GSMA Digital Nation Summit Manila 2026: Building the Philippines' Digital Future

 NTheme: Anchoring Trust to Accelerate Value

Manila takes center stage in the global digital conversation today, *November 4, 2026*, as the GSMA — the global mobile industry association — holds its *Digital Nation Summit Manila 2026* at the Sonata Ballroom, Level 2, The Westin Manila.

This is the second year GSMA brought the summit to the Philippines after its inaugural Manila run in November 2024, signaling the country's rising position as Asia Pacific's 6th ranked Digital Nation out of 18 countries.

*Why Manila, Why Now?*

According to GSMA's Asia Pacific Head Julian Gorman, the Philippines is entering a new phase of digital development. With smartphone adoption projected to reach 92% by 2030 and 5G expected to account for over 51% of mobile connections (from just 3% in 2023), the focus has shifted from just connectivity to *trust, resilience, and value creation.

*Key Agenda Today:*

The summit brings together policymakers, telcos, tech giants, and regulators to tackle:

1.  *Building a Trusted and Resilient Digital Economy* — strengthening digital trust, scam prevention, and network resilience. With scams surging in the Philippines, the panel includes:

    - Atty. Johann Carlos S. Barcena, Commissioner, National Privacy Commission

    - Usec. Renato Paraiso, Executive Director, CICC (Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center)

    - Norman Ng, Google APAC

    - Arthur Tanseco, Mastercard

2.  *Digital Leaders' Fireside Chat: Future-ready Philippines* — Drawing insights from the GSMA Digital Nations ASEAN report and Digital Nation Index, discussing the role of connectivity, cloud, networks, and AI in inclusive growth.

3.  *Keynote: The Trust Engine – Accelerating Value for a Digital Philippines*

Opening address by Julian Gorman, GSMA Asia Pacific, with Globe Telecom CEO Carl Cruz as event partner.

*The Bigger Picture:*

The summit comes just weeks before Mega Manila's historic *Analog TV Switch-Off on November 22, 2026* — another major digital milestone. From broadcasting to mobile, the Philippines is in full digital transition.

Palace declares Nov. 16–18 as special non-working days in NCR for ASEAN Summit

Malacañang has declared November 16 to 18, 2026 as special non-working days in the National Capital Region in connection with the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

Under Proclamation No. 1447, the three-day work suspension aims to ease traffic congestion and allow the Philippines, as host country, to ensure the safety and security of summit participants.

By authority of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Acting Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto signed the proclamation on September 17.

The proclamation states that the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits will be held in Metro Manila.

“It is necessary to declare 16–18 November 2026 as special (non-working) days in the National Capital Region,” the proclamation said.

The declaration covers Monday, November 16, through Wednesday, November 18, 2026.

The ASEAN’s 2026 national calendar also lists several ASEAN-related meetings in Metro Manila during November, including the 16th ASEAN Maritime Forum on November 17 and the 14th Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum on November 18. | PND

ASEAN Green Jobs Forum 2026 Advances Regional Cooperation and Action on Green Jobs and Workforce Readiness

MANILA, THE PHILIPPINES, 20 October 2026 – The ASEAN Green Jobs Forum (AGJF) 2026 was successfully held from 19 to 20 October in Manila, the Philippines, under the theme “Building Green Skills, Creating Green Jobs: Advancing a Just and Inclusive Workforce.” Hosted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) of the Philippines, with the support of the ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC), the Australia for ASEAN Futures Initiative (Aus4ASEAN Futures) and the German Government-funded project funded Regional Cooperation on Labour Market Policy and TVET for a Twin Transition in ASEAN (RECOTwin) project, the Forum brought together around 300 participants onsite and online from across ASEAN.

Representatives of ASEAN Member States (AMS), development partners, employers’ and workers’ organisations, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations and policy research institutions shared experiences and practical approaches to advance green job creation, strengthen workforce readiness and support a just and inclusive green transition.

H.E. Francis N. Tolentino, Secretary of Labor and Employment of the Philippines, underscored the importance of moving from commitment to implementation: “Last October, our Labour Ministers adopted the Joint Statement on Actionable Plan for Green Jobs, endorsing the ASEAN Framework and Action Plan for a Just and Inclusive Transition to Green Jobs 2025–2030. The plan is on paper. This Forum is where we begin to make it real.”

Building on the momentum of the 2024 and 2025 Forums hosted by the Ministry of Human Resources of Malaysia, AGJF 2026 focused on advancing implementation of the Framework and Action Plan. The Forum ‘s discussions centred on three interconnected priorities: creating and transforming jobs; preparing ASEAN’s workforce; and strengthening regional cooperation.

