Security Bank and Dr. Bidder Help Healthcare Providers Invest in Better Patient Care

Makati, Philippines — Access to modern medical equipment is essential to delivering quality healthcare, but acquiring it often requires significant investment. To help address this need, Security Bank has partnered with healthcare procurement platform Dr. Bidder, giving hospitals and healthcare providers access to financing options for equipment purchases through a more seamless process.

"At Security Bank, our BetterBanking promise is to make banking simple, fast, and personal. Healthcare providers make critical investments every day to improve patient outcomes, and we're committed to helping them access the resources they need to grow, modernize, and serve more people," said Pamela Edejer, Senior Vice President and Assets Business Head.

Through the collaboration, healthcare institutions on the Dr. Bidder platform can explore Security Bank financing solutions for equipment investments, subject to the Bank's standard credit evaluation and approval processes.

“At the heart of every healthcare investment is a patient waiting for better care, a family hoping for better outcomes, and a community deserving more. Dr. Bidder is about making those better outcomes possible, by giving healthcare providers the resources to grow, modernize, and reach more people. Because when we invest in healthcare, we’re not just building facilities or acquiring technology. We’re investing in lives,” said Dr. Loysa Orense, President, Vireo Loadworks Inc. & Project Lead, Dr. Bidder.

By bringing equipment procurement and financing into one ecosystem, Security Bank and Dr. Bidder helps healthcare institutions acquire critical medical equipment more efficiently, allowing them to focus on what matters most: delivering quality care to their patients.

40 Years of Negrense Creativity. And the Light is Only Getting Brighter

The countdown to BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair officially begins as the Association of Negros Producers and SM Supermalls celebrate a milestone built by generations of entrepreneurs, artisans, and makers.

More than looking back, BÚTLAK shines a light on what comes next—new ideas, contemporary design, emerging entrepreneurs, and a new generation carrying Negrense enterprise forward.

Through SM for MSMEs, SM continues its partnership with ANP to help open more doors for homegrown businesses—connecting them to greater visibility, customers, markets, and opportunities to grow.

And now, it’s your turn to experience the best of Negros.

📅 September 22–27, 2026📍 SMX Convention Center Aura

Come hungry. Come curious. Taste it. Wear it. Bring it home—and be part of the next 40 years of Negros.

#SMForMSMEs #BUTLAK #NegrosTradeFair40 #SMSupermalls

BÚTLAK shines a light on 40 years of Negrense enterprise—and the next 40

Four decades of creativity, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship took center stage as the Association of Negros Producers and SM Supermalls officially launched BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair.

Celebrating light, optimism, and new beginnings, BÚTLAK honors the generations of entrepreneurs and makers who built the Negros Trade Fair while creating space for new ideas, contemporary design, emerging businesses, and the next generation of Negrense entrepreneurs.

Through SM for MSMEs, SM continues its collaboration with ANP to connect homegrown businesses with greater market access, visibility, customers, and opportunities to grow—demonstrating how culture and enterprise can grow together.

The celebration continues when BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair opens from September 22 to 27, 2026 at SMX Convention Center Aura, bringing together beloved Negrense food, fashion, home, art, craftsmanship, and new discoveries under one roof.

Forty remarkable years brought NTF here. Come discover what the next 40 can bring.

Pet Lovers, Here’s an Easy Way to Help Animals in Need through GrabMart

MANILA, Philippines — Animal welfare advocates and the wider pet-loving community can now donate food, medical supplies, and other essentials directly to PETA Asia’s Ampon Alaga Program and Biyaya Animal Sanctuary through GrabMart, with zero delivery fees from August 28 to September 3.

From dog and cat food to treats, toys, beds, vitamins and supplements, cat litter, pee pads, cleaning supplies, grooming tools, and other pet-care essentials, donors can choose from items that participating animal welfare organizations have pre-identified as most needed.

To donate, users can select their chosen organization as the GrabMart delivery location, purchase the items they wish to give from participating pet merchants, and complete their order using cashless payment methods. Participating pet merchants include Pet Express, Pet Lovers Centre, and Dogs and the City, with more merchants available within an 8-kilometer radius of each designated drop-off location.
Once the order is placed, the participating merchant will prepare the donation, and a Grab driver-partner will deliver it directly to the chosen organization. There’s no minimum spend, and delivery is free throughout the campaign period.

Ashley Fruno, Director of the Animal Assistance Program at PETA Asia, said donations of everyday essentials can help animal welfare organizations continue caring for rescued animals. 

“For animal rescues caring for hundreds of cats and dogs, even a small donation can make a meaningful difference. We’re grateful that Grab is making it easier for people to support rescues wherever they are. Every bag of food, pack of supplies, or other essential item helps us provide rescued animals with the care they need while they wait for loving homes,” said Fruno.

Rina Ortiz, President of Biyaya Animal Care Foundation, Inc., sees that operational need every day. The organization provides rescue, rehabilitation, veterinary care, and other support for animals in need.

“Caring for rescued animals teaches us that compassion is not only found in extraordinary acts. Very often, it is built through ordinary things done consistently—a meal, medicine, a clean place to sleep, a bag of supplies arriving when it is needed. What we love about this initiative with GrabMart is that it gives anyone a simple way to turn compassion into something tangible. When many people each do something small, together it becomes an extraordinary act of care,” said Ortiz.

Grab Philippines also provided GrabGift vouchers to support participating animal welfare organizations and the rescued animals in their care.

