The Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) will return to Cebu on October 14, marking a milestone in its 69-year history with the appointment of its first-ever Visayas regional chair.

Dubbed “STEWARDING PRSP: Amplifying Voices, Building Trust,” the one-day gathering will bring together public relations (PR) and communications professionals, government and corporate practitioners, students, and educators to discuss regional leadership, professional development, and responsible communication.

	Event poster for PRSP’s regional gathering in Cebu on October 14, 2026, featuring morning professional development sessions at SM City Cebu and the THINKaMuna Media and Truth Forum at SM Seaside City Cebu.

The event will focus on three priorities: empowering regional networks, advancing PR practice, and championing truth.

Doris Isubal-Mongaya, founder and CEO of PRWorks Inc.

“PR cannot be Manila-centric if we want to build a stronger profession,” said Ana Pista, APR, president of PRSP. “The stories, challenges and expertise of our regions must be part of the national conversation. This is what it means to steward PRSP.”

Advancing PR practice

The Professional Development Program is open to government and corporate professionals for a registration fee of ₱2,000. Interested participants may register through the PRSP Professional Development Program Registration page.

Promotional poster for the THINKaMuna: Media and Truth Forum on October 14, 2026, at the SM Seaside City Cebu Cube Wing Atrium

Addressing misinformation and disinformation

In the afternoon, PRSP will partner with MediaQuest Holdings Inc. and THINKaMuna Pilipinas for THINKaMuna: Media and Truth Forum, scheduled from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Cube Wing Atrium of SM Seaside City Cebu.

The forum will address misinformation, disinformation, and the challenges these pose to public trust.

Media and Truth Forum Registration page.

The Cebu gathering forms part of PRSP’s expanding regional network, bringing the Society’s professional development programs, leadership opportunities, and advocacy closer to practitioners beyond Metro Manila.

“STEWARDING PRSP: Amplifying Voices, Building Trust” is sponsored by PMFTC Inc., Meralco, and CARMA.

If you ask Reine, a 25-year-old sales agent from Laguna, about her priorities as a Filipino Gen Z, she will tell you one thing: financial stability. 

Similarly, Jake, a Gen Z analyst from Muntinlupa, sees financial stability as a way to provide more for his family. This has meant looking for additional ways to diversify his income.

Reine and Jake are among the growing number of young Filipinos who are increasingly focused on achieving greater financial stability for themselves and families as they build their careers and plan for their future.

This growing focus on long term financial security is one of the factors contributing to the broader rise in investing among Filipinos, including participating in the stock market.

Reine opened a stock market account last year through GStocks PH, the trading platform offered by AB Capital Securities Inc., found in GCash. She began her stock investing journey with just P1,000, with the goal of diversifying her income. Investing doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive, she shared, after learning about digital platforms. 

While Jake initially started his wealth-building journey through GSave, the high-interest digital savings hub found in GCash, he eventually gave GStocks PH a try. For him, it was the simple sign up that helped make the transition to GStocks PH convenient.

Digitalization has helped broaden participation in the Philippine capital markets by making market information, investor education, and trading platforms more accessible. The availability of online educational resources, the rise of content creators focused on investing, and the proliferation of digital brokerages and mobile investment platforms have lowered traditional barriers to participation. 

Together with simplified onboarding requirements, these developments are helping bring more Filipinos into the formal investment ecosystem and expanding access to the stock market beyond traditional investor segments.

How Gen Z Filipinos are shaping the future of financial services

Filipino Gen Zs are taking a more deliberate approach to their financial futures, with financial stability emerging as an important priority. As they explore saving, investing, and other financial tools through digital platforms, their preferences are also becoming an important consideration for financial institutions looking to serve the next generation of customers.

A study by researchers from the Ateneo de Manila University involving more than 170 Gen Z employees found that Gen Z Filipinos are focusing their efforts on “securing their future through savings and investments.”

Meanwhile, digital platforms like GStocks PH allow younger Filipinos to start investing with incremental amounts as they build their portfolios without needing to coordinate with a separate broker.

