Affordable HMO Now Accessible to Millions of Filipinos via GCash and KwikCare

To help Filipinos stay protected from unforeseen medical costs and access affordable, quality healthcare, GCash and KwikCare are partnering to offer the first health maintenance organization (HMO) coverage directly available from the GCash app.

For millions of Filipinos, quality healthcare remains a luxury out of reach, leaving families highly vulnerable to unexpected medical crises. Recent data highlights a stark reality: 64% of Filipino families cannot afford a ₱10,000 hospital bill without falling into debt¹, while 30% of households live on the brink of financial distress with sudden health shocks acting as a major driver of this vulnerability². This challenge is most especially felt among MSME workers, gig economy freelancers, and part-time earners who lack traditional corporate HMO benefits, leaving them just “one sickness away from poverty.”

To break this cycle, democratizing healthcare is critical. By making health coverage proactive, affordable, and accessible at the grassroots level, Filipino breadwinners can protect both their health and their hard-earned financial stability.

GCash, through its in-app insurance platform GInsure, has partnered with KwikCare to offer digital-first HMO coverage through a flexible monthly subscription. The offering does not require high

upfront costs, long-term commitments, or complicated paperwork. Users can sign up in minutes, making healthcare coverage easily accessible.

Through GInsure, KwikCare offers monthly HMO plans designed to make healthcare coverage more adaptable to different needs and circumstances. Starting at ₱995 per month, the service provides access to inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and laboratory services, along with cashless access to more than 2,000 accredited healthcare providers nationwide, and benefits of up to ₱350,000, with additional personal accident coverage of up to ₱1 million. Moreover, the offering also allows users to add their family members.

“Filipinos deserve the peace of mind that comes with reliable health coverage. When breadwinners and their families can better access essential health services as well as manage unexpected medical emergencies without worrying about the costs, we're protecting not just their health, but their financial future,” shared Winsley Bangit, group head of new business at Mynt, the parent company of GCash.

“Our mission has always been to make quality healthcare more accessible to every Filipino. Through our partnership with GCash, we're bringing reliable HMO coverage closer to millions by making it available through a platform they already use every day,” emphasized Hamilton Angluben, chief executive officer of KwikCare. “We believe digital distribution is one of the most powerful ways to expand healthcare access and help more families protect both their health and their financial future.”

To get an affordable HMO on GCash, open the app, head to “GInsure” and tap “HMO” in the Marketplace section.

As more Filipinos turn to digital platforms to manage their everyday finances, GCash and KwikCare are making health protection just as accessible. Through GInsure, the partnership empowers Filipinos to conveniently manage their health coverage, protect their savings from unforeseen medical costs, and navigate their healthcare needs with greater confidence. For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com.

Lenovo Accelerates Sustainability Journey with Renewable Energy, Circular Innovation, and Global Social Impact

Lenovo continues to strengthen its position as a global leader in sustainable technology, achieving significant milestones in environmental responsibility, circular design, and community development while remaining firmly committed to its long-term goal of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. These targets have been validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), reinforcing the company's dedication to science-backed climate action.

One of Lenovo's most notable achievements is its rapid transition toward renewable energy. Today, more than 90% of the electricity used across Lenovo's global operations comes from renewable sources through onsite renewable energy generation, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and renewable energy certificates (RECs). This accomplishment demonstrates meaningful progress in reducing operational emissions while supporting the expansion of renewable energy markets worldwide.

Beyond environmental initiatives, Lenovo continues to make a lasting social impact through its philanthropy programs. Between 2021 and 2026, the company's community initiatives positively impacted more than 25 million people by expanding access to technology, digital resources, and education. These efforts reflect Lenovo's commitment to narrowing the digital divide and empowering communities through innovation.

Sustainability also extends to Lenovo's product development through its R.E.A.L. Framework, which emphasizes repairability, reuse, and recycling. The company has made impressive progress in incorporating sustainable materials into its products. Today, 100% of Lenovo's PC products include post-consumer recycled content materials, excluding tablets and accessories.

Lenovo's circular economy initiatives have also delivered remarkable long-term results. Since 2005, the company has enabled the recovery of more than 800 million pounds (approximately 363 million kilograms) of end-of-life products. During the same period, Lenovo has reused over 300 million pounds of post-consumer recycled plastics in its manufacturing processes, reducing waste while conserving valuable resources.

Packaging sustainability has also become a major priority. Lenovo has significantly improved the environmental footprint of its smartphone packaging by incorporating 60% recycled materials and reducing single-use plastics by 50% compared to its FY2020/21 baseline. These improvements include Motorola Razr packaging as of FY2023/24.

The company's continued focus on environmental stewardship, responsible product design, and social responsibility has translated into strong business performance. Lenovo was recently ranked No. 5 in the Gartner Supply Chain Top 25 after the ranking was updated to include corrected ESG data. This recognition highlights Lenovo's ability to integrate sustainability into operational excellence while delivering value to customers, partners, and stakeholders worldwide.

