FWD and JA Philippines Ignite Financial Dreams for Filipino Youth

FWD and JA Philippines Ignite Financial Dreams for Filipino Youth

Monday, November 17, 2025

 

Financial literacy isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a superpower for the next generation. In a country where financial inclusion is more important than ever, FWD Life Insurance and Junior Achievement (JA) Philippines are taking bold steps to ensure young Filipinos are not only dreaming big but also planning smart. Their flagship program, JA SparktheDream, recently kicked off its third year, bringing hands-on financial education to hundreds of eager students in Makati City and beyond.

Sparking Ambition in Schools

This year, the program launched with an exciting face-to-face session at Pembo Elementary School, where over 200 grade six students explored financial concepts through interactive, activity-based learning. FWD volunteers guided the students, demonstrating that managing money can be both fun and empowering.

As part of its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, FWD is using JA SparktheDream to equip young Filipinos with essential financial skills, nurturing confidence that lasts a lifetime.

Impact Across the Philippines and Beyond

Since 2022, the program has reached more than 14,600 students nationwide. Its success in the Philippines also helped extend FWD’s collaboration with JA Asia Pacific, impacting over 37,000 students across the region far exceeding initial expectations.

FWD’s Chief Marketing & Digital Commerce Officer, Gavin Lai, highlighted the importance of starting financial education early. He shared that empowering youth with money management skills lays the groundwork for a more inclusive and prosperous Philippines, enabling them to positively influence their families and communities.

Words of Inspiration from FWD Leaders

At the launch, FWD Chief Agency Officer Nol De Leon encouraged students to pursue their dreams with determination. “Whatever your dreams are, you can achieve them with focus, discipline, and the right mindset,” he said, stressing that financial literacy is the stepping stone to turning ambitions into reality.

Meanwhile, FWD Chief Life Operations Officer Judith Baliton offered practical advice for building healthy financial habits early: “Spend only half of your money on the things you want, and save the other half. Dreaming is free, but it should be matched with action. Don’t just dream, do the work.”

Preparing Youth for a Changing Financial Landscape

In a world shaped by digital innovation and evolving economies, programs like JA SparktheDream are vital. By combining financial knowledge, confidence, and practical skills, FWD is helping students make empowered choices and design the futures they aspire to. This initiative represents a significant stride toward a financially inclusive Philippines where every young Filipino is ready to shape their best life.

For parents, teachers, and young Filipinos, programs like JA SparktheDream are more than lessons, they’re opportunities to spark curiosity, ambition, and practical money skills that last a lifetime. If you’re looking for ways to help children develop smart financial habits, keep an eye on FWD and JA Philippines, they’re making financial literacy a fun and attainable dream for every student.

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Healthier Rides Ahead: inDrive Joins DOH in Strengthening Smoke- and Vape-Free Transport in the Philippines

Healthier Rides Ahead: inDrive Joins DOH in Strengthening Smoke- and Vape-Free Transport in the Philippines

In the spirit of promoting healthier and safer daily commutes, global ride-hailing platform inDrive is stepping up to support the Department of Health’s (DOH) push for 100% smoke- and vape-free rides across the country.

A United Effort for Clean, Safe, and Healthy Transport

As the DOH intensifies its smoke- and vape-free transport initiatives, inDrive has partnered with key government agencies including the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to help create cleaner, safer, and more mindful commuting experiences.

Through this collaboration, inDrive is rolling out both digital reminders and on-ground engagement efforts to ensure commuters enjoy healthier rides.

In-App Reminders for Smoke- and Vape-Free Trips

To reinforce the initiative, inDrive has launched a new in-app pop-up notification for both passengers and drivers. This friendly reminder encourages everyone onboard to maintain smoke-free and vape-free trips, aligning with the brand’s commitment to public health and responsible mobility.

“As a TNVS provider, it is our duty to protect our partner drivers and passengers, and this includes their overall health and well-being,” shared Sofia Guinto, Business Development Head of inDrive Philippines.

“Kaya buo ang pagsuporta namin sa programa na ito upang matiyak na makaranas sila ng tunay na biyaheng ligtas at protektado.”

She added that strong public–private sector partnerships can inspire real change:

“Ang ganitong mga partnerships... ay patunay na kaya nating gumawa ng pagbabago para sa ikabubuti ng kalusugan ng lahat ng mga Pilipino. Nawa’y ito ang maging simula ng mas marami pang programang maglalayon ng mas malinis at ligtas na biyahe.”

