The Manila Tech Summit 2025: Forging a New Global Order

 

The Fintech Alliance PH presents The Manila Tech Summit 2025 with Theme : Forging a New Global Order 

This summit isn’t just about discussing the problems—it’s about exploring actionable solutions, strategic investments, and forward-thinking strategies to not only survive, but thrive in this complex, ever-evolving landscape. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation about some of the most urgent and relevant issues shaping our world today:

Geopolitical Fragmentation: Rising nationalism and multipolar power struggles threaten cooperation on critical issues such as global security, trade, and environmental sustainability.

Technological Disruption: AI, quantum computing, and digital currency can empower innovation but also amplify inequality, cyber threats, and loss of privacy.

Climate Crisis: The escalating impacts of climate change risk deepening resource conflicts and economic instability, especially for vulnerable nations

Philippines to Host 36th International Biology Olympiad at Ateneo de Manila University

 

Quezon City, Philippines — The Philippines is proud to welcome the world’s brightest young biologists to the 36th International Biology Olympiad (IBO 2025), to be held from July 20 to 27, 2025, at Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City.

Organized by the Philippine Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) in partnership with Ateneo de Manila University, this prestigious global competition will gather top secondary school biology students from over 78 countries for a week-long showcase of scientific excellence, collaboration, and cultural exchange.

Event Highlights

Opening Ceremony: Sunday, July 20, 2025

Practical Exams: Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Theoretical Exams: Thursday, July 24, 2025

Closing & Awards Ceremony: Sunday, July 27, 2025

The competition will test participants on a wide range of topics, including molecular biology, genetics, anatomy, ecology, and biosystematics, through both rigorous theoretical and hands-on laboratory exams. The top-performing students will be awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals, recognizing their mastery and innovative thinking in the field of biology.

"We are deeply honored to host IBO 2025," said Dr. Josette Biyo, Director of DOST-SEI. "This is not only a celebration of scientific talent but also a unique opportunity to promote international friendship and the importance of biological sciences in addressing global challenges."

This marks a significant moment for the Philippines as it strengthens its role in the global science education community. Ateneo de Manila University, a premier institution known for its commitment to research and innovation, will serve as an ideal venue for the week’s academic and cultural activities.

For more information, visit  here www.ibo2025.org.

#BiboSaIBO

#IBO2025PH

#todayph25

#NMAP2025

RCBC is Euromoney's Six-Time 'Best Bank for Digital'

 

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) continues to break boundaries in digital banking, earning the prestigious “Best Bank for Digital” award from Euromoney for 2025. This marks an unprecedented sixth consecutive win, making RCBC the first bank in Asia to achieve such a feat and cementing its position as a regional trailblazer in inclusive digital finance.

The announcement was made by Euromoney, recognizing RCBC’s pioneering digital innovations, customer-first approach, and strong push for inclusive financial ecosystems in an increasingly competitive fintech landscape.

“This accomplishment is a testament to RCBC’s commitment to being a digitally driven and customer-obsessed bank. We will continue to provide cutting-edge banking solutions, keeping CX at the heart of our strategy,” said RCBC president and CEO Reginaldo Anthony B. Cariaso. “We will deliver impactful solutions that are accessible, intuitive, and secure.”

RCBC’s sixth win comes on the heels of transformative initiatives across its digital platforms. RCBC Pulz—the first privately owned digital banking app in the Philippines to allow account opening using an international mobile number—was scaled up through partnerships with the Department of Migrant Workers and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas.

These tie-ups extend digital finance to Overseas Filipino Workers and immigrants, strengthening financial ties with the homeland. Pulz also boasts the most AI-enabled features in the market, making it the most intelligent banking platform in the country today.

DiskarTech, the world’s first multilingual financial inclusion super app, caters to underserved and unbanked Filipinos—particularly micro and small entrepreneurs. It provides easy access to microloans, savings, insurance, and telemedicine services.

DiskarTech actively collaborates with key government agencies such as the Social Security System, Department of Education, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to expand its reach and enhance its digital financial service offerings. These partnerships drive broader financial inclusion and uplift DiskarTech’s growing entrepreneurial clientele, especially in grassroots communities.

