ASEAN must lead the next era of digital finance, says Fintech Alliance PH Chair Villanueva

MANILA, Philippines — Southeast Asia has an opportunity to shape the next generation of global finance, but only if the region moves decisively on artificial intelligence, digital assets, and cybersecurity, according to FinTech Alliance PH Founding Chairman and RCBC Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer Lito Villanueva.

Opening the ASEAN Tech Summit 2026 in Manila, Villanueva said ASEAN is no longer merely participating in the global digital economy but is increasingly defining its direction.

"Southeast Asia is becoming the engine of the global digital economy. The blueprint for the next decade is being drawn today, and ASEAN must help write it," he said.

Villanueva identified three technologies that will fundamentally reshape financial services: agentic AI, digital assets, and cybersecurity.

He said AI agents will increasingly execute financial transactions autonomously, while tokenization and stablecoins are poised to transform cross-border payments and remittances. At the same time, he stressed that cybersecurity must evolve alongside these innovations as financial crime grows more sophisticated across the region.

He also called for ASEAN to play a more active role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence, noting that much of today's AI infrastructure is being developed outside the region.

To strengthen regional resilience, Villanueva proposed greater collaboration through a private sector-led ASEAN Resiliency Wealth Fund to accelerate strategic investments, alongside a regional Network Anti-Scam Hub to enhance intelligence sharing and combat cross-border financial crime.

The summit also announced a long-term collaboration between the Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN) and the Philippines focused on advancing inclusive financial innovation, improving financial health, and developing AI-ready talent. Key initiatives include bringing GFTN's Select Series to Manila, launching the ASEAN Financial Health Challenge 2026 with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and pursuing a five-year AI Horizon Philippines Programme to develop the country's AI and digital finance workforce.

The 2026 Philippine FinTech Report was likewise launched during the summit, providing the latest assessment of the country's digital finance ecosystem.

Hosted during the Philippines' ASEAN Chairship, the ASEAN Tech Summit 2026 convenes policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, fintech companies, and technology leaders to discuss the future of AI, digital assets, cybersecurity, open finance, and cross-border payments across Southeast Asia.

About FinTech Alliance PH

Established in 2017, is the country’s premier and largest organization of fintech companies and digital financial service providers. With over 170 corporate members, it represents more than 95% of digital transaction volume and serves over 110 million digital accounts of Filipinos. It is also the first in Asia to institutionalize an industry-led Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics and continues to lead initiatives on cybersecurity, fraud prevention, and consumer education.

The Philippines Host the Film and TV Summit 2026

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) in collaboration with the Asian Film Alliance Network (AFAN), proudly announces that the Philippines will host the ASEAN Film and TV Summit 2026, from August 12 -14, 2026, at Seda Manila Bay. 

With this year’s theme ‘Navigating our Future, Together,’ this year’s summit will bring together industry leaders, producers, archivists, educators, policymakers, and cultural institutions from across the region to celebrate Asian cinema, foster cultural understanding, exchange insights on the evolving regional screen market, and strengthen international relations. 

The summit will feature a diverse lineup of activities for both international delegates and the public.

Cultural Visits

On August 12, 2026, international delegates will visit key heritage sites in Intramuros, including the Philippine Film Heritage Building, offering a glimpse into the country’s cinematic history and culture.

Talks and Discussions

On August 13, 2026, a keynote presentation by Prof. Patrick F. Campos, PhD and a two-session public forum will explore two vital pillars of the screen industry: film archiving and film education. Discussions will explore the current landscape of both fields, the challenges and opportunities they face, and their role in preserving the country’s cinematic heritage and shaping the future of the film Industry. Confirmed agencies attending the summit are Ministry of Culture Thailand, Badan Perfilman Indonesia (Indonesian Film Board), European Film Agency Directors Association (EFAD), French National Centre for Cinema and the Moving Image (CNC), Korean Film Council (KOFIC), Agency for Cultural Affairs  (Japan), Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (Vietnam), among others.

