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Cebuana Lhuillier launches Micro Savings to bridge gap

Cebuana Lhuillier recently unveiled a new platform that will help many Filipinos overcome the barriers toward financial inclusion and financial freedom. The newly-introduced Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings is a more affordable and convenient means that allows account holders to save money. In a study shared by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) during the launch of the Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings themed “#KayaNa: Unbanked Filipinos No More Movement,” it was revealed that only 33% or 553 out of 1,634 cities and municipalities in the Philippines have access to banking institutions. Worsening the situation is that, whether these facilities are present or absent, many Filipinos remain unbanked because of the factors associated with opening a savings account such as numerous documentary requirements and high cost of initial deposit, maintaining balance, and dormancy charges. With the Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings, opening an account is simpler and more affordable. The process re

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Ricoh gifts schools through Alagang Phoenix program

Technology and learning continue to converge this 2019 as Phoenix Publishing House, through its corporate social responsibility program Alagang Phoenix, teamed up with tech and imaging company Ricoh Philippines, aiming to empower learning and development of various mission schools in the country. One of the notable educational publishers in the Philippines, Phoenix Publishing House remains committed to continuously improve the quality of Philippine education and the quality of life of educators through the company's CSR arm and its activities such as conducting training and workshops for the academe. On the other hand, Ricoh Philippines pursues its sustainability through a balance of 3Ps – Prosperity (economic activities), People (society), and Planet (environment) – in order to help materialize a sustainable society. This partnership program serves as an opportunity for both companies to usher in the development of schools that run under several communities and dioceses across the a

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GCash teams up with banks to make fund transfers easier

GCash, through Globe Telecom’s fintech arm Mynt, has announced that it will fully roll out its newest free fund transfer service in partnership with more than 30 banks in the Philippines. The movement was made in response to the public’s growing clamor for convenience, a far cry from the traditional banking transaction wherein customers must allot a certain amount of time for falling in line and waiting for their turn for a simple transaction that usually lasts for merely a few minutes. In addition, Philippine fund transfers services are notorious for having exorbitant fees (depending on either a certain percentage or a fixed fee) and antiquated paper process. Nowadays, anyone who wishes to make fund transfers transactions can use a GCash app installed on their smartphone. They simply need to input the fund amount in their GCash account and the bank details of the accounts they're transferring funds to, and presto, they can just sit tight and relax as the confirmation message arrive

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Samsung to ditch plastic for sustainable materials

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. announced that the company will start taking steps this year to replace plastic packaging materials with paper and other environmentally sustainable elements. From the first half of 2019, the packaging used currently for Samsung’s products and accessories – ranging from mobile phones and tablets to home appliances – will be substituted with environmentally sustainable materials like recycled/bio-based plastics and paper. To revamp product packaging, Samsung Electronics has formed a task force involving design and development, purchasing, marketing, and quality control for innovative packaging ideas. For mobile phone, tablet, and wearable products, Samsung will replace the plastic used for holder trays with pulp molds, and bags wrapping accessories with eco-friendly materials. Samsung will also alter the phone charger design, swapping the glossy exterior with a matte finish, and eliminating plastic protection films, reducing the use of plastics. The pla

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How phones can make or break a relationship

"Why weren't you answering your phone?!" This is probably one of those lines that we fear the most coming from our significant other. What's another one, you ask? Try replacing 'answering your phone' with 'replying to my messages' and you get the picture. While this might be a simple scenario, this is also one example of how miscommunication (or no communication) can ruin or nurture a relationship. And one of the solutions to this problem might just already be in your pocket. See, the mobile phone has come a long way from being just a calling and texting device. It is a full-fledged communication powerhouse that has become an extension of ourselves. A few decades ago, not being able to answer your phone meant probably not hearing it ring or having low battery. Nowadays, not getting back to someone means you probably ignored that person on purpose. B.S. (Before Smartphones) But it wasn't always like this. Two decades ago, back in the ancient times that is 1999, mobile phones were re

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CIMB eyes to become 1st all-digital, mobile-first bank in PH