Available in Taglish and Cebuano, the app ensures both language accessibility and cultural relevance for its diverse user base.

RCBC ATM Go, the country’s largest bank-agnostic mobile ATM network, has expanded its reach to 100 percent of provinces and cities, and 95 percent of municipalities nationwide. It empowers over 5,000 MSMEs as banking agents, enabling sustainable livelihoods in grassroots communities.

At least 20 percent of these agents now rely on Starlink satellite internet to operate in the most remote island and off-grid areas, ensuring no Filipino is left behind. In partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT), ATM Go also supports the digitalization of tourism-related financial transactions.

It introduced Southeast Asia’s first manual withdrawal service for VISA and Mastercard debit cards, benefiting both domestic and foreign users. Notably, over 60 percent of ATM Go users are rural women, and 70 percent of transactions are for government cash disbursements such as 4Ps, salaries, pensions, and aid to public sector workers.

“This six-peat is more than a milestone—it’s a mission in motion,” said Lito Villanueva, executive vice president and chief innovation and inclusion officer of RCBC. “We are proud to pioneer solutions that are contextual, inclusive, and deeply impactful. This honor is shared with our partners and clients, whose trust fuels our resolve to uplift lives and empower communities through world-class digital finance.”

With this historic win, RCBC sets a new gold standard for what it means to be a digitally driven, inclusively built, and future-ready bank for the Filipino people.

#FintechAlliancePH #EuromoneyAwards

Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas: Reaching Out to a Pasay Community for Self Empowerment

The quiet street of Barangay 43, Zone 6, Pasay City became the backdrop for a community-centered event that blended grassroots empowerment with modern entrepreneurship on July 4, 2025. At the center of this initiative was Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, Co Founder and COO of Tag Media Group, a  leader in both business and media, whose keynote session became the most anticipated and impactful moment of the Bahay Tubo Project, a business development program organized by students from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

The project, held under the college’s Center for Student Life - Academic Extension Program and the Center for Social Action, aligned with the goals of the National Service Training Program (NSTP). It aimed to provide single parents with the skills and tools to start and sustain small, home-based food businesses.

But it was the talk by Engr. Nicolas, also President of Rising Tigers Magazine, that truly set the tone for ambition and transformation.

Lessons in Modern Entrepreneurship

Speaking to students, aspiring entrepreneurs and local community members, Engr. Nicolas delivered a practical and inspiring discussion on the realities of building a business in the digital age. She highlighted the role of digital platforms in reaching wider markets and establishing brand presence, especially for small-scale entrepreneurs operating from home.

More importantly, she emphasized that innovation is an integral part of doing or starting a business. Whether through unique product offerings, creative marketing strategies, or the use of technology to streamline operations, innovation, she said, must be a mindset from the very beginning.

Throughout her session, Engr. Nicolas maintained an open and engaging atmosphere, encouraging participation and interaction. Attendees who contributed ideas or asked questions were recognized with small tokens of appreciation — a gesture that energized the discussion and created a warm, collaborative environment.

An inspiring talk from the heart: A Conversation That Resonated

Unlike typical lectures, the event adopted a focus group discussion format, giving participants a chance to voice their ideas, share challenges, and receive real-time guidance. Engr. Nicolas responded with tailored advice and relevant examples, bridging the gap between theory and practice in a way that participants found highly relatable.

The session not only deepened the participants’ understanding of entrepreneurship but also gave them a renewed sense of purpose. With each exchange, the message became clearer: with knowledge, creativity, and the right support, starting a business is not only possible, it can be transformative.

Building a Platform for Change

Behind the success of the Bahay Tubo Project was a team of committed Benildean student leaders who handled logistics, communications, finance, facilitation, and overall project management. Their coordination ensured a smooth and meaningful rollout of the pilot phase, which included six main participants identified from the local community.

In partnership with the Barangay 43 local government, the program responded to the community’s call for inclusive, sustainable livelihood efforts. Though modest in scale, the event marked an important beginning in strengthening local capacity through education and enterprise.