As Lenovo continues advancing its sustainability strategy, it demonstrates that innovation and responsible business practices can go hand in hand, creating lasting benefits for both people and the planet.

Naga City Pilots Expanded Waste Management Operations Training with Coca-Cola, TESDA

NAGA City, Philippines – Coca-Cola Philippines, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the City Government of Naga, and the Camarines Sur Institute of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (CASIFMAS) have formalized a partnership to deliver the Solid Waste Management Operations (SWMO) Level III Training Program in Naga City. This marks the first official rollout of the program under the expanded Trash Free Pilipinas Program (TFPP) framework.

The Memorandum of Agreement signing and Training Induction Program (TIP) were held on June 17, 2026, at Sitio Pasto, Barangay Cararayan, Naga City. Bringing together national and local government agencies, academic partners, community representatives, and private sector stakeholders to launch a training initiative aimed at strengthening local capacities in ecological solid waste management.

The event was attended by TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez, Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, and Coca-Cola Philippines Senior Director for Public Affairs, Sustainability & Communications Christine Ponce-Garcia.

Helping build local capacity for waste management

As local governments work to meet the requirements of Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, many Local Government Units (LGUs) and barangays continue to face capacity gaps, particularly in technical planning, waste segregation practices, and community-level implementation. The SWMO Level III Training Program is designed to help address these challenges.

The training program equips barangay officials, LGU personnel, and environmental workers with practical skills in waste management planning, materials recovery operations, waste segregation systems, information and education campaigns, enterprise development, and local policy formulation. Participants complete a combination of classroom learning, fieldwork, and applied outputs, including the development of barangay solid waste management plans.

“Solid waste management should be recognized and supported like any other essential profession. Programs like this help strengthen technical capability at the barangay level while opening opportunities for skills recognition and employment,” said Ponce-Garcia.

Naga City was selected as the first rollout site under the expanded TFPP framework based on its existing and active solid waste management programs and high levels of community participation. The site will serve as a learning reference and a demonstration model for other LGUs across the country, considering similar training approaches.

"Naga City has long been committed to responsible waste management, but we know there is always more we can do. This program strengthens the people doing the work on the ground, our barangay officials, and frontline workers," said Robredo. “It supports a more consistent and effective approach to waste management across our communities.”

Clear roles for implementation

TESDA serves as the lead technical institution for the SWMO Level III Training Program, overseeing curriculum development, training delivery standards and requirements, accreditation, and national program institutionalization.

Meanwhile, CASIFMAS is responsible for local training implementation in Naga City. The City Government of Naga provides the training site and supports participant coordination, monitoring, and community engagement. Coca-Cola Philippines supports the program through framework development and support for test training runs, working alongside government and academic partners.

“This is another proof of how tech-voc builds the nation, as the SWMO Level III program allows us to equip LGUs and barangays with skills that will make a real environmental impact,” said Benitez. “TESDA is proud to help upgrade our solid waste management systems, which will ultimately benefit the Filipino people,” said Benitez.

The first batch of participants includes barangay officers and solid waste management personnel from across Naga City.

From pilot training to a national training program

The Trash Free Pilipinas Program traces its roots to consultations by Coca-Cola Philippines conducted in 2021 in Pavia, Iloilo, and Bacolod City, where barangay officials identified and highlighted persistent challenges in implementing RA 9003.

In response, Coca-Cola Philippines and TESDA co-developed a grassroots training program model, first piloted in Angono, Rizal, in 2022 under the National Solid Waste Management Training Program.

The Angono pilot ran for approximately 22 days and combined classroom instruction, fieldwork, and community consultations. Of the 36 initial enrollees, 29 completed the program and produced barangay solid waste management plans, information education campaign materials (IEC), enterprise concepts, and draft ordinances.

Since then, the program has expanded its trainer base, strengthened LGU partnerships, developed regional lead trainers, and established linkages to livelihood initiatives related to recyclable materials and small enterprise development, while also helping enable access to green financing for waste workers and microentrepreneurs. TESDA is now institutionalizing SWMO Level III as part of its national green skills and technical-vocational education offerings.

Shared commitment to stronger local systems

The Naga City rollout reflects what multi-sectoral collaboration can accomplish when the government, communities, academic institutions, and the private sector work toward a shared goal of strengthening local solid waste management systems.

Coca-Cola Philippines, TESDA, and the City Government of Naga will continue working with partners to support skills development, implementation capacity, and community-based waste management initiatives.

For more information about Coca-Cola Philippines programs related to packaging recovery and waste management, visit https://www.coca-cola.com/ph/en/brands/coca-cola/sustainability.

PLDT and Smart Help Cagayan De Oro, Misamis Oriental LGUs Bring AI Into Everyday Public Service Work

Artificial intelligence is finding practical use in the day-to-day work of Cagayan de Oro City government employees through PLDT and Smart’s AI-in-a-Box program.

