PCCI Commends DepEd for Strong Gains in 2025 PISA Results

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) today congratulated the Department of Education (DepEd), led by Secretary Sonny Angara, for the country's significant improvement in the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). 

The Philippines recorded gains of 16 to 20 points across reading, mathematics, and science, including a 20-point increase in reading, equivalent to roughly one year of formal schooling based on OECD benchmarks. The country also moved out of the bottom ten participating education systems and posted its strongest reading performance improvement to date. 

"PCCI congratulates Secretary Angara and the entire DepEd team on this important achievement," said PCCI President Perry Ferrer. "These results show that focused reforms, sustained commitment, and evidence-based interventions can lead to real improvements in learning outcomes for Filipino students," PCCI noted that the gains reflect the impact of DepEd's initiatives, including curriculum enhancements, targeted remediation programs, and the work of the PISA 2025 Task Force. 

The Chamber further encouraged DepEd to complement PISA with other indicators that assess whether learners are acquiring the competencies needed for lifelong learning, employment, and active citizenship. PCCI emphasized the importance of sustaining reform efforts and accelerating the implementation of the recommendations of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II). "The positive results are encouraging; they strengthen our resolve to pursue the policy reforms that remain urgently needed," Ferrer said. "The recommendations of EDCOM II provide a clear roadmap for addressing long-standing challenges in the education sector and must be translated into concrete action." 

PCCI likewise underscored the importance of reviewing the alignment and coordination of the country's trifocalized education system, recognizing that basic education, while foundational, must be effectively linked with technical-vocational and higher education to ensure a more productive, equitable, and quality education system. "As the voice of Philippine business, we believe strengthening basic education is essential and must be complemented by better alignment across the entire education continuum."

Ferrer added. "Our goal should be an education system that equips every Filipino learner with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development. We have recommended this in our PCCI Education Task Force paper, Reform Our Education, Transform Our Future.” PCCI reaffirmed its commitment to work with DepEd and other stakeholders in advancing reforms that strengthen educational outcomes and build a globally competitive Filipino workforce.

GCash for Business Powers Cashless Shopping for Over 200 Filipino Artisans at the 2026 Designers’ Holiday Bazaar

GCash for Business is teaming up with the Designers’ Holiday Bazaar (DHB) for the second year to champion Filipino craftsmanship and help local makers and businesses thrive in the digital economy.

The country’s #1 finance superapp equips more than 200 local artisans and MSMEs with digital finance solutions that make payments easier and customer transactions faster during one of the country’s busiest retail seasons.

Carrying the theme “Sinag,” this year’s Designers’ Holiday Bazaar expands its nationwide reach across three major Ayala Malls: September 3–6, 2026 at Ayala Malls Abreeza, Davao City; October 14–18, 2026 at TriNoma Activity Center, Quezon City; and November 27–December 6, 2026 across Glorietta and the Ayala Museum, Makati City.

The bazaar continues to support Filipino and homegrown brands, designers, and artisans by giving them a platform to showcase their work and reach more consumers. This year’s Sinag run features a new lineup of local brands, from fashion and food to home and lifestyle. Among them are Lulu Tan Gan, ANMARI & CO., Liwayway PH, Tia Lacson, Niño Franco, Yvette’s Collections, Kathryn Fanlo, T'NALAK HOME, Auro Chocolate Cafe, Vicky’s Pili & Food Products, and Grateful Bread.

More than a shopping destination, Designers’ Holiday Bazaar celebrates Filipino creativity, connects designers and artisans nationwide, and brings local craftsmanship to a wider audience. It also supports small businesses and traditional crafts, with proceeds helping fund academic and dance scholarships for Filipino youth.

For GCash for Business, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to giving MSMEs access to enterprise-grade payment, financing, and digital tools that simplify operations and help local entrepreneurs enter their “Easy Era” of growth.

“At its heart, the Designers’ Holiday Bazaar has always been about a single, inspiring mission: to empower and promote our local entrepreneurs. At GCash, we share in that vision and are committed to helping business owners succeed through easy payment solutions,” shares Neil Trinidad, chief marketing officer of GCash.

