BY ALEX ALAGON
QUEZON CITY (26 March 2026) – The Social Security System (SSS) assured its members in the Middle East that they can access benefits and services via digital platforms despite escalating regional conflicts.
SSS president Robert Joseph M. de Claro highlighted the My.SSS Portal’s reliability, enabling Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to file benefit claims and loan applications without interruption, provided they meet qualifying conditions.
For example, OFWs who were involuntarily separated can avail of unemployment benefit provided they meet the qualifying conditions and certified by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
“Even in these challenging times, our digital infrastructure ensures seamless service delivery,” de Claro said. “Members in the Middle East need not worry; they can manage their accounts safely from anywhere with internet access.”
He noted that SSS pensioners in the region can comply with the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) using the recently launched Facial Authentication feature on the SSS website, www.sss.gov.ph.
“A standout innovation is the ACOP Facial Authentication with Liveness Check, enabling secure identity verification from smartphones anywhere,” de Claro explained. “It reduces fraud risks and eliminates the need for travel amid the current security situation in the Middle East. These tools were purpose-built to empower OFWs, allowing transactions ‘whenever, wherever’ even in crisis zones.”
As of December 2025, there are 1,476,645 OFWs covered with the SSS with 540,018 as active paying members.
“We remain committed to supporting our OFWs through innovation and resilience, no matter the circumstances,” de Claro concluded.
COTABATO CITY — Key officials in the Bangsamoro region expressed support and optimism following the signing of Republic Act No. 12317 by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which resets the historic parliamentary elections here to September 2026.
The new law amends provisions of the Bangsamoro Organic Law and sets the first regular Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao elections on the second Monday of September 2026, with subsequent elections to be synchronized with national and local polls starting in May 2031.
Maguindanao congressman Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu described the recent development as timely, emphasizing the need for both candidates and voters to prepare for the historic exercise.
“There is still time for candidates to prepare and for people, especially the youth who have just become eligible, to register before the September deadline,” Mangudadatu said.
He also called the law a significant opportunity for the Bangsamoro people to choose capable leaders.
“For us Muslims, this is like a blessing from the President. This election will allow us to select leaders who can uplift our region and deliver the right services to our constituents,” he added.
Mangudadatu further expressed hope that the elections would remain peaceful and focused on public welfare.
“We hope the elections will be peaceful and that all elected officials will remain committed to serving the people.”
Meanwhile, Acting Senior Minister Abdullah M. Cusain assured that preparations are already underway to ensure credible and orderly polls.
“The Office of the Chief Minister will ensure that the process will be credible, peaceful, transparent, and with integrity,” Cusain said.
He noted that groundwork has continued despite previous postponements.
“Our preparations have been continuous. Even when the election was rescheduled, we maintained coordination with the Commission on Elections, especially at the regional level,” he explained.
For his part, Mohajirin Ali, MNSA spokesperson of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party and MILF information officer, said the move aligns with long-standing calls for the conduct of BARMM elections.
“This is something we have been pushing for since last year. We were ready when elections were initially set, even when they were moved to October,” Ali said.
Despite multiple postponements, he said the latest schedule provides renewed momentum.
“Now that it is set for September, this is a positive development. The momentum in preparations will resume,” he added.
Ali stressed that the elections are crucial in strengthening governance in the region.
“Elections will provide answers and solutions to the challenges we face in BARMM because a mandate coming directly from the people gives authority to lead the government,” he said. Officials across BARMM underscored that the rescheduled elections mark a critical step in the region’s democratic transition, expressing hope that the process will pave the way for stronger governance, inclusive leadership, and lasting peace.
QUEZON CITY — Amid ongoing safety reviews of Roblox and other online gaming platforms, the EcoWaste Coalition called on the government to also look into the proliferation of knock-off Roblox plastic figures in the market.
“As the authorities tighten their watch on Roblox and other online games amid child exploitation concerns, we also urge the authorities to block the entry of imitation Roblox figure toys with lead-containing parts, which may pose lead-poisoning risks,” said Aileen Lucero, national coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition, noting “childhood lead exposure can irreparably damage the brain and nervous system, and is linked to aggressive and violent behavior later in life.”
“Because lead causes permanent, irreversible damage to a child’s developing brain and body, exposure prevention is the only solution. Since no amount of lead exposure is safe, we must strictly eliminate all sources, like contaminated toys, to protect children before harm occurs,” said Dr. Geminn Louis Apostol, Environmental Health and Global Health Security Flagship Program head, Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health – Center for Research and Innovation (ACRI).
