Exclusive LRT-2 and MRT-3 cashback up to 30% with GCash Commute QR

As more commuters embrace digital payments in their daily routine, GCash is expanding its support for cashless public transportation with a cashback promo for all LRT-2 riders and eligible MRT-3 riders who use the GCash Commute QR for their train fares.

From July 20 to August 20, 2026, eligible commuters who pay via GCash Commute QR will receive a 20-30% cashback on their LRT-2 and MRT-3 fare. It will be credited directly to the user's GCash e-wallet based on the scheduled payout dates.

“Innovation is most meaningful when it removes everyday friction and makes essential services more accessible. With GCash Commute QR, we're making cashless commuting simpler,” said Ferdie Perez, VP and head of innovation at GCash.

Furthermore, the initiative forms part of the ongoing efforts of GCash to expand the use of digital payments across everyday services, including public transportation, supporting broader access to convenient and cashless commuting options for Filipinos.

"This cashback promo is a way to help invite more commuters to experience the ease of using digital fare payments and brings added value on their everyday journeys," he added.

Commuters with a fully verified and active GCash account can enjoy exclusive cashback offers when they pay for their fares using GCash Commute QR during the respective promo periods. LRT-2 commuters can receive 20% cashback on eligible rides. New GCash Commute QR users on MRT-3, on the other hand, can enjoy 30% cashback on their first three rides, while the promo runs until August 20, 2026.

GCash continues to work with transport partners to expand cashless payment options that support a more convenient and accessible commuting experience for Filipinos.

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.

Anko Unveils New Home Collection Inspired by Global Design Trends

Metro Manila, Philippines — Australian home and lifestyle brand Anko is bringing a fresh wave of inspiration to Filipino homes with the launch of its newest Home collection, offering stylish, practical, and affordable pieces designed to help homeowners refresh their spaces without breaking the bank.

Available beginning July 30 at Anko stores in TriNoma, Glorietta 2, Alabang Town Center, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, and Gateway Mall 1, the collection features a carefully curated range of décor, kitchenware, and household essentials that embrace today's most popular global interior design trends. Select items are already available in stores.

Created by Anko's in-house design and buying team in Melbourne, the collection reflects the growing desire for homes that are both expressive and calming. Instead of encouraging costly renovations, Anko focuses on affordable updates that allow homeowners to personalize existing spaces through thoughtfully designed accessories and functional home essentials.

Leading the collection is the Playful Pattern Layering trend, which introduces bold stripes, gingham prints, and vibrant colors into everyday living. Products such as the Blue Stripe Dinner Plates, Bow Cushions, and Pink Stripe Storage Box encourage homeowners to mix and match patterns to create lively, welcoming interiors, especially in compact condominium spaces where bright accents can make rooms feel more spacious.

The collection also embraces the Return of Warm Tones, replacing cool minimalist palettes with comforting shades of chocolate brown, sage green, blush pink, and earthy neutrals. These colors create a cozy atmosphere while offering a refreshing visual escape from the tropical heat. Complementing this trend are products like the Rustica Dinnerware Collection, Chevron Bath Towels, and plush Bow Cushions designed for everyday comfort.

For those who prefer timeless elegance, Anko introduces its interpretation of Quiet Luxury through sculptural ceramics, marble-inspired finishes, and softly curved décor pieces. Highlights include the Textured Wavy Ceramic Vase, Green Twist Edge Decor Tray, Chrome Amiri Lamp, and Goldie Rechargeable Wall Sconce, delivering premium aesthetics at accessible prices.

Beyond décor, the Home collection extends into the kitchen with practical yet stylish items including Mini Frypans, Pink Mesh Baskets, novelty candles, and the viral Fruit and Flower Mugs that have quickly become customer favorites.

Anko also proves that meaningful home updates don't require a large budget. With several decorative pieces priced at just ₱300, shoppers can easily refresh their homes with items like Linear Crates, Fruit Napkins, and Succulent in Wavy Pots.

By combining modern design, everyday functionality, and affordable pricing, Anko's latest Home collection empowers Filipino families to create personalized living spaces that reflect their style while making every home feel warmer, brighter, and more inviting.

DITO Wins Best Network Award for the Second Consecutive Time, While Competition Heats Up Across the Philippines

The Philippine telecommunications industry continues to raise the bar as operators compete to deliver faster, more reliable, and higher-quality mobile experiences. In the latest independent network performance report, DITO Telecommunity once again emerged as the Best Network, securing the prestigious title for the second consecutive reporting period. The achievement highlights DITO's continued investment in network infrastructure and its commitment to providing reliable connectivity for Filipino consumers.

One of DITO's most notable accomplishments is its fifth consecutive Reliability Experience award, earning an impressive 838 points on a 100–1000 point scale. This consistent performance demonstrates the company's ability to maintain stable network connections, allowing users to enjoy uninterrupted browsing, streaming, video calls, and online work. Reliability has become one of the most important factors for mobile users, making DITO's sustained success a significant milestone in the country's highly competitive telecom landscape.

While DITO led the overall network category, Smart Communications continued to dominate user experience awards. Smart secured outright victories in Games Experience, 5G Games Experience, Voice App Experience, and 5G Voice App Experience, reinforcing its reputation as the preferred network for gamers and users who rely heavily on communication apps. Overall, Smart increased its total award count from six in the previous report to eight, reflecting continuous improvements across multiple service categories.

Meanwhile, Globe Telecom achieved one of the biggest competitive gains in the latest report by turning Consistent Quality into an outright victory. This marks the sharpest competitive shift since the previous reporting period, highlighting Globe's efforts to enhance network stability and customer satisfaction. The company also successfully retained its Coverage Experience award, emphasizing its extensive nationwide network reach and ability to provide service across more locations.

The latest report illustrates how competition among the country's three major telecom providers continues to benefit Filipino consumers. Rather than one company dominating every category, each provider has demonstrated strengths in different aspects of mobile connectivity. DITO leads in overall network performance and reliability, Smart excels in gaming and voice application experiences, while Globe maintains leadership in coverage and consistent service quality.