The number of stock market accounts rose 27.3% year-on-year to 3.64 million in 2025, with 3.61 million held by retail investors, according to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). Online accounts grew 30.5% to 3.23 million, while investors aged 18 to 28 accounted for 28.2% of total PSE accounts, reflecting the growing participation of younger Filipinos.

To get started, fully verified GCash users need to open the app, go to the Invest tab, select GStocks PH and complete the registration with broker AB Capital Securities Inc.

Through GStocks PH, GCash continues to make the capital markets more inclusive by making it easier for Filipinos to learn about and participate in investing as they work toward long-term financial stability. For more information, visit www.gcash.com.

Any decision to invest in a public offering must be made solely on the basis of the final prospectus published in relation to such offering, which will contain important information about the offer, the business and financials of the issuer, and risks related to such business and the industry of the issuer, among others.

The information provided herein may not be complete, accurate, or current and may change without notice; no representation or warranty is made as to its accuracy or completeness. Before making any investment decision, investors should conduct their own due diligence, consider their objectives, financial circumstances, and risk tolerance, as well as obtain and consider advice from appropriately qualified professional advisers as necessary. Securities offerings such as IPOs are subject to closing conditions, some of which are not within the control of the issuer. An application or subscription for any shares offered through an IPO (including on GStocks) does not guarantee the success or closing of such IPO, or an actual issuance of shares (whether partially or fully) to an investor. Investing involves risk. The value of investments and any income from them may rise or fall, and investors may not recover the amount or principal invested. This content may also contain forward-looking statements that involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and may not be realized. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

‍A REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION BUT HAS NOT YET BECOME EFFECTIVE. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR OFFERS TO BUY THE SAME BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS COMMUNICATION SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR BE CONSIDERED A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY. 

The Preliminary Prospectus filed with the SEC and PSE, which contains detailed information about the Company and the Offer is available for downloading on the Company’s website: [●]. The Preliminary Prospectus also contains the information required to be stated in any notice, circular, advertisement, letter or other forms of communication that will be published or transmitted to any person after a registration statement has been filed under Rule 8.3.1 of the 2015 Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Securities Regulation Code of the Philippines and which information is incorporated by reference in this communication.

G-Xchange Inc. (GXI) is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). To know more, Visit the GCash Help Center or call us at 2882 (Globe/TM) / (02) 7213-9999 (Globe Landline), or Internet Call through the Help Center.

Globe partnered with the Taguig City Government to equip 320 senior citizens with practical skills to recognize scams and navigate the digital world more safely during a Senior Digizen session at the Taguig Convention Center on September 16. The activity gave participants hands-on guidance they could apply to everyday situations involving suspicious calls, messages, links, and online offers.

Mayor Lani Cayetano graced the Globe Senior Digizen event, which equipped Taguig seniors with practical skills to spot online threats and stay safe online.

The session directly addressed growing cyber risks targeting older Filipinos. Data from the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) revealed consumer fraud as the leading complaint among senior citizens in 2025, with older adults remaining uniquely vulnerable to phishing, smishing, investment schemes, "budol" tactics, romance scams, and fraudulent offers.

Rather than simply telling participants to “be careful online,” Globe volunteers walked them through practical situations they may encounter in their daily lives. Seniors learned how to examine suspicious messages before clicking links, recognize red flags in questionable offers, protect their personal and financial information, safeguard their one-time passwords or OTPs, and seek help when something does not feel right.

Over 300 Taguig senior citizens are now certified Senior Digizens.

Digital inclusion must also mean digital protection. As more seniors use their phones for communication, financial transactions, and essential services, we must equip them to spot online risks and act with confidence,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer. “Through the support of Taguig City, we are bringing these practical lessons directly to seniors,” she added.

The session also introduced participants to practical mobile tools that can help them stay connected with family and access useful services. Volunteers worked closely with the seniors throughout the activity, answering questions and helping them apply what they learned to situations they may encounter on their own.

