Back to school, but not for all: Plan International Pilipinas urges urgent action on hidden barriers keeping girls out of classrooms

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Plan International Pilipinas and partners distribute MHM kits to girls in Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur, supporting their menstrual health and keeping them in school

As millions of Filipino students return to school this June, Plan International Pilipinas is sounding the alarm for countless girls across the country who are facing many barriers that keep them from coming back — period poverty, unpaid domestic labor, and teenage pregnancy. The girls’ and children's rights organization is calling on government agencies, schools, and families to move beyond enrollment numbers and confront these obstacles.

“Every June, we celebrate the return to school, but for too many girls, the bigger story is what is stopping them from fully being there,” said Plan International Pilipinas Executive Director, Pebbles Sanchez-Ogang. “Period poverty, unpaid caregiving, and teenage pregnancy are not personal problems; they are systemic failures that we have the responsibility to address. Plan International Pilipinas is calling on everyone — from lawmakers to school principals and parents — to make this the school year we address these barriers head-on.”

Girls are missing school because of their periods

8% of girls in the Philippines reported skipping school because of menstruation, according to the World Bank. Some girls miss classes due to severe menstrual pain, lack of access to menstrual products, and fear of bullying or discrimination associated with periods. Findings from the Sang pour Sang Project revealed that 96% of menstruators in the Philippines have experienced at least one form of menstrual discrimination, including teasing, exclusion, and stigma related to menstruation.

Limited menstrual health education continues to shape how many girls view and manage menstruation. UNFPA Philippines noted that shame, stigma, and misinformation surrounding periods can discourage girls from asking for help, accessing proper menstrual products, and fully participating in school activities. Girls from remote and disadvantaged communities, including those with disabilities, also shared that menstruation often causes anxiety, shame, and discomfort, especially in schools with inadequate facilities and support.

As one of the solutions to address these barriers, Plan International Pilipinas, in partnership with UNICEF and the Philippine Government, launched the Oky Period Tracker App — a girl co-created digital tool that provides reliable menstrual health information and personalized cycle tracking, helping girls manage their periods with confidence and dignity. Since its launch, the app has reached over 187,000 registered users in the Philippines, with half of online users remaining consistently active. An independent assessment by BBC Media Action found that 18 out of 24 adolescent girls interviewed in the Philippines credited the app with significantly improving their understanding of menstrual health and bodily changes — and that nearly two-thirds reported feeling more open and less embarrassed about their periods. The app has also been used in school integration sessions to engage adolescent boys, with educators observing reduced period-related bullying and greater empathy toward female peers.

“Menstrual health is not just a hygiene issue — it is an education issue,” said Pebbles Sanchez-Ogang, Executive Director of Plan International Pilipinas. “When girls cannot afford menstrual products or are too ashamed to ask for help, they miss class, fall behind, and eventually drop out. We need better facilities, more affordable products, and innovative solutions like the Oky App to equip girls with accurate information and tools to manage their periods with confidence — so that no girl has to choose between her period and her future.”

Plan International Pilipinas has backed this with action by hosting its "Period Pains: Tackling the Challenges of Menstrual Equity" workshop in 2021 and distributing MHM kits to girls nationwide in partnership with the San Beda CAS Student Council, MARADECA Inc., and the Quezon City government.

Unpaid domestic work is pushing girls out of classrooms

Unpaid domestic and caregiving responsibilities also continue to affect girls’ education and future opportunities. Plan International’s landmark longitudinal study, Real Choices, Real Lives — which tracked 142 girls across nine countries including the Philippines from birth to age 18 — found that girls spend an average of 5 hours and 15 minutes per day on unpaid domestic work, leaving little time for schoolwork and pushing families to pull girls out of school when that trade-off no longer seems financially justified. Data from EDCOM II reinforces this: nine in ten economically inactive women identified household and family duties as the main reason they could not participate in the labor force.

EDCOM II also reported that the “need to work” contributes to 44.17% of school dropouts among Filipino youth, highlighting how economic pressures continue to interrupt education.

