ASEAN Drives Regional Cooperation and Philippine Priorities at Senior Economic Officials’ Meetings in Metro Manila

ASEAN Senior Economic Officials made steady progress this week on key regional priorities aimed at strengthening cooperation, resilience, and future readiness across Southeast Asia.

Among the major outcomes of the meetings were:

• The conclusion of negotiations of the ASEAN Digital Framework Agreement (DEFA), a major step toward a more connected and secure digital economy;

• Agreement to develop a regional framework for coordinated crisis response, including the possible establishment of an early warning system to better anticipate and manage future economic and systemic shocks

• Progress on the Philippines’ proposal for a regional oil stockpiling scheme, aimed at strengthening regional energy security and preparedness; and

• Continued work on the Philippines’ 2026 Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs).

• Agreed on a new roadmap for the ASEAN Single Window to strengthen and connect customs systems across the region

These outcomes reflect ASEAN’s continued efforts to strengthen resilience, deepen cooperation, and prepare for future economic challenges.

ASEAN Economic Meetings Held in Metro Manila

ASEAN Senior Economic Officials and representatives of ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners met in Metro Manila from 27 to 31 May 2026 for the Second ASEAN Senior Economic Officials’ Meeting for the Fifty-Seventh ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting (SEOM), together with the SEOM–Dialogue Partner Consu

The Meetings provided a platform for ASEAN Member States and partners to align priorities and advance cooperation in trade, investment, and other key areas of regional importance.

Ahead of SEOM, ASEAN Economic Officials also held the Fifth Meeting of the Economic Officials of Permanent Missions of ASEAN Member States to ASEAN. This meeting helped align technical work and prepare key issues for Senior Economic Officials’ consideration.

ASEAN also met with the senior officials of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).  The two groups identified priority areas for cooperation and agreed to deepen engagement between the two regional frameworks. 

Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Future Preparedness

Discussions throughout the week covered a wide range of priorities, including the digital economy, trade and investment, supply chain resilience, sustainability, semiconductor cooperation, Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN Economic Agreement, and region’s response to global developments, including the economic impact of ongoing geopolitical and geoeconomic tensions.

A key focus was ASEAN’s work on improving regional preparedness for future challenges.

The proposed crisis response framework will strengthen coordination during periods of uncertainty and support faster, more effective responses to economic disruptions. It will also explore the development of an early warning system to help ASEAN anticipate risks earlier. The framework will integrate emerging priorities such as artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability, and will include an implementation plan to guide future work.

ASEAN also continues to strengthen cooperation in areas that support long-term stability, including energy security, digital transformation, and sustainable development.

Advancing Digital and Economic Priorities

Senior officials held intense discussions on the ASEAN DEFA, envisioned as ASEAN’s most comprehensive agreement on the digital economy and e-commerce. On 29 May, negotiations were concluded, with all outstanding issues resolved. This marks an important milestone in efforts to strengthen regional digital cooperation, interoperability, and trust.

The Agreement is expected to be signed during the 49th ASEAN Summit in November 2026, under the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship.

The Philippines identified the signing of the ASEAN DEFA as one of its PEDs for 2026.

ASEAN is also continuing work on its broader 2026 PED agenda. Officials welcomed the completion of the flagship deliverable  “Driving Financial Health Forward: Unlocking the Next Frontier of Financial Inclusion,” together with other ongoing priority economic deliverables designed to support inclusive and sustainable growth.

Engagement with ASEAN Dialogue Partners

ASEAN also met with Dialogue Partners such as the United States, the European Union, Canada, China, Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong, China.

Discussions focused on reviewing ongoing cooperation projects and identifying new opportunities to strengthen collaboration in trade, investment, digital transformation, supply chain resilience, and sustainable development.

These engagements reflect ASEAN’s commitment to open, stable, and forward-looking economic partnerships in a rapidly evolving global environment.

Strengthening Coordination and Delivery

The successful conduct of the meetings was made possible through the efforts of the National Organizing Council (NOC), participating government agencies, and technical teams and support personnel, including from the Philippine International Convention Center, which ensured smooth delivery of the week-long meetings.

A More Resilient and Connected ASEAN

The meetings reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and collective action, amid global uncertainty. They highlighted the importance of keeping regional channels open and ensuring ASEAN remains responsive and forward-looking.

As ASEAN navigates an increasingly complex global landscape, the outcomes of the 2nd SEOM meeting reflect a shared commitment to strengthen resilience, deepen integration, and build a more innovative, sustainable, and people-centered ASEAN Community.

