Visa and USSC announce strategic issuing and Money Movement partnership to transform payment solutions

Visa and USSC announce strategic issuing and Money Movement partnership to transform payment solutions

Saturday, April 12, 2025

Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, has partnered with USSC Money Services Inc. (UMSI), on a strategic issuing and Money Movement partnership to launch Visa Direct in the Philippines. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in enhancing digital payment and remittance solutions in the region.

While often cited as one of the largest remittance-receiving countries in the world, the Philippines remains strong in the outbound money movement market, particularly for business-to-business (B2B) payments. Visa’s "Money Travels: 2024 Digital Remittances Adoption" report reveals that there is a $151-billion outbound market opportunity, the majority of which cover business-related flows. These include supplier payments, export/import, merchant settlement, and overseas procurement for goods and services for many small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Digital methods are driving cross-border payment growth too. The same report found that 58% of Filipinos prefer digital money movement methods, with many citing high fees, lengthy processing, and the need to visit a physical location as common pain points in making cross-border payments and remittances.

To foster the growth of outbound cross-border business payments in the Philippines, Visa Direct facilitates the transfer of funds directly to eligible Visa Direct cards, bank accounts, and wallets in many jurisdictions around the world. Launched over a decade ago, Visa Direct revolutionizes fund disbursements with its fast, secure, and convenient platform, reaching over 11 billion endpoints across more than 195 countries and territories and 150 currencies.

With Visa Direct, UMSI now enables many of its business clients to make faster and more efficient cross-border outbound payments to support their various business needs.

In addition to this recent partnership with UMSI to launch Visa Direct, Visa and UMSI previously collaborated on an exclusive deal to issue the U Visa Prepaid Card. Geared towards new-to-bank customers from segments such as business process outsourcing (BPO) employees and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), the U Visa Prepaid Card underscored Visa’s and UMSI’s shared commitment to boost financial inclusion.

"We are pleased to partner with UMSI to enhance digital remittance and payments services in the Philippines. Visa Direct aims to be Asia Pacific's premier real-time payment platform by focusing on continuous innovation and expanding collaborations with banks, fintechs, and digital wallets. The increasing use of digital apps for sending business payments abroad highlights the need for secure, fast, and convenient money movement solutions. Visa is dedicated to ensuring safe and efficient money transfers, enhancing the financial resilience of Filipino households, and contributing to economic growth,” said Jeffrey Navarro, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines.

"Cross-border payments and remittances have steadily converged across settlement systems, and USSC is proud to be at the forefront of this evolution in partnership with Visa. This collaboration reaffirms USSC’s commitment to serving its core markets —OFWs and underbanked Filipinos—by delivering convenient and cost-effective solutions that facilitate money movement across borders,” said UMSI President and Chief Executive Officer Jose Xavier Gonzales. “Combining its physical store infrastructure and U Mobile app with a Visa card-based wallet overlay, USSC continues to drive financial inclusion for Filipinos worldwide, helping them shift from cash to digital seamlessly," he added.

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From Homemaker to Changemaker: Vaneza Soriano and the Transformative Power of Beauty

From Homemaker to Changemaker: Vaneza Soriano and the Transformative Power of Beauty

L’Oreal Philippines with Beauty for a Better Life (BFBL) beneficiaries.

For Vaneza Soriano, a devoted housewife, life once centered entirely on her family’s needs—until she discovered the power of beauty to transform her future. Today, she proudly stands as one of the outstanding graduates of L'Oréal Philippines’ Beauty for a Better Life (BFBL) professional hairdressing training program, proving that with determination, support, and the right skills, new beginnings are always possible. 

Vaneza’s story mirrors the journey of many women whose lives have been changed by the program. Since its launch in 2017, BFBL has empowered over 524 Filipino women with professional hairdressing training providing not just education, but the means to build livelihood to better lives for themselves and their families. This year, the program expanded its reach to Mandaluyong City, marking a milestone as the first time the city partnered with L’Oréal for this transformative initiative. 

The latest batch of 47 was honored in graduation ceremony held at the Mandaluyong City Hall, culminating their 2-months hands-on training and internship in L’Oreal’s salons in Metro Manila. More than just the culmination of training, the event served as a powerful reminder that beauty can be a bridge to empowerment, hope, and personal transformation. 

