DOST presents local BIOMED Innovations Supporting Safer Skin Testing, Newborn Care, and Clinical Training

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through the Biomedical Engineering for Health (BIOMED) Program of the DOST Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), showcased three research initiatives designed to improve biocompatibility testing, enhance clinical training, and address life-threatening congenital conditions during the Talakayang HeaRT Beat press conference.  

“Since 2020, the DOST has invested over ₱795 million in the development of locally produced biomedical devices aimed at strengthening the country’s healthcare system. These projects represent years of dedicated work by our partner researchers, whose commitment continues to drive innovations that improve the quality of healthcare for Filipinos,” DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. said.  

Under the DOST-PCHRD’s Biomedical Engineering for Health (BIOMED) Program, support is given to research endeavors that aim to address the increasing need for locally-developed medical tools. Projects supported under the program span a diverse range of priority areas, including the development of biomedical devices for emergency, imaging, medical training tools, rehabilitative and assistive care devices, orthopedics, and local implants.  

Three (3) projects under the BIOMED program were featured during the Talakayang HeaRT Beat press conference last April 29, 2026 via Zoom. One of the featured projects focuses on streamlining local biocompatibility testing for skin formulations, by developing a 3D human skin equivalent (HSE) as an alternative to animal studies and sourcing HSEs from abroad. By providing a local substitute to HSE, the project aims to reduce the cost and turnaround time for biocompatibility testing.   

Another project focuses on creating a phantom model system as a training tool that will help guide clinicians in gynecologic and obstetrics ultrasound procedures. Aiming to reduce the complications associated with these processes, the system will provide real-time scanning, enabling the simulation of real-time performance of procedures.   

Lastly, the third project aims to develop an assistive device which will correct the congenital condition, gastroschisis, which entails an abdominal wall defect at birth that may cause life-threatening complications, such as hypovolemia, hypothermia and sepsis.   

“We are thankful to our media partners who attended the press conference. We hope you help us translate how our initiatives on biomedical devices can positively impact our communities – from testing the efficacy of health products, ensuring the accuracy of diagnoses, up to developing medical devices that will improve quality of lives,” Sec. Solidum added. “We have already started the research. What we want to do now is to make sure that they eventually reach our target beneficiaries– the Filipino people, whom we are committed to serve.”  A replay of the Talakayang HeaRT Beat press conference may be accessed at the DOST-PCHRD’s Facebook Page.         

RCBC is lone Philippine Bank to receive Int’l Gold Quill

TAGUIG CITY, PHILIPPINES - Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) was recognized by the 2026 International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Gold Quill Awards for outstanding customer relations for its digital banking solution RCBC Pulz. RCBC is the only Philippine  bank  in  the  roster  of  awardees  from  the  country  in  the prestigious international awards.  

RCBC received the laurel for pioneering the Philippines’ first U.S. Virtual Account by a private bank,  launched  through  RCBC  Pulz  in  partnership  with  the  U.S-based payments solutions provider Meridian. The bank bannered its huge mission to provide the growing number of 1.5 million Filipino freelancers, remote professionals, and virtual assistants as well as 12 million Overseas Filipino Workers and their families. 

The game-changing banking service from RCBC has enabled Filipinos with no U.S. address to open  a  U.S.  Virtual  Account,  which allows them to receive remittances in the U.S. Dollars real-time and have them converted anytime at their preferred rate.  

RCBC  President  and  CEO  Reggie  Cariaso  said the recognition affirms the bank’s push to expand  access  to  global  banking  for  Filipinos  through  digital  innovation.  “Being  the  only Philippine bank recognized at the IABC Gold Quill Awards this year reflects the strength of our 

strategy and our commitment to delivering solutions that meet our customers’ evolving needs, here and abroad,” Cariaso said.   

The IABC Gold Quill Awards have globally recognized dedication, innovation, and passion in strategic communication in the past five decades. Annually, it receives hundreds of competitive entries  globally  across  the  industry,  which  are  then  assessed  by  leading  communication professionals. 

The Customer Relations category strongly focuses on programs that “educate, inform, engage, or  otherwise”  bridge  entities  such  as  RCBC  and  its  employees  with  the  target  consumer segment. RCBC showed that its U.S. Virtual Account campaign has demonstrated influence, reputation, brand awareness, and loyalty.  

Lito Villanueva, Executive Vice President and Chief Innovations and Inclusion Officer of RCBC, expressed gratitude to IABC Gold Quill Awards for the recognition. He said he is witnessing more marketing communications and public relations organizations noticing and celebrating the communications work of RCBC in bridging consumers to transformative inclusive digital banking solutions.  

“We were elated to have received the recognition amid highly competitive award entries from all over the world. On behalf of the bank and its employees, I would like to thank the award-giving body for acknowledging the efforts and commitment we have invested to offer the pioneering U.S. Virtual Account through RCBC Pulz and Meridian,” Villanueva said.  

“RCBC’s  campaigns  to  financially  include  and  empower  Filipinos  are  not  only  garnering attention  within  the  global  fintech and digital finance space, but also breaking barriers and pushing the boundaries of communications in the global stage. Communications organizations are starting to take notice, marking a new exciting chapter for all Philippine banks,” Villanueva added.  

RCBC took home five Anvil Awards from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines earlier this year, as well as a Quill Award from the 21st Philippine Quill Awards.  

About RCBC 

Rizal  Commercial  Banking  Corporation (RCBC)  is  one of the top banks in the Philippines. Currently ranked as the fifth largest privately owned bank in the country, RCBC offers a full range of financial products and services to individuals and businesses nationwide for 65 years and counting.   Recognized  as  the  Best  Bank  for  Digital  and  Best  Bank  for  Customer Experience, RCBC continues to drive innovation through customer-focused, technology-driven solutions. The bank is a proud member of the Yuchengco Group of Companies (YGC), one of Southeast Asia’s most established conglomerates. 

48th ASEAN Summit schedule in Cebu bared

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2026 National Organizing Council Director General for Operations Hellen De La Vega on Tuesday laid out the schedule of activities for the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings to be held in Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu this week.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who chairs this year’s ASEAN, is set to meet with leaders of ASEAN member states — Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam — for the biannual summit, where pressing issues such as regional security, energy and food concerns, safety of ASEAN nationals and economic cooperation are expected to be discussed.

Speaking during the opening of the International Media Center (IMC), De La Vega said Senior Officials’ and Ministerial Preparatory Meetings will take place simultaneously on May 6 to 7 at Dusit Thani Mactan and Shangri-La Mactan.

She said the meetings will be followed by the Special BIMP-EAGA Summit on the afternoon of May 7 at Shangri-La Mactan, which will be attended by leaders from Brunei, Indonesia,  Malaysia, and the Philippines.

The 48th ASEAN Summit will officially begin on May 8 with an opening ceremony at the newly constructed Mactan Expo located within Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City. Leaders will hold their meetings and working lunch there before proceeding to Shangri-La Mactan for the Retreat Session.

President Marcos is scheduled to hold a press conference at the IMC at 4 p.m., while a gala dinner hosted by the President and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos will cap the summit.