The partnership builds on the GCash for Business support for DHB merchants last year, when it introduced GCash SoundPay and GCash PocketPay to make digital payments easier. SoundPay provides real-time audio payment confirmations, while GCash PocketPay enables card and QR payments through an NFC-enabled Android phone.

This year, merchants will have access to upgraded solutions for faster, more seamless transactions. For food and beverage merchants, GCash SoundPay Plus accepts QRPh and card payments on one machine, with loud audio confirmations that instantly signal successful payments.

For retail brands, GCash EasyPOS is a heavy-duty checkout terminal that lets customers scan, swipe, or tap to pay, keeping checkout quick and efficient.

The GCash for Business Portal gives merchants a centralized view of sales, payouts, and business performance, helping reduce time spent reconciling transactions. Its starter plan also offers a ₱5 million e-wallet limit with a GCash Verified account, giving businesses more room to manage and grow.

The bazaar will also feature a GCash booth where merchants and shoppers can explore GCash for Business, access card printing and Tap to Pay, and enjoy prizes and raffle entries when they transact using GCash.

Beyond payments, the partnership reflects GCash and DHB’s shared commitment to helping Filipino MSMEs grow. MSMEs account for around 90% of businesses and 63% of local employment, making their growth vital to communities and the broader economy.

Catch the “Sinag” edition of the Designers’ Holiday Bazaar in Davao, Quezon City, and Makati, and discover Filipino brands and makers bringing local creativity to life. For event details, follow @designersholidaybazaar on Instagram and Designers’ Holiday Bazaar on Facebook.

To discover more about GCash for Business, visit new.gcash.com/business/msme.

TM Celebrates 25 Years with More Sulit, Rewards and Tuwa 2GEDER

For 25 years, TM has been part of the everyday diskarte of Filipinos, helping them stay connected, make every peso count, and share moments with the people who matter. As it marks this milestone, TM is bringing Ka-TeaMs more everyday value, useful rewards, and experiences they can enjoy together.

At the Globe Q3 Blueprint, TM Senior Director Bea Lacson unveiled 2GEDER 5EVER, a nationwide, year-long celebration of TM’s 25th anniversary. The campaign brings together practical support, rewards, and shared experiences across digital, retail, and on-ground touchpoints.

“Being part of TM should come with more ways to celebrate, more everyday support, and more moments to enjoy together,” Lacson said. “Twenty-five years is a journey we could only have made together.”

Part of that journey is staying close to the everyday needs of Ka-TeaMs. TM Rewards Points as Cash is expanding to cover essentials such as groceries and fuel, while Emergency Loans through SMS and Facebook for a ₱1 service fee offer added support when unexpected expenses come up.

The anniversary also brings something extra throughout the year. Starting this September, every eligible TM promo registration comes with a TM 25th Freebie, giving customers one day of FREE unlimited access to TikTok and Facebook. Partner flash deals will also be available on the GlobeOne app every 25th of the month.

These offers extend beyond GlobeOne to SMS, Facebook, retail, and partner channels, reaching Ka-TeaMs across the different ways they engage with TM. From stretching the daily budget to enjoying a well-earned treat, the benefits reflect the different moments and needs that shape everyday life.

The tuwa also reaches communities nationwide through TM Caravans, with games, activities, and prizes leading up to the TM TeaM Fair Concert on September 12. TM ambassadors SB19 and Jayat will lead the celebration, joined by guest artists Janine Berdin and local bands, bringing music and the Ka-TeaM community together for a milestone 25 years in the making.

“2Geder with our Ka-TeaMs, we’ll celebrate 25 years of tatag and tuwa,” Lacson said. The milestone reflects a journey shared with a community that has grown with TM through everyday wins, challenges, and moments worth celebrating.

Through 2GEDER 5EVER, TM’s 25th year looks back on that shared journey while staying rooted in what matters to Ka-TeaMs today. As TM moves into its next chapter, it continues alongside the people who made the first 25 years possible, with more ways to stay connected, find value in the everyday, and enjoy life 2GEDER. JUST FOR YOU.

