Thursday, May 21, 2026
Manila Water Philippine Ventures (MWPV), the Non-East Zone subsidiary of Manila Water Company, celebrates its 11th anniversary, celebrating more than a decade of expanding access to safe, reliable, and sustainable water and wastewater services across the Philippines.
As Manila Water’s domestic investment arm outside Metro Manila, MWPV continues to support national development through strategic partnerships, infrastructure investment, and operational excellence. Over the past 11 years, the Company has expanded its footprint in key urban and growth areas nationwide, delivering essential services that support communities, industries, and local governments in over 50 cities and municipalities across the Philippines, covering a population of close to 2 million people.
Last year, MWPV sustained strong performance across its portfolio of business units, reinforcing its role as a key driver of Manila Water’s domestic growth. In Metro Ilagan, operations were fully supported by an alternative water system delivering 8 million liters per day, providing critical water supply support to Ilagan City. In Pangasinan, business units posted a 12 percent increase in service connections, extending water services to an estimated 4,500 additional individuals year-on-year in the municipalities of Calasiao, Malasiqui and Sta. Barbara. Laguna Water further strengthened its position as the Group’s largest business unit, surpassing 130,000 service connections, supported by resilient operations.
Operational efficiencies were also achieved across several service areas. Laguna Aquatech (LARC) reduced non-revenue water to 26.67 percent year-to-date 2026 from 33 percent during the time of takeover in 2024. In South Luzon, MWPV sustained network expansion and recorded over 8 percent growth in water service connections, reflecting continued demand and reliable service delivery. Through sustained operational improvements, MWPV lowered its collective non-revenue water (NRW) level from 25 percent in 2023 to 18 percent in 2025, marking a significant gain in system efficiency across the portfolio.
MWPV’s operating companies earned international and regional recognition for sustainability, operational excellence, and energy management. Laguna Water and Clark Water were recognized by the International Water Association, with Laguna Water named a 2025 Climate Smart Utility and Clark Water cited for maintaining non-revenue water levels below 6 percent. Boracay Water reduced non-revenue water to 19 percent, recovering more than 1 million liters per day, and received recognition in the SDG 6 Champion of the Year category at the 2025 Global Water Awards.
Cebu Water received the Department of Energy’s 2025 Energy Efficiency Excellence Award, while Tagum Water was honored at the ASEAN Energy Awards 2025. Calbayog Water likewise achieved full septage system operations, strengthening sanitation and public health outcomes.
MWPV’s growth platforms continued to scale infrastructure development and new business. Manila Water Infratech Solutions closed P622-B in sales orders, up 253 percent year-on-year, and completed its largest pipelaying project under the Canlubang Sugar Estates joint project with Estate Water. Estate Water Group expanded its national footprint through new developer partnerships and advanced the Non-East Zone’s first desalination facility in Lio, El Nido, with its portfolio now spanning 129 developments across 50 cities and municipalities.
To support continued expansion and service reliability, MWPV invested more than P3 billion in capital expenditures in 2025, funding critical infrastructure, network upgrades, and sustainability initiatives.
As it enters its second decade, MWPV remains focused on expanding safe and reliable water services nationwide, advancing climate resilience, accelerating partnerships, and driving operational excellence, continuing its mission of delivering sustainable water solutions beyond Metro Manila.
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), through its VYBE e-wallet, has partnered with Watsons Philippines to allow customers to earn cashback on their purchases during the much-anticipated Watsons Nationwide Sale happening from May 14 to 18.
As part of the collaboration, VYBE users can enjoy P50 cashback for every single-receipt purchase of at least P500. All they need to do is scan the QR Ph code using VYBE at more than 1,100 Watsons stores nationwide. This comes on top of Watsons’ biggest sale offers, including up to 50% off on select items.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to make everyday spending more rewarding and accessible for Filipinos, especially during high-demand shopping moments. It also supports the growing adoption of QR Ph payments by making cashless transactions more gratifying for everyday shoppers.
“Through VYBE’s cashback offer, we deliver extra good VYBEs to Filipino shoppers with every purchase,” said Eric Faustino, Head of Digital Partnerships and Ecosystems at BPI.
Beyond cashback, customers will also receive 100 BPI Rewards Points for every qualified transaction, adding another layer of benefit for users who choose to pay with VYBE.
VYBE by BPI allows users to pay bills, send money, earn and redeem points, and enjoy curated deals from partner merchants, all within a secure and easy-to-use app. With VYBE, everyday spending becomes more rewarding through simple tipid hacks, giving customers more ways to save while enjoying their favorite Watsons finds during the Nationwide Sale.
