Eastern Communications Deepens Visayas Presence, Supporting Businesses in a Digital-First Economy

Eastern Communications Deepens Visayas Presence, Supporting Businesses in a Digital-First Economy

Saturday, October 3, 2026

As businesses across the Visayas accelerate digital transformation, Eastern Communications is deepening its presence in the region, engaging businesses and industry communities on the connectivity, technology, and digital solutions needed to support growth and resilience.

Throughout 2026, the telco company has engaged businesses and industry stakeholders across Cebu, Iloilo, and Boracay, with conversations spanning network resilience, AI and cloud adoption, and the evolving technology needs of businesses outside Metro Manila.

“Being present in these communities allows us to listen more closely to our customers and understand what matters to their businesses. Every interaction is an opportunity to build stronger relationships and create memorable experiences that go beyond the usual business engagement,” said Edsel Paglinawan, Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer of Eastern Communications

Strengthening connections across industries

These engagements reflect the diverse needs of the Visayas business community and its deliberate push into the region. At Gear Up Cebu in May, Eastern brought together businesses, industry leaders, and partners to exchange insights on building more resilient and adaptive organizations in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. The initiative is designed to foster meaningful conversations around the challenges, opportunities, and developments shaping the way businesses operate and grow.

Eastern also participated in the 35th Visayas Area Business Conference, held from May 13 to 15, 2026, in Bacolod City and hosted by the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI). The conference brought together business leaders and stakeholders to discuss a plan of action for supporting the growth and development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the Visayas.

“Supporting the growth of SMEs in the Visayas requires meaningful collaboration among businesses, industry stakeholders, and partners. By coming together and sharing insights on the opportunities and challenges faced by regional enterprises, we can help create a more supportive business environment where SMEs can adapt, grow, and stay competitive,” said Suzel Lim, SME and Consumer Segment Marketing Head at Eastern Communications.

In August, the company joined AI Fest in Iloilo, where Segment Marketing Manager Richmond Bayocot highlighted how the right technology infrastructure can help businesses build more agile, connected, and adaptable operations.

“AI adoption is not simply about having access to new tools. Businesses also need reliable infrastructure that can support how these technologies are integrated into everyday operations,” Bayocot said.

Eastern Communications’ engagement with Cebu’s manufacturing sector likewise continued through Mactan Economic Processing Zone Purchasing Management Association’s (MEPZ-PMA) 10th Suppliers’ Expo 2026, where manufacturers, procurement teams, and business leaders explored AI and emerging technologies. The company shared how digital solutions and reliable network infrastructure can support AI adoption, streamline processes, and help businesses keep pace with evolving technology.

The telco provider’s regional engagement also extends to hospitality and tourism. From its CXO Night gathering with clients and hospitality partners in Boracay to the VisMin Hospitality Summit and Cebu Hotel Connect, Eastern continues to engage industry stakeholders on the role of technology in supporting hospitality operations and growth.

Eastern Communications also took part in Cebu Business Month 2026 Technology & Innovation Forum, held at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino, where Edsel Paglinawan, Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer, shared insights on how organizations can embrace innovation with purpose, turn bold ideas into practical solutions, and drive sustainable growth in an increasingly digital landscape.

“Innovation is most meaningful when it goes beyond ideas and translates into solutions that address real business needs. As organizations navigate an increasingly digital landscape, the ability to embrace innovation with purpose and turn bold ideas into practical solutions will be key to building sustainable growth,” said Edsel Paglinawan, Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer at Eastern Communications.

Building trust beyond the transaction

Beyond its participation in regional business conversations, Eastern Communications also brings its High Tech, High Touch commitment to life through its Dare To Discover docuseries. In its Dumaguete episode, Eastern highlights how technology and meaningful connections can help support local tourism, businesses, and communities, showcasing the people and stories that make the region unique.

The Dare To Discover: Dumaguete episode offers a closer look at how connectivity can help local businesses and communities create opportunities, reach wider audiences, and share their stories with more people.

The company’s growing presence in Visayas reflects its commitment to bringing its High Tech, High Touch approach closer to businesses beyond Metro Manila through collaboration, shared knowledge, and relationships built on the ground.

