LANDBANK reinforced its role as a key enabler of convenient and cashless commuting with the successful pilot launch of the Department of Transportation’s (DoTr) Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS) for MRT-3 on July 25.

Under the AFCS, MRT-3 passengers can now experience seamless commuting by simply tapping their debit, credit, or prepaid Europay, Mastercard, and Visa (EMV) cards at upgraded turnstiles. This offers a faster and more convenient alternative to single-journey tickets and stored-value cards, marking a shift towards secure, seamless, and real-time transit payments.

The live demonstration was led by Transportation Secretary Vince B. Dizon, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Monetary Board Member Walter C. Wassmer and Deputy Governor Mamerto E. Tangonan, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Rhoel R. Aguda, Mynt President and CEO Martha Sazon, Globe Exchange, Inc. (GXI) President and CEO Ren-ren Reyes, LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz, VISA Country Manager Jeffrey Navarro, RCBC President and CEO Reginald Cariaso, and RCBC Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer EVP Lito Villanueva, among other key stakeholders.

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“We are proud to enable smart, secure, and contactless payments for daily commuters and to support the government’s push for digital transport reform. At LANDBANK, we are always ready to partner with both public and private players to scale interoperable payment solutions that improve everyday lives,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz.

As part of the collaboration project, GCash operator GXI deployed and maintains the POS terminals and transit system at MRT-3 turnstiles, handling fare computation, reporting, and commuter support to ensure smooth card-based transactions.

Meanwhile, LANDBANK serves as the sole acquiring bank and transit payment gateway integrator, ensuring that payments made using EMV cards are authorized, processed, and settled directly into DoTr’s account.

LANDBANK’s Transit Payment Solution supports fare payments across different transport modes through an integrated system of validators, a central payment gateway, and settlement services. It works for EMV and other dedicated cards and can connect with other transit providers through secure digital links to support a truly interoperable nationwide transit experience.

The AFCS forms part of the National Government’s broader agenda to digitize public services, aligned with Executive Order No. 170 and the BSP’s Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap.

With this initiative, LANDBANK stands ready to help build a fully modernized and inclusive public transport ecosystem, powered by financial technology and strong inter-agency and public sector collaboration.

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Even the small can pack a big wallop in business.

This could well be the case of San Carlos City in the province of Pangasinan. Although it is considered to be the smallest city in Pangasinan in terms of land area, it also has the biggest population. This translates to a bountiful harvest of opportunity for both the local government, apart from corporate investors and entrepreneurs like Wilcon Depot.

Why San Carlos City?

Statistics show that over the past five years alone, San Carlos City’s progress has been more than significant. The development has been anchored on infrastructure such as the widening and drainage of the Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX). Official documents in the province’s website reveal that over P698 million has been poured to “fund the construction, maintenance and improvement of provincial and barangay roads and bridges in 2024.” The city has also entered into a number of corporate partnerships with the top corporations of the land. Pangasinan’s economic growth numbers have soared with San Carlos City contributing a meaningful chunk in the rising revenues and municipal programs. The province’s website say that there are about 5,000 housing units planned starting this year. And the people are manifesting a healthy kind of urban readiness.

Strong infrastructure and connectivity including provincial roads and the upgrade of bridges provide proximity to highways and neighboring urban centers. Plus the city boasts of a robust and young population that is steadily growing. In a 2020 census, official data show that the city’s population was in the range of 205,000, mostly young — a big leap from the 188,000 range in 2015.

Wilcon’s 104^th

Taking in all these data and the opportunities they present, it is no wonder that Wilcon Depot, the country’s leading home improvement corporation opened its third branch in the bustling province. San Carlos City is the newest home of Wilcon Depot, the company’s 104^th store in the country. Wilcon’s practice of recruiting staff from the local population would augur well for San Carlos City whose employment figures could use a boost. Wilcon’s corporate culture includes training and upskilling available local workers. This practice would be very much welcomed by the LGU.

San Carlos City is also teeming with urban demand for housing and retail, an obvious opportunity which promises to benefit both Wilcon and the local community and its builders. Construction and wholesale/retail are the growth drivers. In 2023 alone, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that Pangasinan enjoyed 6.3% growth amounting to P375.31 billion. But there’s more — the major contributor among the industries considered were construction, wholesale and retail trade and manufacturing. Definitely areas that a Wilcon Depot in San Carlos City can complement.