"Beauty is a force for good and a catalyst for change—and at L'Oréal, we believe it has the power to transform lives. Through Beauty for a Better Life, we equip women with the skills to build sustainable careers in hairdressing, fostering personal empowerment and economic integration. Today’s graduates are living proof of this mission, and their success is our success. Seeing them take this step forward is truly inspiring.,” said Yassine Bakkari, Country Managing Director at L’Oréal Philippines. 

For Vaneza and many others, the training went beyond teaching hairdressing techniques—it rebuilt their confidence and reignited their dreams. "Before this program, I thought my role as a homemaker meant putting my dreams on hold," she shared. "But through BFBL, I learned that my passion could become my profession. I now have the courage and skills to create a better life, not only for myself but for my family." 

The BFBL program is committed to equipping determined and aspiring women from diverse backgrounds with professional beauty skills, financial literacy, and personal development training. Through this initiative, L’Oréal reinforces its global mission to champion inclusivity and uplift communities, transforming the lives of thousands of women across more than 30 countries. 

For more information about L'Oréal's Beauty for a Better Life program, please visit L'Oréal's official website.

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Eastern Communications Holds Transcend Summit 2025, Launches New Loyalty Program Perks

Eastern Communications Holds Transcend Summit 2025, Launches New Loyalty Program Perks

Friday, April 11, 2025

Top industry experts explore innovation and CX strategies for business growth

Eastern Communications successfully hosted its Transcend Summit 2025 at Makati Shangri-La, on April 8, 2025, bringing together over 200 industry leaders, decision-makers, and technology experts to discuss how innovation fuels business growth, transforms challenges into opportunities, and enhances customer experience. The event spotlights Eastern Communications' mission to exceed customer expectations by delivering the latest technological insights, and reliable, high-tech, and high-touch connectivity and ICT solutions that drive digital transformation and business resilience.

The Transcend Summit features the theme, “Powering the Future Through Innovation and Customer Focus,” and is made possible through Eastern’s global tech partners Cato Networks, Fortinet, Huawei, Sophos, Cisco, CloudSigma, Nexusguard, Pax8, and official media partner The Manila Times and Malaya Business Insight.

"Transcend Summit 2025 highlighted the importance of innovative solutions, leadership, AI and customer-centric strategies in today’s dynamic business environment," stated Jaeson Evangelista, Co-Coordinator of Eastern Communications. “We are very grateful for our global technology partners for enabling us to share insights, emerging trends, and collaborate on future innovations as we continue to enhance our services and customer programs.”

Hosted by TEDx Host Vanessa Caro and panel discussions moderated by ABS-CBN Business News Correspondent Mimi Ong, Transcend Summit 2025 featured keynote speakers and industry panelists sharing insights on the evolving digital landscape and the role of innovation in achieving sustainable growth.

Exploring the power of innovation

Greg Banzon, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Century Pacific Foods, Inc., delivered a keynote speech on “Harnessing Innovation to Transform Challenges into Opportunities.” Drawing from his experience and citing instances from Century Pacific’s humble beginnings in the ‘70s, he emphasized how businesses can turn obstacles into strategic advantages through technology and forward-thinking solutions, like how Century Pacific transformed to one of the country's leading manufacturers.

Meanwhile, Maulik Parekh, founder of aiVolution Asia, shared his insights on “How to Lead and Innovate with AI.” He explored AI’s disruptive impact on customer engagement, business optimization, and the essential leadership skills for success in the AI era.

Following Banzon and Parekh’s presentations was the Transcend Summit’s panel discussion with key industry experts: Pierre Curay, Vice President of the Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP); Edsel Paglinawan, Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer of Eastern Communications; and Tonichi Parekh, Vice President of Concentrix.

The panelists explored the topic, “How Innovation and Customer Experience Is Critical for Business Success,” setting companies apart in an increasingly competitive digital economy. Discussions centered on how businesses can leverage emerging technologies to remain agile and competitive.

A trusted partner in digital transformation

Eastern Communications elevated customer engagement with the relaunch of The Link VIP Club, unveiling its highest membership tier, Titanium, at the MET Museum in BGC on April 3, 2025. Eastern collaborated with artists Erika Mayo, Studiokashu, and Vico Cham Artism Gallery, for an exclusive, art-inspired showcase of the program’s premiere perks to complete the customer’s VIP experience.

