GCash Urges Vigilance Against Online Scams and Fraud this Holy Week

The country’s leading finance app and largest cashless ecosystem, GCash, is reminding users to stay vigilant and take simple yet meaningful steps to protect themselves from scams and fraud this Holy Week.

As more users go online, GCash encourages everyone to remain vigilant—particularly against scams that take advantage of vulnerable users, as well as government subsidy payouts, such as the fuel subsidy program of LTFRB and the DSWD.

GCash shares simple steps to help users stay #GSafeTayo:

1.     Be aware of fake fuel vouchers from “DSWD” or any government agency

Scammers exploit any crisis with spoofing and phishing scams. For instance, users may receive text messages that appear to come from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), asking them to claim an "e-fuel voucher" by clicking a link that leads to a phishing website. The DSWD has confirmed these are scams. They will never distribute assistance through unsolicited texts containing clickable links.

 

2.               Watch out for spoofed messages and suspicious links

Never click links sent via SMS or third-party messaging apps. Scams can arrive via SMS, email, or chat apps. Be wary of "phishing" traps, such as "free" offers.

3.               Avoid connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks

Increasingly sophisticated tactics are compromising even the most vigilant users. Malicious hotspots in high-traffic areas like airports can silently intercept sensitive data; therefore, refrain from accessing financial accounts or entering credentials while on public connections.

4.               Be alert against fake pages and impersonators

Some spoofing attempts come from fake GCash Facebook pages or Messenger accounts designed to look real. Check for the verified blue checkmark and report suspicious accounts. The only official page is GCash Official.

 

Follow additional safety practices

 

1.     Ignore unexpected calls or meeting invites about account or ID verification. If pressured to act fast, hang up or decline immediately.

2.     Never share your OTP, MPIN, passwords, or screen during logins or transactions.

3.     Do not download apps from links sent by email or text: use the official Apple App Store, Google Play, or Huawei AppGallery.

 

Report suspicious activity and stay informed

GCash users can report suspected scams through the GCash Help Center at help.gcash.com by chatting with Gigi and selecting “I want to report a scam”, or by calling the official GCash hotline at 2882.

Users may also report incidents to the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group at (02) 8414-1560 / 0998-598-8116 or acg@pnp.gov.ph, and to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) via hotline 1326, mobile 0991-481-4225, or report@cicc.gov.ph.

GCash actively monitors and blocks suspicious activity, takes down reported scam links and accounts, and works closely with law enforcement and government agencies to protect the public.

For more information and updates on cybersecurity, visit the PNP ACG Facebook Page and the GCash website at https://www.gcash.com.

The GCash app is available for free on Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or Huawei App Gallery. For safety reminders and updates, visit the official Facebook page at GCash Official.

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

GCash reminds the public that online safety remains a shared responsibility. Enjoy the break, and stay alert to have a peaceful and a #GSafeTayo Holy Week.

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Prudence Foundation and UNICEF Philippines Partner to Protect Children from Climate-Related Health Risks

Taguig City, Philippines,  31 March 2026 – Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential plc, and UNICEF Philippines have launched a new partnership to help protect children and communities in the Philippines from the growing health impacts of climate change.

Through the REACH programme, the collaboration aims to strengthen health and social protection systems so they can better respond to climate-related risks such as extreme heat and air pollution that disproportionately affect children.

REACH, which stands for Resilience, Environment, and Child Health – Strengthening Health and Social Protection Systems in the Philippines, will support efforts to develop climate-adaptive primary health care systems, strengthen preparedness and response to heat stress and air pollution, and enhance shock-responsive social protection mechanisms for vulnerable families.

The programme will be implemented by UNICEF Philippines in partnership with the Department of Health, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Climate Change Commission, and local government units in Metro Manila and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

With support from Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential plc, and Pru Life UK, the programme highlights the importance of strengthening resilience for children and communities faced with increasing frequency and intensity of climate risks.

“As the community investment arm of Prudential plc, Prudence Foundation focuses on building climate and health resilience through long‑term, collaborative solutions. Our partnership with UNICEF Philippines under the REACH programme reflects this commitment, supporting stronger health and social protection systems to better protect children from climate‑related health risks,” said Nicole Ngeow, Executive Director of Prudence Foundation.

