Saturday, November 8, 2025
East Zone concessionaire Manila Water has reinforced its commitment to delivering 24/7 water supply across its service area through the official takeover of operations of the Upper Wawa Dam, following the successful acquisition of WawaJVCo.
The turnover, completed in October, marked the formal transition of operations from Prime Infra to Manila Water, with WawaJVCo employees officially welcomed into the Manila Water family. This strategic move consolidates the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project under Manila Water’s management, ensuring greater operational efficiency and long-term water security for its customers.
The acquisition complements Manila Water’s ongoing efforts to diversify and secure alternative water sources, alongside existing facilities such as the Wawa-Calawis Water Treatment Plant (WTP) in Antipolo City, Cardona WTP in Rizal, and the East Bay WTP, which both draws water from Laguna Lake.
As the largest water source development since 1967, the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project will deliver up to 710 million liters per day (MLD), benefiting more than 700,000 households or approximately 3.5 million Filipinos within the MWSS concession area.
“The Upper Wawa Dam is the largest dam built in the Philippines in over 50 years. For decades, Angat Dam has been our primary water source. With the completion of the project, the facility now provides an additional layer of reliability for Metro Manila’s water supply, not just for our East Zone service area, but as an extra source that can support the broader Metro Manila region,” said Joe Costales, newly appointed General Manager of WawaJVCo.
Beyond water security, the Upper Wawa Dam reflects Manila Water’s commitment to climate resilience, protecting not only its facilities but more importantly the communities it serves. Designed primarily as a water supply source, the dam has proven to be a vital flood mitigation measure, repeatedly cited by government agencies as instrumental in reducing flooding in vulnerable areas of Rizal and Marikina by capturing and storing excess rainwater.
In 2024, the Upper Wawa Dam played a critical role in mitigating flooding during Super Typhoon Carina by significantly reducingdownstream flood impact in Rizal and Metro Manila by controlling water discharge and lowering flow from 2,100 m³/s to 200 m³/s. The reservoir, which spans 450 hectares and stores up to 120 million cubic meters, nearly filled in two days due to heavy rains, accumulating over 90 million cubic meters of water. Government officials, including President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and Rizal Governor Nina Ynares, credited the dam for preventing severe damage.
In a press briefing in August this year, Marikina 2nd District Representative Miro Quimbo credited the Upper Wawa Dam for helping reduce flooding in Marikina City during Typhoon Crising. According to Quimbo, more than 51% of floodwater was captured by the dam’s reservoir instead of flowing into Marikina, significantly minimizing the impact of the tropical cyclone.
Manila Water and WawaJVCo is currently gearing up for the official start of its commercial operations slated in December 2025.
East Zone concessionaire Manila Water has reinforced its commitment to delivering 24/7 water supply across its service area through the official takeover of operations of the Upper Wawa Dam, following the successful acquisition of WawaJVCo.
With GLoan, you can plan and budget your Christmas shopping early—so you can score the best deals, save more, and enjoy a stress-free holiday season.
Every year, Christmas feels less like a celebration and more like a competitive sport — crowded malls, heavy traffic, and “out of stock” signs everywhere. For many Filipinos, the waiting game is real. They usually hold off their shopping, only to end up with the perfect storm of stress: rushed shopping and missed deals.
This year, skip the chaos and shop smart online during 11.11 sales— get ahead of the rush, score the good gifts, and actually enjoy the holidays stress-free. The best gifts don’t wait — and neither should you. 11.11 is the perfect time to fill your carts on your favorite e-commerce platforms, with early deals, lower prices, and a wider selection before the Christmas crunch begins. Plus, you’ll beat delivery cutoffs and avoid the dreaded shipping delays that come with December’s last-minute panic buying.
And with GLoan, you can plan and manage your Christmas shopping budget early, helping you spread out expenses, score the best deals, save more, and make sure every family member gets something special— kering-keri for a stress-free, merry season.