“With around 120,000 senior citizens in Taguig, helping our elderly population navigate technology safely is a priority,” said Hon. Lani Cayetano, City of Taguig Mayor. “Through our partnership with Globe, we are giving our seniors practical knowledge to identify scams, protect their personal information and make better use of technology in their daily lives.”

The event, which supported Taguig City’s broader efforts to serve and protect its senior citizens, was organized with the Taguig City Government, the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs, and the teams of Deputy City Administrator for Health and Social Services Dr. Cecilia R. Montales and Councilor Alvinleen “Ivie” P. Dizon. Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes also attended in support of senior digital literacy, while private-sector partners HONOR, McDonald’s, AC Health, Healthway, and Generika provided meals, tokens, and raffle prizes.

Launched in 2024, Senior Digizen is Globe’s digital inclusion program for older Filipinos, helping them build practical digital skills and greater confidence in using technology. Since its launch, the program has reached thousands of seniors, with Globe continuing to expand its reach through partnerships with local government units such as Taguig to promote digital safety and independence among older Filipinos.

The Taguig session formed part of Globe’s annual GDay celebration, which mobilized Ka-Globe volunteers for community activities across the country. Through Globe of Good, employees contributed their time and skills to initiatives addressing community needs, including digital literacy and disaster response.

For more information about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

Reports of violence are becoming more commonplace these days with stabbings, fist fights, and shootings at close range now brazenly done in broad daylight. Yet what often shocks people is that the alleged perpetrators behind these acts of aggressive behavior are children or teens.

In Basilan, two teens beat a 15-year-old schoolmate for refusing to smoke a cigarette. In General Trias, Cavite, a 14-year-old girl entered a classroom and stabbed seven Grade 5 students with a kitchen knife. Investigations continue following a 14-year-old boy’s senseless school shooting in Tacloban, Leyte, where three students were killed and at least 20 wounded.

To the parents of the victims, such actions against their children are both heartbreaking, deplorable, and intolerable. But what about the parents of children who performed the aggressive behavior? Were they aware that their son or daughter was capable of violence—or were they just as surprised as the rest of us when they got the news?

Rather than pinpointing a single cause, he believes violence among youth stems from a combination of factors. First are biological factors, specifically mental disorders. This is not to say that those with psychiatric conditions are automatically dangerous. It is that certain conditions can impair self-control, mood, social perception, and judgement. Next are psychological factors, including antagonistic attitudes (seeing peers and authority as enemies), dehumanization, and hopelessness for the future. Underdevelopment of crucial psychological skills such as emotional regulation, problem solving, decision making, and empathy also contribute. Third are social factors. Experiencing violence at home, in school, and in their community can normalize such behavior and make them seem acceptable. If a child is being bullied or abused, he or she may want to fight back in a similar manner. The lack of connection and social support gives less incentive to behave in a socially constructive manner. Access to weapons can transform ideation into action.

Media and cyberspace have also been implicated in encouraging violent behavior. Many pointed out that the 14-year-old alleged shooter from Tacloban played mobile games which exposed gamers to interactions with negative influences that may have radicalized them. Sensationalized reporting of violence can “glorify” this concept among young minds, especially if these attitudes are reinforced by influential figures.

And yet, says the MakatiMed Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, one can be exposed to all these risk factors and still maintain a sound mind and attitude in the presence of protective factors: having meaningful relationships and connections, a sense of purpose and connection, and engaging in intervention are among the most important.

“We say ‘connect and correct.’ We understand them and validate their thoughts and feelings, but we’re also going to give consequences or lessons,” he says. “Others tend to correct [bad behavior] right away, so it’s not as effective. And just because we understand what they’re going through doesn’t mean we let go of their negative actions. Moreover, punishment isn’t the only form of discipline, reinforcing good behavior is a bigger part of it.”

It helps that some troubled youth acknowledge their issues. “From my experience as a Child Psychiatrist, many times it’s the teenager who tells their parents that they may have a problem, and we should certainly listen to this call for help,” shares Dr. Yu Chua.

