BY ALEX ALAGON
First and largest Filipino life insurer InLife is off to a banner start in 2026, building on a year of significant market share expansion and growth in 2025.
Following its performance in 2025, InLife achieved 16% growth in New Business Annualized Premium Equivalent (NBAPE), outpacing the industry average of 10.7%.
InLife attributes this sustained success to the synchronized performance of its three core distribution pillars: Agency Sales which was fueled by manpower and sustainable production growth and a focus on long-term protection products; Bancassurance which expanded its distribution capacity, and activated new growth engines; and Corporate Solutions with the acquisition of Generali Philippines, now InLife Benefits, signaling a major shift in how Philippine enterprises approach employee protection. This has propelled InLife Group’s market share to 7.5%.
InLife is doubling down on its specialization strategy. It fully divested its interests in its former HMO subsidiary (iCare) earlier this year to focus exclusively on its core mission: delivering world-class life and health insurance and comprehensive employee benefits.
The acquisition of Generali Philippines and rebranding into InLife Benefits represents this new direction. While traditional HMOs offer access to hospitals, clinics and medical specialists, InLife Benefits’ group term, critical illness, accident and health insurance plans provide not just comprehensive employee benefits but also healthcare programs to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and multinational organizations nationwide. It has the widest medical network among peers, and it integrates value-added servicesthat promote accessibility and wellness. These include 24/7 Call-A-Doc telemedicine, medicine reimbursement, mental health consultations, wellness programs, and digital platformsthat allow members, HR teams, intermediary partners, and medical providers to conveniently access benefits anytime, anywhere.
InLife Benefits’ key differentiator is its Voluntary Employee Benefitsprogram, which allows employees or principal members to extend coverage to immediate and extended dependents including parents, siblings, in-laws, nieces, and nephews from two weeks up to 75 years old.
“Our growth story is one of focus. Through specialization, we can offer our customers and especially Philippine employers a unified, seamless experience. Our clients don’t have to navigate multiple corporate entities to enjoy life and health protection; they get the full weight of InLife’s 115-year legacy and financial strength in one comprehensive package. And now, with InLife Benefits, we build on our capability to provide our clients access to global best practices,” said InLife President and CEO Raoul Antonio E. Littaua.
The integration of InLife Benefits is expected to serve as a key growth driver for the InLife Group through 2026. As Philippine enterprises look for sustainable ways to manage rising healthcare costs, InLife aims to leverage its consolidated structure to provide more efficient, world-class solutions to its clients.
As a mutual life insurance company, InLife remains owned by its policyholders. The company has indicated it will continue to prioritize capital stability and the expansion of its digital infrastructure to support its diversified distribution network in the coming year.
2GO proudly receives three recognitions from Unilever Philippines, underscoring its commitment to logistics excellence and strong collaboration.
Manila, Philippines — 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.
Almost 300,000 lights and bulbs turned off simultaneously, which saved around 50,000 kWh of power across townships
Over 300 residential, mall, hotel, and office developments nationwide spread across 17 townships of property giant Megaworld highlighted the company’s huge participation in this year’s Earth Hour, joining millions around the world in switching off non-essential lights to highlight the urgency of climate action.
The company switched off about 300,000 light bulbs and other equipment to save over 50,000 kWh of energy during the hour-long switch-off, effectively blocking 36,000 kilos of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from entering the atmosphere to notch a major milestone in Megaworld’s sustainability journey.
The result is equivalent to having over 1,630 mature trees within a medium-sized forest filtering greenhouse gases in a full year, further underscoring the company’s commitment as a major sustainability champion.
“Megaworld townships are living ecosystems made up of communities that become active champions of sustainability. Being part of Earth Hour is a reflection of our long-term vision to continue building sustainable, future-ready communities that help jumpstart a collective action to protect the environment and the future of every Filipino,” says Jose Arnulfo C. Batac, Head of Sustainability, Megaworld.