For the designated drop-off locations, users can pin “Biyaya Animal Care - Mandala” on the Grab app as the collection point for donations to Biyaya Animal Sanctuary, and “Ampon Alaga” for PETA Asia’s Ampon Alaga Program.

Those interested in adopting, fostering, or volunteering can visit the official social media pages of PETA Asia’s Ampon Alaga Program and Biyaya Animal Sanctuary. 

The OPPO Reno16 Series 5G Is Ready for Your First Barkada Moments on Campus

Starting college means stepping into a whole new world of firsts. The first time you navigate campus on your own, the first organization fair that sparks a new interest, the first group project that turns into an all-nighter, and the first spontaneous coffee run with classmates who soon become your go-to barkada.

Right now, it might feel like just another day on campus but these are the experiences which eventually become the stories, inside jokes, photos, and memories that define college life. With the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G, students have an everyday companion that helps them stay on top of schoolwork while capturing, creating, and sharing every barkada first along the way.

Combining the Pocket Studio imaging experience with the intelligent capabilities of ColorOS 16, the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G brings AI-powered creativity, productivity, and seamless connectivity together in one device, designed to keep up with every side of campus life.

Study smarter with AI Mind Space

College life can feel like a constant balancing act between lectures, readings, research, presentations, and group projects. With so much to manage, AI can help students work more efficiently by making it easier to organize information, explore topics, and make sense of their study materials while keeping the learning and critical thinking in their hands.

Whether preparing for a presentation, reviewing lessons before an exam, or studying with the barkada after class, AI Mind Space works as an intelligent Study Assistant that brings useful information together in one place. It can tap into leading AI models including Gemini, Perplexity, and ChatGPT, intelligently matching questions with the right AI assistant or bringing together multiple perspectives to help students research more efficiently, deepen their understanding, and make the most of their study time. From preparing for recitations to pulling together ideas for the next barkada study session, it gives students a smarter way to manage the information they need throughout the school day.

Keep the group project moving, whatever phone your barkada uses

Group work is already complicated enough and sharing files shouldn’t be. When one classmate is building the presentation on an iPhone while another has the photos, documents, or notes on an OPPO device, O+ Connect makes working across devices feel effortless.

With the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G, O+ Connect acts as an iOS Bridge, making cross-platform sharing quick and seamless. It supports one-tap transfers between compatible OPPO and iPhone devices, while automatic device discovery means there’s no need to manually open the app every time there’s something to send.

For students constantly exchanging presentations, reviewers, photos, videos, and other school files with their barkada, it’s the kind of feature that can completely change how group work gets done. Less time worrying about compatibility or figuring out how to send a file, and more time collaborating, creating, and getting the project across the finish line.

Smooth enough to keep pace with campus life

A typical school day can mean jumping from lecture notes and research tabs to messaging apps, camera rolls, editing tools, and entertainment, sometimes within minutes.

Powered by ColorOS 16, the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G delivers a Nano Second Smooth experience designed to keep everyday interactions fast and responsive. Whether students are switching between apps while researching an assignment, editing content between classes, or catching up with friends after a long day, the Reno16 Series is built to keep the experience fluid.

Together, AI Mind Space, Study Assistant, iOS Bridge, and Nano Second Smooth help turn the Reno16 Series into more than a phone students carry to class. It becomes a tool that can move with them from productivity to play throughout the day.

Turn every campus first into a Pocket Studio moment

College is about more than deadlines and presentations. Some of the best memories happen in between like meeting your first college barkada, joining an organization, finding your favorite campus café, or turning a break between classes into an unexpected hangout.

The Pocket Studio experience on the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G makes it easy to capture it all, from portraits and barkada selfies to videos and candid moments. Creative tools like AI Remix Collage, Motion Photo Popout 2.0, and Pop Cam help turn everyday campus memories into fun, shareable content with more personality.

Get the Whole Barkada in the Shot

No one has to be left behind the camera. The OPPO Bubble Mag E-Badge is a compact phone accessory that easily attaches magnetically to the back of the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G and can be detached whenever students want to use it remotely.

With Camera Remote View, students can see the phone’s rear-camera frame in real time and control photos and videos from a distance. Simply set up the phone, detach the OPPO Bubble, step into the frame, and capture the shot — making it easy to get the entire barkada into photos at campus events, org fairs, study sessions, and spontaneous hangouts.

Make the Firsts Last

Your first semester eventually becomes your second, and the classmates you meet during orientation could become the friends you graduate with. Those college firsts only happen once.

The OPPO Reno16 Series 5G is designed to keep up with them all by helping students stay productive when school gets busy, connected when it’s time to collaborate, and ready to capture the moments they’ll want to remember long after graduation.

The OPPO Reno16 Series 5G is now available in the Philippines. Visit the OPPO Online Store or your nearest OPPO Store nationwide to get yours and start capturing every first barkada moment on campus.

OPPO Reno16 Series 5G Pricing:

OPPO Reno16 F 5G
Pop White, Twilight Violet; Dream Purple available offline starting September 11, 2026

8GB + 128GB – ₱44,999

8GB + 256GB – ₱49,999

OPPO Reno16 5G
Pop White, Twilight Violet

8GB + 256GB – ₱59,999

OPPO Reno16 Pro 5G
Pop White

12GB + 256GB – ₱74,999

OPPO Online Store

The Reno16 F 5G (8GB + 256GB) in Dream Purple is exclusively available on the OPPO Online Store until September 10, 2026.

