NEWS
SmarTrade, ATFX roll out BOSS Partnership Program for local traders
April 4, 2023 5:24 p.m.
SmarTrade, one of the pioneers in providing quality financial education in the Philippines, together with ATFX Global, launched a new program to help boost the earning potential of Filipino traders.
The BOSS: Business Opportunity Seminar and Successful Partnership Program is a series of workshops and open-house events that advocates to educate more traders on the different opportunities in online trading and provide them an opportunity to partner with ATFX and join its expansive network of brokers.
The first run of the event held at Marco Polo in Ortigas was attended by more than a hundred participants.
The one-day workshop began with an introduction of the SmarTrade and ATFX partnership. As the education partner in the Philippines of renowned broker ATFX, SmarTrade pushes for the continuous learning and skills development of Filipino traders by offering free training sessions and one-on-one coaching on online trading. ATFX makes available its globally-acclaimed trading platform to those who want to put into practice what they have learned from SmarTrade.
“We are passionate about our partnership with ATFX because they have been proactive in supporting us with our mission of spreading awareness and education to help the Filipinos increase and manage their wealth better,” says Joyce Mayo, President & CEO of SmarTrade.
“Through the BOSS program, we hope that we could be a part in providing the Pinoys the right information and through ATFX, a reliable platform on which traders can create more income streams for themselves and their families.”
In order to help the participants, SmarTrade discussed different strategies on efficiently managing and building one’s financial portfolio, and at the same time strategies on how to build a business as an independent trader.
Part of the workshop was a seminar on wealth management conducted by Edwin Saguibo, Head of Learning and Development at SmarTrade. The trading coach with 20 years of experience in the industry covered topics on how to manage one’s wealth, eliminate debts, and increase income streams.
Guest speaker Jabez Kot, ATFX Business Development Manager for Southeast Asia, gave a presentation on the ATFX Community Partners, one of the highlights of the BOSS Partnership Program.
The ATFX Community Partners is a ready-made business package for independent traders or groups who can refer clients to ATFX. As an introducing broker (IB), you can build another income stream while enjoying exclusive benefits from ATFX such as rebates, access to educational materials, and dedicated support from your own account manager.
Participants of the BOSS Partnership Program can learn effective ways to manage their own IB business which can be tailored to fit one’s lifestyle. Moreover, they are able to engage with industry experts who have grown their IB business with SmarTrade and ATFX through the years.
Aside from the pilot workshop, a provincial roll out of the BOSS Partnership Program has been initiated to reach more traders across the country. SmarTrade recently held events at Villa Caceres in Naga City, Marison Hotel in Legazpi City, Seda Hotel at Ayala Center Cebu, and Limketkai Luxe Hotel in Cagayan De Oro.
The BOSS program is a timely opportunity for Filipino traders to expand their knowledge in online trading and take advantage of the many benefits ATFX Global offers.
With this latest collaboration, SmarTrade and ATFX Global continue to provide quality financial education and resources to the Filipino community. Catch the next the BOSS seminar online on April 21 at 6pm.
To know more about SmarTrade, its services, and upcoming events, visit www.smartradeph.com.

NEWS
BFAR cites success of annual fishing ban in increasing galunggong stocks
1:11 a.m. March 8, 2026
The annual closed fishing season for roundscad (galunggong) has been instrumental in ensuring sustainable yield and enhanced volume production, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said, citing the success of the science-based approach in Palawan.
BFAR National Director Elizer Salilig said this fishing cycle, which has been enforced for over 10 years, allows the galunggong to thrive in Palawan waters, ensuring ecological balance and economic success for the local fishing industry.
Galunggong is a dining staple among Filipino families, known to be relatively more affordable than other options. In Palawan, it sells for between P150 and P200 per kilo.
“The success of the annual roundscad fishing cycle in Palawan shows what we can do together through science and discipline. It proves that science-based conservation is not a hindrance to the fishing industry, but its greatest ally,” said Salilig.
The National Stock Assessment Program has confirmed the positive impact of the annual fishing hiatus, said Salilig.
The annual fishing ban contributed to improved volume of roundscad production at 3,363.75 MT in the third quarter of 2024, a sequential increase of 55.1 percent. It was the top contributor to the total commercial fisheries production in MIMAROPA, accounting for 27.1% of the total fish catch.
Enforcement of the fishing cycle has also led to a decrease in fishing mortality and the amount of immature galunggong in the catch. The roundscad also showed an increase in average length from 16.8 cm in 2015 to 17.6 cm in 2024, suggesting “improved growth and a healthier, more mature population.”
