DSWD Brings UPLIFT Financial Aid Straight to GCash Wallets to Help Households Absorb Rising Living Costs

For families facing rising costs and financial pressures, government assistance can provide much-needed support to meet immediate needs and regain stability.

To make that support easier to access, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in partnership with GCash, is expanding digital access to DSWD UPLIFT assistance, giving eligible beneficiaries the option to receive subsequent payouts through their GCash wallets.

The initiative supports the rollout of the government’s Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Program, a relief initiative established under Executive Order No. 110 to help protect vulnerable sectors and cushion the impact of global oil shocks and rising inflation. Under the expanded DSWD UPLIFT Assistance Program, targeted cash assistance will reach 7.5 million households through DSWD.

The digital disbursement initiative also comes as the government works to cushion the impact of the energy emergency on vulnerable families nationwide. By expanding access to digital channels, beneficiaries can receive subsequent assistance through a more convenient and accessible option, reducing the need to spend additional time and resources accessing government support.

While the initial DSWD UPLIFT payouts will be distributed in cash, beneficiaries are encouraged to transition to digital channels for succeeding disbursements. As part of the UPLIFT Caravan, GCash is supporting the initiative by assisting beneficiaries with account onboarding, giving those who choose GCash the option to receive future assistance directly through the GCash Fund Disbursement Service (FDS).

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said it was the President's directive to disburse the much-needed aid in a quick and convenient manner, understanding that beneficiaries need immediate relief.

"Mula ngayon hanggang sa December, kapag kukunin n'yo na yung ₱2,000 n'yo, sa digital wallet na lang," he stressed. (From now until December, when you claim your ₱2,000, you can receive it directly through your digital wallet.)

Along with this, Secretary Gatchalian encouraged those who do not have a digital wallet yet to set one up so they can receive the funds without the hassle.

"GCash is honored to continuously support DSWD in expanding digital access to government services. Access is not only about receiving support, but also about making the experience more convenient, secure, and dignified for the people we serve. By giving beneficiaries a digital option, we hope to make DSWD UPLIFT assistance easier to access while giving them greater choice in how they receive and manage their financial support," said GCash Vice President and Head of B2B Sales, Cleo Celeste Santos.

The partnership demonstrates how digital financial services can make social protection more accessible while helping beneficiaries take greater control of their financial assistance. By bringing government support directly to beneficiaries through a channel they can access and manage digitally, the initiative aims to reduce barriers to receiving assistance and help create pathways toward greater financial inclusion and opportunity.

For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com.

SHDA Welcomes DOJ Opinion Streamlining Land Transfers, Calls for Uniform Guidelines to Accelerate Affordable Housing

Manila, Philippines – As the country faces a critical need for affordable housing, the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA)—the country's premier housing developers' organization—backs a Department of Justice (DOJ) legal opinion that removes a major bureaucratic hurdle to acquiring land for new communities.

DOJ Legal Opinion No. 16, Series of 2026, states that private agricultural land transactions without an existing Notice of Coverage (NOC) no longer require a Land Transfer Clearance (LTC) from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). The DOJ determined that the five-hectare retention limit, which served as the legal basis for the clearance, ceased to be effective following the statutory cutoff on June 30, 2014, also known as the CARPER Deadline.

For housing development proponents, the LTC has been an added administrative step before land acquisition can move forward. Removing it for unencumbered titles lets developers proceed more efficiently toward title transfer, project financing, permitting, construction, and site preparation. For SHDA, speed does not mean cutting corners. Housing developers remain committed to full compliance with existing national and local laws, including, but not limited to, DAR land use conversion requirements, local zoning ordinances, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) environmental clearance requirements, and other housing development regulations.

“Predictability in land administration is important to keeping housing projects moving,” said Engr. Francis Richmond Z. Villegas, SHDA Chairman of the Board. “A clear and consistent process allows developers and other stakeholders to make informed decisions, manage project timelines, and pursue investments with confidence. We see this as an opportunity to support a framework that is responsive to the needs of the housing industry while remaining aligned with existing laws and regulations.”