Meanwhile, De La Vega also highlighted the role of the media in covering the summit, particularly amid evolving geopolitical challenges.

“During this time of uncertainty, we recognize the significant role of the media as our partner during our Chairship of ASEAN 2026,” she said.

"Beyond reaching international and regional audiences, the media plays a crucial role in helping not only Filipinos but also ASEAN nationals better understand how the ASEAN Summit and its Related Meetings translate into tangible benefits for all,” she added.

She also cited government efforts to ensure prudent use of resources, saying preparations are guided by austerity measures in line with a declared state of national energy emergency and energy conservation directives of President Marcos.

Despite constraints, ASEAN member states agreed on the need for in-person discussions to address urgent concerns, including the Middle East conflict and its impact on energy and food security, and safe mobility of ASEAN nationals.

“The President directed us to proceed with a bare-bones and business-like 48th ASEAN Summit focused on the pressing issues that needed to be addressed and without the need for much frills or fanfare,” De La Vega said. 

NAPC, ITI, Earthsavers DREAMS Ensemble hold Techno-ResiliArt Workshop on SDGs

MANILA — In partnership with the International Theatre Institute (ITI) and Earthsavers DREAMS Ensemble, the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) gathered the representatives from various national government agencies and civil society organizations for the Techno-ResiliArt Methodology Workshop on Championing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), starting April 27 until April 30. 

Anchored on the theme “Forging Unity and Weaving ASEAN Perspective into the Global Cultural Panorama for Poverty Eradication and Peace through Care of People & Planet,” the workshop underscores the vital role of arts and culture in promoting sustainable development and social transformation.

NAPC OIC Deputy Director General Asec. Mary Rose Villaflor delivered the message of Secretary Lope Santos III, emphasizing that the SDGs can be effectively communicated and advanced through creative expression, such as the Techno-ResiliArt workshop initiative.

Meanwhile, Philippine Center of the International Theatre Institute Deputy Director General Cecil Guidote-Alvarez expressed her appreciation to the representatives of the basic sectors for actively participating in the workshop. She highlighted that the Techno-ResiliArt approach provides a meaningful platform for communities to promote their advocacies and cultural identity, while conveying their messages through artistic forms like dance.

The workshop was facilitated by International Theatre Institute Vice President Frank Rivera, Kulture Revival Events Core Inc. CEO and Executive Artistic Director Sai Collado, and foreign delegates, namely:  Le Quy Duong from Vietnam, Agung Gunawan from Indonesia, and Kalyani Rao from India. 

Philippine National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik also performed a short skit reflecting his journey from studying film to becoming a filmmaker.

Also present during the workshop were NAPC Head Executive Assistant and Policy Planning Service OIC Director Nolan Banda, along with the members of NAPC Secretariat.

The Techno-ResiliArt workshop is part of the ongoing efforts to integrate arts and culture into sustainable development initiatives, fostering inclusive participation and empowering communities to contribute to national and global development goals. 

#NAPC27

#AksyonLabanSaKahirapan

#BagongPilipinas

#ASEANUnity

#InternationalDanceFestival2026

#SDGs

#ResiliArt

SEC Warns Public Against Fake Shopwise Task and Recharge Scam

The regulator advised the public against an unregistered entity impersonating a legitimate retailer to execute an online investment scam.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of the Philippines has issued an advisory against a fraudulent online platform performing scams by impersonating a legitimate retail corporation, Shopwise Online Work Platform.

The fake platform is said to have deceived the public through a job offer and a recharging scam.

A recent SEC Philippines warning clarified that the bogus entity pretending to be SHOPWISE and conducting scams has no connection to the registered retailer Shopwise Inc.

According to the regulator, the group recruits individuals by offering fake part-time jobs through social media platforms like Facebook and messaging applications.

The scheme requires victims to register and invest an initial capital of PHP 119 into a digital wallet.

The platform then assigns them tasks, such as grabbing product orders, with the promise of earning between PHP 320 and PHP 650.

While the operators allow early participants to withdraw small earnings to build trust, they eventually require victims to deposit more money to access their funds.

The commission stated that the entity has not registered as a corporation or partnership. It also lacks the necessary authority to solicit investments from the public.

The regulator urged anyone the group has approached to report the activities directly to its Enforcement and Investor Protection Department.

#SecuritiesandExchangeCommissionSEC #FinTechAlliancePH

PETA Brings a Cultural Phenomenon to the Stage with Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 4: Oh Sh*t! It’s Live Sa Cheter!

QUEZON CITY, Philippines — At a time when Filipino theater is thriving across the country, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) proudly unveils one of the most anticipated theatrical events of 2026: “Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 4: Oh Sh*t! It’s Live Sa Cheter!” a fearless, hilarious, and razor-sharp evolution of a franchise that has defined satire across film, digital, and now live theater.

Headlined by Eugene Domingo, the franchise takes a bold leap from screen to stage in this highly anticipated fourth installment.

From A Cult Classic to Cultural Touchstone

What began in 2011 as a groundbreaking independent film has evolved into a multi-platform cultural phenomenon. The original Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank captured the indie film boom, satirizing the industry’s fixation on “poverty porn” and its pursuit of international acclaim. Its sequel skewered mainstream romantic comedies, while its third installment examined historical revisionism in the digital age.

Now, the franchise steps into live performance, turning its lens toward Philippine theater.

True to its DNA, the series remains a satire with purpose. “Septic Tank has always been about satirizing institutions,” shares playwright Chris Martinez. “This time, it is about the state of Philippine theater, where it is, and where it’s going.”

For director Maribel Legarda, this staging is not replication but transformation. “Film and theater speak different languages. What excites me is how something familiar can evolve and find new meaning in liveness.” She adds, “In theater, ‘live’ is not just a descriptor. It is a condition. It breathes, it trembles, it risks failure, and in doing so, it allows for discovery.”

A Mirror to a “Golden Age”

The arrival of Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 4 comes at a pivotal moment. Widely described as a “golden age” for Philippine theater, recent years have seen a surge in productions and audiences, bringing with it new challenges for the industry.

“It’s exciting, but it’s also a good time to analyze,” says Chris Martinez. “Is it really a golden age? There is good, there is bad, and maybe this play can offer a clearer perspective on the power of theater.”

Legarda underscores the urgency of live performance in today’s content-saturated landscape. “When we laugh, we let our guard down and sometimes recognize uncomfortable truths. That is where comedy becomes a mirror.”

In this sense, Septic Tank 4 is both a celebration and a commentary, a funny, self-aware take on an art form that is vibrant, ever-shifting, and not without its own “sh*t.”

A Powerhouse Collaboration

Sharing the stage with Eugene Domingo is an exceptional lineup of theater-makers, including Melvin Lee, Andoy Ranay, Meann Espinosa, JC Santos, Stella Cañete-Mendoza, Joshua Lim So, and Marlon Rivera, alongside a vibrant PETA ensemble: Ron Alfonso, Kiki Baento, Roi Calilong, Jay Cortez, Nyla Festejo, James Lanante, Carlon Matobato, Eli Namoc, Reggie Ondevilla, Air Paz, and Ada Tayao.