The toxics watchdog group sounded the alarm after conducting chemical screenings on imitation Roblox figures being sold in Binondo, Manila, particularly at toy stores in popular budget shopping malls.
As part of its advocacy to expose lead-containing products, inform consumers and regulators, and control, if not eliminate, the risks that such products pose, the EcoWaste Coalition bought 14 sets of Roblox figures, all made in China, which are sold for P100 to P250 per set. All in all, 60 assorted Roblox figures were collected.
Using an Olympus Vanta M Series X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzer, the EcoWaste Coalition screened the 60 Roblox figures for heavy metals, particularly lead, a toxic chemical associated with stunted growth, learning disabilities, lowered IQ, and behavioral problems, as well as juvenile delinquency and violent crime in later years.
While lead was not detected on the hard plastic parts, 28 out of the 60 Roblox figures analyzed had lead contamination in their PVC head accessories. These accessories, which can be easily detached, handled, or chewed by children, contain lead levels up to 1,602 parts per million (ppm), with 11 items exceeding 1,000 ppm.
US regulations, particularly the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, prohibit lead in children’s toys, limiting total lead content in accessible parts to 100 ppm and lead in paint to 90 ppm. The DENR-issued Chemical Control Order (CCO) for lead and its compounds also prohibits the use of lead in the manufacture of toys.
All samples provided small-parts choking warnings, but lacked any mention of lead hazards on the labels. The samples were all inadequately labeled, the EcoWaste Coalition observed.
While the labels identify China as the country of manufacture and provide for age grading and choking hazard alert, the other mandatory labeling requirements, as per RA 10620 or the Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act, are missing such as the manufacturer’s markings, the License to Operate (LTO) number issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), instructional literature, and the item, model, stock keeping unit (SKU) number.
The EcoWaste Coalition will duly notify the FDA about its findings and reiterate the necessity of removing lead-contaminated Roblox toys from the market to protect children.
SEOUL, Korea – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the new Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G, the latest Galaxy A series devices that bring Samsung’s newest mobile innovations — including enriched Awesome Intelligence — to more users worldwide.
The latest Galaxy A series reflects Samsung’s commitment to expanding AI capabilities across more devices and empowering more users to harness the power of intuitive AI that simplifies everyday tasks. Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G strengthen the experiences users rely on every day with upgrades to performance, camera, and display, alongside durability and security features.
With up to six generations of OS upgrades and long-term security support, the new Galaxy A series is built to last. Leading the lineup is Galaxy A57 5G, featuring a slimmer, more refined design and upgraded AI-powered capabilities that make it the most powerful Galaxy A series device yet.
“The new Galaxy A series reflects our continued commitment to AI democratization by bringing the latest innovations to more Galaxy users,” said TM Roh, chief executive officer, president, and head of Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. “With Samsung’s fundamental capabilities combined with enriched Awesome Intelligence, Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G will deliver reliable everyday performance to users around the world and drive rapid AI expansion.”
Enriched awesome intelligence designed for everyday life
Through the latest One UI 8.5, Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G extend Samsung’s latest AI innovations to more users, with Awesome Intelligence that helps people get more things done with ease while unlocking new ways to create and stay productive.
Voice Transcription is new to the Voice Recorder app, making it easier to revisit important details from meetings, lectures or calls by quickly transcribing and translating call recordings or turning voicemail audio into text. AI Select is easier to access with a long press on the Edge Panel, surfacing relevant actions directly on the screen to extract text or create content without manually selecting items. AI Select also supports Drag & Drop in Multi-Window layout, allowing users to easily move images into Samsung Notes or Photo Editor for faster editing and improved productivity.
Awesome Intelligence makes everyday photo editing easier than ever. Object Eraser now delivers more natural results when removing unwanted distractions, like a passerby in the background or clutter in a café. On Galaxy A57 5G, Best Face supports more photos and continuous shooting, making it easier to capture the perfect group photos where everyone looks their best. Fan favorite tools like Filters and Edit Suggestions help users quickly refine and share moments without extra effort, while Galaxy A57 5G also features Auto Trim for even easier video editing.
Circle to Search with Google adds multi-object recognition so users can easily explore multiple items in an image at once — from an outfit to surrounding accessories — all in one search.
