Monday, June 15, 2026
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), through its collecting Ministries, Offices, and Agencies, will soon introduce a more convenient way for constituents to pay government fees and complete transactions following a new partnership between the Bangsamoro Treasury Office (BTO), a sectoral office under the Ministry of Finance, Budget, and Management, and GCash.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to improving access to public services by providing a digital platform that connects government services directly to constituents, making transactions simpler, faster, and more accessible across the region.
Payment processes have largely remained traditional, with many transactions still done manually and requiring constituents to visit field offices to complete them. For those in remote and far-flung areas, this often results in additional time, cost, and inconvenience.
As emphasized by Minister Ubaida C. Pacasem of the Ministry of Finance and Budget and Management—BARMM, “The partnership between the BTO and GCash is a powerful vehicle for change, and we are fully committed to steering it toward success. We are ready to do the work today, tomorrow, and in the years to come,” she added.
The Bangsamoro Treasury Office’s initiative to introduce digital payment channels aims to address these challenges by bringing services closer to communities while ensuring that proper guidelines and controls are observed.
“Bangsamoro Treasury Office acknowledges that this partnership is an important step not only in strengthening our collection systems, but also in guiding Bangsamoro Ministries, Offices, and Agencies as we encourage the adoption of digital payment options to serve communities across BARMM better,” said Chief Naila Z. Dimaraw, Bangsamoro treasurer.
“At its core, this initiative is about financial inclusion. We know the realities of our geography. Across the mainland and island provinces, access to traditional banking infrastructure has long been a challenge. By partnering with GCash, we are embracing a more mobile future for public service delivery, bridging the gap and enabling constituents to pay fees, taxes, and other dues more conveniently, without the need for long travel or waiting in line,” the Bangsamoro treasurer chief added.
GCash remains committed to contributing to the Bangsamoro Government’s efforts to promote financial inclusion and strengthen the efficiency of revenue collection. The partnership also highlights how digital tools can make it easier for citizens to engage with Bangsamoro Ministries, Offices, and Agencies, fostering a more seamless and citizen-centered service experience.
“GCash recognizes the priorities, systems, and the needs of the communities of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” said Cleo Celeste Santos, Head of GCash Public Sector. “We stand ready to support where we are most needed—empowering institutions, enhancing service delivery, and helping build a more inclusive, citizen-centered digital ecosystem for the Bangsamoro Government and its people,” she added.
As digital adoption continues to grow, this collaboration marks a step toward a more accessible and responsive government—where public services are easier to access and better aligned with the everyday needs of communities.
For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.
Manila, Philippines (May 2026) – The Macaulay Club, Sun Life Philippines’ club for top-performing financial advisors, reaffirmed its commitment to giving back with a PHP 1.6 million donation to SOS Children’s Villages Pilipinas.
A handover ceremony was held at the SOS Children’s Village Manila in Muntinlupa City to mark the donation, which will support SOS Children’s Villages Pilipinas’ crucial work of providing nurturing homes to abandoned children and supporting disadvantaged families. The contribution was facilitated with the help of Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation).
Gracing the ceremony were Sun Life Philippines Chief Distribution Officer Al Quitangon, Macaulay Club President Raul Glenn Cuevo, and SOS Children’s Villages Pilipinas National Director Romil Rayos Del Sol.
The Macaulay Club is no stranger to supporting noble causes. In recent years, it has contributed to development initiatives including a school nutrition program and the installation of solar-powered lighting systems in remote off-grid schools.
“The Sun Life advisors’ promise to help Filipinos build a brighter future extends to the wider community, and this donation embodies their deep commitment to uplifting lives and empowering the vulnerable,” said Quitangon. “We are grateful to join hands with SOS Pilipinas in building a brighter future for these children.”
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Macaulay Club of Sun Life for their generous donation,” said Rayos Del Sol. “Your commitment goes beyond financial aid; it sends a powerful message to our children that there are people who care about their future.”
