BY ALEX ALAGON
GETTING a loan is only part of the customer journey. Paying it back should be just as simple. That’s why Skyro, an SEC-registered financing company in the Philippines, has partnered with Netbank, the country’s leading Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) platform, to provide customers with seamless, real-time, and secure loan payment options.
The partnership was formalized through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing led by Skyro president Anthony Co and payments product manager Daniil Murzabaev. Joining them were Netbank executives Iann Sicat, CEO; Amiel de Sotto, head of cash lenders; Maria Julieta Cunanan, head of mobile banking; and Jerrald Solano, head of AaaS Product.
Through the partnership, Skyro customers can enjoy a more convenient repayment experience through supported banking and e-wallet channels. Whether paying for a gadget or appliance through a Skyro Product Loan, covering financial needs with a Skyro Cash Loan, or making everyday purchases with SkyroCredit, the integration of Netbank’s payment solutions helps ensure every payment is processed efficiently and reliably.
For Co, the partnership signifies Skyro’s commitment to expand financial access for many more Filipinos. “By partnering with Netbank, we’re taking another step toward building a more efficient and customer-centric digital financial ecosystem. This collaboration enables us to deliver an even smoother, simpler, and more secure experience while advancing financial inclusion by expanding access to financial services for unbanked and underserved Filipinos. Together, we’re helping improve the financial well-being of more borrowers through financial solutions that fit their everyday lives.”
Likewise, Sicat emphasized that good infrastructure isn’t measured by how visible it is but by how consistently it performs. With Netbank’s cash management infrastructure, Skyro can deliver better repayment services to its customers.
“Our cash management infrastructure helps make collections, reconciliation, and payment processing more efficient. That allows Skyro to focus on its customers while we ensure the banking operations behind every payment remain reliable,” he said.
Skyro’s partnership with Netbank reflects its broader mission of bringing hope, happiness, and financial support to Filipinos nationwide. As it continues to grow, the fintech company remains committed to leveraging advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence, a digital-first platform, and an extensive retail partner network to deliver product loans, cash loans, and a digital credit line that help Filipinos access credit in ways that suit their needs, lifestyles, and financial goals.
To learn more about Skyro’s flexible financing options and convenient payment channels, visit skyro.ph and follow its social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok.
MANILA, Philippines — Only 13% of Filipinos are closely monitoring Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, with many saying the proceedings are “confusing and difficult to follow,” according to the inaugural issue of The National Momentum Survey.
The non-commissioned survey, released by newly established public opinion research firm Momentum Research on July 23, found that awareness of the vice president’s impeachment trial is widespread, with 68% of Filipinos saying they know about the proceedings. However, awareness is not equivalent to paying close attention to the trial.
Only a fraction of respondents (13%) said they actively follow the trial, while a majority (55%) said they only hear about developments but do not regularly keep up with the proceedings. Meanwhile, 29% said they do not follow the impeachment trial at all, and 3% of respondents declined to answer.
When respondents were asked about their experience monitoring the impeachment hearings, nearly a third (32%) described them as “confusing,” while another 8% of respondents said they were “too technical and difficult to follow.”
By comparison, 15% of respondents said the proceedings were generally “clear” while acknowledging that some portions were “difficult to follow.” Only 7% found the Senate trial “clear and easy to follow.” More than a third (34%), however, admitted they did not follow the Senate trial during its opening week (See Figure 2).
According to Momentum Research Founder and CEO Cleve Arguelles, a political scientist, this may be attributed to how the impeachment trial’s first week was marked by legal jargon, objections, and technical arguments from senator-judges, prosecutors, and the defense in addressing procedural debates.
“The first weeks of the impeachment trial were dominated by legal arguments between counsels that are second nature to lawyers but opaque to the average viewers,” Arguelles said in a statement.
“What the survey data tells us is that the public may be aware that the trial is happening, but the proceedings haven’t yet broken through in a way that feels meaningful or legible to the average Filipino. And awareness without comprehension may become a problem for any constitutional proceeding that depends on public legitimacy,” he added.
The survey also found that Filipinos prefer to reserve judgment on Duterte’s impeachment trial, with a plurality of respondents (44%) saying it is still “too early to tell” whether she should be convicted or acquitted.
Momentum Research conducted the survey a week after the Senate impeachment court formally opened the trial. During the first three trial days, senator-judges heard the prosecution’s initial evidence, including testimony from its first witness on the article of impeachment alleging grave threats.