Sanjay Chakrabarty, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pru Life UK, said:

“Climate change is increasingly affecting the health and wellbeing of children and communities across the Philippines. Through the REACH programme, we are supporting efforts to strengthen systems that protect children from climate-related health risks such as extreme heat and air pollution. By working with UNICEF and government partners, we hope to help build stronger and more resilient health and social protection systems that can better safeguard children today, and in the future,” added Chakrabarty.

Kyungsun Kim, UNICEF Representative to the Philippines, highlighted the partnership’s significance in addressing the stakes for children:

 “For children whose bodies are still growing, climate change can quickly become a health emergency. Protecting them requires climate‑adaptive, shock‑responsive systems, and strong partnerships. Through REACH, our work with the Prudence Foundation shows how government, civil society, young people, and the private sector can deliver solutions where they matter most. UNICEF mobilises private sector partners as advocates for child rights and responsible business, helping build a more resilient future for every child in the Philippines.”

Children are particularly vulnerable to environmental and climate-related health risks due to their unique needs and reliance on healthcare systems, clean air, and safe environments. Strengthening these systems will help ensure that communities are better prepared to respond to climate-related shocks and protect children’s health and wellbeing.

Egg Hunts, Parades, and More: Easter Comes Alive at SM Supermalls

This Easter, SM Supermalls in Baliwag, Marilao, and Pulilan transform into a vibrant playground filled with egg hunts, parades, and colorful photo spots until April 5. Whether you’re bringing the kids or planning a fun day out, there’s something for everyone to enjoy to the max.

Expect a full lineup of activities, from interactive games and creative workshops to lively performances, delivering a memorable Easter experience for families and friends alike.

Strike your best pose at the Bunny Photo Corner

Snap photos at vibrant Easter setups filled with pastel colors, bunny props, and playful backdrops—perfect for capturing fun family moments and colorful Easter memories.

Walk proudly at the Easter Runway Costume Contest

Dress up in your most creative Easter outfits—bunny ears and all—and strut your stuff at the Easter Runway Show. Kids and families can join in for a chance to win fun prizes.

Hop into the Easter Eggventure Game

Go on a digital egg hunt around select SM Supermalls, where hidden QR-coded eggs unlock points and exciting rewards through the Play at SM website. Make sure to explore every corner for a truly exciting adventure—it’s a fun, high-tech twist on a classic Easter tradition.

Honor tradition with a meaningful Easter Blessing

For families who want to celebrate the deeper meaning of Easter, select malls will hold Easter Sunday Mass on April 5, offering a quiet moment to pause, reflect, and give thanks.

Whether you’re hunting for eggs, or enjoying a full day of activities, your most loved SM malls in Baliwag, Marilao, and Pulilan are the place to be this Easter. Don’t miss out—plan your visit and make it an Easter to remember.

Skip the High Fuel Prices, Charge Your EV This Holy Week at Your Nearest SM

As the Holy Week travel season arrives, and fuel prices continue to rise, electric vehicle (EV) drivers across the country can count on their most-loved SM Supermalls as a convenient recharging stop along their journey. SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, announced that with over 160 EV charging stations available across multiple SM locations nationwide, motorists can recharge their vehicles while maxing out their malling by enjoying the wide range of shopping, dining, and leisure experiences that SM malls offer.

The growing presence of EV charging infrastructure in SM Supermalls reflects the company’s continuing efforts to support more sustainable mobility options for Filipino motorists. With fluctuating fuel prices, electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly practical alternative for many drivers looking for more efficient and environmentally conscious transportation.

For EV users, the convenience goes beyond simply plugging in. At SM malls, drivers can make the most of their charging time, while having some free time for themselves—whether by enjoying a meal with family, shopping for essentials, or simply taking a break during a long trip.

As part of the larger SM Green Movement, and by making EV charging accessible in familiar community spaces, SM Supermalls helps make sustainable travel more practical, empowering, and accessible for everyday journeys and holiday road trips alike.

