SOCIAL MEDIA

EastWest Wins ABF Awards for Customer-Focused Banking

Sunday, July 19, 2026


EastWest has been recognized with three major honors at the Asian Banking & Finance (ABF) Awards, reflecting the bank's efforts to improve customer experience, strengthen digital banking services, and expand investment opportunities for Filipinos.

The bank received Mid-Sized Retail Bank of the Year – Philippines and Analytics Initiative of the Year – Philippines for the second consecutive year during the Asian Banking and Finance Retail Banking Awards. It also earned its first IPO Deal of the Year – Philippines at the Asian Banking and Finance Corporate and Investment Banking Awards for its role in the landmark public offering of Maynilad Water Services.

The recognitions highlight how banks are increasingly using technology, customer insights, and advisory services to meet changing consumer expectations while helping more Filipinos participate in the country's growing financial markets.

The awards recognize three different aspects of EastWest's business: retail banking, analytics, and investment banking.

In retail banking, EastWest has focused on simplifying everyday banking through digital services while maintaining personalized support in its physical branches. This approach gives customers flexibility to complete routine transactions online while still having access to financial guidance when making larger financial decisions.

The bank's analytics initiative was recognized for using customer data to better understand financial behaviors and deliver more personalized recommendations. Rather than offering the same products to everyone, EastWest analyzes customer needs based on different life stages and financial goals, allowing relationship managers to recommend savings and investment options that better match individual circumstances.

Meanwhile, its investment banking recognition acknowledges EastWest's participation as a Domestic Participating Underwriter in the Maynilad Water Services initial public offering (IPO), one of the Philippines' largest public offerings in recent years.

How EastWest improving the banking experience

Modern banking is no longer limited to opening accounts or transferring funds. Customers increasingly expect faster digital services, easier account management, and personalized financial advice.

EastWest has introduced several improvements designed to reduce friction throughout the customer journey, including:

  • Faster digital account opening
  • Improved complaints handling
  • More efficient dispute resolution
  • Enhanced in-branch customer experience
  • Better integration between digital and branch services

These initiatives contributed to an improvement in the bank's customer satisfaction indicators, including an eight-point increase in its Net Promoter Score (NPS), a widely used metric that measures customers' willingness to recommend a business to others.

In 2025, digital transactions accounted for 51% of all EastWest transactions, reflecting the continued shift toward online banking among Filipino consumers.

What is customer analytics in banking?

Customer analytics refers to the use of data to better understand how people manage their finances.

Banks analyze patterns such as saving habits, spending behavior, investment preferences, and liquidity needs. These insights help financial institutions provide recommendations that are more relevant instead of relying on generic product offerings.

For customers, this can result in:

  • More personalized financial advice
  • Investment recommendations aligned with financial goals
  • Better timing for savings and lending products
  • Improved overall banking experience

As digital banking adoption continues to rise, analytics has become an important tool for helping banks balance technology with personalized customer service.

EastWest's role in the Maynilad IPO

Beyond consumer banking, EastWest also contributed to one of the country's biggest capital market transactions.

The bank served as a Domestic Participating Underwriter for the Maynilad Water Services, Inc. initial public offering, completed in November 2025.

An Initial Public Offering (IPO) is the process through which a private company offers shares to the public for the first time. IPOs allow companies to raise capital while giving investors an opportunity to become shareholders.

Through its distribution network and client relationships, EastWest helped broaden participation among domestic and retail investors. A wider shareholder base can support healthier capital markets by encouraging greater public participation in long-term investments.

The funds raised through Maynilad's IPO are intended to strengthen the company's capital base and support future investments in water and wastewater infrastructure.

The Philippine banking industry continues to evolve as customers expect banking services to be faster, more accessible, and tailored to their financial needs.

Recognition from industry organizations such as Asian Banking & Finance suggests that institutions are increasingly being evaluated not only on financial performance but also on customer experience, digital transformation, and the ability to provide practical financial guidance.

