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4 PH start-ups headed to Singtel Group Future Makers Regional Programme
FOUR Philippine start-ups will train and vie for financial grants, possible regional investments, and coaching and mentoring support, as they join the 2021 Singtel Group Future Makers Regional Programme this month. The biennial event helps start-ups and enterprises cultivate their social innovation initiatives, and accelerate both business growth and social impact.
The programme is a collaboration among Singtel Group of Mobile Operators, including Advanced Info Services Plc. (Thailand), Airtel (India), Optus (Australia), Singtel (Singapore), Telkomsel (Indonesia), and Globe (Philippines). The programme was established to fulfill Singtel Group’s commitment to social innovation.
“Globe strongly believes in the Filipino talent and providing platforms for start-ups to learn and accelerate their growth will go a long way for these innovators. We continue to be an advocate of the start-up community because they are potential drivers of social and economic growth,” said Yoly G. Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications.
This year, Singtel Group Future Makers was participated in by 20 alumni impact start-ups from each local program to collaborate for potential regional expansion and collaboration supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals such as UN SDG No. 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), UN SDG No. 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and UN SDG No. 10 (Reduce Inequalities).
Through the program, these social innovators can benefit from financial, technical, and marketing assistance to scale up their projects as they present their cases alongside other emerging startups in the region. Thus, Singtel Group Future Makers provides these budding start-ups with capacity-building support, such as coaching and structured workshops. This can help not only sharpen value proposition and pitching capabilities, but also knowledge and insight sharing through mentorship.
Likewise, the start-ups will receive networking opportunities through the Singtel Group Future Makers alumni. Participants will also be encouraged to explore linkages through the Singtel Group Future Makers partner network, including potential and impact investors.
The programme will end with a Shared Value Pitch Day on 15 November where the top start-up from each region will get to pitch from a cash pool of up to S$150,000 to further their shared value collaboration proof of concept with Singtel Group partners. The pitch day will be attended by Singtel Group stakeholders, community partners and impact investors.
“We are glad to have Globe as a long-time partner since the inception of the Singtel Group Future Makers Regional Programme in 2017. We look forward to using this platform to foster regional shared value opportunities with Globe’s nominated start-ups to generate both social impact for the communities we operate in and commercial returns for the business,” said Andrew Buay, Vice President, Group Sustainability, Singtel and Optus.
For this year’s run, the Philippines is represented by EdVenture, KodeGo, BentaTV, and Inon. Before going to the regional competition, the delegation underwent a careful selection process through the Globe Future Makers (GFM) program. GFM aims to help build an ecosystem of support for local social innovators who use technology to solve the country’s most challenging social problems.
Three of the start-ups namely BentaTV, KodeGo, and EdVenture are supported by 917Ventures, Globe’s wholly-owned subsidiary, and the country’s largest corporate venture builder. From online selling, IT careers and e-learning, these start-ups intend to make lives brighter for their users.
BentaTV is a platform that seeks to make online selling easier and more convenient for online “hustlers” in managing their business. KodeGo is a “study now, pay later” coding boot camp that can build IT careers in just 12 weeks while providing companies with top-quality talents. Lastly, EdVenture is an online learning platform that offers solutions to all the school stakeholders, such as online tutoring for kids, online consultation for parents, and online job opportunities for Filipino teachers.
iNON, on the other hand, caught Globe’s attention in 2019, for its mobile app, ISDApp, then considered to have “the most potential to improve life on Earth or in the universe.” The concept bested nearly 1,400 global entries to win one of six top spots at the annual hackathon challenge of the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Since GFM’s debut in 2017, 13 different start-ups, locally and internationally, have been given a chance to build their brand and contribute to social development. These unique and pioneering start-ups focused on projects dealing with learning and education, health and well-being, climate change and displacement, and e-commerce.
Globe strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 9, which highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. Globe is committed to upholding the United Nations Global Compact principles and 10 UN SDGs.
To find out more about Singtel Group Future Makers Regional Programme, visit: https://virtualsgfm2021.com/
To know more about Globe’s sustainability initiatives, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability.html.
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Puregold marks 28 years of retail growth, gives back to loyal customers
8:46 a.m. September 14, 2026
Marking 28 years of sustained retail growth and market leadership, leading supermarket chain Puregold Price Club Inc. is launching a grand anniversary celebration this September, giving away exciting rewards designed to make every loyal customer feel valued.
Puregold’s anniversary celebration rollout comes as it marks a 3.7-percent year-on-year sales growth in the first half of the year on the back of higher shopper spending.
Giving its customers the “Always Panalo” experience, Puregold will hold anniversary promos and events from September 25 to December 5, including a grand raffle, giveaways, immersive in-store brand experiences, and a barangay roadshow that promises to bring the party to communities across the country.
Perks and Prizes
Now on its second year, “Puregold’s Nasa Resibo Ang Panalo” nationwide raffle will turn every Puregold visit into a chance to win life-changing prizes, from free groceries and home appliances to up to P280,000 in cash for each winner.
To participate, Puregold Perks and Aling Puring members just need to make a minimum purchase of P2,000, with at least P300 worth of participating items. Up to 50 winners will be drawn every two weeks across 328 participating stores.
Participating brands will dress up store aisles and will be tagged in the shelves as cue for shoppers to get items that will qualify them for the raffle.
