FEATURES

Sinimulan nang baguhin ng Globe AT HOME, katuwang ang GCash, ang mga tradisyunal na palengke tungo sa mga digital marketplace sa pamamagitan ng pagpapalawak ng konektibidad at financial inclusion sa mga komunidad.

Bumisita sina Globe President at CEO Carl Cruz at Chief Commercial Officer Darius Delgado sa Maypajo Public Market sa South Caloocan upang saksihan ang pag-activate ng GFiber Prepaid WiFi. Ang pamilihan ay may halos 400 tindero at nagsisilbi sa mahigit 96,000 residente.

Ito ang ikaapat na palengke na pinagagana ng GFiber Prepaid ng Globe AT HOME at ang una sa Metro Manila, kasunod ng matagumpay na pagpapatupad nito sa Lucena, Baliwag at Valencia.

Para sa maraming Pilipino, ang palengke ay higit pa sa lugar na pinagkukunan ng mga pangunahing pangangailangan—ito ang sentro ng lokal na kalakalan na nagbibigay-kabuhayan at sumusuporta sa mga pamilya. Gayunman, matagal nang naging hadlang ang mahinang koneksyon sa internet kaya nananatiling nakasandig sa mga transaksiyong nakabatay sa cash ang mga tindero at mamimili, na naglilimita sa kanilang access sa financial tools at digital opportunities.
“At Globe, we believe that care for our customers means care for the communities and trade ecosystems they belong to. The palengke is more than an economic hub, it is the center of local commerce, where livelihoods are sustained and families thrive. By bringing GFiber Prepaid in partnership with GCash into these spaces, we are empowering local vendors and small businesses to embrace digital tools that make transactions seamless, secure, and inclusive. This is how we demonstrate #AlagangGlobe: by giving every business owner, every suki, and every family the connectivity they need to grow, succeed, and feel supported to keep going,“ sabi ni Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz,

Binabasag ng Globe AT HOME ang mga digital barrier
sa Maypajo Public Market sa pamamagitan ng paghahatid ng maayos at libreng koneksiyon sa WiFi sa pamamagitan ng GFiber Prepaid sa mismong puso ng komunidad. Sa tulong ng walong GFiber Prepaid device na nagbibigay ng bilis na hanggang 100 Mbps, naging mas matatag, masigla at maaasahang sentro ng mga oportunidad ang pamilihan.

Hindi lamang ito tungkol sa internet, kundi tungkol din sa mas maayos na kabuhayan at pag-unlad. Ang mga tindero na dati’y nahihirapang makakuha ng mga serbisyong pinansiyal ay mayroon na ngayong agarang access sa digital credit, insurance, at bookkeeping. Samantala, hindi na kailangang magdala ng maraming pera o maghanap ng eksaktong sukli ang mga mamimili dahil maaari na silang magbayad nang mabilis at madali sa pamamagitan ng “scan-to-pay.”

“For too long, traditional markets have been left behind in the digital economy, limiting opportunities for vendors and customers alike. With Globe AT HOME’s GFiber Prepaid and GCash, we are transforming palengkes into digital marketplaces, opening doors to digital and financial inclusion, social commerce, and resilience for Filipino families. This is more than connectivity, it is the connection that empowers the Filipino. By modernizing the informal sector, we are building a stronger, more inclusive nation where every Filipino can participate fully in the digital future,” dagdag ni Chief Commercial Officer Darius Delgado.

“Connectivity is what makes digital inclusion possible. When people are connected, they can access digital financial services that help them save, pay, and grow their livelihoods. It bridges the gap between everyday needs and essential financial tools, especially for underserved communities,” pahayag naman ni GCash for Business General Manager Paul Albano.

Sa panig naman ng GCash, isinusulong nito ang kapangyarihan ng konektibidad sa pamamagitan ng pagsuporta sa mga inisyatibang nakatutulong sa pagpapalawak ng akses sa internet sa pamamagitan ng Globe.

Sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng maaasahan at tuluy-tuloy na network, higit pa sa pagmomodernisa ng mga stall sa palengke ang ginagawa ng Globe GFiber Prepaid. Binibigyang kapangyarihan nito ang mga pamilyang Pilipino na mangarap ng mas malaki sa pamamagitan ng social commerce at mga online marketplace. Ito ang pag-unlad na tunay na nararamdaman. Ito ang matatag at makabagong kinabukasan ng kalakalang Pilipino.