Rising teenage pregnancy rates are forcing even more girls out of school

Teenage pregnancy remains a significant barrier to girls’ education. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority recorded 138,697 live births among females aged 10 to 19 in 2024, including 3,560 cases involving girls aged 10 to 14 — an increase from 3,343 cases in 2023.

The underlying conditions are alarming. A 2024 study commissioned with support from Plan International Pilipinas in Occidental Mindoro found that among girls under 15, adolescent pregnancies surged by 35% between 2021 and 2022. The same study, drawing on national data, found that 78% of sexually active youth reported having unprotected sex during their first sexual encounter — a direct consequence of an information gap so severe that four in ten young people say they have no access to trustworthy sources on sexual health. Under current law, minors cannot access modern contraceptives without written parental consent, leaving girls who most need protection without it.

NGO calls on governments, schools, and families to act

Plan International Pilipinas emphasized that addressing barriers to education requires coordinated action from schools, communities, government agencies, families, and civil society organizations. The organization continues to advocate for safe, inclusive, and supportive environments where girls can access education, information, protection, and opportunities without discrimination - and calls on the public to #StandwithGirls by supporting efforts that break down systemic barriers and ensure every girl can stay in school and reach her full potential.

Founded in 1961, Plan International Pilipinas is a girls’ and child rights organization working to advance children’s rights and equality for girls through programs focused on education, health, protection, youth leadership, and humanitarian response.

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ABOUT PLAN INTERNATIONAL PILIPINAS

Plan International Pilipinas is a girl-centered development and humanitarian non-government organization dedicated to advancing children's rights and equality for girls. With over 60 years of experience in the country, the organization works to create a lasting impact by empowering vulnerable children, especially girls, to learn, lead, decide, and thrive. Through partnerships with communities, the government, and the private sector, its programs in education, youth economic empowerment, health, and child protection tackle the root causes of gender inequality. Annually, its work reaches around three million girls, children and their families across 7,000 barangays and plays a leading role in responding to disasters and humanitarian crises.

Website: www.plan-international.org/philippines/

Facebook: Plan International Pilipinas

Instagram: @planphilippines

TikTok: @planphilippines

YouTube: @planphilippines

X: @planphilippines

Things You Should Know About the OPPO Find N6

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Today’s hustle culture seems to have evolved overnight. Now, success often depends on having the right tools to stay productive, connected, and ready for whatever the day demands.

For entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals constantly juggling meetings, presentations, travel, and decision-making, a smartphone is no longer just for calls and messages, it has evolved to a mobile office, creative studio, and productivity hub all in one.

Designed for those who demand more from their technology, the OPPO Find N6 redefines what's possible in a foldable smartphone. Combining industry-first innovations, flagship performance, and premium craftsmanship, the OPPO Find N6 is built to help users accomplish more while enjoying the flexibility and convenience of a foldable form factor.

Here are some of the standout features that make the OPPO Find N6 a flagship experience beyond expected.

An Ultra-Slim Foldable Built for Everyday Leadership

Foldable smartphones have often been associated with bulk and compromise, but the OPPO Find N6 challenges that notion with its ultra-slim design, measuring just 8.93mm when folded while weighing only 225 grams.

If you are always on the move, this means carrying the productivity benefits of a tablet-sized display without sacrificing portability. The OPPO Find N6 can easily fit into your pocket and remains remarkably comfortable to use. Moreover,Its refined design is further complemented by the industry's thinnest bezels on a book-style foldable, creating a more immersive viewing experience when reviewing reports, analyzing presentations, or catching up on industry news.

The Industry's First Zero-Feel Crease

One of the biggest challenges foldable smartphones have faced is the visible and tactile crease running across the display. The OPPO Find N6 introduces the industry's first Zero-Feel Crease, made possible by the combination of its 2nd-Generation Titanium Flexion Hinge and Auto-Smoothing Flex Glass technologies.