For more information, visit https://www.tmtambayan.ph/

Project Swipe Safe Strengthens Child Protection in Cagayan de Oro With PLDT, Smart Support

As Cagayan de Oro City continues to strengthen initiatives that protect children from online risks, local government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector are working together to help create a safer digital environment for the youth. In support of the campaign against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) donated mobile phones and connectivity devices to Xavier Science Foundation, Inc. (XSF) for the implementation of Project Swipe Safe.

Implemented by XSF in partnership with ChildFund Philippines and the City Council for the Protection of Children (CCPC) of Cagayan de Oro City, Project Swipe Safe equips children and young people with practical digital safety skills to help create a safer online environment free from abuse, exploitation, and violence. The donated devices from PLDT and Smart will support facilitators in delivering training sessions and implementing other project initiatives.

"At PLDT and Smart, we promote the use of technology because it enables people to learn, connect, and build communities. But equally important is teaching online safety. By supporting partners like Xavier Science Foundation and initiatives such as Project Swipe Safe, we not only help protect young people but also empower them to become advocates of responsible digital citizenship. We want them to look out for the people they care about and help build a safer digital world," said Roby Alampay, Public Engagement Head at PLDT and Smart.

Developed by ChildFund Australia, the Swipe Safe mobile application and training package was first launched in Vietnam and has since been adopted in several countries across the Asia-Pacific. The Philippines is the latest to implement the program, with Cagayan de Oro City serving as its pilot site.

“The project helps children learn key concepts about the internet, develop personal safety plans, and practice positive online safety behaviors through engaging and meaningful learning experiences,” said Sheila de Lima, Project Manager of Xavier Science Foundation.

The project will be rolled out in five public secondary schools—Mambuaya National High School, PN Roa Sr. National High School, Kauswagan National High School, Lapasan National High School, and Cagayan de Oro City High School – Junior High School Campus—and is expected to reach more than 10,000 learners.

PLDT and Smart continue to strengthen partnerships that help create safer digital spaces for children and young people. The initiative supports the PLDT Group's commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Vivo Refurbished Phones Offer Filipinos a Smarter Way to Experience Vivo

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — For consumers who want to experience a Vivo smartphone without buying a brand-new unit, refurbished devices offer an alternative. Unlike ordinary second-hand phones, refurbished Vivo units undergo inspection, cleaning, and necessary repairs by Vivo customer service professionals before being offered for resale. This gives consumers a more accessible way to own selected Vivo smartphones.

Watch the Vivo Philippines video on TikTok

Refurbished Vivo phones may include units previously used by KOLs or ambassadors and store display or demo devices. Once returned, these phones go through inspection, cleaning, and repair before being relisted. Instead of being sold as-is, refurbished units are professionally prepared for their next owner.

For Filipino consumers, this provides another smartphone option. Professional refurbishment and after-sales support can provide confidence.

Professional refurbishment with warranty support

Vivo refurbished phones come with a standard one-year warranty. The start date depends on the unit’s classification and proof of purchase.

There are two types of refurbished Vivo phones:

Pre-owned (LDU) — These are older demo or ex-display units refurbished for resale. The product code has a two-digit suffix, and the device and packaging say “Pre-owned.”

Near New — These are units returned within 15 days and subsequently refurbished for resale. The product code has a one-digit suffix, and the device and packaging say “Near New.”

When proof of purchase is available, the warranty begins on the purchase date shown on the receipt. For Pre-owned units without proof of purchase, the warranty start date is based on the device’s IMEI binding, activation, or sold date. For Near New units without proof of purchase, the 90th day after the production date applies, in accordance with Vivo’s warranty policy.

How to buy a refurbished Vivo phone

Buying a refurbished Vivo phone is straightforward. Consumers can visit the official Vivo website, open the e-store, select Products, and choose refurbished phones. They can also visit a Vivo Store and select Shop, followed by refurbished phones.

Watch the Vivo Philippines video on TikTok

Consumers can currently explore refurbished versions of the Vivo X300 FE and Vivo X300 Ultra, offering another way to experience Vivo’s smartphone capabilities.

With clear classifications, professional refurbishment, and warranty support, Vivo refurbished phones offer Filipino consumers an alternative to brand-new or ordinary second-hand devices. Follow Vivo Philippines on social media for updates on products, news, and available refurbished phones.