Until September 17, OPPO online store buyers can avail of the following benefits:

PHP 3,000 OFF

FREE Enco Buds3 Pro

FREE OPPO Reno16 Series x BABYMONSTER Limited Edition Photocards (until stocks last)

Charm Phone Case or Drawstring Bag (until stocks last) for Reno16 F 5G buyers

OPPO Reno16 Series x BABYMONSTER Limited Edition Drawstring Bag (until stocks last) for Reno16 5G or Reno16 Pro 5G buyers

Shopee/Lazada/TikTok

₱3,000 OFF

₱1500 OFF platform voucher

FREE OPPO Reno16 Series x BABYMONSTER Limited Edition Photocards (until stocks last)
3. FREE Tango Jet 10000mah PowerBank (until stocks last)

Up to 0% Interest installments with SPayLater/LazPaylater/Tiktok PayLater

Offline Offers (OPPO Concept Stores)

From August 21 to September 17, 2026, walk-in customers can enjoy a ₱3,000 discount on the Reno16 F 5G (8GB + 128GB), Reno16 F 5G (8GB + 256GB), Reno16 5G (8GB + 256GB), and Reno16 Pro 5G (12GB + 256GB). Customers who already pre-ordered and picked up a unit with the ₱3,000 discount are not eligible to avail of the same discount again.

Additional ₱2,000 MY OPPO App Discount

From August 18 to August 31, 2026, MY OPPO App users can enjoy an additional ₱2,000 discount on the Reno16 F 5G (8GB + 128GB) and Reno16 F 5G (8GB + 256GB). The additional discount is on top of the ₱3,000 discount and requires a valid MY OPPO account and applicable voucher.

Flexible Payment Options

Home Credit: Up to 18 months at 0% interest

Credit Cards: 6, 12, or 24 months at 0% interest

To know more about the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com/ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. 

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FedEx Volunteers Pack 10,000 Fortified Meals for Children in Cebu

Manila, Philippines, August 28, 2026 – Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), one of the world's largest express transportation companies, partnered with Rise Against Hunger Philippines in Cebu to package 10,000 nutritious meals for underserved communities.

The volunteering activity was held during Purple Week as part of the FWS Day of Service, which honors the legacy of FedEx founder Frederick W. Smith and encourages team members to give back to the communities they serve. A total of 60 FedEx volunteers gathered to package the meals, which will provide nutritional support to approximately 166 public school students in Cordova, Cebu, for at least 120 days. Each meal bag contains rice, dehydrated soy, dehydrated vegetables or fruits, a flavoring mix, and micronutrient powder fortified with 18 essential vitamins and minerals that support children's healthy growth, cognitive development, immune function, and overall well-being.

The initiative addresses an urgent and worsening child nutrition challenge in the Philippines. According to the Department of Science and Technology's Food and Nutrition Research Institute's 2025 Updating Survey, stunting among Filipino children under five rose to 25.3 percent in 2025, affecting one in four children and marking the first increase recorded since 2015.

FedEx and Rise Against Hunger Philippines previously collaborated to provide 3,600 meals  to Aeta communities in Pampanga. This latest initiative builds on a shared goal to help address food insecurity and support vulnerable communities across the country.

To commemorate the FedEx founder, the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority renamed the Memphis International Airport the Frederick W. Smith Airport. This tribute recognizes Smith’s unparalleled contributions to the aviation industry, the global economy, and the city of Memphis, where the FedEx global headquarters resides.

To learn more about FedEx Cares initiatives across Asia Pacific, please visit here. 

Security Bank Sharpens Focus on Wealth, Entrepreneurs, and Corporates to Drive Next Growth Phase

Makati City, Philippines, August 28, 2026 – Security Bank Corporation unveiled a focused three-year strategy to capture the next wave of growth in Philippine banking. The Bank will concentrate on wealth management, entrepreneur banking, and corporate and institutional banking, leveraging its existing strengths where it believes it can compete from that position of strength.

Presented at Investor Day 2026, the strategy comes as Security Bank celebrates its 75th anniversary and builds on strong first-half momentum. The Bank reported net income of PHP6.1 billion, revenues of PHP34.9 billion, and pre-provision operating profit of PHP15.4 billion for the period.

“As we mark our 75th year, we’re looking ahead with clarity and confidence,” said Victor Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer of Security Bank. "We know where the opportunities are. We know the strengths we bring to them. Our direction is clear. The momentum we are seeing today gives us confidence in the road ahead."

At the heart of the strategy are three growth businesses. Through wealth management, Security Bank will deepen relationships with affluent and emerging affluent clients. Through entrepreneur banking, it aims to become the bank of choice for business owners. In corporate and institutional banking, it will pursue opportunities linked to major projects, business ecosystems, and growing cross-border activity.

Security Bank will support businesses by strengthening transaction banking, with the ambition of becoming the preferred operating bank for more clients. A larger role in clients’ payments, collections, cash management, and daily financial activities will help the Bank build deeper relationships and reinforce its deposit franchise.

A key advantage is Security Bank's strategic partnership with MUFG Bank, which combines the Bank's knowledge of the Philippine market with MUFG's global network, sector expertise, and cross-border capabilities. Building on the success of its Japan Desk, the Bank sees further opportunities to serve multinational companies and support investment and business flows across key international corridors.