A Promising Start

Engr. Nicolas’s presence at the Bahay Tubo launch elevated the project into something more than a community workshop, it became a launching pad for new ideas, renewed confidence, and genuine connection. Her insights on digital selling, innovation, and self-empowerment struck a chord with participants eager to take charge of their futures.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia and The En Banc

 

Guardian of Democracy: COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Mojica Garcia and the En Banc’s Crucial Role in Elections

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) stands as the cornerstone of Philippine democracy, ensuring that every election is free, fair, and credible. At the helm of this vital institution is Chairman George Erwin Mojica Garcia, a seasoned legal expert and administrator tasked with upholding the integrity of the electoral process. Under his leadership, the COMELEC en banc—composed of the Chairman and six Commissioners—plays a pivotal role in shaping election policies, resolving disputes, and safeguarding the people’s right to vote.  

The Constitutional Mandate of COMELEC

Established in 1940 and reinforced by subsequent constitutions, COMELEC operates as an independent body separate from the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Its mandate encompasses:  

1. Quasi-Judicial Functions– Resolving election contests, determining voter qualifications, and prosecuting election-related offenses.  

2. Ministerial Functions– Enforcing election laws, accrediting political parties, and deputizing law enforcement for secure elections.  

3. Reportorial and Recommendatory Duties** – Submitting post-election reports to Congress and proposing reforms to curb fraud and excessive campaign spending.  

Chairman Garcia: Leading with Integrity

As the Chief Executive Officer of COMELEC, Chairman Garcia oversees the execution of policies, supervises internal administration, and presides over en banc sessions. His legal expertise—being a member of the Philippine Bar with over a decade of practice—ensures that decisions align with constitutional principles.  

Key responsibilities under his leadership include:  

- Policy Formulation– Guiding the Commission in adopting rules for orderly elections.  

- Dispute Resolution– Ensuring fair adjudication of electoral protests.  

- Election Security– Coordinating with the military and police to prevent violence and fraud.  

The En Banc: Collective Decision-Making 

The COMELEC en banc serves as the policy-making body where major decisions are deliberated and finalized. Composed of Chairman Garcia and six Commissioners, the en banc exercises both quasi-legislative (rule-making) and quasi-judicial (adjudicatory) powers.  

Notably, the en banc handles:  

- High-Profile Election Cases– Disputes involving regional, provincial, and city officials.  

- Rulemaking– Setting guidelines for voter registration, campaign finance, and candidate eligibility.  

- Election Oversight– Approving measures to prevent fraud and ensure transparency.  

Challenges and the Path Forward

Under Chairman Garcia’s stewardship, COMELEC faces evolving challenges—from disinformation to logistical hurdles in automated elections. His leadership is crucial in maintaining public trust, especially as the country prepares for future electoral exercises.  

As the guardian of the ballot, Chairman Garcia and the en banc remain steadfast in their mission: to uphold democracy by ensuring that every Filipino vote is counted, protected, and respected.  

For more in-depth coverage on Philippine governance and elections, stay tuned to TopNewsAsia Magazine. Rising Tigers Magazine now at National Book Store, Fullybooked Gas Stations, Shell, Caltex Gas Stations, Lazada and Shopee. 

#comelec #enbanc #georgegarcia

FinTech Alliance.PH hosts Q2 digital caucus, sets stage for Manila Tech Summit 2025

 

PRESS RELEASE

TAGUIG CITY, PHILIPPINES – FinTech Alliance.PH, the country’s largest and most influential

organization of fintech unicorns, startups, and financial institutions, convened its 2nd Quarter

Digital Industry Caucus and Manila Tech Summit Media Launch on June 24, 2025 at The

Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

The event brought together key figures from the government, the diplomatic corps, and the

private sector. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier delivered

the keynote address, underscoring the urgency of establishing an industry-led fraud bureau to

help build a safer, more resilient digital economy. She emphasized that strong collaboration

between regulators and the private sector is vital in fighting fraud, building consumer trust, and driving financial inclusion.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier delivers the keynote address.