Participants highlighted the importance of transforming existing jobs and enabling new green economic activities through strategic investment, enterprise innovation, digitalisation and support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and transitioning sectors. Workforce readiness will require demand-driven skills development, stronger industry-TVET collaboration, accessible reskilling and upskilling, and lifelong learning. Regional cooperation can complement these efforts through labour-market intelligence, green TVET and skills recognition, decent work and social protection, meaningful social dialogue, and peer learning across ASEAN.

“Millions of jobs across agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and services can be transformed through targeted skills development, technology integration, and supportive public policy,” said Police Lieutenant Colonel Wannapong Kotcharag, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Thailand, and Chairperson, ASEAN Senior Labour Officials’ Meeting (SLOM).

The Forum also underscored the importance of connecting skills development with economic and employment opportunities. H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, emphasised: “Skills, without investment and enterprise demand, may not lead to employment. And investment, without a capable and adaptable workforce, may not achieve its full economic and social value.”

Partnership will remain important as ASEAN advances implementation of the Framework and Action Plan. H.E. Tiffany McDonald, Australia’s Ambassador to ASEAN, said: “Australia and ASEAN are committed to strengthening cooperation to accelerate the region’s transition to renewable and green energy, in a just and inclusive manner. By investing in skills and strengthening cooperation, we can support our shared vision for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region.”

Building on AGJF 2026, ASEAN will continue to advance implementation of the Framework and Action Plan through regional cooperation, knowledge exchange and peer learning, while supporting Member States in preparing workers and enterprises for a just and inclusive green transition. 

FinTech Alliance PH mounts 2nd Pickleball Tournament, unites fintech industry over social good

CAINTA, RIZAL - FinTech Alliance PH, the country’s largest and premier digital industry association of over 170 corporate members, successfully mounted “Sportstacular 2026: An Industry-wide Fitness Fest: Paddle Forward Pickleball Tournament Season 2” from October 24 to 25, 2026 at the Astra Pickleball Center in Cainta, Rizal. 

The event was considered a milestone after it welcomed over 400 players across 42 organizations, a visible showcase of fintech sector collaboration and support. The fintech industry drew a strength of unity and force in this year’s iteration of the tournament by growing the number of participants by 100% and tripling the number of participants according to FinTech Alliance PH founding chairman Lito Villanueva.

“A huge thank you to 422 players representing 42 organizations who came together to make this our biggest edition yet! That’s more than double the participating organizations and over 3x the number of organizations’ participation growth compared to last year’s 21 organizations and 130 players,” Villanueva said.

Villanueva further exclaimed, “Your incredible turnout reflects the growing passion for sports, wellness, and stronger industry connections. Together, we’re proving that the fintech community is stronger on and off the court!”

The tournament was an opportunity for professionals, leaders and visionaries from the fintech industry to build camaraderie, deepen connections, and forge a path of shared purpose anchored upon social good. 

Moreover, it comes at a timely period for the industry after the BSP announced that InstaPay and PESONet fund transfers hit Php 25 Trillion. The combined clearing houses’ transaction volume grew 124% year-on-year; and transaction value leaped by 45% year-on-year.

At the end of the tournament, RCBC clinched the overall top 1 spot. The bank was followed by digital bank Maya in second place; the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in third place; GCash in fourth place; and LANDBANK in fifth place.

Sportstacular 2026 was co-presented with GCash and SandBox Prime, and was supported by sponsors Maya, ATRAM Investments, Home Credit, JuanHand, and LANDBANK.

For this year’s full list of winners:

Novice - Men’s Doubles

Gold - RCBC - Clark Jordan Sison / Jan Ryon Gabrelle Binuluan

SIlver - Maya - Joshua Tanyag / Jhon Michael Andales

Bronze - UNOBank Inc. - Group 1- Dane Martin Anastacio / Christian Karl Molina

Novice - Women’s Doubles

Gold - Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas - Acie Prepuse / Jacquelyn Quilit

