BY CLIFFORD JAMES L. DANDUAN/UM Intern
THE LOCAL government will implement open tryouts for athletes who aspire to wear Davao City’s colors in the forthcoming Batang Pinoy and BIMP EAGA Friendship Games this year.
During the iSpeak Media Conference on Thursday, April 16, at the City Health Office, Mikey Aportadera, the head of the City Sports Development Office, said this new policy was adopted in response to challenges the office faced in selecting the best athletes.
The tryouts hope to create an objective selection process amid growing pressure from coaches and parents.
”To dispel all those intrigues, since every parent and coach wants their child or athlete to be included, and would naturally claim they are the best, we had to find a way to manage it, so the office opted to hold tryouts,” Aportadera said.
The office has already encouraged all organizers, especially the various National Sports Associations (NSAs) in the city, to conduct their respective tryouts.
Aportadera said tryout standouts will automatically earn a spot for the Davao City delegation, receiving support from the local government.
Fostering inclusivity, he said that athletes who fail to secure a spot can still represent the city at their own expense.
“Those who also intend to join are welcome, there’s no problem; we will endorse them, and they may travel with us at their own expense while still representing the city,” he shared.
Aspiring athletes are encouraged to complete registration by April 20 to qualify for tryouts, the primary step toward earning a spot on the city’s official delegation for this year’s sporting events.
DAVAO CITY — The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Davao del Sur Provincial Statistical Office continues to conduct house-to-house National ID registration for senior citizens who are unable to visit National ID registration centers due to mobility and accessibility concerns.
This effort is in response to the growing demand for National ID registration among senior citizens, as the National ID now serves as the primary valid proof of identity for senior citizens claiming benefits under the DSWD Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC).
The PSA Davao del Sur encourages the general public, including barangay units and local government units (LGUs), as well as families with senior citizens who are having difficulty in mobility or are bedridden, to coordinate with the office for the arrangement of house-to-house and National ID mobile registration activities within their respective areas.
For coordination and inquiries, the public may reach out PSA Davao del Sur through telephone number (082) 225-0172, email address at davaodelsur@psa.gov.ph, or by visiting the office located at JM Agro Building, Governor Sales Street, Davao City, which is open from Monday to Saturday.
BY ALJAVE M. MONTEROLA & LEE JOSHUA SARDOMA/DNSC Interns
THE DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Labor and Employment held the Sustaining Livelihoods Through Employment: 4Ps Job Fair on Wednesday, April 15, at SM City Davao Annex.
The event drew jobseekers looking to secure employment and explore better livelihood prospects.
Various partner agencies and private companies participated in the activity, offering positions across multiple industries, including retail, customer service, and manufacturing.
Among the participating employers were Abenson Ventures, Inc., SM Retail, Inc., VXI Global Solutions, and CS Global Workplace, Inc., along with several other firms.
In an interview, one jobseeker described the event as an opportunity to connect with potential employers, especially for new graduates.
“I’m thankful they held the job fair because they gave opportunities to newly graduates and the senior high school graduates,” said Marianne, who asked not to publish her real name.
Rhuelo D. Aradanas, regional director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development XI, said the initiative was part of the continued effort to help 4Ps beneficiaries transition into stable employment.
“Since we have so many graduates in the 4Ps, the course beneficiaries, we should also help them find jobs to ensure, at least, continuity in our program of helping them raise their children, (and) to send them to schools, until they can land jobs and sustain their families,” said Aradanas.
He also assured that hired applicants are closely monitored through regular follow-ups and interviews to assess their job conditions and ensure sustained employment.
He further noted that the 4Ps program maintains a high success rate, describing it as one of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s most successful initiatives.
QUEZON CITY – Following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and under the guidance of Social Security Commission (SSC) Chair Secretary Frederick D. Go, the Social Security System (SSS) is strengthening access to its existing programs in response to rising energy costs, inflationary pressures, and the broader economic impact of ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
These initiatives include policy enhancements to improve accessibility and the early implementation of this year’s pension increase to provide timely financial relief to members, pensioners, and employers.
SSS president and CEO Robert Joseph M. de Claro said, “We recognize that rising prices and economic uncertainty continue to place pressure on Filipino families and businesses. Through these enhanced programs, SSS is ensuring that our members and pensioners have access to timely, affordable, and reliable financial support when they need it most.”
Collectively, these programs are expected to provide up to approximately ₱60 billion in financial assistance and benefit support.