This Holy Week, motorists planning their travels can include SM malls along their route—making it easy to charge up while maxing out the SM malling experience.

For EV drivers on the road this season, the message is simple: plan your mall visit, charge up on the go, and choose SM for a greener, more sustainable trip.

Holy Week Travel Demand Surges as Filipinos Drive 50% Year-on-Year Growth in International Trips Abroad

MANILA, 31 March 2026 – Holy Week is rapidly emerging as one of the Philippines’ biggest travel moments, with Filipinos increasingly using the extended holiday to take longer leisure trips both domestically and abroad. According to global one-stop travel service provider Trip.com, outbound travel demand among Filipino travellers surged by 50% year-on-year for Holy Week 2026 compared to the same period last year, reflecting a strong appetite for international travel, especially to regional destinations.  

At the same time, domestic travel continues to anchor the holiday season, underscoring the continued importance of Philippine destinations during the Holy Week break. 

Together, these trends position Holy Week as a major travel and economic moment for Filipino travellers – driving demand across airlines, hotels, and tourism experiences. 

Top Outbound Destinations for Filipino Travellers 

Filipino travellers are continuing to favour destinations in Asia for their Holy Week holidays, drawn by short travel times, diverse cultural attractions, and vibrant shopping and dining scenes. Major cities across the region remain particularly popular for quick getaways, offering a mix of leisure, entertainment, and culinary experiences suited to the extended holiday break. 

Top 10 Outbound Destinations
1	Hong Kong
2	Tokyo
3	Singapore
4	Bangkok
5	Taipei
6	Osaka
7	Seoul
8	Macau
9	Kuala Lumpur
10	Hanoi

Table 1 

Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Singapore rank among the most popular outbound destinations, followed by Bangkok and Taipei in the top five list (Table 1). This reflects Filipino travellers’ strong preference for nearby Asian cities, which offer convenient flight access, vibrant cultural experiences, and a variety of leisure and shopping experiences. 

Domestic Travel Remains a Strong Backbone 

Even as international travel gains momentum, domestic tourism continues to play a central role during Holy Week. Bookings rose by 25% year-on-year, highlighting the sustained demand for local destinations during the holiday period. 

The domestic destinations that are most popular among Filipino travellers include Manila, Cebu, Palawan, Malay (Boracay) and Davao del Sur (Table 2).  

Top 10 Domestic Destinations
1	Manila City
2	Cebu
3	Palawan
4	Malay (Boracay)
5	Davao del Sur
6	Bohol
7	Iloilo
8	Negros Occidental
9	Leyte
10	Misamis Oriental

Table 2 

Many travellers combine leisure trips with visits to their hometowns, making Holy Week one of the most important travel periods for domestic tourism each year. 

Filipinos Planning Earlier for the Holiday 

Trip.com’s latest booking data also suggest that Filipino travellers are becoming more deliberate when planning their Holy Week trips. On average, travellers are booking around 74 days before departure, indicating a preference for advanced trip planning as travellers look to secure flights, accommodations, and activities well ahead of the peak holiday period. The data also reveals that 3 April (Good Friday) is expected to be the busiest travel date, as many Filipinos begin their journeys at the start of the long holiday break. For some, this means returning to their home provinces for family gatherings and religious observances, while for others, it marks the start of extended leisure trips both within the Philippines and abroad. 

Travellers Opting for Longer Getaways 

Filipinos are increasingly using the Holy Week break to take extended vacations. 

The average trip length for Holy Week travel is approximately 9.57 days, largely in line with 2025’s 10.03 days, and reflecting a preference for multi-day getaways over short weekend trips. 

Longer stays allow travellers to explore multiple attractions or combine city visits with leisure experiences. 

A More Independent Traveller Is Emerging 

Trip.com’s data also highlights evolving traveller demographics during the Holy Week travel period in the Philippines. Women account for the majority of Holy Week travellers, making up about 60% of bookings, compared to 40% for male travellers. 

Meanwhile, travellers aged 35–49 represent the largest segment at 38%, followed by those aged 25–34 (21%), suggesting that working professionals are driving travel demand during the holiday period. 