Smoke-Free Byahe Caravan: Taking Advocacy to the Streets

Beyond digital reminders, inDrive is launching its Smoke-Free Byahe Caravan, a series of on-ground activations across major cities. During the caravan, inDrive teams will distribute:

• Advocacy decals
• Health and wellness kits
• Educational materials for drivers

These efforts support the DOH’s vision for smoke-free public transportation while strengthening inDrive’s broader #inDriveLigtasBiyahe campaign for safe and health-conscious commuting.

DOH Welcomes Private Sector Support

DOH Metro Manila CHD Regional Director Dr. Lester M. Tan expressed appreciation for inDrive’s active involvement:

“When private sector partners like inDrive join our advocacy, it helps us reach more people and inspire everyday choices that lead to healthier communities. We look forward to building on this partnership through more initiatives that champion wellness on the road.”

Stay Updated

Drivers and passengers can stay informed about inDrive’s health and safety initiatives through inDrive.com or download the app via the App Store and Google Play.

Together with the DOH and other TNVS providers, inDrive is helping pave the way for cleaner air, healthier commutes, and more responsible mobility for Filipinos.

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C&E Adaptive Learning Solutions Named APAC Growth Leader by Instructure

C&E Adaptive Learning Solutions Named APAC Growth Leader by Instructure

As more schools embrace digital transformation, Filipino education partners are stepping up to lead the way. One standout is C&E Adaptive Learning Solutions (C&E ALS), which was recently honored by Instructure, the global company behind Canvas LMS, with the APAC Pipeline Powerhouse Award. This recognition places the Philippine-based company among the Asia-Pacific region’s most impactful digital learning innovators.

Empowering Schools Through Strong Digital Learning Partnerships

At the award ceremony, John Emyl Eugenio, Chief Operating Officer, and Gerric Gomez, Vice President for Business Development and Growth Markets, accepted the distinction on behalf of C&E ALS.

Eugenio described the award as a milestone that reflects the shared vision between C&E ALS and Instructure. He emphasized that their collaboration is helping academic institutions rethink the teaching and learning experience, saying the recognition is a “momentum toward more connected, inclusive, and meaningful education for every educator and learner.”

Driving Innovation With Canvas LMS

C&E ALS is one of the few Diamond Services Partners of Canvas LMS worldwide—an achievement that highlights the company’s expertise in implementing and supporting advanced learning systems.

The company works closely with schools to help them:

• Transition from traditional learning to digital-first environments
• Train educators on leveraging learning management tools
• Adopt localized, culturally relevant e-learning solutions
• Improve course delivery, performance tracking, and teacher-student collaboration

Gomez shared that being recognized by the world’s leading learning management system strengthens their mission to “help institutions across the Philippines and Asia embrace digital transformation with confidence and impact.”

Expanding Access to Future-Ready Education

The APAC Pipeline Powerhouse Award recognizes partners that drive exceptional growth while uplifting education systems through innovation. For C&E ALS, the honor underscores its crucial role in expanding Instructure’s footprint in the region while ensuring schools receive world-class support tailored for Filipino learners.

From its beginnings under C&E Publishing, the company has evolved from a publisher of academic materials into a key digital learning provider. Its Adaptive Learning Solutions division continues to support institutions navigating modern education challenges by combining global technology with deep local insight.

Eugenio further explained that the company’s mission is grounded in expanding access: “Education today is no longer limited by geography or circumstance. Our goal is to empower every Filipino learner with access to quality education anytime, anywhere.”

Building a Future Without Limits

With its strong partnership with Instructure and a growing portfolio of digital solutions, C&E ALS is committed to shaping a future where learning is not confined within classroom walls. By empowering educators and institutions with reliable technology, the company is helping build a generation of learners prepared for a more connected, future-ready world.

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Where Tech Is Human: How RELX Reed Elsevier Turns Filipino Tech Careers into Global Impact

Where Tech Is Human: How RELX Reed Elsevier Turns Filipino Tech Careers into Global Impact

Friday, November 14, 2025

In a tech world obsessed with speed, code, and the latest tools, it’s rare to find a company that keeps people and purpose at the center of everything it does. That’s exactly what RELX | Reed Elsevier offers Filipino tech professionals: careers that don’t just build systems, but shape societies.

As the shared services arm of RELX, a global information and analytics leader, RELX Reed Elsevier Philippines has become a top destination for those who want meaningful tech work. From their hubs in Manila, Iloilo, Cebu, and Davao, Filipino talent is helping solve real-world problems in science, law, healthcare, and business proving that tech roles can be both high-impact and human-centered.