Guided by the vision of Maribel Legarda and written by Chris Martinez, the production is brought to life by a dynamic creative team including: Assistant Director Johnnie Moran; Set and Costume Designer Gino Gonzales; Deputy Costume Designer Martha Cruz; Assistant Set Designer Leslie Centeno; Lighting Designer Barbie Tan-Tiongco; Sound and Music by Angel Dayao; Lyricist Michelle Ngu Nario; Choreographer Raflesia Bravo; and Video Design and Mapping by Bene Manaois.

Theater About Theater—Bold, Daring, Unmissable

Structured as a “play within a play,” Septic Tank 4 explores the process of theater-making, with actors portraying heightened versions of themselves and blurring the line between reality and performance. It is irreverent and unapologetically meta, filled with humor, spectacle, and playful commentary.

In a time of endless content and streaming options, Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 4 serves as a reminder of what live theater uniquely offers: the thrill of immediacy, shared laughter, and the magic of experiencing a story unfold in real time. It reminds us that live theater is personal, powerful, and can only be experienced in person.

As Legarda puts it, “This production is an invitation: to laugh, to reflect, and to engage.” With its fearless humor and powerhouse ensemble, the show invites audiences to think, respond, and rediscover the power of live theater.

Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 4: Oh Sh*t! It’s Live Sa Cheter! will run for 50 shows from June 19 to August 16, 2026, at the PETA Theater Center. Matinee shows are at 2:00 pm, evening shows at 7:30 pm.

Ticket prices are P3,500 (VIP), P2,800 (Orchestra and Balcony Center), P2,500 (Orchestra Side), and P1,800 (Balcony Side).

For more updates, follow @petatheater on social media.

ABOUT PETA THEATER
The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) is a non-profit organization and a respected institution in Philippine theater. For over five decades, PETA Theater has been at the forefront of developing Philippine theater arts, producing plays that tackle social issues and promote cultural awareness. PETA Theater is committed to using theater as a tool for education, social change, and community development, nurturing both artists and audiences.

ABOUT ANG BABAE SA SEPTIC TANK 4

Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank is a critically acclaimed Filipino satire created by Chris Martinez, first released as a film in 2011. It follows a group of filmmakers attempting to create an “award-winning” poverty porn movie, exposing the absurdities, pretensions, and ethical contradictions within the local film industry. Anchored by the breakout performance of Eugene Domingo, the film became a cultural phenomenon for its sharp humor, meta storytelling, and fearless critique of how Filipino stories are packaged for both local and international audiences.

The franchise continued with Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 2, which turned its focus to the excesses and formulas of mainstream commercial cinema, and Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 3: The Real Untold Story of Josephine Bracken, which tackled historical narratives and revisionism—satirizing how history is shaped, distorted, and performed for contemporary audiences.

“Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 4: Oh Sh*t! It’s Live Sa Cheter!” marks the franchise’s evolution into live theater. This time, it turns its lens on the stage itself—examining the chaos, contradictions, and creative tensions of contemporary theater-making, while continuing the series’ signature tradition of sharp, self-aware cultural critique.

SHOW DETAILS
Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 4: Oh Sh*t! It’s Live Sa Cheter!
Show dates: June 19 - August 16, 2026
Show times: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Venue: PETA Theater Center, New Manila, Quezon City

Ticket Prices
VIP - ₱ 3,500
Orchestra Center - ₱ 2,800
Orchestra Side - ₱ 2,500
Balcony Center - ₱ 2,800
Balcony Side - ₱ 1,800

Tickets will be available via TicketWorld at bit.ly/SepticTank4Tickets or through our showbuyers: http://bit.ly/SepticTank4Showbuyers

LIST OF CAST
“As Themselves”
Eugene Domingo
Melvin Lee
Andoy Ranay
Meann Espinosa
JC Santos
Stella Cañete-Mendoza
Joshua Lim So
Marlon Rivera

Ensemble
Ron Alfonso
Kiki Baento
Roi Calilong
Jay Cortez
Nyla Festejo
James Lanante
Carlon Matobato
Eli Namoc
Reggie Ondevilla
Air Paz
Ada Tayao

LIST OF ARTISTIC STAFF
Director: Maribel Legarda
Playwright: Chris Martinez
Assistant Director: Johnnie Moran
Set and Costume Designer: Gino Gonzales
Deputy Costume Designer: Martha Cruz
Assistant Set Designer: Leslie Centeno
Lighting Designer: Barbie Tan-Tiongco
Sound and Music: Angel Dayao
Lyricist: Michelle Ngu Nario
Choreographer: Raflesia Bravo
Video Design and Mapping: Bene Manaois

#PETASepticTank4
#AngBabaeSaSepticTank4

FinTech leader urges APEC, ASEAN Finance Ministers to boost cross-border payments

TAGUIG CITY, PHILIPPINES - Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC)’s Executive Vice President  and  Chief Innovations, Lito Villanueva, laid out proposals in accelerating regional digital finance during the ASEAN-BAC–APEC Business Advisory Council Philippines Annual Asia-Pacific  Financial  Forum  (APFF)  Southeast  Asia  last  April  8, 2026 at the Grand Hyatt Manila, Taguig City. 

 Villanueva joined the high-level conference attended by Finance Ministers of the Association of Southeast  Asian  Nations  (ASEAN)  and  Asia-Pacific  Economic  Cooperation  (APEC)  as  a keynote speaker as well as a panelist in a session focused on digital payment connectivity. In both  speaking  engagements,  Villanueva  demonstrated  and  lauded  present  and  successful efforts  nationally  to  push  the  boundaries  of  digital  finance  whilst  proposed  regulatory frameworks that would propel regional digital finance further. 

 In  his  keynote  speech,  Villanueva  underscored  the  importance  of interoperability  within regulatory  frameworks,  the  adoption  of  cross-border  digital  signatures  and  reciprocal  KYC protocols, and the establishment of a regional Fraud Intelligence Sharing (FIDS) network.     

“We must embed interoperability by design at the core of our regulatory frameworks, moving beyond voluntary standards  toward  a  mandatory,  unified  architecture where  systems  are  engineered to be borderless from inception,” Villanueva emphasized in his speech.  

“Simultaneously,  we  must  enable  cross-border  digital signatures  and  reciprocal  KYC  protocols,  adopting  a "Check  Once,  Use  Everywhere"  model  that  can significantly reduce compliance burdens and turn days of onboarding friction into seconds of seamless access,” Villanueva added. 

 “Finally,  we  must  operationalize  a  regional  Fraud Intelligence 

Sharing (FIDS)  network,  treating cybersecurity  not  as  a  competitive  secret  but  as  a collective  "Mutual  Defense  Pact"  where  anonymized threat  data  moves  faster  than  the  fraudsters themselves,” Villanueva concluded.  

Villanueva, who is also the FinTech Alliance PH Chairman, presented these proposals within the context of the ASEAN as the fastest-growing internet market globally, projected to reach US$ 1 trillion, potentially doubling to US$ 2 trillion after the successful implementation of the ASEAN Digital  Economy  Framework  Agenda  (DEFA). 