Security Bank will also participate in broader consumer growth through an ecosystem that includes Home Credit, Mitsubishi Motors Finance, and SB Finance. These businesses extend the Bank's reach into consumer and mobility financing while creating opportunities beyond the parent bank.

“We’re not trying to be everything to everyone,” Lee said. “We're deliberate about where we grow. We will focus on areas where we believe we can build a meaningful advantage over time. We know why we can win. And we intend to earn that right every day.”

PUMA Unveils Specially Crafted HYROX Gear for Every Athlete, Every Challenge

Manila, Philippines (August 25, 2026) — From first-time competitors to elite athletes, every HYROX race demands strength, speed, and endurance from start to finish. PUMA meets that challenge with its latest PUMA x HYROX collection, a purpose-built range of footwear and apparel engineered to support athletes through every stage of the competition, helping them perform at their best when the intensity rises.

International fitness star Hong Beom Seok and PUMA Philippines’ official HYROX Ambassador Wellington "Beef" Co Jr. are among the athletes representing the collection.

PUMA x HYROX Deviate NITRO™ Elite 4

As HYROX hybrid fitness racing continues to grow globally, Filipino athletes are increasingly looking for high-performance gear that allows them to move freely while meeting the demands of their competitive dedication to the sport.

PUMA addresses the diverse needs of the HYROX community with footwear supported by nitrogen-injected foam technology to deliver responsive energy return in a lightweight package. Leading the collection is the PUMA x HYROX Deviate NITRO™ Elite 4, priced at PHP 14,800, a carbon-plated racing shoe and the first-ever footwear engineered specifically for HYROX’s hybrid course. 

The model features the ultra-lightweight NITROFOAM™ Elite compound, paired with a specialized PUMAGRIP rubber outsole designed to deliver the multi-surface traction crucial for gripping the turf during heavy sled pushes and maintaining traction through fast transitions and turns.

PUMA x HYROX Deviate NITRO™ 4 

For seasoned competitors looking to push their pace and chase personal bests, the PUMA x HYROX Deviate NITRO™ 4, priced at PHP 10,900, features a dual-foam midsole paired with an evolved carbon-fiber PWRPLATE. The plate functions as a lever to propel runners forward during endurance segments, while its rigid profile stabilizes the foot under heavy resistance.

PUMA x HYROX Activate NITRO™

Designed as an accessible entry point into the collection, the responsive and lightweight PUMA x HYROX Activate NITRO™, priced at PHP 8,000, provides cushioned support for athletes preparing for HYROX. Engineered to support the demands of HYROX, it absorbs the cumulative impact of the race’s eight-kilometer run while offering a stable base during functional stations such as wall balls and lunges. 

Race-Tested Performance Apparel

Just as the footwear is scaled for varied terrain, the collection's apparel is designed to withstand the demands of intense heat, movement, and friction from heavy equipment. The lineup features PWRMODE with DryElite technology, designed to pull sweat away from the skin during peak cardiovascular output. Strategically woven for high abrasion resistance, the material helps withstand friction from equipment, as demonstrated by Hong Beom Seok in his PUMA x HYROX PWRMODE Training Tank and 5-inch Shorts during the grueling Sandbag Lunges.

For female competitors, the PUMA x HYROX Strappy PWRMODE Sports Bra delivers the same moisture-wicking efficiency in a supportive and secure fit. Made with dryCell technology, the sports bra features a strappy design that allows for freedom of movement while keeping users comfortable in every HYROX station.

To regulate core temperatures during high-volume workouts, PUMA developed CLOUDSPUN fabric with ThermoAdapt technology, a soft, flexible material designed to reduce friction during highly repetitive movements. Beef Co wears the PUMA x HYROX CLOUDSPUN fabric with ThermoAdapt Tee and PWRTRAIN 7-inch Shorts to stay cool and mobile while tackling heavy station work. These purpose-built pieces allow him to transition effortlessly from one station to the next.

To minimize friction, the HYROX Collection’s training tees, woven shorts, and sports bras are constructed with dynamic four-way stretch fabrics and flexible seam placements. This precise engineering helps prevent garments from riding up or catching during high-impact transitions, such as moving from heavy wall balls to burpee broad jumps.

Equipping HYROX Competitors Everywhere

By integrating performance innovation with HYROX-specific design, PUMA pushes the local fitness community further through purpose-built footwear and apparel designed to support them through every run, station, and transition.

Gear up for race day. Check out the PUMA x HYROX collection at PUMA.com, PUMA flagship stores, and select official stockists nationwide. Follow PUMA Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for official updates and release details.

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PH Fintech Players Call for Balanced Regulation to Sustain Financial Inclusion and Digital Economy Growth at ASEAN Tech Summit

The country's leading fintech executives urged policymakers to adopt balanced, future-ready regulations that protect consumers while enabling innovation, expanding financial inclusion, and supporting the continued growth of the digital economy.

At a panel during the ASEAN Tech Summit, Barbie Dapul, General Manager for Consumer Business and Chief Operations Officer of G-Xchange (the mobile wallet operator of GCash); Maya Bank President Angelo Madrid; Alliance of Tech Innovators for Nation Lead Convenor Monchito Ibrahim; and Tala Director for External Affairs Arianne Ferrer talked about how regulations play a role in advancing the digital economy. 

"The goal should be a level playing field that will let the financial institutions compete on value, compete on innovation, on better security, and while ensuring also that pricing is fair and reasonable," Dapul explained.