Emergency loan program
Members facing urgent financial needs may apply for the enhanced Emergency Loan Program, which offers up to ₱20,000 at a reduced interest rate of 7% per annum, with a six-month repayment moratorium.
To improve accessibility, SSS has relaxed the eligibility requirements from 36 to 18 months of posted contributions, with at least six (6) contributions posted within the last 12 months. The program now also covers members with minimal past-due loans of up to three (3) monthly amortizations, as well as overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), through simplified eligibility requirements.
Around ₱27 billion has been allocated for this program, which is expected to benefit an estimated 2.24 million eligible members, providing a safe and affordable alternative to informal lenders and helping them cover essential expenses such as medical needs, education, and daily household requirements.
Micro-loan program
SSS is set to roll out short-term loans ranging from ₱1,000 to ₱20,000 with repayment terms of 15 to 90 days and an affordable rate of 8% per annum.
The program will be delivered through digital platforms and partner financial institutions, enabling faster and more convenient access to funds. It aims to provide immediate liquidity support while promoting financial inclusion, with a target loan portfolio of up to ₱40 billion within the next two (2) years.
Loan penalty condonation
For members with past-due loans, SSS continues to implement the Consolidation of Past Due Short-Term Member Loans with Condonation of Penalty Program.
Under this program, penalties for unpaid loans are fully waived upon settlement of the principal and interest. Members may choose flexible payment options: one-time settlement or installment terms up to 60 months with a minimum down payment of 10%.
Applications may be conveniently filed online via My.SSS portal.
Employer contribution delinquency reliefs
SSS is also providing relief to delinquent employers through penalty condonation and restructuring programs.
These include the Contribution Penalty Condonation, Delinquency Management, and Restructuring Program (CPCoDe MRP) for businesses and the Contribution Penalty Condonation and Restructuring Program (CPCR-P) for household employers.
These measures allow employers to settle contribution obligations through structured payment arrangements without additional penalties, ensuring continued social security coverage and protection for their employees.
Early implementation of pension increase
In support of pensioners, SSS is advancing the implementation of the scheduled 2026 pension increase under the SSS Pension Reform Program, from September to June 2026, providing earlier financial relief. Retirement and disability pensions will increase by 10%, while death and survivor benefits will increase by 5%.
The early implementation is expected to release approximately ₱6.5 billion in additional benefits from June to August 2026, directly supporting millions of pensioners and their families.
In fulfilling its mandate, SSS remains committed to responding to the needs of its members while ensuring the prudent management and long-term sustainability of the social security fund for present and future generations.
BY APRIL MARGRETTE ALNAS/UM Intern
THE DAVAO City Sports Development Division partnered with Kinetix Sports and Team Davao Runners for the first sanctioned trailrunning event, tentatively scheduled for June as part of the Duaw Dabaw 2026.
City sports head Mikey Aportadera shared that Calinan is the proposed venue of the trail run event, with routes traversing scenic areas, offering participants a new place to explore and appreciate.
“This is actually more about inviting people to come in and appreciate the city of Davao beyond the roads,” he said.
Grant Gutierrez from Team Davao Runners highlighted the event’s importance to the local trailrunning community, noting their excitement at discovering new routes within the city.
“I guarantee you, a hundred percent, it is a beautiful place. It’s far, but eventually, once the other runners explore it, the Duaw Dabaw trail run by the city government will be held. For sure, everyone will want to visit the place,” Gutierrez said.
Additionally, he added that the local communities and tribes are grateful for the opportunity to have their place highlighted.
Organizers anticipate around 3,000 participants for the event, testing their skills in four categories: 5K, 12K, 25K, and 50K, suitable for beginners to experienced trail runners, with a budget of ₱500,000 in cash prizes.
However, Aportadera said they might postpone their initial target date, stating the need for additional time to finalize preparations for trail mapping and overall event organization to ensure it meets world-class standards. He said the city sports division will post announcements on the details once they are finalized.
MAYA has been recognized in global rankings by Forbes and The Asian Banker, reflecting the continued growth of its digital banking business operating at scale and achieving profitability.
Maya is included in Forbes’ World’s Best Banks 2026 list, marking its fourth consecutive year on the global ranking. In the Philippines, it is among a select group of banks recognized this year, spanning both digital and established institutions. The list is based on a survey of more than 54,000 consumers across 34 countries, evaluating banks across trustworthiness, digital services, customer experience, and overall satisfaction.