For consumers, these developments may translate into:

  • Easier access to banking services
  • More personalized financial recommendations
  • Improved digital banking experiences
  • Greater opportunities to participate in investment products

As financial technology continues to reshape the industry, banks that successfully combine digital convenience with human expertise are likely to remain competitive in meeting customers' changing expectations.

EastWest's latest Asian Banking & Finance awards recognize its efforts to make banking more responsive to customer needs through digital improvements, data-driven insights, and stronger investment services. From streamlining everyday banking to helping expand access to one of the country's largest IPOs, the bank's initiatives reflect broader trends shaping the future of Philippine banking and financial inclusion.
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Philippine Seven Corporation Achieves Record 2025 Sales Under President Richard Lee

Thursday, July 16, 2026


There's a good chance you've stopped by a 7-Eleven recently, whether it was for a quick coffee, a late-night snack, or an everyday essential. That growing reliance on convenience stores is reflected in the latest performance of Philippine Seven Corporation (PSC), the exclusive licensor of 7-Eleven Philippines, which posted record-breaking results in 2025.

During its Annual Stockholders' Meeting, the company announced its highest-ever system-wide sales, continued store expansion, and significant investments in digital innovation. The year also marked a leadership transition, with Richard Lee taking the helm as president while the company continued to focus on long-term growth.

Philippine Seven Corporation Achieves Record Sales in 2025

Philippine Seven Corporation ended 2025 on a high note, reporting system-wide sales of Php 99.4 billion, a 6.4% increase from Php 93.5 billion in 2024.

The company's total revenues also climbed 7.2%, reaching Php 95.1 billion compared to Php 88.7 billion the previous year.

According to PSC, the strong performance was driven by:

  • Increased customer traffic
  • Higher average spending per visit
  • Continued expansion of the 7-Eleven store network
  • Strong sales from fresh food and proprietary foodservice offerings

Despite operating in a more challenging consumer environment, the company maintained a net income of Php 3.6 billion, highlighting the resilience of its business model.

A Stronger Financial Position

Beyond sales growth, PSC also strengthened its financial foundation.

Key highlights include:

  • Total assets increased by 10.5% to Php 47.8 billion
  • Stockholders' equity rose 23% to Php 11.2 billion
  • Return on equity reached a record 35.61%
  • Debt-to-equity ratio remained at a manageable 3.28x

These results position the company to continue investing in future expansion while maintaining financial flexibility.


Reflecting on the year's performance, Richard Lee, President of Philippine Seven Corporation, said:

"We delivered another solid year in a demanding environment. Our priority was continuity, keeping the momentum going while strengthening the business for what comes next. We stayed disciplined in how we grow and kept investing in the capabilities that serve our customers and shareholders over the long term."

A New Chapter Under President Richard Lee

One of the biggest milestones for Philippine Seven Corporation in 2025 was its leadership transition.

In July 2025, Richard Lee officially assumed the role of President, while longtime executive Jose Victor Paterno became Chairman of the Board.

Rather than changing the company's direction, the transition focused on maintaining continuity while preparing PSC for its next phase of sustainable growth.


Board Chairman Jose Victor Paterno expressed confidence in the company's future leadership.

"Richard brings a deep understanding of our operations and a disciplined approach to growth. As the Board, our focus remains on sustaining that momentum and creating lasting value for our shareholders and the communities we serve."

7-Eleven Continues to Grow Across the Philippines

Store expansion remained one of PSC's biggest growth drivers.

By the end of 2025, the company operated 4,491 7-Eleven stores nationwide, up from 4,130 locations the previous year.

That represents 423 new stores, making 7-Eleven even more accessible to communities across the country.

The current network consists of:

  • 53.42% company-owned stores
  • 46.58% franchised stores

Alongside expansion, PSC continued enhancing store formats and improving the customer experience to meet changing consumer preferences.

Cashless Payments Become More Accessible

Convenience today goes beyond location. It also means offering customers faster and easier ways to pay.

During 2025, Philippine Seven Corporation accelerated its digital transformation by expanding cashless payment options throughout its network.

By the end of the year, more than 1,000 stores already accepted multiple digital payment methods.