 In  addition,  Villanueva  stressed  regional cooperation in combatting and preparing for fraudulent activity as a result of the successful launch of the FIDS in the Philippines.  Villanueva also shared his insights and experiences on how regulators can help support banks in  the  continent  to  prepare  for  seamless,  secure,  and  inclusive  cross-border  payment connectivity in a panel session entitled “Advancing Readiness for Digital Payment Connectivity” moderated by veteran broadcast journalist Rico Hizon, alongside Andrew McCormack, Chief Executive Officer of Nexus Global Payments; Runchana Pongsaparn, Group Head and Lead Economist  at  the  ASEAN+3  Macroeconomic  Research  Office  (AMRO);  and  Chatchai Dusadenoad, Managing Director of National ITMX Co., Ltd.  

#todayph26

RCBC Exec backs regulatory innovation to drive inclusive digital finance

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) Executive Vice President and Chief Innovations and Inclusion Officer Lito Villanueva underscored the critical role of cross-industry collaboration and progressive regulation in accelerating the next phase of digital banking across Asia during the Money20/20 Asia in Bangkok, Thailand. 

Speaking  before  a  global  audience  of  financial  leaders,  regulators,  and  fintech  innovators,  Villanueva emphasized  that  the  region  is now moving beyond building digital infrastructure toward translating these capabilities into real economic and social impact. 

The Founding Chairman of FinTech Alliance PH also highlighted that as Asia’s digital payments ecosystem continues to scale, the next frontier lies in aligning innovation with regulatory agility, ensuring that financial systems remain both resilient and inclusive. 

“In  promoting  a  true  regime  of  co-creation,  regulatory  sandboxes  must be pushed further to help scale innovations for inclusion. One idea I strongly support is publishing a living version of sandbox graduation criteria, a real-time, accessible framework that companies can use to assess their own readiness,” Villanueva said. 

“The industry does not need more guidance documents. It needs a mirror it can check itself against before walking into a licensing review,” Villanueva added. 

Villanueva further emphasized that the future of financial regulation in Asia is no longer defined by oversight alone, but by active partnership, where regulators and industry players co-create solutions anchored on trust, transparency, and shared accountability. 

The fintech visionary, who has been the architect of impactful collaborative frameworks and cross-industry collaborations under Fintech Alliance PH, also underpinned the importance of collaborations between the private and public sectors to meet similar aims and goals in advancing digital finance. 

He reiterated that as financial services become increasingly digital, stakeholders must ensure that innovation remains inclusive, creating access for underserved sectors rather than widening existing gaps. 

The RCBC executive shared his insights in regulatory mechanisms and their impact on the future of digital finance in the panel discussion “The Regulatory Collaboration: Defining Mutual Expectations Between Industry and Authorities,” moderated by Ian Fong. He joined Melchor Plabasan, Senior Director, Technology Risk and Innovation  Supervision  Department  of  the  Bangko  Sentral  ng  Pilipinas  and  Jo  Yeo,  Head  of Payments Development & Data Connectivity of the Monetary Authority of Singapore. 

Villanueva also spoke in another Money 20/20 panel entitled “Asia's 2026 Payment Passport and the Market Entry  Cheat  Sheet  for  Unified  Rails”  alongside  Tawishi  Singh,  Vice  President of the Singapore FinTech Association;  Jaclyn  Tsai,  Chairwoman of the Asia FinTech Alliance; and Kirana S., Executive Director of Asosiasi Blockchain Indonesia. The panel was moderated by Nicole Nguyen, Founder of APAC DAO. 

RCBC is Sole Asian Bank Recognized in Global Whitepaper on Financial Health and Inclusion

  

Manila, Philippines -  Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) has been recognized in a global financial health whitepaper released by Mastercard, highlighting the bank’s leadership in advancing digital inclusion and customer engagement. 

The report, Pathways to Financial Health, analyzed consumer behavior, financial access, and usage  patterns  across  multiple  markets  using  pseudonymized  transaction  data,  consumer insights, and financial health indicators. 

RCBC stood out as the only bank in Asia featured in the global study, alongside Access Bank Plc, Banreservas, and Nubank. 

At the center of RCBC’s inclusion strategy is its digital banking platform DiskarTech, which was cited as a case study for driving meaningful financial engagement. The report found that 61 percent of DiskarTech users progressed beyond basic banking within six months, fueled by gamified features and incentive-based design. It also noted that clients with both credit cards and digital accounts demonstrated higher bill payment activity, while referrals emerged as a key growth driver, with 38 percent of users opening accounts through peer recommendations. 

Lito Villanueva, RCBC Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer, said the findings reinforce the impact of purpose-driven digital innovation. 

“This validates our approach of building solutions that go beyond access to drive real usage, financial capability, and long term inclusion. The goal is not just to onboard, but to empower every Filipino to actively participate in the financial system,” Villanueva said. 

RCBC  President  and  CEO Reggie Cariaso emphasized that financial health is becoming a defining measure of banking success. 

“Financial inclusion today is all about enabling better financial outcomes; not just access. We are committed to leveraging data, technology, and partnerships to build a more inclusive and resilient financial ecosystem where no Filipino is left behind,” he said.  

RCBC continues to strengthen its position as a leader in inclusive digital finance, demonstrating how innovation, when anchored on trust and relevance, can drive both growth and meaningful impact. 

About RCBC RCBC  (Rizal  Commercial  Banking  Corporation)  is  one of the top banks in the Philippines. Currently ranked as the fifth largest privately owned bank in the country, RCBC offers a full range of financial products and services to individuals and businesses nationwide for 65 years and counting.   Recognized  as  the  Best  Bank  for  Digital  and  Best  Bank  for  Customer Experience, RCBC continues to drive innovation through customer-focused, technology-driven solutions. The bank is a proud member of the Yuchengco Group of Companies (YGC), one of Southeast Asia’s most established conglomerates. To learn more, 

RCBC brings full MySSS card access to DiskarTech users

 TAGUIG CITY — Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) has expanded access to the MySSS Mastercard Debit Card, now enabling existing users of its financial inclusion app RCBC DiskarTech to directly apply for the card through the platform.  

The move completes the rollout of the MySSS Card across RCBC’s DiskarTech base, allowing qualified users to upgrade their accounts and access Social Security System (SSS) benefits alongside everyday banking services in one integrated experience.  

Eligible users can complete the process through a simplified in-app journey: 

• Upgrade their Basic Deposit Account (BDA) to a Regular Savings Account (RSA) • Retrieve their Transaction Number via the MySSS portal • Apply through the “Cards” tab in the DiskarTech app •Receive the physical card via delivery 

The MySSS card allows users to receive SSS disbursements, perform cashless transactions, earn up to 4.00% annual savings interest, and build a formal financial profile. 

“RCBC continues to make banking more accessible for Filipinos through simplified digital journeys,” said Lito Villanueva, Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer. 

“This expanded access allows DiskarTech users to move beyond basic accounts and experience the full benefits  of  card-based  banking.  It  is a step forward in helping more Filipinos participate in the digital economy with greater confidence and convenience,” he added.  

Opening  a  DiskarTech  account  remains  accessible,  requiring  only  one  valid  government  ID  and  a Philippine  mobile  number.  With  no  maintaining  balance,  no  initial  deposit,  and  no  hidden  fees,  the platform continues to lower entry barriers to formal banking.  