As demand for faster internet, 5G services, cloud applications, and digital lifestyles continues to grow, telecom providers are expected to invest even more aggressively in network upgrades and infrastructure. For consumers, this ongoing rivalry translates into better mobile experiences, improved service reliability, expanded coverage, and greater value. Ultimately, healthy competition among DITO, Smart, and Globe is driving innovation and helping shape the future of digital connectivity in the Philippines.

Binance Appoints Jen Bilango as New General Manager For The Philippines

Manila, Philippines - Binance, the world’s leading blockchain ecosystem and digital asset infrastructure provider, together with its partner BlockShoals Technologies (“BlockShoals”), officially welcomes a new member to its leadership team, Jen Bilango, as their General Manager.

An experienced executive in the blockchain space, Jen Bilango’s experience includes serving as General Manager at BlockchainSpace, an international hub empowering web3 communities across Southeast Asia, including gaming, creator economies, sports, and even music.

Bilango also represented the Philippines in the massive Web3 title, The Sandbox, during her tenure with BlockchainSpace, creating initiatives and guiding teams that led to the launch of the first-ever country-specific NFT asset sale on the Sandbox Platform. Aside from working with Web3 communities and platforms, Bilango also served as the Country Manager for a local licensed crypto exchange and was part of the exchange’s push towards global expansion and launch of the PHPC stablecoin.​
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Aside from the blockchain, Bilango’s also gained expertise working in the field of investment banking. Serving as a Board Director for Mabuhay Capital Corporation, taking the lead in multi-million dollar transactions across healthcare, financial services, real estate, and other major industries. Bilango also worked closely with regulators during her tenure with Mabuhay Capital Corporation, a key background that will help Binance navigate its own SEC and regulatory compliance journey in preparation for its entry into the Philippines.

Now embarking on a new role, Jen Bilango brings her combined experience from fostering trading communities, pushing for Web3 expansion, and working with Financial institutions to further blockchain adoption in the Philippines through Binance PH by Blockshoals.

“I am excited and incredibly grateful for this appointment by Binance PH,” says Jen Bilango. She also adds, “It’s an amazing opportunity to be part of the world’s leading blockchain brand in working to ensure full compliance and regulatory measures in our entry to the Philippines and reconnect with the Filipino community and welcome new adopters to blockchain technology.”

“We’re really glad to have Jen on board with us as we gear up for our official launch in the Philippines”, states SB Seker, Head of APAC at Binance. “Her experience is a testament to her expertise, and we’re excited about what we can achieve together”. He also added, “Jen is a fantastic individual who helped push for mainstream crypto adoption in the Philippines. Her roots in the community will surely help us not just reinvigorate the Filipinos’ interest in Binance and in crypto in general, but also to create something special for blockchain adopters in the Philippines.”

CashKO Expands ‘Made-To-Measure’ Microinsurance to Future-Proof 6M+ Filipinos From Medical Poverty, Bridging National Protection Gap

Manila, Philippines — CashKO, a subsidiary of Philippine InsurTech company RuralNet, now protects over 6.1 million underserved Filipinos across 81 provinces through its affordable microinsurance network, driving a critical shift toward grassroots financial resilience.

This comes as the company deploys its "made-to-measure" insurance offering to directly address the country’s growing healthcare and protection gap. Unlike traditional one-size-fits-all insurance products that remain financially out of reach for low-income families, CashKO's coverage is structured to address final medical liabilities and funeral expenses. Because terminal illnesses frequently drain a family’s entire life savings before a loss occurs, these tailored life policies act as an immediate financial shock absorber, protecting vulnerable households from falling into deep poverty before other financial support can arrive.

This safety net coincides with a shifting landscape in public health anxieties in the country. About 67% of adult Filipinos identify staying healthy and avoiding illnesses as their most urgent personal concern, outranking immediate economic worries. Yet a protection gap persists, with the latest national insurance penetration low at 2%. For the informal sector and rural communities, the sudden economic shock of a severe illness frequently forces families into predatory debt cycles, effectively resetting their economic progress to zero.

Lolita Lugasan, a market vendor, shares how she used CashKO through a local lending partner after her husband's sudden passing. With the family's savings exhausted by prior medical care, Lugasan noted that immediate financial assistance arrived within days, allowing her to cover urgent costs while preserving half of the funds to sustain her small business and protect her family's livelihood.

“Makalipas ang ilang araw matapos mamatay ang asawa ko, mabilis kong nakuha ang claim. Ramdam mo na may nag-aalaga sa iyo, may malasakit,” said Lugasan. (“Just a few days after my husband passed away, I received the insurance claim quickly. It makes you feel like someone is truly looking after you and genuinely cares.”)

“‘Yung nakuha ko sa CashKO, kinabukasan, nataon na birthday niya. Hinati ko 'yun. Yung kalahati, ipinanghanda ko. Pero yung kalahati, inilagay ko sa negosyo ko para may umiikot akong puhunan,” she continued. (“The payout I received from CashKO arrived just in time for his birthday the next day. I split the money—half went toward preparing a meal for his birthday, and the other half I invested back into my business so I would have capital to keep it running.”)

CashKO's tailored plans are co-designed alongside local institutions such as rural banks, cooperatives, and microfinance lenders to match the unique income patterns and risk exposure of specific communities.

"Financial protection should be within everyone's reach. It should not be a luxury, but a necessity. Our microinsurance service is tailored to the unique needs of Filipino households, moving away from rigid, traditional insurance and instead co-designing 'made-to-measure' plans with local institutions. By leveraging technology, we are helping more Filipino families build genuine financial resilience and long-term peace of mind, so that losing a breadwinner doesn't mean starting back at zero," said Justin Arcenas, Founder & CEO of RuralNet Inc.

A key driver of CashKO’s scalability and impact is RuralNet’s proprietary digital infrastructure. The platform has streamlined the end-to-end claims process to maintain a 97% claims approval rate while turning around payouts 75% faster than the industry average. This speed proves to be critical for low-income beneficiaries who require immediate liquidity to avoid high-interest emergency loans.