The result is a remarkably flat display experience that feels natural. For professionals who spend hours on-screen every day, the smoother display creates a more seamless and immersive experience.

Engineered to Last with Armour Shield Architecture

Business leaders need devices they can depend on, whether they're working from an airport lounge, construction site, or outdoor event.

The OPPO Find N6 is built with Armour Shield Architecture, featuring aerospace-grade materials, a reinforced titanium hinge system, and enhanced structural durability. It also carries IP56, IP58, and IP59 ratings, making it OPPO's most durable foldable smartphone yet.

From accidental spills during meetings to unexpected weather conditions while traveling, users can stay focused on their priorities with greater peace of mind.

Built for Years of Folding

A foldable should also be reliable apart from being innovative. The OPPO Find N6 has been certified for up to 1 million folds, setting a new benchmark for long-term durability. This certification reflects OPPO's commitment to creating a foldable experience that can withstand years of daily use. For professionals who open and close their devices dozens of times throughout the day, durability is not merely a feature.

Productivity That Adapts to Your Workflow

One of the biggest advantages of the OPPO Find N6 is its ability to support modern multitasking.Through Free-Flow Window, users can run multiple applications simultaneously and move seamlessly between tasks. Imagine attending a video conference while taking notes, referencing a proposal, and responding to messages.

For entrepreneurs managing multiple responsibilities at once, the large foldable display transforms how work gets done, reducing the need to constantly switch between devices.

Flagship Performance for Demanding Days

Powering the OPPO Find N6 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform, delivering the speed and efficiency needed for today's demanding workloads. Whether managing large presentations, editing content, participating in video calls, or running multiple productivity apps simultaneously, the Find N6 delivers smooth performance throughout the day.

Complementing this is a massive 6000mAh OPPO Silicon-Carbon Battery, ensuring users can stay productive for longer periods without constantly searching for a charger.

A Camera System Designed for Business and Beyond

While productivity sits at the core of the OPPO Find N6 experience, its camera system did not compromise. The device features a 200MP Hasselblad Ultra-Clear Camera, supported by OPPO's advanced LUMO Image Engine and True Color Camera technology. Together, these innovations deliver exceptional clarity, natural color reproduction, and professional-grade image quality.

For executives, this means capturing presentation materials, documenting site visits, creating social content, or taking professional-quality photos without needing additional equipment.

Whether shooting in challenging lighting conditions or capturing important moments while traveling, the OPPO Find N6 is designed to deliver reliable results.

Work Across Devices with Ease

Modern professionals often move between smartphones, tablets, and computers throughout the day. The OPPO Find N6's Cross-Ecosystem Connect capabilities help bridge these workflows, enabling users to stay connected and productive across devices. This seamless connectivity allows files, content, and work processes to move more fluidly, helping users stay focused on what matters most.

The Foldable Built for Modern Leaders

The OPPO Find N6 represents a new generation of productivity-focused devices designed for people who expect more from their technology. From its industry-first Zero-Feel Crease and ultra-slim design to its flagship performance, professional-grade camera system, and advanced multitasking capabilities, every aspect of the OPPO Find N6 is engineered to help users work smarter, create more, and stay ahead.

The OPPO Find N6 is priced at PHP 139,999. Customers can also enjoy exclusive offers and freebies available for a limited time. Globe subscribers can avail of the Find N6 through GPlan 2499 with PHP 73,600 cashout, while Smart users can purchase the device under Smart Infinity Plan 5000, with exclusive pre-order benefits.

To know more about the OPPO Find Series, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com/ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

TransferGo, GCash partnership brings secure, affordable remittances for Filipinos in Europe

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GCash and TransferGo team up to improve remittances from Europe

As part of its commitment to support Filipinos around the world, GCash, the country’s leading finance superapp, has partnered with TransferGo, a leading international money transfer service across Europe, to provide Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and migrants with a faster, reliable, and cost-efficient way to send money directly to GCash wallets.