That is why not even the monsoon rains could stall the grand opening of Wilcon Depot in San Carlos City on July 25. The event was attended by San Carlos City, Pangasinan Mayor Hon. Julier C. Resuello; Vice-Mayor Hon. Joseres S. Resuello; the representative of Congresswoman Hon. Rachel Arenas; Malasiqui, Pangasinan Councilors Hon. Vincent Arenas and Hon. Jessica Gueco; San Pedro-Taloy Brgy. Captain Hon. Juanito Aquino; HCG Distributorship Manager Paul Wu; and Wilcon executives — Wilcon Depot AVPs for Sales and Operations Harvy Cruz and  Francis Lazaro, and Wilcon Depot President and CEO Lorraine Belo-Cincochan.

In her message, Ms. Belo-Cincochan shares, “When we envisioned building in San Carlos, it wasn’t just about adding another branch. It was about access, not just accessibility in location, but also access to premium-quality products, reliable service, and a wide range of choices for every Filipino home.

Win-Win

All told, the new big box Wilcon Depot in San Carlos City is poised to be a win-win business reality. It opens up job options for builders, electricians, store managers, sales and warehouse workers and other local talent of the workforce. Wilcon’s presence adds to government revenue and other economic benefits.

Beyond this, local contractors and even modest builders will get easier access to supplies and home improvement needs that can potentially lessen construction costs and encourage more construction and home projects. This will result to a multiplier effect that can positively impact citywide construction.

From the business owner’s view, San Carlos City presents an increasing customer base. From the local government’s perspective, Wilcon in the city will improve employment figures and revenue. But more importantly, for the residents and nearby builders, whether they be big or small, Wilcon in San Carlos City translates to better retail options, and an expansive array of their home improvement wish list all within striking distance. It will come as no surprise if San Carlos City will see a significant economic uplift in the next few years, one that will be supported by the presence of Wilcon Depot in the city.

As Wilcon’s SEVP and COO Rosemarie Bosch Ong aptly puts it, “We will continue to build stores nearer to all Filipinos. That’s because it is not just edifices that we help build. We’re in step in creating stronger, more resilient, safer communities aligned with every Filipino’s dream. Wilcon Depot is here for every Filipino. In every season. And for all the best reasons.”

Now that is definitely a win-win collaboration in big and small ways for Wilcon and San Carlos City.

For more information about Wilcon, visit www.wilcon.com.ph or follow their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. or subscribe and connect with them on Viber Community, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Or you may contact Wilcon Depot Hotline at 88-WILCON (88-945266) for inquiries.

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The Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) is proud to announce the holding of its biggest regional franchise show, “Franchise Negosyo Para sa Region VII (Cebu),” a premier event designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs and expand franchise opportunities in the Visayas region. The event will take place on Aug. 1-2, 2025, at the Mountain Wing Atrium, SM Seaside City Cebu.

Franchise Negosyo Para sa Region VII (Cebu) will feature more than 60 participating exhibitors, showcasing a diverse range of successful franchise brands from various industries, supported by allied suppliers for a comprehensive business setup. This two-day event offers a unique platform for attendees to explore legitimate investment opportunities, learn about the basics of franchising, and connect directly with established franchisors and service providers.

Attendees can also look forward to an enriching program of seminars and forums, including:

• How to Invest in the Right Franchise: A free seminar for would-be franchisees, offering essential guidance on making informed investment decisions.
• Franchise Forum: “Expanding Your Business Through Franchising”: A dynamic forum for those interested in growing their existing businesses through the franchise model.
• How to Franchise Your Business: A paid seminar specifically designed for aspiring franchisors, providing a comprehensive guide to franchising their own concepts. (This will be at the Summit Galleria Hotel on Aug. 2, 2025.)

“We are thrilled once again to hold our yearly Franchise Negosyo Para sa Cebu, but this time making it bigger, better, and targeting the entire Region VII,” said Chris Lim, CFE, chairman of PFA. “This expanded scale reflects Cebu’s undeniable and growing importance as a major economic powerhouse and a vital contributor to the country’s prosperity. This event reaffirms our unwavering commitment to fostering entrepreneurship by empowering more Filipinos in this dynamic region with accessible pathways to business ownership and growth.”