By enabling rural banks, cooperatives, and microfinance institutions to integrate insurance into their existing services, CashKO has expanded its reach through a robust network of more than 5,000 partner branches across 81 provinces. Today, CashKO serves as the foundational financial and operational core of RuralNet's tech-driven ecosystem, lowering operational overhead and eliminating the traditional distribution and trust barriers that have limited the rural insurance sector.

With a proven track record of handling over 6.1 million covered lives, CashKO’s tailored life microinsurance solutions form a vital safety net for the country's most vulnerable sectors in the Philippines.

For more information, you may visit ruralnet.ph or micro.cashko-insurance.com.

Eastern Communications Concludes Launchpad Series, Highlights Key Digital Transformation Priorities Across Philippine Industries

Eastern Communications has concluded its seven-part Launchpad series, bringing together business leaders, industry experts, technology partners, and decision-makers to discuss the opportunities and priorities shaping digital transformation across seven key sectors of the Philippine economy. Through seven industry-focused sessions, Launchpad served as a platform for organizations to exchange insights on emerging challenges, share best practices, and explore practical technology solutions that support business growth and resilience.

Held in collaboration with Colliers, Cisco, HPE, Sophos, Nexusguard, and Huawei, the initiative underscored the value of cross-industry collaboration in helping organizations strengthen operations, build resilience, and prepare for future growth amid evolving market conditions, rapid technological advancements, and rising customer expectations.

Spanning seven dedicated sessions, the series focused on key sectors that play vital roles in the Philippine economy: IT-BPM, Supply Chain, Hospitality & Tourism, Public Sector, Banking & Finance, Healthcare, and Academe. Each session provided a platform for participants to exchange insights, examine industry-specific pain points, and explore practical approaches to addressing business and technology gaps.

While each industry brought its own priorities to the discussions, several themes consistently emerged throughout the Launchpad series, reflecting the shared challenges organizations face as they continue to evolve in an increasingly digital landscape.

Cybersecurity continues to be a growing concern as organizations expand their digital footprint and face increasingly sophisticated threats. Operational resilience remains a top priority as businesses seek to ensure continuity amid economic uncertainties and changing customer expectations. Meanwhile, digital transformation efforts are becoming more focused on achieving measurable business outcomes, with organizations looking for practical and scalable solutions rather than technology for technology’s sake.

“Organizations today face increasingly complex challenges that require more than technology alone,” said Edsel Paglinawan, Chief Revenue & Innovation Officer at Eastern Communications. “They need trusted partners who understand their industries, listen to their evolving needs, and help them build solutions that support long-term growth and resilience. Launchpad was created to foster those conversations.”

Emerging Industry-Themed Insights from the Launchpad

While these priorities resonated across all sectors, each industry also highlighted distinct opportunities and challenges that require tailored approaches to digital transformation.

For the IT-BPM industry, participants highlighted the importance of resilient digital infrastructure and secure hybrid work environments in helping Philippine organizations remain globally competitive amid evolving client demands.

Hospitality & Tourism organizations explored how digital solutions can help modernize operations, enhance guest experiences, and improve service delivery to meet the changing expectations of today's travelers.

The Banking & Finance sector underscored the importance of strengthening cybersecurity, enhancing customer trust, and ensuring regulatory compliance as digital financial services continue to evolve.

Healthcare organizations discussed the need for secure and reliable infrastructure, capable of supporting connected care and digital health initiatives. Meanwhile, institutions within the Academe sector examined how technology can help create more engaging, secure, and future-ready learning environments.

Beyond knowledge-sharing, Launchpad created opportunities for organizations to exchange experiences, discuss common business challenges, and explore practical approaches to digital transformation with peers and technology experts.

Driving Meaningful Collaboration

The series also reinforced Eastern Communications' commitment to developing industry-relevant connectivity and ICT solutions that address evolving customer needs across different sectors.

“Every industry has its own challenges, but what we consistently heard throughout the series was the need for solutions that are practical, scalable, and aligned with business objectives,” added Jed Estanislao, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer at Eastern Communications. “These conversations help us better understand the evolving needs of our customers and allow us to continue developing solutions that create meaningful impact.”

As the Launchpad series concludes, Eastern Communications thanks its partners, speakers, and participating organizations for contributing valuable perspectives throughout the discussions. The insights gathered from the series will continue to inform the company's efforts to help Philippine businesses build resilient, secure, and future-ready digital operations.

To learn more about Eastern Communications' industry initiatives and digital solutions, visit www.eastern.com.ph

Smart Brings Philippine International Challenge 2026 Closer to Badminton Fans via PusoP.com

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is bringing the excitement of the Philippine International Challenge 2026 closer to fans nationwide through PusoP.com, where selected elimination-round matches and all final matches will be streamed live and free.

Set from July 28 to August 2 at Gameville Central Park, Mandaluyong, the tournament will bring together 220 athletes from 28 countries in one of the country's premier international badminton events.

Hosted and organized by the Philippine Badminton Association (PBAD), the competition highlights the Philippines' growing presence in the international badminton community while providing local athletes the opportunity to compete against top global talent on home soil.

Smart and the MVP Sports Foundation (MVPSF) are supporting the tournament as part of their commitment to sports development and athlete excellence. The support also reflects the long-standing passion of PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan for badminton, a sport that remains close to his heart and one he has championed through the years.

PusoP.com, Smart's digital sports platform, continues to make Philippine sports more accessible by bringing fans closer to athletes, teams, and sporting moments that inspire the nation.

"Sports play an important role in nation-building. It teaches discipline, resilience, and teamwork, while bringing communities together behind a common goal," said Jude Turcuato, FVP and Head of Sports at PLDT and Smart. "Through our support for the Philippine International Challenge and platforms like PusoP.com, we are helping make world-class badminton more accessible to Filipinos, inspiring more young people to embrace the sport and creating opportunities for the next generation of athletes to pursue excellence."

As the national governing body for badminton, PBAD continues to strengthen pathways for athletes through grassroots programs, youth development initiatives, and international competitions. The Philippine International Challenge serves as a key platform for elevating local talent and showcasing the country's ability to host world-class sporting events.