Puregold customers across 212 stores can also join the “Panalong Pabigas Raffle Promo.” To enter, shoppers need a minimum single-receipt purchase of P1,000, which must include at least P200 worth of participating items. The promo features weekly draws awarding 25-kilo sacks of rice to five winners per store, culminating in a grand draw where 30 winners will take home P28,000 each.
Puregold is also bringing the celebration to communities across the country through “Barangay Panalo, Sari-Saring Papremyo,” sharing rewards to neighborhoods near its stores.
In Puregold’s barangayan, local residents can take part in on-ground games, enjoy live entertainment, sample products from Puregold’s partner brands, and win various prizes.
This year’s anniversary celebration culminates with the Luneta edition of Puregold’s famed Hakot Relay Run, a fun run that comes with a grocery grab challenge. Participants are in for massive loot bags and viral moments.
Hakot Relay Run will be held on December 5, 2026 eat Burnham Green in Rizal Park, Manila.
“As we celebrate our 28th anniversary, we remain focused on strengthening our connection with Filipino families. From community celebrations and raffle draws to a fun run, these initiatives reflect our gratitude to the customers who continue to make Puregold their trusted supermarket,” said Puregold President Vincent Co.
Stay tuned for updates on the official Puregold Facebook page or drop by the nearest Puregold branch for more info. #
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BFAR co-hosts SAFET 2026 as 370 delegates from 28 countries convene in Cebu
7:20 a.m. September 10, 2026
More than 370 delegates from 28 countries have converged in Cebu for the three-day Seafood and Fisheries Emerging Technologies Conference, or SAFET 2026.
The conference, which runs from September 8 to 10 at Shangri-La Mactan, is co-hosted by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), in partnership with international organizations.
SAFET 2026 focuses on emerging technologies that could help improve fisheries management, protect marine resources, and strengthen the livelihoods of fisherfolk and fishing communities.
More than 75 speakers are sharing insights on fisheries, marine conservation, technology, and livelihood opportunities for coastal communities.
One of the major topics being discussed is electronic monitoring, which uses cameras, sensors, and other digital tools to track fishing vessel activities and improve the collection of fisheries data.
Inga Wise, Executive Director of Seafood and Fisheries Emerging Technologies (SAFET), highlighted the potential of electronic monitoring in improving fisheries monitoring and management.
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is also being explored as a tool to monitor fishing activities and help detect possible illegal operations at sea.
The BFAR is also showcasing digital platforms, including the Electronic Catch Documentation and Traceability System (eCDTS) and the Vessel Monitoring System, which can help authorities trace fish from their source at sea through the supply chain and eventually to the market.
The conference is also addressing the effects of climate change on fishers and coastal communities, including ways to strengthen the livelihoods of small-scale fishers and help fisherfolk adapt to changing marine conditions.
The DA-BFAR Assistant Director for Technical Services Isidro M. Velayo Jr. said the agency is working to strengthen its support for fisherfolk through improved programs and technology.
However, one of the major challenges is ensuring that emerging technologies are affordable and accessible to fishing communities, particularly because many of these systems can be costly and technically complex.
Government leaders also stressed the need to ensure that technologies introduced through pilot projects eventually become practical tools that fishers can use in their day-to-day operations.
BFAR Region 7 Regional Director Mario Ruinata said SAFET 2026 is particularly significant for Central Visayas, where many communities depend on fishing for their livelihood.
He said an important consideration is determining how and when technologies such as electronic monitoring, AI, satellite systems, and digital platforms can be introduced to local fishing communities.
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Mobile Legends: Bang Bang goes ALL IN to celebrate 10 years of growing with its players
7:29 p.m. September 4, 2026
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) today launches ALL IN MLBB, its global 10th Anniversary campaign honouring the players and communities that have shaped its growth and globalisation. The campaign will unfold through anniversary activities, rewards, and the MLBB Birthday Party, bringing players together offline with the game’s developers.
For 10 years, MLBB and its players have grown and changed together, building identities, connections and a shared future. From school years to working life, and from a first main hero to a trusted squad, MLBB has become part of millions of personal stories. ALL IN MLBB celebrates those memories while inviting players to shape the game’s next chapter together.
Today, MLBB reaches more than 1.5 billion installations and 110 million monthly active users across more than 80 countries. Its expansion has paired an accessible, free-to-play mobile experience with hyperlocal publishing, allowing local creators and communities to shape campaigns around each market.
Annual campaigns such as Golden Month bring players together through locally relevant creator content and community activities centred on the spirit of giving. ALLSTAR reimagines the in-game experience each year. From entertainment crossovers with NARUTO and THE KING OF FIGHTERS to partnerships spanning Neymar Jr, ITZY, Jollibee, Visa, and Chow Tai Fook, MLBB has connected with players through global fandoms, sport, music, and everyday consumer experiences.
Over the decade, MLBB’s player-first publishing approach has also extended its universe into new genres. Mobile Legends: Adventure (MLA) and Magic Chess: Go Go (MCGG) give fans new ways to engage with familiar heroes beyond the traditional 5v5 format.
Roger Yu, Producer of MLBB at MOONTON Games, said: “MLBB’s first decade demonstrates that global scale and local relevance can reinforce each other. We have kept the core game accessible while investing in creators, cultural moments, and partnerships that give communities a role in shaping the brand. This approach has enabled MLBB to grow beyond a single title into a broader entertainment ecosystem. ALL IN MLBB recognises the players who made that growth possible and reaffirms that they will remain central to our next decade.”