Kenneth Lim, PFA director for Western Visayas, emphasized Cebu’s strategic importance: “With Cebu sustaining its trillion-peso GDP and its position as a gateway to the Visayas makes it an ideal location for franchise expansion. The entrepreneurial spirit here is strong, and we believe ‘Franchise Negosyo Para sa Region VII’ will catalyze countless new ventures, contributing significantly to the region’s prosperity.”

“Cebu’s robust growth fueled by tourism, BPM, industry, and trade proves its resilience and dynamism,” Mr. Lim added. “These sectors create fertile ground for franchise businesses to thrive, making the region not just a strategic gateway, but also a launchpad for scalable and sustainable enterprise.”

The event is FREE and open to the public, and is an ideal opportunity for individuals looking to start their own business, diversify their investments, or simply learn more about the booming franchise sector in the Philippines.

This event is not possible without the help and support of the following partners: Provincial Government of Cebu, City Government of Cebu, DTI Region VII, OWWA Region VII, Cebu City Chamber of Commerce, Mandaue Chamber of Commerce, SM Supermalls, PLDT Enterprise, GCash, Carrier, BPI, Grainsmart Café, UnionBank, Chong’s Chicken Inasal; Golden Roast Chicken Inasal; Phoenix LPG; Converge; Villa Tuna; Mayet Dela Rosa Fine Jewelry; Francorp; U-Franchise and Qualiplus.

Media Partners: NET 25 Eagle Broadcasting Corp., BusinessWorld, Business Mirror, Mega Mobile (Inquirer Mobile), Inquirer Group of Companies, Asia Journal / Balikbayan Magazine, Philstar Media Group, Philippine Daily Inquirer

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Policy makers, industry leaders, academics, and civil society representatives convened yesterday at the Philippines Roundtable on New Models of Work, hosted by a regional think tank, the Tech for Good Institute (TFGI), in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Marking the first event specifically designed to adapt and implement regional best practices within the unique labor market conditions of the Philippines, the roundtable addressed urgent workforce challenges intensified by the rapid growth of the digital economy.

As one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing digital economies, the Philippines faces significant shifts in its labor market, driven by an accelerated reliance on digital platforms, a booming gig economy, and an increase in international remote work.

However, critical challenges such as skill mismatches, limited digital literacy skills among Filipinos, and unequal access to digital opportunities, intensify the need for immediate strategic interventions. A 2020 survey by PIDS-DICT shows that most Filipinos on online platforms still overwhelmingly perform jobs at the lower end of the value chain including marketing/sales (45%) and clerical/data entry (24%).

Considering these challenges, advancing digital skills and workforce readiness has become a core pillar of the Marcos administration’s vision for inclusive digital transformation.

The DICT has taken the lead in operationalizing this vision through a combination of connectivity infrastructure and human capital development. The continued rollout of the National Broadband Plan and the Free Wi-Fi for All Program has laid the groundwork for broader digital access. At the same time, the Trabahong Digital initiative aims to close the digital skills gap by delivering targeted upskilling and reskilling programs that prepare Filipinos for more meaningful participation in the digital economy.

The roundtable produced insights tailored specifically for the Philippines, highlighting innovative strategies such as targeted industry-aligned upskilling and reskilling programs to directly address current skill shortages in high-demand digital sectors.

Additionally, participants discussed new models for human-centric workplace designs aimed at improving worker well-being, productivity, and retention amidst evolving work conditions. The dialogue also emphasized establishing cross-sector collaborative frameworks to create immediate channels for public-private-educational partnerships, enhancing workforce responsiveness and resilience.

During the discussion, successful strategies from other Southeast Asian nations were highlighted — such as Singapore’s SkillsFuture initiative, which empowers individuals to upskill through subsidized training, and Malaysia’s public-private collaborations, including those led by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corp., that support digital skills development aligned with industry needs.

These practices were contextualized to align with the Philippines’ labor market conditions, offering actionable insights for local stakeholders.

“Technology is reshaping labor markets across Southeast Asia, and the Philippines is uniquely positioned to become a leader in proactive workforce transformation,” said Citra Nasruddin, Programme Director of TFGI. “This roundtable sets a new benchmark by translating successful regional insights into immediate, actionable strategies for the Philippines context.”

DICT Assistant Secretary Celine Dee emphasized the importance of building an intentional framework to co-create tailored digital skilling and job pathways stating, “There is value in building a digital economy rooted in local communities, responsive to private sector needs, and resilient enough to scale across the Philippines.