To determine the state of a patient’s mental health, a certified Psychiatrist will perform an evaluation. This typically includes clinical interviews, psychological testing, and lab tests to rule out an underlying physical condition. Depending on the findings, treatment can range from counseling and talk therapy to the prescription of medication.

“Sometimes, counseling alone is not enough if there is a mental health disorder that contributes to violence,” explains Dr. Yu Chua. “And medication alone is not enough because they need to change their thinking, their behavioral patterns, develop their skills for self-control, problem-solving, and socializing. A combination is the best.”

Doctors and professionals, however, are just part of the intervention team. The involvement of parents, family members, teachers, and friends is what truly transforms an at-risk child to feel calm, secure, seen, and loved, thereby changing for the better.

“Number one is to model good behavior,” says the MakatiMed Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. “You need to show them how to deal with stress and problems without resorting to violence. Anger can be part of normal life, but there are healthy ways to express this. Number two is to build relationships. It’s less likely for a child or teenager to be violent if they know that someone loves them, supports them, will talk to them about their problems, and will be supportive of their future.”

Creating opportunities for kids to be productive and kind to others can have a transformative effect as well. “It’s the opposite of violence,” Dr. Yu Chua points out. “When you’re helping others and you’re able to accomplish good things, you can walk further away from violence.”

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.

The TECNO CAMON Slim 5G is now available for offline pre-order in the Philippines from October 2 to October 15, 2026, at an SRP of ₱27,999. 

During the pre-order period, customers can receive a free TECNO MagBadge worth ₱5,999, together with additional premium benefits, a special cash discount of up to ₱3,000, and a chance to win from a ₱2 million cash prize pool, including one ₱1 million Grand Prize.

Designed around TECNO’s “Make It Lighter” philosophy, CAMON Slim 5G combines a 6.39mm ultra-slim design with a 6000mAh battery and a 50MP Sony LYTIA™ 700C main camera with Super-Zoom FlashSnap — making it lighter to carry and ready to capture everyday moments as they happen.

CAMON Slim 5G Price and Pre-Order Dates in the Philippines The TECNO CAMON Slim 5G is priced at ₱27,999 in the Philippines for the 256GB ROM + 24GB RAM configuration, combining 8GB physical RAM with up to 16GB extended RAM. 

Pre-orders are open nationwide from October 2 to October 15, with official sales beginning October 16. Customers can pre-order through participating TECNO stores nationwide. The pre-order period includes Burgundy Red, Matisse Black and Rebel Pink. Gossamer White, featuring an advanced 3D butterfly-inspired back design, will become available toward the end of October and is not included in the pre-order offer. The four colorways are part of CAMON Slim 5G’s emphasis on design and personal expression. 

Free TECNO MagBadge Worth ₱5,999 with Every Eligible Pre-Order 

One of the biggest highlights of the CAMON Slim 5G pre-order offer is the free TECNO MagBadge, TECNO’s smart magnetic accessory designed to make photography and everyday interaction more personal. 

The MagBadge features a 1.73-inch display, supports rear-camera preview, wireless media sync and remote shutter control, giving users another way to take advantage of CAMON Slim 5G’s imaging capabilities. 

For selfies and group shots, for example, users can preview the rear camera through the MagBadge and trigger the shutter remotely, helping make it easier to frame photos while using the phone’s main camera. The TECNO MagBadge has an SRP of ₱5,999 when purchased separately, making it one of the most valuable additions to the CAMON Slim 5G pre-order package.

Premium Pre-Order Benefits Worth ₱10,000  

 In addition to the free MagBadge, eligible CAMON Slim 5G pre-orders come with a package of premium benefits worth ₱10,000, including:

• Free TECNO MagBadge — Style Meets Smarter
• 60-Day Free Replacement — Start Every Day with Confidence
• 13-Month Extended Warranty — Support That Stays With You
• 3-Year 256GB Cloud Storage — Save the Memories That Matter
• 3-Month Google One AI Plus 2TB Free Trial — Work Smarter, Make Every Day Lighter

   

Chance to Win ₱1 Million from a ₱2 Million Cash Prize Pool