GreatDay HR Wins 2025 Southeast Asia’s Best HR Management App Award

GreatDay HR Wins 2025 Southeast Asia’s Best HR Management App Award

Friday, August 8, 2025

Bringing Purpose-Driven HR Tech to Filipino Workplaces

In a region where workplace innovation is rapidly shaping the future of business, one Filipino-focused HR platform has made its mark. GreatDay HR Philippines has been named Best HR Management App at the 2025 Southeast Asia Business Awards by APAC Insider—cementing its place as a leader in making HR smarter, faster, and more human-centered.

This recognition matters because for many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Philippines, the shift to digital HR systems isn’t just a trend—it’s a lifeline. Automating timekeeping, payroll, and performance tracking frees up valuable time for business owners and HR teams to focus on what truly drives growth: their people.

Why This Award Matters

The Southeast Asia Business Awards celebrate companies that excel in innovation, customer service, and market impact. Winners are chosen based on:

• Merit and proven results in their field
• Market performance and adaptability
• Positive client feedback and satisfaction

With such a stringent selection process, GreatDay HR’s win reflects both product excellence and strong relationships with its users.

The Power of a Mobile-First HR Platform

GreatDay HR isn’t your typical HR software—it’s designed for the mobile-first world, perfect for the on-the-go needs of modern Filipino businesses. The platform helps companies:

• Automate timekeeping with accuracy
• Manage payroll seamlessly
• Track leave requests and approvals in real-time
• Monitor employee performance with easy-to-read dashboards

This is especially valuable for SMEs, where HR departments often juggle multiple roles with limited resources.

A Mission Beyond Technology

According to Sri Coles, CEO of SunFish DataOn Philippines, Inc., the company behind GreatDay HR:

“Our goal has always been to empower HR professionals to focus on people, not paperwork.”

She emphasized that this award is more than a trophy—it’s a reminder of their commitment to human-centered HR technology that helps businesses grow.

Part of a Bigger HR Ecosystem

GreatDay HR is just one of several solutions offered by SunFish DataOn Philippines, Inc., which also provides:

SunFish HRIS – an enterprise-grade HR platform for large companies

Managed Payroll Services – for organizations that want expert payroll handling without the in-house workload

Together, these services support companies of all sizes, from lean startups to established enterprises, helping them navigate the complexities of modern HR management.

A Win for Filipino SMEs

This award signals a positive shift in how Filipino businesses embrace digital transformation. With platforms like GreatDay HR, even smaller companies can access enterprise-level tools—leveling the playing field in a competitive market.

If your company is ready to move beyond spreadsheets and manual tracking, this might be the “great day” to start exploring smarter HR solutions.

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Makati Medical Center Makes History with Its First Living Donor Liver Transplant

Makati Medical Center Makes History with Its First Living Donor Liver Transplant

In a historic feat that marks a new chapter for Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed), the hospital successfully performed its first-ever living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), a transformative procedure that underscores the power of preparation, surgical excellence, and international collaboration.

This complex 11-hour operation is the culmination of meticulous planning, hands-on training, and global partnerships, particularly with Asan Medical Center (AMC) in South Korea—one of the world’s foremost authorities in liver transplantation. The core team from MakatiMed’s Hepatobiliary and Liver Transplant Services led this initiative, which included simulation drills, infrastructure upgrades, clinical immersions, and multidisciplinary readiness programs.

“This is a monumental accomplishment for our institution and the Liver Transplantation Team,” said Dr. Saturnino P. Javier, MakatiMed Interim Co-President & CEO and Medical Director. “It is also a deeply human story of courage, collaboration, and compassion. We salute the men and women of MakatiMed and Asan Medical Center for making this possible.”

The recipient, a 23-year-old patient suffering from end-stage liver disease due to recurrent sclerosing cholangitis (inflamed and scarred bile ducts), had previously been admitted several times to the ICU for sepsis. His condition had deteriorated despite maximal conservative management. With no other viable options, he underwent a life-saving transplant, receiving a right liver graft from his mother.

Notably, the donor has a history of abdominal gunshot wound and multiple prior operations, combined with unusual vascular anatomy. This case presented unprecedented challenges for both MakatiMed and AMC. Nonetheless, both surgeries were performed without blood transfusion, and the team kept costs remarkably reasonable despite the complexity—proving that high-quality care and cost-consciousness can co-exist.