The throughline remained consistent across every engagement: connectivity works best as an enabler rather than simply being a service. It supports continuity, helps companies adopt new technologies, and gives regional enterprises the operational footing to grow.

As digital transformation reaches more regions, Eastern Communications is helping ensure businesses there have the connectivity and support to keep up.

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CCIP rallies cosmetics industry around sustainability at 3rd General Members Meeting

CCIP rallies cosmetics industry around sustainability at 3rd General Members Meeting

Chamber convenes regulators, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates to chart the path toward responsible growth

The Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines (CCIP) held its 3rd General Members Meeting today at the SMX Convention Center under the theme "Beauty for Tomorrow: Innovation, Responsibility and Growth," bringing together members of the cosmetics industry alongside government regulators, sustainability advocates, and industry partners to discuss the sector's path toward responsible and sustainable growth.

The event featured presentations addressing two of the industry's most pressing sustainability challenges: packaging and waste management.

Dr. Joseph Jocson, Commissioner of the National Solid Waste Commission, presented on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) conscious packaging, providing members with guidance on aligning packaging practices with the country's EPR framework.

Mr. Miguel Yorro, Vice President for Business Development at Restore Solutions PH, followed with a presentation titled "Closing the Circularity Loop," which addressed the ongoing challenges of waste disposal and collection facing the industry.

The meeting also included participation from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), offering members the opportunity to engage directly on chemical regulations, chemical use, and the importation of chemicals and raw materials.

In his closing remarks, Anjo Tee reflected on the spirit of the gathering: "Sustainability is a shared responsibility. Real progress happens when regulators, manufacturers, brands, suppliers, and consumers work together. I hope we leave today not only with new ideas, but with a renewed commitment to turn those ideas into action."

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EastWest Ageas Report on Filipinos’ Financial Priorities

EastWest Ageas Report on Filipinos’ Financial Priorities

Friday, October 2, 2026

Most Filipinos say they want to build a more secure financial future for their families, but rising household costs are making it harder to set aside resources for long-term goals, according to the PURPLE Report 2026 released by EastWest Ageas.

The report found that 9 in 10 Filipinos prioritize creating financial buffers for their families, particularly to manage rising prices, insufficient emergency funds and financial instability. At the same time, 8 in 10 respondents said they value preparing resources for their families’ future, including children's education, retirement and financial independence.

The findings were discussed during an EastWest Ageas media meet on September 29, where company executives, EastWest Bank representatives and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat discussed ways to broaden Filipinos' financial planning options.

Immediate expenses continue to compete with long-term planning

The PURPLE Report 2026 points to a financial planning challenge: Filipinos recognize the need to prepare for the future, but immediate household requirements can take priority when budgets become tighter.

According to the report, 43% of respondents said their financial situation worsened during the second quarter of 2026. Meanwhile, 56% reported cutting their budgets to prioritize basic needs, while 52% said they were monitoring expenses more closely.

Another 42% said they were reducing nonessential spending.

Health-related expenses are another concern. Six in 10 Filipinos surveyed said they were looking for funds to cover potential hospitalization costs, reflecting concerns about gaps in health insurance coverage.

Taken together, the findings suggest that financial planning is not simply about increasing savings. For households managing limited resources, it also involves balancing emergency preparedness, protection and long-term objectives against everyday expenses.

Why financial options matter

The report's findings come as financial institutions and regulators continue to emphasize financial inclusion and financial literacy.

During the media meet, BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat discussed efforts to build a more inclusive and resilient financial ecosystem. These include financial literacy initiatives intended to strengthen people's money management skills and efforts to improve access to financial services.

Financial literacy can help consumers better understand the differences among savings, insurance, investments and other financial products, allowing them to assess which tools may fit particular financial goals.

For the insurance sector, the challenge is also one of accessibility and understanding.

Philippine Life Insurance Association (PLIA) President and EastWest Ageas President and CEO Sjoerd Smeets said the industry is working to make financial protection more accessible while expanding financial education initiatives.

The PLIA's education programs include Life Goals PH, a digital financial education platform, and Industrypedia, which provides explanations of insurance terminology. The association also conducts school tours focused on financial literacy.