In line with the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together,” ASEAN continues to sail forward toward a more connected, resilient, and future-ready regional economy.

STATEMENT OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE ASEAN SENIOR ECONOMIC OFFICIALS (SEOM) ON THE CONCLUSION OF ASEAN DEFA NEGOTIATIONS

1. The Senior Economic Officials Meeting (SEOM) of ASEAN successfully resolved all outstanding issues in the negotiations of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) during its Second Meeting of the 57th ASEAN SEOM, held in Manila, Philippines on 27-29 May 2026. This marks the successful conclusion of the negotiations on ASEAN’s first region-wide digital economy agreement and a major milestone in advancing the ASEAN Leader’s vision of a digitally integrated, secure, interoperable, competitive, and inclusive regional economy.

2.    The ASEAN DEFA is expected to play a transformative role in unlocking the full potential of ASEAN’s digital economy, which studies indicate could reach as much as USD 2 trillion by 2030 with its successful implementation. The outcome follows the 27th ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Council Meeting held on 7 May 2026 in Cebu, Philippines where Ministers directed ASEAN SEOM to resolve all remaining negotiating issues, underscoring the strategic importance of the DEFA as ASEAN’s response to a rapidly evolving global economic landscape and its commitment to building an open, rules-based, and seamlessly connected digital economy.

3.    The ASEAN DEFA forms part of ASEAN’s broader and rapidly evolving digital architecture that is shaping the future of trade, investment, and innovation in the region. More than a digital trade agreement, the ASEAN DEFA seeks to makes it easier, safer, and more seamless for business and consumers to participate in the digital economy across ASEAN.

4.    The Agreement provides a regional framework for ASEAN’s digital economy ecosystem, covering areas such as digital trade, cross-border e-commerce, data governance and privacy, digital identity, electronic payments, online safety and cybersecurity cooperation, competition policy, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, and digital talent mobility.

5.    The Agreement contains forward-looking and high-quality provisions that build on ASEAN’s ongoing digital integration efforts, including the ASEAN Single Window, digital payments connectivity, cross-border data initiatives, online consumer protection, and the ASEAN Unique Business Identification Number (UBIN).

6.    By strengthening digital connectivity, enhancing trust in online transactions, and reducing barriers to cross-border digital trade, the ASEAN DEFA will help create a more seamless and enabling digital environment for business of all sizes. It reflects ASEAN’s collective commitment to deepen regional economic integration, strengthen competitiveness, and unlock new opportunities for innovation, investment, and sustainable growth across the region.

7.    Importantly, the ASEAN DEFA is not only an economic agreement, but also a development and integration tool. Its objective is not merely to increase digital trade, but to ensure that the opportunities created by digital transformation are more widely shared across ASEAN Member States and their peoples.

8.    The Agreement is expected to help narrow development gaps, strengthen participation of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), support economies at different stages of digital development, and ensure that the benefits of digitalization are accessible to all. In doing so, it will help create more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth opportunities throughout the region.

9.    ASEAN’s digital economy is projected to reach approximately USD 1 trillion by 2030 under current growth trends. With the implementation of ASEAN DEFA, studies indicate that the region’s digital economy could potentially double in value to USD 2 trillion by 2030.

10. This growth would further strengthen ASEAN’s position as one of the world’s leading digital growth hubs, attracting investment, creating jobs, supporting entrepreneurship, and expanding opportunities for businesses and communities across the region.

11. The ASEAN DEFA will play a central role in advancing ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future and the AEC Strategic Plan 2026-2030. The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Council Ministers underscored that the full benefits of the Agreement can only be realized through its timely signing, effective implementation, and sustained cooperation among ASEAN Member States and stakeholders.

12. ASEAN SEOM looks forward to the signing of the ASEAN DEFA in November 2026 alongside the 28th AEC Council Meeting and the 49th ASEAN Summit, marking a significant milestone in ASEAN’s digital integration journey and laying the foundation for a more connected, innovative, and prosperous regional economy.

Philippines leads ASEAN Higher Education Ministers in adopting three landmark regional initiatives to future-proof ASEAN Higher Education

PASAY CITY — Higher education ministers from ASEAN Member States on 26 June unanimously adopted three landmark regional outcome documents that will guide cooperation on digital transformation, teacher development, research collaboration, and academic mobility under the ASEAN Work Plan on Education 2026–2030, marking a major milestone in advancing the future of higher education across Southeast Asia.