“The success of any liver transplant lies in two critical pillars: the safety of the donor and the quality of the graft,” shared Catherine S.C. Teh, Section Chief of Hepatobiliary Surgery and lead liver transplant surgeon at MakatiMed. “This case challenged both, and we rose to the occasion.”

Surgeries on both donor and recipient were executed with precision through the synergy of MakatiMed’s team of surgical, anesthesia, nursing, and critical care specialists with the expert guidance of a 10-member visiting team from Asan Medical Center.

Postoperatively, the patient made a steady recovery under the care of the multidisciplinary team composed of Liver Surgeons, Transplant Nurses, Clinical Nutritionists, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases, Endocrinology, Pathology, and Radiology specialists. He has since been discharged in stable condition, while the donor was discharged just five days after surgery, a testament to the quality of the care delivered by the Hospital with a Heart.

This milestone not only reflects surgical excellence but reaffirms MakatiMed’s ongoing commitment to innovation, compassion, and patient-centric care. It ushers in a new era in Philippine transplant medicine: one that is bold, inclusive, and globally benchmarked.

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.

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DoubleVerify’s Global Insights Report: 1 in 2 Consumers in PH Would Drop Brands With Ads Next to Harmful Content

DoubleVerify’s Global Insights Report: 1 in 2 Consumers in PH Would Drop Brands With Ads Next to Harmful Content

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

The annual report highlights the evolving role of attention, viewability, and suitability in maximizing media performance

DoubleVerify ("DV") (NYSE: DV), the leading software platform to verify media quality, optimize ad performance, and prove campaign outcomes, today released its 2025 Global Insights: APAC Report, spotlighting key advertising trends and media quality benchmarks. The report draws on over one trillion impressions across desktop, mobile and CTV environments, as well as survey responses from marketers and consumers globally.

This year’s report reveals notable improvements in global media quality, with declines in brand suitability violations and fraud rates, alongside modest gains in viewability. Attention continues to vary significantly across regions, formats, and devices, highlighting the need for advertisers to customize strategies that drive both performance and protection.

In the Philippines, media quality continues to improve, with brand suitability violations falling by 44% year-over-year. However, consumer sensitivity remains high— approximately 1 in 2 Filipinos (54%) say they would stop using a brand whose ads appear next to false or offensive content. With consumers in the Philippines spending at least 3.8 hours daily engaging with digital content and growing ad fatigue, brand suitability should be non-negotiable for advertisers aiming to build trust and drive performance in the market.

Other key findings in the Philippines include:

Fraud and Sophisticated Invalid Traffic (SIVT): Fraud/SIVT incidents dropped by 61%, indicating improved efforts to eliminate invalid traffic.

Viewability: The country’s Authentic Viewable Rate rose by 12%, showing enhanced ad visibility across screens.

Attention Metrics: With an Attention Index of 117, the Philippines ranked third in Southeast Asia, outperforming the global benchmark and signaling high levels of audience engagement and ad exposure.

Global highlights include:

Brand Suitability: Violation rates fell 15% year-over-year, with Unsuitable Category violations still comprising the majority (65%) of all incidents.

Fraud and Sophisticated Invalid Traffic (SIVT): Global fraud/SIVT dropped 7% year-over-year, but bot fraud increased sharply, particularly in mobile app environments.

Viewability: The global Authentic Viewable Rate rose from 3% to 70%, supported by industry efforts to address "TV Off" issues in CTV.

Attention Metrics: APAC led all regions with a 14% higher Attention Index than the global benchmark of 100, while North America trailed by 4%.

“With digital media habits evolving across the Philippines, advertisers need timely, data-backed insights to navigate growing complexity and improve campaign effectiveness,” said Conrad Tallariti, Managing Director, APAC of DoubleVerify “Driving real results today means ensuring every impression appears in a suitable context, captures genuine attention, and contributes to measurable performance. This is how brands can earn consumer trust and make a lasting impact in the market.”

Marketers across APAC are increasingly prioritizing channels like commerce media networks, with over 20% in both Southeast Asia and India planning to boost investment. Top-performing formats, such as social media reels and feeds, are consistently exceeding campaign baselines, reflecting a broader shift toward performance-driven, digitally connected advertising.

At the same time, consumers in the APAC region are spending an average of 3.5 hours per day with online content, led by social media. But ad fatigue is rising: 46% use ad blockers, and nearly half of consumers say they’re less likely to purchase from a brand if its ad appeared next to false or offensive content, reinforcing the critical need for brand suitability and context-aware media strategies.