RELX’s global purpose says it best:

The company is committed to using data and analytics to help “researchers advance scientific knowledge; doctors and nurses improve the lives of patients; lawyers promote the rule of law; and consumers make informed decisions.”

This isn’t just a tagline, it’s the backbone of how RELX operates worldwide, including here in the Philippines.

Tech for Good: Global Innovation, Built by Filipinos

Forget the stereotype that tech work is just endless coding in the background. At RELX Reed Elsevier, Filipino teams are directly involved in projects that touch lives around the world.

From the Philippines, their tech teams help:

• Power AI-driven analytics that support healthcare research and medical breakthroughs

• Build digital solutions that help legal professionals navigate complex cases more efficiently

• Deliver platforms that help businesses and professionals make smarter, data-backed decisions

Guided by RELX’s global purpose to “enable professionals and businesses to make better decisions, get better results, and be more productive” Filipino tech professionals in RELX are not just maintaining systems; they’re helping shape entire industries.

An Award-Winning, People-First Workplace

Behind all this innovation is a company culture that puts people first.

RELX | Reed Elsevier was recently named one of the Top 3 Inspiring Workplaces in Asia (2025) by the Inspiring Workplaces Group, a recognition that reflects its commitment to building a supportive, inclusive, and growth-focused environment.

One of its flagship initiatives is One RELX | Reed Elsevier University (ORU), an internal learning ecosystem that offers training in five key learning divisions from core professional skills to advanced topics like:

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Data Analytics
• Business and leadership capabilities

This means employees aren’t just clocking in and out, they’re constantly upskilling and preparing for the future of tech.

Vice President for Human Resources Albert Villagracia puts it clearly:

“Our people are our greatest asset, and we invest in them accordingly. More than career opportunities, we provide career transformation, enabling our talent to grow alongside the rapidly evolving tech landscape.”

Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging: Where Every Voice Matters

RELX | Reed Elsevier doesn’t just talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), it embeds these values in its everyday culture.

Employees are supported through various Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that create safe spaces and community:

• Women’s Circle – supporting women in the workplace
• Pride Circle – for LGBTQIA+ inclusion and advocacy
• Enabled – focused on persons with disabilities
• Mosaic – celebrating multiculturalism and cultural diversity
• Soul Circle – promoting religious tolerance and understanding

These ERGs ensure that people from different backgrounds not only feel accepted but are empowered to contribute perspectives that lead to better, more inclusive technology solutions.

As RELX’s global EVP notes, employees across RELX “are inspired to undertake initiatives that make unique contributions to society and the communities in which we operate” a mindset clearly echoed in the Philippine teams.

Servant Leadership: Growing People, Not Just Performance

RELX | Reed Elsevier takes a servant leadership approach prioritizing empathy, support, and empowerment over rigid hierarchy. Leaders are encouraged to listen first, guide second, and always put their people’s growth and well-being at the center.

Elaiza, who started as a Data Analyst and later became a Business Analyst and Project Manager, shares how leadership support made a difference in her journey:

“I’ve had supportive managers and mentors who encouraged me to pursue certifications, pitch improvements, and present solutions that impact multiple teams. It made me realize how much growth is possible when you step outside your comfort zone with the right support to guide you.”

This approach reflects RELX’s broader philosophy of responsible leadership, where success is measured not just by business outcomes, but by how much people are empowered along the way.

Tech Careers That Go Beyond the Job Description

As the company continues to expand its operations in the Philippines, RELX | Reed Elsevier is actively growing its teams in roles such as:

• Software Engineering
• Data Science
• AI / Machine Learning Engineering
• Product Development
• Digital Innovation

What makes these roles stand out is not just the technology stack or project scope but the sense of purpose behind the work. RELX | Reed Elsevier attracts professionals who want their careers to mean something, who want to see their skills contribute to better healthcare, fairer legal systems, smarter organizations, and more informed societies.

As the company affirms in its purpose statement:

“Our purpose guides our actions beyond the products that we develop. It defines us as a company.”

And in the Philippines, that purpose is brought to life every day by Filipino tech talent.

If you’re a Filipino tech professional looking for more than just a job, RELX | Reed Elsevier offers a compelling promise:

• A chance to build global solutions from home soil
• A work culture that values inclusion, learning, and well-being
• Leaders who want you to grow, not just deliver

In a world where tech can sometimes feel cold and transactional, it’s refreshing to see a company where tech is human, and purpose is non-negotiable.

If you’re exploring your next career move, this is definitely one workplace worth keeping on your radar.