As the first and longest-standing life insurance company in the country, Sun Life Philippines aims to be the Filipino people’s partner in building a healthy and prosperous nation, enabling holistic education, health, and environment programs through its philanthropic arm, Sun Life Foundation.
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (May 2026) – For more than three years, Sun Life Philippines, in cooperation with the Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. and global sport for social change foundation Beyond Sport, has been championing healthier, more active lifestyles among Filipino youth through its Hoops + Health program – using the power of basketball to drive long-term well-being.
This year, the program reached a new milestone with the renovation and reopening of the Bagong Pag-asa ng Taguig Homeowners Association, Inc. (BPTHAI) Basketball Court in Taguig, giving young athletes in the community a safe space to play, grow, and stay active. The refurbished court – which features upgraded flooring, hoops, and facilities – now serves as a hub for youth development and community engagement.
The reopening was marked by a vibrant community event that brought together young players, coaches, and volunteers. Participants took part in basketball clinics covering shooting, ball handling, and defense, alongside exhibition performances, friendly competitions, and a 3x3 mini tournament. Guest athletes and Sun Life volunteers – including its leaders, advisors, and employees – joined in the celebration, reinforcing the shared commitment to empowering the next generation through sport.
“Filipinos have always been passionate about basketball as this has become a shared experience across generations,” said Joy Castillo, Chief Operating Officer of Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. and President of the Sun Life Foundation. “By tapping into this love for the sport, we aim to inspire the youth to adopt healthier habits that they can carry with them for life.”
Since its launch in 2023, Hoops + Health has gone beyond clinics and games. Through collaborations with community groups, coaches, and health professionals, the program integrates lessons on fitness, nutrition, and mental wellness into engaging, accessible experiences for young Filipinos.
For over 130 years, Sun Life has remained committed to nation-building – going beyond financial security to support the overall well-being of Filipinos, especially the youth. Through initiatives like Hoops + Health, the company aims to empower the next generation to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
To learn more about Sun Life Philippines, visit www.sunlife.com.ph. Stay updated by following @sunlifeph on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Sun Day Collective is Sun Life’s latest platform designed to bring wellness into everyday life, combining physical activity, recovery, and social connection in a way that feels accessible, inclusive, and community driven.
Anchored on Sun Life’s Live Bright Now campaign, Sun Day Collective reflects the brand’s belief that living brighter starts with taking care of both your financial future and your overall well-being today. While Sun Life has long championed financial literacy, it has always advocated a more holistic approach to living well – one that includes health, protection, and everyday habits that support a brighter life.
At the heart of the June 28 experience is a thoughtfully curated morning that moves participants through three key elements: running, rhythm, and reset. The event will feature a community run led by various run clubs, offering different pace groups to accommodate participants of all fitness levels.
Beyond running, attendees can explore movement sessions such as rope flow and hula hoop, alongside recovery experiences including cold plunge in collaboration with Longevity Labs, and wellness-focused activities designed to help participants recharge and recalibrate. Lifestyle spaces will also be available, creating opportunities for attendees to slow down, connect, and enjoy the morning with like-minded individuals.
Adding to the excitement, Sun Life has teamed up with Enimal, a leading Philippine-based independent lifestyle and apparel brand, to create exclusive Sun Day Collective merchandise. As part of the June 28
experience, eventgoers will get a chance to win a limited-edition Sun Day Collective x Enimal shirt and a Sun Day Collective x Enimal running equipment rubber bag, designed exclusively for the launch season. This collaboration brings together wellness and style, giving participants something tangible to remember the event by.
Participants will also have the chance to win two tickets to watch a Grammy Award-winning artist at the Sun Life Premier Suite in SM Mall of Asia Arena on October 26, 2026, offering a premium lifestyle experience that complements the brand’s commitment to helping Clients enjoy life today while preparing for the future.