SHDA members build 80% of the homes produced in the Philippines each year. The association said that reducing transaction costs and administrative delays is a step toward expanding the supply of affordable homes for Filipino families.

Even with the clearance requirement lifted, SHDA said that consistent implementation will decide whether these gains are felt on the ground. To ensure an orderly transition, the association is urging DAR, the Land Registration Authority (LRA), and Registers of Deeds (RODs) to issue joint administrative guidelines establishing standardized procedures and documentary requirements nationwide.

"The DOJ opinion gives the industry legal clarity. What we need now is the same clarity on the ground. Joint guidelines from DAR, LRA, and the RODs will ensure that every office applies the ruling the same way, so landowners, developers, and financial institutions can move forward with certainty," said Mr. Kerwin V. Padua, SHDA National President.

SHDA reiterated its commitment to continued dialogue with government agencies toward a clear, efficient, and predictable land administration framework that supports responsible development and addresses the country's housing needs.

Vivo V80 Lite 5G Goes on Exclusive Shopee Promo, Bringing Long Battery Life and Premium Features to Filipino Consumers

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Filipino consumers looking for a smartphone that can keep up with demanding workdays and busy lifestyles can take advantage of an exclusive Shopee promotion for the Vivo V80 Lite 5G. The smartphone will be available through the Vivo Official Store on Shopee from October 9 at 8 p.m. through October 16, giving shoppers a limited-time opportunity to purchase the device with up to 16% total discount.

The Vivo V80 Lite 5G is priced at Php 24,999 for the 6GB + 128GB variant and Php 27,999 for the 6GB + 256GB variant. Customers using Shopee SPayLater can also enjoy 0% interest for up to six months, with monthly payments starting at Php 3,840.

Built for the Demands of Everyday Life

For young professionals, smartphones have evolved beyond communication devices. They serve as productivity tools, navigation companions, entertainment hubs, and platforms for staying connected with friends, family, and colleagues.

The Vivo V80 Lite 5G is designed around these everyday demands. Its 10,000mAh BlueVolt Battery provides substantial capacity for extended use, supporting activities such as calls, messaging, navigation, streaming, social media, and other daily tasks without constantly searching for a charger.

The device also features a 6.83-inch 1.5K OLED display with HDR10+ and up to 2,000 nits peak brightness, delivering a bright and detailed viewing experience. Whether users are reviewing work content, browsing social media, watching videos, or enjoying entertainment after work, the display is designed to provide an immersive viewing experience.

Durability is another highlight. With IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance, the Vivo V80 Lite 5G offers added protection against dust and water under rated testing conditions. This makes it a practical companion for daily commutes, outdoor activities, workouts, and other situations beyond the office.

“Shopee’s 10.10 sale gives consumers another convenient way to get the V80 Lite, with payment options that make the device more accessible,” said Liu Lu, Brand Marketing Director of Vivo Philippines.

The Vivo V80 Lite 5G will be available through the Vivo Official Store on Shopee starting October 9 at 8 p.m. during the exclusive promotional period.

Binance Intelligence Brings AI-Powered Finance to a New Generation of Users

Binance is taking another step toward making financial markets easier to understand and access with the launch of Binance Intelligence, a new AI product stack designed to help users understand financial information, develop strategies, and build AI-powered applications on Binance.

Unveiled during a livestreamed event featuring Binance Co-CEO Richard Teng and VP of Product Jeff Li, Binance Intelligence brings together three core products: Binance AI, Binance AI Pro, and Binance Agent OS. Together, they aim to bridge the knowledge gap between everyday users and experienced market professionals.

Making Financial Information Easier to Understand

Binance AI provides a free, adaptive experience that personalizes financial information according to a user's knowledge level and interests. Instead of requiring users to navigate multiple charts, news sources, research platforms, and on-chain data tools, the system brings relevant information together in one experience.