The outcome documents were adopted during the Ministers' Roundtable on Access and Sustainable Development in Higher Education, convened by the Philippines through the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as part of its 2026 ASEAN Chairship. The meeting translated the recommendations of the ASEAN High-Level Policy Dialogue held the previous day into concrete regional actions, reflecting ASEAN's shared commitment to building a more inclusive, resilient, and future-ready higher education community.

The Ministerial Roundtable was guided by the vision of His Excellency President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who has consistently emphasized the transformative role of innovation and digital technologies in strengthening ASEAN. As part of the Philippine ASEAN Chairship, the President has championed the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence to accelerate the region's digital future, support the silver economy, and foster a more connected, resilient, and age-inclusive ASEAN Community.

Reflecting the President’s vision, the first outcome document—the ASEAN Ministerial Statement on Access to Quality Higher Education through Digital Transformation and Sustainability—establishes a shared regional policy framework that promotes equitable access to higher education through AI-enabled learning, ethical AI governance, lifelong learning opportunities, faculty development, and stronger collaboration among higher education institutions. The statement will be elevated for notation at the 49th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit, underscoring the strategic role of higher education in advancing the ASEAN Community.

The second outcome document, the Terms of Reference for the ASEAN Centre of Excellence for Teacher Education and Development (ACTED), will serve as ASEAN's premier platform for advancing teacher professional development, policy research, quality assurance, educator mobility, innovation in pedagogy, and institutional capacity-building—ensuring that ASEAN educators remain equipped to prepare learners for an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving future.The third initiative, ASEAN GEMS Plus, expands the existing ASEAN Global Exchange for Mobility and Scholarship (ASEAN GEMS) platform beyond scholarships and student mobility to include regional research grants, researcher mobility, innovation partnerships, and collaborative projects anchored on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

These documents are the culmination of months of technical discussions, rigorous consultations, and consensus-building among ASEAN Member States through the Senior Officials Meeting on Education (SOM-ED), reflecting the Philippines' commitment to inclusive and consultative regional leadership.

Together, these three initiatives—anchored in Digital Transformation, Teacher Excellence, and Regional Research and Mobility—form a comprehensive roadmap for advancing access, innovation, and sustainable development in ASEAN higher education. They reinforce CHED's commitment to internationalization under its ACHIEVE Agenda while advancing a stronger, more connected, and globally competitive ASEAN Higher Education Community.

With their adoption by the Ministers, the three outcome documents are now poised for implementation as part of the ASEAN Work Plan on Education 2026–2030, translating ASEAN's collective vision into concrete actions that will shape the future of higher education and deliver lasting benefits for learners, educators, and institutions across the region.

During the roundtable, ministers also shared national experiences, reforms, and best practices in expanding access to higher education, advancing sustainability, and preparing institutions for rapid technological change. In the Philippines' country statement, CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis highlighted the Commission's ACHIEVE Agenda as the country's strategic roadmap for transforming higher education through expanded access, lifelong learning, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, research excellence, and sustainability.

"While we have made significant progress, the challenges of equitable access, digital transformation, research, and preparing learners for the future are challenges that no country can address alone. That is why stronger ASEAN cooperation is essential—to deepen collaboration in mobility, innovation, teacher development, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence as we build a more connected and future-ready higher education community," Chairperson Agrupis said.

This milestone reflects the coordinated efforts of the Commission on Higher Education, the ASEAN National Organizing Committee, the Presidential Communications Office through the Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM), ASEAN Member States, dialogue partners, and the various technical working groups whose collaboration and commitment made the successful conduct of the Ministerial Roundtable possible.

As the 2026 ASEAN Chair, the Philippines remains steadfast in working closely with all ASEAN Member States to build a more inclusive, resilient, and future-ready ASEAN Higher Education Community. These three outcome documents embody the Philippines' commitment to advancing the priorities of its ASEAN Chairship while strengthening regional cooperation through innovation, responsible digital transformation, quality teacher education, research collaboration, and expanded educational opportunities for all.

*SiGMA World: SiGMA Asia 2026 Takes Over Manila May 31 – June 3

SiGMA World, the global iGaming summit brand, is bringing its Asia flagship back to Manila. *SiGMA Asia 2026* runs *May 31 – June 3, 2026* at the *SMX Convention Centre, Mall of Asia Complex*, and it’s set to be the biggest edition yet.

*SiGMA World x SiGMA Asia: The Connection*

SiGMA World is the parent brand behind SiGMA’s global summits - Malta, Dubai, São Paulo, Cape Town, and Asia. Think of SiGMA Asia as the “World” tour stop focused purely on Asia-Pacific markets. It’s where SiGMA’s global network meets Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing gaming audience.