Download the VYBE app today and sign up for free to enjoy cashback rewards, exclusive deals, and more good VYBEs with every transaction. To learn more, visit https://www.bpi.com.ph/personal/bank/digital-banking/mobile/vybe.
From single parents balancing careers to women navigating disability, the She Can! 2026 celebration of GCash honored employees who turned challenges into paths of influence, building on its annual recognition program to spotlight journeys marked by perseverance and growth. This year’s program carried the theme “She Can Lead, She Can Conquer, She Can Inspire.”
The annual She Can! program is an internal recognition and empowerment initiative designed to celebrate the women of GCash who embody leadership and empathy within and outside work. This year's honorees were nominated by their own colleagues, a process that opened nominations across all employee levels to seek out extraordinary GCash women who inspire those around them every day. At the awarding ceremony, each honoree was presented on stage by her own nominator, emphasizing that these women are recognized by the very people they impact daily.
Mynt President and CEO Martha Sazon affirmed the company’s commitment: “We recognize the women of GCash whose courage and leadership continue to shape our organization. Their stories remind us that when women are allowed to grow, they not only overcome challenges, but they lead, they conquer, and they inspire others to do the same.”
The honorees also shared about the intersection of personal growth and professional excellence. Tanya, one of the She Can! honorees, reflected on the power of emotional intelligence in the workplace, stating, “I’m proud that I can be strong and compassionate at the same time. I learned that empathy isn’t a weakness. The celebration also highlighted how GCash women navigate the complexities of modern life. Steffi, one of the honorees, shared how she models work-life harmony for her team: “I try to make it visible to others that it’s possible to create a balance between your career and your family life. You don’t have to set any one area aside”.
The program's special guest, former ABS‑CBN CEO and multi‑awarded actress Charo Santos, led a forum where she shared her own experiences of leading, conquering, and inspiring. She urged women professionals to embrace continuous learning and courage in a fast‑changing digital economy. "Leadership starts with learning," she said. "Your decision to improve is not just for yourself but for the people who follow you and rely on you.”
At the core of workplace inclusion at GCash is the belief that achieving Finance For All starts with providing opportunities for all. Behind inclusive products and services is an inclusive environment that empowers every employee to grow.
GCash champions women’s empowerment through the holistic 3Cs framework (Care, Career, and Culture). Employees are given holistic “Care” by providing them a robust safety net far exceeding statutory requirements. By integrating comprehensive health benefits—such as Day 1 HMO coverage with women-specific screenings and fertility treatment accommodations—with flexible work arrangements and dedicated mental health support, GCash ensures female employees are supported at every life stage. At the same time, inclusive life partner benefits allow female employees to enroll same-sex partners as dependents for HMO, insurance, and bereavement coverage, with no marriage certificate required.
From honoring specialized leaves for solo parents and survivors of gender-based violence to offering a secure environment for caregivers and recognizing non-traditional family set-ups, GCash fosters a culture where women can thrive both personally and professionally as drivers of fintech.
GCash has consistently invested in the career trajectory of women in tech through initiatives like the For The Women Scholarship and the Women Up Top Masterclass—both of which have provided women opportunities to widen their tech skillset.
To foster an inclusive workplace culture, employee resource groups like “Mamahood” offer working mothers a dedicated community to share experiences and support one another, alongside other ERGs open to women, including Limitless League, Queer Peers, and Self-Made Solos.
These efforts are reflected in GCash numbers and stand out sharply against industry norms. The fintech sector remains male-dominated, with less than 10% of leadership roles held by women. GCash has actively reversed this trend: as of March this year, women make up 47.2% of the Mynt workforce, and 47.7% of leadership roles are held by women, a figure that far exceeds industry standards. More strikingly, women occupy roughly half of GCash executive decision-making positions, with leaders such as Mynt President and CEO Martha Sazon, Chief Technology & Operations Officer Pebbles Sy, and Chief Strategy Officer Rowie Zamora holding the company's top seats at a time when female executives represent a small fraction of leadership in fintech globally.
Beyond recognition, She Can! has transformed into a testament to an everyday culture where every woman is given the opportunities, tools, and voice to drive Finance for All. As Mynt President and CEO Martha Sazon affirmed, GCash remains committed to strengthening mentorship, professional development, and leadership pathways for women across the organization, in service of its mission to advance financial inclusion in the Philippines.