RCBC’s  partnership  with  the  Social  Security  System  aims  to  integrate  social  protection  with  digital financial  services.  Through  DiskarTech  and  the  MySSS  Card,  the  collaboration  enables  millions  of members to access savings, payments, and credit-building tools within a unified ecosystem. 

The  expansion  underscores  RCBC’s  continued  commitment  to  advancing  financial  inclusion  through scalable digital solutions and strategic public-private partnerships. 

About RCBC RCBC  (Rizal  Commercial  Banking  Corporation)  is  one  of  the  top  banks  in  the Philippines. Currently ranked  as  the  fifth  largest  privately  owned  bank  in  the country, RCBC offers a full range of financial products and services to individuals and businesses nationwide for 65 years and counting.   Recognized as the Best Bank for Digital and Best Bank for Customer Experience, RCBC continues to drive innovation through customer-focused, technology-driven solutions. The bank is a proud member of the Yuchengco Group of Companies (YGC), one of Southeast Asia’s most established conglomerates. To learn more, 

ICSC launches PRESYO-PH, reaffirms call to diversify energy sources for more stable and affordable electricity rates

QUEZON CITY, 29 April 2026 – Power procurement strategies of distribution utilities (DUs) and electric cooperatives (ECs), particularly the energy source they rely on, are a key driver of varying and volatile electricity prices in the country, according to the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) as it launched the Power Rates and Energy Supply Overview for the Philippines (PRESYO-PH) yesterday.

PRESYO-PH is a first-of-its-kind data platform designed to enhance transparency on the true drivers of electricity prices, improve public understanding of where electricity comes from, and how power costs are structured and change over time. The platform integrates pricing data from more than 150 DUs and ECs nationwide, alongside detailed insights into their respective energy sources.

ICSC, represented by its Chief Data Scientist Jephraim Manansala and Data Analyst Miguel Joachim Balburias, introduced PRESYO-PH through a live demonstration of its key features.

“Generation rates and how important they are are not understood by most people,” noted Balburias. “That’s why it’s important to release tools like PRESYO-PH, to bridge that gap, especially for the common Filipinos.”

In the Philippines, volatile electricity prices continue to strain households and businesses. Consumers and enterprises alike bear the brunt of fluctuations in power rates—yet the drivers of these changes are not widely understood by the public. 

“Electricity prices are one of the most immediate and tangible ways that Filipinos experience the energy sector,” stated ICSC Director for Energy Policy Romil Hernandez. “Behind these prices is a complex system shaped by power procurement decisions, global fuel markets, regulatory processes, and increasingly, the country’s evolving energy mix.”

Global fuel supply disruptions brought by the US-Israel war on Iran have led to the increase of coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices in the world market. During the event’s panel discussion, Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Chairperson and CEO Atty. Francis Saturnino Juan cited the suspension of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) as a measure to prevent major spikes in prices. He added that ERC requires DUs and ECs to submit detailed reports on increases in generation costs to ensure proper and timely regulation. 

By consolidating and visualizing information on electricity rates across the country, PRESYO-PH allows consumers to examine why electricity prices vary, and how they evolve over time. The platform also breaks down generation rates and supply mix contributing to electricity rates to help the public analyze the country’s energy supply portfolio.

Department of Energy Renewable Energy Management Bureau (DOE-REMB) Director IV Atty. Marissa Cerezo emphasized the need to develop a balanced mix of energy sources to meet the country’s power demands. “We are still an importer when it comes to energy; hindi pa rin tayo fully independent. Mayroon pa ring imports. But what is the best mix for us to get the best price– that’s the question,” she said.

Meanwhile, Research Lead Sam Reynolds from the Institute of Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) highlighted the country’s dependence on an inflexible, centralized power system as a key factor in the Philippines’ vulnerability to global market prices. “On paper, the Philippines has nearly 28,000 megawatts (MW) of dependable power, and a peak demand (in 2025) of about 19,000MW. In theory, there should be plenty of power,” he stressed. “The issue is a lack of flexibility.”

Manansala also underscored the importance of DUs and ECs prioritizing the diversification of generation sources to ensure stability and affordability of electricity rates: “Diversification provides a balanced approach to manage the risks attributed to generation sources.” Manansala noted, renewable energy sources are largely stable compared to imported fuel sources, and can provide affordable and stable prices, despite having limited available capacity. 

ICSC Executive Director Angelo Kairos dela Cruz said PRESYO-PH aims to empower stakeholders with knowledge that is both practical and relevant by shedding light on where electricity comes from– whether coal, natural gas, or renewable energy.

“PRESYO-PH strengthens transparency in the power sector and provides a valuable tool for policymakers, researchers, and consumers alike to better understand the relationship between energy supply and electricity pricing. We hope that available evidence will be better utilized to make well-informed decisions that will shape the country’s power system, and ensure a more transparent, sustainable, and equitable energy future for the Philippines,” he added. 

ABOUT

The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities is a Philippine-based non-governmental organization that advances climate, energy, and low-carbon solutions to enable fair and climate-resilient development at the national and international levels.

Visit: https://presyo.icsc.ngo/

Joint Statement of the ASEAN Economic Community Council on the Economic Implications of the Situation in the Middle East

1. We, the ASEAN Economic Community Council (AECC) Ministers, convened a Special ASEAN Economic Community Council Meeting on 30 April 2026, via videoconference, to exchange views on the far-reaching economic implications arising from the situation in the Middle East and its escalating impacts on global energy markets, supply chains, food security, and transport and logistics networks. These developments are increasingly affecting our peoples and businesses across the region, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and are expected to have significant implication on the region’s overall economic growth.

2. We expressed deep concern that the current disruptions to key maritime routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, where around one-quarter of global seaborne oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports pass through, with over 80 per cent destined for Asia, are posing severe risks to global energy security, fuelling persistent volatility in oil and LNG prices, and sharply increasing freight, insurance, and logistics costs. We recognised that the impacts of these shocks are extending beyond energy markets to generate inflationary pressures, exchange rate volatility, tighter global financial conditions, and heightened uncertainty for businesses and investors. Recalling the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statements on the situation in the Middle East, and to minimise disruptions to energy trade flows, we underscored the importance of maintaining secure and open sea lanes, ensuring freedom of navigation, and the safe, unimpeded and continuous transit passage of vessel and aircraft in straits used for international navigation, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

3. We also discussed that rising energy and transport costs are cascading into food systems, particularly the increased fertiliser prices and potential disruptions in fertiliser supply chains. This has affected affordability and timely access to fertilisers for farmers, especially ahead of key planting seasons, potentially leading to lower agricultural productivity and disruptions to essential food supply. These pressures have exacerbated rising cost-of-living, impacting the livelihood of millions of people in the region, particularly the vulnerable and lower-income households, and small economies. We, therefore, underscored the urgent need to alleviate the impact on the people through timely, targeted, and inclusive policy responses, including enhanced regional cooperation on fertiliser availability, access, and supply chain information.

