BY ALEX ALAGON
AS IT celebrates its 95th anniversary, Malayan Insurance Co., Inc. (MICO), a leading non-life insurer in the Philippines, is marking the achievement with a focus on its core mission: to serve and empower the Filipino people. The company’s anniversary theme, “Love, Malayan,” is a testament to its long-standing commitment to giving back to the community that has been integral to its success.
“For 95 years, Malayan has been part of the everyday lives of Filipinos, and we are thankful for that privilege,” said Paolo Y. Abaya, MICO president and CEO. “This is why our pursuit of being a leader in the industry is driven by one purpose: to put the needs of the Filipino community first. Our 95th is a celebration of our shared journey and a promise to continue building a more resilient future together.”
The “Love, Malayan” theme is more than a tagline; it’s an action plan. This year, the company is leading several corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including the development of the special edition ASSIST’s Master of Disaster board game to educate the youth not just on disaster preparedness but also the importance of insurance. The company recently hosted a successful Malayan Charity Cup, a golf tournament that raised over Php1.3 million for the Sulong Batangas Housing Project to aid families affected by Typhoon Kristine, a testament to its hands-on approach to nation-building.
In line with its continued goal of giving back and building the Filipino community, Malayan Insurance has also released four new and accessible products this year, designed to address the evolving needs of Filipinos in a modern world:
● MyShield: A competitive and affordable personal accident (PA) insurance product, MyShield offers comprehensive protection against accidental injuries, Dengue, and even COVID-19. With premiums starting as low as PHP 900 annually, it offers 24/7 worldwide coverage and a straightforward application process, making protection accessible to a broad client base.
● eSecure: This is a personal cyber insurance policy that protects against the increasing threats of the digital world, including Electronic Fund Transfer, Online Retail Fraud, Lost or Stolen Card and Cyberbullying. It is designed to give customers peace of mind while they navigate an increasingly connected world.
● VitalCover: A critical illness policy designed for young professionals and family breadwinners, VitalCover provides financial support for critical illnesses, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes among others. The policy helps with medical reimbursement and hospital allowance due to critical illness, and includes benefits for accidental death, disability, or dismemberment.
● Personal Liability Insurance (PLI): This product helps cover the unforeseen costs of life’s little mishaps, from accidental injuries to property damage and legal costs. It provides essential coverage for accidents or damages you may cause at home, at work, or at play, safeguarding individuals from unforeseen financial burdens.
By combining its legacy of innovation with a deep-seated commitment to social responsibility, Malayan Insurance is not only celebrating 95 years of success but also laying the groundwork for a future where every Filipino has the protection and peace of mind they need to thrive.
BY ALEX ALAGON
IT SEEMS so much interest is in the identification and immediate arrest of the killers of barangay captain Oscar “Dodo” Bucol of Tres de Mayo, Digos City, Davao del Sur. The late barangay head was a vocal critic of certain politicians in Davao del Sur. And he used social media as a vehicle for his stinging tirades.
A few hours after Bucol’s killing Vice President Sara Duterte wrangled a P1 million reward money for the arrest of the village chief’s assassins. As this article went to press yesterday, the total reward money had already reached P4 million, with an additional commitment of P1 million from the provincial government of Davao del Sur. Then the family of the slain barangay captain was also reported to have offered another P1 million.
There was this other report that a member of the political nemesis of Digos City’s top official is also committing to add another P1 million.
If indeed this reported commitment is added, then the total reward money will be enticing to those who have knowledge of the identities of the killers and the mastermind. But if indeed they know the perpetrators, will they be ready for the possible consequences?
We have no doubt that with the willingness of the concerned personalities and entities to part with millions of pesos to hasten the solution of the murder, the late barangay captain could possibly be one indispensable political ally.
But he, too, must have proven his capability of destroying whatever defense by the enemies of any politician he supported during his lifetime.
This must have been acknowledged by his enemies – politicians or whoever. Thus, the decision was made to eliminate Captain Bucol for good.
Despite all the money accumulated to reward anyone who could lead to the identification of the assassins or the mastermind, it appears no one was interested in getting the pot until yesterday. Meaning, it is either no one knows any of the killers and their mastermind, or those who positively know the suspects would rather not take risk for their lives or those of their loved ones.
Our take on the issue, though, is that many know the perpetrators of the Bucol killing. The law enforcers, specifically the police, are among them. But naming or even just insinuating who the possible assassins are this early would only endanger the immediate resolution of the case.
After all, those who know the suspects may be aware that the perpetrators have all that it takes to influence the outcome of any investigation into the killing of the barangay chief.
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So there is a measure in Davao City called the AI (Artificial Intelligence) Facial Recognition Ordinance that was approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod last Tuesday?
The ordinance allows the use of AI-aided software that will help recognize the faces of suspected criminals once they are captured on CCTVs. In the process, according to the measure, crimes will be prevented from happening, and those persons who have committed various law infractions, whether anywhere in the country or in Davao City, and are already included in the databases of law enforcement agencies will immediately be flagged down as cross-matching is automatic.