Meanwhile, Maya has also been included in the World’s Top 100 Digital Banks Ranking 2026 by The Asian Banker, a global benchmarking of digital banks based on scale, financial performance, and operational strength. It is the only Philippine digital bank included among the top 20 of the ranking.
The Asian Banker noted that Maya Bank achieved full-year profitability within two and a half years of launch, placing it among a group of digital banks that have moved beyond early-stage expansion into more structured, sustainable growth.
“These global recognitions reflect the progress we’ve made in scaling digital banking, while building the foundations for long-term growth,” said Shailesh Baidwan, Maya Group president and Maya Bank co-founder. “They are also a reflection of the trust our customers place in us every day and the work our teams continue to put into strengthening the platform as we grow.”
Maya’s growth continues to be supported by strong customer adoption and expanding product usage. As of end-2025, it reached approximately ₱68 billion in deposits and 10.7 million bank customers, with total loans disbursed since 2022 reaching ₱256 billion. The Maya Group, which includes Maya Bank and Maya Philippines, reported ₱1.7 billion in net income for 2025—marking its first full year of profitability.
Maya’s digital banking services are part of the broader Maya ecosystem, which combines payments, savings, and credit in an integrated platform. Through this ecosystem, Maya delivers financial services more efficiently to consumers and businesses, encouraging broader digital financial adoption and helping customers achieve improved financial health.
Globally, top digital banks are entering a more disciplined phase of growth, with increasing focus on profitability, customer engagement, and operational efficiency. Maya’s inclusion in both rankings reflects its leadership and progress in scaling within this evolving landscape.
SENATOR Francis “Chiz” Escudero wants the government to tap the unexpected windfall from value-added tax (VAT) collections on petroleum products for direct financial assistance to sectors affected by the rising fuel costs since the Middle East war erupted last February.
According to Escudero, the surge in VAT revenues should not be treated as additional income, but should be set aside as funds to help ordinary Filipinos cope.
“‘Windfall’ lang ang tawag diyan dahil hindi naman planado o pinaghirapan ng gobyerno ang dagdag na koleksyon. Tumaas lang ang presyo ng langis kaya mas mataas din ang VAT na pumapasok. Mas tama na ibalik ito sa mga pinakaapektadong sektor bilang tulong,” he said.
By doing so, the senator added, it blunts the perception of profiting from the crisis like some unscrupulous business owners.
“It’s like a businessman profiteering from high prices. Government is not a businessman, and it should not engage in profiteering,” he pointed out. “Kung hindi naman tatanggalin ang VAT, ibalik na lang sa taumbayan ang dagdag o windfall na kita mula rito bilang ayuda,” he said.
The veteran legislator’s proposal comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that the administration would retain VAT on petroleum products, citing the “windfall” revenue as a source of funding for crisis response.
Marcos said suspending VAT would primarily benefit oil firms rather than consumers.
Finance Undersecretary Karlo Fermin Adriano earlier estimated that higher fuel prices could generate an additional P13 to P14 billion in VAT collections, even with the suspension of excise taxes on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene, which are more widely used by households and small businesses.
Menardo “Butch” Jimenez, Jr., PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer
As rising fuel costs and inflationary pressures prompt a nationwide re-evaluation of daily commutes, PLDT Home is committed to supporting the Filipino workforce. PLDT Home is waiving installation fees and has executed timely speed boosts to make the transition to remote work seamless and cost-effective.
The initiative reinforces the government’s call for the private sector to adopt flexible work schemes as a strategic response to ongoing global economic volatility. By empowering remote and home-based work setups, PLDT Home aims to strengthen Filipinos’ daily productivity and income opportunities while keeping the family together during these challenging times.
“Filipinos are among the most resilient people in the world, and we want to make it easier for them to navigate today’s challenges, especially amid ongoing global uncertainties. This is why we continue to enhance our fiber products and services to better support the daily digital needs of the Filipino workforce,” said Menardo “Butch” Jimenez, Jr., PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer.
The “Work-From-Home” Economic Shield
As commuters report record-high transportation spending, the private sector is rapidly pivoting toward flexible work arrangements. To lower the cost of digital adoption for remote work, PLDT Home rolls out a comprehensive suite of upgrades for both new and existing PLDT Home subscribers.
Jimenez added, “Families need a reliable fiber connection to work from home, stay productive and connected to what matters most.”