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World’s First Rel-19 5G-Advanced NTN Test Achieved

World’s First Rel-19 5G-Advanced NTN Test Achieved

Thursday, November 13, 2025

A breakthrough that pushes satellite-powered 5G closer to everyday use

In a landmark achievement for satellite communications, the European Space Agency (ESA), MediaTek, Eutelsat, Airbus, Sharp, ITRI, and Rohde & Schwarz have successfully completed the world’s first 5G-Advanced (Rel-19) Non-Terrestrial Network (NR-NTN) connection using Eutelsat’s OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.

This milestone marks a major step toward integrating satellites with terrestrial 5G networks, opening doors for global connectivity solutions that can reach even the most remote regions.

A Successful Rel-19 NR-NTN Trial Over OneWeb LEO Satellites

The collaborative test used OneWeb’s LEO constellation in combination with MediaTek’s NR-NTN chipset, ITRI’s NR-NTN gNB, and Sharp’s newly developed flat-panel antenna. The system implemented key 3GPP Release 19 specifications, including:

• Ku-band operations
• 50MHz channel bandwidth
• Conditional handover (CHO)
• End-to-end connection to a 5G core

The OneWeb satellites built by Airbus Defence and Space feature transparent transponders with Ku-band service links and Ka-band feeder links, operating with “Earth-moving beams” for improved global coverage.

During the live test, the NTN terminal successfully linked to the ground 5G system through the gateway antenna at ESA’s European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in The Netherlands.

A Path to Universal 5G Connectivity

The demonstration shows how future devices will be able to switch seamlessly between terrestrial networks and satellite signals, ensuring reliable coverage wherever users go. With global 3GPP standards now supporting NTN capability, satellite broadband can become more cost-efficient, scalable, and widely available  expanding possibilities for smartphones, vehicles, IoT devices, and critical infrastructure.

ESA noted that the success of this trial highlights the importance of joint innovation. David Phillips of ESA emphasized that partnerships like this strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and help accelerate next-generation connectivity solutions.

Industry Leaders React to the Breakthrough

MediaTek highlighted its mission to deliver connectivity where cellular networks are limited, calling the successful real-world test an important step toward commercial NTN broadband.

Eutelsat shared pride in being the first satellite operator to enable NR-NTN broadband over Ku-band LEO satellites, pointing to the strong value of cross-industry collaboration in shaping the future of satellite-enabled 5G.

Airbus emphasized the adaptability of its OneWeb satellites and celebrated the milestone as a major leap toward seamless global broadband for 5G devices.

Sharp called the success a significant step toward real-world NTN deployment and noted its commitment to advancing worldwide communications infrastructure.

ITRI reiterated the potential of NR-NTN technology to deliver ubiquitous coverage and expressed readiness to support emerging NTN opportunities through continued innovation.

Finally, Rohde & Schwarz highlighted its testing solutions that enabled rigorous NTN channel measurements, paving the way for commercial 5G-Advanced NTN devices.

The Future of Connectivity Is Hybrid

This breakthrough demonstrates how close the world is to achieving fully integrated 5G and satellite systems. As more constellations and chipsets adopt 3GPP NTN standards, users will gain access to resilient connectivity  no matter where they live or travel.

For industries and communities in hard-to-reach locations, this could redefine what it means to stay connected.

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InnovationOne and VIU Philippines Team Up to Bring Brands into the Heart of Asian Streaming Culture

InnovationOne and VIU Philippines Team Up to Bring Brands into the Heart of Asian Streaming Culture

 

A new era of premium, culturally connected advertising arrives for Philippine brands

As Filipino viewers continue shifting from traditional TV to digital platforms, brands are now racing to meet audiences where they actually spend time streaming their favorite Asian dramas, variety shows, and K-content hits. This growing demand for culturally relevant advertising has paved the way for a major collaboration between InnovationOne, the digital arm of United Neon Media Group (UNMG), and VIU Philippines, one of Asia’s leading streaming platforms.

This partnership opens up fresh opportunities for advertisers looking to tap into a young, digital-first audience that treats streaming as the new primetime.

Creating More Meaningful Brand Visibility Through Premium Asian Content

Through this collaboration, InnovationOne gains direct access to VIU’s ad inventory including branded content integrations embedded within the platform’s most-watched titles. From blockbuster Korean dramas to VIU Originals and regional hits, brands can now appear beside content Filipinos are already emotionally invested in.