So, what should be in your cart this 11.11? Here’s your ultimate family gift guide:
1. Practical meets pampering for Mom: Massage Gun
Eyeing that full-on massage chair (because..same?) but still saving up for it? A massage gun is the next best thing for Mom. Priced around Php 3,000–Php 4,000, it’s a practical yet pampering pick that helps ease sore muscles after a long day. When choosing one, look for multiple speed settings, a quiet motor, and interchangeable massage heads—perfect for helping her unwind and enjoy a well-deserved break, anytime she needs it.
2. A classy upgrade for Dad: Classic Watch
Dad’s the go-to guy for fixing anything, but when it comes to treating himself, he never gets around to it. This Christmas, give him a timeless upgrade with a classic watch (priced around ₱5,000–₱7,000). Choose one with a durable leather strap, a sleek minimalist face, and water resistance for everyday wear. It’s a practical yet thoughtful gift—reliable, classic, and effortlessly stylish, just like him.
3. A stylish work-from-home must-have for Ate/Kuya: Walking Pads
While working from home sounds comfy, it doesn’t exactly erase the stress. This Christmas, a walking pad (priced around Php 4,000–Php 7,000) is the ultimate work-from-home upgrade for your Ate/Kuya who’s always glued to their desk. Look for a foldable model for easy storage, a quiet motor, and adjustable speed or incline settings (0–10°) to fit their fitness goals. It’s a sleek, practical way to keep them moving—even while chasing deadlines (literally!).
4. Toys that spark creativity for Bunso: Building blocks
Instead of going all out on toys that end up forgotten after a week for bunso, why not give something fun and educational? Building blocks (priced between Php 700–Php 5,000) strike the perfect balance between fun and learning. When choosing a set, look for themes that match bunso’s interests—cars, flowers, or favorite movie characters—and make sure the pieces are age-appropriate and compatible with other sets. It’s a gift that keeps them entertained, creative, and curious long after the holidays are over.
5. An ‘I Deserve It’ gift for yourself: That one thing you’ve been eyeing all year
If there’s ever a time to finally check out that item that’s been sitting in your cart all year—this is it. Whether it’s the shoes, the bag, or the skincare set you’ve been eyeing, look for quality, versatility, and timeless design so it feels as good as it looks. It’s not just a purchase—it’s a well-deserved reward for making it through another year. After all, nothing says “I deserve it!” better than finally treating yourself.
Gift Now, Pay Later: How GLoan Makes Early Gifting Effortless
With GLoan, the season of giving doesn’t have to mean the season of stressing. You get instant access to funds of up to Php 150,000 straight to your GCash wallet and flexible payment terms that let you spread out costs without breaking the bank and interest for as low as 1.59% per month. It’s the perfect solution for families who want to give thoughtfully, not impulsively, and make the most of every deal.
To avail GLoan, just follow these steps:
1. In your GCash dashboard, tap the “Borrow” tab
2. Tap the GLoan icon
3. Tap “Get Started” to select your loan amount and purpose of the loan
4. Tap "Get this Loan" and then "Continue" after reviewing the loan terms and your personal information.
5. Read the Disclosure Statement and the Terms and Conditions carefully. Tick the box to agree, then tap "Continue”
6. Confirm the final loan amount you will receive. A 6-digit authentication code will be sent to your registered mobile number via SMS.
7. Enter the authentication code on the app and tap "Submit". You will see a confirmation message, and the loan amount will be credited to your GCash wallet within 24 hours.
Now that your cart’s full and ready to go, checking out from the app is a breeze. Whether you’re paying with your GCash Visa card or straight from your GCash wallet, kering-keri to cover all the gifts you’ve scored — quick, easy, and cashless, just how holiday shopping should be.
Make this Christmas calm, not chaotic. Because the best gifts aren’t just the ones wrapped under the tree—they’re the moments you get to actually enjoy, without the stress of last-minute shopping or budget worries. So skip the rush and focus on what really matters: creating a merry, meaningful Christmas for your loved ones. With GLoan, kering-keri to shop smarter, not harder—because the joy of giving shouldn’t have to wait.
