Visa, RCBC Boost Digital Transit Payments for LRT Expansion

Visa, RCBC Boost Digital Transit Payments for LRT Expansion

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Commuting in Metro Manila is getting a major digital upgrade. Following the successful rollout of open-loop, contactless payments in the MRT-3 earlier this year, Visa is now preparing local banks for the next phase expanding the same seamless system to LRT-1 and LRT-2.

In partnership with Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), Visa recently hosted an urban mobility workshop aimed at helping Philippine banks integrate secure, real-time digital payments into the country’s growing smart transit network.

From Swipe to Tap: The Future of Filipino Commuting

Held in October 2025, the Visa-RCBC forum brought together industry leaders and financial institutions to discuss the next steps for implementing automated fare collection systems in other train lines. The goal? To make every train, bus, or jeepney ride as easy as tapping your card or smartphone.

With the LRT-1 and LRT-2 serving more than 500,000 riders daily, the expansion of contactless payments is set to revolutionize how Filipinos move around the metro. This marks Visa’s fourth transit project in the Philippines, following successful integrations with the MRT-3 and bus systems in Cebu, Mandaue, and Bacolod.

“We fully support the government’s vision of transforming everyday commuting experiences for the public,” said Mylene Bico, Chief Commercial Officer of RCBC Credit Cards. “We hope to launch contactless payment systems in LRT-1 and LRT-2 within the year.”

Digital Payments That Move People and Progress

Visa’s open-loop system allows riders to simply tap a Visa card or mobile wallet at turnstiles — no need to reload stored-value cards or wait in long lines. Beyond convenience, it’s part of a bigger push for financial inclusion and smart urban mobility.

According to the Visa Economic Empowerment Institute, contactless fare systems can boost ridership by up to 10%. Across Asia-Pacific, 94% of commuters prefer transport systems that accept digital payments, while 45% say they’d travel more often if it were easier to pay.

“Enabling commuters to use their cards and smartphones to pay is a step toward broadening digital and financial inclusion,” shared Jeffrey Navarro, Visa Philippines Country Manager. “When we remove barriers to digital systems, we make transport more efficient and help uplift the economy.”

Towards a Smarter, More Connected Philippines

With over 870 tap-to-ride projects worldwide, Visa is bringing global best practices to local shores helping transform the Philippines into a hub for smart, sustainable transport infrastructure.

This shift isn’t just about convenience; it’s about improving productivity, reducing congestion, and promoting inclusive economic growth. For Filipino commuters, the daily grind might soon feel a little smoother  one tap at a time.

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Alsons Dev to Redevelop Aldevinco to Support Davao’s Growing Urban Landscape

Alsons Dev to Redevelop Aldevinco to Support Davao’s Growing Urban Landscape

Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev) announced that it will begin the redevelopment of the Aldevinco Shopping Center site by the end of October 2025. Located at the corner of C.M. Recto and Roxas Avenue, the property has long been an iconic presence in downtown Davao. The redevelopment will usher in a new era for this historic landmark, paving the way for a modern, mixed-use destination that supports the city’s continued growth and revitalization while honoring its history and heritage.

The Aldevinco Shopping Center, launched in 1965, was one of Davao City’s earliest commercial hubs. In over five decades, it transitioned from a vibrant marketplace for local traders to a cultural icon showcasing Mindanao’s rich heritage through textiles, antiques, and handicrafts. Though it ceased operations in December 2021, its legacy continues through Poblacion Market Central, where many original tenants still carry forward the spirit of culture, creativity, and commerce.

Preparing the historic site for the future

The redeveloped property is envisioned to become a flagship mixed-use development that reflects Alsons Dev’s vision for vibrant, sustainable, and people-centric spaces.

The transformation will begin with the demolition of the buildings on the premises, a necessary step due to the structure’s age and safety considerations. The work will be carried out in sections to minimize disruption and ensure the safety of pedestrians, workers, and nearby establishments. The company is also working closely with the Office of the City Building Official (OCBO) and other relevant government agencies to ensure full compliance with local regulations.

