MMDA, Jollibee Group Launch Rewards Program for Plastic Recycling

MMDA, Jollibee Group Launch Rewards Program for Plastic Recycling

Sunday, November 23, 2025

Metro Manila residents now have another reason to sort their plastics. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has teamed up with homegrown giant Jollibee Foods Corporation to launch a Plastic Waste Recovery and Rewards Program, turning community recycling efforts into real incentives. Every seven kilograms of plastic collected can now be exchanged for a P100 Jollibee gift certificate making eco-friendly habits not just responsible, but rewarding.

Turning Trash Into Rewards: How the Program Works

The initiative aims to motivate households and barangays to actively participate in proper waste segregation and collection. Residents can bring their segregated plastics to their local Women’s Group, community leaders, or designated barangay collection points. Barangay representatives then weigh the plastics and log them before sending them to the Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility (ISWMF) for verification.

Each kilogram of plastic earns participants 10 points, recorded in a Barangay Reward Card. Once participants reach 70 points, they can redeem a P100 Jollibee gift certificate. Accredited recycling partners ensure that the collected plastics are processed properly, giving waste a second life while keeping Metro Manila cleaner.

A Collaboration for Cleaner Communities

MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes highlighted that this partnership strengthens both agencies’ commitment to environmental management, community empowerment, and sustainable development. He also noted that the program aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which seeks to expand waste minimization efforts across the country.

Artes said the initiative demonstrates how government and private sectors can unite for a common purpose: promoting responsible solid waste management and encouraging active household participation in protecting waterways and reducing landfill waste.

Jollibee’s Role in Building Sustainable Practices

Jollibee Group Philippines CEO Joseph Tanbuntiong emphasized that the program is part of the company’s ‘Joy For Tomorrow’ sustainability agenda. By working with the MMDA and their recycling partner, Greencycle, Jollibee ensures that collected plastics are properly recycled and reused, supporting safer neighborhoods and cleaner waterways.

Tanbuntiong added that this project shows the power of collective action, proving that lasting progress happens when government, business, and communities work together toward shared goals.

Program Coverage and Early Results

The six-month pilot initially covers 20 barangays in Vitas, Tondo, Manila, with plans to expand to 36 barangays near Tripa de Gallina in Pasay and Makati City. A dry run conducted from February 10 to March 31, 2025, in Vitas alone generated 1,059 kilograms of plastic waste, a promising start for a community-driven program aimed at diverting plastic from landfills.

This initiative is part of the broader Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP) Community-Based Solid Waste Management Program, combining sustainability with community empowerment.

For Metro Manila residents, the Plastic Waste Recovery and Rewards Program makes recycling tangible and rewarding. Whether you live in a participating barangay or nearby, getting involved means cleaner streets, healthier waterways, and a free P100 treat from Jollibee for doing your part. Small actions, like sorting plastics at home, now translate into real benefits for you and your community.

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SSS and Manulife Expand Pension Loan Insurance to Surviving Spouses

SSS and Manulife Expand Pension Loan Insurance to Surviving Spouses

Filipino families can breathe a little easier now. The Social Security System (SSS) and Manulife Philippines have officially strengthened their partnership to make financial protection more inclusive for pensioners. Through this collaboration, not only retirement pensioners but also surviving spouses who avail of the SSS Pension Loan Program are now covered by Group Credit Life Insurance, helping families stay secure during life’s unexpected turns.

SSS and Manulife Join Forces to Protect More Pensioners

In a ceremonial signing at the SSS Head Office in Diliman, Quezon City, SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph de Claro and Manulife Philippines President and CEO Rahul Hora sealed the expanded agreement. What this means is clear: pensioners and their families now have stronger financial safeguards in place.

Previously, only around 2 million retirement pensioners enjoyed this coverage. With the new expansion, approximately 1.2 million surviving spouse pensioners are now included, ensuring that loan obligations are fully protected in the event of an unforeseen loss.

De Claro emphasized that this partnership is about empowering Filipino families. He noted that through this program, borrowers are protected from financial vulnerability caused by unexpected loss, illness, or tragedy.

Similarly, Rahul Hora highlighted that the expansion reflects Manulife’s commitment to building a more inclusive financial landscape, allowing more Filipinos to achieve greater financial security, especially during times when support is most needed.