New subscribers of PLDT Home Fiber Plan 1299 and above will enjoy a free speed boost of up to 2x faster for six months, ensuring ample bandwidth for high-definition video conferencing and heavy cloud-based work. To also help ease their financial burden, PLDT Home is waiving the ₱3,600 installation fee.
Those switching services to PLDT Home will also receive a free Always On modem for six months. This hybrid fiber-LTE device ensures uninterrupted service by automatically switching to a wireless LTE connection during fiber outages, a critical safeguard especially for remote professionals and freelancers.
PLDT Home also boosts its services with value-added perks to support work and lifestyle needs at home with free unlimited entertainment via Cignal, free IGV Game Pass for 1 year, and exclusive huge discounts on Samsung home products.
Flexible Prepaid Internet with Faster Speeds
For households that need budget-friendly and flexible options without long-term contracts, PLDT Home has enhanced its Fiber Prepaid services.
PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid users can enjoy significantly faster speeds suitable for both work and entertainment at home, as new load packages are now available at 100 Mbps and 300 Mbps. To further ease financial burden, PLDT Home expands its load packages with 1-day, 7-day, 15-day, 30-day, and up to 365-day load options. Fiber Prepaid users can now load for as low as P19.17/day for a 365-day package with speeds of up to 50 Mbps.
As households adapt to evolving economic conditions, PLDT Home strengthens its commitment to delivering reliable, flexible, and future-ready connectivity to empower Filipinos’ productivity and resilience at home.
At the Memorandum of Agreement Signing between OWWA and GCash to digitize transactions and enable seamless access for OFWs worldwide. From Left to Right: GCash Overseas Head Alfonso Garcia; OWWA Deputy Administrator for Administration and Fund Management Atty. Jasmine Anne Gapatan; Deputy Administrator for Policy Development and Strategic Partnerships Ryan Vincent Uy; Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan; GCash Vice President and Head for Public Sector Cleo Santos; Chief Regulatory Officer, Atty. Cef Sison; Public Sector National Government Head, Jamie Tiu; and Public Sector National Accounts Manager Alda Lou Cabrera
OFWs can pay OWWA membership through GCash, at zero fees from April 16 to July 16, 2026
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and GCash have partnered to enable OFWs to pay their membership fees via the GCash app. OFWs can now pay membership fees conveniently and securely using the Bills Pay feature of GCash, anytime, anywhere. This comes at a critical time, as the ongoing Middle East conflict heightens the need for safe, reliable, and accessible digital solutions for Filipinos.
Active membership provides essential support, including emergency repatriation services and reintegration, as well as social benefits like healthcare, legal assistance, and livelihood programs. By digitizing the renewal process, OWWA and GCash are helping ensure that Filipinos have uninterrupted access to these benefits and protections, especially during crises.
“Digitizing the OWWA membership renewal via GCash is a vital component of how our agency is continuously modernizing for the benefit of our countrymen working abroad,” said Atty. Patricia Yvonne “PY” Caunan, OWWA Administrator. “We’re glad to have allies in the private sector to help us continue extending the safety of home and the protections of the government to our migrant workers.”
At the signing of the memorandum of agreement, Caunan also cited the broad digital finance advocacies of GCash, which include actively fostering a culture of financial literacy, as key drivers in advancing economic inclusion—contributing to the national goal of making migrant work a sustainable and viable livelihood choice for Filipinos instead of a necessity.
OWWA membership payments will be available through the GCash app starting April 16, 2026. To support OFWs during this time of crisis, transaction fees will be waived for three months or until July 16, 2026.
To pay for your OWWA membership, OFWs just need to follow these steps:
- Open the GCash app and tap Bills.
- Select Government, then choose the OWWA icon.
- Enter your personal details and reference number, then proceed to payment.
Beyond membership payments, OFWs can also use GCash to send remittances, pay bills in the Philippines, and access savings, credit, insurance, and investment products, helping them manage their finances and stay connected to their families.
“Through this partnership with OWWA, we have better opportunities to serve our OFWs with a range of safe, convenient, and real-time services, from gateways to government programs, that ensure continued well-being, to our comprehensive digital financial ecosystem that empowers through true inclusion,” said Cleo Santos, GCash Public Sector Head.
The integration of the OWWA membership into the GCash financial ecosystem is the first significant step in a long-term shared commitment to strengthening support systems for OFWs. GCash looks forward to leveraging digital solutions to complement government services and to ensure that Filipinos remain protected, connected, and supported wherever they are.
