Malayan Insurance advocates disaster preparedness among youth with Master of Disaster boardgame

Malayan Insurance advocates disaster preparedness among youth with Master of Disaster boardgame

Thursday, October 23, 2025

To promote disaster preparedness and resilience in the country, Malayan Insurance Co. Inc. (Malayan Insurance) has developed an engaging board game called Master of Disaster to enhance Filipinos’ crisis readiness.

Produced in partnership with the non-governmental organization Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) which specializes in capacity-building and sustainability, Master of Disaster (MOD) teaches essential emergency planning skills and highlights the role of insurance in times of disaster through gamification. This novel and non-threatening approach allows players to fully absorb emergency resilience principles, objectively assess their personal disaster preparedness, and slowly put what they learned into practice.

The immersive gameboard brings Malayan’s 95th anniversary theme, “Love, Malayan,” to life by inspiring teamwork and purposeful actions that champion proactive disaster preparedness and response.

Targeted mainly towards the youth, MOD aims to equips young minds to prepare for uncertainties by familiarizing them with risk mitigation strategies and by harnessing the financial security provided by insurance.

This fun, interactive board game challenges players to successfully reach the “Safe Cell” with lives or Heart Tokens and Hero tokens, which are earned by helping others. Throughout the game, players encounter disaster scenarios, knowledge challenges, and disaster readiness tests that underscore the importance of preparedness and insurance in recovering from unforeseen emergencies. Each set comes with a playing surface, tokens, and specially-designed Malayan Insurance Disaster, Response, Knowledge and Chance cards.

The game was pilot-tested in the first quarter of the year in Makati Science High School and Manila Science High School, will be rolled in select schools nationwide at the latter part of the year.

To ensure efficient roll-out in target schools, ASSIST led the Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions and briefings on MOD with MICO volunteers. The NGO also conducted ToT sessions on both MOD and Insurance Education to teachers from selected schools. These trained teachers, supported by MICO volunteers, will facilitate the initial game sessions with students until they have fully internalized the gameplay and can conduct the sessions on their own.

To track the program’s progress and assess impact, a comprehensive Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) toolkit, pre- and post-student assessments, and focus group discussions will be conducted by Malayan Insurance’s partner NGO.

While the distribution of Master of Disaster is currently limited to identified schools, companies, organizations, academic institutions, as well as Malayan Insurance employees, business partners, and clients can purchase a set for their own use. The board game is priced at Php2,300 and is an ideal icebreaker from seminars, training sessions, and community events.

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Jollibee Launches Jolliskwela to Promote Joyful Learning

Jollibee Launches Jolliskwela to Promote Joyful Learning

Empowering Filipino Children Through the Joy of Education

Known for spreading happiness through its meals, Jollibee is now bringing that same joy into the classroom. On October 14, 2025, the fast-food giant officially launched Jolliskwela, its first-ever education-focused employee volunteerism program, in partnership with the Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) and the Department of Education (DepEd).

The launch event, attended by DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara alongside Jollibee and JGF executives, marks a major step toward the company’s long-term commitment to nation-building — one that empowers children, teachers, and parents to embrace the joy of learning.

A Shared Mission for Quality Education

Aligned with DepEd’s MATATAG curriculum and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, Jolliskwela aims to create meaningful, joyful learning experiences for Filipino children across the country.

Through partnerships with LGUs, NGOs, and public schools, and by mobilizing over 5,000 Jollibee employees and partners, the program hopes to spark a love for learning in every child transforming classrooms into joyful spaces of growth and discovery.

Tackling the National Learning Crisis

In 2022, the World Bank revealed a worrying statistic: 91% of Filipino children aged 10 struggle to read and understand simple text, one of the highest learning poverty rates globally.

Jollibee sees this not just as a challenge but as a call to action.

“This initiative reminds us of what we truly stand for — that joy is not only found in the meals we serve, but also in the futures we help create,” said Joseph Tanbuntiong, CEO of Jollibee Group Philippines and Jollibee Brand Global Head.

He added that when employees share their time with children, they “plant seeds of hope, nurture the next generation, and build bridges of learning and opportunity.”