Madrid and Ferrer underscored the need for regulation that supports both consumers and the fintech industry, ensuring protection without stifling innovation.

"Regulation has two jobs. The first is protection: putting in place the safety protocols to make digital transactions safe. The other is enabling the investments the country needs to accelerate its digital economy," Madrid said.

"We need consumer-centric co-regulation that balances financial inclusion goals—greater access, choice, and control to unleash the economic power of the global majority—and a pathway to profitability and sustainability for local and foreign investors," Ferrer added.

Ibrahim, meanwhile, stressed the need for regulations to keep pace with rapid technological advancements. "Technology is moving so fast that our regulatory policy is reactive. We need to re-engineer the process to match our technological revolutions," he said.

Balancing affordability and sustainability

Dapul noted that GCash shares the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas's (BSP) vision of expanding financial inclusion and supports the implementation of BSP Circular No. 1238, which encourages financial institutions to reduce fund transfer fees, including offering zero-fee transfers where viable, to accelerate digital payments adoption.

In line with the circular, GCash lowered its transfer fee to P10. Dapul explained that while lower fees make digital services more accessible, maintaining reasonable charges enables fintech companies to continue investing in technology, platform resilience, cybersecurity, and customer protection.

"I think the circular also recognizes that there are costs involved in delivering quality services," she said. "The circular says that pricing needs to be fair. It needs to be reasonable. It didn't necessarily say that it had to be zero."

"Progressive regulation should strike a balance between affordability and sustainability,” she stressed.

Moving fintech sector forward

Dapul added that fintech companies and traditional banks operate under fundamentally different business models. While banks generate revenue from lending and deposit products, fintech firms rely primarily on payment services to fund continuous investments in innovation and digital infrastructure.

"It's really digital payments that enable us to make the investments needed to sustain innovation, build the infrastructure, and continue providing quality services to our customers," she said.

Dapul stressed that sustaining these investments ultimately benefits consumers by allowing fintech companies to continually enhance security, strengthen fraud prevention measures, and deliver more innovative and reliable financial services.

Promoting financial inclusion

E-wallets, Dapul said, help accelerate digital adoption by lowering barriers to financial access, particularly for underserved and unbanked Filipinos.

She explained that GCash continues to make financial services more accessible by simplifying account opening requirements and rolling out initiatives such as National ID registration and electronic know-your-customer (e-KYC) verification, making it easier for more Filipinos to securely onboard and participate in the digital economy.

“We want them to have ease and access to their mobile phones,” she quipped. 

The ASEAN Tech Summit is a two-day event that brought together thousands of industry leaders, policymakers, regulators, and innovators to discuss cross-border digital trade, interoperable payments, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data governance, and other key issues shaping ASEAN's digital economy.

Prior to this event, GCash was an official partner of the 48th ASEAN Summit, enabling seamless cashless payments for delegates and participants in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu—demonstrating how regional collaboration can help build a more connected digital economy.

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com. 

Think You Know Coconut? Discover 5 Ideas That May Surprise You

A coconut may be familiar, but what Filipino entrepreneurs are doing with it is anything but. A college feasibility study has become a Gen Z-run coconut milk business. Surplus coconut shells are being transformed into handcrafted bags while helping provide livelihood to more than 100 workers. And one entrepreneur has developed around 40 products by finding new uses for virtually every part of the coconut.

Around 300 Filipino coco-preneurs are transforming the country’s “tree of life” into fresh ideas, innovative products, and businesses ready to grow.

These are among the ideas and founder stories waiting to be discovered at the DTI-Bagong Pilipinas COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair 2026, now underway at SMX Convention Center Manila until August 30.

“Over the next five days, we bring our coco-preneurs, our buyers, shoppers and partners together under one roof here in SMX as we celebrate National Coconut Week,” said DTI Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza Bautista during the opening ceremony.

Mounted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Coconut Authority (DA-PCA) and supported by the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), the fair brings together around 300 coconut MSMEs nationwide. With SM Supermalls, through SM for MSMEs, providing a marketplace that gives entrepreneurs greater visibility and access to more customers, visitors get an early look at fresh ideas—and perhaps the next great Filipino brands waiting to be discovered.

Coconut, reimagined. From food and beverages to fashion, home, and lifestyle finds, Filipino entrepreneurs transform the “tree of life” into innovative, market-ready products—showing there’s still so much more to discover from one coconut

Here are five discoveries worth making before the fair ends.

1. One coconut. More possibilities than you imagined. For Elmer Marbello, General Manager of Marbello’s Processed Foods Manufacturing, virtually every part of the coconut can inspire another product. He has developed around 40, including coconut liniment and coconut bagoong made from coconut remnants.

“Mahilig po talaga akong mag-develop ng products. I have about 40 that I have developed. Lahat po ng parte ng coconut, ginamit ko na… Tree of life po talaga ang coconut.”

Adrian Ramilo of Ayanas is also pushing coconut in unexpected directions with coconut wine. “Hindi po siya tuba—and masarap po siya,” he shared. More importantly, demand generated through trade fairs is helping create jobs in their community: “Marami po kaming produkto na nabebenta sa trade fair kaya may mga trabaho na sa amin.”

One crop. Dozens of possibilities. And hundreds of entrepreneurs finding new ones.

2. A Gen Z school project can become a real business. For Dehusk, the business began with a college feasibility study—and a very personal problem. One of its founders is lactose intolerant. At the same time, the young entrepreneurs saw an opportunity in the country’s surplus of coconuts. Their solution was to develop drinkable coconut milk as a milk alternative, rather than coconut milk traditionally used for cooking. That school project eventually became a Gen Z-run business.