You can access GLoan through the GCash dashboard or click the “Borrow” button. GLoan subject to eligibility. Terms and Conditions apply. No GCash yet? Download the GCash App on Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery. Kaya mo, i-GCash mo!
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About GCash
GCash is the Philippines’ #1 Finance App and Largest Cashless Ecosystem. Through the GCash App, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills via partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 6 million partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash’s mobile wallet operations are handled by G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt, the first and only duacorn in the Philippines.
GCash is a staunch supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly UN SDGs 5,8,10, and 13, which focus on safety&security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, respectively.
About Fuse Financing, Inc.
Fuse Financing, Inc. is a company that offers simple, affordable, and secure loans in the Philippines. Its primary goal is to enable individuals and small businesses to achieve financial security and growth through various digital lending products. Fuse Financing, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt, the first and only $5 billion unicorn in the Philippines. It’s also regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Mynt, through its fintech operations, is a staunch supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly UN SDGs 5,8,10, and 13, which focus on safety&security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, respectively.
Terms and Conditions apply.
GGives is powered by Fuse Financing, Inc.
Fuse Financing, Inc. is regulated by the SEC (flcd_queries@sec.gov.ph) with Registration Number: CS201617622 and Certificate of Authority Number: 1317. Kindly review the terms and conditions in the Disclosure Statement before proceeding with the loan transaction.
Thursday, November 6, 2025
[November 5, 2025] Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is ushering in the Christmas season by giving back to its subscribers through the exciting Smart Holideals raffle promo.
Open to all new and existing Smart Prepaid and Smart Postpaid subscribers from October 17 to December 31, 2025, the Smart Holideals promo gives lucky customers a chance to win up to ₱5 million in the life-changing grand raffle draw.
Join by texting RAFFLE to 5858
To join, subscribers simply need to text RAFFLE to 5858. Once successfully registered, they can start earning and racking up raffle entries based on their Smart transactions.
Smart Prepaid subscribers will earn raffle entries for every data offer they avail.
Meanwhile, Smart Postpaid subscribers will earn raffle entries for every data add-on or booster purchased. New and renewing Smart Postpaid subscribers who opt in to the raffle promo between October 17 and December 31, 2025, will automatically get bonus raffle entries. New and renewing Plan 599 to 799 subscribers will receive 10 raffle entries, while new and renewing subscribers of Plan 999 and higher will get 15 raffle entries.
Be a Smart Holideals millionaire
From October 17 to January 6, three winners of ₱30,000 will be drawn each week. All raffle points earned during the raffle promo period will also accumulate for the grand draw on January 6, 2026, where one winner will take home ₱1 million, another will win ₱3 million, and one will become ₱5 million richer.
Subscribers can win in multiple weekly draws and still qualify for the grand draw but can only win once per draw date.
Winners will be announced on Smart’s official accounts and contacted and validated via call-out by an authorized Smart representative through official Smart numbers: 7777 or *888.
Don’t miss your chance to become one of this season’s Smart Holideals millionaires! Register by texting RAFFLE to 5858 or switch now to Smart and start earning raffle entries for a shot at life-changing prizes.
For updates and announcements, click https://smart.com.ph/Pages/
Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly constructed Gapan East Integrated School building led by (from left) Ronalyn Velilia, Gapan Branch Business Manager; Maureen Grace Banalagay, Bulacan/Nueva Ecija Branch Banking Group Area Head; Melissa Aquino, SBFI Trustee; Rafael F. Simpao, Jr., SBFI Chairman; Hon. Emary Joy D. Pascual, Mayor of Gapan City; Dr. Enrique E. Angeles, Jr., Schools Division Superintendent; Hon. Paul Michael Amparado, Barangay Captain of San Vicente, Gapan; and Julita Aguilar, Principal of Gapan East Integrated School
Gapan City, Nueva Ecija – Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) turned over a newly constructed two-storey, six-classroom school building to Gapan East Integrated School (GEIS) in Nueva Ecija, marking another milestone in its flagship program “Build a School, Build a Nation: The Classrooms Project.”