PAGCOR officially endorsed the event through Chairperson & CEO Alejandro H. Tengco, calling it “significant to the country’s regulated gaming and FinTech industries”. 

 *Manila 2026: Key Details*

- *Dates*: May 31 – June 3, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily

- *Venue*: SMX Convention Centre, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City

- *Expected turnout*: 20,000+ attendees from operators, affiliates, regulators, fintech, and Web3

- *Format*:  expo + conference + networking + awards.

*What’s on the Agenda*

*1. World-Class Expo Floor*

Two levels of exhibitors: land-based & online casino operators, gaming software/platform devs, payment + AML compliance, responsible gaming bodies, marketing, data analytics, and e-learning firms. Big brands like PG Soft are already booked with massive booths. 

*2. SiGMA World Conference*

Panels designed for SiGMA’s global audience but tailored to Asia. Day 2 highlights:

- “Bet Big or Go Home: Why Asian Players Outspend the World”

- “Prediction Markets in Asia: Event Contracts vs iGaming” 

Themes cover regulation, AI in gaming, Web3, esports, and responsible gambling. SiGMA World summits pull 2,600+ Reuters journalists worth of global context, but Asia edition focuses on APAC growth. 

*3. SiGMA World Networking*

This is what SiGMA is famous for:

- 15 networking dinners across Manila

- 2 large parties

- B2B/B2C matchmaking zones for deals

- Two startup pitch competitions for new iGaming tech 

*4. SiGMA Asia Awards Gala*

June 2, 2026 at SMX. Adjudicated by KPMG US, it recognizes top operators, affiliates, and tech providers in Asia. 

 *Why Manila for SiGMA World*

SiGMA chose Manila again because the Philippines is now “Asia’s gaming hub”. With PAGCOR’s regulatory framework + high digital adoption, Manila gives global SiGMA World delegates direct access to compliance, investors, and SE Asia’s player base. Venue is 15-30 mins from NAIA. 

*Who Should Go*

If you’re part of SiGMA World’s ecosystem - operators, affiliates, payment providers, regulators, investors, content creators - SiGMA Asia 2026 is your APAC entry point. Sponsors include global regulators, industry associations, and major gaming brands. 

*Tickets & Registration*

Register via the official SiGMA Asia organizer site. General delegate tickets are listed FREE on some platforms. VIP/Platinum gets you networking drinks + premium events. Most attendees stay near MOA for SMX + after-party access. Grab is the go-to transport. 

*Bottom line*: SiGMA World brings the global iGaming playbook to Manila every year. SiGMA Asia 2026 is that playbook applied to APAC - 4 days of panels, pitches, PAGCOR-backed networking, and parties that set the region’s agenda.

Philippines may soon have one single watchdog for all things finance.

The Philippines’ largest fintech industry group is backing the proposal by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to transfer regulatory oversight of lending and financing companies to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Lito Villanueva, FinTech Alliance PH founding chairman, said the group supports the realignment to create a more unified regulatory landscape.

“We support that. It was only the SEC informing the BSP regarding this particular regulatory oversight to be given to the central bank,” Villanueva said, stressing that the move is a logical realignment of regulatory powers.

Villanueva noted that even the interest-setting authority is with the BSP.

This development comes at a period when discussions are already underway to reopen the market for new digital lenders. “In fact, we have had discussions regarding the lifting of the moratorium on issuing online lending platform (OLP) licenses, and it is good that they are very open to that,” he said

According to Villanueva, the fintech group is working closely with regulators to establish stricter entry barriers.

“We are also part of the discussions in crafting the regulations, especially in setting the capitalization requirements for potential OLPs, to ensure that only serious and capital-adequate players will be part of the ecosystem—those who are truly committed to scaling their operations,” Villanueva said.

This push for a more unified regulatory framework mirrors global standards and could signal a broader trend toward a single financial watchdog.

“There is even a pending bill right now. Even the Insurance Commission (IC) is also looking into having it under the BSP because in other jurisdictions, the regulatory body is centralized. There is an umbrella regulator. This limits potential regulatory arbitrage,” he explained.

Additionally, Villanueva said the industry anticipates significant operational benefits from the consolidation.

“Compliance would definitely be more seamless, and it would be more advantageous for players, because they often say compliance is very costly. So in this case, it would be more streamlined and much clearer in terms of policies. I think it would be much better for the entire industry in general,” Villanueva noted.

