Bringing banking services closer to the community: Women MSMEs turn livelihood programs into ‘Automated Tao Machines’

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A group of resilient mothers from a remote mining community in Surigao del Norte turned their livelihood programs into a channel that brings banking services closer to the community. Through BDO Unibank's agency banking channel, Cash Agad, they proved that women can inspire and lead change even in the most remote areas.

The Siana Golden Mothers Association comprises mothers from Barangay Siana, Mainit, Surigao del Norte who are beneficiaries of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). In addition to relying on their 4Ps benefits, Siana Golden Mothers was determined to find livelihood opportunities for its members to become successful business owners.

The birth of an initiative

In 2018, when a nearby mining company offered support to livelihood programs, Minda Ajoc,a devoted mother who worked for years assisting barangay nurses in caring for young children in Barangay Siana, joined hands with fellow mothers to form Siana Golden Mothers. They guided the group through early livelihood ventures such as swine production.

This is when they also decided to become partner agents of Cash Agad, a service offered by BDO to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), organizations and local establishments in rural and hard-to-reach communities where bank branches and ATM access are limited to non-existent. The partner agents will then become the “ATM” or Automated Tao Machines in their community and allow cash withdrawal services, balance inquiry, cash-in and bills payment and other basic banking transactions through the point-of-sale devices at their stores.

These women saw an opportunity for their association to be a Cash Agad agent, bringing financial services closer while creating a sustainable income source and providing remittance and photocopying services to the community.

Women entrepreneurs of Barangay Siana. Members of the Siana Golden Mothers Association lead the way in changing families’ lives and uplifting their community through Cash Agad.

Lifeline for Barangay Siana

“Malaking tulong sa amin ang Cash Agad, lalo na’t malayo kami sa city. Madami itong natulungan at nabigyan ng access sa kanilang pera. Nakakatulong ito na mai-angat namin ang aming komunidad,” Minda said. (Cash Agad has been an enormous help, especially since we live far from the city. It has helped a lot of people get access to their funds. This has enable us to uplift our community).

In line with its commitment to fostering financial inclusion, BDO finds it encouraging that Cash Agad is creating a sense of financial empowerment for women in Mindanao.

"Our partnership with the Siana Golden Mother’s Association reflects BDO’s commitment to supporting grassroots communities, especially women, who play a vital role in driving local progress,” said Jaime Nasol, Senior Vice President of the Consumer Banking Group at BDO Unibank. “Through programs like Cash Agad, we aim to bring financial services closer to remote areas, enabling individuals and associations to build sustainable livelihoods and create meaningful change within their communities.”

As the Siana Golden Mothers Association continues to grow, BDO and Cash Agad, with its more than 12,000 partner agents, are exploring further ways to support similar initiatives, helping more communities to access essential financial services, and promoting a future of financial stability for all.

Get Ready for the Ultimate K-pop Experience as Samsung joins the ENHYPEN WORLD TOUR ‘WALK THE LINE’ IN BULACAN with the Galaxy S25 series

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Calling all ENGENEs! Get ready to join your favorite K-pop group, ENHYPEN, for an unforgettable night as they take over the Philippines Sports Stadium on March 1 for their highly anticipated ENHYPEN WORLD TOUR 'WALK THE LINE' IN BULACAN concert.

This is the perfect opportunity to create iconic memories, and Samsung Philippines is making sure your experience is as spectacular as possible through the true AI companion and ultimate concert phone – the Galaxy S25 Series!

The Samsung & ENHYPEN Partnership – Twice as Amazing!

The collaboration between Samsung and ENHYPEN brings to life the brand’s commitment to bring fans closer to their favorite idols through exclusive experiences and surprises.

Make sure to swing by the Galaxy AI booth where exciting activities await, designed especially for ENGENEs. Don’t forget to grab your phone and capture the magic – when you post using the hashtag #GalaxyxENHYPEN, you’ll get a chance to win a signed ENHYPEN ROMANCE : UNTOLD -daydream- album!

Catch ENHYPEN and capture their amazing performances with the Galaxy S25 Ultra!

