Make the switch
BDO Unibank encourages its clients who use BDO Digital Banking app to switch to BDO Online app.
BDO Unibank clients will benefit from the new features of BDO Online, the Bank’s newest companion mobile app which can help users manage their finances and make secure transactions anytime and anywhere.
The BDO Online app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play Store. Just look for the “BDO Online” app icon.
BDO Online app users can add and remove their preferred bank accounts and credit cards to the mobile app. They can also now view the monthly statements and account summaries of their checking accounts and credit cards, including those with dual currencies.
Another update is that BDO Online app users can now schedule sending money and paying for bills to help them meet financial duties on time. They can view and manage their scheduled and recurring transactions on the app to keep track.
Clients can use the following features for both transactions: Send Money to their account or any BDO Account, Pay Bills, and Buy Load. They can also generate QR Codes to send or receive money. Furthermore, they can send money to another bank or e-wallet for only P10 via InstaPay.
The app’s upgrades include enhanced security features for account protection. BDO Online app users can now lock or unlock their credit or debit cards, set spending limits on their debit cards, and disable or enable overseas debit card transactions.
Cash-lite tourism in Boracay
GCash has teamed up with the Municipality of Malay to further promote cash-lite tourism in Boracay Island through the town’s unified ticketing payment system, the eBoracay platform.
Through the partnership, tourists can easily pay terminal, environmental, and boat fees starting with Tabon Port of Malay, along with more transactions by logging in to https://guest.eboracay.net. The portal is powered by its electronic payment and collection system provider, Surepay Technologies Inc. (SPTI)
“The unified automated process and cashless payments will be available in more access ports going to Boracay, as we help build a secure and seamless cashless ecosystem that supports the sustainable development of one of the best islands in the world,” said Jong Layug, group head of GCash B2B.
Arnold Caballero, SPTI president, said collecting required fees via the Tabon Port entry is an essential first step toward providing ultimate convenience to tourists and residents of Boracay.
For more flexible cashless payment options, GCash also offers GCredit and GGives features that let users shop now and pay later. GCredit allows tourists to extend their travel budget by providing a credit limit determined by their GScore.
BPI clients urged to be vigilant
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is urging the public to stay vigilant about this nefarious practice, as cybercriminals are getting more sophisticated in their tactics and the use of social engineering schemes in the country.
“In this modus, the scammer makes three statements. The trick is that not all statements are true: two of the statements given are truths and one is a lie,” noted Jonathan John Paz, BPI Enterprise information security officer and data protection officer.
BPI continues to roll out regular reminders to its accountholders emphasizing the need to remain alert and to not easily believe any emails, messages or calls from people claiming to be the bank’s representatives. Among the lies that BPI warns the public about are the following:
Under the cover of “hiring” schemes, fraudsters offer unwitting victims supposedly open positions in the bank. Fake employers would ask the unsuspecting victims to submit not just their employment documents but also to pay “processing fees.”
- Another lie these scammers also use for their modus is to offer to convertr expiring bankpoints to cashback. They would then ask for sensitive banking information to facilitate the conversion.
- There is also a scheme whereby scammers call about unauthorized charges in one’s account and how these can be reversed.
BPI encourages its customers to use the Bank’s mobile and online security features to help keep their accounts safe.
Next-gen technology for emergency response
Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr. underscored the importance of a unified, nationwide 911 emergency response system l that uses the latest technology like the US’ “911” to respond swiftly and accurately to emergencies in all parts of the country.
This was Abalos’ message at the National Summit for Emergency Response held August 14 at the EDSA Shangri-La Manila, an event attended by 38 local government units, 18 government agencies, eight private organizations and about 350 participants.
(From left) Francis Fajardo, executive director, E911 National Office); Abalos; Ferguson; and; Locsin,
Abalos cited the pioneering work done by the municipality of Morong, Rizal in putting up its own command center that runs on the cutting edge technology provided by Next Generation Advanced 911. He said Alaminos, Pangasinan; Cagayan De Oro City, Cebu City and Navotas City will soon put up their revitalized public safety capabilities.
The Philippine National Police is now testing the cutting edge, next generation advanced 911 technology that has given it world-class emergency response capabilities like that used in the US and Europe.
At the Summit the Abalos, PNP Col. Salvador, PLDT FVP and head of Enterprise and International Core Business Mitch Locsin and NGA 911 co-founder CEO Don Ferguson signed a Memorandum of Understanding that made the turnover of the NGA 911 call handling system to the PNP official.
