New DSWD and GCash Agreements to Accelerate Social Services and Disaster Response

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has signed two new agreements with GCash, the country’s leading finance app and largest cashless ecosystem, to strengthen the digitalization of its services, enabling faster transactions for social protection and public welfare.

The first agreement is a Quadripartite Memorandum of Agreement (QMOA) with the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr), Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank), and GCash which integrates the country’s leading finance app into the agency’s Minors Travelling Abroad (MTA) clearance platform and its newly launched Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System (HELPS).

“Our engagement with GCash is a big help for the MTA in terms of paying the fees for the travel clearance. We’re exploring direct payments from our clients to GCash, enabling them to expedite the approval of their documents. We also see the need to expand partnerships with GCash, not just for the minors travelling abroad, but also for other social protective services programs that are handled by the Department of Social Welfare and Development,” said DSWD Protective Services Bureau Director IV Edmon Monteverde.

The MTA system regulates travel for minors going abroad, a government program to safeguard against child trafficking. By using GCash, clients can now settle fees remotely, streamlining applications and accelerating approvals.

Meanwhile, the HELPS platform allows NGOs and charitable institutions to process their accreditation, licensing, and permit applications online, which will now have built-in digital payments through GCash.

“We launched HELPS to solve long-standing inefficiencies. With the upcoming integration of GCash to the HELPS platform, turnaround times will surely improve significantly,” said DSWD Standards Bureau Director IV Atty. Megan Manahan.

As the designated payment channel, GCash collects the fees, which are then remitted through LANDBANK and credited to the Bureau of the Treasury, in line with national fund-handling rules, tapping the millions of users on the GCash app.

“This partnership ensures transparent and secure public collections,” said the Bureau of the Treasury Director, Maura Lizza Espina. “It exemplifies how digital platforms can support public finance reform.”

LANDBANK Assistant Vice President and Batasan Branch Head Jessica Galorio explained the flow: “LANDBANK serves as a settlement bank for the collections of DSWD through GCash, to be credited to the Bureau of Treasury.”

Supporting the Kaagapay Donations Portal for Faster Disaster Response

In a second agreement, the DSWD and GCash formalized a Memorandum of Agreement for the Kaagapay Donations Portal, which allows Filipinos to donate digitally to vulnerable groups and communities in crisis.

“This MOA expands our capacity to respond to emergencies,” said DSWD Assistant Secretary Marie Rafael. “GCash makes it possible for ordinary citizens to send help directly to DSWD-accredited organizations with just a few taps.”

The Kaagapay Donations Portal supports charitable donations rather than service payments. It allows contributors from across the country and abroad to extend assistance to children under treatment, victims of calamities, and low-income families in need of urgent support.

“The goal is to democratize giving,” added Rafael. “GCash allows donations regardless of geography or transaction size, enabling more Filipinos to take part in rebuilding lives.”

These efforts fall under GCash’s broader vision of “Finance for All,” a mission that aligns with the government’s drive for inclusive digitalization and e-governance. By making public services and philanthropic giving accessible via mobile devices, GCash is helping reshape how Filipinos interact with government and civil society.

“We’re proud to be a partner in nation-building,” said GCash head of GCash for Business Edgardo Layug Jr. “From social welfare disbursements to digital donations, these agreements reflect our commitment to inclusive fintech. This is what Finance for All looks like.”

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

The Vivo Y29: Built to Survive Real Life, Not Just the Specs Sheet

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Ever dropped your phone and held your breath, hoping it survived the fall? With the Vivo Y29, you can breathe easy. This phone is engineered for real-world toughness, and it's not just marketing talk—it’s battle-tested to keep up with the fast-paced, unpredictable lifestyle of Filipinos.

Tough Outside, Smart Inside

Say goodbye to fragile phones and hello to the Vivo Y29, a device designed to take hits and keep going. Backed by an SGS Five-Star Drop Rating and a Military Grade Certification, the Y29 isn’t just durable—it’s a survivor. Thanks to its Comprehensive Cushioning Structure, this phone absorbs shocks like a pro. It also comes with an impact-resistant clear case featuring reinforced corners for an added layer of protection.

The display is no weak point either. Protected by Shield Glass from SCHOTT—trusted in aerospace and automotive applications—it’s built to withstand accidental drops, even onto rough surfaces like gravel roads. Whether you're biking, commuting, or just living life on the go, the Vivo Y29 has your back.

Watch it Survive the Drop:
https://www.tiktok.com/@vivo_philippines/video/7511902134972026120 

Resists Water and Dust, Too

More than just drop-proof, the Vivo Y29 is IP64-rated for dust and water resistance. Built with advanced adhesive technology, it can survive light rinsing for up to 100 seconds and endure heavy rain for 8 hours. Whether you’re navigating wet commutes, cooking in the kitchen, or exploring the outdoors, you don’t have to panic over splashes or spills.

See It Brave the Elements:
https://www.tiktok.com/@vivo_philippines/video/7511903817294826759 

More Than Just Tough

The Vivo Y29 isn’t all brawn—it’s got brains and beauty, too. With a 6500mAh BlueVolt battery, dual stereo speakers boosted to 400% volume, and sleek aesthetics, this phone balances rugged durability with entertainment power and style.

Built for active lives, the Vivo Y29 is ready for city streets, mountain trails, kitchen spills, and everything in between. Available now on the Vivo e-store and in authorized retailers for just Php 8,999.