This strong backing from the fintech industry comes as the digital banking sector shows signs of maturity, with Villanueva noting that three of the six licensed digital lenders are now profitable.

FinTech Alliance PH is shifting its strategic focus from aggressive customer acquisition to usage and retention to meet its 80/80 vision of 80 percent digital account ownership and 80 percent active usage by 2028.

PH Convenes Ad Hoc ADSOM Working Group Meeting

QUEZON CITY, May 19, 2026 — The Philippines convened the Ad Hoc ASEAN Defence Senior Officials’ Meeting (ADSOM) Working Group (WG) virtually on May 18, 2026, bringing together defense officials from ASEAN Member States to advance preparations for upcoming engagements and discuss progress of initiatives under the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting framework.

The meeting was led by Department of National Defense (DND) Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Marita I. Yoro in her capacity as ADSOM WG Chair.

Discussions focused on the implementation of the ADMM Work Programme 2023–2026 and proposed initiatives aimed at strengthening confidence-building and practical defense cooperation among ASEAN Member States. The Philippines presented several proposed initiatives, including in the areas of people-to-people exchanges among future defense leaders, enhancing complementarity with other ASEAN-led defense and security mechanisms, and the nexus between maritime security and emerging technologies.

The Working Group also deliberated on draft joint declarations and statements for adoption during the 20th ADMM and the 13th ADMM-Plus later this year.

The ADSOM WG meeting underscores the Philippines’ continued commitment to strengthening ASEAN Centrality, advancing practical defense cooperation, and fostering a responsive and forward-looking regional security architecture through sustained dialogue and collaboration.

SIGMA ASIA 2026 Set to Redefine Innovation, Technology, and Business Collaboration Across the Setup Dost Region II

ASIA — Industry leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and technology advocates from across the continent are gearing up for the highly anticipated SIGMAa ASIA 2026, a premierk.ki gathering that aims to showcase the future of digital transformation, emerging technologies, business innovation, and regional collaboration.

Positioned as one of Asia’s leading platforms for technology and enterprise development, SIGMA ASIA 2026 will bring together global experts and key stakeholders to discuss groundbreaking trends in artificial intelligence, fintech, blockchain, digital commerce, gaming, cybersecurity, sustainability, and next-generation business solutions.

The event is expected to attract thousands of delegates, including executives, startup founders, policymakers, media practitioners, and investors seeking new partnerships and opportunities in the rapidly evolving Asian market.

Organizers said the conference will feature high-level keynote sessions, panel discussions, business matching opportunities, technology exhibitions, and networking events designed to foster innovation and cross-border collaboration.

“SIGMA ASIA 2026 is more than just a conference. It is a platform where ideas converge, partnerships are formed, and the future of business and technology in Asia is shaped,” organizers shared.

Participants can expect insights from internationally recognized speakers and industry pioneers who will tackle the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital economy. The event also aims to empower startups and emerging enterprises by connecting them with investors and global business networks.

With Asia continuing to emerge as a major force in global innovation and economic growth, SIGMA ASIA 2026 seeks to strengthen the region’s role as a hub for technological advancement and sustainable development.

The event is anticipated to generate significant momentum for industries adapting to digital transformation while encouraging collaboration among governments, private sectors, and innovation communities.

Further announcements regarding the official venue, schedules, participating organizations, and featured speakers are expected to be released in the coming months.

SIGMA ASIA 2026 stands as a celebration of innovation, progress, and the limitless possibilities shaping the future of Asia’s digital economy.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1JEUzVqX3z/

#SiGMAasia2026 #todayph26

Rising Tigers Magazine Hosts the Ultimate Power Screening of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’

On May 2, 2026, the air at SM Aura Premier’s Cinema 2 didn’t just smell like popcorn—it smelled like influence.

Rising Tigers Magazine turned a simple movie premiere into a high-octane intersection of diplomacy, couture, and corporate grit. As the lights dimmed for the most anticipated sequel of the decade, The Devil Wears Prada 2, it became clear: this wasn’t just a movie. It was a masterclass in leadership for the nation’s most powerful icons.

When the Runway Meets the Round Table

Forget “fashion insiders”—the guest list looked more like a global summit. From the hallowed halls of government to the front rows of Milan, the audience reflected the film’s core message: Style is a language spoken by those in charge.

Political Gravitas: Former presidential spokesperson Atty. Salvador Panelo and Dra. Araceli Panelo proved that “power dressing” is just as vital in the palace as it is on the runway.

