RCBC to Offer US Bank Accounts for Filipinos Without US Residency

The service, launching in October 2025, requires no US address, Social Security Number, or residency.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) has announced a new service that will allow Filipinos to open a United States bank account through its RCBC Pulz mobile application. RCBC is launching the new feature in partnership with the global instant payments company, Meridian.

The service will become available to the public starting in October 2025. Users will be able to open a US bank account without the requirement of a US address, Social Security Number, or US residency.

In an announcement on its 65th anniversary, RCBC stated the Pulz app will display the US bank account alongside the user’s peso account and connect it to US payment systems such as ACH and Fedwire.

The company is targeting this initiative toward three main groups. Number one are families in the Philippines receiving money from relatives in the US. 

Secondly are Filipino freelancers with American clients. Lastly are local employees of US-based companies.

The bank stated the service will provide a faster and more affordable alternative to traditional remittance methods that often involve long queues and high fees.

In an announcement, Lito Villanueva, RCBC’s Executive Vice President and Chief 

Innovation and Inclusion Officer, described the service as providing financial freedom from delays, from fees, from old systems.

To illustrate the practical impact, he pointed to freelancers who will no longer lose 10 to 15% of hard-earned income to fees. Lito also highlighted the convenience for family members, who will no longer have to travel hours just to claim their remittance.

“For the first time, Filipinos can directly participate in the US financial,” Lito said

system, unlocking new opportunities for work, business, and family support, thanks to our strategic partnership with New York–based Meridian.

𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐬𝐚 𝐦𝐠𝐚 O𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐲𝐚𝐥 𝐧𝐚 T𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐬𝐢𝐲𝐨𝐧 𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 I𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧

Upang higit na maisapanahon ang kakayahan ng mga unibersidad at kolehiyo sa iba’t ibang rehiyon, naglunsad ng Webinar sa Korespondensiya Opisyal (WKO) ang Camarines Norte State College (CNSC) sa pagtataguyod ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino noong 18–19 Setyembre 2025.

Dinaluhan ng humigit 50 na kinatawan mula sa iba’t ibang opisyal at kawani ng mula sa CNSC Office of the President, CNSC OVPAA, CNSC OVPAF, CNSC GCO, CNSC PPD, CNSC Registrar’s Office, CNSC OBS, CNSC PICRO, at CNSC Supply. Kabilang dito ang Nanunungkulang Pangulo, Kgg. Edgar P. Aban, Pangalawang Pangulo sa Ugnayang Pang-akademiko, Kgg. Dolores C. Volante, at ang Direktor ng Sentro ng Wika at Kultura, Dr. Rose Ann Dela Paz-Aler. 

Binigyang-diin ng Tagapangulo ng KWF, Atty. Marites A. Barrios-Taran, ang pagtalima sa Atas Tagapagpaganap 335 at ang paggamit ng wikang Filipino sa araw-araw bilang mga lingkod bayan.

Tampok sa WKO ang intensibong pagtuturo ng Ortograpiyang Pambansa, paggawa ng memorandum, resolusyon, liham, at iba pang opisyal na komunikasyon na ginagamit sa serbisyo publiko. 

Gayundin, sa unang pagkakataon, ipinalabas ang lektura ni G. Jaime Enage na may layuning pagyamanin ang Baybayin bilang pambansang panulat ng Pilipinas. Ibinahagi rin sa mga kalahok ang mga senyas gamit ang Filipino Sign Language ng karaniwang bati sa Pilipinas. 

DTI Launches Creative Expo, Targets PH to be Asia's Creative Hub by 2030

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is spearheading the Philippines' bid to become Asia's Premier Creative Hub by 2030 with the official launch of the Malikhaing Pinoy Creative Expo (MPEx), a five-day national event at SMX Aura, Taguig City.

 

Held in celebration of the Philippine Creative Industries Month (PCIM), the MPEx is the first event to gather all nine creative domains—audiovisual media, visual arts, digital interactive media, design, performing arts, publishing, traditional cultural expressions, creative services, and cultural sites—and their 73 sectors.

 

Leading the ceremonial opening, Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque said that the expo emphasizes the vital role of Filipino creativity in driving economic progress. 