For many OFWs, sending money home is often complicated by slow transfer times, hidden fees, or limited payout options. The TransferGo and GCash partnership addresses these challenges by enabling instant, secure fund transfers to the Philippines, giving families easier access to financial support for everyday needs.

With the partnership now in place, TransferGo users in the United Kingdom and across Europe can send money straight to GCash wallets. Recipients can immediately use the funds for bills, online payments, cash withdrawals, or other financial needs, all within the GCash ecosystem.

“This partnership strengthens GCash’s international remittance network and ensures that Filipino families get their funds quickly, safely, and conveniently. We are committed to financial inclusion and empowering every Filipino to manage their money, whether they are here at home or abroad,” said GCash International general manager Arjun Varma.

For TransferGo, the partnership expands payout options in Southeast Asia, giving users more confidence when sending money home.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing our customers with more opportunities to stay connected with family and friends. We do this by delivering more affordable, fast, and reliable money transfer solutions for the Filipino diaspora. We are proud to have the community's trust and will continue to offer them our very best,” said TransferGo CEO and co-founder Daumantas Dvilinskas.

Reinforcing its vision of Finance for All, GCash ensures that every Filipino, wherever they are, can access essential financial services and support their families with ease and security.

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.

AYDA Awards 2026 goes global, offering next-gen designers a chance to win the Harvard Prize

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Architecture and Interior Design students worldwide are being invited to rethink the future of spaces, communities, and culture as the AYDA Awards officially starts its new season.

 

Now on its 18th year, the competition formerly known as the Asia Young Designer Awards (AYDA) returns with the theme “Converge: Embracing Hyperlocal.” The 2026 theme reflects a growing global shift in design thinking, where the world becomes increasingly interconnected. “Converge” highlights the intersection of cultures, technologies, and ideas, while “Embracing Hyperlocal” underscores the importance of grounding innovation in the unique identity of specific communities.

 

(L-R): IDr. Brigid Sarmiento, Vice President for Internal Affairs, Council of Interior Design Educators (CIDE); IDr. Ivy Almario, Public Relations Director, Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) and Interior Design Category Judge; IDr. Mikee Yusay, Head Judge, Interior Design Category; Mr. Chen Lee Siong, General Manager, Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines, Inc.; Ar. Cathy Saldaña, Head Judge, Architectural Category; Ar. Jonathan Manalad, National President, United Architects of the Philippines (UAP); and Ar. Jean Cornejo, National President, Philippine Architecture Schools Association (PhilASA).

 

In rapidly urbanizing contexts such as the Philippines, hyperlocal design takes on heightened relevance. It encourages architects and interior designers to draw from indigenous materials, traditional construction techniques, and cultural narratives that are often overshadowed by modern development. From adaptive reuse of heritage structures in historic Manila districts to community-centered housing solutions in disaster-prone areas, hyperlocal design offers a framework for creating spaces that are both functional and deeply rooted in place.

 

Rather than treating globalization as a force that standardizes design, AYDA 2026 positions it as an opportunity for convergence — where global ideas are reinterpreted through local lenses. This approach empowers emerging designers to respond more meaningfully to pressing challenges such as climate resilience, urban density, and cultural preservation.

 

AYDA continues expanding its global design community.

Organized by Nippon Paint, the international design competition encourages Architecture and Interior design students to develop solutions rooted in local identity, cultural heritage, and community-driven innovation — while addressing the evolving needs of a rapidly connected world.

 

At a time when ideas move globally in seconds, and design trends increasingly overlap across borders, AYDA 2026 is encouraging young creatives to rediscover the value of local wisdom, traditions, and materials.

 

Participants are challenged to design spaces and experiences that strengthen communities, celebrate heritage, and reimagine how local culture can shape future-ready environments. Since launching in 2008, AYDA has grown into one of Asia’s most recognized design platforms, attracting more than 50,000 entries from over 1,300 tertiary institutions across 20 geographical locations worldwide.