"This tournament is an important opportunity for our athletes and for the growth of badminton in the country," said Shawntel Nicole Nieto, Secretary General of PBAD. "By bringing together players from around the world, we provide valuable international exposure for Filipino athletes while inspiring more young people to take up the sport. We are grateful to the MVP Sports Foundation, Smart, and our partners for helping us strengthen the future of Philippine badminton."

The momentum continues after the international tournament with the PBAD Juniors Tournament from August 4 to 9, also at Gameville Central Park, giving the country's rising stars a chance to compete and gain valuable experience.

Through the leadership of PBAD, the support of Smart and MVPSF, and the reach of PusoP.com, the Philippine International Challenge 2026 is helping grow the sport, expand opportunities for Filipino athletes, and bring world-class badminton closer to fans across the country.

Vivo Philippines Brings Scotty Pippen Jr. and Scottie Thompson Together for Exclusive Fan Meet-and-Greet

MANILA, Philippines – Basketball fans in the Philippines are in for a special treat as Vivo Philippines prepares to host an exclusive meet-and-greet featuring Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. and PBA Most Valuable Player and Gilas Pilipinas star Scottie Thompson. The highly anticipated event will take place on July 30 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Vivo Concept Store in SM Megamall, marking the first time the brand has brought together an NBA player and a PBA standout for a single fan experience.

The event promises an exciting afternoon filled with basketball stories, interactive on-stage conversations, fan engagement activities, and exclusive opportunities for attendees to meet both athletes in person. By bringing together two accomplished point guards from different levels of professional basketball, Vivo aims to celebrate the sport's ability to unite communities and inspire fans.

"Basketball has always been one of the strongest passions shared by Filipinos, and we're excited to bring together two athletes whose journeys resonate with fans in different ways," said Liu Lu, Brand Marketing Director of Vivo Philippines.

"This event is about giving fans a chance to connect with the game they love through meaningful experiences while celebrating the spirit of basketball that unites communities around the world," she added.

To make the experience accessible to more fans, Vivo Philippines is giving basketball enthusiasts the chance to win exclusive access to the meet-and-greet. Lucky winners will receive a signed event poster and the opportunity to personally meet Scotty Pippen Jr. and Scottie Thompson at the Vivo Concept Store.

Joining the giveaway is simple. Fans only need to follow Vivo Philippines on Facebook, comment "Vivo Meet & Greet with Scotty" on the official Facebook post, and include the hashtags #vivoxNBA, #ScottyPippenJrinManila2026, and #vivoX300Ultra.

Fans who cannot attend the event in person won't have to miss out. Vivo Philippines will livestream the event on its official Facebook page on July 31 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. During the livestream, viewers can also participate in a separate giveaway for a chance to win exclusive NBA merchandise by commenting "Vivo Meet & Greet with Scotty" and using the same official hashtags.

The event will also showcase the Vivo X300 Ultra, the company's flagship smartphone featuring Triple ZEISS Master Lenses, designed to capture everything from fast-paced sporting action to stunning portraits and everyday moments with exceptional clarity.

Whether attending in person or tuning in online, basketball fans can look forward to an unforgettable celebration of the game while connecting with two athletes who continue to inspire fans both locally and internationally. For more updates and announcements, follow Vivo Philippines on its official social media channels.

LG and Imperial Appliance Plaza Bring Laundry Love to Earthquake-Affected Families in General Santos City

In times of disaster, even simple daily tasks can become major challenges. Recognizing this need, LG Electronics, in partnership with Imperial Appliance Plaza, brought comfort and practical assistance to families affected by the recent earthquake in General Santos City through its Laundry Love community initiative.

The five-day activation took place from July 13 to 17 at the Barangay Hall in Purok Estrella, Barangay Calumpang, where residents were given free access to LG's advanced washing machines and dryers. The initiative aimed to help families focus on rebuilding their lives by easing one of the most essential household responsibilities—laundry.

Over the course of the program, 310 families benefited from the service, with approximately 2,544 kilograms of laundry washed and dried free of charge. For many affected residents, the program provided more than clean clothes—it offered convenience, dignity, and a sense of normalcy during a difficult period of recovery.

Laundry often becomes a secondary concern following natural disasters, as families prioritize food, shelter, and safety. However, access to clean clothing and linens plays a significant role in maintaining hygiene, preventing illness, and improving overall well-being. Through Laundry Love, LG addressed this overlooked need while demonstrating how technology can make a meaningful difference in local communities.

The initiative showcased LG's commitment to using innovation beyond the home. By making its high-performance washing and drying technologies available in shared community spaces, the company ensures that its products serve not only consumers but also communities facing unexpected hardships. The partnership with Imperial Appliance Plaza further strengthened the effort, enabling the program to reach more families efficiently.

Residents expressed gratitude for the support, highlighting how the free laundry service helped reduce both financial and emotional stress during the recovery process. Instead of worrying about finding laundry facilities or spending limited resources on washing clothes, families were able to focus on restoring their homes and caring for loved ones.

The success of Laundry Love in General Santos City demonstrates the importance of collaboration between private companies and local communities during times of crisis. Programs like these show that corporate social responsibility extends beyond donations, creating direct and meaningful impact where it is needed most.

As communities continue their journey toward recovery, initiatives such as Laundry Love serve as reminders that compassion, innovation, and community partnerships can make everyday challenges easier to overcome. Through thoughtful programs that address practical needs, LG and Imperial Appliance Plaza continue to prove that technology can be a powerful force for hope, resilience, and positive change.

Alsons Dev, Khan Academy Bring Personalized Digital Learning to Davao Public Schools

Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev) is expanding access to technology-enabled learning through its partnership with Khan Academy Philippines under the Department of Education's (DepEd) Adopt-a-School Program, providing public elementary schools in Davao City with digital learning tools, internet connectivity, and teacher support to enhance classroom learning.

The initiative was officially launched through a series of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and Deed of Donation signings held at Tugbok Central Elementary School on July 14, 2026, followed by signings at T. Awad Echevarria Elementary School and Paradise Embac Elementary School on July 15, 2026. The ceremonies brought together representatives from Alsons Dev, the Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc., Khan Academy Philippines, DepEd Region XI, local government units, as well as school administrators. A total of 128 tablets were formally turned over to the three beneficiary schools, followed by demonstrations of the Khan Academy platform.