 

“Under the clear directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Trade and Industry is fully committed to harnessing the power of our creative industries. The DTI will continue to provide our artists and creators with the necessary infrastructure and support, like this Malikhaing Pinoy Creative Expo, until Filipino talent gains the global recognition it truly deserves,” Secretary Roque said.

 

The expo features a dynamic and immersive setup, showcasing the nine domains through dedicated creative pavilions, where visitors can explore exhibits of paintings, sculptures, and art toys, as well as original works in comics, animation, and publications. 

 

Another key component of the event is the series of "Malikhaing Pinoy Chats," which bring together professionals, creative workers, aspiring creatives, and government policymakers for thought-provoking presentations and conversations.

 

Meanwhile, "Creative Matchmaking for Filipino Games," pitching session is also set to provide indie and student game developers an opportunity to present their ideas to industry leaders and potential investors, where Dungeon King of Midnight Equinox stood out and earned the Best Game Pitch award.

 

The event features a wide array of prominent exhibitors and organizations, including the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) for audiovisual and digital interactive media, and the Design Center of the Philippines and Philippine Fashion Coalition for design. The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is a key exhibitor for the performing arts, while the Ayala Museum represents the cultural sites domain.

MPEx is a flagship initiative of the Malikhaing Pinoy Program, led by the DTI through the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council (PCIDC) Secretariat, to elevate Filipino creative industries. 

 

For more details on exhibitors, workshops, and performances, visit https://mpx.malikhaingpinoy.ph/

NCSC Champions Transparency and Integrity in Program Implementation and Transactions

On 02 September 2025, the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) organized a General Assembly at the NCSC Central Office, led by the Chairperson and CEO Dr. Mary Jean P. Loreche. This gathering illuminated key operational updates, financial insights and status, and crucial developments concerning social pensions for indigent senior citizens.

As Dr. Loreche approaches the culmination of her term on 17 September 2025, it is essential for all NCSC employees to reflect on the Commission's remarkable achievements and its strategic direction in fulfilling its mandate under Republic Act No. 11350.

Embodying the principles of accountability, integrity, and unwavering dedication, Dr. Loreche proudly shared the Commission’s performance throughout her tenure. She highlighted the internal dynamics from national to regional offices, and cultivated a culture of transparency across all offices.

With detailed reports concentrating on impactful initiatives and programs, Dr. Loreche expressed heartfelt gratitude to each staff member for their tireless commitment to serving senior citizens. Under her leadership, NCSC garnered acclaim from the President to local government units, generating waves of media attention and ensuring that every senior citizen receives their rightful benefits.

Dr. Loreche has actively traveled the country, empowering regional offices to champion the welfare of senior citizens with vigor. To date, NCSC has established 12 Senior Citizen Community Centers (SC3Cs) and plans to launch more this year. An impressive more than P1 billion has been successfully distributed to qualified beneficiaries of the Expanded Centenarians Act (ECA), a momentum that will sustain in every cash distribution.

The Commission has built strong partnership with national agencies, resulting in significant MOAs and MOUs with diverse stakeholders, creating a robust network of support and innovation.

The rollout of livelihood programs and digital services has made a remarkable impact across the nation, underscoring the critical role of the Commission in the lives of senior citizens.

With numerous achievements and promising initiatives ahead, NCSC remains optimistic for brighter days ahead, committed to the transformative leadership that Dr. Loreche exemplifies. 

Celebrating the 2025 Philippine Creative Industries Month withMalikhaing Pinoy Expo Showcasing Filipino Creativity

As the country observes Philippine Creative Industries Month (PCIM) this September, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is taking a bold step forward. To mark this occasion, DTI will host the Malikhaing Pinoy Expo (MPEx) 2025, an event designed to open new opportunities and strengthen support for Filipino talent, under the banner: “#WeAreaCreativeNation.”

From 3-7 September 2025 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura, the MPEx will feature an immersive and interactive experience through pavilions, exhibits,workshops,keynote and panel discussions, and performances that showcase the richness of Filipino creativity.

Nine creative domains will be spotlighted through the creative execution of pavilion displays, brought to life in collaboration with distinguished organizations from both the government and private sectors.

The MPEx is more than a celebration, it is a platform for our Filipino creatives to access new markets, connect with partners, and build sustainable careers. Our talents deserve the spotlight, not only for their artistry but also for their role in creating opportunities for communities and industries.