 

Beyond the competition itself, AYDA has become a major talent development platform for emerging designers through mentorships, workshops, networking sessions, and cross-learning opportunities with leading industry professionals.

 

The program has also built a strong alumni network of socially conscious designers focused on combining creativity with real-world impact.

 

For Filipino architecture and design students, the theme resonates strongly with ongoing conversations in the local industry about sustainable urban development and culturally responsive design. With the Philippines facing increasing pressure from rapid city expansion and climate-related risks, the call for hyperlocal innovation highlights the role of young designers in shaping spaces that are not only globally competitive but also deeply responsive to Filipino communities and environments.

 

“Design today is no longer just about creating beautiful spaces. Young designers are being challenged to solve real problems, strengthen communities, and create environments that people can genuinely connect with,” said Chen Lee Siong, General Manager of Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines, Inc.

“With AYDA 2026, we want to encourage students to embrace local identity and culture while thinking boldly about the future. Some of the most powerful design ideas come from understanding the communities around us,” he added.

 

Harvard Prize for international winners

One of the biggest highlights of AYDA Awards 2026 is the highly coveted “Harvard Prize,” awarded to the International Gold Winners named as the AYDA Designer of the Year for both the Architecture and Interior Design categories.

 

The prize includes a fully sponsored three-week Design Discovery Program at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design (GSD) in the United States. Valued at up to USD 10,000, the immersive learning experience covers tuition fees, airfare, accommodation, and visa support, giving winners direct exposure to one of the world’s leading design institutions.

 

The Harvard Prize serves as AYDA’s flagship international opportunity, allowing young designers to deepen their design thinking, collaborate with global peers, and gain first-hand insights into advanced spatial design practices.

 

Cash awards, internships, and global exposure

Apart from the Harvard Prize, AYDA Awards 2026 will also recognize outstanding student work through multiple awards and opportunities.

 

Gold and Silver awardees will receive cash prizes and internship opportunities, while Honorary Mention winners and special category recipients will also receive monetary rewards.

 

Additional recognitions include:

• Nippon Paint Colour Award
• Best Sustainable Design
• Best Design Impact

Each special award comes with a USD 1,000 cash prize. Mentors of winning students will also gain access to the Design Discovery Virtual (DDV) Program conducted by Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design.

 

In the Philippines, AYDA offers prestigious prizes that recognize outstanding Architecture and Interior Design students. Gold Award winners in each category receive a cash prize of ₱50,000. Beyond the monetary rewards, AYDA serves as a gateway to international exposure, mentorship, networking opportunities, and the chance to represent the Philippines at the AYDA International Awards, making it one of the most sought-after design competitions for young Filipino design students.

 

Silver Award winners receive ₱30,000 in cash, while eight finalists are awarded ₱10,000 each for their exceptional entries. Special recognitions such as Best Colour Choice and Best Green Innovation also come with cash prizes of ₱10,000.

 

Entries for the AYDA Awards Philippines will officially open in June

Nippon Paint is encouraging eligible architecture and interior design students worldwide to participate and become part of AYDA’s growing global design community.

Interested participants may learn more through the official AYDA Awards Philippines Facebook page. Past sessions of the AYDA Awards are also available on AYDA’s YouTube channel. 

 

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About AYDA Awards

The AYDA Awards, launched in 2008 by Nippon Paint, are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of architectural and interior design talent globally. With a focus on technological innovation and social impact, AYDA facilitates cross-learning and mentorship among students and industry leaders, offering transformative experiences and opportunities for growth.

 

About Nippon Paint

Nippon Paint Philippines, Inc., established in 1976, is committed to delivering high-quality paint solutions. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, Nippon Paint adheres to international quality standards and environmental regulations. For more information, visit https://www.nipponpaint.ph/

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First launched in 2008, AYDA Awards (formeriy known as the Asia Young Designer Awards) is part of Nippon Paint's vision to nurture the next generation of Architectural and Interior Design talents.

It serves as a platfom to inspire students of these disciplines to develop their skills through cross- iearning opportunities and networking with key industry players, as well as their fellow peers in the region.