While long-term plans are being finalized, Alsons Dev will temporarily use the 5,106-square-meter site into a paid parking facility by Q2 2026. The interim space will feature designated areas for food trucks and carts, offering convenience and new opportunities for small businesses while keeping the property active and vibrant in the heart of the city.

Looking ahead

As Aldevinco enters a new chapter, Alsons Dev reaffirms its dedication to thoughtful and sustainable development that contributes to the vitality of Davao’s urban landscape.

“Our vision is to build developments that balance heritage and progress, ensuring that every project we undertake supports the city’s growth. As a homegrown developer, we take pride in helping shape Davao’s evolving environment,” said Miguel A. Dominguez, President and CEO of Alsons Dev.

The company will continue to provide regular updates to keep the community informed throughout the redevelopment process. For more information, visit the Alsons Dev Official Facebook page.

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Lhoopa Pushes Data-Driven Collaboration for Inclusive Housing Access

Lhoopa Pushes Data-Driven Collaboration for Inclusive Housing Access

Friday, October 17, 2025

New white paper outlines practical blueprints for solving the housing backlog through innovation, inclusion, and technology

The road to homeownership remains a distant dream for millions of Filipinos—but Lhoopa, a Philippine-founded property technology (proptech) company, believes that data and collaboration can change that story.

In its newly released white paper titled “From Backlog to Breakthrough: New Blueprints for Unlocking Housing Access,” Lhoopa calls for multi-sector cooperation to address the country’s growing housing crisis through technology, policy alignment, and inclusive financing.

A National Challenge that Needs a New Approach

According to Lhoopa’s findings, the Philippines’ housing backlog has reached 8.25 million units, a number projected to triple by 2040 if current systems remain unchanged. But Lhoopa argues that the crisis isn’t just about lack of supply—it’s a problem of access.

Many Filipinos are still left out of traditional financing and information systems that were built for a different economic era. As a result, millions of working families struggle to find affordable, legitimate housing opportunities.

Three Blueprints to Transform Housing Access

To break this cycle, Lhoopa’s white paper proposes three key shifts that can simplify and scale homeownership for more Filipinos:

Treating land as access infrastructure – Recognizing that equitable land distribution and development are the foundation of accessible housing.

Empowering local frontliners through digital tools – Equipping community-level brokers, contractors, and developers with real-time data and tech-driven processes.

Simplifying the homeownership journey – Streamlining access to financing, information, and property acquisition through unified digital systems.

“By combining adaptive policy, real-time data, mobile technology, and trusted local delivery networks, we can connect the right land, people, and financing faster and more transparently,” said Marc-Olivier Caillot, Co-Founder and CEO of Lhoopa. “The goal is not just to build more homes, but to build a system where homeownership becomes a realistic path for every working family.”

Government and Industry: A Shared Mission

Lhoopa’s insights align with current government efforts such as the Expanded 4PH Program and Pag-IBIG Fund’s digital transformation, both designed to modernize housing systems and improve accessibility.

The company urges stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to scale impact, emphasizing that technology is only as powerful as the partnerships behind it.

Within its own network, Lhoopa’s tech ecosystem connects brokers, contractors, and developers nationwide, reducing project turnover time by up to 50% compared to industry standards.

“We’ve seen firsthand how data and technology can shorten the path to homeownership,” Caillot added. “Now, the challenge is scaling these solutions through collaboration. By aligning public and private systems, we can turn the housing backlog into an opportunity for economic growth and social mobility.”

Download the Full White Paper

Lhoopa’s “From Backlog to Breakthrough: New Blueprints for Unlocking Housing Access” is now available for download at lhoopa.com/2025-report.

The report offers a practical roadmap toward a future where housing is inclusive, efficient, and powered by data—a vision that could redefine how Filipinos achieve their dream of owning a home.

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How Data Sharing Strengthens Fraud Defense in the Philippines

How Data Sharing Strengthens Fraud Defense in the Philippines

CIBI champions collective action against rising digital fraud with the launch of the CIBI Fraud Bureau

As cyberattacks grow more sophisticated, the Philippine financial sector faces an urgent challenge: staying one step ahead of fraud. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), cybercrimes cost local financial institutions a staggering ₱5.82 billion in 2024, a sharp rise from the year before.