AFAN Closed-Door Session

On August 14, AFAN member organizations and invited stakeholders will convene for a closed-door meeting to discuss regional priorities, shared challenges, emerging opportunities, and collaborative initiatives that will help strengthen the Asian screen ecosystem.

AFAN Boot Camp for Young Filmmakers

Running from August 9 to 14, 2026, the AFAN Boot Camp for Young Filmmakers will bring together 16 emerging filmmakers across Asia for an intensive film lab focused on script development, co-production, and project pitching in partnership with Production and Storytelling (PaS).

As part of the program, the participants’ works will be screened at Ayala Malls Cinema and the FDCP Cinematheque Centres in Manila, Bacolod and Iloilo. A talkback session with the filmmakers will follow the screenings at Ayala Malls Cinema.

 

Participants will also join two organized industry mixers on August 13, creating opportunities to connect with Filipino producers, filmmakers, and other industry professionals. 

Check out the list of participating filmmakers.

Hosting the ASEAN Film and TV Summit 2026 marks another milestone in the Philippines’ growing engagement with the regional and global screen community. By building meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and cultural exchange, the summit reinforces the country’s commitment to strengthening industry partnerships and advancing the diverse voices and stories in Asia.

Malacanang receives ASEANAPOL leaders, reaffirms support for stronger regional law enforcement cooperation

The Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., participated in the Meet and Greet of the Chiefs of Police of the ASEANAPOL Member Countries held on July 23, 2026, at the Office of the Executive Secretary in Malacañang. The engagement formed part of the official program of the 44th ASEANAPOL Conference hosted by the Philippines. The engagement highlighted the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening regional law enforcement partnerships and reinforcing cooperation among ASEAN police organizations in addressing shared security challenges. Representing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto welcomed the Chiefs of Police and senior delegates from the ten ASEANAPOL Member Countries—Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. During the engagement, each Head of Police was formally introduced to the Executive Secretary and presented a commemorative token as a gesture of friendship and enduring partnership between the Philippines and the ASEAN law enforcement community. In his message, Executive Secretary Recto underscored the immense responsibility entrusted to the Chiefs of Police, emphasizing that the safety and security of the peoples of ASEAN rest on their collective leadership and steadfast commitment to protecting their respective nations. He likewise reaffirmed the importance of sustained regional cooperation in addressing transnational crimes, including cybercrime, illicit drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, online child sexual exploitation, fraud-related offenses, asset recovery, and other forms of organized criminality that require coordinated action among ASEAN law enforcement agencies. In his message, Executive Secretary Recto underscored the vital role of ASEAN police leaders in safeguarding the peoples of the region and emphasized the importance of sustained regional cooperation in addressing transnational crimes, including cybercrime, illicit drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, online child sexual exploitation, fraud-related offenses, asset recovery, and other forms of organized criminality that require coordinated regional action. "Regional security is strengthened when law enforcement agencies build lasting partnerships founded on trust, professionalism, and a common commitment to protect our people. Together, we are better equipped to confront security threats that transcend national borders," PGEN Nartatez said. The engagement reflects the PNP's commitment to strengthening international law enforcement cooperation under its Focused Agenda, particularly through Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which promotes closer collaboration with regional and international partners to address evolving security threats. "Every opportunity to engage with our counterparts reinforces our shared resolve to uphold the rule of law and build a safer future for the ASEAN community. These enduring partnerships remain vital in addressing both present and emerging security challenges," PGEN Nartatez added. The Philippines, through the Philippine National Police in partnership with the ASEANAPOL Secretariat, is hosting the 44th ASEANAPOL Conference from July 22 to 26, 2026, at the Manila Marriott Hotel, Newport World Resorts in Pasay City, under the theme "United in Vision: Securing People and Strengthening Collaboration." The conference brings together Chiefs of Police, senior law enforcement officials from ASEANAPOL Member Countries, Dialogue Partners, Observer Organizations, and invited participants to strengthen operational cooperation, enhance information sharing, and advance coordinated responses against transnational crime across the region. As host of the 44th ASEANAPOL Conference, the Philippine National Police reaffirms its commitment to strengthening regional law enforcement cooperation in support of a safer and more secure ASEAN, consistent with the vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for a peaceful, secure, and resilient region. Guided by its Focused Agenda, the PNP remains steadfast in advancing Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.