As media investments grow more complex, DV’s regional insights provide a critical roadmap for advertisers to reduce waste, boost engagement, and drive measurable outcomes in APAC and beyond.

To view the full report, visit: https://doubleverify.com/2025-dv-global-insights-apac/

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Visa and RCBC partner to launch Visa Direct, enabling seamless international money transfers in the Philippines

Visa and RCBC partner to launch Visa Direct, enabling seamless international money transfers in the Philippines

Launch of Visa Direct will drive growth in outbound payments from the Philippines, empowering both businesses and consumers through seamless, international money transfers

Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, has partnered with Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), one of the largest universal banks in the country, to launch Visa Direct, enabling fast, secure, and convenient real-time payments and money transfers to billions of accounts across more than 190 countries and territories. This collaboration advances outbound cross-border payment solutions for Filipinos, empowering consumers and businesses alike to meet the growing demands of a globalized economy.

Over one billion – or one in every eight people worldwide – send or receive payments or remittances every year, and the World Bank estimates that global cross-border payments and remittances reached $905 billion in 2024, or an increase of 4.6% from the previous year. The advent of digital payments is transforming cross-border payments and remittances too. that 67% of respondents prefer to send or receive payments or remittances digitally, with users highlighting ease of use, safety, and security as key benefits.

The Philippines, along with India, is the top market in Asia Pacific with the highest percentage of respondents preferring to send remittances digitally at 74%, highlighting strong digital adoption among Filipinos. With Visa Direct, Filipinos now have more options to make secure and efficient money transfers to anyone, anywhere across the globe.

Visa Direct is a real-time push payment platform that facilitates the delivery of funds directly to eligible cards, bank accounts, and wallets worldwide. Launched over a decade ago, Visa Direct revolutionized fund disbursements and peer-to-peer (P2P) payments with its fast, secure, and convenient platform. Reaching over 8.5 billion endpoints in more than 190 countries and territories and transacting in 160 currencies, Visa Direct builds on partnerships with companies like Thunes, TerraPay, and Tencent to enhance digital wallet usage and financial inclusion.

“Digital cross-border payments and remittances are crucial in supporting the Philippine economy – and Visa Direct underscores Visa’s commitment to fast, secure, and convenient money movement platforms to connect Filipinos to more opportunities beyond borders. In partnering with RCBC with this innovation, we hope to bridge outbound cross-border payment gaps and help widen financial inclusion. We look to working with other partners as well in helping transform remittances for Filipino consumers and businesses here and across the world,” said Jeffrey Navarro, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines.

Navarro added that both Visa and RCBC are looking to integrate additional features in the partnership, including enhanced fraud detection mechanisms and multi-currency wallets.

“Visa Direct strengthens our push for inclusive, tech-enabled banking by making global money transfers faster and more accessible. This is a vital step in expanding digital financial services for every Filipino, said Lito Villanueva, Executive Vice President and Chief Innovations and Inclusion Officer of RCBC.

“RCBC continues to lead innovation in banking and digital payments, and this partnership with Visa outlines our steadfast commitment to convenience, speed, security and flexibility for our customers,” added Reginaldo Cariaso, President and Chief Executive Officer of RCBC.

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Shell LiveWire 2025 Announces 3 Tech Startup Finalists

Shell LiveWire 2025 Announces 3 Tech Startup Finalists

Monday, August 4, 2025

Shell Pilipinas Corporation continues to fuel the growth of local innovation through Shell LiveWire, the company’s flagship enterprise development program that champions Filipino entrepreneurship. Designed to empower startups and local enterprises, the program has named its top three tech startup finalists following the pitch event in June. These startups were selected for their forward-thinking solutions in agricultural, energy efficiency, and sustainability.

Entrepreneurial Excellence on Display

By continuing to strengthen its commitment to empowering Filipino entrepreneurs who are driven to deliver solutions, Shell reinforces its role in advancing innovation, most notably by identifying the following top business ventures to enter the finale:

Among these startups is Agridom, a startup from SF Group of Companies Inc., which introduces drone-powered precision framing tools designed to improve agricultural efficiency and sustainability for smallholder farmers in the Philippines.

Also recognized is the Greentech Ecobooster, a fuel optimization device aimed at enhancing combustion engine performance while lowering fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Itʼs looking to improve engine performance, reduce fuel consumption, lower operational costs, and support broader climate goals.