The closed season for commercial fishing of roundscad in Northern Palawan takes effect every November 1 to January 31 and is lifted between February 1 and October 31. This fishing cycle, implemented via a 2015 administrative order, covers the West Philippine Sea and the Northern Sulu Sea.
This policy leaves the galunggong breeding ground largely undisturbed during the closed season, protecting the species during its peak spawning period.
Salilig thanked the Palawan fishing community for continuing to comply with the annual fishing cycle.
“By respecting the natural spawning cycles of the galunggong, we are not just protecting an ecosystem; we are securing the food supply and the livelihoods of thousands of Filipino fishers for years to come,” he said. #
NEWS
Converge hosts Project PIGLET in Baclayan, donates learning tablets for Mangyan children
8:26 p.m. March 7, 2026
Leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has come back to Brgy. Baclayan in Oriental Mindoro in celebration of Safer Internet Month, bringing its online safety campaign at the Baclayan Mangyan School, while strengthening the digital capabilities of its students.
Through its Corporate Governance and Data Privacy (CGDP) Group, Converge engaged pupils in Grades 5 and 6 in its Project PIGLET (Privacy Integration through Guided Learning of Emerging Technologies), a program that aims to enhance digital literacy and privacy awareness among school children.
Converge AVP and Head of Data Privacy and Information Security Compliance Team Eumir Paolo Espiritu highlighted that kids nowadays are more susceptible to cyber threats such as deception, fraud, identity theft, malware and computer viruses.
He noted that as early as possible, children should be educated on ways to protect themselves against these, which was why they launched Project PIGLET in 2024.
“Converge intends to visit different regions across the country to reach the unserved and underserved and increase the awareness of kids when it comes to data privacy and information security. At Converge, we leave no one behind, so this Safer Internet Month, we visited the indigenous children here in Mindoro to also promote the more responsible and positive use of digital technology,” he said.
Converge hosted a story telling session, and distributed school supplies and snacks to the kids.
The company also strengthened the school’s digital capabilities as it donated learning tablets and a smart TV at the Stairway Foundation ICT Learning Center, which has been supporting the students’ learning activities, through the help of Mindoro-based child-care organization Stairway Foundation.
“Dahil nga Mangyan school ang aming paaralan, kaunti ang access namin sa equipment kaya malaking tulong ang mga dagdag na kagamitan para sa pag-aaral ng mga bata. Mahalaga rin ang ganitong mga initiative para maging aware ang mga estudyante sa mga nangyayari sa kapaligiran at hindi lang sila gumagamit ng gadgets basta-basta,” said Baclayan Mangyan School Head Teacher III Noemi Bonquin.
The Baclayan Mangyan School provides education to nearly 250 pupils from the different Mangyan tribes in Puerto Galera.
Converge first engaged with the Mangyan community in Brgy. Baclayan in 2023, in collaboration with Stairway Foundation. The team up paved the way for the powering of free fiber internet by Converge at the said ICT learning center and its donation of learning tablets to support the students in honing their digital skills.
Moreover, the company has also worked with the nonprofit in its online safety advocacy in an effort to combat cyber threats, particularly online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).
NEWS
Maxim launches motorcycle taxi services in Iligan
7:11 p.m. March 6, 2026
Iligan City — Maxim Rides & Food Delivery is now authorized to operate motorcycle taxi services in Iligan, offering residents a convenient new way to get around the city.
With fares starting at Php 20, the service provides an affordable commuting option for daily travelers. The launch also creates new income opportunities for local driver-partners, enabling more residents to earn through a flexible platform.
Driver-partners operate from a commission scheme designed to be more favorable than many platforms in the market–helping them keep more of what they earn. Whether performing full-time or part-time, driver-partners can earn based on their availability and goals. All motorcycle taxi driver-partners undergo proper onboarding and an orientation on motorcycle taxi guidelines to ensure safety and service quality for every ride.
“Our goal in Iligan is to make daily travel easier for everyone while helping local residents earn extra income through flexible timetables,” said Myrrh Ornopia, Head of Maxim Iligan. “We want our service to benefit both riders and the community.”
Maxim continues to strengthen its motorcycle taxi operations in key cities, including Metro Manila, Batangas, and Cagayan de Oro. Through close coordination with local government units and transport authorities, the company remains committed to developing safe, reliable, and well-regulated motorcycle transportation services nationwide.