How the Enhanced Pension Loan Program Helps Families

The SSS Pension Loan Program, which first launched on Labor Day 2025, has been a lifeline for pensioners seeking low-interest loans. Now, with Manulife providing Group Credit Life Insurance from 2025 to 2026, the program offers several key benefits:

Comprehensive protection: Outstanding loan balances are covered in the event of a borrower’s passing, easing the financial burden on families.

Inclusive coverage: Surviving spouse pensioners are now included, extending protection to more Filipino households.

Seamless integration: Coverage is automatic, embedded in the pension loan process, so members don’t have to take extra steps.

Public-Private Partnership in Action

This milestone underscores the impact of strong public-private partnerships. Manulife has been supporting SSS since 2022 with its five-year group credit life insurance contract, helping extend social protection programs to millions of Filipinos. With a legacy of 118 years in the Philippines, Manulife continues to provide innovative insurance solutions tailored to the evolving needs of Filipino families at every stage of life.

For many retirees and surviving spouses, navigating financial obligations can be daunting. With this expanded coverage, Filipino families can face the future with more confidence, knowing that loans won’t become an added burden in times of hardship. If you’re an SSS pensioner or a surviving spouse, consider taking advantage of the Pension Loan Program and the automatic Group Credit Life Insurance protection.

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Yokohama Pulse Day Fun Run 2025 Launches Heart Health Drive

Yokohama Pulse Day Fun Run 2025 Launches Heart Health Drive

A Community Fun Run with a Life-Saving Purpose

As Filipinos, fun runs have become a favorite way to meet friends, stay active, and support meaningful causes so it’s exciting to see a new health-driven movement gaining momentum across Asia. The Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) officially launched the Yokohama Pulse Day Fun Run 2025 on November 14, marking the first major activity leading up to Pulse Day 2026. More than just a run, the event aims to educate communities about arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) and encourage early detection through simple habits we can all practice, like checking our own pulse.

Held during the APHRS Annual Scientific Sessions, this fun run symbolizes a global call for better heart rhythm awareness and preventive care, something truly relevant to Filipinos, given the country’s rising rates of cardiovascular conditions.

Bringing Heart Health to the Global Stage

This year’s fun run brought together 120 international participants, including members from APHRS, the Japanese Heart Rhythm Society (JHRS), and delegates from EHRA, HRS, and LAHRS. Runners enjoyed a scenic morning loop around Rinko Park South Exit Plaza and visited educational booths filled with heart health information and Pulse Day-themed activities.

Dr. Dicky Armein Hanafy, Head of the Pulse Day Task Force, shared how the run serves as the soft launch of Pulse Day 2026. He explained that the goal is to tie physical activity, pulse checking, and heart disease prevention into one conversation.

According to Dr. Hanafy, “Maintaining a healthy heart rhythm isn’t just medical, it’s a lifestyle choice that starts with each person.”

Scientific Sessions Highlight Breakthroughs in Arrhythmia Care

Beyond the run, APHRS also continued its tradition of hosting annual scientific meetings featuring the latest research on arrhythmia management. Attendees participated in symposiums, lectures, and hands-on training through the APHRS Learning Village, underscoring the society’s commitment to expanding knowledge and improving arrhythmia care worldwide.

Strengthening Global Collaboration for Heart Rhythm Awareness

Last year, the public awareness campaign was led by the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) together with APHRS, HRS, and LAHRS. For 2026, APHRS is taking the lead, strengthening the international push to help people “Feel the Pulse” and practice preventive health measures.

The Yokohama Pulse Day Fun Run 2025 was organized with the Japanese Heart Rhythm Society (JHRS), a partnership that highlights how community-based activities can help the public take ownership of their heart health.

Pulse Day is observed globally every March 1 (1/3), a reminder that 1 in 3 people may experience a significant arrhythmia in their lifetime. Its main message: learn to check your pulse regularly.

How to check your pulse:

Place two fingers on your wrist or neck, count the beats for 30 seconds, and multiply by two. A normal resting heart rate is 60–100 bpm.

This simple step can save lives, especially when detecting Atrial Fibrillation (AF), one of the most common arrhythmias and a major focus for Pulse Day 2026.