For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com.
GCash chief data officer Sara Venturina takes the stage at the DepDev AGOS National Innovation Day at the Diamond Hotel Manila
Responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) is critical in driving inclusive and sustainable growth, as it can address persistent gaps in financial access and literacy, particularly in a mobile-first yet risk-exposed region like Southeast Asia. This was the key message of GCash, the country’s leading finance app and largest cashless ecosystem, as it joined policymakers and industry leaders at the 2026 National Innovation Day.
Held at the Diamond Hotel Manila, the event, organized by the Depdev National Innovation Council in partnership with ASEAN, brought together key stakeholders under the theme “AI for Growth, Opportunity, and Sustainability in ASEAN (AGOS)”, focusing on how emerging technologies can be scaled safely across the region.
During the discussions, Mynt chief data officer Sara Venturina highlighted how GCash is leveraging data and AI to help deliver equitable fintech access to Filipinos. “If we don’t use technology responsibly, it will lead to more inequality,” Venturina said. “At Gcash, we harness the power of data and AI to help move Filipinos toward financial progress, while ensuring that inclusion remains at the center of innovation.”
She emphasized that GCash’s AI strategy is grounded in improving customer outcomes while upholding strict standards for data privacy and protection. This includes carefully evaluating how technologies are deployed, ensuring efficiency without compromising accessibility or trust.
As conversations around AI governance continue to evolve, Venturina also pointed to the need for stronger industry-wide standards. “As AI scales, the question is not just how we build these systems, but how we ensure they remain fair, safe, and accessible,” she said, citing the importance of standardized testing and evaluation frameworks.
She added that accountability remains constant regardless of where data is stored, reinforcing GCash’s commitment to safeguarding user information.
“Whether the data resides locally or in a data center, the responsibility to protect that data remains with us, and we take that seriously.”
GCash also highlighted the growing role of emerging technologies that enable the safe use of data while preserving user privacy, allowing institutions to innovate without compromising trust.
The broader event featured discussions on national innovation policy and digital transformation, with key insights from government leaders, including Department of Science and Technology Secretary Dr. Renato Solidum, Department of Education Secretary Atty. Juan Edgardo Angara and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
As AI adoption accelerates across the Philippines and the ASEAN region, GCash reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside government and industry partners to advance responsible innovation—strengthening financial literacy, enhancing data governance, and expanding access to digital financial services for more Filipinos.
For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com.
Coffee fans in Bulacan just got something to be excited about—Coffeebay is now open at the ground level of SM Center Pulilan.
The place has a comfy, laid-back feel, and what about the menu? Everything from classic coffee to coolers and light snacks—perfect for those who need a pick-me-up after shopping or just want somewhere to chill with friends and family. Their signature coffee blends are pretty tempting, and it’s easy to settle in, whether it’s morning or late afternoon.
Coffeebay’s stylish space adds a fresh vibe to the already buzzing food scene at SM Center Pulilan. It's not just another place to get a drink. It's a place to relax, reconnect, and create lasting memories.
Swing by Coffeebay, the newest cafe hangout now brewing at SM Center Pulilan.
Max out your mall visit at the newly opened shops in your most loved malls in the East Metro
East of Metro Manila, Philippines – Fresh finds, bold flavors, and new lifestyle spots are powering up every East Metro mall day as SM Supermalls rolls out a fresh wave of new openings for every kind of shopper. Whether you’re craving comfort food, searching for stylish new finds, or planning an all-out shopping and dining spree, there’s always something new to discover at your most loved SM malls in the East Metro.
Branded finds at 7 Luxe on the 2nd level of SM Center Antipolo Downtown
Dainty accessories for your little princess at Clarisse SM Center Antipolo Downtown
At SM Center Antipolo Downtown, shoppers can discover Clarisse, a boutique filled with trendy accessories perfect for young girls who love expressing their style through fun and fashionable pieces. Travelers and fashion lovers can also visit 7 Luxe for branded luggage, bags, and shoes that combine style and functionality for every adventure.
Classic Filipino Dishes with a twist at Mesa SM City San Mateo located on the Ground Level
Premium cakes and pastries on the go at Conti’s located on the 2nd Level of SM City San Mateo
Foodies can head to SM City San Mateo for comforting and flavorful dining experiences. Mesa serves elevated Filipino dishes perfect for family gatherings and celebrations, while Conti’s Bakeshop delights guests with its well-loved cakes, pastries that make every stop extra special.