One of the most notable behavioural shifts is the rise of independent travel. Nearly 70% of bookings are made by solo travellers, reflecting a growing preference for flexibility, personalised itineraries, and self-directed experiences. 

Indeed, Holy Week is emerging as one of the Philippines’ most significant travel periods supported by strong demand across both domestic and international markets. With outbound travel surging and local destinations remaining resilient, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the busiest Holy Week travel seasons yet. 

Note: The trends highlighted in this media release are based on Trip.com booking data in the Philippines, comparing Holy Week 2026 (1 to 12 April 2026) with Holy Week 2025 (16 to 27 April 2025).

Philippine Mangrove Conference 2026 Forges Accountable Pathways for Mangrove Conservation and Coastal Resilience

Manila, Philippines — Global Mangrove Alliance Philippines and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) recently inaugurated the Philippine Mangrove Conference (PMC) 2026, themed “Ensuring Accountable Pathways for Resilient Communities,” at Microtel Technohub in Quezon City by Wyndham UP Technohub from March 24 to 26, bringing together government, academe, civil society, the private sector, youth, and community leaders to align science, policy, and financing for mangrove conservation and restoration.

“Protecting mangroves has become a development priority for a country as vulnerable to climate impacts as the Philippines,” said Dr. Annadel Cabanban, Country Manager, Wetlands International Philippines and Lead Convenor of the Global Mangrove Alliance Philippines. “Aligning interventions across government, communities, scientific institutions, and the private sector with the country’s climate commitments is essential to restore these ecosystems at scale.”

Building on a decade of national dialogue

Since 2012, the Philippines has held four National Mangrove Conferences and a National State of the Mangrove Summit in 2019, each surfacing the same urgent priorities: science-based rehabilitation, coastal zoning, community stewardship, and climate adaptation. Nine policy recommendations carried across all four conferences, yet many remain unimplemented. This year's conference was convened to take stock, build on what worked, and forge stronger pathways forward.

The Philippines once had approximately 500,000 hectares of mangrove cover — a figure sharply reduced by logging, aquaculture expansion, and coastal development. National data show a partial recovery, with satellite analyses recording roughly 240,824 hectares in 2010 and an increase to approximately 311,400 hectares by 2020, reflecting the gains of sustained rehabilitation and conservation efforts.

Grounding mangrove conservation to local realities

Community stewardship remains central to progress. In Negros Occidental — where 25 of 32 local government units are coastal — mangrove restoration is embedded in local policy, linking conservation directly to community gains: improved fish catch, livelihoods, and ecotourism. "Restoring mangroves is about helping communities live sustainably alongside them," said Atty. Julie Bedrio, Provincial Environment Management Officer. "With knowledge, resources, and support, mangrove protection becomes stronger and more sustainable."

The Conference engaged private sector, community, and youth-led organizations — including the Shalom Women's Biodiversity Conservation Association and Mangrove Matters PH — on their roles in on-the-ground conservation. Imelda Mazo, President of the Shalom Women's Biodiversity Conservation Association in Coron, Palawan, shared how their work has evolved beyond planting into monitoring and learning alongside scientists. "Conservation is a long-term commitment, like raising a child. It is never simple. Nature-based solutions are, at their core, about science, and we in the community have come to believe that deeply," she said.

The Conference also featured the launch of the National State of the Coasts (NSOC) 2025 Report, estimating the ocean economy at USD 15 billion or 3.8% of GDP in 2024 — while noting that only 1.42% of Philippine sea area remains under Marine Protected Areas.

The final day of PMC 2026 delivered two landmark moments for blue carbon science and governance. The National Blue Carbon Action Partnership (NBCAP) Roadmap 2026–2030 was formally turned over from ZSL Philippines to DENR institutionalizing the country's blue carbon agenda under government stewardship. Alongside it, the Blue Carbon Quantification Protocol (BCQP), which was co-developed by Filipino scientists with DENR and conservation partners, was launched as the country's first credible, field-applicable carbon accounting framework. Together, both milestones translate the Conference's science-to-policy ambitions into concrete national action.