The newest Titanium tier provides personalized business support, premium benefits, and tailored ICT solutions, further strengthening relationships and enhancing customer experiences of Eastern’s elite partners.

"We recognize that businesses need more than just reliable solutions—they need a trusted partner who understands their unique challenges and growth ambitions. Through the Link VIP Club and the new Titanium Membership tier, we are enhancing the way we support our clients by providing an even higher level of focused support, unmatched customer experiences, and utmost level of service," said Atty. Aileen Regio, Co-Coordinator of Eastern Communications.

As a trusted partner in driving business growth, Eastern Communications equips companies with the tools to navigate digital transformation with confidence. The Transcend Summit 2025 allows Eastern to share its expertise on advancing innovation, collaboration, and cutting-edge solutions that keep businesses ahead in an evolving digital landscape.

To know more about Eastern Communications’ products and services, visit the website at https://eastern.com.ph/.

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TNT's SIM Registration video wins back-to-back golds at ADFEST 2025

TNT's SIM Registration video wins back-to-back golds at ADFEST 2025

Thursday, April 10, 2025

TNT, the value brand of PLDT mobile wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), won another gold award for its viral SIM Registration video, “Mother,” at ADFEST 2025, Asia's renowned international festival of advertising creativity.

This year, it won the prestigious gold award in the Effective Lotus category, continuing its winning streak after grabbing the gold award in the Film Lotus category last year, besting around 200 entries.

Produced in collaboration with advertising agency GIGIL and production company Arcade Film Factory, the one-minute and 28-second video tells the story of a mother soaked in the rain outside their house because her family could not recognize her mobile number.

True to its brand essence, TNT’s campaign used absurd humor to encourage subscribers to register their SIMs, in accordance to SIM Registration Act, which was enacted to protect mobile phone users from spam and scam texts, which have become rampant since the pandemic.

ADFEST described the Effective Lotus category winner as “works that are not only creative, but also have significant and measurable impact.” The juries based the recognition on four criteria, including Creativity/Idea/Insight with 30%; Strategy with 15%; Execution with 15%; and Results with 40%.

Launched in April 2023, TNT’s SIM Registration campaign videos immediately gained over 100 million views across social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok, with viewers organically sharing them for being “unskippable,” “creative,” and “funny”. Within just 10 days since the videos were posted, over 7 million subscribers registered their SIM, proving the campaign’s effectiveness.

A string of local and international awards

As of end-2024, TNT remains the biggest mobile brand in the Philippines with almost 35 million subscribers.

“We thank our colleagues in the marketing and advertising industry in the region for recognizing TNT’s efforts to inform and protect our customers,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, FVP at Smart. “We share this accolade with our almost 35 million subscribers who continue to put their trust in TNT,” he added.

TNT's back-to-back ADFEST gold awards adds to its string of local and international recognition for the campaign's creativity and effectiveness. It bagged a gold in Stevies 2024; silver awards at the 2024 APAC Effie Awards, Kidlat Awards 2024, and Boomerang 2023 Awards; crystal awards in South Korea’s MAD Stars 2023; and a bronze in Tambuli 2024.

Moreover, the campaign won the ‘Force for Good’ Award in the 2024 YouTube Works Awards Philippines and was cited as Best Ad of the Week by Bestads. The viral video was also shortlisted at the prestigious New York Festivals 2023 Advertising Awards.

The ADFEST 2025 Effective Lotus gold award is another milestone for TNT, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Aptly called “AniberSaya 25,” TNT lives true to its promise of being the people’s mobile brand as it caters to the mobile needs of ordinary Filipinos through its superior mobile network, affordable and value-packed data offers, and fun-filled experiences.

For more information, follow TNT’s official accounts on Facebook, X, and TikTok, or visit its official website at https://tntph.com.

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FedEx Strengthens Asia Pacific Leadership Announces Key Appointment

FedEx Strengthens Asia Pacific Leadership Announces Key Appointment

 

L-R - Marcus Balzereit, Senior Vice President, APAC Sales & Solutions, Rumana Rahman, Vice President, APAC Human Resources, and Shanker Venkateswaran, Vice President, APAC Planning & Engineering

Federal Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, has expanded its leadership team in Asia Pacific (APAC) to advance business and talent strategy. Marcus Balzereit assumes the role of Senior Vice President, APAC Sales & Solutions, while Rumana Rahman joins as Vice President, APAC Human Resources, and Shanker Venkateswaran, is appointed as Vice President, APAC Planning & Engineering. By attracting and retaining top talent across all levels, the company is strategically positioning itself to seize emerging market opportunities and fuel growth across this rapidly evolving region.