Learn more at the official Vivo website.

Eastern Communications Extends Aid to Mt. Kanlaon Evacuees

In the wake of Mt. Kanlaon’s recent eruption in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, Eastern Communications, through the help of its employees, quickly responded by extending vital support to affected communities, continuing its mission to stand by Filipinos in times of need.

The eruption displaced more than 4,000 individuals across eight evacuation centers in the city, and over 2,000 others were temporarily sheltered by relatives in the city proper and nearby areas. In response, Eastern Communications immediately mobilized a donation drive to help support ongoing relief operations in coordination with the Canlaon City local government unit (LGU).

Eastern Communications turned over its employee-initiated donation funds to help the LGU’s response programs and provide basic needs to those affected by the calamity.

Eastern Communications acknowledges the commendable leadership of the Canlaon LGU during this challenging time, recognizing their efforts in coordinating relief and ensuring the safety of their constituents.

“Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by Mt. Kanlaon’s eruption. In moments like this, when families are displaced and communities are in distress, it’s important that they know they’re not alone. We see the strength of the Canlaon community and the tireless work of its leaders, and we want to do our part. We hope that the support from all our Ka-Eastern employees can help ease some of the burden they’re facing,” said Jed Estanislao, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer at Eastern Communications.

This initiative is part of Eastern Communications’ larger thrust to respond proactively during natural disasters. Similar to this initiative, the company also extended its support to communities affected by the Mt. Mayon eruption in Albay in 2023.

The telco has consistently maintained partnerships with LGUs and NGOs to address urgent needs beyond connectivity. These efforts reflect the company’s enduring mission to serve not only as a telecommunications provider but as a partner in uplifting lives, especially during emergencies.

As Eastern continues to uphold its brand values of maaasahan and malasakit, its support to Mt. Kanlaon evacuees reaffirms its role as a trusted partner, ensuring not only connectivity but genuine care in times of need.

To learn more about Eastern’s corporate social responsibility efforts, visit www.eastern.com.ph or follow Eastern Communications on Facebook.

Top 5 Must-Have Technologies for Students Going Back to School

As the new school year kicks off, having the right technology can make all the difference in a student’s productivity, organization, and learning experience. Whether you’re in high school or college, here are the top five tech essentials that students should consider having this school year.

1. A Reliable Laptop or Chromebook
A solid laptop is the backbone of any student’s toolkit. Whether it’s writing papers, attending virtual classes, or conducting research, a device with decent processing power, long battery life, and a lightweight design is essential. For students on a budget, Chromebooks offer affordable and efficient alternatives that are perfect for basic schoolwork and cloud-based tasks.

2. Noise-Canceling Headphones
Whether studying in a crowded dorm, a noisy household, or the school library, noise-canceling headphones are a game-changer. They help students focus by reducing distractions and are especially useful for remote classes or virtual study groups. Look for options with built-in microphones for clear voice quality during online discussions.

3. Smart Note-Taking Devices
Digital note-taking tools like the iPad with Apple Pencil or reMarkable tablets allow students to write, highlight, and organize notes easily. These tools often come with cloud syncing, making it simple to access notes from any device. This tech not only helps in reducing paper clutter but also enhances productivity through better organization.

4. Cloud Storage and Productivity Tools
Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Microsoft OneDrive offer secure storage for assignments, presentations, and notes. Combined with tools like Google Docs or Microsoft Office 365, students can collaborate with classmates in real time and work on group projects seamlessly—even from different locations.

5. A Portable Power Bank
For students constantly on the move, a portable power bank ensures devices stay charged throughout the day. From powering smartphones to tablets or even lightweight laptops, a high-capacity power bank is a lifesaver when outlets are scarce between classes.

Conclusion
Equipping students with the right technology not only enhances their learning experience but also helps build habits of efficiency and responsibility. As schools embrace hybrid and tech-enhanced learning, these five tools will ensure that every student is ready to tackle the year ahead with confidence and digital readiness.

Celebrating Love in All Forms: TinBo’s Heartfelt Campaign for Father’s Day and Pride

In a powerful tribute to love, family, and inclusivity, PLDT Global Corporation (PLDT Global), through its digital platform Tindahan ni Bossing (TinBo), has created a video tribute to celebrate both Father’s Day and Pride Month this June.

The moving video tells the story of a father and his daughter, who lives overseas and is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. Despite the distance and differences, the story captures how love, acceptance, and “alaga” (care) can transcend borders. Through the TinBo app, the daughter overseas finds meaningful ways to stay connected with her father—proving that unconditional love always finds a way.

“This story is a reflection of what TinBo truly stands for—alaga that is inclusive, resilient, and rooted in love,” said Albert V. Villa-real, President and CEO of PLDT Global. “We want to honor all fathers and families, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community, by showing that every expression of love deserves to be celebrated.”

To make the celebration even more meaningful, TinBo is also offering exclusive discounts on select food, e-commerce, and streaming e-vouchers for its users. Filipinos abroad can download the TinBo app via Google Play or the App Store, or visit www.tinbo.ph to start sharing the love to their families in the Philippines.

These PLDT Global and TinBo initiatives are aligned with parent company PLDT’s broader commitment to diversity and inclusion. PLDT has an anti-discrimination policy in place and has also been active in enabling its workforce with inclusivity learning sessions to foster a safe, respectful, and empowering environment for all.

This Father’s Day and Pride Month, TinBo invites everyone to watch this video