Building on its participation in an AI for LGUs training conducted by PLDT and Smart, the City Government of Cagayan de Oro conducted its own AI orientation for employees across its offices, helping them discover practical ways to use the technology in their everyday work—from drafting memoranda and preparing communications to creating other office documents using AI.

"The biggest lesson for our employees was realizing that getting better results from AI starts with asking better questions," said MJ Meca, Assistant Department Manager of the City Management Information Systems and Innovation Department (CMISID) of the Cagayan de Oro City Government. "As they learned how to write more effective prompts, they also became more confident using AI to support their day-to-day work."

Launched in 2025, AI-in-a-Box is the PLDT Group's initiative to help bring artificial intelligence closer to communities by combining digital tools, connectivity, and training to help them explore practical applications of emerging technologies in their work.

As part of the initiative, PLDT and Smart, with support from its social outreach arm, the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF), recently turned over AI-in-a-Box kits to the local government units of Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Oriental. Each kit includes a laptop, Smart 5G Max Turbo WiFi, a mobile phone, initial Smart Prepaid load cards, and premium access to AI tools, designed to help partner LGUs integrate AI into day-to-day operations and support more efficient public service delivery.

"The goal is to help LGUs use AI effectively and responsibly, while showing how it can empower government offices to serve their communities better," said Roby Alampay, Head of PLDT and Smart's Public Engagement Group. "We also hope to encourage local governments to adopt a more strategic approach to AI so they can maximize its benefits across different programs and services."

The AI-in-a-Box turnover followed PLDT and Smart’s AI training last April, where government employees learned the practical, safe, ethical, and responsible use of AI in the workplace. The session also guided participants on how to craft effective prompts, assess AI-generated outputs, and use the technology responsibly in a government setting.

The Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental also recognized the value of combining AI tools with practical training to help strengthen government operations and improve the quality of work outputs. "The training helped us maximize AI by teaching us how to write better prompts, resulting in outputs that are more accurate, relevant, and useful for our work," said Candido Balaba, Provincial Management Information Systems Head of Misamis Oriental.

Through AI-in-a-Box, PLDT and Smart are bringing practical AI tools, connectivity, and capacity-building support closer to local governments as they explore how technology can help make public service more efficient, responsive, and accessible.

These efforts form part of PLDT and Smart's #KonektedforEducation advocacy and the Group’s broader commitment to advance digital inclusion, strengthen local digital capabilities, and encourage innovation in public service, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.

Vivo Philippines Names First GEN V Campus Ambassadors to Champion Youth Leadership

MANILA, Philippines – Vivo Philippines has officially announced the first five members of its GEN V Campus Ambassador Program, following the grand finals held on July 12 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. The event marked the successful conclusion of the company's first nationwide search for student ambassadors, highlighting the growing influence of young leaders in digital communities and campus engagement.

The GEN V Campus Ambassador Program attracted student leaders from colleges and universities across the National Capital Region. Designed to empower students with leadership opportunities and real-world marketing experience, the initiative reflects Vivo Philippines' commitment to nurturing the next generation of creators, communicators, and community builders.

After four mall auditions and a wildcard selection round, 15 finalists earned spots in the grand finals. Participants showcased their talents through singing, dancing, acting, and public speaking while presenting their vision for making a positive impact within their respective schools and communities.

The first-ever GEN V Campus Ambassadors are Rhea Mea T. Parcon of World Citi Colleges, Beverly I. Cantos of Mapúa University, John Brent Domaya of Centro Escolar University Manila, Jerah Bernard L. Eusebio of the University of the Philippines Diliman, and Icen Rose Vivo, also from the University of the Philippines Diliman.

Throughout the competition, contestants emphasized themes such as leadership, creativity, inclusivity, education, confidence, and authentic storytelling. Their presentations demonstrated how digital platforms can be used to inspire fellow students and strengthen campus communities.

According to Liu Lu, Brand Marketing Director of Vivo Philippines, the program was established to identify students who can communicate authentically, collaborate effectively, and grow alongside the brand. The selected ambassadors will officially begin their one-year term on August 1, 2026.

As ambassadors, they will receive a ₱5,000 monthly cash incentive for 12 months, along with exclusive mentorship sessions conducted by Vivo Philippines' marketing professionals. Training will cover branding, digital marketing, campaign execution, and communication strategies. They will also participate in product launches, marketing campaigns, and major company events, gaining valuable hands-on industry experience.

Top-ranked ambassador Rhea Mea T. Parcon shared that the recognition reinforces her belief that everyone deserves to feel seen and encouraged students to pursue opportunities with confidence. John Brent Domaya expressed his goal of creating meaningful community impact, while Icen Rose Vivo described the ambassadorship as a responsibility to represent both Vivo Philippines and her university with authenticity, creativity, and purpose.

The GEN V Campus Ambassador Program underscores Vivo Philippines' long-term commitment to developing student leaders by combining education, mentorship, and practical marketing experience. Through this initiative, the company continues to strengthen its partnerships with academic institutions while empowering young Filipinos to become future innovators, storytellers, and leaders in their communities.