The new Galaxy A series expands Awesome Intelligence experiences with a choice of agents designed to simplify everyday tasks from search to organizing plans or easily adjusting settings. As a conversational device agent, upgraded Bixby lets users intuitively control Galaxy settings and features using natural language, while Gemini navigates complex tasks across native Galaxy apps and select third-party apps to support faster, more intuitive interactions.
Awesome camera to capture clearer photos and videos, day or night
As AI becomes more deeply integrated into mobile experiences, camera performance remains essential to delivering the everyday usability and satisfaction users expect.
Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G deliver brighter, clearer visuals powered by the upgraded camera hardware and an improved Image Signal Processor (ISP). The devices feature a versatile triple-camera system, led by a 50MP main sensor, delivering sharp, detailed images across a wide range of lighting conditions without the need for manual adjustments.
When the lights go down, the Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G camera adapts seamlessly with improved Nightography, capturing clear and true-to-life photos and videos even in low light conditions.
Galaxy A57 5G takes photography a step further with enhanced image processing that sharpens detail and reduces noise for even clearer, more vibrant results. It delivers rich contrast and balanced color even in challenging light, while with a faster shutter speed, users can instantly capture fleeting moments faster and with improved clarity.
Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G also benefit from AI-based subject recognition and scene optimization to balance portraits, preserve natural skin tones and create clearer background separation. When the moment calls for a wider perspective, the ultra-wide lens captures more in every group photo or landscape view, while the 5MP macro camera reveals fine details up close for added creative flexibility.
Performance for streaming and multitasking
Galaxy A57 5G delivers the best of both design and performance, combining upgraded CPU, GPU and NPU to deliver improved performance with its sleek and light form. Built for smooth streaming, scrolling and content creation, its refined design features a glossy finish and distinctive triple-camera island for a standout modern look that feels comfortable in-hand.
Despite its slimmer profile, Galaxy A57 5G packs powerful performance. Its 5,000mAh battery supports up to two days of use — powering everything from filming and editing to viewing on the go. Slimmer bezels and a bright Super AMOLED + display with Vision Booster ensure an immersive, clear viewing experience indoors and outside.
Built for everyday use, Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, adding durability in real-world environments and offering users peace of mind when accidents happen.
Long-term support and foundational security
Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G reinforce Samsung’s commitment to device longevity, offering up to six generations of Android OS and One UI upgrades, along with up to six years of security updates – giving users the confidence to rely on their device for years to come.
Samsung provides a fortified layer of device safety, transparency and user choice with Knox Vault, a hardware-based, tamper-resistant security solution. Galaxy A series offers users holistic protection through innovative security and privacy features including Security & Privacy Dashboard, Auto Blocker, Private Sharing, Theft Protection as well as the new Private Album, a Gallery feature that allows users to lock away personal media quickly and easily. Unlike traditional safeguards, the latest A series devices also proactively notify users about potential risks with Privacy Alerts, which are intelligent notifications that offer clearer insight and control over location permissions or suspicious monitoring of sensitive data. Together, these enhancements make security feel as intuitive as the rest of the experience, making device protection easier than ever for everyone.
Availability
Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G is now available in Samsung Authorized Stores nationwide. Galaxy A57 5G will be offered in Awesome Navy, Awesome Gray, Awesome Icyblue and Awesome Lilac, while Galaxy A37 5G comes in Awesome Lavender, Awesome Charcoal, Awesome Graygreen, and Awesome White. For added peace of mind, Samsung Care+ offers comprehensive coverage optimized to users’ device needs, including tailored benefits that protect the devices’ value.
Every purchase comes with a free travel adapter (worth P1,190) and phone case (worth P990), alongside two-year Samsung Care+ warranty for total peace of mind. And for a limited time only, you can get the 256GB variant at an additional P1,500 off! That’s up to P5,170 worth of savings.
Looking to upgrade to the Galaxy ecosystem? Take 40% off the Galaxy Fit3, Watch8, Buds3 FE, and Buds Core with every purchase of the Galaxy A57 and Galaxy A37 5G too.
Offers valid until June 30 only*. For more information on the latest Galaxy A series devices, please visit:
Galaxy A57 5G: http://smsng.co/GalaxyA57-PR
Galaxy A37 5G: http://smsng.co/GalaxyA37-PR
FARMING has always demanded precision, and adding a heavy lift multirotor to the mix changes everything. Hovering a massive payload of liquid fertilizer over a field requires intense focus and an understanding of the environment. Are you ready to manage the airspace above the crops?