ENHYPEN is set to showcase the powerful Galaxy S25 Ultra to the ENGENEs so if you catch them using the Galaxy S25 Ultra, make sure to snap a photo or video and share it on social media with the hashtags #GalaxyS25Ultra and #GalaxyxENHYPEN to join the buzz.

Exclusive Galaxy X ENHYPEN Bundle

The excitement doesn't stop there. The Galaxy x ENHYPEN bundle is also back by popular demand. Purchase any of the Galaxy S25 Series (S25, S25+, or S25 Ultra), and you’ll receive official ENHYPEN concert merch. Get your hands also on a ‘WALK THE LINE’ Chain bracelet, a Samsung ENHYPEN dumpling bag, and a ‘WALK THE LINE’ tower or lanyard – all essential gear to rock your ENGENE pride in style – when you buy a Galaxy S25 series device.

To avail and enjoy, register at the Galaxy AI retail booth to receive a personalized access code via email. Use this code at checkout when purchasing a Galaxy S25 series device to get your exclusive Galaxy x ENHYPEN bundle.

The Concert Phone for the Ultimate Fan experience

Whether you're snapping close-up shots of your favorite K-pop idols or capturing a thrilling concert moment in low-light, the Galaxy S25 Series is engineered to ensure every memory is preserved in stunning detail with its improved cameras and advanced AI features.

See your bias with amazing clarity as the Galaxy S25 Series is equipped with an incredibly high-resolution sensor, including a 50MP ultrawide camera that has been upgraded from the previous 12MP. With this cutting-edge camera, the Galaxy S25 Ultra ensures you capture every moment with exceptional clarity, vibrant colors, and unmatched detail.

Your fancams are even more amazing with next-level videography from the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which offers 10-bit HDR recording that gives you more depth of color and more lifelike details – even in challenging lighting conditions. Pair this with Audio Eraser, which allows you to remove unwanted noise from your concert videos. Whether it’s background chatter, wind, or crowd noise, you can isolate and control what sounds to reduce or eliminate entirely for videos that capture the concert experience like never before!

With its enhanced camera features, high-quality video recording and advanced editing tools, the Galaxy S25 Series is designed to deliver exceptional results in every situation.

Whether you're snapping photos, or rocking some exclusive merch, this is your chance to make memories that will last forever.

Get ready to elevate your fan experience with Samsung and ENHYPEN! Sign up at the Galaxy AI retail booth to receive your unique access code via email, which will get you the exclusive Galaxy x ENHYPEN bundle when you use it when checking out a Galaxy S25 series device.

To learn more and purchase the Galaxy S25 series, visit any Samsung Experience Store and authorized stores, or go to https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-s25-ultra/buy/. Hurry as you can get up to 8,000 in savings when they trade in their old device until March 31, 2025.

Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines again awarded as a Top Employer for the 7th year in a row, scoring high in individual career development

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• Continued high scores in development and steering practices proof Boehringer’s engagement to support its employees to develop their own personal and professional paths

• Strong and above-benchmark results in leadership as well as career practices, learning, work environment, and wellbeing

For the seventh year in a row, the Top Employer Institute has recognized Boehringer Ingelheim as a Top Employer in the Philippines while also awarding the company as a “Global Top Employer” for the fifth consecutive year, and an Asia Pacific Top Employer for the sixth year straight. Boehringer is one of 17 companies worldwide to earn this award. The 2025 certification underscores the company’s commitment to an exceptional work environment that prioritizes career development and employee wellbeing. Comprehensive leadership training offers and strong values, communications, & ethics play a significant part in this.

“This remarkable achievement reflects our steadfast dedication to creating an environment where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally,” said May Evangelista, Head of Human Resources at Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines.

Boehringer’s employer offerings continue to score high, particularly in the categories “Steer” and “Develop”. The company’s internal Leadership Academy recognizes the value of leadership development for a positive and thriving work environment. It is one example how Boehringer supports its employees – whether in a leadership role or not – to steer their own development. The Academy helps create a shared understanding of leadership and offers targeted training for different leadership roles. Whether stepping into a leadership role for the first time or being a senior executive, tailored training will be available to all leaders.