The charge stems from Duterte’s public statements during a virtual press conference in November 2024 that she had instructed an individual to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez if an alleged plot against her were carried out.
Despite this, almost half of the respondents (48%) have already formed an opinion. More than 1 in 4 Filipinos (28%) said Duterte should be convicted, while 1 in 5 (20%) believe she should be acquitted. Only 6% of respondents said they had no answer or were unsure, while 2% refused to answer (See Figure 3).
“Our survey shows that public opinion on the trial and the Vice President is still in motion. Half of the country has yet to decide. They’re forming their views in real time as the trial unfolds. And for those already comfortable to make a judgment, more Filipinos lean toward holding the VP accountable and removing her from office,” Arguelles explained.
“But the trial is only weeks old. Public opinion at this stage is more of a snapshot than a verdict, and it’s still likely to move as the evidence does,” he added.
These are among the key findings of the inaugural issue of The National Momentum Survey, one of the first nationwide surveys to ask Filipinos what they think about the ongoing impeachment trial of the vice president.
Conducted from July 13 to 16, the non-commissioned survey was done through face-to-face interviews with a nationally representative sample of 1,438 Filipino adults. It has a ±2.6% national margin of error and a 95% confidence level.
Subnational margins of error are ±7% for the National Capital Region, ±4% for the Rest of Luzon (North, South, and Central Luzon), ±6% for Visayas, and ±5% for Mindanao — all at a 95% confidence level.
The National Momentum Survey is Momentum Research’s flagship initiative, capturing what Filipinos think, feel, and stand for on the country’s most pressing sociopolitical issues. The inaugural July 2026 issue also covers public opinion on government performance, the upcoming 5th State of the Nation Address, and the 2028 National Elections.
To explore the complete survey findings, visit Momentum Research’s website at www.momentumresearch.ph and access our live dashboard.
MAWAB, Davao de Oro — The Municipality of Mawab has achieved a historic milestone after its first-ever tourism establishment received accreditation from the Department of Tourism (DOT), 67 years after the town’s founding.
Sabor by La Ela’s Café Restaurant officially became Mawab’s first DOT-accredited establishment, marking a significant achievement in the municipality’s efforts to strengthen its tourism industry and promote the town as an emerging destination in Davao de Oro.
The accomplishment is one of the results of the continued tourism development initiatives of the local government under the leadership of Mayor Myrill Apit, whose administration has prioritized the promotion of local attractions and the growth of the municipality’s tourism sector.
The accreditation was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Municipal Tourism Office, led by Municipal Tourism Officer Michaella Paragua, in partnership with the Provincial Investment and Promotion Division under the Provincial Administrator’s Office, which provided technical guidance and assistance throughout the DOT accreditation process.
Mayor Apit hailed the achievement as a defining moment for the municipality, saying it reflects Mawab’s readiness to compete as a tourism destination in the province.
“This milestone is not only a victory for one establishment but for the entire Municipality of Mawab. It proves that through unity, hard work, and good governance, we can raise the standards of our local tourism industry and create more opportunities for our people. We hope this inspires more local businesses to pursue DOT accreditation and become partners in showcasing the best of Mawab,” Apit said.
Local officials described the accreditation as more than just a recognition for a single business, saying it represents a major step forward for the municipality’s tourism industry. DOT accreditation assures visitors that an establishment meets national standards for quality, safety, and service.
The local government also disclosed that several other tourism-related establishments in Mawab are currently undergoing the DOT accreditation process and are awaiting the results of their inspections.
Officials expressed optimism that the latest milestone will encourage more investments, attract visitors, create employment opportunities, and further boost the local economy through sustainable tourism development.
The achievement underscores Mawab’s continuing progress toward establishing itself as a competitive tourism destination in Davao de Oro, opening a new chapter in the municipality’s 67-year history.
- DCPO spearheads initiative to protect students after pupil’s death
FOLLOWING the tragic death of an eight-year-old Grade 3 student from a traumatic brain injury after a classroom altercation, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has ordered all station commanders to launch anti-bullying lectures in public and private schools.
DCPO chief PCOL Peter B. Madria announced the directive during a press conference on Thursday, July 23, emphasizing the need for preventive education alongside an ongoing, full-scale investigation into the child’s death.
“We have directed all station commanders to coordinate with school officials and authorities to conduct lectures regarding the Anti-Bullying Act,” Madria told reporters, adding that investigators are working closely with school administration to establish full accountability.