Spotlight on Atrial Fibrillation (AF)

AF increases the risk of stroke up to five times, and heart failure up to three times, yet many people—especially in low-resource regions—remain undiagnosed. Dr. Hanafy emphasized that while medical technology continues to advance, access to quality arrhythmia care is still widely uneven.

In some Asian countries, the number of crucial procedures such as catheter ablation and ICD implantation remains drastically behind those of developed nations. APHRS aims to close this gap through training programs, research collaboration, and long-term health policy initiatives.

Technology as a Tool for Early Detection

Wearable devices and mobile health apps are becoming popular across Asia, including the Philippines. These tools can spot irregular heart rhythms early and encourage people to seek proper medical consultation. Still, APHRS stresses that manually checking your pulse remains one of the most effective and accessible ways to detect arrhythmias.

A Movement Toward a Healthier Future

Throughout the Road to Pulse Day 2026 campaign, APHRS will continue promoting educational content, expert guidance, and easy-to-follow habits that empower the public to take charge of their heart rhythm health.

The Yokohama Pulse Day Fun Run 2025 is just the beginning, a celebration of community, wellness, and the shared mission of building a heart-healthier world.

Heart health is something many Filipinos only think about once symptoms appear but events like this remind us that prevention can be simple and empowering. Whether you’re a runner, a walker, or someone trying to stay active, start making pulse checks part of your routine. Your heart will thank you later.

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AXA Champions a Prevention-First Approach as Global Risks Intensify

AXA Champions a Prevention-First Approach as Global Risks Intensify

Friday, November 21, 2025

When disasters strike whether earthquakes, typhoons, or sudden health emergencies Filipinos feel the impact immediately. As climate change continues to amplify these risks, traditional insurance that only steps in after a tragedy is no longer enough. Today, global insurer AXA is pushing a major shift: focusing on prevention first, not just protection after the fact. And during their recent visit to the Philippines, AXA Group CEO Thomas Buberl and AXA International Markets CEO Hassan El-Shabrawishi shared how this new mindset is reshaping their global and local strategy.

Why Insurance Needs to Change Now

The world is getting riskier and not just because of natural calamities. Economic instability, health crises, and climate-related disasters are on the rise. Buberl explained that many people expect insurance premiums to increase along with these risks, when the real solution is to help people avoid losses before they happen.

He emphasized that behind every claim is a family dealing with pain and disruption, saying that insurance should “not only pay for losses but help prevent them.” He pointed to the example of Hurricanes Katrina and Irma: the damage from Irma was significantly less because communities had learned from past experience and prepared better.

This, he said, is proof that prevention saves lives and reduces costs for everyone.

Prevention as a Core AXA Strategy

According to El-Shabrawishi, AXA has long embraced prevention as a competitive advantage. He highlighted AXA’s investments in healthcare, workplace safety, and climate-resilient infrastructure initiatives that demonstrate how the company is taking action, not just making statements.

Buberl added that prevention works best when communities, governments, and private sectors collaborate. Households can take simple steps to reduce exposure to floods or strong winds, but broader protection requires everyone to work together, especially since governments often bear the biggest financial burden after disasters.

Climate Transition: A Business Imperative

AXA’s prevention-first stance goes hand-in-hand with its climate transition agenda. Even before the 2015 Paris Agreement, AXA began shifting away from investments in coal and tobacco and redirecting funds toward sustainable sectors.

Buberl explained that this wasn’t simply a corporate social responsibility effort, it was necessary to keep the business sustainable. “We need to do everything on the investment side and the underwriting side to make the climate transition a reality,” he said.

This means helping industries that want to transition, while avoiding investments that fuel long-term harm.

Why the Philippines Matters in AXA’s Strategy

For AXA, the Philippines represents both opportunity and responsibility. The country faces frequent natural hazards, yet insurance penetration remains low. At the same time, the economy is strong and diverse qualities El-Shabrawishi said make the Philippines a “resilient economy for the future.”

But to become truly resilient, access to insurance must be inclusive. Through platforms like Grab, GCash, and Home Credit, AXA is reaching more Filipinos with simple, affordable coverage under its global unit AXA EssentiALL. This unit now serves over 17 million customers across emerging and mature markets, offering protection to underserved groups such as informal workers and micro-business owners.