More than providing devices, Alsons Dev is also funding three years of internet connectivity, teacher training, and implementation support, ensuring partner schools have the resources and guidance needed to effectively integrate the Khan Academy platform into classroom instruction.

Khan Academy Philippines President and CEO, Atty. Geraldine Acuña-Sunshine, emphasized the importance of partnerships in expanding access to quality education, "At Khan Academy Philippines, we believe every learner deserves access to quality education, regardless of circumstance. While we provide free learning resources, support from private organizations like Alsons Dev plays a vital role in helping schools overcome barriers to implementation and create more opportunities for students to reach their full potential."

Through Khan Academy's personalized online learning platform, students gain free access to instructional videos and practice exercises in Math, Science, and English, with lessons aligned to the DepEd curriculum. Teachers and school administrators can also monitor student progress through a built-in dashboard.

"We believe education creates opportunities that shape a young person's future. Through this partnership, we hope to strengthen learning in our public schools by giving students access to the tools and resources they need to learn, grow, and pursue their aspirations. By investing in young learners today, we are helping build stronger communities for generations to come," said Alsons Dev President and CEO Miguel Rene A. Dominguez.

The three-year initiative marks the beginning of a long-term effort to make digital learning more accessible and engaging in public schools. It reflects Alsons Dev's commitment to enriching lives by creating opportunities for people and communities to thrive.

For more information on Alsons Dev’s community initiatives, visit www.alsonsdev.com.

Instructure Announces Project Athena, an AI Study Coach Designed to Deliver In-Context Learning through Canvas

SALT LAKE CITY— Instructure, the leading learning ecosystem and maker of Canvas LMS, today introduced Project Athena, currently under development as part of Instructure Foundry, Instructure’s new venture dedicated to innovation. Project Athena is an AI study coach that integrates with Canvas to help students study more effectively. Once launched, Athena will provide personalized support that coaches students toward skill mastery and understanding, utilizing feedback from students and educators grounded in learning science. Project Athena is being designed to use course materials, assignments, and information about upcoming assessments, available through the student’s account, to generate personalized quizzes, study guides, and coaching prompts aligned with course learning objectives.

As institutions work to improve engagement, many struggle to provide personalized study support at scale. Educators and students increasingly turn to AI tutoring to address this need. Yet most AI tutoring tools have a critical gap: they generate explanations without the context of what students are actually learning and require students to find, organize, and upload course materials themselves. Project Athena is intended to address that context gap by connecting study support to the Canvas content students are expected to learn.

Research from the Fordham Institute shows that instructionally aligned tutoring, when connected to what students are actually learning in their courses, produces measurable improvements in student outcomes. Athena will apply this learning science principle by connecting AI-powered study support to course context available through each student’s Canvas account. Athena’s quiz, study guide, and coaching prompts are designed to align with the specific material students are expected to master.
Designed to support educator confidence

Consistent with its philosophy of collaborative product design, Instructure is co-creating Project Athena alongside its customers. As one example of institutional partnership, Hinds Community College, the largest community college in Mississippi, will provide Athena to all 7,000 of its students this fall after a successful pilot this spring.

“Office hours and a tutoring center can only stretch so far. We wanted every student to have support whenever they needed it,” said Brandon Mitchell, Director of Instructional Design and Technology at Hinds College. “If that keeps even a fraction of our 7,000 students in a course they might have dropped, that's a completion and retention impact we can't ignore.”

Student feedback gathered during the project’s development has indicated that instructor support influenced students' comfort with using an AI-enabled study tool. Instructure is using that feedback to shape an experience focused on course materials, learning objectives, and study practices intended to strengthen understanding. The approach will give educators greater clarity about the tool's purpose and give students clearer expectations, while supporting institutional guidelines for responsible AI use.

“Project Athena represents what we believe responsible AI in education should look like: grounded in learning science, connected to the learning environment and built to support understanding through skill mastery,” said Shiren Vijiasingam, chief product officer at Instructure. “It will use the Canvas course context available to each student to focus personalized study support on what they are learning. Project Athena will coach toward mastery, not answers, and is being designed around student data privacy and responsible use.”

Study support grounded in Canvas course context

• Project Athena connects to a student’s Canvas account and uses information available through the student’s existing Canvas permissions, including course materials, assignments and upcoming assessments.
• It generates quizzes, study guides and coaching prompts. This allows the study experience to reflect the content and deadlines associated with each course while keeping support grounded in the material chosen by educators.
• Project Athena will use a mastery model that prioritizes understanding and skill development over assignment completion. It will track confidence and identify areas where students need additional support, pulling relevant questions and materials from Canvas and student uploads while continuously adapting difficulty to match what students already know. Students will be able to upload handwritten notes or curriculum content, and Athena will ground its guidance in course context, with an emphasis on content mastery.

Privacy by design is core to Instructure's AI governance, and Project Athena reflects this commitment. Student conversations are never used to train external models, and students will retain ownership of the data they create in Athena. Athena will access Canvas course information through a read-only connection governed by the student’s existing permissions, so it can only retrieve information the student is authorized to view. Instructure serves as a FERPA-designated school official when handling education records on behalf of participating institutions.
Launching through Instructure Foundry

Project Athena is the first project announced through Instructure Foundry, a new AI-native venture studio for building and bringing innovative products to market faster than Instructure's core roadmap can move. Foundry “disrupts from within,” exploring emerging markets and testing solutions at the pace of change, while maintaining the trust and stability of the core Instructure learning ecosystem. By launching products through Foundry, institutions can adopt breakthrough solutions now, with transparent expectations about what's proven and what will evolve. Every Foundry solution is built through direct collaboration with educators and institutions to address the specific challenges they face.

Instructure’s core product roadmap is built to support thousands of institutions with consistency, reliability, and scale. Foundry complements that work by enabling focused teams to respond more quickly to emerging needs, test new approaches with customers and advance promising solutions without disrupting the core learning ecosystem.