The donation helps ease GEIS’s classroom shortage, giving over 1,200 students and teachers a more conducive space to learn, grow, and dream. Despite limited resources, GEIS has consistently excelled—scoring above the national average in problem-solving, information literacy, and critical thinking during the 2023–2024 National Achievement Test, even outperforming more than 90% of Metro Manila schools.
“Some of us may feel that the task of addressing the problems of education in our country is so overwhelming that the efforts we are exerting would hardly make a difference. But I do not agree because I believe in the power of persistent cumulative influence.”, said SBFI Chairman Rafael F. Simpao, Jr.
“Sanay po kami na ang LGU ang nagbibigay. Napakasarap po palang mabigyan at maalala. Mahiyain po kami kaya kami na bahala sa repair,” said Hon. Emary Joy D. Pascual, Gapan City Mayor.
“Sa pagtanggap ng gusaling ito, pangako naming pupunuin ang bawat silid ng mga kwento ng inspirasyon, pag-asa, at pagmamahal, mga kwentong huhubog sa mga kabataang magiging pag-asa at pagbabago ng ating bayan,” said Dr. Enrique E. Angeles, Jr., CESO VI, Schools Division Superintendent of Gapan City, adding that the new building symbolizes the shared hope and commitment to education of the city and Security Bank Foundation.
Beyond classrooms, Security Bank Foundation also invests in educator development through partnerships such as with Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle Philippines, offering programs such as the Principals’ Training Program. One former GEIS Assistant Principal—now leading Lupang Pangarap Elementary School—is currently enrolled in this initiative.
To date, SBFI has donated 851 classrooms to 146 schools across 87 cities and municipalities nationwide—each one a testament to its belief that nation-building begins with a single classroom.
Learn more about Security Bank Foundation’s commitment to education at www.securitybank.com/foundation.
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
PLDT Enterprise and Synermaxx Corporation commemorate the ceremonial signing of their expanded partnership to deliver secure and scalable messaging solutions. In photo (L–R): Marili Anne Fernandez, Relationship Manager, PLDT Enterprise; Josh Montecillo, AVP and Head, Enterprise&International Wireless Product Management, PLDT Enterprise; Eiffel Saldana, SVP for Tech Operations, Synermaxx Corporation; Rollinda Cagungun, VP for Finance&Administration, Synermaxx Corporation; Trisha Gonzales, VP for Mobile Sales&Operations, Synermaxx Corporation; Dexter Qua, President&COO, Synermaxx Corporation; Daniel Ongchoco, Chairman&CEO, Synermaxx Corporation; Blums Pineda, SVP and Head, Enterprise Business Group, PLDT and Smart; Mitch Locsin, FVP and Head, Enterprise Core Business, PLDT and Smart; and Marlon Alberto, Head of Customer Relationship Management, PLDT Enterprise
PLDT Enterprise, the corporate arm of PLDT, Inc., has expanded its long-standing collaboration with Synermaxx Corporation to enable businesses to engage customers through secure and reliable digital communications.
Building on more than a decade of partnership, Synermaxx has renewed its long-term partnership as a certified Application-to-Person (A2P) aggregator of PLDT Enterprise – a certification that authorizes Synermaxx to deliver A2P messaging traffic via PLDT and Smart’s network, ensuring that enterprises across industries can count on legitimate, trusted channels for mission-critical messages such as one-time passwords, banking notifications, and customer alerts.
Mark Dommel Geronimo, Head of Wireless Product Development at PLDT Enterprise, highlights the role of Silent Authentication in strengthening the long-term partnership with Synermaxx, ensuring enterprises benefit from secure and seamless digital interactions.
The expanded engagement also includes Silent Authentication and colocation services at VITRO Clark. Together, these solutions provide Synermaxx with the scalability, security, and redundancy needed to support the growing demand for seamless mobile interactions and fraud-resistant digital services.
“We are pleased to continue working with Synermaxx, one of our first local SMS aggregator clients,” said Blums Pineda, Senior Vice President and Head of Enterprise Business Group at PLDT and Smart. “By combining our advanced messaging suite with Synermaxx’s proven expertise, we are helping enterprises safeguard their communications and deliver better customer experiences.”