Meanwhile, AXA’s long-running partnership with Metrobank, the pioneer of bancassurance in the Philippines, remains a crucial part of the company’s mission. Metrobank’s extensive branch network helps AXA bring financial protection closer to Filipinos nationwide.

El-Shabrawishi stressed that delivering value not just selling products is key. He said that people only invest in insurance if it truly addresses their needs, which is why AXA focuses on deeply understanding customer realities.

Insurance as an Enabler of Progress

As global risks continue to grow, Buberl reminded leaders and policymakers to view insurance as a driver of development not an obligation. Done right, insurance strengthens both communities and economies by enabling faster recovery and smarter preparation.

To help governments, businesses, and individuals better understand the risks ahead, AXA recently released its 2025 Future Risk Report, covering pressing threats such as climate change, cybersecurity, and social tensions. The report highlights how a prevention-first perspective can build safer, more resilient societies.

At a time when Filipinos are facing more unpredictable weather patterns and rising economic uncertainty, AXA’s prevention-first approach feels especially relevant. Whether it’s through accessible products, climate-smart investments, or partnerships with local institutions, the company’s strategy is a reminder that protecting communities begins long before disaster strikes.

If you want to better safeguard your family, your health, or your business, exploring prevention-based insurance solutions is a smart step toward long-term resilience.

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ManageEngine Expands in PH as Demand for Cybersecurity and AI Tools Grows

ManageEngine Expands in PH as Demand for Cybersecurity and AI Tools Grows

Thursday, November 20, 2025

As the Philippines’ digital economy continues to boom, ManageEngine, the IT management division of Zoho Corporation, is strengthening its presence in the country to support growing demand for cybersecurity, cloud adoption, and integrated IT systems across industries.

With the Philippine digital economy valued at $40 billion in 2024 and projected to reach $150 billion by 2030, organizations in finance, government, healthcare, and enterprise sectors are accelerating their digital transformation. But with this growth comes heightened cyber risks, prompting companies to invest in smarter, AI-powered protection.

Strong Growth in the PH Market

According to Arun Kumar, ManageEngine’s Regional Vice President for Asia-Pacific, the Philippines has become one of its fastest-growing markets. The company recorded 25% annual growth locally, serving more than 500 organizations nationwide making the Philippines its fourth-largest market in Southeast Asia.

Kumar emphasized that the Philippines has become a crucial market for ManageEngine, noting that the company has significantly increased its investments in cybersecurity capabilities to meet the country’s growing needs. He explained that strengthening security has always been at the core of what ManageEngine aims to address, especially as digital threats evolve.

Rising Cyber Threats Push the Need for AI-Driven Security

Cyberattacks in the Philippines continue to escalate. Latest data shows:

• 14,531 cybercrime complaints filed in 2025
• ₱198 million in financial losses
• 234 confirmed data breaches

Kumar noted that cyber threats have become more sophisticated, often driven by automation and AI. To help organizations stay ahead, ManageEngine now integrates contextual AI, conversational AI, and agent-based AI tools into its unified IT management platform.

Aligned With National Digital Policies

The company’s expansion comes at a time when the government is implementing major digital reforms such as the:

• National Cybersecurity Plan 2023–2028
• Cloud-First Policy
• National AI Strategy Roadmap 2.0

These initiatives require government agencies to modernize systems, strengthen identity protection, and adopt cloud and AI technologies further driving demand for ManageEngine’s solutions.

A Full Suite of IT Management Tools

ManageEngine has operated in the Philippines for nearly 20 years, offering a comprehensive tech portfolio that includes:

• Identity and access management
• Endpoint management and security
• SIEM
• Unified service management
• Infrastructure monitoring
• DevOps
• IT operations management

Its top clients in the Philippines include the Bank of the Philippine Islands, Eastern Communications, SM Investments, CITADEL, and Cebu Pacific.

Unlike many competitors, ManageEngine develops all its products in-house rather than relying on acquisitions, allowing the company to offer clients a fully seamless and integrated IT management platform. Kumar noted that the company provides solutions for every aspect of IT management and emphasized that listening to customers and supporting them throughout their journey remains a top priority.

