Regional retail is not simply about where a business operates. It is about how well a retailer understands the communities it serves—and how effectively it can respond to their everyday realities.

For Rose Pharmacy, that understanding has been shaped by more than seven decades of serving customers across the Visayas and Mindanao.

Founded in Cebu in 1952 by the Lim family, Rose Pharmacy has grown from a local pharmacy into a major regional healthcare retailer, with almost 500 branches serving communities across the Visayas and Mindanao. In 2020, the company became part of Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc., opening another chapter in its evolution while maintaining the regional identity that has long defined the brand.

That regional identity is more than a geographic footprint. It reflects a close familiarity with the communities where Rose Pharmacy operates—their healthcare needs, preferences, and expectations, as well as the realities of serving customers across geographically dispersed markets.

It is this combination of regional understanding and continuous evolution that helped earn Rose Pharmacy the 2026 OFR Regional Retailer of the Year recognition.

More importantly, its journey offers lessons for retailers well beyond the pharmacy sector: growth becomes more meaningful when it remains connected to customers, communities, and the people who deliver the experience every day.

Understanding the Communities Behind the Market

For Rose Pharmacy, serving the Visayas and Mindanao means recognizing that customers in different communities may have distinct needs and circumstances.

Geography can influence logistics, transportation, inventory management, and access to professional talent. But those realities also create an opportunity: retailers that remain close to their communities can develop a deeper understanding of what customers actually need.

That proximity is particularly important in healthcare retail.

A pharmacy is often more than a place where people purchase medicines. Customers may visit to ask questions, seek information, or find products that support the health and wellness of their families.

Rose Pharmacy’s guiding promise, “We Care Passionately,” reflects this broader responsibility. It is expressed through customer service, professional pharmacy support, employee development, and community initiatives.

At the heart of Rose Pharmacy’s approach is a simple philosophy: being there for people with malasakit, one customer at a time. For the company, that means making care and customer connection part of the everyday retail experience.

That perspective helps explain how a regional retailer can build lasting relevance. The objective is not simply to be present in more locations, but to understand the people in those locations well enough to serve them meaningfully.

Growing With Customers, Not Away From Them

Rose Pharmacy’s evolution has included its integration into the Robinsons Retail Group, the expansion of its product offerings, and the continued development of digital and omnichannel retail.

The pandemic accelerated changes in consumer behavior, particularly in healthcare and everyday essentials. Customers increasingly expected convenience beyond the physical store, prompting retailers to rethink how they could make products more accessible.

Rose Pharmacy responded by strengthening its e-commerce and omnichannel capabilities. Customers can access products through its website and platforms such as Lazada and TikTok Shop, as well as delivery channels including Grab and Foodpanda. Its Call & Deliver service provides another option for customers who prefer a more direct way of ordering.

The important point is that technology supports the customer experience rather than replacing the foundation on which the business was built.

For a healthcare retailer, convenience matters—but so does confidence.

A digital channel can make ordering easier. A well-managed inventory system can improve availability. Data can help retailers understand demand. But when a customer has a question about a medicine or healthcare product, the value of professional and human interaction remains difficult to replicate.

This is where Rose Pharmacy’s experience offers a broader lesson for retail: innovation works best when it solves a real customer need while preserving the trust that makes the relationship valuable.

Technology With a Human Purpose

The growth of digital commerce is reshaping retail, and emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence—are likely to create additional opportunities across the industry.

For retailers, the important question is not simply which technology is newest. It is how technology can make the customer journey more convenient, improve operations, and help employees serve customers more effectively.

Rose Pharmacy’s continued development of digital and omnichannel capabilities demonstrates this practical approach.

Technology can create more ways for customers to access products. It can support better retail processes. But in healthcare, the human element remains essential.

A customer asking about a medicine may need context, professional guidance within the pharmacist’s scope, or simply reassurance.

That is why innovation and human connection do not have to be competing priorities.

The opportunity is to use technology to strengthen the people and processes that customers already trust.

Building the People Behind the Brand

Rose Pharmacy’s story is also a story about people.

The company works with universities, provides scholarships and internships, supports pharmacy students and creates opportunities for employees to develop their careers. Its training initiatives include product education, learning sessions, summits, and employee engagement activities, while career mobility provides opportunities for employees to take on greater responsibilities within the organization.

One example is Irene Jaganas.

Her mother, Vita, spent more than three decades with Rose Pharmacy. Irene herself became a Rose Pharmacy scholar, completed her pharmacy degree and internship with the company, and eventually progressed from Store Pharmacist to Regulatory Officer and toward an Area Operations Manager role in Davao.