Grand Opening: Travel Madness Expo 2026 Opens at SMX Convention Center ManilaJuly 09, 2026

PASAY CITY, July 10, 2026 – The much-awaited Travel Madness Expo 2026 officially opened today at the SMX Convention Center Manila, welcoming thousands of travel enthusiasts, families, and industry professionals eager to take advantage of exclusive travel deals and destination promotions.
Running from July 10 to 12, 2026, the expo brings together leading airlines, hotels, resorts, cruise operators, travel agencies, and tourism organizations from the Philippines and around the world. Visitors can enjoy event-exclusive discounts, vacation packages, airfare promotions, and exciting raffle prizes available only during the three-day event.
The grand opening highlighted the resilience and continued growth of the Philippine tourism industry, encouraging Filipinos to rediscover local destinations while exploring international travel opportunities. Attendees can compare travel offers, book trips on the spot, and meet travel experts for personalized vacation planning.

Whether you're dreaming of a beach getaway, a cultural adventure, or an overseas holiday, the Travel Madness Expo 2026 offers something for every type of traveler.
Stay tuned to The Social SCENE PH for more event highlights, exhibitor features, travel tips, and exclusive updates from the expo floor. See you there.

#TravelMadnessExpo2026 
#todayph26

Philippines, Japan Co-Host Second ASEAN Workshop on Strategic Trade ManagementTOKYO, JAPAN

The Philippines, through the Department of Trade and Industry – Strategic Trade Management Office (DTI-STMO), together with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), co-hosted the Second ASEAN Capacity Building Workshop on Strategic Trade Management (STM) from on 07-09 July 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. The workshop was supported by the United States Export Control and Border Security Program, European Union Partner-to-Partner Export Control Programme and the Center for Trade Excellence.

The workshop forms part of the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship Priority Economic Deliverable and supports the proposed ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Strategic Trade Management for Secure Regional Trade. It also builds on the inaugural ASEAN STM Capacity Building Workshop held in Boracay, Philippines in December 2025.

The regional workshop brought together ASEAN Senior Economic Officials, STM Officials and international partners to strengthen regional cooperation on STM and promote a common understanding of measures that facilitate secure and responsible trade.

Discussions focused on how effective STM systems contribute to economic security, resilient supply chains, responsible investment, and trusted trade while preventing the diversion of strategic goods, advanced technologies, and software for unauthorized purposes.

Participants exchanged national experiences on developing legal and institutional frameworks, licensing systems, enforcement mechanisms, and industry engagement. A private sector panel highlighted the importance of transparent, predictable, and practical regulatory frameworks that support legitimate trade while ensuring effective compliance.

Interactive breakout sessions allowed delegates to examine practical case studies involving diversion risks, end-use and end-user controls, sanctions-related issues, and transshipment vulnerabilities. The exercises encouraged information sharing and identified opportunities for closer regional cooperation.

The workshop recognized that ASEAN Member States are at different stages of developing their strategic trade management systems but share a common interest in strengthening supply chain resilience, facilitating legitimate trade, and enhancing ASEAN’s competitiveness as a trusted destination for trade and investment.

The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to continue regional dialogue and capacity building in support of the proposed ASEAN Leader’s Declaration on Strategic Trade Management for Secure Regional Trade, reinforcing ASEAN’s vision of a secure, resilient, and future-ready regional economy.