Insurance remains part of the broader financial planning conversation

Smeets cited an increase in insurance penetration from 1.79% to 1.96%, describing the movement as a positive indication of progress in the industry's financial empowerment efforts.

Insurance penetration generally refers to insurance premiums relative to the size of an economy, providing an indication of the scale of insurance activity within a market. The figure cited by Smeets should therefore be understood in the context of the insurance industry's measure rather than as a measure of individual household financial security.

He also called for continued collaboration between the public and private sectors to expand financial literacy and help consumers understand insurance as one possible component of long-term financial planning.

For EastWest Ageas, the company says its PURPLE Solutions are designed to make insurance easier to navigate, particularly for first-time policyholders. The company describes the offerings as having a simplified application process and straightforward benefits.

Consumers, however, still need to assess insurance products based on their own financial capacity, coverage requirements, policy terms and long-term objectives.

From financial resilience to financial preparedness

The PURPLE Report 2026 highlights a distinction that is increasingly important for households facing higher living costs: managing today's expenses and preparing for tomorrow are related, but they are not the same financial task.

Cutting discretionary spending or closely monitoring expenses can help households respond to immediate pressure. Building emergency funds, protecting against major financial risks and preparing for education or retirement require a longer-term approach.

This creates a role for both financial institutions and regulators in making financial products easier to understand and more accessible.

For consumers, the broader lesson from the report is that financial planning involves choices across different time horizons. Immediate needs, emergency protection and long-term goals all compete for the same household resources.

As financial institutions expand their products and financial-literacy programs, the ability of consumers to understand those choices may be just as important as the number of options available to them.

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Vena Energy Expands Solar Portfolio in Ilocos Norte

Vena Energy Expands Solar Portfolio in Ilocos Norte

Vena Energy briefed Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna on its solar power operations and projects under development in Ilocos Norte during a September 10 visit to the company’s facilities in Currimao and Paoay.

The visit brought the DENR delegation to Vena Energy’s existing solar facilities and provided an overview of the company’s broader renewable-energy portfolio in the province.

Vena Energy currently operates two solar power plants in Currimao through Mirae Asia Energy Corporation and Nuevo Solar Energy Corp. The company is also developing two additional projects in Ilocos Norte: the Astra Solar Power Project in Currimao and the Opus Solar Power Project in Paoay.

What solar projects does Vena Energy have in Ilocos Norte?

Vena Energy’s current portfolio in the province spans both operating assets and projects still under development:

• Mirae Asia Energy Corporation operates one of Vena Energy’s solar power plants in Currimao.
• Nuevo Solar Energy Corp. operates another solar power plant in Currimao.
• Astra Solar Power Project is under development in Currimao.
• Opus Solar Power Project is under development in Paoay.

The portfolio illustrates how renewable-energy development can progress from operating facilities to new projects within the same regional market.

For companies developing large-scale renewable-energy assets, environmental considerations are also part of the project lifecycle. The DENR is responsible for environmental management and regulation in the Philippines, making engagement with the agency relevant as energy projects move through development and permitting processes.

Why Ilocos Norte matters to renewable energy development

Ilocos Norte has become an important location for renewable-energy investments, particularly because of its established renewable-energy infrastructure and available resources.

For Vena Energy, maintaining a presence in the province provides an operational base while allowing the company to develop additional solar capacity. The combination of existing facilities and projects in the pipeline also reflects a longer-term approach to renewable-energy development rather than a single-project investment.

The company’s Ilocos Norte portfolio forms part of Vena Energy’s wider renewable-energy business in the Asia-Pacific region.

As countries across the region continue to add renewable generation, the development of solar projects increasingly involves coordination among project developers, government agencies, local communities and other stakeholders. Environmental compliance and responsible project development remain important considerations alongside the expansion of generating capacity.

From operating solar plants to new projects

The September 10 visit provided an opportunity for Vena Energy to present both its existing operations and its development pipeline to the DENR leadership.

For Ilocos Norte, the presence of four projects across different stages also highlights how renewable-energy infrastructure can evolve over time. Operating plants can provide an established foundation, while new developments can expand a company's footprint as projects progress through the required development stages.

