Solar Energy: Powering the Philippines’ Future

The Philippines is fast emerging as one of the most dynamic and promising solar energy markets globally. Under the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) 2020–2040, the government has set ambitious targets—aiming to generate 35% of energy from renewables by 2030, and 50% by 2040. As part of this commitment, the country plans to double its solar output by 2030 and host the world’s largest solar installation by early 2026, featuring 3.5 GW of solar capacity and 4 GWh of battery storage.

In alignment with these goals, the Philippine Solar, Power and Energy Expo will serve as a vital platform for stakeholders across the energy ecosystem—including manufacturers, exporters, distributors, importers, contractors, engineers, and new entrants—to explore collaboration and investment opportunities. The expo expects over 110 exhibitors from India, the Philippines, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Korea, Egypt, and other countries, with more than 3,000 professional visitors anticipated from across the ASEAN region.

Building the Future: Construction and Ceramics Expo

The Philippine Construction and Ceramics Expo, running concurrently from July 29–31, 2025, is the country’s premier exhibition focused on construction, ceramic, interior, and building materials. It will bring together key players from the construction, housing, infrastructure, and ceramic sectors, offering unmatched opportunities for networking and business development. This event is poised to become a strategic gateway to the Southeast Asian business community and contribute significantly to infrastructure growth in the Philippines and the region.

Distinguished Speakers at the Press Conference:

• Mr. Johnny Chotrani – Co-Chairman (Philippines), ASEAN India Economic Council; Member, Advisory Board, Philippine Solar Power and Construction Expo

• Ms. Maria Theresa “Tetchi” Cruz Capellan – Chairperson, Steering Committee, Asian Photovoltaic Industry Association; Chairperson, Philippines Solar and Storage Energy Alliance; President & CEO, SunAsia Energy Inc.

• Engr. Warren Maralit – President, Power Professionals Association of the Philippines (PPAP)

• Mr. Carmelo Jimson B. Uranza – President, Society of Philippine Electrotechnical Constructors and Suppliers (SPECS)

• Arch. Felino “Jun” Albano Palafox, Jr. – Architect & Urban Planner; Founder, Palafox Associates

• Dr. Luis Ramon V. Rodriguez, MD, MDM – President, Karl Group Holding Corp and Philippine Medical Depot; Member, Advisory Board, Philippine Solar Power and Construction Expo

• Engr. Rene Fajilagutan – Member, Board of Directors, PHILRECA

•••

Genesis Global Exhibitions and ACE Group, with the support of the ASEAN India Economic Council, Philippine India Business Council, and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is pleased to announce the upcoming Philippine Solar, Power and Energy Expo, co-located with the Philippine Construction and Ceramics Expo, scheduled to take place from July 29–31, 2025, at Function Room 5, SMX Convention Centre, Manila, Philippines.

These exhibitions are proudly supported by the Philippines Solar and Storage Energy Alliance (PSSEA), Society of Philippine Electrotechnical Constructors and Suppliers (SPECS), PHILRECA, Power Professionals Association of the Philippines (PPAP), among others, with additional associations expected to join.

*Register here for free admission, see you!

CIMB Philippines Offers MSMEs 4% Interest with New Biz Account

CIMB Biz provides entrepreneurs with a high-interest savings account, free daily bank transfers, and access to other mobile banking tools to support their business growth.

CIMB Bank Philippines now offers CIMB Biz, a new service for owners of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and online entrepreneurs. The digital-focused lender said it created the service to help these businesses access banking services and support their growth.

With CIMB Biz, customers can receive a deposit interest rate of 4% per annum on their savings account, with no cap applied. They can also perform up to 10 free Instapay transfers daily with a cap of PHP 150,000, and free PESONet transfers capped at PHP 500,000 per day.

Additionally, entrepreneurs are able to earn an extra 0.5% interest per year when they open a MaxSave deposit account. Additionally, CIMB Bank Philippines offers these features and other digital banking products, including bill payments with zero service fees and a free virtual debit card, through its mobile app.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry, MSMEs constitute more than 99% of businesses in the country.

CIMB noted that while these enterprises are a driving force for the economy, many still lack access to the banking services and solutions they need to grow their business. The bank said it recognises this opportunity to help and contribute to MSME financial inclusion.

CIMB Biz is currently available by invitation to existing deposit customers. The service is scheduled to be open for public application in the coming months.

Source: https://fintechnews.ph/67591/personalfinance/cimb-philippines-msmes-4-percent-interest-biz-account/

"Peacemaker" Documentary Screening Highlights Over a Decade of Global Peace Initiatives

INTERNATIONAL peace advocacy group Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) gathered peace advocates, youth leaders, educators, and religious leaders during the screening of the documentary film Peacemaker held on July 19, 2025 at Red Carpet Cinema 1, Shangri-La Plaza Mall. The event brought to light the remarkable peace initiatives led by HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee, a South Korean war veteran turned global peace advocate.

The film chronicled the Chairman's tireless efforts to end war and conflict through dialogue, cooperation, and international solidarity. One of the film’s pivotal highlights is the creation of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), a groundbreaking document that proposes 10 articles and 38 clauses to serve as a legal and moral framework for governments and civil societies to prevent war and institutionalize peace.

Guests in attendance expressed deep admiration for the global campaigns documented in the film, especially HWPL’s grassroots peace education, interfaith dialogues, and diplomatic engagements across continents including the peace efforts made in various parts of the Philippines, most especially in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Peacemaker shed light on a global movement involving thousands of volunteers and partner organizations working to make peace not just an ideal but a practical reality.