4. We welcomed the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry’s Statement on Safeguarding Food Security and Agricultural Supply Chains amid Global Uncertainties, adopted on 29 April 2026, and emphasised the importance of regional food security and resilience, including through the utilisation of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) during the time of crisis, further enhancing regional monitoring mechanisms through more frequent and timely information sharing via the ASEAN Food Security Information System (AFSIS) to ensure food security. We also encouraged synergies between ASEAN and other sub-regional mechanisms to address shared challenges related to water resources, sustainable agriculture, and climate change to enhance regional food security, strengthen agriculture supply chain resilience, and support vulnerable communities.

5. We strongly reaffirmed the critical importance of maintaining stable, secure, sustainable, and resilient global supply chains and maritime trade routes, particularly for essential goods and services. We committed to strengthen intra-ASEAN trade and supply chain connectivity through improved logistics coordination, timely information sharing and continuous consultations, and joint mitigation strategies as well as where possible, keeping our trade infrastructure such as land borders, airports, and seaports open.

6. We also reinforced ASEAN’s commitment to implement ASEAN Agreements, and to refrain from introducing unnecessary non-tariff measures and other trade-distortive measures, particularly on food, energy, other essential goods, and their associated inputs during periods of crisis. This includes the swift ratification and timely entry into force within this year, where possible, of the Second Protocol to Amend the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA). We tasked officials to accelerate regional initiatives to ensure the seamless movement of essential goods in the region, including by enhancing transparency and predictability in customs procedures through the adoption of digital technology and expanding the ASEAN Single Window to Dialogue Partners.

7. We exchanged views over the increasing risks to ASEAN’s energy security arising from heightened global uncertainties and underscored the need to strengthen regional resilience, particularly in light of ASEAN’s structural dependence on imported energy and exposure to global energy market developments. We support the emphasis of ASEAN Energy Ministers on the importance of strengthening regional preparedness through measures such as diversifying energy sources and supply routes, accelerating renewable and alternative energy development, advancing multilateral and multidirectional cross-border electricity trading within the region, intensifying regional monitoring, and enhancing joint support among ASEAN Member States to maintain regional energy supply chains and emergency response measures, while continuing collaboration to advance ASEAN’s existing energy cooperation frameworks, including the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security (APSA), the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) Enhanced Memorandum of Understanding, and the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline (TAGP), to ensure stable, secure, sustainable, and resilient energy connectivity and supply, and reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to advancing the implementation of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026–2030. We noted the proposal from ERIA to consider a study on a regional joint oil stockpiling.

8. We further discussed the growing impact of rising fuel costs on the tourism sector. In response, we emphasised the need to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of ASEAN tourism by providing targeted measures to manage the rising cost pressures, including through promoting energy-efficient and low-carbon transport solutions, improving the efficiency and reliability of travel and logistics networks, and advancing sustainable tourism practices, in order to safeguard the sector’s recovery and long-term competitiveness.

9. We underscored that ASEAN is operating in an increasingly volatile and uncertain macroeconomic and financial environment, marked by elevated global shocks to growth, inflation, and capital flow in the region. In this context, we emphasised the imperative for prompt and well-coordinated policy responses to preserve stability and resilience, including deeper engagement with international financial institutions to enable rapid and flexible support mechanisms to safeguard macroeconomic stability and mitigate the impact of the global and regional development. Deepened regional trade and financial integration, alongside broader market diversification, will further reinforce ASEAN’s economic resilience.

10. We acknowledged that it may be necessary for ASEAN Member States to implement emergency measures that are designed to address these challenges, especially for MSMEs and vulnerable sectors. These measures should be targeted, proportionate, transparent, temporary and should not create unnecessary barriers to trade and are consistent with WTO and ASEAN rules.

11. In support for ASEAN businesses, including MSMEs, we committed to diversify sources of trade and investment by leveraging ASEAN economic agreements, including through the effective implementation of existing and upgraded ASEAN Plus One Free Trade Agreements, maximising the utilisation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement, and the timely conclusion and signing of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) within the year.

12. We underscored the importance of a rules-based, non-discriminatory, open, and predictable, multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core. We are ready to engage constructively with all external partners to ensure that the global trading system remains open, predictable, transparent, and non-discriminatory, to address contemporary challenges.

13. We agreed to convene the Special AECC Meeting, as needed, to monitor evolving developments, assess progress of agreed measures, and provide timely strategic guidance to adjust regional priorities in response to the crisis. We also underscored the importance of cross-pillar cooperation to strengthen regional preparedness and resilience. We also recognized the need to enhance engagement with external partners through existing ASEAN-led mechanisms in order to effectively address the evolving geo-political and geo-economic challenges.

14. We tasked the Senior Economic Officials and the relevant sectoral bodies to closely monitor and assess the development of a comprehensive and consolidated regional strategy to address the economic impacts of the Middle East conflict, and oversee the early realisation of the above priority actions within this year. We welcomed the development of such strategy and recommendations that could help align sectoral efforts, enhance policy coherence, and provide a structured approach to the implementation, monitoring, and resource mobilisation, contributing to safeguarding regional stability and reinforcing long-term resilience, while sustaining inclusive and sustainable growth.

15.  We agreed to convey the outcomes of this Meeting to the ASEAN Leaders at the 48th ASEAN Summit, including key recommendations to strengthen regional preparedness, safeguard supply chain resilience, and enhance coordinated responses to external shocks. We reaffirmed our readiness to support a coherent and forward-looking approach to reinforce regional resilience and economic stability.

Philippines and Singapore Sign Article 6.2 Implementation Agreement at ASEAN Climate Week

Quezon City — The Philippines and Singapore signed the Philippines–Singapore Implementation Agreement (IA) on 30 April 2026 under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, establishing a bilateral framework for high‑integrity climate cooperation and the transfer of Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs).

The signing, held during ASEAN Climate Week, was led by Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Minister Grace Fu of Singapore’s Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment.

The Agreement enables the joint authorization of mitigation activities, the authorization and transfer of ITMOs, and the establishment of governance and transparency systems aligned with the Enhanced Transparency Framework of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals. It also creates a Joint Committee to oversee implementation and maintain a pre‑approved list of carbon crediting programs and methodologies.

Secretary Cuna emphasized that the IA “reflects the strength of a partnership built on trust, transparency, and shared ambition” and positions the Philippines to attract new climate investments in renewable energy, waste management, methane reduction, nature‑based solutions, and climate‑smart agriculture.

Minister Fu highlighted "the deep collaboration between our two countries - Singapore and the Philippines, channeling climate finance towards impactful projects in the Philippines and unlocking new opportunities in carbon markets for businesses and local communities." This Agreement can lead the way for ASEAN in building a low-carbon future that delivers tangible benefits across the region.

Strategic Benefits for the Philippines

Secretary Cuna underscored four major national gains:

1.Readiness and Institutional Commitment

The agreement signals that the Philippines is prepared to participate in high-integrity carbon markets, backed by strong governance and transparency systems.

2.New Streams of Green Investment

The IA positions the Philippines to access this demand and channel climate finance into priority sectors such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste management, methane reduction, nature-based solutions, and climate-smart agriculture.

3. Regional Competitiveness

By joining Singapore’s growing network of Article 6.2 agreements, the Philippines strengthens its standing as a competitive destination for carbon market investments in Southeast Asia.