Bulawan Panaderya serves freshly baked breads daily at SM City Masinag
Everyday wearable jewelry at Everglowi SM City Masinag located on the Ground Level
At SM City Masinag, Everglowi adds sparkle to every shopping trip with elegant gold and silver jewelry pieces perfect for gifting or everyday wear. Meanwhile, Bulawan Panaderya offers freshly baked breads, pastries, and beverages that make snack breaks and café moments even more satisfying.
Hearty Ramen bowls at Ramen Nagi located on the New Hallway of SM City Marikina
Coffee and me time at Pedal Café SM City Marikina
Marikina’s pride Mylene’s Bakeshop now brings its bestsellers to SM City Marikina.
Meanwhile, the new hallway at SM City Marikina is a must-visit dining destination for every food lover ready to max out their food trip. Guests can enjoy cozy café moments at Pedal Cafe and classic baked favorites from Marikina’s pride Mylene’s Bakeshop.
Cravings for global flavors are well-covered with a strong lineup of dining options in the East Metro. For Japanese comfort food, Ramen Nagi continues to draw diners with its rich, customizable bowls of ramen that have become a go-to for quick yet satisfying meals. Wangfu brings bold classic Singaporean-inspired dishes, perfect for hearty lunches and shared meals. Meanwhile, Cibo completes the mix with signature Italian favorites, ideal for relaxed family dinners or post-shopping indulgence.
Wangfu brings Singaporean cuisine to its new location at the newly opened hallway of SM City Marikina.
Real and modern Italian Cuisine at Cibo SM City Marikina
From shopping hauls and café dates to family feasts and spontaneous gala moments, SM Supermalls in the East Metro continues to bring fresh experiences closer to shoppers. Visit your nearest SM mall in the East Metro today and discover new ways to dine, shop, and celebrate every day to the max.
As summer winds down with more road trips, camping weekends, and spontaneous outdoor escapes, shifting weather patterns and unexpected power interruptions also continue to shape daily life in many Filipino homes. Preparedness is no longer just about emergencies but about creating comfort and convenience wherever you are.
To help households stay cool, connected, and well-lit, SM Home and Ace Hardware in SM City Grand Central, SM City Valenzuela, and SM Center Sangandaan offer a range of rechargeable lighting and cooling essentials designed for modern living. These are practical tools that blend convenience with resilience and function with design.
Rechargeable lighting remains at the center of today’s evolving home setup. The LunarX Rechargeable LED Table Lamp from SM Home, with its clean silhouette and cordless build, moves easily between bedside tables, workspaces, and outdoor setups. Touch controls, dimmable brightness, tri-color lighting, and up to 12 hours of runtime make it adaptable across different settings while maintaining a minimalist presence.
Emergency-ready options from ACE Hardware include the OMNI LED Automatic Emergency Light Swivel Head AEL 390, designed for instant illumination during sudden blackouts, while the Akari Dimmable Lantern delivers portable, adjustable lighting ideal for both indoor backup use and outdoor trips.
Rechargeable cooling solutions have also evolved beyond basic functionality. The Hyundai Bladeless Tower Fan pairs modern design with smart features such as a HEPA filter, UV technology, remote control access, and rechargeable capability, offering reliable cooling even during extended power interruptions.
For compact spaces, the Tough Mama Rechargeable Table Fan doubles as an LED night light, making it a practical addition to bedrooms, study areas, and emergency kits.
Outdoor enthusiasts can also stay comfortable with portable cooling options like the Daewoo Rechargeable Camping Fan, which combines adjustable airflow and built-in lighting in one lightweight device. Meanwhile, the Coldfront Rechargeable Fan offers multi-direction airflow and extended battery life for households needing stronger cooling performance.
Other multifunctional essentials include the Firefly Rechargeable Mist Fan with Built-In Emergency Light and the Akari Jumbo Box Fan with LED lights, both designed to keep families cool and comfortable whether at home or outdoors.
Today’s rechargeable lighting and cooling devices are no longer just backup essentials. They’ve become practical everyday companions for flexible homes, mobile lifestyles, and modern Filipino living.
From keeping your family comfortable during power interruptions to making outdoor adventures more enjoyable, rechargeable lighting and cooling solutions are the practical essentials that deliver comfort, convenience, and peace of mind anytime, anywhere. Stay cool, stay prepared, and rediscover smarter everyday living with SM City Grand Central, SM City Valenzuela, and SM Center Sangandaan.
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