“Continuing engagement with industry players such as the Fintech Alliance is crucial in fostering

a shared understanding of risks, financial inclusion goals, and market conduct expectations.

Moreover, cooperation plays a critical role in enhancing the financial system’s cyber resilience

as it enables financial institutions to proactively identify, prevent and respond to emerging 

persistent threats. The BSP will continue to support strategic partnerships among our key

stakeholders for the purpose of strengthening financial surveillance, obtaining feedback on

policy initiatives, and fostering dialogue,” Deputy Governor Fonacier said.

"On behalf of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, I commend Fintech Alliance PH and other partners

for this initiative and all stakeholders here today for taking bold steps towards a safer digital future,” DG Fonacier added.

During the caucus, FinTech Alliance PH also announced the submission of a white paper to

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda and

the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center (CICC), outlining a roadmap for the

proposed fraud bureau and positioning it as a shared responsibility of the entire digital ecosystem.

As part of its commitment to honor transformative leadership, FinTech Alliance PH conferred the

BSP Governor Nestor A. Espenilla Jr. FinTech Leadership Award to four exceptional individuals:

BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier; H.E. Laure Beaufils, British Ambassador to the

Philippines; H.E. Hae Kyong Yu PSM, FCPA, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines; and

H.E. Ilan Fluss, Ambassador of Israel. This prestigious award honors leaders who embody the

late Governor Espenilla’s legacy of inclusive innovation, regulatory disruption, and financial

empowerment for the underserved.

Tess Espenilla, the wife of the late BSP Governor Nestor Espenilla, congratulated the recipients

and lauded them for espousing the values that her late husband lived by and demonstrated

through public service.

"This award carries forward Nestor's vision of a future where innovation empowers inclusion and

no Filipino is left behind. Your work and leadership in financial technology upholds the values he

deeply believed in - integrity, innovation, and service to the underserved,” Espenilla shared.

The honorees expressed their gratitude to the Alliance for conferring the awards as a tribute to

the power of international collaboration, the promise of digital innovation, and the shared

commitment to uplifting lives through meaningful and forward-thinking change.

"To be recognized by an industry that you also regulate is something really sweet and special

because apart from the regulator and the regulated relationship, there is of course partnership

at the end. But I cannot lay claim to this award alone, same thing with when we tried to fight

cybercrime. No institution can do it alone,” Deputy Governor Fonacier said.

"When I arrived in the Philippines almost four years ago, we weren't doing that much work in the

fintech space. Four years down the line, we have done so much together on the strategic policy

side as well as on the commercial side… …We are so proud to be able to sign an alliance with

Fintech Alliance PH during UK Southeast Asia Fintech Week a few months ago,” Ambassador

Beaufils expressed.

"Our ambassador is personally invested in digital transformation in the Philippines. We

recognize the huge growth in digital transactions is powering the economy here that is opening

many opportunities. It is opening opportunities to Australian businesses to invest in the

Philippines and it is also delivering financial services to many millions of Filipinos who remain

unbanked,” Dr. Moya Collett, Deputy Head of Mission of the Australian Embassy, relayed

Australia’s commitment on behalf of Ambassador Yu.

"Over the past four years, my mission has been to build bridges of innovation, of technology,

and of shared purpose. Israel, as many of you know, is a start-up nation not by choice but by

necessity. In a land with limited water, surrounded by challenges, we had to innovate to survive.

From that struggle, we became a global hub for fintech, cybersecurity, agritech, and many more.

I am proud now that these capabilities support Filipino institutions,” Ambassador Ilan Fluss

shared in a message delivered by Villanueva.

The honorees of the BSP Governor Nestor A. Espenilla Jr. FinTech Leadership Award together with the Fintech Alliance PH.

The event also marked the onboarding of four new member institutions into the Alliance:

SnapWork Digital Technologies Pte. Ltd., TrustDecision Pte. Ltd., EmbedIT S.R.O., and Trusting

Social AI Philippines. Their addition reflects the Alliance’s growing momentum and unified vision

of bridging innovation and inclusion.

