance

For decades, citizens have called for greater transparency in government budgets, procurement, and infrastructure projects. GoodGovChain directly addresses this need by enabling LGUs to record data on a secure blockchain—a tamper-proof digital ledger where entries are time-stamped, auditable, and verifiable.

BayaniChain CEO Paul Soliman explains, “GoodGovChain is the blueprint for verifiable governance—replicable, auditable, and tamper-evident by default. Baguio City sets the benchmark in our advocacy for improved accountability across the Philippines and Southeast Asia.”

By putting records on blockchain, government transactions gain a new level of credibility, giving citizens confidence that the information they access is accurate and untampered.

The Impact: Efficiency, Security, and Cost Savings

Unlike traditional systems that rely heavily on paper, printing, and physical storage, GoodGovChain runs on a hybrid public-private blockchain hosted in the cloud. While this entails operating costs, the benefits outweigh the expense through:
  • Lower printing and courier costs
  • Reduced need for physical storage
  • Faster retrieval of documents
  • Shorter audit cycles

Importantly, GoodGovChain does not replace existing records or finance systems. Instead, it adds a digital seal to every approved document, allowing anyone to verify whether a PDF or printed copy matches the original.

The platform also supports sustainability goals by leveraging Polygon’s proof-of-stake (PoS) network, a far more energy-efficient system compared to older proof-of-work blockchains.

The Vision: From Local to National Transparency

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin “Benjie” Magalong emphasized the city’s commitment to open governance. “One of the basic principles of good governance is transparency, and blockchain will allow us to be transparent, especially in financial transactions and infrastructure projects. What is very important here is security—and the only way we’ll truly achieve open data is by ensuring all records are placed on blockchain before publishing.”

The pilot project builds on similar efforts by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), which already secures Special Allotment Release Orders (SAROs) and Notices of Cash Allocation (NCAs) using blockchain. This system was cited in Senator Aquino’s bill, which envisions blockchain as a national standard for budget transparency.

With Baguio as the first mover, GoodGovChain could become a model for other LGUs and agencies, paving the way for a more accountable government across the country.

Key Takeaways for Leaders and Entrepreneurs
  • Transparency builds trust. Blockchain provides a verifiable way to open government data without fear of tampering.
  • Efficiency equals savings. Digitized, blockchain-sealed records streamline auditing and cut operational costs.
  • Innovation sets benchmarks. By piloting blockchain governance, Baguio City positions itself as a leader in smart, accountable governance.

Looking Ahead: A Call for Replicable Governance

The success of GoodGovChain in Baguio could trigger a ripple effect across the Philippines. As more cities, municipalities, and national agencies adopt blockchain, citizens can look forward to greater trust in government processes, reduced corruption risks, and more efficient delivery of public services.

This is more than a pilot project—it is a glimpse into the future of transparent digital governance in the Philippines.
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