This year, Megaworld—through Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, the company’s retail and commercial arm—partnered with local conservation leader WWF-Philippines to host the Philippines’ official Earth Hour switch-off event, which was held at ArcoVia City in Pasig.
This initiative forms part of Megaworld’s MEGreen program, a long-term sustainability initiative that consolidates all environmental efforts under a unified platform aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). These include integrating energy efficiency measures across its various properties, as well as implementing green building practices and community-driven sustainability programs.
Last year, Megaworld announced its full transition to renewable energy for its company-owned offices, hotels, lifestyle malls, and residential properties. This covered various office, lifestyle malls and retail establishments, and hotel developments located in townships across the Philippines, such as Uptown Bonifacio, Eastwood City, McKinley Hill, McKinley West, Newport City, Southwoods City, Twin Lakes, Boracay Newcoast, and Iloilo Business Park.
Photo/Credit: 2024 infographics by Davao City Water District (DCWD) on the city’s water supply systems
Water security is increasingly becoming one of the defining challenges for cities across the world. Changing rainfall patterns, stronger weather disturbances, and growing urban demand are forcing governments and utilities to rethink how water systems are designed and managed.
The Philippines is fortunate to be endowed with abundant natural water resources– from Surface water sources to productive groundwater aquifers that sustain communities across the country. With significant annual rainfall that varies from 965 to 4,064 millimeters annually and diverse watersheds, water availability has long supported growing cities and economies.
However, ensuring long-term water security also depends on how these resources are managed together. Changing climate and increasing demand make it essential for cities to balance surface water and groundwater through integrated systems that protect supply even during dry periods.
The Davao City Water District has increasingly turned toward a balanced approach, combining surface water and groundwater sources, to strengthen resilience against these uncertainties.
“Sa pagkakaron, we can claim that Davao City has achieved tung atong ginatawag na climate resiliency in terms of water service kay atoang napamatud-an during that time of El Niño when every place in the country has been experiencing drought ug water shortage, ang Davao City, opposite ang atoang scenario, abunda kaayo ta og supply,” Duhaylungsod said in a 2024 interview during the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps presser.
(As of now, we can claim that Davao City has achieved what we call as climate resiliency in terms of water service, as demonstrated during the El Niño period when every place in the country was experiencing drought and water shortages. In contrast, Davao City’s scenario was the opposite; we had an abundant supply.)
Through the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP), treated surface water sourced from the Tamugan River augments the existing groundwater supply managed by the Davao City Water District (DCWD), demonstrating how surface water integration is helping ease pressure on aquifers while maintaining stable supply for the city.
Learning From Changing Climate
A changing climate does not always announce itself through disasters. Sometimes it appears quietly through shifting river flows or unexpected dry periods.
Early Q1 this year, monitoring recorded lower river flow levels in parts of January despite it being within the rainy season– a reminder that even historically reliable water sources are not immune to changing climate conditions.
Yet across Davao, households and businesses experienced no noticeable disruption in supply.
DCWD was able to maintain stability by balancing surface water delivery with groundwater production, demonstrating how diversified sources can absorb environmental fluctuations without affecting consumers.
For residents, the adjustment happened largely behind the scenes. For the local water utility, however, it offered a practical example of how redundancy strengthens resilience.
Protecting Groundwater for the Long Term
Around the world, groundwater depletion has become an increasing concern. Aquifers that once seemed limitless are now under pressure due to population growth and expanding economic activity.
Supplementing groundwater extraction with treated surface water enables utilities to manage wells more responsibly, reducing strain during periods of peak demand and allowing natural recharge processes to take place.
Surface water provides additional supply when needed, while groundwater continues to serve as a stable foundation of the distribution system. Together, this balanced approach reduces dependence on a single source and strengthens overall water resilience.
This is the same strategy applied in Davao City through the treated surface water supplied by the DCBWSP.