Operating heavy-lift commercial agricultural drones requires strict adherence to FAA safety protocols and a deep understanding of flight dynamics. Wind shear, magnetic interference, and sudden battery voltage drops pose constant threats. Maximizing efficiency means mastering the environment, predicting hardware limits, and anticipating unexpected flight conditions on the farm.
How to manage battery voltage and payload limits
Heavy payloads demand tremendous energy from lithium polymer batteries. Ignoring power fluctuations often leads to unexpected voltage drops and potentially catastrophic crashes in the field. Here’s an overview of the key elements involved today:
Monitoring voltage drops
Liquid payloads slosh during maneuvers and force the motors to draw erratic power spikes. Watching the telemetry data for sudden voltage sag allows you to land safely before reaching maximum depletion. Operating near minimum voltage thresholds degrades internal battery chemistry and dramatically shortens overall lifespan.
Calibrating for weight
A heavy multirotor handles very differently from a lightweight consumer quadcopter. You must adjust the flight controller settings to account for the specific mass of the liquid. Proper tuning ensures smooth hovering and prevents aggressive overcorrection when flying low over dense rows of tall crops.
Why preflight environmental checks prevent disasters
Modern farm equipment relies on consistent telemetry and GPS signals to function properly and efficiently. When operating heavy-payload agricultural drones, utilizing compliant hardware from certified manufacturers like Talos Drones ensures adherence to strict aviation and agricultural safety standards. Quality hardware still requires a pilot to actively monitor changing environmental conditions.
High winds drastically affect flight stability and increase battery drain due to overworked electronic speed controllers. Always verify localized airspace restrictions and Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure total legal compliance. Knowing exact weather parameters prevents dangerous loss of control during heavy payload spraying operations.
What happens when magnetic interference disrupts flight
Many operators believe that flying in open fields guarantees perfect satellite reception and eliminates signal interference. This widespread misconception ignores the strong magnetic fields generated by large metal silos and massive tractors. Metal structures distort compass calibration and cause unexpected flyaways during routine mapping routes.
Maintain a visual line of sight at all times to spot these hidden hazards. If the transmission video feed stutters, immediately gain altitude to reconnect with the controller. Keeping the firmware updated prevents software glitches and ensures the safety protocols engage effectively during a flight emergency.
When to implement firmware geofencing for safety
Establishing invisible aerial boundaries keeps your multirotor strictly confined to the designated spraying zones. Defining these exact parameters ensures the heavy machinery doesn’t stray into restricted airspace. Exploring these setup procedures yields excellent results:
Setting altitude limits
Capping the maximum height protects the aircraft from entering the path of manned aviation. Low altitude mapping provides superior resolution and prevents wind drift from carrying chemicals onto neighboring properties. Strict ceiling limitations automatically engage return protocols if the operator pushes the throttle stick excessively.
Mapping field boundaries
Plotting exact GPS coordinates into the ground station software guarantees the unit stays over the target area. The internal flight controller uses this geofenced perimeter to restrict lateral movement entirely. This precision dramatically reduces the risk of accidental property damage and unwanted costly liability issues.
Managing firmware glitches
Running outdated software leaves the electronic systems vulnerable to navigation errors and communication failures. Updating the main control board before a major deployment resolves known bugs and improves overall stability. Review industry guidelines through the National Agricultural Aviation Association to ensure perfectly compliant daytime operations.
Where to store and maintain lithium batteries
Cold weather severely impacts energy density and reduces hover time by significant margins. Keeping power cells in a stable temperature environment prevents voltage from sagging prematurely during the first few minutes of flight. Always inspect the outer casing for swelling or signs of physical damage.
Utilizing a proper balance charger ensures every internal cell reaches maximum capacity evenly without dangerous overcharging. Transporting these volatile energy sources requires fireproof bags to minimize fire risks on bumpy rural roads. Operators must consult the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines for the legally compliant transport and storage of commercial lithium-polymer batteries.
Questions about agricultural drones
Do ND filters improve the telemetry feed on bright days?
Neutral density filters reduce glare passing through the gimbal camera, but they never affect the radio frequency telemetry link. They simply ensure the pilot has a clear, unwashed video feed to identify obstacles during high-glare daytime aerial operations.