4. Direct Benefits for Filipino Communities

Revenues from authorized ITMOs can support reforestation, forest protection, renewable energy deployment, community-based mitigation initiatives, and local resilience infrastructure - delivering tangible development gains for vulnerable provinces.

A Model for ASEAN

The IA offers a replicable model for ASEAN member states, demonstrating how bilateral trust and technical rigor can create a credible regional hub for carbon markets.  As Undersecretary Analiza Teh noted, the Agreement “shows that regional cooperation on carbon markets is not theoretical” and provides a pathway for harmonized approaches and strengthened transparency across the region.

Following the signing, both governments will initiate the following:

Activate the Joint Committee

Establish and integrate national registries for ITMO tracking

Opening the formal project authorization process for mitigation activities.

These steps will enable project developers, private sector partners, and local communities to begin participating in Article 6.2-aligned activities between the Philippines and Singapore. 

IMC to Open May 5 in Lapu-Lapu, Cebu Ahead of 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings

The International Media Center (IMC) will formally open on 5 May 2026 at the Mactan World Museum in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu for all accredited media covering the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will join fellow leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states—Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam—during the Summit Proper on 8 May 2026.

The IMC will serve as the central hub for both local and international media, providing the facilities, technical support, and operational services necessary to ensure timely, accurate, and comprehensive coverage of official summit activities.

The center will provide accredited media with comprehensive facilities and support services, including dedicated media working areas, media pool waiting lounges, and high-speed wired and wireless internet connectivity to support news production and live reporting.

It will also feature a Main Briefing Hall for official press briefings and announcements, as well as a Secondary Briefing Room for delegation-led media engagements and smaller press interactions.

Broadcast and technical support facilities will include the International Broadcast Center (IBC), equipped with broadcast booths, stand-up positions, master control and feed distribution systems, and a broadcast booking counter to assist media organizations with facility reservations and technical coordination.

An official video and photo distribution desk will provide accredited media with timely access to summit footage and images, while live feed monitoring stations will allow journalists to monitor official coverage in real time.

Additional support amenities at the IMC include an on-site medical clinic, prayer rooms, media dining facilities, technical help desks, and designated parking areas for accredited media personnel.

The opening of the IMC reflects the Philippines’ readiness as host of the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings and underscores the government’s commitment to supporting efficient and professional media operations throughout the summit period.

Highlighting the opening program will be a press briefing by Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez and ASEAN National Organizing Council Director-General Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega.

Secretary Gomez is expected to emphasize the Philippines’ preparedness to host the summit and the government’s commitment to ensuring a fully operational and media-ready IMC. He will underscore the IMC’s role in enabling timely, accurate, and responsible reporting while reaffirming support for both local and foreign media covering the event.

Director-General De La Vega, meanwhile, will provide an overview of the summit, including key engagements, thematic priorities, expected outcomes, and operational guidance on coverage schedules, movement arrangements, and media access protocols.

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro and Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cynthia Chan are expected to deliver welcome remarks during the opening ceremony, formally welcoming delegates and members of the media to Cebu.

The IMC is expecting an estimated 800 to 1,000 local and international media to cover the event. 

Climate Resilience Is Fiscal Resilience: ASEAN Pushes Big Shift in Climate Finance

ASEAN finance and environment officials recently called for a fundamental rethink: climate impacts are not just environmental challenges but fiscal shocks that demand whole-of-economy responses, smarter data systems and bankable pipelines to unlock private capital.

The day-long panel on “Climate Finance Priorities, Adaptation Finance Strategies and Tracking Tools,” organized by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with the Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Finance (DOF), presented national examples and regional lessons on how to move from short-term grants to large-scale, long-term investments that protect people and economies.

“Climate shocks are fiscal shocks,” said DENR Usec. Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, capturing the session’s central theme. DOF Usec. Joven Balbosa reinforced the point: “If climate impacts erode productivity and balloon public debt, fiscal resilience becomes synonymous with climate resilience and finance ministries must lead.”

Speakers argued ASEAN must stop treating climate as a sectoral add-on. Instead, they urged integrated fiscal planning that blends public, private and philanthropic capital. “We need a whole-of-economy approach,” said John Warburton, Lead, Asia Pacific Climate Resilience Department of the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (UK FCDO), noting the UK’s commitment to long-term climate financing and the limits of short-term donor support. “Public funds alone are insufficient,” he warned.

Panelists highlighted how Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) can move from policy statements to investment signals that attract global capital. “NDCs should be repositioned as investment portfolios,” said Christophe Bahuet, UNDP Resident Representative in the Philippines, arguing that high-integrity public finance management gives investors certainty.

Concrete country examples underscored the message. The Philippines’ Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET) system was hailed as a model for tracking climate budgets. Vice-Chairperson and Executive Director (VCED) Robert E.A. Borje of the Philippine Climate Change Commission (CCC) called CCET a “bright spot” that brings transparency to domestic climate spending, while urging more data analysis to make the information actionable.

Indonesia’s shift from manual reporting to an automated “Connect Dashboard” showed how digitized systems can close information gaps. “Seamless cooperation between finance and environment ministries was key,” said Director Irwan Dharmawan of Indonesia’s Multilateral Cooperation and Sustainable Finance, describing how automated tracking solved severe information asymmetry and accelerated nationwide uptake of data transparency. His presentation illustrated how dashboards can power Biennial Transparency Reports and improve decision-making.

Regional coordination earned strong backing. The Asian Development Bank’s Naeeda Crishna Morgado introduced the ASEAN Climate Finance Policy Platform (2025–2027) as a peer-learning mechanism to strengthen ministries of finance across member states. “Climate resilience must be translated into fiscal tools,” she said, outlining an operational framework to help finance ministries systematically assess, manage and mobilize climate funds.

Bridging the stubborn adaptation finance gap will require making projects “bankable.” Panelists urged aggregating local adaptation needs into scalable portfolios that appeal to private investors and tapping mechanisms such as the Philippines’ People’s Survival Fund to funnel non-repayable grants to local governments. “Local access and de-risking are essential if we want funds to reach communities,” said DOF Director John Adrian Narag.

Speakers also highlighted the need for better monitoring and verification. The session recommended digitizing and automating climate tracking — replicating Indonesia’s Connect Dashboard and scaling the Philippines’ CCET — to reduce information asymmetry, maximize budget impact and make results visible to investors.

The session did not produce binding commitments but set a clear roadmap: institutionalize whole-of-economy financing, reposition NDCs as investment-ready portfolios, expand direct access for local governments, and harness digital tracking tools to enable transparency and investor confidence.

“ASEAN cannot leave this to fragments,” VCED Borje said. “No country moves forward alone.” As climate shocks grow more frequent and costly, the session’s message was unambiguous: to protect livelihoods and public finances, ASEAN must act now — aligning policies, data systems and finance flows so resilience becomes an integral part of national budgets, not a separate line item. 

When the Storm Comes: ASEAN Urged to Close the Gap on Loss and Damage

Southeast Asian policymakers and experts warned recently that the region must urgently strengthen its response to climate-driven loss and damage, as unequal capacities and fragmented systems leave communities exposed when disasters strike.