GCash launches the new and first-of-its-kind GCash International Transfers, which features same day remittances to international banks and e-wallets
New GCash International Transfers feature enables Filipinos to send same-day transfers with transparent tracking, competitive forex
As part of its commitment to enabling Finance for All Filipinos, GCash, the country’s leading finance app and largest cashless ecosystem, has launched GCash International Transfers. This first-of-its-kind e-wallet feature enables users to send money directly from their GCash wallet to international bank accounts, cards, and e-wallets.
The service is currently available in 16 countries, including the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Singapore, India, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, with plans to expand to more countries soon.
Ideal for families that send support for loved ones abroad or micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sourcing raw materials, inventory, or specialize services from overseas, this new feature enables GCash users to send money in Philippine pesos to international bank accounts, cards, and e-wallets in key countries. Recipients receive funds in their local currency, eliminating conversion concerns and ensuring straightforward access to transferred amounts.
This new initiative breaks down time and cost barriers for families who send allowances, educational support (including for “pasabuy” services), and business funds to suppliers abroad.
“GCash International Transfers reflects our commitment to extending financial inclusion beyond Philippine borders,” said Arjun Varma, GCash International General Manager. “We want Filipinos to have access to fast, affordable, and transparent international transfers, whether they are supporting family abroad, sending allowances to students, or paying for goods and services across borders.
Before the launch of this service, sending money abroad using traditional transfer methods was often complicated by slow processing times, high fees, and a lack of visibility on when funds would arrive. GCash International Transfers addresses these challenges by enabling same-day crediting for most corridors and next-day transfers to the United States, giving recipients faster access to funds when they need them most in just 5 easy steps.
Zero transfer fees from March 12 to 31 for Middle East transactions
Filipinos in the Philippines can now send money internationally to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman via GCash with absolutely zero fees and no minimum transfer amount. This special offer is available from March 12 to 31, 2026, making it easier for families back in the Philippines to provide financial support to their loved ones in the Middle East.
Users can easily complete an international transfer by tapping Transfer on the GCash dashboard, selecting International, choosing the destination country, channel, and recipient type, and confirming the payer. Throughout the process, the feature provides real-time tracking, giving both senders and recipients transparency on the transfer status, which is not typically available in traditional bank transfers. With service fees starting as low as ₱180 and designed to be up to 2–3 times more affordable than typical bank remittance charges, the service ensures more of every peso sent reaches its intended destination.
The fully digital experience means users can complete international transfers anytime, anywhere, without the need to visit physical remittance centres or banks, which is particularly valuable for Filipinos in provinces and remote areas who may have limited access to traditional remittance services.
By removing barriers of time, cost, and uncertainty in cross-border payments, GCash International Transfers strengthens the financial connectivity of Filipino families, students, businesses, and communities across 16 countries.
Reinforcing its vision of Finance for All, GCash ensures that Filipinos can access essential financial services and support their connections worldwide with ease, transparency, and security.
- LTFRB asks malls, other establishments for 50% cut in rental for PUV terminals
THE LAND Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) requested shopping malls and other establishments to slash by half the rental fees for public utility vehicle (PUV) terminals to reduce operational costs.
LTFRB chairperson Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II said the move hopes to help cushion the impact on PUV operators in the face of sharp increases in the price of petroleum products.
In a statement, LTFRB stated it has sent letters to owners and managers of establishments with PUV terminals.
“We have already sent letters to as many owners and managers of establishments with PUV terminals to reduce the rental fees as a way of assistance to the public transport sector,” Mendoza said.
A letter of appeal from LTFRB regional directors was delivered to terminal owners and operators in their respective jurisdictions.
The LTFRB regional directors are directed to monitor the development to assist the transport sector as soon as possible.
“The assistance that would be provided by the establishment owners will greatly contribute to easing the financial strain currently experienced by the transport sector,” Mendoza said.
The LTFRB has extended assistance to the public transport sector, starting from the P5,000 fuel subsidy, along with the P5,000 cash grant from DSWD.