This alarming figure highlights how rapidly scammers are evolving from identity theft and phishing to AI-powered deepfakes and why traditional, isolated systems can no longer keep up.

“Fraud is no longer a challenge we can face in silos,” said Edith Roberto, CIBI’s Head of Individual Credit Solutions and Partnerships. “We must shift to a proactive, collaborative approach through data sharing, to prevent scammers from exploiting the gaps in a fragmented system.”

From Fragmented Defense to Unified Protection

When institutions operate independently, fraudsters can easily exploit the gaps. For instance, a scammer blacklisted by one bank could still apply for loans or open accounts elsewhere without detection.

Data sharing changes that. By pooling verified information on suspicious activities, banks, fintech companies, and other industries can create a collective defense network—one that detects fraud faster, reduces losses, and protects customers before scams progress.

This unified approach offers two key advantages:

Real-time fraud detection – Shared data enables institutions to spot new patterns and respond quickly.

Faster recovery rates – With interconnected systems, financial institutions can block fraudulent transactions before they escalate.

“Fraud prevention strategies must evolve from reaction to prevention,” explained Pia Arellano, CIBI President and CEO. “Fraud will continue to evolve, but our defense must evolve faster.”

Introducing the CIBI Fraud Bureau

To turn collaboration into action, CIBI Information Inc. has launched the CIBI Fraud Bureau, a groundbreaking data-sharing platform that unites traditional banks, fintech firms, telcos, and other industries in the fight against fraud.

Participants share verified records of confirmed and suspicious fraudsters, allowing members to cross-check applications instantly. If an individual has been flagged by another institution, the system alerts the member before any transaction is approved.

This model works on data reciprocity. Participants must contribute data to gain access to the shared information. This ensures that the database continuously grows, strengthening the country’s fraud defenses. All data sharing adheres strictly to data privacy laws and BSP regulations, maintaining full compliance and security.

Building a Safer, More Connected Financial System

The CIBI Fraud Bureau aligns with the BSP’s mission to curb fraudulent activity through cooperation and innovation. By breaking down barriers between financial institutions, the initiative supports the long-term goal of financial inclusion and consumer protection.

Ultimately, this effort marks a step toward a safer, more resilient financial ecosystem—one built on trust, transparency, and shared vigilance.

For more information, visit www.cibi.com.ph.

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Chevron Leads 250 Volunteers in Batangas Coastal Cleanup

Chevron Leads 250 Volunteers in Batangas Coastal Cleanup

232 sacks of waste collected in a united effort to preserve the coastline and protect Olive-Ridley sea turtles

Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of Caltex fuels and lubricants, once again proved that environmental responsibility goes beyond business. In celebration of the International Coastal Cleanup, Chevron gathered 250 volunteers including employees, contractors, and community partners for a large-scale cleanup along the San Pascual coastline in Batangas, a known nesting site for Olive-Ridley sea turtles.

Together, the volunteers collected 232 sacks of waste, clearing debris and plastics that pose threats to both marine life and the surrounding community.

Partnerships that make a difference

The initiative was made possible through the collaboration of multiple organizations, including SRDC, CJI General Services Inc., 5G Security Inc. (5GS), the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), and local government offices such as MENRO, CENRO, and Barangay Danglayan.

Mae Belle Albay, Head Operator at Chevron Philippines Inc., emphasized the power of teamwork. “This cleanup shows what’s possible when everyone—local government, community members, our employees, and contractors—comes together with a shared purpose. The shoreline may be under Chevron’s operational area, but it’s a shared space that we all have a responsibility to protect.”

The largest group of volunteers came from the Manila Shared Services Center (MSSC), with 118 participants collecting 84 sacks of waste, followed by 5GS with 30 volunteers and 28 sacks. Chevron employees and contractors contributed 59 sacks, while PCGA volunteers collected 14 sacks.

Beyond one-day cleanups: building sustainable habits

Chevron has been organizing coastal cleanups in San Pascual since 2009, but Albay noted that the company’s approach has evolved over the years.