Asked about his overall impression of the film, Century Pacific Foods Chief Operations Officer and Executive Vice President Gregory Banzon said, “I found it very interesting. I think the strategy of the chairman is on point, really bringing the issue to a national, global scale, and all the way up to the UN."

Moreover, the event also serves as a reminder for Filipinos to take active roles in peacebuilding efforts in their communities.

Ivan Gozum, a faculty member of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and PRO of Religious Educators Association of the Philippines (REAP), expressed how he was moved by the documentary, "When I was looking at the title I thought... Peacemaker, ito yung papanood ko, ito yung superhero. Pero while watching the advocacy of Chairman Lee and then we talked about the cessation of war, peace education, religious harmony, I think my impression on the title "Peacemaker" and the [superhero series] is connected because I think, in a certain way, Chairman Lee's advocacy and the HWPL advocacy as a peacemaker is somehow really an effort of a hero, a modern day hero to really promote peace amid conflict, amid wars that are happening in our world right now."

Hindu priest Rev. Archarya Prem Shankaranand Tirth said, “Peace in the world is really very much needed. We are humans but we have been divided by religions, by colors, by race, through so many political things. This work of the HWPL is trying its best to make humanity as one.” He added, “to all of you and to everyone who will watch, please... see how common things are there to make us one, not to be divided, but to connect as a human.”

#HWPL2025

#todayph25

RCBC is Euromoney’s Six-time ‘Best Bank for Digital’

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) continues to break boundaries in digital banking, earning the prestigious “Best Bank for Digital” award from Euromoney for 2025. This marks an unprecedented sixth consecutive win, making RCBC the first bank in Asia to achieve such a feat and cementing its position as a regional trailblazer in inclusive digital finance.

The announcement was made by Euromoney, recognizing RCBC’s pioneering digital innovations, customer-first approach, and strong push for inclusive financial ecosystems in an increasingly competitive fintech landscape.

“This accomplishment is a testament to RCBC’s commitment to being a digitally driven and customer-obsessed bank. We will continue to provide cutting-edge banking solutions, keeping CX at the heart of our strategy,” said RCBC president and CEO Reginaldo Anthony B. Cariaso. “We will deliver impactful solutions that are accessible, intuitive, and secure.”

RCBC’s sixth win comes on the heels of transformative initiatives across its digital platforms. RCBC Pulz—the first privately owned digital banking app in the Philippines to allow account opening using an international mobile number—was scaled up through partnerships with the Department of Migrant Workers and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas.

These tie-ups extend digital finance to Overseas Filipino Workers and immigrants, strengthening financial ties with the homeland. Pulz also boasts the most AI-enabled features in the market, making it the most intelligent banking platform in the country today.

DiskarTech, the world’s first multilingual financial inclusion super app, caters to underserved and unbanked Filipinos—particularly micro and small entrepreneurs. It provides easy access to microloans, savings, insurance, and telemedicine services.

DiskarTech actively collaborates with key government agencies such as the Social Security System, Department of Education, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to expand its reach and enhance its digital financial service offerings. These partnerships drive broader financial inclusion and uplift DiskarTech’s growing entrepreneurial clientele, especially in grassroots communities.

Available in Taglish and Cebuano, the app ensures both language accessibility and cultural relevance for its diverse user base.

RCBC ATM Go, the country’s largest bank-agnostic mobile ATM network, has expanded its reach to 100 percent of provinces and cities, and 95 percent of municipalities nationwide. It empowers over 5,000 MSMEs as banking agents, enabling sustainable livelihoods in grassroots communities.

At least 20 percent of these agents now rely on Starlink satellite internet to operate in the most remote island and off-grid areas, ensuring no Filipino is left behind. In partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT), ATM Go also supports the digitalization of tourism-related financial transactions.

It introduced Southeast Asia’s first manual withdrawal service for VISA and Mastercard debit cards, benefiting both domestic and foreign users. Notably, over 60 percent of ATM Go users are rural women, and 70 percent of transactions are for government cash disbursements such as 4Ps, salaries, pensions, and aid to public sector workers.

“This six-peat is more than a milestone—it’s a mission in motion,” said Lito Villanueva, executive vice president and chief innovation and inclusion officer of RCBC. “We are proud to pioneer solutions that are contextual, inclusive, and deeply impactful. This honor is shared with our partners and clients, whose trust fuels our resolve to uplift lives and empower communities through world-class digital finance.”

With this historic win, RCBC sets a new gold standard for what it means to be a digitally driven, inclusively built, and future-ready bank for the Filipino people.

#FintechAlliancePH #EuromoneyAwards

#todayph25

The Manila Tech Summit 2025: Forging a New Global Order

The Fintech Alliance PH presents The Manila Tech Summit 2025 with Theme : Forging a New Global Order 

This summit isn’t just about discussing the problems—it’s about exploring actionable solutions, strategic investments, and forward-thinking strategies to not only survive, but thrive in this complex, ever-evolving landscape. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation about some of the most urgent and relevant issues shaping our world today:

Geopolitical Fragmentation: Rising nationalism and multipolar power struggles threaten cooperation on critical issues such as global security, trade, and environmental sustainability.

Technological Disruption: AI, quantum computing, and digital currency can empower innovation but also amplify inequality, cyber threats, and loss of privacy.

Climate Crisis: The escalating impacts of climate change risk deepening resource conflicts and economic instability, especially for vulnerable nations

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#FintechAlliancePH #ManilaTechSummit2025

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