“We have spent more than a year developing Athena alongside our customers and will continue testing and refining it,” said Steve Daly, chief executive officer at Instructure. “By connecting directly to the courses students are taking, Athena will provide study support that reflects the material they are expected to understand. Foundry gives focused teams the flexibility to respond to emerging needs, incorporate feedback from educators and students, and bring solutions that improve outcomes to our customers more quickly.”

Institutions interested in testing Athena and providing feedback can learn more at https://www.studywithathena.com

Building the Nation Together: Globe, DICT Mark GIDA Milestone in Pangasinan

Globe, together with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, marked a major milestone in the country's digital inclusion journey with the ceremonial activation of a new connectivity site in Barangay Macaleeng, Anda, Pangasinan.

The event highlighted the activation of Globe's mobile network expansion across 52 unserved sites, bringing connectivity to these previously zero-signal zones for the very first time, a breakthrough in bridging the digital divide. Fulfilling the company’s commitment to ensure reliable mobile network access across 180 project locations in support of the DICT’s digital inclusion initiatives, Globe’s expanded network footprint brings coverage to the newly connected communities while delivering optimized network services and bandwidth across 128 underserved areas, ensuring all beneficiaries can fully access reliable mobile data.

The ceremony brought together DICT Undersecretary for Support Services Heherson Asiddao, Anda, Pangasinan Mayor Joganie Rarang, representatives from the Department of Education, local government officials, community leaders, Globe executives, and residents who stand to benefit from improved connectivity. During the event, local beneficiaries also received and activated their Bayanihan SIM cards, gaining immediate access to mobile connectivity and digital services.

"This is an important milestone. Every new tower means more communities connected, more families reached, and more opportunities opened," said DICT Undersecretary for Support Services Heherson Asiddao. "This is why connectivity is not just about technology. It is about the people and making sure that where they live does not limit what they can achieve. "

Anda, Pangasinan Mayor Joganie Rarang welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the transformative impact of digital infrastructure on community development.

"For our students, farmers, entrepreneurs, and families, better connectivity opens doors to opportunities that were once beyond reach. This milestone is an investment in the future of Pangasinan."

For Globe, the milestone reinforces its commitment to helping build a more connected and digitally inclusive Philippines.

"The hardest places to connect are often the communities that stand to benefit the most from connectivity," said Carl Cruz, President and CEO of Globe. "Whether through new technologies, stronger partnerships, or innovative network solutions, our goal is simple: to make sure geography is never a barrier to opportunity."

Reliable connectivity opens access to online learning, digital government services, healthcare information, livelihood opportunities, financial services, and communication with family and loved ones. As more underserved communities come online, connectivity continues to create new opportunities for individuals, families, schools, and local businesses.

The ceremony reflects the shared commitment of Globe, DICT, and local government partners to expand connectivity where it is needed most. By continuing to work together, they are helping create more opportunities for communities across the country to participate in an increasingly connected and digital Philippines.

PLDT Ready to Support Growing Government Demand Under New Data Residency EO

PLDT Inc. says it is ready to support the government's growing requirements for secure data hosting and digital infrastructure following the issuance of Executive Order No. 119, which establishes a data residency framework for government data, and is expected to strengthen protection for Filipinos' sensitive information and reinforce the country's broader digital transformation efforts.

PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan expressed his appreciation and support for the President's vision for digital transformation. “We're eager to help turn the President's vision into reality,” he said. “We have been preparing for this future for years. We built the infrastructure ahead of time, and our people have the expertise and capabilities to help the government secure our data and accelerate our digital transformation.”

Through its expanding network of data centers and digital infrastructure, PLDT is well-positioned to enable a secure and future-ready digital ecosystem for government, businesses, and citizens and support the implementation of the government's data residency ambitions.

“This landmark policy brings our government's data governance framework in alignment with the demands of the digital economy, which includes a nation's ability to secure, govern, and control its own data. EO 119 is a key step to ensure both our national security and economic competitiveness,” said Victor S. Genuino, President and CEO of ePLDT Inc. and President of VITRO REIT, Inc.

“We already host the critical data of the country's data-driven government agencies, enterprises, and cloud and AI workloads. And with the launch of VITRO Santa Rosa, the country's first and only AI-ready data center, we can confidently say we are ready today — not just with capacity, but with the cloud and AI capabilities the public sector requires,” he added.

Today, PLDT's data center business under ePLDT, Inc. (“ePLDT”) and VITRO REIT, Inc. the country's pioneering data center operator, showcases over 25 years of operations as trusted digital infrastructure partner for enterprises, with a nationwide footprint strategically spread across the country and approximately 34MW total IT ready capacity available for utilization — the largest data center operator in the country by live colocation IT capacity as of April 15, 2026, according to independent market research.

Years of sustained investments in digital infrastructure enable PLDT to provide the scale and resilience needed to help government agencies comply with evolving data residency and protection requirements under EO 119.

Among these investments are VITRO-branded data centers, which host some of the country's first local sovereign digital platforms, such as Pilipinas Cloud and Pilipinas AI.

Pilipinas Cloud, launched by ePLDT in 2023 as one of the country’s pioneering sovereign cloud platforms, was envisioned specifically to host highly sensitive government data and applications in a trusted cloud environment to help fast-track the digital transformation of the country's public sector. Today, Pilipinas Cloud hosts mission-critical workloads in compliance with the country’s data protection laws and regulations.

Apart from sovereign cloud, ePLDT also launched another homegrown infrastructure that aims to help enterprises and government agencies adopt and operationalize AI responsibly and compliantly. Introduced in 2025, ePLDT Pilipinas AI, the country's first sovereign AI solutions stack, enables organizations to tap into AI's full potential without the burden of building or managing their own infrastructure. It also supports local data privacy requirements and reinforces digital sovereignty by helping keep critical data and workloads within Philippine borders.

Through these sovereign digital infrastructures, PLDT strengthens the Philippines' bid to become a regional hub for digital innovation amid the acceleration of AI adoption around the world.

Underpinning these services are PLDT and Smart's integrated fixed and wireless networks. As of end-March 2026, PLDT's fiber infrastructure, the country's most extensive, spanned nearly 1.3 million cable kilometers, consisting of domestic and international fiber.