Delivering on accountability: Sectoral commitments through 2028

True to its theme, the Conference closed with six sectors pledging concrete, time-bound targets for 2028:

• People's Organizations — Restore and protect local mangrove areas through sustainable livelihoods such as eco-tourism, nursery production, beekeeping, and fish processing.

• Academia — Establish provincial mangrove data hubs and a national blue carbon research agenda.

• Government Agencies — Develop a unified ocean governance framework integrating mangrove ecosystems and science-based coastal management.

• Private Sector — Publish integrated mangrove aquaculture protocols and restore 100 hectares of mangroves through community cohorts.

• Local Governments — Expand coastal greenbelt ordinances and embed blue carbon governance into local resource management plans.

• Civil Society — Establish new Local Conservation Areas, advance the National Coastal Greenbelt Bill, and secure financing for a GMA Philippines Secretariat.

All commitments will be tracked in future national platforms, making accountability a continuing practice. The Conference aligned national mangrove conservation efforts with the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, the country's Nationally Determined Contributions, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, reinforcing a shared commitment to protect mangrove ecosystems, coastal livelihoods, and the resilience of future generations.

Guided by the spirit of "Padayon" — a Filipino word for moving forward with purpose despite setbacks — the Conference has set in motion a new chapter of science-driven, community-centered mangrove stewardship.

"This roadmap and these commitments are not the end. They are the beginning," said Edwina Garchitorena, Lead for ZSL Philippines. "The tools we have built together must now reach the communities and local governments who manage these resources. We call on all partners to sustain this momentum and invest in solutions that work for both people and nature."

Get It While It’s Hot! Kick Off Summer with OPPO’s 4.4 Sale

As the summer season starts to pick up, OPPO is rolling out its 4.4 Sale, giving shoppers a timely reason to upgrade their devices just in time for travel, content creation, or simply staying connected on the go. Get a jumpstart on upgrading your summer tech essentials starting March 31 at 8:00 PM until April 6, available across OPPO’s official stores on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok, and the OPPO Online Store.

For those who have been holding off and  just waiting for the right moment, now is the right time to elevate your tech game! 

Unlock bigger savings for your summer upgrade

Cool down on spending with all-day vouchers available on a wide range of OPPO devices. Discounts go up to ₱400 off on select entry-level models like the OPPO A5x, around ₱500 off on devices such as the OPPO A5i Pro and OPPO Reno12 F, and ₱1,000 off on multiple models including the OPPO A5, A6x, A6t, and OPPO Reno15 Series 5G. Even bigger price cuts of ₱2,000 to ₱5,000 off are available on select OPPO Reno models and OPPO Find devices, with many vouchers requiring no minimum spend.

Lazada shoppers can also score exclusive 4.4 vouchers from March 31, 8 PM to 11:59 PM, with discounts of up to ₱2,500 off on select units.

For those easing into bigger purchases, OPPO is also making it easier to pay through SPayLater, with installment plans of up to six months on select devices.

Get more value with rewards and useful freebies

From April 1 to 6, customers also get a chance to win one of four Casio watches in a raffle, adding an extra thrill to the shopping experience. Raffle entries run from March 31, 8 PM to April 6 on Shopee and TikTok, and until April 8 on Lazada.

Meanwhile, select purchases come bundled with freebies, including:

A Tango Jet 10,000 mAh Powerbank (Black) for OPPO Reno15 Series 5G buyers (available March 31, 8 PM to April 6 on Shopee and TikTok, and until April 8 on Lazada)

A free OPPO Pad SE case for those picking up the OPPO Pad SE

Make the most of the season with OPPO’s 4.4 Sale

With bigger discounts, flexible payment options, and bonus freebies in the mix, OPPO’s 4.4 Sale gives shoppers more ways to upgrade for summer while keeping spending in check.

To know more about OPPO’s 4.4 Sale,visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com/ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. 

2GO Group Recognized by Unilever Philippines for Integrated Transport Solutions and Transport Partnership

MANILA, Philippines, 30 March 2026 — 2GO, the country’s leading logistics solutions provider, received the Excellence in Integrated Transport Solutions Award and the Transport Partner of the Year Award from Unilever Philippines in recognition of its strong logistics capabilities and transport support throughout 2025.