Silver - PalawanPay - Honeyzel Eyas / Alaine Junne Mae Tribiana

Bronze - Doanne Ramirez / Aika San Juan

Novice - Mixed Doubles

Gold - Medicard Philippines - Warna Tanjulin / Edson De Villa

Silver - PalawanPay - Bernard Kaibigan / Honeyzel Eyas

Bronze - Pickle-boo - Cai Dela Cruz / Mike Montevirgen

Low Intermediate - Men’s Doubles

Gold - RCBC - Jayson Tubid / Rennier Katigbak

Silver - Pickle-boo - Joshua Ingal / Ryan Marquez

Bronze - Bayad - Dennis Dungo / Evan Diculen

Low Intermediate - Women’s Doubles

Gold - Maya - Ma. Rhijean Sarenas / Raven Ico

Silver - GCash - Marovic Valle / Monica Janette Abesamis

Bronze - Foodpanda - Maria Czarina Concepcion / Khen Alfonso

Low Intermediate - Mixed Doubles

Gold - Pickle-boo - Christian Jay Tingcang / Abby Ingal

Silver - Grab - Ceril Cruz / Mica Aquino

Bronze - RCBC - Jacqueline Michelle Enriquez / Jose Karlo Japlos

High Intermediate - Men’s Doubles

Gold - Hawaii Barber - Eevhan Antenorcruz / Jewel Arcega

Silver - GCash - John David Bartolome / Louie Ocampo

Bronze - RCBC - Enzo Tiongson / Brian Christopher Del Rosario

High Intermediate - Women’s Doubles

Gold - GCash - Camille San Diego / Marjolaine De Castro

Silver - Maya - Maria Gabrielle Sandejas / Denise Bernardo

Bronze - RCBC - Nicole Sacramento / Jasmine Estelle Pineda

High Intermediate - Mixed Doubles

Gold - Maya - Gabriel Rhobert Dy / Denise Bernardo

Silver - RCBC - Paolo Montecillo Dy / Sarah Briones

Bronze - PalawanPay - Alaine Junee Mae Tribiana / Mark Darwin Villarata

C-Suite (no-bearing game; excluded in points computation for overall champion)

Gold - RCBC - Joey Flor / Lylah Ballaran

Silver - RCBC - Luis Tadeo Del Rosario Abello / Reggie Cariaso

Bronze - S&P Global Phil Inc. - Jimbo Borja / Rey Castro

We’re now Asean Gamingand launching our advisory arm, AG Consult

As we enter a new chapter with the launch of AG Consult, our new advisory business, we have rebranded as Asean Gaming.

AG Consult offers end-to-end licensing, compliance, governance, strategy and media support for operators, regulators and investors from Asia-Pacific and further afield. 

The rebranding brings consistency across our platforms: Asean Gaming publishes your daily Asean Gaming Brief and organizes the ASEAN Gaming Summit. 

AG Consult draws on the experience and networks built over years of reporting on the industry, connecting stakeholders and bringing together regulators, operators, suppliers and all manner of service providers. 

 

The advisory proposition rests on a two-pronged approach: clients can engage AG Consult directly for a defined project or an ongoing mandate, or they can use it as a route into a wider network.

Luis Pereira, Managing Director of Asean Gaming, commented: “We’ve been very fortunate over the years to work with industry leaders and stakeholders from all sectors and jurisdictions, and it’s been this company’s ambition to capitalize on the experience and network we’ve accumulated from them. The new service allows us to do just that.” 

 

“With AG Consult, we’ll do more than just point people in the right direction. We’ll be part of the solution, either by providing direct advisory or connecting parties with real Asian experience and expertise. In a market where genuine regional experience is scarce, riddled with gaps, and extremely challenging to find, this matchmaking role is as much the point of AG Consult as the direct advisory work,” he added.

Services

AG Consult is a boutique, senior-led advisory practice by design, connecting clients with specialist expertise with proven track records in their fields. The service spans 25 specialist areas grouped under four pillars. 

Licensing and authorization covers jurisdiction selection, application drafting and regulator liaison, responsible gambling frameworks and banking and payments readiness, across at least 12 jurisdictions. These include the Isle of Man, Malta, Gibraltar, the United Kingdom, Estonia, Curaçao, Anjouan, Nevis, Tobique, Kahnawake, Tuvalu and Liberia. 

Compliance covers the full ongoing lifecycle, from outsourced MLRO, Compliance Officer and Data Protection Officer roles through AML and CFT framework design, regulatory readiness and mock audits, data protection, training, internal audit, forensic advisory and remediation. 

Advisory covers the strategic and commercial layer, including market entry, M&A and corporate finance, technology and platform selection, land-based casino development, wealth structuring, government regulatory design and ESG.