Diplomatic Chic: Indonesian Trade Attaché Abu Ayu Nighsih and Tassya Manuella brought international elegance to the front row, marking a stylish Philippine debut.

The “Real” Andy Sachs: Jenny Syquia, who lived the dream as a former Vogue New York assistant, brought effortless New York sophistication alongside Kourtney Camcam and entrepreneur Grace Santiago.

The Showstoppers: LGBTQ leader Barbie Arcache lit up the room in a gold tasseled Jor-El Espina blazer, while Niña Campos and Lance Raymundo brought a curated mix of Burberry, LV, and Dior that would make Miranda Priestly herself nod in silent approval.

The roster of excellence continued with industry titans like Cielo Ortega Reboredo (Okada Manila), Becky Garcia (The Manila Times), and Maria Charo Calalo (Mrs. Universe Philippines), each turning the cinema aisle into a personal runway.

The Modern Miranda? Grace Bondad Nicolas Takes the Helm

At the center of this storm of style was Grace Bondad Nicolas, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Tag Media Group. While many draw parallels between her and the formidable Miranda Priestly, Nicolas stood firmly in her own light.

Draped in a layered Rajo Laurel masterpiece and anchored by YSL stilettos and Prada accents, she arrived with her twin daughters—who were equally “Prada-ed” out—embodying the new era of leadership: Grace, not just grit.

The “Priestly” Gospel: Quotes from the EIC

The Devil Wears Prada 2 is a symphony of sharp tongues and sharper suits. These five mantras, curated by Editor-in-Chief Grace Bondad Nicolas, define the film’s—and her own—approach to the industry:

“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 from the Screen: Why ‘Prada 2’ Matters

Beyond the Chanel boots and the sharp banter, the film offers a blueprint for modern success:

Clarity Over Approval: True leaders don’t wait for a “thank you.” They execute a vision.

Strategic Reinvention: If you aren’t evolving, you’re becoming a “last season” relic. Growth requires discomfort.

The Cost of Excellence: Behind every “effortless” success is relentless, disciplined work.

Authenticity as Luxury: In an industry of masks, staying true to your identity is the ultimate flex.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 reminds us that whether you’re in the boardroom or the showroom, everyone wants to be us.

#leadingwomenph #todayph26

IICSC: The Real Risk is Delay, Not Renewables

QUEZON CITY, 06 May 2026 – In the midst of an energy crisis, marked by rising electricity prices and continued exposure to volatile global fuel markets—the real risk is not renewable energy, but the delay and barriers to scaling it.

In a recent statement, ACEN Corporation described renewable energy sources as “unsustainable”, and promoted nuclear as a replacement for coal. In response, the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) said: 

“Statements like these miss the more urgent issue. The constraint is not in the availability of resources, but in the efficient integration of renewable energy to the country’s power mix. The Philippines has more than enough indigenous renewable energy to support an affordable, reliable, and secure power mix, drawing from its solar, wind, geothermal, and hydro resources. What the country needs is to modernize the grid, scale up energy storage, and strengthen system planning to manage variability. These actions are immediate, feasible, and recognized within existing policy and planning frameworks.

“Recent experience has already shown the risks of heavy dependence on coal and imported gas, driving price instability and supply vulnerability. Replacing one dominant source with another–from coal to nuclear– which is likewise centralized, capital-intensive, and import-dependent, only reproduces the same structural problem.

“Nuclear power is often positioned as a baseload solution, but the current energy system of the country is already heavily reliant on baseload capacity. Adding another inflexible baseload source will not improve reliability; it only risks increasing system rigidity and operational imbalance. What the grid requires now is flexibility, variable RE, complemented by storage and responsive systems that can meet peak and shifting demand. The idea that renewables need nuclear to be reliable misunderstands the direction of modern energy systems.Nuclear power is a high-risk, high-cost pathway that does not match the urgency of the crisis we face today. It takes decades to deliver, requires massive capital, and carries complex safety, regulatory, and waste management burdens with long-term consequences. It locks the country into an inflexible system and shifts financial and operational risks onto consumers. Advancing nuclear power now only diverts our scarce resources away from solutions that are already working and are ready to scale.

“ICSC maintains that the way forward is clear: scale up indigenous renewables; invest decisively in grid flexibility, distributed energy systems, and energy storage; and enable households and businesses to generate their own power. Anything less will only prolong high electricity costs, deepen energy insecurity, and ultimately deny Filipino households their right to accessible, affordable, and reliable energy.”

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.

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.

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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.