Her journey illustrates what can happen when a retailer treats people development as part of its long-term business strategy.

In retail, products can be copied. Promotions can be matched. Technology can be purchased.

People and culture are much harder to replicate.

For regional retailers in particular, developing talent can have an impact far beyond individual careers. It helps build organizational knowledge, strengthens local capabilities, and creates people who understand both the business and the communities it serves.

Care That Extends Beyond the Store

Rose Pharmacy’s community initiatives further demonstrate how its “We Care Passionately” promise extends beyond the traditional retail transaction.

The company has supported the Cancer Warriors Run for seven years, contributing ₱1 million annually to the Cancer Warriors Foundation to help children battling cancer.

Its Back-to-School initiative provides school supplies and essential items to underprivileged children, while its medical missions have supported communities affected by disasters, including those affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Northern Bogo City, Cebu, in 2025.

The company also supports pharmacy students through scholarships and assistance with licensure examination review.

These efforts reinforce a broader idea about modern retail: a retailer’s relationship with its community does not end at the checkout counter.

Businesses create jobs, develop talent, respond during difficult times and become part of the communities where they operate. Over time, those relationships can become one of a retailer’s strongest forms of trust and brand equity.

For Rose Pharmacy, community involvement is therefore not separate from its identity as a retailer. It is part of what that identity means.

Why the OFR Recognition Matters

Against this backdrop, Rose Pharmacy’s recognition as 2026 OFR Regional Retailer of the Year carries significance beyond the award itself.

It recognizes the dedication of its pharmacists, store teams, and support teams serving customers across the Visayas and Mindanao.

But it also highlights a broader model of regional retail excellence—one built on the combination of customer understanding, operational capability, innovation, people development, and community purpose.

Rose Pharmacy has continued to evolve while maintaining the qualities that helped establish its reputation.

That makes its story relevant not only to pharmacy operators, but to retailers across the country navigating an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing marketplace.

What Regional Retail Can Teach the Industry

Rose Pharmacy’s experience offers a useful perspective for retailers of every size.

The first lesson is proximity.

A retailer does not necessarily need the largest footprint to understand customers deeply. Knowing the communities where you operate—and translating that knowledge into better service—can become a meaningful competitive advantage.

The second is purposeful innovation.

Technology should not be adopted simply because it is available. Its value comes from making something better for the customer or the people serving them.

The third is people development.

A strong retail organization is built not only through stores, products and systems, but through employees who understand the brand and have opportunities to grow with it.

And the fourth is community connection.

Retailers become stronger when customers see them as participants in community life rather than simply places to transact.

These principles apply whether a retailer operates five stores or hundreds.

A neighborhood pharmacy can build trust through service. A grocery retailer can understand the needs of its local market. A specialty retailer can develop employees into experts. An e-commerce company can use technology to make the customer journey easier.

The underlying question remains the same:

What value are you creating for the people who choose to do business with you?

The Next Chapter

The retail environment will continue to evolve.

Digitalization, data-driven decision-making, omnichannel commerce and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence will create new possibilities for retailers. How individual companies adopt these developments will depend on their customers, operations, and strategic priorities.

For Rose Pharmacy, however, the broader direction of its journey remains grounded in a distinctly human ambition: making healthcare more accessible while creating opportunities for employees and strengthening the communities it serves.

That may ultimately be the most meaningful definition of regional retail excellence.

Not simply being present in more places, but being useful in more places.

Not simply growing bigger, but growing deeper roots.

And not simply selling more, but earning more trust.

The 2026 OFR Regional Retailer of the Year recognition is a milestone for Rose Pharmacy. More importantly, it reflects a model of retail where commercial growth and community purpose can move in the same direction.

For a company that began with a regional identity in Cebu more than seven decades ago, that may be the most enduring lesson of all.

The future of regional retail is not about choosing between care and innovation, people and technology, or growth and community. The opportunity is to bring them together in ways that make a real difference to the people a retailer serves.

The post Rose Pharmacy: Redefining Regional Retail Through Care, Innovation and Community appeared first on Health and Fitness.

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine tennis has reached a defining moment.

At just 21 years old, Alex Eala has achieved what no Filipino has ever accomplished—winning a WTA Tour-level singles title and officially breaking into the WTA Top 20, cementing her place among the world’s elite women’s tennis players. Her remarkable rise has sparked celebrations across the country, with Filipinos hailing the birth of a new sporting superstar.