Empowering MSMEs to Keep Up With Digitalization

Kumar also emphasized that digital progress must be inclusive, noting that many MSMEs still struggle with limited IT budgets. To help bridge this gap, ManageEngine provides modular purchasing options and maintains free tools that small organizations can use as they begin their digital journey. He explained that businesses can start with the free version and choose to scale up only when they are ready.

A Growing Digital Landscape and Bigger Cyber Risks

The Philippines’ data center market, currently valued at US$633 million in 2024, is expected to grow to US$1.97 billion by 2030 as cloud adoption and AI technologies accelerate. Kumar highlighted that as businesses expand their digital operations, ensuring high-quality, synchronized data is critical, since accurate data forms the foundation for safer automation and reduces exposure to cybersecurity risks.

Looking Ahead

ManageEngine’s strategy for the Philippines includes expanding its customer base, building strong partnerships, enhancing technical talent, and deepening involvement in digital governance initiatives.

As the country moves toward a smarter, more digitally connected future, ManageEngine sees strong momentum in key sectors like banking, IT-BPM, healthcare, government, and education all preparing for stricter cybersecurity and compliance requirements.

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TYREPLUS Opens Solar-Powered Car Care Hub in Makati

TYREPLUS Opens Solar-Powered Car Care Hub in Makati

If you drive around Metro Manila often especially in Makati you know how essential it is to keep your vehicle in top shape. With traffic, long drives, and unpredictable weather, having a trustworthy auto service center nearby can make all the difference. Good news for every car and motorcycle owner in the metro: TYREPLUS has officially opened a new outlet along Chino Roces Avenue, bringing convenient, reliable, and eco-friendly vehicle care right to the heart of the city.

A New Standard for Car and Motorcycle Care in Makati

TYREPLUS, recognized as one of the world’s biggest one-stop automotive service networks with over 2,100 locations in 15 countries, just made a major move launching its latest Philippine outlet in Makati.

What makes this branch extra special is its sustainability feature: it’s the first TYREPLUS shop in the country powered by solar energy, underscoring Michelin’s commitment to greener mobility solutions.

Michelin Philippines Country Director Jonathan Khong shared how the Makati opening strengthens their mission to deliver accessible and high-quality car care. He emphasized that the goal is to “reimagine car care with a strong focus on safety and quality,” ensuring Filipinos get top-notch service every visit.

FREE Safety Diagnostic Check for All Customers

TYREPLUS Chino Roces isn't just another service center. It offers something no other similar outlet nationwide is providing: a free vehicle safety diagnostic check with every visit.

Whether you're coming in for a simple oil change or a tire rotation, your vehicle receives a full safety assessment based on Michelin’s global standards.

Franchisee Thomerson Yao explained that this feature was created to give customers peace of mind, making sure they leave confident about their vehicle’s condition.

All-in-One Services for Cars and Motorcycles

With its strategic location along one of Makati’s busiest roads, this new TYREPLUS outlet provides a complete lineup of services for both four-wheel and two-wheel vehicles.

For Cars:

• Tire sales and services (alignment, balancing, rotation, and more)
• Oil change
• Brake inspection and repair
• Battery testing and replacement
• Suspension services
• Vehicle accessories such as wipers

For Motorcycles (available in select stores):

• Tire fitting, repair, and balancing
• Oil change
• Brake and battery services

This mix of services makes it an ideal stop for office workers in Makati, daily commuters, and even riders working in the gig economy.

Part of a Bigger Nationwide Expansion

The new Makati location is only the beginning. TYREPLUS aims to roll out 30 branches across the Philippines by 2028, with Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao as their starting points.

This expansion means more Filipinos can access reliable, safe, and sustainable automotive care in the coming years.

Driving Toward a Greener Future

Staying true to Michelin’s global environmental commitment, TYREPLUS Chino Roces operates using solar panels, an important step toward reducing emissions and minimizing operational impact. It's a refreshing move for a car care brand, especially at a time when sustainability is becoming a bigger priority for Filipino consumers.