“We are deeply thankful to Globe and GCash for choosing Maypajo Public Market as a partner in this initiative. By equipping our palengke with free and reliable GFiber Prepaid WiFi, makakalahok na ngayon ang aming vendors at mga suki sa digital economy nang walang kahirap-hirap. This opens opportunities para makareach ng mas maraming suppliers at customers, at tinitiyak na handa na ang Maypajo Public Market para sa [digital commerce] bilang bahagi ng growth ng ating lungsod,” wika ni Caloocan City Administrator Aurora Ciego.

Ibinahagi ni Lisa, isang matagal nang tindera sa Maypajo, ang kanyang pananabik at kasiyahan.

Digital may be disrupting the landscape, but physical retail remains the preferred channel for core and emerging customers—this is the theme of SM Supermalls President, Steven Tan’s keynote at the National Retail Federation (NRF) Big Show Asia Pacific 2026 in Singapore.

Tan addressed an audience of international retailers on best practices that could help future-proof their businesses against industrial transformations and changing customer behavior. He emphasized demand simply redirects amid a rapidly evolving customer base of digital natives and against the economic challenges brought about by the fuel crisis. “At SM Supermalls, we’ve learned that downturns don’t change the direction of demand. Even in challenging times, people still go out — they simply become more intentional about where they spend their time and money,” he said.

The price of growth is taking value-driven risks

In 2025 SM Supermalls celebrated its 40th anniversary, punctuated with the launch of an ambitious roadmap delivering one flagship mall every year from 2026 to 2030. The retailer currently has 90 most-loved malls in its Philippine portfolio with an additional 9 in China.

Tan underscored that this expansion did not come easy for the retailer which opened its very first mall—SM North Edsa—in the middle of local political upheaval.

“SM continues to invest when others pull back. We see uncertain periods as opportunities to build, redevelop, and create better experiences for the long term. Over time, experience taught us that challenges are temporary. Across decades, SM has weathered multiple disruptions—from the 1986 People Power movement, the 1997 Asian financial crisis, the 2007 housing slowdown, and the 2020 pandemic—but recovery has always followed.” Tan attributes this playbook to the company’s core belief of staying anchored to its responsibility to a wider ecosystem of stakeholders–not just customers, but communities relying on its business.

Shortly after his appointment as SM Supermalls President, the COVID-19 pandemic stalled the Philippine economy and Tan had to navigate the company’s survival under the guidance of Mr. Hans Sy, Chairman of SM Prime’s Executive Committee.

“The pandemic reinforced a core belief: leadership must be values-driven. With no clear playbook, decisions were guided by care, responsibility, and doing what was right—not what was easiest. Because of this, we choose to see opportunity in difficult moments. Periods of uncertainty often become windows for expansion, redevelopment, and long-term investment.”

Experiences worth returning to

Touching on how SM continually meets customer expectations despite the growing influence of e-commerce and more demanding expectations rising from Gen Z and Gen Alpha, Tan implored retailers to return to experience.

“People no longer visit malls just to shop — they come for dining, entertainment, services, community, and experiences they cannot get online,” said Tan “That’s why SM invests at scale. We are building future-ready malls and communities designed around the long-term shift toward experiential retail, connection, and everyday life.”

With the experiential retail market projected to grow from $132 billion to $540 billion by 2035, Tan pointed out that retailers must seize the opportunity to capture their market by keeping their ears on the ground.

“Think like a customer, not a mall. Because customers return to what they love — and our job in retail is to make it worth loving. When we do that, every decision becomes clearer. We improve the experience, remove friction, and focus on what truly brings people back.”

The NRF Big Show is a premier international trade event that assembles over 11,000 retail professionals from all over the world to explore the future of commerce in fast-growing markets.

About SM Supermalls

SM Supermalls is evolving—shaping how people live, connect, and experience life today. More than a place to shop, it is the country’s most loved mall and an everyday destination designed around the lifestyles, passions, and needs of Filipino communities, delivering new finds, fresh concepts, and meaningful experiences, All For You.

As one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China, SM Supermalls continues to evolve its spaces, experiences, and partnerships, building destinations that grow with communities and remain trusted, relevant, and loved for generations. Your Most Loved Supermall, SM — All For You.