It’s a good thing that the planned purchase of some 150 high-definition CCTVs equipped with the AI recognition software will be installed in strategic locations like the airport, the bus terminals, government buildings, and other public convergence areas like markets. It is in these locations that criminals who oftentimes masquerade as law-abiding citizens feel secure in their movements.
We have no doubt as to the effectiveness of the Ordinance. But how much will it cost the city government, such as the purchase of the 150 units of CCTV and the AI-aided software? How much will the training and hiring of manpower to operate the system deplete the city’s finances?
Will the number of arrested persons with breaches of the law and the crimes prevented, if quantified, be commensurate enough as a fair “return on investment” (ROI) to be made by the city, and will it continue to invest in the operation of the Ordinance?
We congratulate the City Council, with specific mention of the author of the ordinance Councilor Bonz Militar, for this trend-setting local legislation. This certainly is a product of innovative ideas and serious research.
We are, however, hoping that the local legislative body will be able to craft measures that will have a direct effect on the people of the city, and the outcome can be seen or felt by those who are supposed to be its beneficiaries.
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SURELY, the Christmas season, which started two full months ago (in our country, at least), will once again attract a steady flock of visitors like migrant birds on their way south to escape the winter.
From October to November, try asking any hotelier or resort owner, and they’ll excitedly confirm that bookings and reservations are already at near full capacity, and they’ll swear a peak season is promised once again.
Those two words, peak season, once sounded funny to the ears, considering only five years ago, that particular time in our history was indelibly marked with an asterisk, as I’ve seen in the calendars of some beach owners.
Anyhow, who among us still has COVID on their mind? It may have been unforgettable back then since it affected the whole world, but just the same, how easily we have moved on from that dark time.
As that threat had become a thing of the past, “peak season” once again has a nice cash register ring to it. I recall in December of ‘21, it was amusing to hear from a taxi driver how he welcomed Christmastime, as though it were a sourly missed lover, and praying that it comes again.
Well, if I met him again, I’d say his prayers are finally answered.
However, not everything is rosy at the moment. For one, it’s in the back of everyone’s minds, how do we make 2025 worthy of celebration when prices are at an all-time high, while the peso has plunged to its lowest?
Already, all are aware that an economic storm has been continually brewing, resulting not only from prolonged political discourse and bickering in the halls of power, but also made more hideous by confirmed reports of widespread corruption and open thievery in that arena, thus draining the government coffers.
Reminds me of a cartoon I saw long ago. A child had asked, ‘Mom, what’s the trickle-down effect?’ The mom replied, ‘It’s when the one percent of the population gets all of the pieces of the economic pie. ’ The child continued, ‘then what?’ The mom said, ‘That’s it. The end.’
If that were not enough, as if to complete the slam-bang in our people’s lives, much of the country, in these months of October and November alone, has been battered by a continuous parade of typhoons and deadly earthquakes which not only wreaked havoc on various cities and provinces but also resulted in damage to property and claimed many lives as well.
On a personal note, our family has lost a dear, dear one on the last day of October. At this, for us, all that has transpired anywhere takes a backseat as the family circled our wagons while the alternating storms outside howled at the gates.
This year-end for us, with all its trimmings of promise and expectations, achieved goals and sated dreams, mixed with turmoil and disasters, is not that important for the moment. As I told my grieving niece, we bleed as one. And nothing else beats that.
THE 72ND Infantry Battalion (72IB) led the ceremonial turnover of 50 newly built housing units to beneficiary families of the Gawad Kalinga Village in Sitio Kibasalan, Barangay Malibatuan, Arakan, Cotabato, reinforcing the military’s commitment to peace and community development.
The housing project was spearheaded by Gawad Kalinga, an established partner Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) recognized by the local government, to uplift marginalized communities through sustainable and inclusive development programs.
The presence of the 72IB, operating under the 1002nd Infantry Brigade and the 10th Infantry Division (10ID), highlighted the military’s support for collaborative initiatives aimed at fostering community resilience. The
In joining this activity, the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting endeavors that advance peace, unity, and community empowerment. The effort is part of a broader strategy to help foster a more progressive and hopeful future for the people of Arakan by addressing the root causes of conflict through social development.
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) concluded its week-long Simultaneous Anti-Criminality and Law Enforcement Operations (SACLEO) with the the arrest of over 140 individuals and the seizure of more than ₱1 million worth of illegal drugs.
Acting city director Col Mannan C. Muarip said the 57 intensive anti-illegal drug operations covered Nov. 17 to Nov. 24, 2025, leading to the apprehension of 67 individuals. They confiscated 140.9872 grams of shabu and 1042.53 grams of marijuana, with an estimated street market value of P1,083,816.56.
Meanwhile, police caught 53 individuals with outstanding warrants during the one-week period and another 25 violators were arrested in 18 anti-gambling operations. Authorities also confiscated ₱5,800 in bet money.