Timeline and medical findings
Speaking at the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps media briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, PMaj. Marc Hedssel Culaste, commander of the Sta. Ana Police Station, disclosed that the alleged bullying occurred around 3 p.m. on July 17 inside a local public school.
According to police, a quarrel broke out between two eight-year-old Grade 3 classmates. The victim returned home at 5 p.m. that afternoon complaining of severe head and stomach pain, telling her mother she had been bullied.
The child’s condition steadily deteriorated over the following days:
- July 17: The family initially brought the child to a traditional healer (hilot) for a massage.
- July 19: As severe pain persisted, the family traveled to Nabunturan, Davao de Oro, to consult another traditional practitioner.
- July 21: Upon returning to Davao City, the child’s health collapsed, prompting her family to rush her to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in the morning. She was pronounced dead at 2 p.m. that same day.
- July 22: The victim’s mother formally reported the incident to the police.
“Our initial finding from the attending physician lists the cause of death as brain failure and traumatic brain injury,” Culaste said, noting that police are still awaiting the official medical report and abdominal ultrasound results.
While online reports and social media posts alleged the victim was severely beaten, authorities urged the public to avoid spreading unconfirmed claims.
“As of this time, what is confirmed is that the other boy hit the girl on the head with a notebook,” Culaste clarified. “Other allegations that she was elbowed, punched, or kicked are still subject to further investigation. All other claims remain allegations.”
Madria corroborated this, noting that while initial reports mentioned physical assaults, physical evidence remains unverified. “According to the teacher, the child mentioned being hit, but the teacher did not witness it,” Madria added.
Investigators requested an autopsy on Wednesday, July 22, to conclusively establish the physical trauma, but the victim’s mother declined.
EXPLOSIVE Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and K9 units from the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) cleared Corcuera Elementary School in Barangay Panacan on Friday morning, July 24, after an alleged bomb threat that disrupted classes was determined to have stemmed from an unverified social media post.
A police report from DCPO Police Station 4 (Sasa) revealed that Central 911 alerted officers at around 10:20 a.m. after a parent reported seeing a threat online.
Initial police investigation showed that a resident, identified as alias Kristine, showed an online post to Alias Marie, 54, a parent waiting for her granddaughter at the school.
Marie immediately alerted the school’s assistant principal.
However, Kristine later admitted to investigators that she could not verify whether the information came from a Facebook post, an SMS, or a private Messenger message, noting she had first seen the post around 11 p.m. on July 23.
In response, Sasa Police and Barangay Panacan Tanod forces secured the perimeter while the DCPO EOD-K9 team conducted a thorough sweeping operation across the campus.
School administrators suspended classes for the day as a safety precaution.
Police declared the threat unverified and unfounded.
Barangay Panacan Punong Barangay Dr. Ericson D. Batican reiterated calls for public responsibility, warning against sharing unverified claims that trigger unnecessary panic and consume critical public safety resources.
“We remind everyone that making bomb threats or spreading false information that causes public alarm is a serious criminal offense punishable under Philippine law,” Batican said.
Under Presidential Decree No. 1727, spreading false bomb threats or rumors carries a penalty of up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to ₱40,000, or both.
Sasa Police Station officers are currently conducting follow-up cyber-investigations to trace the original source and identify the individuals responsible for circulating the unverified post.
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) has tightened security in preparation for two major events happening this weekend, deploying personnel to key venues and transit routes to ensure public safety.
DCPO director PCOL Peter B. Madria, alongside deputy city director for operations LTCOL Noel C. Asumen, led the conference with station commanders and specialized unit heads on Thursday, July 23, at Camp Captain Domingo E. Leonor to finalize deployment plans.
Security measures will center on two major gatherings: the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) national assembly scheduled for Saturday, July 25, at the Arena Athletics along Diversion Road in Matina Crossing, followed by the Davao City Trail Ultra on Sunday, July 26.
Police officials emphasized that proactive measures, real-time inter-unit coordination, and visible presence are paramount to managing traffic flow, crowd control, and potential security threats during the back-to-back events.
“The conference underscored the importance of operational readiness and proactive measures to ensure the successful and secure conduct of these major events,” the DCPO said in a statement.
Local authorities advise motorists to anticipate heavy traffic along Diversion Road and nearby arterial routes over the weekend, as security checkpoints and traffic management teams will be actively deployed.