Lenovo and FIFA AI Pro Transform Match Preparation at FIFA World Cup 2026™

Artificial intelligence played a defining role at the FIFA World Cup 2026™, as Lenovo and FIFA announced that all 48 participating national teams utilized FIFA AI Pro, an advanced football analytics platform designed to revolutionize match preparation and tactical decision-making.

The adoption of FIFA AI Pro across every competing nation highlights the growing influence of AI in modern sports. By providing teams with rapid access to in-depth performance analysis, the platform has helped level the playing field while enhancing the quality of football on the global stage.

FIFA AI Pro processes millions of data points and evaluates more than 2,000 individual performance metrics from matches and training sessions. Within minutes, coaches and analysts receive comprehensive reports, interactive graphs, visual animations, and tactical recommendations that support everything from opponent scouting to player performance evaluation.

At the core of the platform is Lenovo's AI Factory infrastructure and xIQ agent platform, which powers FIFA AI Pro as a sophisticated Knowledge Super Agent. Instead of relying on a single AI model, the system coordinates multiple specialized AI agents that work together to analyze massive amounts of football data simultaneously. This collaborative AI architecture enables teams to receive highly detailed insights in a fraction of the time traditionally required by human analysts.

One of the most significant achievements of FIFA AI Pro is its commitment to making elite football analytics more accessible. Historically, only wealthier football federations could afford large analytics departments and advanced scouting technologies. With FIFA AI Pro, smaller and emerging national teams gained access to the same high-quality analytical tools, allowing them to prepare more effectively regardless of budget or resources.

This democratization of sports technology represents a major milestone for international football. Equal access to advanced analytics encourages greater competition and allows every nation to make data-driven decisions before and during matches.

According to Arsène Wenger, FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, the successful deployment of FIFA AI Pro marks the beginning of a new era in football analysis. Rather than spending countless hours gathering and organizing performance data, technical staff can now focus on interpreting insights, refining tactics, and improving player performance.

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, platforms like FIFA AI Pro demonstrate how technology can enhance—not replace—the expertise of coaches and analysts. By combining human decision-making with AI-powered intelligence, Lenovo and FIFA are helping shape the future of football, where faster analysis, smarter strategies, and greater accessibility benefit teams of every size on the world's biggest sporting stage.

Vivo X300 FE Brings AI Creation to Transform Everyday Photography

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Rainy days and overcast skies often make even the most vibrant locations appear dull in photos. While the human eye can still appreciate the beauty of a scene, smartphone cameras sometimes struggle to capture the same atmosphere. To address this, Vivo has introduced AI Creation on the new Vivo X300 FE, an intelligent imaging feature designed to enhance photos before and after they are taken.

Building on the company's expertise in mobile photography, the Vivo X300 FE combines its advanced AI imaging technology with a ZEISS co-engineered camera system, allowing users to transform ordinary shots into visually stunning images without relying on third-party editing apps. Whether capturing cityscapes, landscapes, or creative portraits, AI Creation makes it easier to achieve professional-looking results with just a few taps.

A recent hands-on demonstration, filmed in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Metro Manila, showcased how the feature can dramatically improve photos taken during gloomy weather. The demonstration highlighted two primary ways users can take advantage of AI Creation.

Before taking a photo, users can activate AI Style Filters within the Camera app's Landscape & Night mode. One of the available filters, Morning Glow, instantly adds warmer lighting and brighter tones, transforming cloudy scenes into vibrant images at the moment the shutter is pressed. Users can also explore additional AI styles such as Underwater, Dream, and Glow, each previewed through easy-to-select thumbnails.

AI Creation also enhances images after they have been captured. By opening a photo in the Gallery and selecting AI Creation, users can choose from creative styles including Travel, Landscape, Fantasy, Stage, and Cyberpunk. After tapping Generate, the AI recreates the image with a fresh artistic look within seconds, offering an effortless way to reimagine existing photos.

Beyond its AI-powered imaging capabilities, the Vivo X300 FE delivers flagship-level performance. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, ensuring smooth multitasking and responsive AI processing. Despite its powerful hardware, the smartphone remains sleek, measuring only 7.99 mm thin and weighing 191 g, making it comfortable for everyday use while delivering premium photography performance.

The Vivo X300 FE is available in Mist Purple and Luxe Black with a suggested retail price of Php 54,999. Customers can purchase the device through Vivo concept stores, the Vivo e-store, and official Vivo stores on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

For more information about the Vivo X300 FE and its AI Creation features, visit the official Vivo website.

LG Unveils Next-Generation AI Displays with OLED evo G6 AI and Micro RGB evo AI

LG Electronics continues to push the boundaries of home entertainment with the introduction of its latest flagship display technologies—the LG OLED evo G6 AI and the LG Micro RGB evo AI. Designed to cater to different viewing preferences, these premium TVs showcase LG's commitment to delivering immersive, intelligent, and cinema-quality experiences for modern households.

For viewers who prioritize stunning picture precision, the LG OLED evo G6 AI offers a premium visual experience powered by self-lit OLED technology. Unlike conventional display panels, OLED pixels illuminate independently, allowing the TV to produce perfect blacks, remarkable contrast, and exceptional shadow detail. This level of image accuracy brings movies, TV shows, and games to life with vibrant colors and realistic depth, making it an ideal choice for film enthusiasts and content creators who demand the highest picture quality.

Meanwhile, the LG Micro RGB evo AI is built for consumers looking to transform their living rooms into a true home cinema. Available in display sizes of up to 100 inches, this impressive TV delivers an expansive viewing experience without compromising image clarity. At its core is LG's powerful α11 AI Processor, which intelligently minimizes color bleeding while enhancing color accuracy and overall image sharpness. The result is a cleaner, more natural-looking picture that maintains exceptional quality even on ultra-large screens.

Both flagship models are equipped with premium entertainment technologies that elevate every viewing session. Support for Dolby Vision ensures stunning HDR visuals with enhanced brightness and color accuracy, while Dolby Atmos delivers immersive surround sound that fills the room. In addition, Filmmaker Ambient Mode preserves the creator's original artistic intent by automatically adjusting picture settings according to ambient lighting conditions, allowing viewers to enjoy films exactly as directors envisioned.