𝐊𝐖𝐅, 𝐧𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐛𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐠𝐢 𝐬𝐚 𝐊𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐚 𝐏𝐈𝐀 𝐋𝐞𝐲𝐭𝐞

Matapos ang pormal na pulong at presentasyon ng Proyektong Bantayog-Wika 2026  sa pagitan ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) at Leyte Normal University (LNU) ay agad na lumahok ang dalawang panig sa “Kapihan ha PIA Leyte” noong 1 Hulyo 2026 sa LNU Research Innovation and Extension Center sa Government Center sa Palo, Leyte.

Naging pangunahing panauhin sa panayam si Atty. Marites A. Barrios-Taran, Tagapangulo ng KWF at  Ikalawang Pangulo para sa Pangasiwaan at Pananalapi ng LNU, Dr. Solomon D. Faller, upang ikapanayam ang mga lokal na midya ng Rehiyon otso sa pangunguna ni Region VIII PIA Information and Communications Manager, Bb. Ahlette C. Reyes.

Naging pangunahing panauhin sa panayam si Atty. Marites A. Barrios-Taran, Tagapangulo ng KWF at  Ikalawang Pangulo para sa Pangasiwaan at Pananalapi ng LNU, Dr. Solomon D. Faller, upang makapanaya ng lokal na midya ng Rehiyon 8 sa pangunguna ni Region VIII PIA Information and Communications Manager, Bb. Ahlette C. Reyes.

Naging pangunahing paksa sa naging talakayan ang tungkol sa proyektong Bantayog-Wika na nilalayong maipatayo sa Palo, leyte bago matapos ang taóng 2026. 

Ang Bantayog-Wika 2026 ay nasa ilalim ng pamamahala ni Dr. Carmelita C. Abdurahman, KWF Komisyoner para sa Programa at Proyekto na kumakatawan sa mga wika ng Samar-Leyte.

PhilSA invites Filipinos to join Philippine Space Week 2026 celebration on Aug. 8-14

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) invites Filipinos to take part in programs and activities lined up for the celebration of Philippine Space Week 2026 from Aug. 8 to 14.
The celebration this year will carry the theme “Navigating Tomorrow” and will highlight the country’s progress in satellite development and the use of space data and services.

The week-long celebration will feature exhibits, lectures, webinars, astronomy nights, stargazing sessions, workshops, and other engaging community activities to promote awareness of, appreciation for, and understanding of the benefits of space for Filipinos.
Among these is the Philippine Space Week Interactive Exhibit to be held on Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Quantum Skyview, Gateway Mall 2 in Quezon City.

Another is a lecture on “Strengthening Interagency Collaboration for Use Case Applications: Lessons from CopPhil Toward PhilSA's Co-Development Framework” in partnership with the European Union, which will tackle the ongoing National Copernicus Capacity Support Action Programme in the Philippines (CopPhil) project and promote the use of Earth observation data.

The public can also join the following competitions throughout the week:
GeoGuhit: Move, Map & Make your mark. – A physical wellness and creative mapping challenge wherein participants will create space-inspired art by walking, running, or cycling through the use of satellite data from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and Global Positioning System (GPS)-enabled technologies.
#YamangKalawakan Poster-Making Contest 2026 – An art-making contest for students aged 6–12 about cultivating life in space, visualizing the theme: “Space Garden: Growing Food in Space.”
Space Law Essay Writing Contest – A writing contest where law students can discuss emerging issues in space law, answering the question: “As the Philippines prepares for human spaceflight in the future, what domestic legal frameworks should be in place to ensure the welfare of Filipino astronauts?”

PhilSA invites other national government agencies, local government units, the academe, private organizations, student groups, and community organizations to take part in the celebration by hosting activities that will showcase the value and impact of space science and technology.

Philippine Space Week is an annual celebration commemorating the enactment of the Philippine Space Act on Aug. 8, 2019, established through Proclamation No. 302, s. 2023.
Space Week aims to promote public awareness of space science, technology, and applications (SSTA), highlight the contributions of Filipinos to the space sector, and demonstrate how space-enabled innovations contribute to national development and improve the lives of Filipinos.