In the campaign against loose firearms, the DCPO conducted eight operations leading to the arrest of two individuals and the confiscation of two firearms. Additionally, four firearms were surrendered and another two were turned in for safekeeping.
Muarip said, “These exceptional achievements are a testament to the unwavering dedication of DCPO and the tireless efforts of each PNP personnel. Let us continue working together, pushing the boundaries of excellence, to maintain peace and order and create a safer and more secure Davao City.”
- Digos police chief relieved to ensure impartial investigation into barangay captain’s slay
THE CHIEF of Digos City Police Station, Lt Col Glenn Peter Ipong, was directed to step down from his post to ensure the ongoing probe into the fatal shooting of Tres de Mayo Barangay Captain Oscar “Dodong” Bucol Jr. remains impartial.
The relief order was issued by Police Regional Office (PRO) XI director BGen Leon Victor Rosete.
Ipong has been temporarily reassigned to the Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit, while Lt. Col. Venus Ortuyo has been designated as the officer-in-charge of the Digos Police Station.
Alongside the order, the entire Intelligence Unit of the Digos City Police has also been subjected to forensic scrutiny.
On Wednesday, PRO XI spokesperson Major Catherine dela Rey confirmed to the media that 21 personnel from the Digos City Police who were on duty at the time of the incident, including Ipong, were ordered to undergo paraffin testing to determine if they recently fired their guns.
Rosete has approved the creation of the Special Investigation Task Group-Bucol to consolidate efforts, examine all angles, and fast-track the resolution of the high-profile case.
Bucol of Tres de Mayo, Digos City, was shot dead on Tuesday night, Nov. 25, while livestreaming on his personal Facebook account.
The incident has drawn widespread public condemnation and an urgent demand for justice from national and local officials.
OVER 2,000 nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises (NMSMEs) gathered at the TindaNow Mindanao Summit 2025 on Wednesday, Nov. 26, at Tagum City Hall Atrium.
Powered by leading finance superapp, GCash, NMSMEs learned financial literacy and digital tools in collaboration with the Local Government of Tagum City, Department of Trade and Industry, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and Tagum City Council of Women Foundation Incorporated.
GCash also introduced digital innovations such as GCash for Business (G4B), and GCash Pera Outlet Plus to help the NMSMEs in business resilience.
Cleo Celeste Santos, GCash vice president and head of public sector, said the summit aims to support small enterprises which are considered underserved.
“We are really pursuing financial inclusion and to give every community access to safe fast convenient financial services,” Santos told reporters.
entrepreneur the tools and confidence to grow through practical financial education and safe, accessible digital solutions,” Santos said.
The new GCash Pera Outlet Plus Dagdag Kabuhayan Program offers small store owners an additional income through Cash in/ Cash out and pay bills feature.
Meanwhile, GCash for Business (G4B) introduced efficient digital solutions like SoundPay and Pocket Pay that streamline payment collection.
Mayor Rey Uy said in his message delivered by Councilor Uloy Ong, the Committee Chairperson for Tourism, Sisterhood Ties, and International Relations said the summit is a reflection of the city’s commitment no matter how small the enterprise is, and is a part of the economic landscape of the city.
“As we embrace digitalization in partnership with GCash, we are opening doors to new opportunities: wider markets, faster transactions, safer payments, and more efficient business operations,”he said.
“Digital tools empower even the smallest enterprises to compete and to shine,” he added.
DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona said in her message delivered by Davao del Norte division chief Erick Cezar Elipian said the summit is aligned with DTI MSME Development Plan 2023-2028, for every enterprise to have digital adoption to strengthen entrepreneurial capacity.
THE CITY government is fast-tracking the documentation to construct more schools and address classroom shortage.
Councilor Petite Principe, chair of the committee on education, said during the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos on Tuesday, that education is one of the priorities of the administration.
“One of the tasks of the mayor is to help speed up the application for deeds of usufruct between the city and the Department of Education,” Principe said.
She stressed that there are a lot of schools where the title is in the name of the city but no proper documentation.
“Because of incomplete documentation, we cannot erect buildings,” she added.
In October, the city government and DepEd came up with a protocol to fast-track the deeds of usufruct.
Principe clarified that the city has enough funds but these can’t be touched due to lack of proper documents.
The councilor reported that 66 of more than 400 schools in Davao City still have pending usufruct agreements.
At present, the city has a shortage of over 4,000 classrooms, which the city government aims to gradually reduce within the next three years.
The Local School Board has conducted a strategic planning and listed priority areas where school buildings can be erected.
“We really want to come up with buildings in order to address it. Especially in far-flung areas, where we need to build more,”
The city also targets to pilot solar-power projects for schools without electricity, especially in Marilog and Paquibato.
To note, during the inaugural speech of acting mayor Sebastian Duterte, he emphasized the need to address the classroom shortage and investing in the education of children.
Reynante Solitario, Davao City Schools Division Superintendent, said there is a shortage of 4,053 classrooms considering the ratio of 1 room to 30 pupils in the elementary level.