Rounding out the top three is Pili AdheSeal Inc., a green tech company transforming agricultural waste into sustainable adhesive and sealant products. The startup promotes a circular economy that supports both Pili farmers and the environment.

These three startups are now undergoing Shell LiveWire’s acceleration phase, where they receive mentorship, financial support for team and product development, and expert guidance to refine their businesses. They also stand the chance to win up to PHP 1,000,00.00 in equity-free cash for the first-place winner, and PHP 500,000 each for the second and third placers, providing essential runway to scale their startups. Community enterprises, another track of the program, are represented this year by 51 participants from diverse regions and industries across the country. These enterprises receive in-kind or grant money support to further strengthen their operations.

Nascent Technologies Corp. was also awarded the A-Lister recognition, Shell LiveWire’s special citation given to promising startups still in their development phase.

Shell has appointed PwC as the official auditor of the 2025 Shell LiveWire Philippines to ensure transparency and integrity.

Shell envisions a bright future for Filipino entrepreneurs

A recent study revealed that the country’s startup ecosystem nearly doubled in value, from US$3.5 billion in 2023 to US$6.4 billion in 2024, driven by increased investments and the growth of scalable, tech-enabled enterprises. Key sectors such as climate and cleantech, agritech, as well as education and health technology, continue to generate significant economic value while advancing human development and sustainability.

Shell LiveWire continues to play a vital role in cultivating this ecosystem by helping Filipino entrepreneurs thrive and create inclusive employment opportunities.

Watch out for the Shell LiveWire 2025 finale this September at the Echelon Event, where this year’s top startup will be awarded and the next wave of innovation will take center stage.

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Visa Champions Financial Inclusion and Tourism in PH with Contactless MRT-3 Payments

Visa Champions Financial Inclusion and Tourism in PH with Contactless MRT-3 Payments

Thursday, July 31, 2025

Contactless fare system expected to increase MRT-3 ridership by 10%, boosting urban mobility, tourism, and digital inclusion

Visa, a global leader in digital payments, is taking another bold step toward inclusive economic growth in the Philippines by launching a modern contactless payment system on Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3). In collaboration with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and other key partners, the initiative is set to benefit over 350,000 daily commuters, ushering in a new era of convenience, safety, and efficiency for public transport users.

This is Visa’s third major transit project in the country, following successful rollouts in Cebu, Mandaue, and Bacolod.

Fast, Secure, and Seamless Commuting for All

With contactless infrastructure now installed across all 13 MRT-3 stations, passengers can simply tap their Visa cards, smartphones, or NFC-enabled devices to ride—no need for cash or physical tickets. According to the Visa Economic Empowerment Institute, open-loop, contactless systems can increase public transport ridership by up to 10%, contributing to more dynamic urban centers and economic uplift.

“Modern, seamless payment systems are essential for vibrant urban economies. Upgrading fare collection not only enhances the commuter experience but also boosts productivity by making Metro Manila more connected and efficient,” said Jeffrey Navarro, Visa’s Country Manager for the Philippines.

Aligning Metro Manila with World-Class Cities

The new system aligns Metro Manila’s urban transport with top-tier global cities like Tokyo, Singapore, and Bangkok. Findings from the Visa Global Urban Mobility Survey show:

• 96% of commuters expect contactless transit payment options
• 58% want a single payment method across all modes of transport

Visa’s interoperable, digital solution meets these expectations, enabling hassle-free travel for both locals and visitors.

Driving Financial and Digital Inclusion

Beyond convenience, this upgrade plays a crucial role in bridging the financial divide. By allowing unbanked and underbanked Filipinos to access digital services through familiar tools like cards and smartphones, Visa is promoting greater financial inclusion.

“Digitization in public transport doesn’t just make commuting easier—it empowers people. It gives more Filipinos access to the digital economy and paves the way for long-term financial inclusion,” Navarro added.

Enhancing the Tourist Experience

The contactless system also aims to elevate the travel experience for international and domestic tourists. According to the Visa 2023 Global Travel Intentions Study, while 97% of Asia Pacific travelers carry cards, 44% of visitors to the Philippines have faced payment challenges due to limited card acceptance.

With the MRT-3 now offering card-based fare collection, the Philippines is positioning itself as a modern, tourist-friendly destination—a crucial step in boosting tourism receipts and visitor satisfaction.