Why does a heavy payload decrease radio transmission range?
The physical mass of a liquid tank doesn’t directly weaken the radio signal. However, large metallic tanks or dense liquid volumes can easily block the antenna line of sight if the drone rotates, creating momentary transmission interference between connected devices.
Can you fly legally without establishing a visual line of sight?
FAA Part 107 regulations legally require commercial drone pilots to maintain a strict Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) during operation. Operating beyond this limit typically demands a specialized waiver from civil authorities, along with advanced avoidance technology integrated directly into the core flight controller hardware board.
What causes a sudden loss of altitude during a spraying pass?
Rapidly dispensing a heavy liquid payload drastically alters the aircraft’s center of gravity and overall mass in seconds. If the electronic speed controllers and barometer cannot process this sudden weight change fast enough, the unit may temporarily dip downwards.
Photos from Pexels
WE ARE living in a time when truth is no longer argued—it is inverted.
Right is called wrong. Wrong is defended as right. And those who stand in the middle, watching it unfold, know something is deeply broken.
This isn’t confusion. It’s collapse.
What was once hidden is now public. Corruption is no longer denied—it is normalized. Scandals that should shake nations barely hold attention for a news cycle. From exploitation to systemic graft, the message is clear: accountability is fading, and conscience is being rewritten.
But none of this is new. It was warned about long ago.
Scripture speaks of a time like this—of moral decay resembling the days of Sodom and Gomorrah, of wars and rumors of wars, of disasters and scarcity (Matthew 24:6–7). A time when even basic survival becomes uncertain, when wealth cannot secure what people once took for granted (Revelation 6:6).
That time doesn’t feel distant anymore. It feels present.
And yet, in the middle of this unraveling, there is a truth many have forgotten: darkness does not mean abandonment.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” (John 3:16). That wasn’t a promise made for easy times. It was made for moments exactly like this—when systems fail, when trust erodes, when the world feels unstable.
Faith does not shield anyone from hardship. The rain falls on the just and the unjust alike (Matthew 5:45). There is no exemption from struggle. But there is a difference between facing it alone and facing it with purpose.
Because this life—no matter how heavy, how uncertain—is not the end. It is temporary. Scripture points beyond it, to a promise that outlasts corruption, suffering, and even death itself (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).
So when it feels like everything is breaking—when truth is buried, and hope feels distant—remember this: none of it is a surprise. And you have not been forgotten.
The real question is not whether the world is changing. It is.
The question is whether you will stand firm while it does.
Now more than ever, the call is simple—and urgent: draw near (James 4:8).
IN HIGH-LEVEL competition, toughness is rarely measured by volume or bravado. More often, it shows up in preparation, in restraint, and in the ability to stay composed when margins tighten and expectations rise.
This Women’s Month, three Filipina athletes supported by Smart Sports, competing in badminton, golf, and volleyball, offer a clear picture of how that toughness is formed and sustained. Professional golfer Sam Bruce, top badminton player Mika De Guzman, and Queen Falcon Shaina Nitura operate in very different arenas, but their approach to competition reveals common ground: discipline over drama, process over impulse, and resilience under pressure.
Consistency as a competitive edge
In badminton, where rallies can stretch and decisions are made in seconds, control is everything. For Mika De Guzman — 32nd SEA Games bronze medalist, Top 168 international, and 3x UAAP MVP in women’s badminton — toughness begins with understanding the true demands of the sport.
“A lot of people think badminton is an easy sport,” she says. “But honestly, I don’t think they see how much physically demanding it is and how mentally challenging badminton is.”
18 years of joining international and local competitions have shaped her into a player who rarely gives opponents an easy opening. Rather than relying on force, she relies on stability. “I would say my consistency when it matters,” Mika explains.
That consistency becomes most visible in pressure situations. “People expect the physical side, but they don’t always see how composed and steady I stay when there’s high pressure,” she adds. When momentum threatens to shift, her response is measured. “I would focus on one point and play one gameplay at a time.” In her game, toughness is reflected in the composure that holds until the final point.
Discipline across long demands
Meanwhile, in golf, competition unfolds more slowly, but the pressure is no less intense. Rounds are long, conditions change, and mistakes linger. A competitor in the Epson Tour in the U.S., and the Ladies European Tour, as well as the Champion of the ICTSI Pradera Verde Championship (LPGT) in 2025, Sam Bruce has learned that toughness in her sport is defined by restraint as much as strength.