That rollout continued rapidly, reaching over 4,000 stores by the end of May 2026.

Customers can now pay using Credit cards, Debit cards, QR Ph, E-wallets, and other cashless payment options.

The expansion reflects the growing preference among Filipino consumers for digital transactions and more seamless in-store experiences.

Looking Ahead

As convenience retail continues to evolve, Philippine Seven Corporation is positioning itself for long-term growth through technology, operational improvements, and strategic expansion.

According to Richard Lee, the company's priorities remain clear.

"Our focus now is on execution, opening the right stores, deepening how we serve customers, and scaling the digital and payment capabilities we built this year. That is how we keep 7-Eleven the most convenient choice for Filipinos wherever they are."

With record sales, a growing nationwide footprint, and continued investments in innovation, PSC enters its next chapter with strong momentum. For everyday shoppers, that could mean even more accessible stores, expanded digital services, and a more convenient retail experience in the years ahead.
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eYAA Cohort 6 Empowers Filipino Youth Through Tourism and Climate Action

Wednesday, July 15, 2026


Building stronger communities goes beyond creating jobs or responding to disasters. It also means equipping young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to become active changemakers in their own communities.

That vision is at the heart of eMpowering Youths Across ASEAN (eYAA): Cohort 6, a regional initiative supported by the ASEAN Foundation and Maybank Foundation. This year's program highlights how youth-led projects can address two pressing issues facing the Philippines today: expanding livelihood opportunities through tourism and strengthening climate resilience in vulnerable communities.

With projects set to roll out across Southeast Asia, the Philippines will showcase two community-driven initiatives that empower young people in Palawan and La Union to create meaningful local impact.

eYAA Cohort 6 Brings Together ASEAN's Next Generation of Changemakers

Held from July 2 to 6, 2026, at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, the Regional Capacity Building Workshop gathered 110 youth volunteers along with representatives from civil society organizations and social enterprises across ASEAN.

The workshop serves as a launchpad for 10 community projects that will be implemented across Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

This year's cohort also marks two important milestones.

For the first time, Lao PDR joins the program as an implementing country, while Timor-Leste's accession as ASEAN's 11th Member State has expanded participation from 100 to 110 youth volunteers.

Adding to its significance, 2026 has also been declared by the United Nations as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026), highlighting the growing importance of volunteerism in advancing sustainable development goals across the region.

Opening Doors to Tourism Careers in Palawan

Tourism remains one of the Philippines' biggest economic drivers, yet many young people living near popular destinations continue to face barriers to employment.

In Puerto Princesa City, the "Y.E.S. We Can! Youth Empowerment Series" seeks to address this challenge by helping disadvantaged youth prepare for careers in hospitality and tourism.

Led by Filipino Hospitality Management and Consultancy, the project offers:

  • Hospitality skills training
  • Digital skills for tourism
  • Entrepreneurship workshops
  • Accelerated micro-credential courses
  • Job placement support

The initiative is designed to benefit more than 1,200 participants directly, including hospitality students, underserved youth, and aspiring entrepreneurs, while extending its reach to thousands more through digital learning.

Beyond technical training, the project encourages young people to build careers that contribute to local tourism while supporting broader goals of quality education and decent work.

Helping Communities Prepare for Climate Challenges


While Palawan focuses on economic opportunities, La Union is tackling another growing concern: climate resilience.

Following the devastating impact of consecutive super typhoons in 2025, many communities continue rebuilding while preparing for future disasters.

To strengthen local readiness, CURMA Group Inc. is implementing the "Climate Resilient Communities" project.

The initiative will train 100 youth leaders and community representatives as Climate Resilience First Responders through practical instruction in:

  • Disaster preparedness
  • Psychological first aid
  • Environmental stewardship
  • Community-based climate action

The program also supports livelihood development for coastal families while establishing permanent educational resources at the CURMA Center.

Overall, the project aims to directly benefit 3,000 residents, with broader outreach through community engagement and digital campaigns.

Collaboration Across ASEAN

One of eYAA's defining strengths is its collaborative approach.