Vena Energy's briefing to Secretary Cuna and the DENR delegation therefore covered more than its current solar assets. It also gave the agency an overview of projects that could form part of the province's future renewable-energy landscape.

As the Philippines continues to pursue a more diversified power mix, developments such as these will remain closely connected to questions of environmental management, project compliance and the country's broader transition toward renewable energy.

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Manulife Philippines Expands Branch Network in Bacolod and San Fernando

Manulife Philippines Expands Branch Network in Bacolod and San Fernando

Thursday, October 1, 2026

Manulife Philippines has opened new branches in Bacolod City and San Fernando, Pampanga, bringing its nationwide branch network to 46 locations as the insurer expands access to life, health and financial solutions outside Metro Manila.

The new offices extend Manulife Philippines' physical presence in two regional markets: Negros Occidental in the Visayas and Pampanga in Central Luzon. The expansion also gives the company's agency force additional locations for serving customers and developing their businesses.

For a financial services company, the move reflects a broader distribution question: how can insurers make professional financial advice accessible to customers as demand for protection, health planning and long-term financial preparation grows beyond major urban centers?

Why is Manulife Philippines expanding its branch network?

The Bacolod and San Fernando openings are part of Manulife Philippines' wider branch expansion strategy.

The company said additional branches in Southern Luzon and Mindanao are expected to open later in 2026.

That would further extend its physical distribution network beyond the country's major business centers and give its financial advisors more locations from which to serve customers.

The strategy is notable because financial services are increasingly delivered through digital channels, yet insurance and long-term financial planning often involve decisions that benefit from direct conversations with an advisor.

A physical branch can provide a local base for those interactions while also serving as a workplace and collaboration hub for an insurer's agency force.

Where are the new Manulife branches located?

The two new Manulife Philippines branches are located at:

• Bacolod City Unit 1, 4th Floor, Upper East Building, Upper Eastwood Avenue, Villamonte
• San Fernando, Pampanga A.E.S. Building, Dolores, MacArthur Highway

The Bacolod location expands Manulife's presence in the Negros market, while the San Fernando branch strengthens its footprint in Central Luzon.

The company now has 46 branches nationwide following the two openings.

What does the expansion mean for Manulife's agency business?

The new branches are not only customer-facing locations. They also provide infrastructure for Manulife's agency organization.

Financial advisors typically need spaces for client consultations, team meetings, training and day-to-day operations. Expanding the physical network can therefore support both customer access and the recruitment, development and retention of agency professionals.

Manulife Philippines President and Chief Executive Rahul Hora described the new offices as spaces designed to help the agency force grow while bringing the company closer to local customers and communities.

The openings were attended by Hora, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Manish Sangal, Chief Agency Officer Sailesh Nalinakshan and National Agency Sales and Expansion Head Ian Mar Dayot.

Why does physical access still matter in financial services?

Insurance and financial planning are increasingly supported by digital tools, but the products themselves can involve complicated decisions.

Life insurance, health protection and wealth planning can require customers to assess factors such as coverage, beneficiaries, premiums, investment objectives, financial responsibilities and long-term needs.

That makes the role of financial advice different from simply buying a consumer product online.

A local branch can give customers another point of access when they want to discuss these decisions face-to-face. It can also complement digital services rather than compete with them.

For insurers, the challenge is therefore not necessarily choosing between physical and digital distribution. It is building an ecosystem in which customers can use the channel that fits the stage of their financial journey.

What is next for Manulife Philippines?

Manulife Philippines said its expansion will continue, with additional branches planned for Southern Luzon and Mindanao later in the year.

The move forms part of the company's broader effort to increase access to life, health and wealth solutions across the country.

For the Philippine insurance industry, continued regional expansion also points to the importance of reaching customers beyond Metro Manila. As insurers build their distribution networks, local presence can become part of how they develop relationships with communities and financial advisors.

The next phase of Manulife Philippines' expansion will show how that strategy translates into additional markets as the company continues to add locations to its nationwide network.