“I would say I’m one of the longer hitters out there,” she says. Distance gives her an advantage, reshaping how holes are played and approached. “My second shots are a little bit easier—I can potentially get it closer to the hole because my first shot is already closer.”
But power alone does not sustain performance. What defines her game is how she responds when things do not go according to plan. “With my game, it’s like—if something doesn’t go my way, it’s okay,” Sam explains. “What can I do to move forward?”
Graduated magna cum laude from Seattle University with a degree in Computer Science and a minor in Data Science and Business, Sam successfully achieved all of this while competing in golf.
“It was very much knowing what my priorities were, and finding ways to do my tasks very efficiently, because golf is very time-consuming, and then with computer science, it’s very project-heavy.”
Pressure is a constant at the professional level, and she has learned to meet it directly. “You have to recognize the stress, the pressure, and then you have to let it go right away,” she says. “The only thing I can control is my routine.” That steadiness, repeated over every shot, keeps her competitive across tournaments where patience is often the deciding factor.
Resilience in real time
On the other hand, volleyball offers little time for reflection. Matches move quickly, and momentum can shift within a single rally. For Adamson Outside Hitter and UAAP Season 87 Rookie of the Year Shaina Nitura, toughness has been shaped by learning how to respond immediately.
Earlier in her career, she was frequently targeted by opposing teams. “Before, ako yung tina target,” she recalls. “So, I worked on it… and then I’ll prove them wrong.”
That experience sharpened her mental approach. “I really believe na ang pinakamahirap mong kalaban is yourself,” Shaina says. “How do I respond sa mga situation na hindi na maganda?” When pressure rises, she resets with intention. “I pray, and I leave everything to God,” she adds. “Then play again.” She had set the UAAP all-time single-season scoring record and the highest single-game score in the league’s history.
A standard shaped by experience
Across badminton, golf, and volleyball, a consistent picture emerges. These athletes have earned their place, even as broader perceptions about their sports, playing styles, or expressions of toughness continue to evolve. What defines them—and sets them apart—is a form of competitive strength built on discipline, purposeful preparation, and mental resilience that remains steady as pressure builds, making them such formidable opponents.
That foundation is strengthened by systems that support long-term athlete development. Through Smart Sports and Puso Pilipinas, sustained backing enables training, international exposure, and continued growth.
“Supporting athletes like Sam, Mika, and Shaina is about more than winning medals,” says Jude Turcuato, FVP at Smart Communications, Inc. and Head of Smart Sports. “It’s about building an environment where Filipina athletes can train, compete, and grow with confidence.”
Passing it on
For all three athletes, toughness is not only something to demonstrate, but something to share.
“You don’t have to be loud to be powerful. Because strength can be quiet,” Mika says. “What matters most is your discipline, your consistency, and how you show up every day.”
Sam encourages younger Filipinas to aim higher. “Be ambitious. Dream. Make your dreams as big as they can be,” she says. “Don’t let anything stop you from achieving what you want.”
Shaina’s message is about persistence. “The easiest thing to do is give up,” she says. “So instead of choosing that, just keep trying.”
Different sports, different paths—but one clear message this Women’s Month: toughness is built over time, tested under pressure, and carried forward by Filipinas who continue to compete, endure, and lead by example.
BDO Unibank (BDO) has reaffirmed its partnership with 2GO, the country’s leading logistics and travel services provider, to make connecting with loved ones easier, more affordable, and more heartfelt for Filipinos everywhere.
Through this collaboration, BDO Kabayan Savings account holders can enjoy exclusive discounts on 2GO’s shipping and travel services—a shared effort between two trusted brands to continue delivering Alagang Kabayan care to overseas Filipinos and their families.
A partnership rooted in “Alagang Kabayan”
This partnership is more than just a discount—it’s a testament to the shared commitment of 2GO and BDO to care for the Filipino community. Both brands understand the sacrifices of overseas Filipinos and their families—the longing, the distance, and the simple joys of staying connected through a balikbayan box, a heartfelt letter, or a long-awaited homecoming trip.
“At BDO, we’ve always believed in finding ways to make life better for our kabayans abroad and their loved ones here in the Philippines,” said BDO senior vice president and head of BDO Remittance Genie Gloria. “This collaboration with 2GO is another way to say ‘thank you’ to them—to make every connection, every homecoming, and every act of love a little easier.”