“We are very proud to have come up with this product, being the only one in the market locally producing drinkable milk from coconut—not for cooking. It’s a great alternative to other milk alternatives. Our company is also proudly run by Generation Z!” said Chloe De Ocampo, Marketing Lead of Dehusk.

From feasibility study to trade fair floor, Dehusk shows how a personal need, a local resource, and a fresh idea can become a promising Filipino business.

3. What looks like waste can create livelihoods. For Virna Morales of Venice Rose Integrated Farms and Johnalyn Lamprea of Lampre’s Integrated Farm, surplus coconut shells weren’t something to throw away. They saw raw material—and opportunity. The partners transform the shells into handcrafted bags, alkansya, and other useful products.

“We believe nothing from the coconut should go to waste. We transform surplus shells into handcrafted products—creating new value from what could have been discarded. Today, this innovation helps provide livelihood to more than 100 workers.”

Morales, a nurse by profession, returned to help with her family’s farming business. Their coconut-shell bag venture is only in its first year, and with DTI Iloilo helping expand their market linkages, their first showcase at SMX opens another opportunity to connect with potential buyers. Less waste. More value. More than 100 livelihoods.

4. The right opportunity can turn a skill into a growing business. Juvy Crusina of Crusina’s Handicrafts in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte began her entrepreneurial journey by learning the craft through DTI’s Kapatid Mentor ME Program. She eventually moved from being part of a cooperative to becoming a sole proprietor in 2024. Then another turning point came when she joined DTI’s National Trade Fair at SM Megamall.

“I learned the craft through DTI’s Kapatid Mentor ME Program, and today I have my own business. Joining the National Trade Fair at SM gave us so much exposure that orders became overwhelming. Now at my first COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair here at SMX, I’m excited to be discovered by even more customers.”

Her story shows how opportunities can build on one another—from learning a skill, to starting a business, to finding a bigger market. Learn. Build. Be discovered. Grow.

5. Big ideas go further when the right partners open doors. Behind these individual success stories is a bigger ambition: helping promising Filipino ideas become sustainable businesses that create jobs and reach wider markets. DTI and DA-PCA help develop coconut farmers and enterprises, while SM and SMX provide a highly visible marketplace where entrepreneurs can showcase their products, meet shoppers and buyers, and explore new opportunities.

As DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque emphasized during the opening, “Our challenge is turning good products into lasting and sustainable businesses that can provide income for our country and provide jobs for our people.” She also called for stronger collaboration between government and business to create more Filipino success stories: “Let us now continue to create more Filipino products and more superstars through stronger coordination between private sector and government as we continue to build better lives for our farmers and for our communities.”

Where style meets purpose. SM Supermalls President Steven Tan and DTI Secretary Cristina Roque celebrate Filipino creativity and enterprise at the COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair 2026—championing the coco-preneurs turning local ideas into Filipino brands.

For Joaquin L. San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing of SM Supermalls, SM’s long-standing partnership with DTI is about helping those ideas reach the market. “Some of the most exciting Filipino brands begin with a simple idea and an entrepreneur willing to pursue it. Through our long-standing partnership with DTI, we help bring these ideas closer to the market—giving MSMEs opportunities to be discovered, connect with customers, and grow.” There’s still more to discover.

A school project turned into a Gen Z business. Surplus coconut shells turned into livelihoods. A craft learned through mentoring became an enterprise. And around 300 coconut MSMEs are showing just how many possibilities can grow from one of the Philippines’ most familiar resources.

A marketplace for Filipino ingenuity. COCONUTPhilippines brings hundreds of coconut MSMEs under one roof, giving homegrown businesses greater visibility and opportunities to connect with shoppers, buyers, and new markets.

The coco-preneurs are here. Their ideas are ready to be discovered. Come meet the founders, try something unexpected, and proudly support Filipino businesses. Somewhere on the trade fair floor could be the next great Filipino brand waiting for its big break. The DTI-Bagong Pilipinas COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair 2026 runs until August 30 at SMX Convention Center Manila, Pasay City. FREE ADMISSION.

See it. Discover it. Experience it.

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About SM Supermalls – SM for MSMEs SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia's largest mall developers and operators with 90 malls nationwide—continues to champion Filipino entrepreneurship through SM for MSMEs, creating opportunities that are relevant, inclusive, and designed around what entrepreneurs need most. As the country's most loved retail destination, SM supports MSMEs across different stages of growth by providing market access, greater visibility, strategic partnerships, and platforms that help local businesses thrive. By connecting communities with proudly Filipino brands, SM continues to empower entrepreneurs while building stronger, more resilient local economies.

SM Megamall Becomes Part of Metro Manila’s Transit Backbone with Busway Link

MANILA, Philippines, 28 August 2026 - Every day, over 170,000 commuters board the EDSA Bus Carousel to get to work, school, and everywhere in between – and this passenger count continues to climb. As more Filipinos turn to the EDSA busway as their daily mode of transportation, the infrastructure around its busiest stations is being pushed to keep pace, with one of the initiatives being a direct walkway linking the bus station to SM Megamall.

