In line with its advocacy to promote nation-building through financial technology, GCash, the country’s no. 1 finance super app, paid tribute to the distinguished awardees of the recent Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos. The awardees received GCash credits as tokens of appreciation for their exceptional service to the public, unwavering passion, and impact on the community.

A lunch organized by the Metrobank Foundation was recently held at the GT Tower International on Ayala Avenue, Makati City to honor the awardees and was attended by presidents, directors, and department heads of the Metrobank Foundation and other Metrobank subsidiaries and affiliates.

GCash president and chief executive officer Martha Sazon was also part of the esteemed final board of judges, which was chaired by Sen. Francis Joseph G. Escudero and co-chaired by the Supreme Court of the Philippines associate justice Henri Jean Paul B. Inting.

“We strive every day to serve more Filipinos and empower them through accessible financial services. I believe that GCash, the Metrobank Foundation, and our awardees share a common goal, which is to improve the lives of our fellow Filipinos everyday” said GCash president and chief executive officer Martha Sazon.

“You are role models for all of us, in a country that is hungry for true service. We celebrate you today as outstanding Filipinos, whose contributions have uplifted other Filipinos’ lives. You have all gone beyond performing your duties to helping build our nation in your own ways. We are honored and humbled by your commitment and your exemplary efforts as dedicated public servants. We are excited to see how you extend your advocacy and continue to serve the nation with your future service,” said GCash chief strategy officer Rowie Zamora, who attended the ceremony on behalf of GCash, to congratulate and present the tokens to the awardees.

GCash is proud to stand alongside the Metrobank Foundation in recognizing and congratulating the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos of 2023. Their unwavering passion and dedication to serving the community serve as a source of inspiration to all, and GCash remains committed to supporting their noble endeavors.(PR)

Through its #UniteForHapag campaign, Globe’s Hapag Movement, recently brought together volunteers for a supplemental feeding program for vulnerable families in Marikina City, part of its commemoration of World Food Day.

Partnering with Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) PH, Globe recently organized a volunteer activity in Barangay Concepcion Uno, Marikina City, where volunteers were able to prepare 300 meals, and later on distributed it in Barangay Tumana, Marikina City serving a total of 300 individuals. It was led by Globe employees, Team Globe of Good influencers, and media partners, who worked together to prepare and deliver hot meals to beneficiaries.
The beneficiaries include children from low-income and food-vulnerable families in a community that is prone to flooding.

“Through hands-on engagement, our volunteers actively participate in community initiatives, food drives, and educational programs that also tackle food waste. By fostering a spirit of volunteerism, we not only contribute to immediate relief efforts but also empower communities to address the root causes of hunger and food waste in a sustainable manner,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Group’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

Kerwin King from Team Globe of Good, who joined the feeding program, emphasizes the role of influencers and content creators in advancing the cause.

“To sustain the people’s interest in addressing food insecurity, it’s important for us to communicate. Importante talagang gamitin ang social media like TikTok kasi napaka-powerful ng social media ngayon, but we have to be careful with misinformation para mas marami pa tayong ma-enganyong tumulong sa mga Piipino. Alam ko namang makakabangon tayong lahat,” he stressed.

Another Team Globe of Good Ambassador, host, model and entrepreneur Mela Habijan, invited everyone to be part of the Hapag Movement.

“Through uniting with Hapag, we will be able to not just feed our Filipino families but make them feel hopeful in these trying times. Sa pamamagitan ng pagsasama-sama, ang pag-asang ito ang magiging dahilan para tayo ay maging buo bilang nasyon,” she said. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY– Those responsible for spreading of a recorded indecent video that purportedly happened inside their business establishment will be held accountable.

Thus said Wilson Uy whose own coffee shop in Palo became a center of curiosity and controversy after a video showing two persons doing some lewd acts went viral.

Uy, who is also a member of the Leyte provincial board, said that he has made close coordination with the police to ensure whoever is responsible will be held accountable.

The official owner stressed that the said incident is not tolerated by the management. He promised that whoever did this would be held accountable and punished.

“The management is taking this matter seriously and in fact, an investigation is now ongoing though being handled with care due to its sensitive nature,” Uy said in a statement.

“Rest assured that whoever is responsible for spreading the video will be held liable and sanction will be meted accordingly,” Uy added.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

ORMOC CITY local police are presently conducting a manhunt against a farmer for the illegal discharge of firearms in Calbayog City on Thursday (Nov.2) at about 5:30 pm.
Police identified the suspect as ‘Palema’, 34, coconut farmer, and a resident of Purok 12, Brgy. San Joaquin, Tinambacan District.

Elements of the 1st Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company, 4th Maneuver Platoon said that a concerned resident of the village called the operating unit and reported that there was an illegal discharge of firearms in the said place.

The police force immediately responded to the said information and went to the village where they recovered one homemade shotgun with one empty shell believed to be the one used by the suspect in illegal discharge.

The responding personnel however failed to arrest the suspect as he immediately fled the area before the responding police arrived. The confiscated firearms were turned over to the Provincial Crime Laboratory Office for ballistic examination.

Charges of illegal discharge of firearm through violation of RA 10591 and violation of Omnibus Election Code were filed against the suspect.
(ROBERT DEJON)

BALANGKAYAN, Eastern Samar – The Department of Public Works and Highways Eastern Samar District Engineering Office has completed the construction of a new access road leading to the inner Senior High School of Balangkayan National High School in Brgy. 2, Balangkayan, Eastern Samar. This has brought great relief to senior high school students and teachers who have had to navigate a rocky and slippery road before.

The newly constructed road, with a length of 240 meters, was built with an appropriation of P10 million. Project Engineer Jose Gajutos confirmed its completion during his inspection.
According to Emma Abot, a teaching staff member, the previous road condition was a significant challenge, causing several accidents among motorists, and was a reason for parents not attending PTA meetings and students not coming to school.

She stressed that the new access has made commuting to the school more accessible and safer for students and staff members, especially during the rainy season.

“The road has prevented accidents involving students and has made it possible for parents to attend PTA meetings, which was a challenge before,” said Abot.

The senior high school teacher also recognized that the construction of the concrete road has resulted in increased student attendance, positively impacting their education.

“Since the construction of the concrete road, our students can now attend school even during the rainy season. It has made their journey to school easy and safe, and we are happy to report that no accidents involving our students have been reported since its completion,” added abot.

Abot also expressed her gratitude to the government for providing proper road access and she also gave thanks to Congresswoman Maria Fe Abunda, who became instrumental in securing funding and making the project a reality.

District Engineer Alvin Ignacio said that the completion of the access road is a significant milestone for the Balangkayan National High School Community.

“The new road has provided a safer and more accessible commute for students, staff members, and parents. It is a testament to the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life of Filipinos, especially those in inner areas,” said DE Ignacio.
The construction of the access road began on June 22, 2023, and was completed on August 15, 2023. (PR)