 

The Excellence in Integrated Transport Solutions Award recognizes partners that demonstrate superior multimodal logistics capability through seamless coordination across land, sea, and other transportation modes. The recognition highlights innovative and integrated solutions that strengthen Unilever Philippines’ supply chain resilience and agility.

 

Meanwhile, the Transport Partner of the Year Award is given to logistics partners that deliver exceptional performance through consistent operational excellence, reliability, responsiveness, and strong collaboration in supporting Unilever’s nationwide supply chain operations.

 

“Our role goes beyond transportation. We ensure products move seamlessly across the country through coordinated, end-to-end logistics solutions,” said Faye Alonzo, Business Unit Head of 2GO Forwarding. “This recognition from Unilever Philippines reflects the scale of our operations and the discipline of our teams who work every day to deliver reliably across their nationwide network.”

Supporting this integrated logistics capability is 2GO’s sea freight network, which enables reliable inter-island cargo movement across the archipelago.

 

“Our sea freight operations are built around reliability, scale, and coordination across ports and logistics hubs nationwide,” said Sharon Ngo, Business Unit Head of 2GO Sea Solutions. “Every shipment we move supports the steady flow of goods across the country. Our teams work every day to ensure cargo moves efficiently across islands and reaches businesses and communities that depend on it.”

 

As one of the country’s leading fast-moving consumer goods companies, Unilever Philippines relies on a strong and dependable logistics network to move products efficiently across markets nationwide. The recognition underscores the trust placed in 2GO to support the movement of essential goods across the country.

 

The awards reinforce 2GO Group’s role as a trusted logistics partner for leading companies in the Philippines. Through integrated solutions across land and sea, 2GO continues to help businesses move goods efficiently and strengthen supply chains across the country.

 

To learn more about 2GO and its integrated logistics solutions, visit 2go.com.ph.

Manila Bulletin’s HATCH Contemporary Visions, Timeless Setting Opens at the Grand Lobby of The Manila Hotel

The Grand Lobby of The Manila Hotel came alive on March 25, 2026, as distinguished guests, artists, members of the media, and content creators gathered for the opening reception of HATCH 2026, the 8th edition of the premier art showcase by the Manila Bulletin in partnership with The Manila Hotel.

With the theme Contemporary Visions, Timeless Setting, HATCH 2026 bridges heritage and modern expression. This year’s edition brings together 12 contemporary and emerging Filipino artists, each invited to interpret the iconic acrylic egg transforming it into a compelling vessel of storytelling, identity, and imagination.

Set against the storied backdrop of The Manila Hotel’s Grand Lobby, the opening reception formally presented this year’s featured artists to the public: Marko Belo, Dino Blanco, Norman Blanco, Rachel Anne Lacaba, Jao Mapa, Raf Page, Tokwa Peňaflorida, JP Pining, Angelo Roxas, Alber Tabanao, Rene Tolentino, and Krishnamurti.

The event was graced by Mr. Basilio C. Yap, chairman of the board of The Manila Hotel; Dr. Emilio C. Yap III, vice chairman of The Manila Hotel and president of the Manila Bulletin; Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr. president of The Manila Hotel; Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel; and Leslie Araujo, brand and marketing manager of the Manila Bulletin and project head of HATCH 2026; alongside members of the media and content creators.

In his remarks, Marvin Kim Tan shared, “What began as a platform to showcase fresh ideas has grown into a meaningful space that champions creativity and emerging talent. We are proud to continue supporting this initiative and the community it has built over the years. Our sincere thanks to Manila Bulletin for their continued partnership, and to the 12 artists featured this year. When Ernest Hemingway visited in 1941, he remarked, ‘It’s a good story if it’s like The Manila Hotel.’ May this year’s exhibit at our Grand Lobby be another great story to tell.”

HATCH Contemporary Visions, Timeless Setting is on display at the Grand Lobby of The Manila Hotel until May 2, 2026. Admission is free.