Features include an adaptive "For You" interface, AI-powered tool tips, personalized market briefs, market and portfolio widgets, and insights covering crypto, stocks, and macroeconomic developments. The AI-generated Market Brief is refreshed every four hours and can be delivered in text or audio.

Turning Ideas Into Strategies

For users looking to take a more active approach, Binance AI Pro functions as a finance-focused AI agent capable of turning natural-language instructions into visualized strategies and automated workflows.

Users can describe an idea such as monitoring their portfolio or exploring diversification across crypto and stocks. The system can then generate an editable workflow without requiring coding skills. Users can refine the strategy through conversation, test strategies through paper trading where available, and approve workflows before execution.

Importantly, users remain in control. Live strategies operate through dedicated sub-accounts funded manually by the user, helping limit an agent's ability to move funds independently.

Giving Developers the Tools to Build

The third component, Binance Agent OS, is designed for developers. The platform connects AI applications and agents with Binance's trading, market data, wallet, payment, and on-chain capabilities.

With support for APIs, the Binance Wallet Agentic Hub, programmable payments, the Skill Hub, and Model Context Protocol (MCP), developers can create financial AI applications with configurable permissions and dedicated sub-accounts.

Together, these technologies represent Binance's broader vision of combining blockchain's accessibility with AI's ability to simplify complex information. As financial markets become increasingly connected, AI-powered tools could play a growing role in helping both newcomers and experienced users navigate the digital economy.

Globe Reports 1,245 Cases of Cable Theft; Urges Government Action to Protect Critical Infrastructure

Globe is calling for stronger government action against the theft and pilferage of telecommunications equipment, warning that the growing problem is disrupting connectivity and putting critical network infrastructure at risk. The company and its tower company partners have recorded 1,245 pilferage cases as of September 2026, leading to service outages nationwide, with more incidents continuing to be reported.

Each affected site can mean disrupted mobile and data services for customers who rely on connectivity for work, education, business, emergency communications, and access to essential digital services. Beyond the immediate service disruption, repeated theft also undermines investments intended to expand coverage, improve network quality, and strengthen resilience.

“This is no longer simply a matter of stolen equipment. When critical telecommunications infrastructure is damaged or taken, communities can lose connectivity and the investments being made to improve network services are undermined,” said Atty. Froilan Castelo, General Counsel of Globe. “We need stronger, coordinated action across government, law enforcement, local communities, and the telecommunications industry to address this problem.”

Globe is urging the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to help bring together telecommunications operators, tower companies, and relevant government agencies toward a more coordinated response. The company is also seeking stronger participation from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National Police (PNP), local government units, and barangays nationwide to strengthen prevention and enforcement on the ground.

Barangay and LGU officials play an important role as the first line of defense in communities where telecommunications facilities are located. Globe is calling for closer coordination with community officials and tanods to watch vulnerable facilities, report suspicious activity, and help verify whether individuals working on telecommunications equipment are legitimate and authorized crews. Greater attention should also be given to the illegal sale and purchase of stolen cables, equipment, and other network materials, addressing the market that makes infrastructure theft profitable in the first place.

Existing laws already provide avenues to prosecute theft and the buying or selling of stolen property, including provisions of the Revised Penal Code and the Anti-Fencing Law. Globe believes stronger and more consistent enforcement, supported by coordination among national agencies, LGUs, communities, and industry players, can help deter repeat incidents and hold those responsible accountable.

Telecommunications companies continue to invest heavily in network infrastructure to expand and improve services across the country. When equipment is repeatedly stolen or damaged, resources that could otherwise support network expansion and upgrades have to be redirected toward replacing equipment and restoring affected sites.

Globe continues to work with authorities and industry partners to secure network facilities and restore affected sites as quickly as possible. With pilferage already causing more than a thousand site outages this year, Globe is pushing for a coordinated national response that addresses theft from prevention and community vigilance to enforcement and the illegal resale of stolen telecommunications equipment.