“Our performance underscores our commitment to strong leadership and talent development, ensuring that our employees’ wellbeing, work environment, and career growth are always at the forefront of our initiatives,” Evangelista continued. “We encourage our employees to develop their own career paths and provide tools that help them find the balance that supports their goals.”

Develop your own path – at work and in private life

Boehringer’s learning offerings show how the company puts its people promise to “develop your own path” into practice. The internal Boehringer Ingelheim University makes a state-of-the-art virtual campus accessible to all 53,500 employees worldwide. The Leadership Academy is part of the University and offers in-person and virtual training. Their focus ranges from self-awareness to successfully driving teamwork. The modules help build skills in areas like stress and resilience, giving feedback, empowerment, problem-solving, and diversity, equity and inclusion.

The leadership offerings also cover Boehringer’s holistic employee wellbeing program which includes mental, physical, social, and financial health. The company’s flexible working models are another contributor to the wellbeing approach. Some examples include the locally launched Volunteer Leave that allows employees to utilize leaves separate from their vacation leaves to carry out volunteering and charity work, as well as the formation of local well-being activities and initiatives. Overall, Boehringer takes an integrated approach to build an attractive work environment with an equitable, competitive, and transparent rewards and benefits program. It caters to the employee needs at every career stage with offerings that matter to their personal situation.

The core topics of Boehringer Ingelheim’s People Promise

Certifications across the globe

Boehringer has been listed among the top employers in multiple countries and regions for the past 11 years. This year, it will receive the award in 30 countries. In South Korea, Boehringer is ranked among the top 3 employers and in Germany among the top 20. The company also received regional recognitions in Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, and in the Middle East.

Boehringer Ingelheim

Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry’s top investors in Research and Development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. More than 53,500 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable tomorrow. Learn more at https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com.

About Top Employers Institute

Top Employers Institute is the #1 global authority on HR strategies. With our world-leading Certification and data-led insights, we guide and empower organisations in delivering transformational people practices, driving business outcomes and helping them attract, engage and retain top talent. In 2025, Top Employers Institute has certified more than 2429 organisations in 123 countries/regions. These certified Top Employers positively impact the lives of over 13 million employees globally.

Top Employers Institute. For a better world of work.

realme Note 60 Debuts a Bigger Storage Variant for as Low as P5,975

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realme Philippines has introduced a new storage option for one of its most popular entry-level smartphones, the realme Note 60. 

Fans can now enjoy increased storage capacity with the 8GB+256GB variant. This allows users to store more photos, videos, music, games, and other apps– eventually making it easier to complete more tasks.

The realme Note 60 (8GB+256GB) is set to launch on March 3, 2025. The Squad can score the new smartphone exclusively at the realme Shopee 3.3 Mega Shopping Sale, where amazing discounts will only be available for a limited time.

Guaranteed durability that’s built for long-term use

The realme Note 60 is engineered with ArmorShell™ Protection, enabling it to endure bending, scratching, and dropping up to 1.5m onto marble floors. Furthermore, the realme Note 60 has an IP64 rating, which means it can resist small particles like dust and handle light water exposure and splashes from any direction.

Delivering a revolutionary quality experience that guarantees reliability in all scenarios, the realme Note 60 is also TÜV Rheinland High Reliability Certified. The device has passed a comprehensive range of durability tests, including everyday challenges like drops and abrasion, extreme temperature conditions, voltage fluctuations, key lifespan, electrostatic resistance, and air pressure tests.

The realme Note 60 in 8GB+256GB storage option debuts for only P8,499 SRP. Similar to its other storage variants, it comes in Voyage Blue and Marble Black colors.

Introductory Price and Availability

In celebration of the Shopee 3.3 Mega Shopping Sale, the Squad can snag the all-new Note 60 (8GB+256GB) at an exclusive introductory price. Starting March 3, it will be available at a special discounted price of P7,399. The first buyers will also receive a FREE TechLife Power Bank S102 10000mAh, while supplies last.