Representatives from PLDT Enterprise and Synermaxx celebrate over a decade of partnership and the expansion of their collaboration in enabling businesses through secure and reliable digital communications.
Founded in 2004, Synermaxx Corporation has been a pioneer in integrated ICT solutions in the Philippines, offering services spanning software, internet, mobile, and hardware. Today, it supports industries from finance and healthcare to logistics, retail, and education.
Daniel Ongchoco, Chairman and CEO of Synermaxx Corporation, expresses his gratitude to PLDT Enterprise for more than a decade of partnership that marked the expansion of their collaboration in delivering secure and reliable digital communications solutions.
“Our long history with PLDT Enterprise has allowed us to grow alongside the evolving needs of businesses in the Philippines,” said Daniel Ongchoco, Chairman and CEO of Synermaxx Corporation. “With PLDT Enterprise’s robust infrastructure and reliable network, we are able to provide our clients with messaging solutions that are secure, scalable, and built for the digital age. This renewed partnership gives us the foundation to deliver even greater value to our customers.”
By certifying trusted A2P partners such as Synermaxx, PLDT Enterprise continues to strengthen the integrity of domestic SMS traffic — helping reduce fraud, protect consumers, and preserve confidence in digital channels that power e-commerce, financial services, and online platforms.
Learn more about PLDT Enterprise’s suite of solutions, visit https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-synermaxx-partnership-pr
TP global executives, along with government and private sector partners led the new headquarters opening for TP in the Philippines in McKinley West. In photo, from left, were Megaworld Corporation President&Chief Executive Officer Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso, Alliance Global Group President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Tan, Taguig Councilor Joy Panga Cruz, Taguig City Congressman Jorge Bocobo, TP Global Chief Executive Officer Daniel Julien, TP Philippines Chief Executive Officer Rahul Jolly, TP Chief Executive Officer for the Americas Miranda Collard, CCI France Philippines Managing Director Kevin Charuel, and Chief Executive Officer of TP.AI and Chief Operating Officer for India, PH and ANZ Anish Mukker. Also present during the launch (not in photo) was DICT Secretary Henry Aguda.
Taguig City, Philippines, October 29, 2025— TP (ex-Teleperformance) in the Philippines, a leader in digital business services, today announced it officially opened its newest and most advanced campus — TP McKinley — further expanding its presence in Taguig City and reinforcing its commitment to building a future-ready, people-centered organization. The new facility marks its 27th site, affirming TP in the Philippines’s sustained growth and strong local presence since it started operations in the country nearly 30 years ago.
In his message, TP Philippines Chief Executive Officer Rahul Jolly highlighted the role of Filipino talent in powering TP’s transformation into an AI-enabled, human-centered organization: “The McKinley Campus is not just a new workplace — it’s a symbol of how Filipino excellence and empathy drive innovation. This is where technology meets humanity, and where our PHuture Forward journey truly begins.”
Located in Metro Manila’s premier business district in the McKinley West, the five-story, state-of-the-art TP McKinley West Campus will house thousands of TP experts across a modern workspace. With a total seat capacity of over 3,700, TP is set to ramp up hiring for new positions in its expanded operations in the new McKinley campus.
As one of TP’s largest sites in the country, it features flexible collaboration areas, wellness and recreational spaces, and digitally-enabled workstations that promote efficiency, culture and belonging, and employee well-being. Other amenities include a recruitment hub, gym, recreational rooms, canteen and pantry, training rooms, and executive offices.
Equipped with smart technologies, AI-driven systems, and digital collaboration tools, the site embodies TP’s evolution into a next-generation digital business services company. Its advanced infrastructure, upgraded connectivity, and enhanced cybersecurity enable seamless, secure, and scalable service delivery across industries.
Commitment to Innovation, Sustainability, and Community Development
The project underscores TP’s confidence in the Philippines as a key growth market within its global footprint. The new site also demonstrates the IT-BPM giant’s dedication to excellence by investing in its people and its services, and expanding Philippine operations.