Rather than introducing one-size-fits-all solutions, the program brings together local organizations that understand the unique needs of their communities while pairing them with youth volunteers from across Southeast Asia.

According to Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation, every project begins with local expertise, allowing volunteers to work alongside communities as partners rather than outsiders.

Meanwhile, Maybank Foundation, which has supported the initiative since 2018, continues providing grants of up to USD 25,000 for project teams.

Group Chief Sustainability Officer Datuk Shahril Azuar Jimin emphasized that young volunteers have consistently demonstrated their ability to transform ideas into meaningful community impact while advancing the foundation's broader sustainability goals.

Strengthening Youth Leadership Beyond the Program

This year's cohort also introduces new opportunities for past participants to remain actively involved.

Alongside the existing Alumni as Mentors initiative, eYAA has launched the Alumni Accelerator Programme, providing grants of up to USD 2,500 to alumni-led community projects.

These initiatives allow experienced volunteers to continue mentoring future participants while expanding the program's long-term impact across ASEAN.

Since its launch, eYAA has:

  • Empowered 482 youth volunteers
  • Completed 50 community projects
  • Directly benefited more than 114,000 individuals across Southeast Asia

Investing in the Next Generation of Community Leaders

As communities continue adapting to economic uncertainty and climate-related challenges, initiatives like eYAA demonstrate the value of investing in young people as future leaders.

Whether by preparing disadvantaged youth for careers in tourism or equipping communities with practical disaster response skills, the program shows how locally driven solutions can create lasting change.

For the Philippines, the projects in Palawan and La Union highlight how empowering young people today can help build stronger, more resilient communities for the years ahead.
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Malaysia to Host ASEAN Battery Technology Conference 2026 in Sepang


As Southeast Asia accelerates its transition toward cleaner energy and electric mobility, batteries have become one of the region's most strategic industries. From powering electric vehicles to supporting renewable energy storage, battery technology is expected to play a major role in ASEAN's economic and sustainability goals over the coming years.

This growing momentum will take center stage at the ASEAN Battery Technology Conference (ABTC 2026), which will be held from August 19 to 21, 2026 at the Mövenpick Hotel & Convention Centre KLIA in Sepang, Malaysia. The event will bring together policymakers, manufacturers, researchers, investors, and industry leaders to discuss how ASEAN can strengthen its battery value chain and compete on the global stage.

ABTC 2026 Puts Malaysia at the Heart of ASEAN's Battery Industry

Organized by NanoMalaysia Berhad (NMB), this year's conference carries the theme "Industrialising Battery Technologies: Strengthening ASEAN's Battery Value Chain for Global Competitiveness."

The event reflects the region's growing ambition to move beyond simply adopting battery technologies toward becoming a leading hub for manufacturing, innovation, investment, and commercialization.

Following successful editions in Bali, Singapore, and Phuket, ABTC has evolved into one of Southeast Asia's key industry gatherings, encouraging collaboration between governments, research institutions, technology companies, and manufacturers.

Hosting the conference also highlights Malaysia's increasing focus on clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and industrial innovation.

The demand for batteries continues to grow as more countries invest in electric vehicles, renewable energy projects, and energy storage systems.

For ASEAN, this presents significant opportunities to build stronger regional supply chains, attract international investments, and create new industries that support long-term economic growth.

Rather than relying solely on imported technologies, many ASEAN countries are now exploring ways to strengthen local manufacturing capabilities while improving safety standards, research collaboration, and battery recycling initiatives.

ABTC 2026 aims to support these efforts by encouraging discussions that translate into practical industry partnerships.

What to Expect at the Conference

Over three days, delegates will participate in keynote presentations, technical discussions, and networking sessions focused on the future of battery technology across Southeast Asia.

The conference will revolve around three major themes:

1. Battery Safety and Industry Collaboration

Experts will discuss battery safety, regulatory standards, policy development, and strategies that encourage wider adoption across ASEAN markets.
Advancing Battery Manufacturing

Industry leaders will examine manufacturing scale-up, supply chain resilience, technology innovation, and production capabilities needed to strengthen ASEAN's competitiveness.