“Sun Day Collective is about creating simple, real ways for people to live bright now,” said Carla Gonzalez Chong, Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer of Sun Life Philippines. “It’s where movement, recovery, and connection come together in a way that feels natural and enjoyable, whether you’re just starting your wellness journey or already living an active lifestyle.”
Following its Makati launch, Sun Day Collective will expand through a series of community activations across different cities from July to October, in collaboration with run clubs and wellness groups nationwide. These activations aim to make wellness more accessible while building a stronger, more connected fitness and lifestyle community across the Philippines.
By bringing these experiences closer to Filipinos across the country, Sun Life reinforces its commitment to helping people live brighter lives, not only by securing their financial future, but also by supporting their overall well-being today.
Join Sun Day Collective on June 28 and be part of a growing community that moves, connects, and lives bright now.
To learn more about Sun Life’s products and services, visit www.sunlife.com.ph. Stay updated by following @sunlifeph on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
At the prestigious Gintong Kalasag Awards, the top tier of the Philippine Life Insurance Awards (PhiLIAA), Sun Life Philippines delivered a strong performance with five of the Top 10 life insurance advisors in the country coming from its advisory force.
Recognized based on annualized premium were Sun Life advisors Raul Glenn Cuevo, Owdylyn Lee, Rallph Jhan Aaronne Monzon, Salvador Valbuena, and Adelina Villacorte, who secured spots among the nation’s top-performing advisors, based on their 2025 production figures.
Organized by the Life Underwriters Association of the Philippines (LUAP), PhiLIAA is the first nationwide recognition program for life insurance advisors in the Philippines. It features three categories, with the Gintong Kalasag Award regarded as the most prestigious, given to the Top 10 life insurance advisors in the country.
“It is with much pride that we congratulate our advisors recognized in the Gintong Kalasag Awards,” says Alfonso Quitangon, Chief Distribution Officer of Sun Life. “This achievement reflects their dedication to helping Clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. It also serves as an inspiration to others in the industry who share in this important mission”
Since its launch in 2022, the Gintong Kalasag Awards have consistently recognized Sun Life advisors among the country’s top performers. In 2024, the company recorded its strongest showing, with nine out of 10 awardees coming from Sun Life.
For more information about Sun Life Philippines, visit www.sunlife.com.ph. Stay updated by following Sun Life Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
MANILA, PH – June 2026 – Rising living costs are reshaping how Filipinos manage their money, often at the expense of long-term financial security.
This was the pressing reality underscored in Sun Life’s latest Financial Resilience Index 2026. The study reveals that while Filipino households continue to meet their day-to-day needs, confidence in their financial future is weakening. The proportion of highly resilient households dropped significantly from 33% to 19%, reflecting a shift toward more vulnerable financial positions.
With 95% of Filipinos saying inflation has made it harder to cover monthly expenses, the findings highlight how cost pressures are influencing both financial behavior and mindset. Essential expenses such as utilities (99%), transportation fuel and groceries (98%), cooking fuel (97%), and healthcare (95%) are driving this strain.
Short-term decisions, long-term impact
The study shows that many Filipinos are making short-term adjustments to cope with rising costs – decisions that may impact future financial stability. About 22% report drawing down their savings, 30% are reducing or skipping essential spending, and 9% have paused retirement contributions.
As a result, overall financial preparedness remains limited. Only 7% of Filipinos feel very financially secure, and just 24% say they can sustain themselves for more than six months without income.
Managing daily expenses has now become the top financial priority for more than half of respondents over the next 12 months, surpassing saving and long-term planning.
Building resilience starts with knowledge and planning
Sun Life’s latest study highlights financial literacy and long-term planning as key drivers of resilience. Filipinos with higher financial literacy are significantly more prepared for rising costs and more confident about their financial future.
Those who plan ahead are also more than three times as likely to feel confident in achieving their long term goals, yet only 22% of Filipinos currently have financial plans that extend beyond five years.
Digital tools are also playing an increasingly important role in financial decision-making. The Index shows that 52% of Filipinos now use generative AI for financial guidance, with 65% expecting their usage to grow in the next year.