Media and Events draws directly on Asean Gaming’s own strengths, offering PR and crisis communications, thought leadership, conference and roundtable production, as well as brand activation at the major international events. AG Consult clients also benefit from direct access to Asean Gaming’s readership across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and beyond.

Alternative dispute resolution, a licensing requirement in a growing number of jurisdictions, is handled through AG Consult-affiliated service iGamingADR, which is already approved as an ADR provider under frameworks including Anjouan, Nevis, Curaçao and Tobique.

 

AG Consult is offering free, no-obligation consultations for operators, regulators and investors weighing their next move. Details of all 25 service areas are available at aseangaming.com/consult.

 

Asean Gaming is no longer affiliated with Asia Gaming Brief. 

 

The launch of the consultancy arm is part of a series of initiatives we are rolling out over the coming months. Stay tuned for more!

 

We’ve also revamped our new social media channels!

Follow us for up-to-date news, views and networking opportunities:

LinkedIn | X | Telegram | Facebook | Instagram

PAGCOR revenue falls 23.4% in 9M26 amid Philippine gaming slowdown

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) reported a 23.41 percent drop in revenue in the first nine months of 2026, with weaker electronic gaming earnings driving declines across its main revenue streams.

Total revenue fell to PHP64.41 billion ($1.01 billion) from PHP84.09 billion a year earlier, the regulator and casino operator said in an October 29th release.

PAGCOR revenue falls 23.4% in 9M26 amid Philippine gaming slowdown

Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco identified electronic gaming as the main drag. Segment revenue fell 37.23 percent to PHP27.63 billion ($431.8 million) from PHP44.03 billion, though it remained PAGCOR’s largest source of gaming revenue.

PAGCOR’s revenue from licensed casinos, its second-largest gaming contributor, declined 3.22 percent to PHP23.10 billion ($361 million) from PHP23.87 billion.

Its Casino Filipino branches generated PHP7.28 billion ($113.8 million), down 8 percent from PHP7.91 billion. Revenue from poker operations fell 4.60 percent to PHP105.86 million ($1.65 million) from PHP110.97 million.

Overall revenue from gaming operations dropped 23.44 percent to PHP58.13 billion ($908.4 million) from PHP75.93 billion.

Earnings from other related services fell 38.59 percent to PHP3.04 billion ($47.5 million). Other income was broadly unchanged at PHP3.23 billion ($50.5 million), compared with PHP3.20 billion a year earlier.

PAGCOR revenue falls 23.4% in 9M26 amid Philippine gaming slowdown

The nine-month revenue decline was less steep than the 26.64 percent fall PAGCOR reported for the first half, although earnings remained below year-earlier levels.

The results follow a broader slowdown in the Philippine gaming market. Separate PAGCOR data showed industry-wide gross gaming revenue (GGR) fell 20.33 percent year-on-year to PHP88.13 billion ($1.38 billion) in 2Q26. Tengco attributed the decline largely to weaker electronic gaming, citing inflation and Middle East tensions as well, which weighed on discretionary spending.

Online gaming access has also faced regulatory restrictions. In August 2025, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas ordered supervised financial institutions to remove links providing access to gambling sites from their mobile payment apps and websites within 48 hours.

PDRF, Direct Relief preposition 100 medical go bags to strengthen disaster preparedness

October 30, 2026, CLARK, PAMPANGA—The Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), in partnership with Direct Relief, an international humanitarian organization, is prepositioning 100 medical go bags at the PDRF Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Clark, Pampanga, to strengthen disaster preparedness of its employees and disaster-affected communities. The initiative also aims to improve emergency response readiness by ensuring essential supplies are strategically positioned and available for deployment during disasters and emergencies.

“Disasters often strike without warning. Prepositioning Direct Relief’s emergency supplies enables us to help people faster and restore them more quickly to normalcy,” said PDRF President Butch Meily.

Direct Relief’s emergency medical pack is a rugged, purpose-built backpack tailored for mobile healthcare and first responders. Each pack includes essential supplies for triage, trauma care, infection control, and personal protection during disasters and public health crises.

Direct Relief Asia Pacific Regional Manager Len Manriquez and Asia Pacific Emergency Response Manager Dustin Shiau attended the assembly and preparation of the bags.

“Partnering with PDRF guarantees a timely response to health emergencies in a country ranked among the most disaster-prone in the world,” said Shiau.

The University of the Philippines Clark supported this initiative by mobilizing its students and volunteers to help assemble the contents.

This initiative may guide future efforts to increase pre-positioned emergency supplies, improve distribution, and expand coverage across the Philippines to reach more communities.