The SM Megamall EDSA Busway Concourse, which opened to the public on April 2026, is an elevated, weather-protected walkway that connects the EDSA Bus Carousel’s SM Megamall station to SM Megamall Building A, eliminating the need for commuters to traverse the lengthy stretch across EDSA. It houses escalators and elevators to ensure convenient access for all, including commuters with disabilities, senior citizens, and pregnant women.

The concourse was developed by your most loved SM Supermalls in collaboration with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), as part of joint efforts to improve the commuter experience. The link provides direct access to the bus platform that serves northbound trips to Monumento and southbound trips to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).

This development reflects a broader shift in how Philippine malls are evolving in design – being positioned not only as shopping and leisure destinations, but also as functional nodes within the country’s urban mobility network. SM Megamall’s busway link builds on a similar model previously introduced at SM North EDSA, signaling a pattern that may be replicated across other SM Supermalls strategically located along major transit corridors.

Under the My SM campaign, the mall operator highlights its larger commitment to enhancing and reenvisioning how daily activities – like commuting – can be made more seamless, comfortable, and safe for every Filipino. For more information, visit @smmegamall or https://www.smsupermalls.com/. 

Also check the youtube video:

https://youtube.com/shorts/UdF2XBF_M2A?si=UYjyRAuWf-QtvTdu

GAC'S ALL-NEW GN6: THE ACCESSIBLE MPV MVP FOR FILIPINO FAMILIES

MANILA, Philippines | 27 August 2026 - Filipino families today have a wider range of mobility options than ever before. While some prioritize space and everyday versatility, others place greater importance on comfort, technology, performance, or accessible pricing. Ultimately, the right vehicle is one that responds to a family's particular needs, lifestyle, and budget.

Recognizing these different priorities, GAC Philippines recently introduced its expanded MPV Family, comprising the All-New GAC GN6, GAC E8 HEV, and GAC GN8 PHEV Executive. Together, the three models provide distinct mobility solutions for families at different life stages and price points.

As the most accessible model in the lineup, the All-New GN6 is thoughtfully designed for family life. From easier cabin access and comfortable three-row seating to flexible cargo space, connected technology, and advanced driver assistance features, the GN6 brings together the qualities families use and appreciate every day.

Built on GAC's more than 10 years of MPV engineering experience and over 880,000 MPVs delivered worldwide, the GN6 brings together the space, comfort, versatility, technology, and safety that Filipino families value. This well-rounded combination earns it a place among GAC's "MPV MVPs."

Here are five ways the All-new GN6 provides more care and value for every family:

1. Space designed around the whole family

A family MPV must accommodate more than passengers. It needs to adapt to school runs, daily commutes, family gatherings, grocery trips, weekend activities, and long journeys out of town.

Measuring 4,792 mm long and built on a 2,810 mm wheelbase, the GN6 provides comfortable seating for seven across three rows. Its cabin is arranged to give each passenger a more considered space, whether seated in front, in the second-row captain's seats, or in the third row.

The independent second-row captain's seats feature individual armrests, giving passengers a more comfortable and personal seating area. Easy cabin access also helps children, elderly family members, and passengers with limited mobility enter and exit the vehicle with less effort.

When more carrying capacity is needed, the third-row seats fold completely into the luggage floor to create a flat and practical cargo area. This expands cargo capacity from 324 liters to as much as 1,100 liters, allowing the GN6 to accommodate luggage, sports equipment, shopping, and other large items without requiring families to choose between passenger comfort and usable storage.

Dual-zone automatic climate control helps keep the cabin comfortable, while a PM1 air filter supports cleaner air circulation for everyone on board. A power sunroof adds to the open and welcoming feel of the interior.

Together, these features demonstrate how the GN6's space is not simply measured in dimensions. It is designed around the different people, routines, and responsibilities that make up family life.

2. Family-focused Features

The GN6 gives Filipino families access to a combination of three-row space, comfort, technology, performance, and safety features in one vehicle.

At the center of the cabin is a large 14.6-inch touchscreen display, complemented by a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The two displays give the interior a clean, contemporary appearance while placing essential vehicle information and connectivity functions within easy view and reach of the driver.

Families also benefit from features that make everyday travel more comfortable and convenient, including the second-row captain's seats, flexible fold-flat third row, dual-zone climate control, PM1 air filtration, and power sunroof.

Rather than focusing on equipment for its own sake, the GN6 brings these features together to support real family needs: keeping passengers comfortable, helping the driver stay informed, and allowing the cabin to adapt as plans change.

With 270 Nm of torque, the GAC GN6 delivers smooth, responsive performance for daily commutes and family road trips alike. The actual unit may vary from the photo shown.

3. Turbocharged Performance for City and Highway Driving

Powering the GN6 is a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing 176.7 HP and 270 Nm of torque. It is paired with a seven-speed Wet Dual-Clutch Transmission, or 7WDCT.

This combination gives the GN6 the responsiveness needed for daily city driving, carrying a full complement of passengers, merging into faster traffic, and travelling on provincial roads. Its 270 Nm of torque provides useful pulling power when the vehicle is loaded with family members and cargo, while the transmission supports smooth and confident progress across different driving conditions.

The GN6 has a WLTC combined fuel-consumption rating of 7.22 liters per 100 kilometers, balancing its turbocharged performance with the everyday efficiency expected of a family vehicle.

4. Level 2 Advanced Assistance Safety for Greater Family Confidence

For a family vehicle, care also means supporting the driver and helping protect everyone inside.