Since then, AYDA has grown in terms of reach and stature, and has now established itself as one of the premier design awards, having received more than 47,000 entries from over 1,200 tertiary education institutions to date, across 20 different geographical locations.

Over the years, AYDA has impacted thousands of young and talented student designers, presenting them with various opportunities to engage with renowned speakers and key figures in the design industry. The platform has enabled the participants to gain first-hand industry krnowledge, personalized coaching, mentoring and skills-building through various workshops by experienced lecturers and industry professionals. To top things off, the AYDA Designer of the Year wins an all-expenses paid, 3-week placement at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design's Design Discovery Program.

Through various experiential learning experiences such as AYDA XGhange and AYDA International Summit, a close-knit and passionate design community has been formed. AYDA's network is made of professional architects, interior designers, industry associations, partners, design schols, alumni and design students all working together to raise the next generation of socially conscious designers.

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Your perfect outfit is right here: Grab-A-Fit is your new go-to for versatile everyday fashion

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Build any outfit effortlessly with the new Basics collection from Grab-A-Fit, available exclusively at all Robinsons Department Store branches

Forget the daily "I have nothing to wear" panic. Robinsons Department Store just made outfit-planning so much easier with Grab-A-Fit, Basics Collection.

Welcome remarks led by Robinsons Department Store AVP Men’s Fashion - Ed Dizon

On May 22, 2026, Robinsons Department Store hosted the official launch of Grab-A-Fit at Robinsons Department Store Galleria, transforming the store space into a high-energy fashion playground. The event also introduced the new Basics everyday wear collection of Grab-A-Fit, a brand exclusively available at Robinsons Department Store, all branches nationwide.

Grab a Fit, New Basics Collection

The Grab a Fit Basics collection has casual, smart casual, and urban style pieces that you can mix and match to pull off any look for your daily grind. Whether it’s casual chic for weekend strolls or a polished business look for important meetings, Grab-A-Fit has trendy pieces for everyone.

Centered on exceptional affordability and versatility, the launch event made effortless style accessible to everyone. Curated mannequin displays and interactive fashion zones gave customers and guests plenty of inspiration to mix, match, and elevate their daily OOTDs.

Grab a Fit curated outfits by fashion and lifestyle creators (L-R) Alexa Viray, Anne Lopez, Ian Vivas, and Pat Sugui.

Finding your perfect ‘fit

The Grab-A-Fit launch showcased outfits curated by Ian Vivas, Anne Lopez, Alexa Viray, and Pat Sugui. Each look featured the fashion influencer’s personality and highlighted how anyone can effortlessly build multiple looks using the Basics collection pieces.

Grab-A-Fit also empowered fashion lovers to become trendsetters in their own right. Guests checked out pieces from the Basics collection in Robinsons Department Store Galleria and tried them on to create outfits that matched their unique style.

Unveiling of collection highlight by Robinsons Department Store (RDS) and Grab a Fit Representatives (L-R), Josh Dela Cruz - Grab a Fit, Business Group Director, Eric Dela Cruz - Grab a Fit, VP for Operations, Ed Dizon - RDS, AVP for Men's Fashion

Shoppers can join in the fashion fun. The Grab-A-Fit try-on display will be open to everyone at Robinsons Department Store Galleria. Update your wardrobe with new Basics pieces at an affordable price, exclusively available at all Robinsons Department Store branches nationwide.

Grab a Fit launch attended by Grab a Fit executives and Robinsons Department Store (RDS) executives (L-R), Stanley Co - Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc., President & CEO, Carmina Quizon - RDS, Group General Manager, Eric Dela Cruz - Grab a Fit, VP for Operations, Josh Dela Cruz - Grab a Fit, Business Group Director, and Ed Dizon - RDS, AVP for Men's Fashion

Ready to find your ‘fit? Check out the Grab-A-Fit collection at Robinsons Department Store Galleria Atrium. Get updated and follow Robinsons Department Store on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.