Beyond outstanding visuals and audio, LG integrates advanced artificial intelligence to make entertainment more personalized and intuitive. AI-powered features provide tailored content recommendations based on user preferences, enabling viewers to discover new movies, series, and programs more easily. Voice-controlled navigation further simplifies operation, while AI-enhanced audio optimizes sound performance according to the content being played.

With the launch of the LG OLED evo G6 AI and LG Micro RGB evo AI, LG Electronics offers consumers two exceptional display solutions that cater to different lifestyles and viewing needs. Whether seeking OLED's unrivaled picture accuracy or the immersive impact of a massive 100-inch display, users can enjoy cutting-edge AI innovations that redefine the future of home entertainment.

PLDT, Smart Bring Cyber Safety Training to Visually Impaired Women and Girls

For women and girls with visual impairments, knowing how to stay safe online is essential to using digital platforms for learning, work, and daily life. Equipping them with accessible cybersecurity skills strengthens their confidence and independence, and advances a more inclusive and secure digital Philippines.

As part of their #KonektedforInclusion and #KonektedforSaferInternet programs, PLDT and Smart supported a cyber safety workshop for visually impaired women and girls organized by Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired (ATRIEV), in partnership with the Quezon City Persons with Disability Affairs Office and APNIC Foundation.

"Cybersecurity awareness is an essential life skill in today’s connected world," said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart. "By empowering persons with disabilities to #BeCyberSmart, we hope to help build a safer digital Philippines where everyone can participate online with confidence."

As part of the Cyber Safety Workshop for Visually Impaired Women and Girls, participants completed PLDT and Smart's #BeCyberSmart module, where they learned practical ways to recognize phishing attempts, avoid online scams, and protect their data from cyber threats.

The three-day, accessibility-centered training equipped participants with real-world digital safety skills and addressed emerging online risks, including AI-generated content, online harassment, and digital exclusion. Designed specifically for women and girls with visual impairment, the workshop highlighted how accessibility and cybersecurity go hand in hand in creating a safer digital environment for all.

"You don't have to share everything online," said Juzztine Mae Bactad, a graphic artist with visual impairment. "Criminals can use that information to compromise your accounts. Turning on multi-factor authentication is one way to better protect them."

Participants also learned to recognize common warning signs of text scams.

"Be wary of text messages saying you won something or offering you a job," said Ma. Angelica Tores, a voice talent with visual impairment. "It's a red flag when you're asked to pay before claiming a prize. If you're applying for work, make sure the employer is legitimate by checking the company's official website or verified social media pages."

In 2026, PLDT and Smart, together with ATRIEV and APNIC Foundation, have equipped persons with disabilities with practical internet safety knowledge through workshops at the Philippine National School for the Blind and the National Vocational Rehabilitation Center.

The initiative forms part of PLDT and Smart's #KonektedforSaferInternet program, which promotes safer digital experiences by equipping Filipinos with the knowledge and skills to navigate the online world more securely. Supporting vulnerable sectors through digital inclusion also advances the group's #KonektedforInclusion initiative.

The awareness campaign complements PLDT and Smart's broader cybersecurity efforts to protect customers from digital threats. In the first six months of the year, the PLDT and Smart Cyber Security Operations Group (CSOG) blocked more than 209 billion attempts to access malicious domains, including phishing websites. It has also blacklisted more than 193,000 URLs linked to phishing, spam, and online hoaxes.

Meanwhile, Smart prevented almost 1.6 billion scam text messages from reaching customers and blocked more than 373,000 mobile numbers associated with fraudulent activities.

Together, public awareness initiatives and continued investments in cybersecurity infrastructure reflect the PLDT Group's broader effort to strengthen digital safety for Filipinos by delivering safe and meaningful connections so customers can live a fuller life.

LG Redefines the Modern Refrigerator with Its Innovative “Ice Solution”

For years, ice has been viewed as a simple feature tucked inside a refrigerator—a convenient way to chill drinks on demand. LG is changing that perception by introducing its innovative “Ice Solution”, a customer-focused approach that transforms ice from a basic appliance function into an essential part of everyday living. By combining advanced technology, superior hygiene, convenience, and personalized experiences, LG is redefining how consumers enjoy ice at home.

Rather than focusing solely on producing ice, LG believes its true value lies in enhancing daily routines and creating memorable lifestyle experiences. Whether it’s preparing a refreshing glass of water after a workout, crafting café-style beverages at home, or serving guests during special occasions, the right type of ice can elevate every moment.

At the heart of LG’s Ice Solution is the concept of “good ice.” According to the company, good ice is defined by three essential qualities: cleanliness, suitability for different beverages, and easy accessibility whenever consumers need it. These priorities are based on extensive customer feedback, which consistently highlights clean ice, fast ice production, and a sufficient supply as the features users value most in a refrigerator.

To meet these expectations, LG has developed a diverse range of ice options designed for different lifestyles and drink preferences. Its lineup includes the premium Craft Ice™, which produces slow-melting spherical ice ideal for cocktails and premium beverages. Mini Craft Ice offers the same elegant experience in a smaller size, while Crushed Ice is perfect for smoothies and chilled drinks. For those who prefer softer, chewable ice, Nugget Ice delivers a satisfying texture that has become increasingly popular for everyday refreshment.

LG’s innovations are driven by real customer insights and actual usage patterns. By understanding how people use ice in their homes, the company continues to develop features that provide greater convenience, personalization, and overall satisfaction. This customer-centric approach ensures that every innovation serves a practical purpose rather than simply adding another feature.

Supporting this vision is LG’s “Ice to Meet You” campaign, which encourages consumers to discover the type of ice that best complements their lifestyle. Whether for staying hydrated, creating barista-quality beverages at home, or entertaining family and friends, the campaign highlights how the right ice can make everyday experiences more enjoyable.

As consumer expectations continue to evolve, LG demonstrates that innovation is not only about introducing new technology but also about improving the way people live. Through its comprehensive Ice Solution, LG is proving that even something as ordinary as ice can become an important part of a smarter, cleaner, and more personalized home experience.