CIMB recently announced the formal launch of its banking presence in the Philippines. Its flagship presence, CIMB Bank Philippines Inc. (“CIMB Philippines” or “the Bank”) aspires to be the nation’s first all-digital and mobile-first bank, promising to make banking simpler, more convenient, and truly hassle-free. The launch was held at the Manila House Private Members Club in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, and it was graced by BSP Deputy Governor, Chuchi G. Fonacier, and CIMB Group Chairman, Datuk Mohd Nasir Ahmad. “We are extremely pleased to begin serving customers in the Philippines," said Effendy Shahul Hamid, CEO of Group Ventures and Partnerships, CIMB Group. "This completes CIMB’s operating footprint in ASEAN and we look forward to bringing a truly differentiated and digital proposition to the market. Internet and mobile penetration in the Philippines remains one of the highest in the world, a clear sign of the progressive and modern society we hope to serve.” Sharing details

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Will cybercriminals hog the limelight in Year of the Pig?

With the new year (yes, we're talking about the Chinese New Year) just around the corner, Palo Alto Networks has revealed its cybersecurity forecast. What's in store for us in the Year of the Pig? Let us find out. Nasty business emails It has been evident that businesses are one of the top favorite targets by cybercriminals. Theft of login details has been the most common cases, and as time progresses, attackers have grown more confident and motivated in attacking both small and large organizations by posing as partners or internal stakeholders, resulting in a massive stolen amount of USD 12 billion worldwide. Most of that due to a nasty attachment in business emails made by the hackers who seem to have found crafty ways to bypass internal checks. That being said, it is best for businesses to assess their internal flow of information by means of implementing more comprehensive checks and approval processes, especially regarding resources. This year, measures such as two-factor or mu

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What's in store for phones this 2019? Argomall answers

There is nothing inconsequential that is happening in the tech scene, and it’s safe to say that the previous year is a solid testament to that. The year 2018 brought us new innovations that we didn’t think were possible years ago. While we’re grateful for all the tech boost that the last year brought, 2019 has even more exciting tech news and updates that await every smartphone enthusiast. Filipino online retailer, Argomall.com shares some of their predictions: Farewell, bezels! If you’re familiar with the tech-paranoia anthology Black Mirror, chances are you’ve already seen their smartphones which flaunt literally an all-screen display. 2019 might see the same display setup, since the tech scene has seen enough of different types of notches last year. This year, we’re seeing more smartphone brands following what Chinese smartphone manufacturers OPPO and Vivo did -- smartphones with simple, bezel-less, and a real all-screen display. Eye catchers Apart from being excited about smar

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Epson kicks off 1st EcoVision Short Film Competition

Epson, in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) and GREENducation Philippines, recently announced the launch of its 1st EcoVision Short Film Competition for students. The inter-school video-making contest aims to tap the artistry and creativity of Filipino students in raising public understanding of the environment and its conservation through the power of Public Service Announcement (PSA) videos. The competition aims to strengthen Epson’s commitment to the environment, as manifested not just through the innovation of reliable, recyclable, and energy-efficient products but also, its active participation in helping to inspire people to become more aware of pressing ecological issues. “As a tech company, Epson believes that the youth, as the future leaders of society, has the power to influence others in advocating for the conservation of the environment,” said Donna Ferro, brand and communications head of Eps

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Smart-backed apps aim to keep local cultures alive

As part of its advocacy of harnessing technology for education, PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications (Smart) officially launched its pool of mobile applications that promote literacy in the mother tongue. Dubbed as Digital Education For All: No Learner Left Behind, the event showcased five literacy apps developed by Smart in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), local stakeholders, colleges, and universities. These are the Bahay Kubo Tagalog app, Kaalam Cebuano app, Taallam and Tahderiyyah Arabic apps, and Matigsalug app for the Matigsalug tribe of Davao and Bukidnon. “Smart believes mobile technology is uniquely positioned to help facilitate learning opportunities, which is why we have tailored initiatives to help address the needs of our partner learning communities,” said Ramon R. Isberto, PLDT-Smart Public Affairs Group Head. Alphabet and number games, folk stories The Kaalam (Cebuano term for ‘knowledge’) app features folklore stories such as Ang Diwata sa K

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