Four Pillars of Jolliskwela

The program is built on four key areas designed to strengthen education from the ground up:

Character and Values Formation – instilling good morals and empathy in young learners.

Literacy and Language Proficiency – supporting DepEd’s Bawat Bata Makababasa program to help every child learn to read.

Teacher and Parent Empowerment – giving educators and parents tools to guide children effectively.

Joyful Learning Spaces – creating environments that make learning exciting and meaningful.

“Ang challenge ng ating kabataan ngayon is how to read, how to learn, and how to understand,” shared DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, thanking Jollibee for its continued partnership. “Kapag pinagsama po natin ang efforts ng DepEd at Jollibee, lalong magiging matatag at magiging successful ang learning outcomes.”

Volunteering for a Brighter Future

According to Jollibee Philippines President Ferns Yu, Jr., Jolliskwela expands on the company’s educational initiatives  from publishing Jollibee Values Books to its goal of building 50 classrooms by 2028.

“We will bring this advocacy to life through volunteerism by nurturing children’s foundations in literacy and values, creating joyful learning spaces, and equipping teachers, parents, and volunteers with the tools and support they need,” Yu shared.

Over the next five years, the program targets to reach 91,000 children, log 46,000 volunteer hours, and achieve 50% volunteer participation among Jollibee employees and partners.

“What makes Jolliskwela so meaningful is that it brings people together for a purpose bigger than ourselves opening doors of learning for Filipino children,” said Ruth Angeles, Chief Human Resources Officer of Jollibee Group Philippines.

Spreading Joy, One Volunteer at a Time

For Anabelle Gosioco, Jollibee Philippines’ Head of Human Resources, the program is more than just corporate social responsibility, it’s a reflection of the brand’s heart.

“Every story we tell, every child we inspire, and every community we touch become small but powerful steps toward shaping the future of our nation,” she shared.

Through Jolliskwela, Jollibee continues to champion the Filipino spirit  proving that real joy isn’t just served at the table, but also shared in the classroom.

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Philippine Startup Week 2025 Returns: Scaling Filipino Startups to Global Heights

Philippine Startup Week 2025 Returns: Scaling Filipino Startups to Global Heights

Philippine Startup Week (PHSW) 2025 returns on November 10–14 to champion Filipino innovation and empower startups to expand beyond local borders.

The country’s premier startup gathering, themed “Scaling Filipino Innovation: Start Local, Go Global”, will feature insights on the world-class nature of local startups and how they can seize opportunities to broaden their impact globally.

PHSW has been organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for the past six years. Come 2024, the three esteemed government agencies unite to form the Innovation Startup Act (ISA) Steering Committee, bolstering the government’s support for startups and innovations in the country. This year’s conference, with the National Development Company (NDC)—in collaboration with the Strategic and Collaborative Alliance for Leveraging Ecosystems of Startups–National Capital Region (SCALE NCR), will take a bolder approach to help local startups thrive on the global stage.

The festivities celebrating Filipino ingenuity extend beyond talks and panels. Philippine Startup Week 2025’s main conferences will be in the newly opened Philippine Innovation Hub in Marikina. Within those five floors, delegates will find multiple conference stages, community events, a startup expo, and partners’ booths.

The week-long celebration is anchored on five signature tracks that define the Philippine Startup Week experience: (1) Discover – exploring technopreneurship, the local startup ecosystem, and how to launch a venture; (2) Collaborate – working with key stakeholders to amplify innovation and growth; (3) Develop – strengthening ideas through mentorship and support to scale; (4) Showcase – highlighting tech startups through nationwide pitching opportunities; and (5) Invest – fueling breakthrough ventures that shape the future.

Attendees can hear from the ISA on upcoming initiatives to strengthen the country’s startup ecosystem, and network with prominent startup enablers, champions, venture capital (VC) firms, and top startups of the country.

Philippine Startup Week 2025 is the country’s largest startup conference, dedicated to showcasing Filipino innovators who create solutions for local and global challenges. It’s the space for collaboration, connection, and inspiration.

We invite founders, investors, advocates, and anyone interested in exploring the Philippine startup community to come.

Visit www.phstartupweek.com for all things Philippine Startup Week 2025 — from participant registration to exhibitor, partner, and community event opportunities.

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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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