2. Expanding Battery Applications

Sessions will also explore how batteries are being integrated into electric mobility, renewable energy storage, smart infrastructure, and other emerging technologies shaping the region's energy future.

Additional discussions will cover battery recycling, circular economy initiatives, and next-generation battery technologies.

3. International Experts and Regional Industry Leaders to Speak

ABTC 2026 will feature presentations from globally respected researchers and industry experts, including:

  • Professor Ying Shirley Meng of the University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory
  • Professor Khalil Amine, Argonne Distinguished Fellow and Director of the Advanced Lithium Battery Technology Programme

The conference is also expected to welcome representatives from organizations including, SEDA, MARii, Pertamina, A*STAR, and Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP).

Together, these speakers will provide insights into emerging technologies, policy developments, investment opportunities, and regional collaboration.

Strategic Partnerships Expected During ABTC 2026

Beyond the conference sessions, several partnerships are expected to be formalized during the event, demonstrating ASEAN's commitment to expanding its battery ecosystem.

Among the planned collaborations are:

  • NanoMalaysia Berhad and The Institution of Engineers Malaysia on energy storage development and technology transfer
  • GigaFactory Malaysia and Milan Utama for compact Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) prototyping
  • Infineon Technologies and Ampace on strategic battery technology collaboration
  • Green Tenaga and Go Rental Singapore on regional partnership initiatives

These agreements reflect the conference's emphasis on turning discussions into concrete projects that accelerate battery innovation and commercialization across Southeast Asia.

Building a More Competitive Battery Ecosystem for ASEAN

According to Prof. (Adj.) Dr. Rezal Khairi Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer of NMB Group, ASEAN already possesses strong capabilities in research, manufacturing, electric mobility, energy storage, and circular economy initiatives.

He emphasized that realizing the region's full potential will require stronger collaboration between governments, industry players, researchers, and investors.

Ts. Dr. Nurul Akmaliah Dzulkurnain, Chief Executive Officer of the International Battery Centre, echoed this view, noting that every ASEAN country contributes unique strengths in areas such as policy, financing, manufacturing, deployment, and research. She believes closer regional cooperation will help create a more competitive battery industry.

A Milestone for Southeast Asia's Clean Energy Future

As governments and industries continue investing in renewable energy and sustainable transportation, the battery sector is becoming one of ASEAN's fastest-growing industries.

ABTC 2026 offers more than an opportunity to exchange ideas. It serves as a platform for building partnerships, encouraging innovation, and strengthening the regional battery ecosystem for years to come.

For businesses, researchers, policymakers, and technology leaders, the conference represents an important step toward shaping a more resilient and globally competitive battery industry across Southeast Asia.
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GCash Stories Spotlights Atty. Sheila Gomez's Inspiring Journey to Becoming a Lawyer


Dreams rarely follow a straight path. For many Filipinos, achieving a lifelong goal often means overcoming financial hurdles, making difficult decisions, and finding the courage to ask for help when it matters most.

That message is at the heart of the newest GCash Stories campaign featuring Atty. Sheila Gomez, whose inspiring journey from legal aide to lawyer shows how determination, responsible borrowing, and access to financial support can help turn aspirations into reality. Her story highlights how GLoan became one of the tools that allowed her to continue pursuing her legal education despite financial challenges.

A Story of Perseverance Behind Every Milestone

Becoming a lawyer wasn't simply about passing the Bar for Sheila Gomez. It represented years of balancing work, school, and personal sacrifices.

While employed full-time as a legal aide, she spent her days working and her nights studying, determined to earn a law degree despite the demanding schedule. Like many working students, however, tuition fees, examination expenses, and daily living costs gradually became increasingly difficult to manage.

Instead of putting her education on hold, Sheila chose to seek financial assistance through GLoan, allowing her to continue her studies without disrupting her long-term plans.

That decision eventually helped her stay focused on preparing for the Bar examinations, leading to one of the biggest milestones of her life: becoming a lawyer.