“It used to be just one big cleanup each year. Since 2015, we’ve shifted to smaller, more frequent efforts to prevent waste from piling up. This consistent approach makes a bigger, lasting impact,” she explained.

Environmental stewardship in action

Raymund Año, Chevron Batangas Terminal Manager, said sustainability is deeply rooted in the company’s operations.

“As a company that operates along the coastline, it’s our responsibility to take care of the environment. Even small steps like eliminating bottled water use at our terminal can create meaningful change. Protecting the environment starts with daily habits.”

Volunteerism and awareness for lasting change

For Chevron, the annual cleanup is more than a one-day CSR project, it’s an invitation for others to get involved.

“Each sack matters in keeping our coastline clean,” Año shared. “The more volunteers we have, the greater the impact. This is not just Chevron’s duty, it’s everyone’s responsibility.”

Moving forward, Chevron aims to expand its collaboration with local government units, private partners, and community organizations to strengthen environmental awareness and protection initiatives across Batangas and beyond.

Protecting the Olive-Ridley sea turtles

The San Pascual coastline is not only a community resource but also an ecological haven for the Olive-Ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea), a globally distributed but vulnerable marine species. These turtles come ashore between August and October to lay eggs, making coastal cleanliness vital to their survival.

By keeping the beach free from debris, volunteers help ensure that hatchlings can safely return to the sea, a small yet powerful contribution to protecting marine biodiversity for future generations.

Through efforts like this, Chevron and its partners reaffirm their commitment to sustainability, proving that collective action can turn small steps into lasting waves of change.

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Alipay+ Expands Global Payments, Powers Inclusive Travel Growth

Alipay+ Expands Global Payments, Powers Inclusive Travel Growth

Thursday, October 16, 2025

Mobile wallets are redefining how travelers explore, spend, and connect worldwide

As global travel bounces back stronger than ever, Alipay+—the cross-border payments and digital ecosystem by Ant International—is revolutionizing the way travelers pay and experience the world. With its expanded acceptance in over 100 countries and regions, Alipay+ is now connecting merchants to 1.8 billion users across 40 international payment partners.

In the first half of 2025 alone, more than 6.5 million travelers used Alipay+ cross-border payments for the first time, opening up new opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the globe.

Empowering the travel ecosystem with AI and innovation

Alipay+ isn’t just about making payments—it’s about enhancing travel through smarter digital services. The platform recently rolled out new tools designed to make travel seamless, efficient, and more rewarding for both merchants and consumers:

• Alipay+ Voyager – a built-in AI travel assistant that integrates with Trip.com, Agoda, and Grab for smarter trip planning.

• Alipay+ GenAI Cockpit – an AI-as-a-Service solution that helps partner wallets create AI-powered customer experiences.

• Expanded in-app tax refunds with Global Blue, providing a fully digital and convenient experience for travelers.

“Travel has a significant impact on local economies, and mobile wallets can be a catalyst for growth,” said Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International. “Through AI-powered payments and digital services, Alipay+ helps businesses and travelers connect in more meaningful ways of creating a future of travel built on convenience, inclusivity, and collaboration.”

Mobile payments driving inclusive global growth

As more travelers rely on their home-based e-wallets abroad, Alipay+ reports a 30% increase in transactions across online travel agents and in-store merchants. The expansion of standardized national QR code systems has nearly doubled transactions in emerging destinations, allowing small businesses from Malaysia to Cambodia to benefit from tourism growth.

By connecting more travelers to local merchants, Alipay+ is helping communities gain from tourism’s resurgence while making spending abroad as easy as paying at home.

Short-haul and value-driven travel on the rise

The post-pandemic traveler is looking for value, convenience, and local flavor. Data from Alipay+ shows that intra-Asia travel is driving much of 2025’s global tourism surge, with transactions across Southeast Asia increasing by 32% year-on-year.

Travellers are also embracing smaller purchases and local experiences, with transactions under USD 10 rising by 37% and A+ Rewards coupon redemptions jumping 57%.

Interestingly, while classic European destinations like France and Italy remain popular, travelers are venturing to lesser-known spots such as Hungary, Greece, and Norway proving that adventure and value can go hand in hand.