InnovationOne Managing Director Raphael T. Layosa described this as a huge advantage, noting that “Filipinos are among the world’s biggest consumers of Korean and Asian entertainment,” and that appearing alongside such content gives brands a deeply engaged audience receptive to storytelling-driven campaigns.

Strengthening Digital Marketing with Cultural Access

The ceremonial signing of the partnership included leaders from VIU and UNMG:

• Raphael T. Layosa, InnovationOne Managing Director
• Vicente Sy-Quia, VIU Philippines Country Head
• Torto Canga, VIU Philippines Channel Revenue & Partnerships Head
• Michael San G. Mendoza, UNMG Chief Commercial Officer

UNMG Deputy COO Benjamin Lim emphasized that the partnership aligns with their mission of pushing advertising innovation forward. He explained that “streaming has become the new primetime,” and this collaboration gives brands something far more powerful than simple ad placements, it gives them cultural access, backed by data, insights, and audience passion points.

Reaching Filipino Viewers in the Platforms They Prefer

The partnership arrives at a pivotal moment, as more Filipinos opt for on-demand streaming over linear TV. VIU’s dual setup, an ad-supported free tier and a premium subscription tier ensures advertisers reach diverse audience groups with strong watch-time and engagement.

With InnovationOne’s end-to-end expertise in strategy, analytics, creative content, social media, and performance marketing, brands now have a comprehensive pathway to activate campaigns that feel natural, relevant, and deeply integrated into Filipino viewing culture.

A Win for Content-Driven Advertising

As streaming continues shaping Filipino pop culture, partnerships like this help brands stay visible in the moments that matter when audiences are fully immersed, inspired, and emotionally connected. For businesses looking to elevate their storytelling or boost digital reach, InnovationOne and VIU’s collaboration offers a smart, strategic path forward.

If you're aiming for campaigns that resonate, now’s the time to plug into the content Filipinos love.

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TP Philippines Reinforces Support for Philippine Red Cross

TP Philippines Reinforces Support for Philippine Red Cross

A Renewed Commitment to Helping Filipinos in Times of Crisis

At a time when many Filipino families in the Visayas and Mindanao are recovering from recent earthquakes, Teleperformance (TP) in the Philippines has once again stepped up to support communities in need. Through its global CSR arm, Citizen of the World (COTW), the company turned over a new round of assistance to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), reinforcing its dedication to humanitarian work and disaster response.

This renewed partnership highlights what many Filipinos already know—when disasters strike, strong public-private collaborations accelerate relief, recovery, and hope.

TP Leaders Join PRC in Support of Nationwide Relief Efforts

During the turnover ceremony, several global and Philippine TP executives were present, including:

• Miranda Collard, CEO of TP in the Americas
• Anish Mukker, CEO of TP.AI and Chief Operating Officer of TP in India and the Philippines
• Rahul Jolly, CEO of Teleperformance Philippines
• Jeffrey Johnson, Chief People Officer of TP Philippines and President of the Citizen of the World Foundation

They were welcomed by PRC leadership led by Richard Gordon, Chairman and CEO, and Dr. Gwendolyn Pang, Secretary General.

A Partnership Rooted in Compassion and Volunteerism

During the event, Johnson emphasized TP’s deep culture of volunteerism, sharing that their employees remain at the heart of their humanitarian initiatives. He explained that their people consistently “drive meaningful change through compassion in action,” whether supporting disaster-stricken communities or participating in ongoing community outreach programs across the country.

Gordon, in turn, thanked TP for its unwavering support through the years. He highlighted that the company’s continued assistance has positively impacted thousands of Filipinos, especially during times when help is needed most.

Hands-On Support: TP Leaders Pack Relief Kits with PRC

After the ceremonial turnover, TP executives rolled up their sleeves and took part in a symbolic relief-pack assembly. These kits filled with essentials for affected families will be distributed to communities in crisis across the Visayas and Mindanao.

This hands-on gesture reflects TP’s belief that meaningful change happens not just through donations, but through people showing up and contributing time and effort.

More Than a Decade of Humanitarian Partnership

Teleperformance Philippines has worked closely with the PRC for over ten years through:

• Monetary donations
• Volunteer-driven initiatives
• Nationwide blood donation activities

This long-standing partnership exemplifies the mission of Citizen of the World: to uplift communities, empower volunteers, and help build stronger, more resilient Filipino families no matter the challenges.

Teleperformance’s renewed support for the Philippine Red Cross is a powerful reminder that corporate citizenship matters especially in a country as disaster-prone as the Philippines. If more organizations take part in strengthening humanitarian efforts, Filipinos can look toward a safer and more prepared future.

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