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Realizing a Net Zero Future: Unilever Philippines Connects Decarbonization, Partnerships, and Value Chain Action

Realizing a Net Zero Future: Unilever Philippines Connects Decarbonization, Partnerships, and Value Chain Action

Monday, September 28, 2026

Recent energy shocks and catastrophic natural disasters in early 2026 have intensified the urgency of climate action. For the Philippines, one of Southeast Asia’s most climate-exposed economies, the priority is to turn low-carbon ambition into faster, measurable, and collective action.

For Unilever, climate action is embedded in how the business operates – from managing risk, increasing operational efficiencies and building a more resilient supply chain.

Scaling Decarbonization: From Operations to the Supply Chain

At the operational level, Unilever has set a science-based target to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 100% by 2030 from a 2015 baseline. By the end of 2025, Unilever Philippines had reduced its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 77% against that baseline.

This progress has been supported by the company’s early investments in renewable energy, which has produced cost efficiencies and helped protect against energy market volatility. In 2019, Unilever Philippines transitioned to 100% renewable grid electricity using geothermal energy and has since expanded to installing solar rooftop panels across its facilities. Through this, it has electrified some of its thermal processes using technologies such as heat pumps and boilers in its factories. The company has also committed to transitioning its owned fleet to 100% hybrid electric vehicles by 2030.

Recognizing that the bulk of its climate footprint lies across the value chain, Unilever Philippines is also working with suppliers to accelerate Scope 3 emissions reduction. Through the global Supplier Climate Programme, the company engages priority suppliers by providing tools and resources to help them measure, report and eventually reduce their GHG emissions.

Reinforcing this in September 2025, Unilever Philippines renewed and expanded its partnership with First Gen to bring renewable energy supply to its priority sites and suppliers across Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas, extending the benefit of cost efficiencies while starting its supply chain decarbonization journey.

A Shared Principle on Collective Action

These initiatives reflect a broader principle: a low-carbon transition and net-zero future require partnerships that enable action across diverse sectors.

This is why Unilever Philippines is among the inaugural members of the Net Zero Carbon Alliance (NZCA), which brings together cross-sector organizations to advance decarbonization in the Philippines.

At the recent NZCA Philippine Net Zero Conference 2026, business leaders, policymakers, financiers, and sustainability practitioners convened to map out the country’s low-carbon economic transformation. Discussions focused on strengthening corporate leadership and governance, financing the transition, building capabilities, advancing policy, and translating net-zero commitments into measurable outcomes.

Unilever Philippines Sustainability Manager Regina Unson-Silerio emphasized that sustainability must be embedded across the entire business rather than treating it as an organizational silo.

“Sustainability has to be embedded across the business, with clear ownership and accountability from the functions that can turn strategy into action. Whether it is about renewable energy, lower-carbon materials and ingredients, logistics improvements, supplier decisions, capital investments, or product specifications, these decisions shape how we operate, innovate, and grow the business.”

Continuing the Journey Toward Net Zero

For Unilever Philippines, the path to net zero is both an operational imperative and a collective endeavor. Alongside its 2039 targets and value-chain initiatives, the company collaborates with peers, government bodies, and trade associations to build an enabling environment for corporate climate action.

In 2027, Unilever Philippines will celebrate 100 years of creating a positive impact in communities across the country, made possible through well-loved household brands such as Dove, Knorr, Surf, Rexona, and many more that help make everyday life better. As it marks this milestone, the company remains committed to influencing positive change for society and the environment through innovation, sustainability, and purpose-led growth.

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AXA Philippines Wins 3 Quill Awards for Campaigns

AXA Philippines Wins 3 Quill Awards for Campaigns

Saturday, September 26, 2026

AXA Philippines received three recognitions at the 22nd Philippine Quill Awards, highlighting campaigns focused on financial protection, mental health, and health insurance.

The insurer received an Award of Excellence for its AllShield campaign and two Awards of Merit for campaigns centered on its Mind Health Report and health insurance offerings.

Together, the campaigns show how AXA Philippines has used storytelling, research, influencer partnerships, and educational content to make insurance topics more accessible to Filipino audiences.

What campaigns did AXA Philippines receive Quill Awards for?