As such, we want to create a powerful feedback loop between local demand and industry expertise, and build an ecosystem where Filipinos can actively shape their own futures through technology.”

Key attendees included representatives from government agencies such as the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), leading industry players including Microsoft Philippines and Grab Philippines, and academic leaders from Ateneo de Manila University and the University of Asia and the Pacific.

Insights and strategies developed from this groundbreaking national dialogue will inform similar country-specific discussions throughout Southeast Asia, positioning the Philippines as a proactive regional model in digital workforce adaptation.

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Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI), one of the country’s trusted real estate developers, proudly joins global giants like IBM and DHL Global Forwarding as a distinguished winner at the 2025 Stevie® Awards for Great Employers. Securing the Bronze Stevie® Award in the Employer of the Year category for Real Estate, FLI uniquely represents the Philippines among renowned global corporations. This global recognition complements Filinvest Land’s recent acknowledgment as one of the Philippines’ Best Employers for 2025 by the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Statista, solidifying its reputation as a company genuinely built by people, for people.

The Stevie Awards for Great Employers recognize the world’s best employers, human resources professionals, teams, and HR-related achievements and solutions that create exceptional workplaces. Filinvest Land stands out among nominees across 35 nations for its robust, data-driven, people-first HR strategy. FLI’s comprehensive approach significantly enhances every stage of the employee journey — from talent acquisition and professional development to employee engagement, recognition, and retention. These focused efforts have solidified FLI’s reputation as an outstanding employer where individuals not only advance professionally but also feel genuinely valued.

“We grow because our people grow,” emphasized Tristan Las Marias, President and CEO of Filinvest Land. “This recognition reaffirms that our greatest assets are our employees. Their passion drives our continued success in building lasting dreams for Filipinos.”

Where Talent Grows, Wellness Matters, and Loyalty is Celebrated

Filinvest Land’s exceptional recruitment approach resulted in outstanding hiring efficiency in 2024, achieving a remarkable 95% on-time hiring rate and an impressive 97% job offer acceptance rate, empowering its workforce to lead, innovate, and excel. Beyond recruitment, FLI invests significantly in employee development, providing more than 45 training hours annually per employee in partnership with esteemed institutions such as the Asian Institute of Management. Gender inclusivity is deeply embedded in its leadership succession planning, with women comprising over half of its future leadership pipeline.

Further distinguishing its employer brand, Filinvest Land prioritizes holistic employee wellness through comprehensive health initiatives, including free mental health counseling and full HMO coverage utilization. Programs such as Filinvest Listens, an employee feedback initiative with a remarkable 100% participation rate, underline the company’s commitment to transparency, responsiveness, and trust. Celebrating employee loyalty is also integral to FLI’s culture, demonstrated by honoring 56 long-standing employees last year, some marking over three decades of dedicated service. This focus on retention and career advancement transforms Filinvest Land into a nurturing community, deeply invested in each employee’s career journey and personal fulfillment, continually shaping a promising future for its people.

A Company Built by People, for People

Filinvest Land’s achievements stand out not only for their scale and impact but for their deep alignment with the company’s mission. Each initiative, from strategic hiring to wellness and recognition, reflects FLI’s belief that its people are the true drivers of its success.

“For us, this award isn’t just a win; it’s a resounding echo of our core belief,” states Bing Paraguas, Group Head of HR Strategy and COE and First Vice President. “It’s a powerful validation that our people-first strategy isn’t just a philosophy — it’s the very foundation of our ambition in building a world-class organization. This honor fuels our relentless dedication to ensuring every individual in our team discovers genuine growth, unlocks continuous development, and creates a lasting impact within an environment where inclusion isn’t just a word, but how we thrive.”

This win forms part of a larger milestone for the Filinvest Group with FLI’s parent company, Filinvest Development Corporation (FDC), also garnering multiple honors at the 2025 Stevie Awards for Great Employers. FDC was recognized with two Bronze Stevie® Awards for Achievement in Recruitment and Talent Acquisition and Achievement in Organizational Culture, as well as a Silver Stevie® Award for Achievement in Leadership Development. These accolades underscore the group’s collective commitment to building empowered teams and sustaining a strong, value-driven culture across all its companies.

As Filinvest Land continues to grow its nationwide footprint and pursue excellence, its commitment remains clear: to Build the Filipino Dream not only through homes and communities, but through every career it shapes and every life it helps uplift.

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