The All-New GN6 GX is equipped with a comprehensive Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System, or ADAS. Its suite of driver-support technologies includes:

- Adaptive Cruise Control

- Traffic Jam Assist

- Integrated Cruise Assist

- Automatic Emergency Braking

- Forward Collision Warning

- Lane Keeping Assist

- Lane Departure Warning

These features assist the driver in monitoring traffic conditions, maintaining the vehicle's position, and responding to potential hazards. They are complemented by a high-definition 360-degree panoramic camera, which provides greater visibility when parking, navigating narrow streets, or maneuvering in confined spaces.

The result is added confidence not only on highways and long journeys, but also during the everyday driving situations Filipino families encounter most often.

5. Straightforward and Convenient Everyday Ownership

The GN6 is designed to fit easily into established family routines. Its gasoline powertrain allows quick and accessible refueling, whether the vehicle is used primarily within the city or for longer trips across the country.

Ownership is supported by GAC Philippines' nationwide network of 30 dealerships, dedicated local parts warehouse, and two years of free roadside assistance. The GN6 also comes with a five-year or 150,000-kilometer vehicle warranty, whichever comes first.

GAC's local parts warehouse helps maintain a stable supply of genuine components and supports faster service turnaround times. GAC dealerships also operate according to GAC Global Sales & Service Way standards, providing customers with consistent technical and aftersales support throughout the vehicle's lifecycle.

Equipped with a comprehensive Level 2 ADAS suite and a 360° HD camera system, the GAC GN6 provides total driving confidence and active safety for the whole family. The actual unit may vary from the photo shown.

The Bottom Line: An MPV that Puts Family Needs First

The All-New GN6 expands the choices available to Filipino families by offering a spacious, adaptable, and well-equipped seven-seater at an accessible price.

Its value is found not in any one feature, but in how its features work together: captain's seats that make passengers more comfortable, fold-flat seating that creates room for changing family needs, a turbocharged engine that provides confident performance, and Level 2 ADAS that supports the driver on every journey.

Within GAC Philippines' broader MPV Family, the GN6 provides a compelling choice for households looking for everyday versatility, useful technology, thoughtful comfort, and advanced safety features from P1.198 million.

It is an accessible MPV designed to deliver more care for every family member.

Pricing

Reservations for the GN6 MPV are now open at GAC dealerships nationwide. The following Introductory pricing is available for reservations made until September 30, 2026.

ALL-NEW GAC GN6 | GX Variant

SRP | PHP 1,298,000

Intro Savings | PHP 100,000

Intro Price | PHP 1,198,000

Powertrain | 1.5L Turbo Gasoline

Body Color | Pearl White, Classic Black

Interior | Black (with Black ceiling)

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-264539 Series of 2026

The GN6 is available in Pearl White and Classic Black colors and with all-black interiors.

GAC has leveraged 20 years of collaboration with Toyota and Honda to emerge as a dominant force in automotive tech. A legacy of world-class manufacturing and hybrid expertise ensures that every GAC vehicle adheres to the most stringent quality and performance benchmarks. By harmonizing international engineering with localized precision, GAC delivers high-performance durability tailored specifically for the Filipino driver's peace of mind.

GAC Philippines supports its owners through a nationwide network of 30 dealerships, a dedicated parts warehouse, two years of free roadside assistance, and tailored warranty coverage. ICE models (GS4, GS3 EMZOOM, EMKOO, GS8, EMPOW, M6 Pro, GN6, and M8) include a 5-year or 150,000 km warranty, whichever comes first. EV models (AION Y, Hyptec HT, AION UT, AION V, and AION ES) carry an 8-year or 160,000 km basic warranty, along with an 8-year or 200,000 km plan for the traction battery and electric drive, applicable up to the specified milestone. PHEV and HEV models (GS4 Max, E8, GN8, and GS8) offer a 5-year or 150,000 km basic warranty, complemented by an 8-year or 150,000 km policy covering the power battery, driving motor, and motor control unit.

Visit a GAC dealership near you or explore the new energy lineup of GAC Philippines gacgroup.com/en-ph/test-drive. For the latest news and updates, follow @gacmotorph on Facebook and Instagram.

About GAC International Philippines

GAC International Philippines, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GAC International, the global arm of the GAC Group—a Fortune Global 500 powerhouse ranked No. 181 in 2024. As a key market in GAC's global expansion, GAC International Philippines, Inc. serves as the official steward of the brand's commitment to delivering world-class, intelligent, and sustainable mobility solutions to Filipino consumers. Moving forward, the brand will place an even greater focus on enhancing customer experience at every touchpoint.

Under the "ONE GAC" strategic framework, GAC International Philippines, Inc. integrates a premium multi-brand portfolio including GAC MOTOR, AION, and HYPTEC. The company offers a versatile lineup that balances the reliable performance and fuel efficiency of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) models with the cutting-edge technology of new energy vehicles, such as the ultra-safe Magazine Battery 2.0 and the ADiGO intelligent ecosystem.

GAC International Philippines, Inc. is dedicated to providing a "zero-anxiety" ownership experience through a localized and responsive support network. To better and faster meet the specific needs of Filipino consumers, a dedicated local spare parts warehouse has been established in the country, ensuring a stable supply of genuine components and significantly reducing service turnaround times. All operations adhere to the GSSW (GAC Global Sales & Service Way) standards, guaranteeing that every Filipino customer receives world-class technical support and high-quality service throughout the vehicle's lifecycle.

Official Website: https://www.gacgroup.com/en-ph