Today, she continues using other GCash financial services, including GCredit and GGives, as part of managing her financial journey.

The Latest Chapter of the GCash Stories Campaign

Sheila's journey is the sixth feature in this year's #GCashStories campaign, carrying the theme "Kasama Mo Mangarap."

More than showcasing customer success stories, the campaign highlights how digital financial services can become practical tools that help Filipinos overcome everyday challenges.

According to Neil Trinidad, Chief Marketing Officer of Mynt, the campaign continues to demonstrate that meaningful progress happens when people receive the right support at the right time.

He shared that GCash aims not only to provide financial products but also to empower Filipinos to pursue their goals and embrace second chances, adding that Sheila's experience reflects how financial inclusion can create lasting opportunities rather than simply offering temporary solutions.

GCash Stories Continue to Celebrate Everyday Filipinos

Over the past three years, GCash Stories has featured ordinary Filipinos whose lives changed through perseverance and access to digital financial services.

Among the inspiring individuals previously featured are:

Cocoy, who rebuilt his livelihood after losing his bartending job by starting a business with help from GLoan.

Alma, a university employee who rebuilt her home after Typhoon Ulysses through community support using GCash Send Money.

Turing, a drag performer who supported her family during the pandemic through digital tips received via GCash QR.

Adz, a para-athlete who raised funds for sports advocacy through GCash Send Money.

Rhea Inayan of Bacolod City, who expanded access to financial services in her community through her GCash Pera Outlet.

These stories collectively reflect how digital finance can support different life goals, from entrepreneurship and education to disaster recovery and community development.

Lourdes Batac, Head of Communication Strategy at GCash, said these real-life experiences continue to shape the company's own story by demonstrating how financial products can create meaningful impact in people's lives.

A Different Perspective on Responsible Borrowing


One of the strongest takeaways from Sheila's story is her perspective on borrowing.

During a fireside chat, she reflected that perseverance does not always mean facing every challenge alone.

"One of the biggest lessons I learned is that perseverance doesn't always mean doing everything on your own. Sometimes, it means having the courage to seek the right support."

She also acknowledged that loans are often viewed negatively by many Filipinos but believes responsible borrowing, when used with a clear purpose, can become an investment in one's future rather than a financial burden.

"It's unfortunate that many Filipinos see loans in a negative light, but when used responsibly and with a clear purpose, borrowing can be a powerful tool and a smart investment that moves you closer to your dreams. I'm grateful that GLoan gave me that opportunity."

How Fuse Financing Supports Responsible Lending

Behind GLoan is Fuse Financing Inc., the lending arm of GCash, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

The company continues to advocate for fair, transparent, and accessible lending practices, particularly for Filipinos who may otherwise rely on informal or high-interest lenders.

Tony Isidro, President and CEO of Fuse Financing Inc., emphasized that responsible lending should help borrowers move forward while preserving their dignity.

According to him, the company's mission focuses on providing fast collateral-free loans, maintaining a secure borrowing experience, and ensuring that borrowers have access to financial support that can contribute to long-term progress.

Digital Financial Inclusion Continues to Open Opportunities

Atty. Sheila Gomez's story reflects a reality shared by many Filipinos who continue pursuing education, growing small businesses, supporting their families, or recovering from unexpected setbacks.

While every journey is different, access to responsible financial tools can provide the flexibility needed to keep moving forward.

As GCash continues expanding its financial services, campaigns like Kasama Mo Mangarap serve as reminders that progress often begins with resilience, informed financial decisions, and the willingness to embrace opportunities that bring people closer to their goals.

For those who want to learn more about Sheila's inspiring journey, her full GCash Stories feature is available online.
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How Unilever Philippines Supports LGBTQ+ Inclusion Beyond Pride Month

Tuesday, July 14, 2026


For many organizations, Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate diversity through events and campaigns. But creating an inclusive workplace goes beyond a single month on the calendar. It requires consistent action, supportive policies, and a culture where employees feel respected and empowered every day.