To make the deal even sweeter, fans can redeem limited platform vouchers that add up to a P1,424 discount, reducing the final price to as low as P5,975. Be sure to note the time—12 midnight on March 3, 2025—and set an alarm to claim the best deal.

To stay updated on the latest offers and announcements from realme Philippines, visit the official Facebook page and website.

Hope and Light: DigiPlus, BingoPlus Foundation Delivers Resilience in Action in South Luzon

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DigiPlus Interactive, through its social development arm, BingoPlus Foundation, continued efforts in promoting resilience in vulnerable communities by bringing its KabuhayanPLUS program in South Luzon regions. Anchoring on disaster response and sustainable livelihood, the Foundation delivered solar solutions in Mangyan Indigenous People (IP) communities in Mindoro and financial assistance to typhoon victims in Bicol Region as part of post-disaster recovery initiatives.

DigiPlus and BingoPlus Foundation delivers solar solutions in remote communities and recovery assistance to disaster-stricken families, as part of its KabuhayanPLUS resilience program.

Lighting Up IP Communities of Mindoro

Bright lights and bright smiles spread across the Mangyan Indigenous People (IP) community as BingoPlus Foundation trekked the mountains of Manalansay, Oriental Mindoro to provide solar lights and solar generators in response to Samahan ng Magbubukid ng Manaul or SaMa Manaul’s request for assistance to solve their electricity problems.

From the challenge of completing housework and studies in the dark, Mangyan households now benefit from solar powered lights from BingoPlus Foundation.

According to IP residents of Manaul, the lack of electricity has impacted their ability to maximize hours to produce their handicraft and other forms of livelihood. Children must also study despite the dark, reading by the furnace or with only a flashlight. Communications is also dependent on the ability to travel to the town proper to charge mobile phones.

“Even if I want to finish my work, I can’t because I can only work until there is light. As a mother, it really pains me to see my kids not being able to accomplish their requirements in school because it’s too dark to work at night,” said Liza Gayot, who’s been a long-time resident of Manaul. “I’m thankful for BingoPlus Foundation because you are the light of our life and home,” said Gayot. “After 20 years, we finally have lights in our own homes,” she added.

BingoPlus Foundation delivers its promise of supporting the Mangyan IP community’s decades-long challenge with electricity in the mountains of Mindoro.

Bringing Hope to Typhoon Victims in Bicol Region

Meanwhile, BingoPlus Foundation concluded its commitment to provide financial assistance to bereaved families of Super Typhoon Kristine, as part of a Php37 Million pledge initiated since November 2024. From January to February 2025, the Foundation collaborated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office V in Bicol Region to provide financial aid to 74 affected families from Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes and Masbate.

DSWD Assistant Secretary Paul Ledesma and DSWD Regional Director Norman Laurio join BingoPlus Foundation Executive Director Angela Camins-Wieneke in a turnover ceremony in Pili, Camarines Sur.

The DSWD also donated family food packs, drinking water, hygiene supplies and first aid kits. The turnover ceremony held in Pili, Camarines Sur was joined by DSWD Assistant Secretary for Regional Operations Paul Ledesma and DSWD Bicol Regional Director Norman Laurio.

Janette Ojeda, a mother who lost her eldest son because of Typhoon Kristine, received her financial aid as she tries to continue living her life despite the tragedy she went through.

“Our hearts go out to all the families affected by Typhoon Kristine,” said Angela Camins-Wieneke, Executive Director of BingoPlus Foundation. “While the typhoon has since passed, the loss of loved ones – many of whom were breadwinners – is an additional burden to bear in the journey to recovery.” According to beneficiaries, the financial assistance of Php250,000 will be used not only for house repairs, but also to sustain the education of orphaned children and daily household needs of families left behind.

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About DigiPlus Interactive Corp.

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. pioneered digital entertainment in the Philippines. It introduced leading platforms BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, widely known for their engaging experiences in interactive gaming and sports entertainment. DigiPlus also operates PeryaGame, Tongits+, and GameZone, with more to come. For more information, visit: www.digiplus.com.ph.