Honor expands in Bicol
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony are (from left) Jiali Wang, Honor Philippines’ Concept, Experience, Kiosk head; Jeannette de Vera, SM City Naga mall manager; Andy Cheng, MMEC Systematic Operations head; Henry Cheng, Honor Philippines retail sales director for Bicol and Eastern Visayas; and Pao Oga, Honor Philippines public relations manager.
After the successful first day sale of Honor 200, the leading global technology provider, Honor, announces its expansion in Bicol region with newest Honor stores opening in SM City Naga and SM City Daet.
Another milestone for the tech giant is the opening of Honor’s service center in SM City North EDSA.
Travel + Leisure Co. wins at HR Asia Best Companies to Work
Travel + Leisure Co., the world’s leading membership and leisure travel company, has been named a winner of the prestigious 2024 HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia — The Philippines Chapter.
The award acknowledges organizations identified by their employees as employers of choice, highlighting exceptional HR practices, high employee engagement, and excellent workplace cultures across Asia.
tions at Travel + Leisure Co.
The Travel + Leisure Co. office in Clark, Pampanga, employs over 700 professionals who provide essential 24/7 support across various business units operating in Asia Pacific, North America, Europe and the company’s global travel services and timeshare exchange business.
The company was recognized for its initiatives that elevate workplace culture and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Employees are also encouraged to participate in company programs focusing on charity, environmental protection, LGBTQIA+ rights, staff wellness, and empowerment of women. They also impact the local community through planting trees with the Aetas and supporting orphanages, public schools, an animal shelter, and an organization dedicated to conserving endangered sea turtles.
Security Bank, ArteFino champion Filipino craftsmanship
Security Bank once again joins ArteFinoto celebrate Filipino craftsmanship.
The anticipated four-day fair brings together over 100 thoughtfully curated local designers and artist-entrepreneurs from August 22 to 25 at The Fifth at Rockwell in Power Plant Mall, Makati City.
Themed “Ka-PAMANA,” the 2024 ArteFino Fair aims to promote Philippine heritage, craft, and legacy.
Security Bank has supported ArteFino for the past five years in line with its mission to enrich lives, empower businesses, and build communities sustainably. “Security Bank is proud to partner with ArteFino once again. We share their vision of supporting Filipino artisans and entrepreneurs who showcase our rich cultural heritage and creativity.
Together, we hope to inspire more Filipinos to appreciate and patronize local products, as well as empower homegrown businesses to thrive,” said Tanya Deakin, FVP and head of Corporate Communications at Security Bank.
ArteFino shoppers are invited to apply for Security Bank Gold Circle, an exclusive membership program for VIP banking.
Security Bank debit and credit cardholders will enjoy free access to ArteFino.
Digital transformation across regions
Eastern Communications has forged partnerships with local government units across the country. Through the collaborative Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) project, they aim to drive economic growth by elevating the country’s digital connectivity and network backbone.
The PDSCN is a joint initiative between Eastern Communications, Globe Group, and InfiniVAN Inc. with long-term goals of fostering economic growth and bridging the digital divide. Once completed, it will span over 2,500 kilometers of fiber cables across the Philippines.
This robust network is designed to revolutionize internet reliability and resiliency.
This advanced infrastructure is set to catalyze economic growth and digital transformation in previously underserved and unserved regions.
With the PDSCN Express Route now operational, Eastern plans to expand its connectivity network to cater to key business regions such as Iloilo, Davao, Bohol, Boracay, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, and Dumaguete.
Eastern recently forged partnerships LGUs of Cebu and Negros Occidental.
Pru Life UK wins at International Business Awards
Pru Life UK took home three prestigious awards from the 21st annual International Business Awards (Stevie Awards)
Pru Life UK won Gold in the category of Communications or PR Campaign of the Year – Sport for PRURide Philippines 2023, a cycling festival that celebrates life with Filipino families for better health and wellness. Since 2016, the event has attracted thousands of amateur and seasoned cyclists, including some of the Philippines’ strongest and most competitive athletes.
For Climate Change PR Campaign of the Year, Pru Life UK’s Climate and Health Education sessions, support communities in addressing health challenges and financial security resulting from climate change, took a Gold award.
For Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Community Relations, Pru Life UK bagged a Silver Stevie Awards for PRUBabies, the company’s free insurance coverage against select infectious diseases such as Dengue, Typhoid, Measles, and Malaria for 175,000 newborns.