This is the approach embraced by Unilever Philippines, which continues to strengthen its commitment to workplace inclusion through employee-led initiatives, inclusive benefits, and programs that support LGBTQ+ employees and their allies throughout the year.

Unilever Philippines Launches the ProUd Network Locally

To mark the start of its Pride Month activities, Unilever Philippines introduced its local ProUd Network, the company's global Employee Resource Group (ERG) dedicated to supporting LGBTQI+ employees and allies.

The launch took place during Proud of U: Diversity & Allyship in the Workplace, an employee engagement event designed to encourage open conversations about diversity, allyship, and belonging.


The gathering featured inspiring discussions with journalist Baus Rufo, drag performer Eva Le Queen, media personality KaladKaren, and Unilever employee panelists, who shared personal experiences highlighting how everyday acts of allyship can help create safer and more inclusive workplaces.

Building Allyship Through Community

Since its global launch in 2018, the ProUd Network has expanded to more than 1,300 members across 20 local chapters worldwide.

The network provides employees with a safe space to connect, share experiences, learn from one another, and advocate for workplace equality. It also helps strengthen a culture where diversity is recognized as an important part of organizational growth and innovation.

According to Richard Velasquez, ProUd Network Champion at Unilever Philippines, the initiative reflects meaningful progress while acknowledging that inclusion is an ongoing journey.

"While the journey toward fully inclusive workplaces is far from complete, especially in a global organization as diverse as Unilever, the ProUd Network demonstrates that meaningful strides have been made and that there is a strong foundation on which to build."

Inclusion Goes Beyond Workplace Events

Unilever Philippines also extended its Pride celebration beyond the office by joining thousands of participants at the LoveLaban Pride Festival in Quezon City.

Employees took part in the event alongside Cream Silk, which participated in the annual Pride march with a colorful float joined by Eva Le Queen and content creator Sophie Prime.

The participation reflected the company's broader commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ communities both inside and outside the workplace.

Inclusive Policies That Support Employees Every Day

Beyond celebrations and awareness campaigns, Unilever Philippines has embedded inclusion into its day-to-day workplace practices.

Among its initiatives are:

  • Gender-neutral uniforms in manufacturing facilities
  • Gender-neutral restrooms in office locations
  • Comprehensive medical coverage
  • Up to 150 days of fully paid maternity leave
  • Up to 20 working days of fully paid paternity leave for eligible employees, which can be taken consecutively or in separate periods

These policies aim to create a work environment that accommodates the diverse needs of employees while promoting equal opportunities across the organization.

Supporting Gender Transition in the Workplace

One of the company's notable initiatives is its Gender Transition Guidelines and Policy, which provides practical guidance for employees, managers, and HR teams during an employee's gender transition.

The program includes personalized transition support plans designed to help ensure dignity, respect, and continuity throughout the process, reflecting the company's commitment to creating a supportive workplace for all employees.

Creating a Culture of Belonging

According to Geeta Royyuru, HR Head of Unilever Philippines and B&W Southeast Asia HR Lead, inclusion is closely connected to the Filipino value of malasakit, or genuine care for others.


"At Unilever Philippines, inclusion is rooted in the Filipino value of malasakit. By celebrating Pride, we reaffirm our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, empowered, and free to be their authentic selves. We are proud to see this commitment reflected in the increasing visibility of LGBTQ+ leaders across our business, whose presence is an example of how authenticity and inclusion can inspire people and drive organizational success."

Her message highlights how workplace diversity is not only about representation but also about creating an environment where employees feel safe to contribute, grow professionally, and succeed as their authentic selves.

Year-Round Allyship 

As conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion continue to evolve, more companies are recognizing that meaningful allyship extends far beyond Pride Month.

Employee communities, inclusive workplace policies, and supportive leadership all contribute to building organizations where people from different backgrounds feel a genuine sense of belonging.