“Tourism thrives on convenience. Upgrading our transit systems encourages visitors to explore more, spend more, and spread the word about the Philippines as a must-visit destination,” said Navarro.

From Metro Manila to the Rest of the Philippines

Visa’s MRT-3 project builds on earlier initiatives in Cebu, Mandaue, and Bacolod, where over 1.4 million residents and tourists benefit from tap-to-pay systems on modern jeepneys. These efforts reflect Visa’s commitment to expanding its smart mobility solutions nationwide.

With over 870 tap-to-ride transit projects worldwide, Visa continues to drive digital transformation in public transportation—helping the Philippines move toward a more inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive future.

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Building Resilient Communities: LGUs Leverage PLDT-Smart Ligtas Kit

Building Resilient Communities: LGUs Leverage PLDT-Smart Ligtas Kit

In a disaster-prone nation like the Philippines, local government units (LGUs) are stepping up their emergency response capabilities through innovative communication tools. At the heart of this shift is the PLDT-Smart Ligtas Kit, a compact yet powerful solution helping LGUs bridge critical communication gaps in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM).

Reliable communication where it matters most

For remote and high-risk areas, maintaining reliable communication during emergencies remains a persistent challenge. In Kapangan, Benguet, officials once had to physically reach isolated barangays to deliver updates, delaying critical advisories like class suspensions.

​Fortunately, the municipality has reported no disaster-related deaths over the years—a feat attributed to improved communication and stronger community compliance.

Erick Abangley, Municipal DRRM Officer of Kapangan, noted that, since receiving the PLDT-Smart Ligtas Kit, the ability to send information more easily to barangays has led to real improvement.

In Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, the Municipal DRRM Office (MDRRMO) used the PLDT-Smart Ligtas Kit to issue timely and critical updates during a sudden nighttime flood, contributing to zero casualties and faster rescue coordination, even when entire barangays were cut off. “The Ligtas Kit helped us communicate real-time updates and manage rescue efforts more efficiently,” said Monesa D. Ayao-Sale, MDRRMO. “Everyone was informed and ready.”

A versatile lifeline for emergency response

More than just a communication bundle, the PLDT-Smart Ligtas Kit is a multi-functional resource designed for local needs. In Kapangan, its bundled mobile phone now serves as the main 24/7 hotline of the municipality’s Emergency Operations Center.

In the municipality of Catarman in Northern Samar, the PLDT-Smart Ligtas Kit’s solar power bank ensures that responders and even residents are able to keep their devices charged during power outages. It complements existing tools such as mobile phones, radio, internet, social media, and traditional “bandilyo” announcements.

In Datu Odin Sinsuat, the kit is also used for pre-disaster risk assessments and barangay-level training, while Kapangan LGU utilizes it for monitoring during holidays and local events -- further embedding the technology into everyday preparedness.

Strengthening communities and supporting responders

The Ligtas Kit has also fostered greater community involvement. In Catarman, Northern Samar, residents in remote barangays now actively assist in hazard monitoring by sending photos and updates, particularly during floods. Following a major flooding event in 2023, early evacuation behavior has notably improved.

An unexpected yet meaningful benefit has also emerged: the kit has become a vital tool for responders to stay in touch with their families during operations—boosting morale and reinforcing the human side of disaster response. Emerald Guevara, Catarman MDRRMO, emphasized that the ability for responders to communicate with their families has been very important and has significantly boosted their morale.

Training makes the difference

Each Ligtas Kit deployment includes Emergency Communications Training (ECT), equipping responders to maximize the kit’s potential.

In Datu Odin Sinsuat, this training enabled more targeted awareness campaigns and better use of the kit in barangay-level DRR activities—especially in remote areas. MDRRMO head Ayao-Sale noted that while consistent IEC efforts had been in place, the training allowed the MDRRMO to better connect with the community and enhance responsiveness during crises.

In Kapangan, combining technology with capacity building training proved essential. According to MDRRMO Abangley, “Knowing how and when to use the Ligtas Kit allows us to get the most from it. It’s not just about the tool—it’s about capacity.”

Resilience through innovation and collaboration

To date, PLDT and Smart have deployed 56 Ligtas Kits across the country, enhancing local governments’ ability to respond swiftly, coordinate effectively, and keep communities safe—before, during, and after disasters.

This initiative supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 13: Climate Action. Through innovation, training, and partnership, PLDT and Smart are helping build disaster-resilient communities across the Philippines, ensuring no one is left behind in times of crisis.

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