A TOTAL of 308 former members and supporters of communist rebel groups have surrendered to the 10th Infantry Division (10ID) across its area of responsibility since January this year, military officials confirmed Thursday.
Maj. Ruben Gadut, spokesperson for the 10ID, disclosed during a media briefing that the surrenderers include 267 regular armed fighters of the New People’s Army (NPA), 28 members of the Milisya ng Bayan, and 13 individuals affiliated with underground mass organizations.
Parallel counter-insurgency operations also yielded significant weapon seizures, with troops recovering 69 firearms of various calibers alongside 20 anti-personnel mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Gadut emphasized that the majority of those who returned to the fold of the law are eligible to receive government assistance through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and the national amnesty program.
“These programs are designed to provide financial, livelihood, and social support to facilitate their smooth reintegration into normal civilian life,” Gadut said.
The 10ID continues to sustain its peace and security operations across the Davao Region and parts of Soccsksargen to ensure remaining insurgent remnants are fully cleared.
EIGHTEEN people’s organizations (POs) in San Fernando, Bukidnon have received a combined ₱6.14 million in livelihood grants under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) to strengthen community-based economic enterprises in former conflict-affected areas.
The financial assistance was officially turned over during a ceremony on July 23 at the Barangay Halapitan Tourism Eco Park, led by San Fernando Municipal Mayor Rogelio C. Yeke alongside local officials, military officers, and partner financial institutions.
The grants aim to finance various community-driven income-generating projects designed to elevate the economic standing of grassroots members and promote long-term stability in rural villages.
Among the recipients were the Mahayag Farmers EO70 SLPA and the KAMIFA EO70 SLPA, which were each awarded ₱300,000 to jumpstart their respective livelihood projects.
Both organizations were organized and mentored through the 89th Infantry Battalion’s Alpha Company, led by 2Lt. Mamer C. Oliverio, under the framework of Executive Order No. 70 (EO 70), which institutionalizes the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict.
Following the ceremonial distribution, three additional POs facilitated by the military opened official bank accounts with MCCC Bank to ensure transparent financial management and accountable fund utilization.
Local authorities emphasized that the initiative reflects sustained multi-sectoral collaboration between the national government, local government units (LGUs), the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and banking institutions in driving inclusive growth and preventing the resurgence of insurgency through economic empowerment.
Key officials present during the turnover included Barangay Little Baguio Punong Barangay Taciano P. Castro, Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) Designate Engr. Vinsil B. Mouring, and MCCC Bank representatives.
THE INDAK-INDAK sa Kadayawan 2026 grand showdown on August 16 will not be held at the usual San Pedro Square.
“For the very first time, the grand showdown is heading to the Davao Coastal Road-Tulip Drive,” the Davao City’s Kadayawan Festival announced on Thursday, July 23.
Meanwhile, the street dance competition will still follow the traditional route from Roxas Avenue all the way to San Pedro Square.
The Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) announced last Wednesday during the Kadayawan media launch that this year’s budget for the Kadayawan Festival is P68 million.
CTOO head Willenito Tormis Jr. said Indak-Indak will have an accumulated P8 million prize, where the open category grand winner will bring home P1.5 million, and the school-based grand winner wins P1 million.
“We are trying to make it big this year. We are trying to cater to all Davaoeños. Daghang nagaingon ang Kadayawan para sa VIP lang, so this year, pangitaan namo og paagi para daghang makakita,” Tormis said.
The number of contenders for the open category has increased to 10, a mix of comebacking champions and first-time contenders.
The registered contenders in the open category are from Pantukan, Davao de Oro; Mati and Tarragona from Davao Oriental; Mainit, Surigao del Norte; Kapalong and Asuncion from Davao del Norte; Bislig City, Surigao del Sur; Sto. Niño and Polomolok from South Cotabato.
However, the number of contenders for the Davao City school-based category has decreased to five.
These are Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School; Lapu-Lapu Elementary School; Don Enrique NHS; Sta. Ana NHS; and San Roque Central ES.
He attributed the decrease in number to the Department of Education (DepEd) order directing their students to have less time in schools due to recent incidents of violence inside schools.
Tormis said the change of venue has been coordinated with the Davao City Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO) for security and order, including traffic and deployment of security personnel,
PSSO head Angel Sumagaysay said that about 19,000 integrated safety and security personnel would be deployed for the month-long festivities, with a daily deployment of 700 personnel to ensure a zero-incident festivity.
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