BDO, through its remittance arm, has long been dedicated to providing accessible financial solutions and support to overseas Filipinos. The partnership with 2GO extends this Alagang Kabayan care by making delivery and travel more convenient and budget-friendly for the community they serve.
“Through this continued partnership with BDO, we’re giving our kabayans a more affordable way to send love back home or visit their families, emphasizing ‘safe, sulit, and saya’ in the services we offer,” said vice president and head of retail at 2GO Blessie Cruz. “We know how meaningful every package and every journey is—it’s not just about shipping or travel, but about bridging hearts across distances.”
The agreement between the two companies ensures defined and guaranteed discounts through 2026, making redemption simpler and more convenient across 2GO outlets nationwide—allowing more Kabayans to benefit with ease. Exclusive offers for kabayans include 10% discount on shipments for all 2GO Express and FedEx shipments, and 20% discount on travel routes.
Whether it’s a balikbayan box filled with love or a long-awaited trip back home, 2GO and BDO are making sure every journey and delivery brings families closer—because for every Filipino, no distance is too far when there’s Alagang Kabayan care.
Globe executives (from left) Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer; Anton Bonifacio, Chief AI Officer and Chief Information Security Officer; and Atty. Froi Castelo, Group General Counsel, lead the turnover of IMSI Catcher Detectors to government partners PCOL Joselito G. Esico, Chief of Staff, PNP-CIDG; Atty. Ella Lopez, Commissioner, National Telecommunications Commission (NTC); and Usec. Renato Paraiso, Executive Director, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC). Joining the ceremony are Director Alvin Navarro of the CICC, Director Rodil Aniban of the DICT Cyber Security Bureau, and Deputy Commissioner Andy Castelar of the NTC.
Globe, together with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), is stepping up efforts to protect Filipinos from mobile-based scams. Globe donated IMSI catcher detectors to the three government agencies to help identify and locate unauthorized signal activity, strengthening the country’s ability to detect and respond to mobile security threats.
This effort is a step towards addressing the growing use of illegal mobile infrastructure, such as IMSI catchers or fake base stations, which enable cybercriminals to send fraudulent SMS messages directly to unsuspecting users. These threats operate outside Globe’s network, making them hard to detect.
The IMSI catcher detectors will enable the NTC, CICC, and CIDG to identify and locate fake base stations in real time, significantly improving response speed and enforcement actions. With these capabilities, authorities can expand monitoring and enforcement across high-risk and densely populated areas, strengthening protection for millions of mobile users nationwide.
“The threats we are seeing today operate at a deeper level, and addressing them requires stronger systems and closer coordination,” said Froilan Castelo, Group General Counsel at Globe. “We see it as our responsibility not only to provide connectivity, but to make sure that it remains safe and secure for every Filipino who relies on it.”
“What this initiative enables is visibility where it matters most,” said Anton Bonifacio, Chief AI Officer and Chief Information System Officer at Globe. “By detecting unauthorized signal activity, we can support faster investigation and response, which is critical in addressing threats like fake base stations.”
The move builds on Globe’s ongoing efforts to combat fraud and protect customers. Aside from removing clickable links from official Globe SMS advisories and being the first telecom company to implement the non-delivery of all person-to-person (P2P) SMS with clickable links within its network, the company also launched the SMS Scam Shield on the GlobeOne app to protect users from spoofed sender IDs and phishing attacks. In 2025, Globe blocked more than 967 million scam and spam messages and deactivated over 244,000 SIMs linked to fraudulent activity.
Globe also continues to work closely with government agencies and law enforcement to share intelligence, strengthen enforcement, and improve overall protection mechanisms. For the company, this initiative is part of a broader commitment to digital trust and ensuring that connectivity remains a safe space for all.
“Every scam message is not just a technical issue. It affects real people, their finances, their safety, and their peace of mind,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer. “That is why efforts like this matter. It strengthens our ability to detect threats earlier, respond faster, and most importantly, protect Filipinos in a more coordinated way.”
The initiative brings together Globe, NTC, CICC, and CIDG, reinforcing a whole-of-nation approach to addressing increasingly sophisticated mobile-based threats. As mobile connectivity continues to play a central role in everyday life, Globe reaffirms its shared commitment to safeguarding the country’s digital ecosystem and ensuring that Filipinos can stay connected with confidence.