MANILA – JUNE 2, 2026 –  In its ongoing mission to ensure that Filipino public school teachers are equipped with AI skills, the Department of Education (DepEd) is taking a bold step into the future of learning by expanding its partnership with Google for Education and providing more upskilling opportunities.

This year, the collaboration shifts its focus toward large-scale AI literacy, providing over one million teachers and education staff with the tools and training needed to succeed in the digital world.

At the heart of this initiative is a massive upskilling effort under Project S.I.N.A.G. (Supercharging Instruction for National Advancement with Google), which aims to train over a million teachers and staff in AI skills. To formalize this expertise, DepEd is promoting a series of no-cost Google and Gemini AI Certifications encouraging teachers to get certified before the start of the school year. These programs allow educators to enhance their professional credentials while learning how to use AI to simplify their daily work.

In a rapidly-evolving digital landscape, upskilling is more than an advantage, it’s become a necessity for the modern educator. As AI reshapes how information is gathered and processed, teachers are transitioning from being primary sources of information to being expert facilitators of critical thinking.

By mastering AI tools, educators can automate time-consuming administrative tasks, such as lesson planning and content creation, which often lead to burnout.

This “skilling up” allows them to reclaim valuable time, shifting their focus back to what matters most: more time to spend with their students. Ultimately, an AI-fluent teacher can keep up with tech-savvy students, making them far better equipped to guide those students through today’s digital landscape.

Prep Palacios, Country Manager of Google Philippines, emphasized the collaborative nature of this transformation.

“We believe that technology’s greatest potential in education lies in empowering the people who make learning happen every day,” Palacios said. “By bringing Gemini and specialized AI training to the hands of over one million Filipino teachers and Department of Education staff, we are not just modernizing tools. We are investing in the mentors who will shape the next generation of the country.”

“Our goal is to ensure Filipino teachers don’t just keep up with technology, but actually lead the way in using it,” said Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara. “By providing specialized training that includes Google certifications, we are removing barriers to professional growth. Beyond building digital fluency, the completed coursework earns our educators and staff the vital professional development credits that directly support their career advancement within public service, ensuring they are fully equipped to prepare students for a digital-first future.“

The certification path is divided into three levels:

• Fundamental (Level 1):Focuses on simplifying daily work with core Google tools.
• Advanced (Level 2):Helps teachers master complex educational workflows.
• AI Mastery (Gemini Certified):Empowers teachers to adopt AI and prompt engineering directly in the classroom.

Beyond training, the partnership is making cutting-edge AI tools available to those on the front lines. Over one million DepEd teachers and staff now have access to Gemini through their official education accounts.

These tools, alongside NotebookLM, are already being used to summarize curriculum materials and craft lesson plans. Notably, NotebookLM can now produce audio and video overviews in Filipino and Cebuano, ensuring the technology feels local and accessible.

This partnership also addresses technological sustainability. Through ChromeOS Flex, DepEd is breathing new life into older Windows devices by repurposing them into fast, modern machines for student use. This move ensures that more learners can access digital tools while the department maximizes its existing resources.

To learn more or to register for the training, visit the official Google for Education Learning Center or check the latest updates on the DepEd Philippines official Facebook page.

TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE — In a spectacular showcase of talent and determination, the First District of Leyte has secured a monumental double-victory on the national stage, proving that the region’s grassroots sports programs are yielding world-class results.

Leading the triumphant charge is track-and-field standout Chrishia Mae Tajarros from Tanauan National High School. Representing Eastern Visayas, Tajarros captured the very first gold medal of the 2026 Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur by successfully defending her crown in the secondary girls’ 3,000-meter athletics event. In an extraordinary display of regional dominance, her schoolmate Angel Lumacang crossed the finish line right behind her to claim the silver medal, securing an unforgettable 1-2 podium sweep for Leyte.

Central to this achievement is the elite training program of the Leyte Sports Academy (LSA), which has nurtured Tajarros’ athletic journey. The LSA stands as the centerpiece of the province’s grassroots development framework to transform promising local youth into elite national competitors.

Hon. Martin Romualdez extended his warmest congratulations to Tajarros, Lumacang, the LSA management, and the entire coaching staff for bringing immense pride to the province. He noted that this back-to-back golden triumph, paired with a dominant silver finish, stands as a shining testament to what young Leyteño athletes can achieve when given the right foundation.