With over 25 years of experience in the logistics industry, Marcus Balzereit brings extensive expertise in driving commercial success across diverse markets. In his new role, he will lead a 2,000-strong sales organization in the Asia Pacific region, driving profitable revenue growth and expanding market share. Marcus will focus on delivering differentiated solutions and strengthening customer relationships, enabling customers to fully leverage the strong FedEx value proposition.

People are the driving force behind FedEx, and its talent strategy is key to achieving its ambitious goals. With 24 years of experience in human resources across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa, Rumana Rahman brings deep expertise in shaping high-impact people strategies. In her new role, Rumana will lead talent development to cultivate a high-performance culture and evolve workforce strategies to meet the needs of a rapidly changing and diverse talent landscape.

Shanker brings over two decades of experience across business, technology, and operations, with expertise spanning multiple industries and geographies. In his new role, Shanker will lead the transformation of FedEx's ground network through design, digitization, and automation, enhancing efficiency and flexibility to meet customer demands, with focus on optimizing operations to stay ahead of market changes and exceed customer expectations.

“Building a future-ready team in Asia Pacific is a top priority,” said Kawal Preet, president of Asia Pacific at FedEx. “With these new appointments, we’re further strengthening our commitment to anticipating customer needs, driving market growth, and empowering our teams with the agility and innovation required to make a lasting impact in this fast-evolving region.”

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AXA Philippines Strengthens Protection for Underserved Workforce

AXA Philippines Strengthens Protection for Underserved Workforce

The gig economy in the Philippines is rapidly expanding, with freelancers, ride-hailing drivers, and delivery riders making substantial contributions to the workforce. However, unlike traditional employees, many gig workers lack employment security, health benefits, and insurance coverage, exposing them to financial risks in times of medical emergencies or accidents.

Despite a 208% increase in freelance earnings from 2019 to 2020, as noted by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, the absence of financial protection remains a major challenge. Recognizing this gap, AXA Philippines, one of the largest and fastest growing life insurance companies in the Philippines, is stepping in to empower gig workers with accessible, relevant, and sustainable protection solutions.

Addressing the Protection Gap in the Gig Economy

AXA is committed to making insurance inclusive and accessible, ensuring underserved communities have the financial security they need to thrive. Through AXA EssentiALL, its global inclusive insurance unit, AXA delivers affordable, tailored solutions to those who traditionally lack coverage. Operating in 14 markets with over 14 million customers as of 2023, AXA EssentiALL helps communities build financial resilience against life’s uncertainties.

In the Philippines, this commitment is taking shape through AXA Philippines’ partnership with PhilPacific Insurance Brokers & Managers, Inc. (Philinsure), Grab, and MOVE IT—extending critical protection to gig workers, a sector long excluded from traditional financial safeguards. Through this initiative, thousands of Grab and MOVE IT drivers and riders will receive up to PHP 1 million insurance coverage should anything untoward happen to them, under the companies’ incentive-based program. This ensures these hardworking individuals can work with confidence and peace of mind, knowing they are financially protected.

“Ensuring inclusive protection has always been a core part of our mission. At AXA, we believe that every worker, regardless of employment status, deserves financial security and support. Gig workers demonstrate the same dedication, hard work, and competence as traditional employees, and it’s time they have access to the protection they deserve,” said Ayman Kandil, AXA Philippines President and CEO. “Through this partnership with Grab, MOVE IT, and Philinsure, we are taking concrete steps to close the protection gap for gig workers in the Philippines, especially drivers and riders who are on the road all day and are exposed to so many risks.”

Philinsure, a key partner in the initiative, shares the same vision of financial security for all by combining their microinsurance expertise with AXA’s innovative insurance solutions.

Building a Resilient Future for Gig Workers

For Grab Philippines, supporting their driver- and delivery-partners’ well-being goes beyond just providing livelihood opportunities—it’s also about ensuring they have the right protection.

As the workforce continues to evolve, insurance solutions must adapt to new employment models. By breaking barriers to insurance access, AXA reaffirms its commitment to helping gig workers build a stronger, more resilient financial future.