Store Information

Address: 2174 Chino Roces Ave, Makati City, 1230 Metro Manila

Contact: +63 933 861 7306

Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Monday–Sunday)

If you live, work, or frequently drive through Makati, the new TYREPLUS branch is a convenient and reliable stop for all your vehicle’s needs. The free safety check alone is worth the visit, and the solar-powered setup makes supporting them feel like a step toward greener mobility.

Whether you’re maintaining a family car or regularly riding your motorcycle around the metro, this new outlet is definitely worth checking out.

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Couchbase Mobile Brings Major Advancements for AI-Powered Applications at the Edge

Couchbase Mobile Brings Major Advancements for AI-Powered Applications at the Edge

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

New JavaScript Support, Enhanced Peer-to-Peer Sync, and Multi-Region Resilience Reduce Integration Complexity and Downtime Risk for Mobile AI Apps in Disconnected Environments

Couchbase, Inc., the developer data platform powering mission-critical applications in the AI era, today announced major updates to its Couchbase Mobile platform, enabling AI-powered applications to run seamlessly on devices at the disconnected edge.

The platform’s new JavaScript support for Couchbase Lite allows the embedded database to operate in any web browser, delivering a universal client capable of running offline-first web applications and synchronizing data across web, mobile, desktop, and custom hardware environments. Enhancements to peer-to-peer (P2P) synchronization include device auto-discovery, mesh support that adapts as users join or leave networks, and network auto-switching capabilities, ensuring uninterrupted collaboration even in offline or dynamic network conditions. Additionally, improvements to deployment resilience and failover mechanisms help ensure applications remain fast, available, and reliable regardless of internet connectivity.

“Building AI-powered applications at the edge requires delivering fast, personalized, and always-on experiences even in completely disconnected environments,” said Matt McDonough, SVP of Product at Couchbase. “These updates to Couchbase Mobile empower developers to build and ship applications faster while ensuring uninterrupted uptime. While other vendors are scaling back mobile support due to complexity, Couchbase is expanding mobile and edge capabilities, now including browser-based JavaScript apps.”

Always-On Applications Enable Business Continuity

As AI applications increasingly run on edge devices with intermittent connectivity, cloud-only solutions often fall short. Forrester reports that nearly half of enterprise IT professionals view edge technology adoption as a top priority, underscoring the need for reliable mobile experiences in disconnected environments. Couchbase Mobile addresses this by enabling AI applications to synchronize data between edge devices even in internet dead zones while automatically adapting to changing network conditions.

Global retailer Aptos relies on Couchbase to power its cloud-native point-of-sale (POS) system. Using Couchbase Capella™, Aptos ONE delivers seamless transactions beyond traditional checkout counters. “Reliable synchronization from cloud to retail devices is critical for our customers,” said John Carney, VP and Head of Architecture at Aptos. “Couchbase Mobile’s P2P replication allows us to deliver always-on experiences with lower total cost of ownership. Capella alone reduced our infrastructure footprint from 12 deployments with over 100 nodes to a single deployment with 31 nodes, saving over $1 million annually.”

Unified Platform Reduces Complexity and Risk

Organizations building AI applications face trade-offs: cloud-only databases require constant internet access, while mobile-only embedded databases demand costly custom integrations. Couchbase Mobile eliminates these challenges with a unified solution that seamlessly syncs data from cloud to edge to device to web. 

Key features include:

Couchbase Lite for JavaScript – Embed Couchbase Lite in browser-based web apps for offline-first experiences. Local data processing ensures faster, more secure, and always-available applications that synchronize seamlessly with Capella App Services and Sync Gateway.

Enhanced Peer-to-Peer Sync – Automatic device discovery, adaptive mesh networking, and upcoming network auto-switching simplify P2P integration for iOS and Android, reducing implementation code from dozens of lines to around five.

XDCR and Multi-Cluster Resilience – Cross-data center replication in Capella App Services and Sync Gateway 4.0 provides zero-downtime disaster recovery, seamless failover, and mobile user migration across clusters for maximum uptime.

Couchbase Edge Server – A lightweight database server for resource-constrained environments, designed to power applications in isolated locations like airplanes, warehouses, retail stores, and restaurants.

Couchbase Mobile is available now. Learn more about delivering offline-first AI applications at www.couchbase.com.

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