This historic podium sweep highlights the tangible success of the comprehensive sports initiatives championed by the Office of the Representative of the First District of Leyte. Working closely with the Leyte Sports Academy, local schools, and communities, Cong. Romualdez’ district programs have consistently prioritized structural funding for public school athletes, grassroots training clinics, and local facilities. By ensuring that promising young sports talents from ordinary communities have access to proper gear and coaching, the district’s initiatives are successfully bridging the gap between local raw talent and national athletic excellence.

As the 2026 Palarong Pambansa continues, the early twin victories of Leyte’s track stars have sent a wave of inspiration throughout the Eastern Visayas delegation, proving that the district’s steady investment in its youth is paving a clear path from grassroots beginnings to national gold.

Isang lalaki ang inaresto matapos umanong hindi magbayad ng P109,000 na utang sa pustahan sa isang derby ng sabong sa Quezon City.

Ayon sa imbestigasyon, pumusta umano si si alyas John sa sabong laban sa tatlong complainant. Nang matalo ang kanyang manok, hindi umano niya nabayaran ang kabuuang P109,000 na kanyang utang.

Nahaharap ngayon si John sa tatlong bilang ng estafa habang inihahanda ang kaso para sa inquest proceedings.

Bunsod ng patuloy na pagtaas ng presyuhan ng produktong petrolyo, naglabas na ang VinFast ng solusyon para maibsan ang mabigat na operating cost sa transportasyon sa bansa at mabigyan ng mapagpipilian ang mga Pilipino.

Ayon sa VinFast, mas mababa ang operating cost ng kanilang bagong electric vehicle na VF MPV 7 na inilunsad na sa Pilipinas kumpara sa tradisyunal na mga sasakyan.

Paliwanag ng kumpanya, mas mababa at mas stable ang energy cost ng VF MPV 7 kumpara sa mga gasoline-powered na MPV, dahilan upang makatipid ang mga motorista sa pangmatagalang paggamit.

Libre rin ang charging sa V-Green stations sa bansa hanggang Marso 2029, bukod pa sa 7-year o 160,000-kilometer vehicle warranty at 10-year o 200,000-kilometer battery warranty.

Ang VF MPV 7 ay isang 7-seater electric MPV na may presyong mahigit isang milyong piso depende sa napiling battery option.

May kakayahan itong bumiyahe nang hanggang 450 kilometro sa isang full charge at maaari ring ma-charge mula 10 hanggang 70 porsyento sa loob ng tinatayang 30 minuto.

Sinabi ng VinFast na target nitong mapalawak pa ang paggamit ng electric vehicles sa bansa sa pamamagitan ng mas abot-kayang mobility solutions at pagpapalawak ng dealership at aftersales network nito sa Pilipinas.

Nagkakahalaga ang naturang sasakyan ng 1.518M kung kasama ang baterya, habang mahigit 1.2M naman kung mag-a-avail ng battery subscription.

Mas magiging mababa din ang cost ng nasabing family vehicle sa pamamagitan ng discounts kung magiging bahagi ang sino man sa unang isang libong customer nito hanggang May 31, 2026.—ulat mula kay Jun Samson (Patrol 24)

Pansamantalang isasara ang emergency room ng Ospital ng Maynila sa loob ng isang linggo, mula Mayo 24 hanggang Hunyo 1.

Ito’y para bigyang-daan ang mahalagang pagkukumpuni at facility upgrades sa naturang ospital.

Ayon kay Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, isasagawa ang pagkukumpuni sa ilalim ng 24-hour work scheme upang matiyak na muling magbubukas ang emergency room sa itinakdang petsa.

Paliwanang ni “Yorme Isko,” sinubukan naman ng pamahalaang panlungsod na maghanap ng paraan upang isagawa ang renovation nang hindi naaantala ang operasyon ng emergency room; ngunit lumabas sa pagsusuri na hindi ito ligtas para sa lahat.

Kahit sarado naman ang emergency room, maglalagay pa rin ng mga ambulansya at tent area sa labas ng ospital upang tumanggap ng mga pasyente habang nagpapatuloy ang isinasagawang renovation. | Aya Yupangco (Patrol 5)