To cap the event, the theme of the 2025 Manila Tech Summit was officially revealed: “Forging a

New Global Order: Risks and Opportunities Redefined.” Set for August, the summit is expected

to convene over 1,300 stakeholders to discuss how the Philippines can lead amid global

volatility and opportunity. It also builds up toward the Philippines’ official participation in the Singapore FinTech Festival this November, where the country will mount a national pavilionunder the theme “Bagong Pilipinas.”

FinTech Alliance PH Founding Chairman Lito Villanueva closed with a call to action: “This is our moment. As the digital landscape evolves, so must we boldly and decisively. From tackling fraud to promoting regulatory reform and global collaboration, we are proving that the Philippines is not just catching up we’re stepping up to lead. Let’s move fast, build together, and show the world what a future-ready, inclusive digital economy looks like.”

“The Philippines is not just catching up—we’re stepping up to lead.” -Fintech Alliance PH Founding Chairman Lito Villanueva

The event was held in partnership with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, with media collaboration

from ABS-CBN, BusinessWorld, Manila Bulletin, Merger Market, Inquirer, PhilStar, The Manila

Times, and TodayPH.

###

About Fintech Alliance PH:

FinTech Alliance.Ph is the country’s first and most prominent digital industry association,

established in 2017, and now has over 130 corporate members driving more than 95% of retail digital financial transaction volume in the Philippines. For more information, visit

https://www.fintechalliance.

TopNewsAsia June 2025 “People of the Year” Issue Honors Nation Builders and Trailblazers in Governance, Innovation, and Diplomacy with COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Mojica Garcia

Manila, Philippines – TopNewsAsia proudly unveils its June 2025 “People of the Year” issue, a special edition recognizing a distinguished lineup of public servants, visionaries, and innovators who have significantly contributed to nation-building, good governance, and regional collaboration.

At the forefront of this prestigious list is Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Erwin Mojica Garcia, who is being honored for his firm leadership in strengthening democratic processes and reinforcing electoral integrity in the Philippines. Under his stewardship, COMELEC has intensified voter education, enforced clean elections, and prepared for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections in December 2025 with unprecedented transparency and readiness.

Joining Chairman Garcia in this year’s TopNewsAsia honorees are:

• First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos – for her unwavering support for Filipino arts, heritage preservation, and women’s empowerment through cultural diplomacy.

• Manjit T. Singh Reandi, President and CEO of John Hay Management Corporation – for championing sustainable tourism and economic growth in Northern Luzon.

• BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. – recognized for his bold reforms in tax administration and commitment to fiscal transparency.

• BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio – for steering modernization efforts in customs and promoting a culture of integrity within the Bureau of Customs.

• Dr. Miguel Baker, Founder of Baker Medical Aesthetics – for his groundbreaking contributions to the beauty and wellness industry through ethical medical aesthetics.

• Atty. Claire Castro, Undersecretary of the Presidential Communications Office – for her outstanding role in promoting public legal education and transparent governance.

• Ambassador Agus Widjojo, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Philippines – for fostering stronger bilateral relations between Indonesia and the Philippines through diplomacy and collaboration.

• DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman – for her transformative leadership in digital governance, budget transparency, and inclusive public financial management.

The June 2025 issue of TopNewsAsia is now available at National Bookstore, FullyBooked, Shopee, Lazada, and selected Shell and Caltex stations nationwide.

A Celebration of Excellence

To celebrate the achievements of this year’s honorees, an exclusive People of the Year Awarding Ceremony will be held on August 19, 2025, at the Embassy of Indonesia in the Philippines, hosted in partnership with His Excellency Agus Widjojo, Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines.

The awarding event will gather dignitaries, business leaders, diplomats, and media personalities in a diplomatic reception that honors the values of excellence, leadership, and unity in the ASEAN region.

For media inquiries,  advertising and event partnerships, please contact:

📩 president@topnewsasia.com

📞 +63 977 897 8877

⸻

About TopNewsAsia

TopNewsAsia is a premier news and leadership print and digital publication in Asia. Its annual “People of the Year” edition is one of the most anticipated honors recognizing influence, innovation, and integrity.