The grand launch was graced by key government and industry leaders, including Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda, Taguig City Congressman Jorge Bocobo, Taguig Councilor Joy Panga Cruz, CCI France Philippines Managing Director Kevin Charuel, Alliance Global Group President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Tan, and Megaworld Corporation President&Chief Executive Officer Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso.
They were joined by TP Global Chief Executive Officer Daniel Julien, Chief Executive Officer for the Americas Miranda Collard, Chief Executive Officer of TP.AI and Chief Operating Officer for India, PH and ANZ Anish Mukker, and TP Philippines Chief Executive Officer Rahul Jolly, who led the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Advancing TP in the Philippine’s dedication to sustainable design and green operations, the new TP McKinley West site is also LEED-certified, indicating the hub will be renewable energy source-ready by December 2025.
For nearly three decades, TP in the Philippines has played a key role in actively generating jobs for Filipinos and innovation in the Philippines’ IT-BPM industry. Its 60,000-strong workforce across the country, with 27 business sites nationwide, making it one of the country’s largest employers and most consistent recipients of Great Place to Work (GPTW) certification.
Beyond technology and infrastructure, the company has created a lasting impact in the communities in which it operates, providing growth opportunities and career mobility at scale and reinforcing the company’s people-first culture of collaboration, growth and inclusion.
The newly inaugurated TP McKinley West Campus is the organization’s 27th site in the Philippines.
DICT Secretary Henry Aguda shares his optimism for the growing IT-BPM industry in the country during TP’s McKinley Campus launch. He mentions the government’s commitment to further build the country’s fiber optic backbone that will provide reliable connectivity in the countryside where global investors can set up their facilities.
MANILA, PH – October 2025 – Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation), in collaboration with Good Neighbors Philippines, recently launched “Transcending the Digital Divide” – an initiative promoting digital access and literacy in Sicmil Integrated School in Gigmoto, Catanduanes.
Like many schools in rural Catanduanes, Sicmil Integrated School struggles with limited internet connectivity and lack of digital equipment – challenges that restrict students’ educational opportunities in today’s technology-driven world.
To address these gaps, Sun Life Foundation and Good Neighbors Philippines established a digital library equipped with tablets, laptops, and a smart TV. These tools are now empowering the school’s students and teachers with access to a broader world of learning. The initiative also includes a teacher training program designed to build capacity for integrating digital resources into classroom lessons.
Recognizing the risks that come with internet use, the project also held training sessions on online safety and responsible internet citizenship for students, teachers, and other stakeholders.
The ceremonial turnover was graced by Sun Life Philippines CEO and Country Head and Sun Life Foundation Chairman Benedict Sison, Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. Chief Operating Officer and Sun Life Foundation President Joy Castillo, Sun Life Philippines Chief Strategy and Enablement Officer and Sun Life Foundation Vice President Aleister Cruz, Sun Life Foundation Trustee Kara David-Cancio, and Sun Life Foundation Executive Director Kristine Millete.
Representatives from Good Neighbors Philippines were also present: Jae Choon Lee, Country Director; Rhodora Grace Bautista, Resource Development Division Manager; Mark Paner, Social Development Division Manager; and Milarosa Aranas, Field Manager.
“At Sun Life Foundation, we believe that distance should never be a barrier to learning,” said Kristine Millete. “Our aim is to empower Sicmil’s learners with essential digital tools and competencies, ensuring that every child in this school has the chance to learn and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.”
“This partnership brings meaningful support to over 300 students and educators of Sicmil Integrated School. After the challenges brought by Super Typhoon Pepito, it stands as a symbol of renewed hope and new beginnings for the community,” said Jae Choon Lee. “At Good Neighbors Philippines, we are committed to creating harmonious communities where Filipino children can grow, thrive, and become good neighbors who can create good change for the future.”
As the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, the country’s first and longest-standing life insurance company, Sun Life Foundation is committed to nurturing Filipino children’s education through holistic and sustainable initiatives.
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