To learn more about AXA Philippines’ workforce protection initiatives, visit https://www.axa.com.ph/.

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Avian Influenza: A Growing Threat to Poultry and Public Health

Avian Influenza: A Growing Threat to Poultry and Public Health

Avian Influenza (AI) is emerging as a potential crisis, with recent reports confirming three active H5N1 cases affecting nine farmers in Tarlac, Pampanga, and Nueva Ecija.

This year, a total of 99 municipalities have reported bird flu cases, leading to outbreaks among various poultry species in Pampanga, Kalinga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, and Leyte Province. The emergence of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza threatens human and animal health, as well as the country’s poultry production and livelihood.

Recognizing the urgency of this issue, the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) and Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Inc. organized a roundtable discussion on “The Urgency of Vaccines in Preventing Avian Influenza in the Philippines.” The event brought together experts from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Department of Agriculture (DA) to discuss the vital role of vaccination, the current state of AI prevention efforts, and the challenges of implementing sustainable disease control strategies.

“With the increasing threat of avian influenza, Boehringer Ingelheim underscores the urgent need for robust biosecurity measures. We must take immediate action to effectively control the spread of the disease and safeguard both the agricultural sector and public health,” said Raul Senedrin, Head of Business Segment – Poultry at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Philippines, Inc.

Protecting Livelihoods: The Threat of Bird Flu in the Poultry Sector

The poultry sector is a vital component of the Philippine economy, valued at Php 68.76 billion value, providing livelihoods and contributing to the country’s agricultural production.

As poultry demand rises, the sector confronts significant challenges due to the increasing risk of bird flu. A broiler breeder chicken farm in Leyte Province experienced an outbreak, resulting in 4,475 casualties from a flock of 60,259 birds.

In support of the industry, Boehringer Ingelheim donated Avian Influenza test kits in 2023 to trade and partner stakeholders in Luzon and Mindanao as part of the surveillance efforts to track the presence of the disease.

On 12 August 2024, the Food and Agriculture Organization issued a regional alert highlighting the persistent threat of bird flu to the poultry industry, warning that the ongoing outbreaks could drive up production costs, increase consumer prices, and cause potential supply shortages.

“The poultry industry plays a vital role in ensuring stable food supply and supporting the economic sustainability of rural communities in the Philippines. Through this roundtable, GPCCI helped identify forward-looking solutions, and we remain committed to fostering continued collaboration to strengthen the sector’s resilience against Avian Influenza,” said GPCCI President Marie Antoinette Mariano.

Safeguarding Farmers from Rising Public Health Risks

Avian Influenza, also known as bird flu, primarily spreads among poultry, waterfowls such as ducks and geese, and livestock, increasing the risk of exposure for poultry workers and farmers.

This viral exposure has led to 887 H5N1 infections and 462 fatalities in humans from 2003 to April 14, 2024, with the majority occurring in Asia and Africa. Previous infections have led to complications such as conjunctivitis, gastrointestinal symptoms, encephalitis (brain inflammation) and encephalopathy.

The World Health Organization warns that the virus may mutate to become more contagious among humans, heightening public health concerns. These warning signs indicate that avian influenza could escalate into an emergency, potentially causing severe economic losses, undermining food security, and posing significant public health risks nationwide.

The escalating threat of Avian Influenza calls for an urgent, coordinated response among stakeholders, including government agencies, health organizations, and the agricultural sector, to safeguard communities and mitigate the impact of Avian Influenza. Prioritizing vaccination and health monitoring mitigates risks, sustains livelihoods, and prevents potential pandemics.

“Germany is continuing to support the Philippines’ effort to fight Avian Influenza. Germany and the Philippines share a long history of exchange in the fields of public health, food security, international trade as well as the support of livelihoods in the Philippines, says Dr. David Klebs, Economic Counsellor of the Germany Embassy Manila. “German businesses like Boehringer may provide a suitable solution to Avian Influenza making available scientific-based solutions to the Philippines.”

Safeguard health, livelihoods, and poultry production. Learn more about AI vaccination and disease prevention in the GPCCI white paper: https://philippinen.ahk.de/en/info-hub/news/2025/white-paper-the-state-of-the-avian-influenza-vaccine-in-the-philippines.

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