Through initiatives like the ProUd Network and its employee-focused policies, Unilever Philippines continues to demonstrate how inclusion can become part of everyday workplace culture, helping employees thrive while fostering a more welcoming and equitable environment for everyone.
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Lenovo Builds FIFA World Cup 2026 Command Center

Monday, July 13, 2026


Hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be unlike anything football has seen before. With 48 national teams, 104 matches, 16 host cities, and games taking place across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, the tournament is set to become the biggest in FIFA World Cup history.

Managing an event of this scale goes far beyond what happens on the pitch. Behind every match is a massive operation involving logistics, venue management, security, transportation, and real-time coordination. To help oversee this unprecedented tournament, Lenovo is developing an Intelligent Command Center (ICC), a centralized platform designed to give FIFA a live operational view of everything happening across the competition.

What Is Lenovo's Intelligent Command Center?

The Lenovo Intelligent Command Center (ICC) is a real-time operations platform built to help FIFA monitor and manage tournament activities from one centralized location.

Instead of relying on multiple disconnected systems, the ICC gathers information from different operational platforms into a single dashboard. This creates one unified source of information, allowing officials to track venue activities, identify potential issues, and monitor tournament-wide operations as events unfold.

By consolidating live data into one environment, the platform helps decision-makers respond more quickly and consistently throughout the competition.

Supporting the Largest FIFA World Cup Ever

The expanded format of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ presents a level of operational complexity never before experienced in the tournament's history.

With matches spread across three countries and multiple time zones, organizers must coordinate thousands of moving parts simultaneously, including stadium operations, transportation, staffing, security, and fan services.

The ICC is designed to support that challenge by giving tournament officials access to real-time operational insights from every host venue, helping improve coordination throughout the event.

A Shared View for Faster Decision-Making

The Intelligent Command Center will serve as a core feature of FIFA's Tournament Operations Center (TOC) in Miami, where officials will oversee the tournament.

Large display screens inside the operations center will provide live dashboards, alerts, and updates, while relevant information will also be delivered directly to authorized personnel through Lenovo tablets and mobile devices.

Having everyone work from the same real-time information reduces confusion and allows teams to coordinate faster whenever unexpected situations arise.

Whether monitoring venue operations or responding to emerging challenges, the ICC aims to provide a synchronized view that keeps everyone aligned.

Breaking Down Information Silos


One of the biggest operational improvements introduced by the ICC is its ability to connect information that would traditionally remain separated across different departments.

Instead of individual teams relying on isolated systems, the platform combines operational data into a unified environment.

This allows FIFA officials to:

  • Monitor live operations across all venues
  • Detect potential disruptions earlier
  • Share updates instantly between departments
  • Coordinate responses more efficiently
  • Identify recurring operational trends throughout the tournament

The result is a more connected approach to tournament management, especially important for an event spanning multiple countries.

Lenovo's Role Behind the Technology

As FIFA's technology partner for this project, Lenovo is responsible for designing and developing the Intelligent Command Center platform.

The company is overseeing the integration of operational data, dashboards, analytics, and decision-support tools while working closely with FIFA's operations teams to ensure the platform reflects real-world tournament requirements.

Its goal is to deliver a reliable system capable of providing accurate, real-time operational visibility throughout every stage of the competition.

Beyond Live Match Operations

While real-time monitoring is the ICC's primary function, the platform is also expected to support planning and continuous improvement throughout the tournament.

Among its additional capabilities are:

  • Cross-functional team collaboration
  • Match-day scenario planning
  • Operational reviews after each event
  • Performance analysis across venues

These insights can help FIFA evaluate operations, identify opportunities for improvement, and apply lessons learned as the tournament progresses from one match to the next.

Technology Takes Center Stage at FIFA World Cup 2026™

Fans may remember the FIFA World Cup for dramatic goals, unforgettable moments, and championship celebrations, but behind the scenes, technology plays an equally important role in delivering a seamless global sporting event.

With the introduction of Lenovo's Intelligent Command Center, FIFA is embracing a more connected, data-driven approach to tournament management. As the largest FIFA World Cup ever approaches, innovations like the ICC demonstrate how digital technology is becoming an essential part of organizing world-class sporting events on a truly global scale.
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