The three recognized campaigns addressed different aspects of protection and health:

• AXA AllShield Campaign: Helping Family Champions Stay Protected, Secure, and “Wrapped in Love” received an Award of Excellence under the Marketing, Advertising, and Brand Communication category.

• Making Mind Health Matter: Turning Research into Relevant Conversations received an Award of Merit for the campaign surrounding the 2025 AXA Mind Health Report.

• AXA Health KOL Campaign: Boosting Awareness Through Human-interest Stories received an Award of Merit for its health insurance communications.

The awards recognize communications work rather than the insurance products themselves. That distinction is useful because the campaigns focused on how complex subjects such as insurance protection and mental health can be presented to consumers.

AllShield connects insurance with family responsibilities

The AllShield campaign was built around the message “Wrapped in Love for ₱59/day” and focused on the idea that financial protection can be part of caring for family members.

Its storytelling featured breadwinners, parents, and other family advocates, using familiar household responsibilities as an entry point into discussions about insurance.

The campaign covered protection related to life, accidents, disability, and critical illness. Rather than presenting these as standalone financial products, the communications connected them with situations that families may need to prepare for.

The campaign received the highest of AXA Philippines' three recognitions, an Award of Excellence.

How did AXA Philippines turn mental health research into consumer content?

The second campaign took a different approach by using findings from the 2025 AXA Mind Health Report as the basis for public conversations about mental well-being.

The campaign translated research findings into locally relevant stories and discussions through media relations, sports and entertainment partnerships, and digital content.

It also promoted practical resources such as the AXA Mind Health Self-Check, giving audiences a way to move beyond simply reading about mental health and explore their own well-being.

The campaign received an Award of Merit.

For an insurance company, the approach represents a broader interpretation of protection. Instead of limiting communications to financial risks, the campaign connected health and well-being with the wider concept of preparing for life's challenges.

How did AXA use influencers to explain health insurance?

The third recognized campaign focused on health insurance products and used key opinion leaders (KOLs), podcasts, and brand collaborations to explain different coverage options.

The campaign covered AXA Health Start, AXA Health Care Access, and AXA Global Health Access, with content adapted for different consumer segments.

Health insurance can be difficult for consumers to compare because coverage, benefits, exclusions, limits, and access arrangements vary between products. Human-interest content and educational formats can provide a more accessible starting point than product descriptions alone.

According to AXA Philippines, the campaign also contributed to sales performance, generated healthy conversion rates, and reduced customer acquisition costs compared with previous years.

The release does not provide the specific conversion rate, sales contribution, or cost figures, so those results cannot be independently quantified from the announcement.

What do the three campaigns have in common?

Although the campaigns covered different subjects, they shared a similar communications strategy: start with situations that consumers can recognize and then connect those experiences to protection.

AllShield focused on family responsibilities. The Mind Health campaign used research to open conversations about mental well-being. The Health KOL campaign used human-interest and educational content to make health insurance easier to understand.

This reflects a broader challenge for the insurance industry. Insurance products often involve technical terms and long-term financial commitments, while the risks they address can feel distant until something happens.

Communications that explain protection through everyday situations can make those concepts easier for consumers to consider.

Why does insurance communication matter to consumers?

Insurance is ultimately about preparing financially for risks that may or may not happen. That makes communication particularly important because consumers need to understand what a policy actually covers before making a financial commitment.

For insurers, effective communication therefore involves more than building brand awareness. It also requires explaining products, benefits, and potential use cases clearly enough for consumers to make informed decisions.

AXA Philippines' three Quill-recognized campaigns approached that challenge from different directions, combining storytelling with research, digital content, partnerships, and educational material.

Nandy Villar, Chief Marketing Officer of AXA Philippines, said the company aims to communicate insurance in ways that connect with people's lives, health, families, and financial security.

The Philippine Quill Awards recognition provides an external acknowledgment of the campaigns' communications work. It does not, however, establish that the insurance products themselves are more suitable than competing products. Consumers still need to assess coverage, costs, exclusions, and terms based on their individual circumstances.

For AXA Philippines, the three awards underscore a communications strategy built around making insurance topics more relatable while broadening the conversation from traditional financial protection to health and well-being.

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