For more details on exhibitors, workshops, and performances, visit https://mpx.malikhaingpinoy.ph/.

This MPEx is part of the Malikhaing Pinoy Program, a flagship initiative by the Philippine government being implemented by the Department of Trade and Industry and as the Chair of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council. It is aimed at elevating Filipino creativity and advancing creative agenda, spotlighting Filipino talent, cultural heritage, and ingenuity.

Join the movement and be part of the change with #WeAreACreativeNation. 

DTI Commits PH to 'Digital-First Future' at Tech Summit

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) affirmed the Philippines' commitment to a digital-first future detailing key strategic initiatives to strengthen the nation’s role in the evolving global digital landscape.

 

Addressing a gathering of industry leaders and innovators at the Manila Tech Summit 2025, on Wednesday, August 27 Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque said that DTI is at the forefront of boosting the competitiveness of Philippine industries, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to embrace digital transformation as a vital tool for nation-building.

 

"We at DTI are striving to make this happen by ensuring that every Filipino, from the small sari-sari store owner to the next tech startup founder, can thrive in a digital economy," Secretary Roque said in her keynote message.

 

Roque outlined several initiatives aimed at empowering businesses and attracting strategic investments, including the continued implementation of the 5-Point MSME Strategy, which helps small businesses go digital, diversify their products, and gain access to financing.

 

The trade chief also emphasized that through reforms like the CREATE MORE Act and Green Lanes for Strategic Investments, the DTI is opening doors for projects in high-growth sectors to empower local communities and create jobs.

To build a secure and trustworthy online environment, the Secretary also highlighted the launch of the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark, a voluntary certification for online businesses that meet government standards for transparency and security. 

Roque stressed that technology is a key driver for an inclusive economy, with a direct impact on the nation as a whole.

“Inclusivity should not be an afterthought—it is the heart of what we do. We recognize that technology can be our game-changer. That is why we see every fintech innovation, every e-commerce breakthrough, as a chance to uplift more Filipinos—especially women, youth, and small entrepreneurs,” she affirmed.

The Manila Tech Summit 2025, organized by Fintech Alliance PH, brought together top industry leaders, innovators, and cross-sector organizations to explore actionable solutions and forward-thinking strategies to thrive in a complex and rapidly changing digital environment. 

DTI, DOT offer ‘Turismo Asenso Loans’ to drive tourism-related job growth

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in collaboration with the Department of Tourism (DOT), launched the Turismo Asenso Loan Program (TALP), a financing initiative that will help tourism micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to expand their operations and generate more jobs across tourism-linked industries nationwide.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the ceremonial awarding of loans on Monday, September 1, where P3.38 million in financing was awarded to nine tourism-related MSMEs.

The first batch of beneficiaries, approved by the DTI’s financing arm Small Business Corporation, includes wellness spas, resorts, and travel and tour agencies from Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, and Metro Manila, with loan packages ranging from P150,000 to P1 million.

Jointly developed by DTI and DOT under a memorandum of agreement signed in April 2025, TALP provides MSMEs with low-interest loans of up to P20 million, with repayment terms of up to five years and an interest rate of one percent per month on a diminishing balance.

Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque said the partnership with DOT reflects the whole-of-government approach to supporting one of the country’s most labor-intensive industries.

“Tourism supports millions of jobs across hotels, transport, food, and local services. By helping our tourism MSMEs, we are not only sustaining businesses but also securing livelihoods for countless Filipinos whose income depends on this sector,” she said.

Roque added that DTI is working closely with DOT to ensure that trade and enterprise development efforts directly translate into more jobs and opportunities for Filipinos.

In 2024, total expenditure from international and domestic visitors reached P3.86 trillion, equivalent to 8.9 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. The sector directly employed 6.75 million Filipinos and indirectly supported nearly 10 million more.

The ceremonial awarding also marked the start of a nationwide campaign encouraging more MSMEs to avail of TALP, intended as a lifeline for enterprises ready to recover, innovate, and expand. Tourism entrepreneurs are also urged to take advantage of this opportunity and apply now through the DTI-SBCorp Money Mobile App (https://app.sbcorp.ph)