Toll fees in expressways were also cut down as part of the measure to address the financial strain of the fuel price hike on drivers.
The LTFRB earlier requested government financial institutions to waive any penalty for the delay of the payment of the monthly amortization of modern jeepneys.
“The national government is continuously finding ways to cushion the effects of this challenge,” Mendoza said.
TWO DAVAO engineers from the University of Mindanao, Dr. Erdsan Rene S. Suero (BSCE 1988) and Engr. Maria Fe V. Toledo (BSCE 1986), were conferred as Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Engineers—an international recognition for professionals who meet globally accepted standards in engineering practice.
The two are among the 49 Filipino engineers who earned the APEC Engineer title, recognized for world-class competence, ethics, and experience.
Dr. Suero, a past national president of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers and a State Technical Audit Specialist IV of the Commission on Audit, and Engr. Toledo, a contracts manager based in Singapore and a former officer of PICE Singapore, expressed gratitude for the honor and the opportunity to represent Filipino engineers on the global stage.
“This recognition is not only a personal milestone, but a reminder of our responsibility as engineers—to uphold integrity, serve with excellence, and contribute meaningfully to nation-building and the global community,” Dr. Suero shared.
The conferment was administered by the APEC Engineer Register Philippines, National Monitoring Committee composed of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), and the Philippine Technological Council (PTC) during ceremonies held on March 25, 2026, at the CHED Auditorium in Diliman, Quezon City.
Through rigorous evaluation by CHED, PRC, and PTC, APEC Engineers meet international standards—unlocking opportunities to practice across APEC economies. More than a title, it reflects dedication to excellence, ethical practice, and continuous professional development.
This milestone highlights the global competitiveness of Filipino engineers and their continuing commitment to integrity, competence, and service.
THE POLICE Regional Office XI placed its commanders on high alert to closely monitor gas stations and businesses to shield consumers from opportunistic market practices
In a media interview at the sidelines of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) change of command ceremony on Monday, March 30, 2026, Brigadier General Leon Victor Rosete, PRO XI director, confirmed that the PNP is working with the Department of Energy (DOE) and local government units to check gas stations across the region.
The goal is to ensure that any price adjustments are legitimate and do not bypass regulatory standards.
“So far, our monitoring with the DOE is going well. We are ensuring that price increases are accurate and justified,” Rosete told reporters.
He warned that the police would take action if businesses tried to exploit the current economic climate through unauthorized or “abrupt” price hikes that could trigger public unrest.
Rosete emphasized that the PNP’s mandate extends beyond traditional crime-fighting, acting as a deterrent against business practices that exploit the public.
“Our police are on standby with local agencies to watch closely so that no one takes advantage of the situation,” Rosete stated. “We want to avoid the kind of abrupt price increases that cause unnecessary burden to our citizens.”
TROOPS from the 75th Infantry Battalion recovered an abandoned arms cache in Barangay San Isidro, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur, on March 28, 2026.
The operation, conducted under the 401st Infantry Brigade, led to the unearthing of an M16A1 rifle, an M14 rifle, and a spare barrel for an M60 machine gun.
Colonel Glenn Joy U. Aynera, Commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, said the recovery was the result of an actionable intelligence provided by a former rebel, who disclosed the location during a community information drive facilitated by the Palompon Patrol Base and the 1st Civil-Military Operations Company in Sitio Palompon, Barangay Mahaba.
Military officers cited the accomplishment as proof of the effectiveness of strengthened civil-military operations and community engagement.
Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, reiterated his call for the remaining members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) to surrender and avail themselves of the government’s reintegration programs.
He said these initiatives offer livelihood, education, and community support to help former rebels rebuild their lives with their families.
Anayron further underscored that the 4ID remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard communities and sustain peace across Northern Mindanao and the Caraga Region through focused military operations and continuous stakeholder engagement to address the root causes of insurgency.
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