Travel experiences go beyond shopping and dining

Today’s tourists are spending on more than just souvenirs. Alipay+ reports a surge in beauty, wellness, education, and healthcare-related transactions, including a 115% jump in K-beauty purchases in South Korea.

With ride-hailing and public transport transactions nearly doubling, Alipay+ is also empowering travelers to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations from Semporna in Malaysia to Ayutthaya in Thailand with ease and confidence.

A seamless future for travelers and merchants

As mobile wallets continue to evolve, Alipay+ envisions a world where travel, technology, and inclusivity meet. By bridging merchants, fintech partners, and travelers through its unified platform, Alipay+ helps build a smarter and more connected global travel ecosystem one QR scan at a time.

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Lyric Now Exclusive Distributor of Casio Digital Pianos in PH

Lyric Now Exclusive Distributor of Casio Digital Pianos in PH

A partnership that brings world-class music closer to every Filipino musician

The harmony between innovation and passion just hit a new high note. Lyric, the country’s largest musical instrument retail chain, is now the official and exclusive distributor of Casio digital pianos and weighted portable keyboards in the Philippines.

This exciting partnership unites two music industry giants, Lyric and Casio, both driven by the same goal: to make high-quality instruments accessible to musicians, educators, and hobbyists across the nation.

A new era for Filipino musicians

With this collaboration, Casio’s beloved piano lines Celviano, Privia, and Casiotone series will now be available through Lyric’s 24 retail stores, nationwide dealer network, and online shop at www.lyric.ph.

“Lyric has always admired Casio for creating unique products that serve many markets,” shared Zorobabel Sayson, General Manager of Lyric. “With our wide retail presence and Casio’s innovative lineup, this partnership opens huge opportunities for both brands.”

Through this distribution deal, Filipino musicians can now experience Casio’s signature quality, backed by Lyric’s reliable local support, service, and accessibility.

Casio’s signature sound meets Filipino creativity

For decades, Casio has been a pioneer in merging technology with musical artistry.

The Celviano Grand Hybrid developed with legendary piano maker C. Bechstein captures the authentic touch and tone of a concert grand piano while embracing cutting-edge digital innovation.

The Privia series delivers a sleek, lightweight, and professional-grade experience with features like Bluetooth connectivity and realistic hammer-action keys.

For beginners and hobbyists, the Casiotone and CDP series offer rich sound and user-friendly features such as pitch bend wheels and bundled stands, making them ideal for both learning and performance.

“This is a major step for Lyric,” Sayson added. “Casio is the top digital piano brand in many countries, and we’re ready to bring that same excellence to Filipino musicians.”

Shared vision: Empowering Filipino music

The partnership goes beyond business, it’s about nurturing local talent.

Alma Joy Cristobal, President and CEO of Lyric, shared, “Casio’s focus on innovation perfectly aligns with our mission to support Filipino musicians. Together, we aim to inspire creativity and elevate musical expression.”

Cristobal also highlighted Lyric’s long-standing advocacy of giving musicians free access to instruments during events, especially in underserved areas. “With the Casio Grand Hybrid, we can now bring the grand piano experience anywhere—it’s powerful yet portable.”

Casio now available nationwide

Starting this quarter, Casio’s full range of digital pianos and keyboards is available at all Lyric stores nationwide. Shoppers can explore demo units, attend product workshops, and purchase in-store or online.

“Anyone can now visit our stores to experience the latest Casio models firsthand,” Cristobal said. “We welcome musicians of all levels to discover what makes Casio exceptional.”

Championing Filipino talent

To kick off the partnership, Lyric has tapped local artists to showcase Casio’s versatility. Among them is Kai Honasan, a classically trained pianist and indie folk-pop artist, now an official Lyric x Casio ambassador.

Cristobal teased, “We’ll be introducing more ambassadors soon—Filipino musicians who embody creativity, innovation, and passion for music.”

Shaping the future of sound

Both Lyric and Casio envision this partnership as a step toward a more technology-driven music landscape in the Philippines.

“Casio’s music business continues to evolve with digital technologies,” Cristobal concluded. “Together, we aim to create instruments that meet the needs of new generations and ever-changing music trends.”

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