The ASEAN Knowledge Exchange on Loss and Damage and Comprehensive Risk Management, organized by GIZ under the ASEAN EU-German Climate Action Programme and as part of ASEAN Climate Week 2026, brought officials from Cambodia, Lao PDR, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and regional institutions together to share lessons and identify where cooperation can turn plans into protection.

“Across ASEAN, capacity to respond to loss and damage varies widely,” said Ms. Sao Samphors, Vice Chief Office of Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment. “Some countries have advanced climate-data systems and adaptive social protection; others are still building basic institutions. That gap is what puts people at risk.”

Speakers stressed that while regional policy frameworks such as Nationally Determined Contributions, National Adaptation Plans and national disaster plans exist, implementation is often siloed. “Adaptation and disaster risk reduction frequently progress in parallel instead of as a unified approach,” noted Mr. Santosh Manivannan, chair of the ASEAN Working Group on Climate Change (AWGCC). “We must break sectoral walls, so assistance reaches those who need it most.”

A recurring concern was data fragmentation. Planners lack coherent, accessible datasets spanning global, regional, national and local levels — a problem that hinders timely decision-making and fair distribution of support after disasters. Presenters recommended standardizing metrics and exploring new technologies to close the information gap. “It’s time to explore AI for data collection, analysis and distribution of social protection,” pointing to the potential for faster, more targeted responses.

Regional cooperation emerged as the practical pathway forward. Dr. Vong Sok, Head of Environment Division from the ASEAN Secretariat, urged countries to use existing ASEAN platforms including the AWGCC and ACDM, to harmonize approaches and pool resources. “We already have the institutional architecture; now we need to operationalize it for loss and damage,” he said.

Experts called for concrete regional tools: a minimum standard metric to document loss and damage using existing platforms like the ASEAN Disaster Information Network, and a dedicated ASEAN coordination mechanism on loss and damage that could tackle technical and legal issues from sea-level rise to planned relocation. “Defining the scope of loss and damage at the regional level will help align national policies and unlock support,” said Senior Researcher P. Raja Siregar of the Resilience Development Initiative.

Voices from national governments underlined the human stakes. Ms. Sonekham Phommahaxay, Deputy Director, Disaster Prevention Division, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare of Lao PDR, and Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh of the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources highlighted ongoing efforts to implement adaptive social protection and risk-transfer mechanisms — but both acknowledged that piecemeal progress must scale. “We need both national action and regional solidarity, so no community is left behind,” Usec. Rebuelta-Teh said.

The session concluded with a set of strategic recommendations: strengthen cross-sector coordination at national and regional levels; develop a regional MRV and data standard for loss and damage; and establish an ASEAN sub-working group to tackle technical, legal and governance challenges tied to displacement, small islands and maritime boundaries.

Participants endorsed a regional study assisted by ASEAN on readiness to address loss and damage, a first step toward translating knowledge into action. In a region where climate impacts are intensifying, speakers left no doubt: frameworks exist, but leadership, data and cooperation must move faster if ASEAN is to protect its people and economies from the next inevitable crisis.

Power, Style, and Substance: Diplomats, Leaders, and Icons Gather for The Devil Wears Prada 2 Block Screening Presented by Rising Tigers Magazine

The devil wears Prada 2 screening, transformed into a striking convergence of influence, elegance, and intellect as Rising Tigers Magazine hosted an exclusive block screening of what is already being hailed as the movie of the year, The Devil Wears Prada 2.

This was far from an ordinary screening. Stepping beyond the expected circle of fashion insiders and entertainment personalities, the event welcomed a powerful mix of diplomats, politicians, business leaders, and cultural tastemakers—an audience that underscored the film’s far-reaching relevance across industries.

More than a cinematic experience, the afternoon unfolded as a celebration of leadership, identity, and the delicate balance between ambition and authenticity—the very themes that have defined The Devil Wears Prada legacy.

Where Power Meets Presence

Salvador Panelo, former spokesperson of President Rodrigo Duterte, arrived in his signature crisp suit and tie, accompanied by his wife, Dra. Araceli Panelo. Their presence brought a distinct layer of political gravitas—proof that power dressing resonates far beyond the runway

Representing cultural elegance, Indonesian Embassy Trade Attaché Abu Ayu Nighsih embraced her heritage in traditional Muslim attire, alongside her associate Tassya Manuella. Their attendance marked a memorable first block screening experience in the Philippines, enriched by curiosity and cross-cultural exchange.

Fashion seamlessly intersected with real-life narratives through Jenny Syquia, former assistant at Vogue New York, often likened to the film’s iconic characters. She arrived with understated sophistication alongside Kourtney Camcam, earning recognition among the best dressed of the afternoon—alongside young entrepreneur Grace Santiago.

A Runway of Influence

Barbie Arcache made an unforgettable entrance in a gold tasseled blazer by Jor-El Espina, instantly commanding attention.

Aliw Awardees Niña Campos and Lance Raymundo added star power, with Campos donning a curated blend of Burberry, Louis Vuitton, and Dior—a look that echoed the film’s signature aesthetic.

Lance Raymundo

The guest list read like a definitive roster of influence: Cielo Ortega Reboredo of Okada Manila; Becky Garcia of The Manila Times; beauty queen Tiffany Cuna; media personality Irene Wicklein; Vogue Italia contributor MJ Suayan; music legend Darius Razon; tourism leader Malou Prado; resort owner Maria Odessa Escaler; Mrs. Universe Philippines owner Maria Charo Calalo; and Mellany Pobre.

Each guest transformed the cinema into a living runway—where personal branding met ientity, and style became a statement of influence.

The Woman at the Center of It All

At the heart of the event was Grace Bondad Nicolas, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Tag Media Group.

Often compared to Miranda Priestly, she chose instead to define her own narrative. Dressed in a layered creation by Rajo Laurel, paired with Yves Saint Laurent stilettos and refined Prada accessories, she embodied modern authority through style.

Accompanied by her twin daughters in coordinated ensembles from Prada to Gucci, their presence reflected not just fashion, but legacy.

Quotes That Defined the Editor-in-Chief

“Fashion fades, but power—power is always in style.”

“You don’t survive this industry by being liked. You survive by being necessary.”

“The moment you ask for permission is the moment you lose authority.”

“Ambition isn’t the problem. Apology is.”

“In a world obsessed with trends, be the standard.”

Lessons Beyond the Runway

More than its couture and charisma, The Devil Wears Prada 2 delivers lessons that resonate far beyond fashion:

1. Leadership Requires Clarity, Not Approval

True leadership demands vision and decisiveness, even in the face of criticism.

2. Reinvention Is a Strength

Growth often requires embracing change and stepping outside comfort zones.

3. Excellence Demands Discipline

Behind every polished image is relentless dedication and unseen effort.

4. Authenticity Is the Ultimate Luxury

In a world driven by appearances, authenticity remains the most powerful currency.

As the screening came to a close, what lingered was more than admiration for a film—it was a deeper appreciation for the intersection of power, purpose, and personal identity.

Because in the world of The Devil Wears Prada 2, style may open doors—but it is substance that defines who stays.