While technology offers convenience and accessibility, respondents continue to value human advice – particularly for more complex, long-term financial decisions.
Empowering Filipinos to Live Bright Now
“These findings reinforce why empowering Filipinos to take control of their financial journey matters now more than ever,” said JJ Moreno, Country Head and CEO of Sun Life Philippines. “As Sun Life marks Financial Independence Month this June, we reiterate our commitment to helping Filipinos become more financially resilient.”
For Financial Independence Month, Sun Life is rolling out a series of initiatives throughout June, designed to help Filipinos build better habits and take action towards a more financially secure and healthier future:
• FinLit Fridays featuring Donny Pangilinan: Bite-sized financial education content aimed at making money conversations more relatable and easier to understand.
• Sun Day Collective: Community events that bring together wellness and financial empowerment in accessible, engaging ways. The launch event will happen on June 28, 2026, from 6:00AM – 10:00AM at Ayala Car-Free Sundays in Makati.
• Stories to Live Bright Now: A new video series highlighting real Client journeys, including business owners and overseas Filipino workers, and how they are building resilience • Financial Literacy Content from Influencers: Practical and relatable money content from Jax Reyes, Jan Ocampo (The Present PH), and Nicole Alba, aimed at helping Filipinos take control of their finances through everyday insights and actionable tips
• Employee Diaries: A content series featuring real employees sharing the practical ways they manage their finances
• Shine Pinoy Moments: A spotlight on the stories of Overseas Filipino workers, celebrating their resilience and commitment to securing their families’ financial futures
Through these initiatives, Sun Life aims to make financial conversations more accessible, relatable, and actionable. Catch these content series on Sun Life Philippines’ Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/SunLifePH
“Financial independence is not achieved overnight,” Moreno added. “It is built through consistent, informed decisions. Sun Life is here to help them strengthen their financial knowledge and provide the right guidance, so Filipinos can live brighter today while building for tomorrow.”
View the Philippines findings of the Sun Life Asia Financial Resilience Index here 2026: www.sunlife.co/FinancialResilienceIndex2026
To learn more about how Sun Life can help you live bright now, visit www.sunlife.co/LiveBrightNow. Stay updated by following @sunlifeph on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Jollibee surprises commuters nationwide with glowed up Yumburger
Thousands of commuters at major transport hubs and shopping centers across the Philippines were met with an unexpected treat as Jollibee launched its upgraded iconic Yumburger. The Yumburger now has a bigger beef patty and more dressing, making it more Langhap-Sarap while still priced at ₱45.
From office workers to students, many took the chance to try the improved Yumburger, making their usual trips a little more exciting. Crowds gathered at One Ayala in Makati, The Infinity in Pampanga, Paseo de Santa Rosa in Laguna, Parkmall in Cebu, and Rizal Park in Davao. Jollibee gave away 2,000 free Yumburgers at each location, plus 4,000 vouchers to try an exclusive combo in stores.
“Filipino commuters have always loved the Jollibee Yumburger, so we thought this was the perfect way to bring them a little extra joy,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. “Our Yumburger is not just a burger, but a part of Filipino life and cherished memories. With this glow-up, it is more Langhap-Sarap, giving comfort and happiness in every bite while staying affordable for everyone.”
Adding to the excitement, the Yum mascot delighted commuters at each location, posing for photos, handing out burgers, and energizing the surprise giveaways.
Also, Jollibee released a new film featuring the glowed-up Yumburger and encourages customers to share their #GlowUpYUM moments on social media for a chance to be featured on the brand’s official channels.
The nationwide activity highlighted Jollibee’s commitment to giving Filipinos more of what they love, making a familiar favorite even better and more enjoyable.
Craving more Jollibee treats and exclusives? Head to www.jollibee.com.ph for the latest updates, order your favorites at https://order.jollibee.com, and follow us on social media for more JOYful surprises!
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