Eala’s historic breakthrough came at the Mubadala Citi DC Open (Washington Open), where she staged a stunning comeback to defeat top seed and World No. 3 Jessica Pegula, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0, in a rain-delayed final. The victory earned her her first WTA Tour singles championship and propelled her to a career-high World No. 20, the highest ranking ever achieved by a Filipino tennis player.

A Historic Victory for Philippine Tennis

Winning a WTA title is a milestone few players ever reach. For the Philippines, it represents a watershed moment in a sport long dominated by traditional tennis powerhouses.

Eala didn’t simply win a tournament—she conquered one of the toughest draws of the season.

On her way to the title, she defeated an extraordinary lineup of world-class opponents, including reigning Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng, defending Washington champion Leylah Fernandez, four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, former Wimbledon champion Elina Svitolina, and finally top seed Jessica Pegula in the championship match.

The run showcased her maturity, resilience, and fearless style of play, qualities that have become trademarks of her meteoric rise.

From Rising Star to Global Contender

Only weeks earlier, Eala had already captured international attention with her breakthrough performance at Wimbledon, becoming the first Filipina to reach the Round of 16 in the prestigious Grand Slam tournament.

Her success in Washington proved that Wimbledon was no fluke.

Instead, it confirmed that the young Filipina has officially arrived as one of the brightest talents in women’s tennis.

With the Washington title adding 500 valuable ranking points, Eala vaulted into the WTA Top 20, joining an exclusive group of the world’s best players and becoming a legitimate contender in the biggest tournaments on the professional circuit.

A Nation United Behind Its New Champion

Across social media, millions of Filipinos celebrated Eala’s achievement, with messages of congratulations pouring in from fans, athletes, public officials, and celebrities.

For many, her victory represents far more than another sporting accomplishment.

It symbolizes the emergence of a new generation of Filipino athletes capable of competing—and winning—on the biggest stages in the world.

In a nation where icons like Manny Pacquiao, Hidilyn Diaz, Carlos Yulo, and EJ Obiena have inspired generations, Alex Eala is now writing her own chapter in Philippine sports history.

Her success is also expected to inspire greater interest in tennis among young Filipinos, encouraging future athletes to dream beyond traditional sporting boundaries.

The Making of a Superstar

What makes Eala’s rise even more remarkable is the consistency she has shown against the world’s top players.

Her Washington triumph marked yet another victory over elite competition this season, demonstrating that she belongs among tennis’ biggest names.

Observers around the world have praised not only her aggressive baseline game and mental toughness but also her humility, professionalism, and composure under pressure. Those qualities have quickly made her one of the sport’s most exciting young personalities.

The Journey Is Just Beginning

At 21, Eala’s career is only beginning.

With the North American hard-court swing continuing and the US Open fast approaching, expectations are understandably high. Yet her recent performances suggest that this historic breakthrough may be only the first of many milestones.

For the Philippines, however, one thing is already certain.

Alex Eala has forever changed the country’s place in world tennis.

She is no longer simply a promising young athlete.

She is a WTA champion, a Top 20 player, and the newest Filipino sports superstar carrying the nation’s flag onto the global stage.

As she continues her journey against the world’s best, millions of Filipinos will be cheering every serve, every rally, and every victory.

Because today, the world isn’t just watching Alex Eala.

The world is watching the rise of Philippine tennis.

The post Alex Eala Makes History: Washington Open Champion Cracks WTA Top 20, Giving the Philippines Its Newest Global Tennis Superstar appeared first on Health and Fitness.

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — The Department of Health Ilocos Center for Health Development (DOH Ilocos CHD) is urging the public to adopt healthier lifestyles and maintain a positive mindset to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the leading cause of death in Region I.

During the February 23 episode of Kapihan sa Ilocos hosted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region 1, Nurse V Francisco De Vera highlighted that seven out of the top causes of mortality in the region are classified as non‑communicable diseases, with cardiovascular disease ranking first.

“Seven of the leading causes of mortality in Region I are what we call non‑communicable diseases. And among them, the number one is cardiovascular disease,” De Vera said.

He explained that the prevalence of heart disease is directly linked to unhealthy habits, sedentary routines, and poor nutrition.
“If you stay home doing nothing, eating excessively without exercising, you may become obese. And obesity is one of the major causes of heart disease,” he added.

De Vera emphasized the importance of a balanced diet, urging families to choose meals that are low in salt, low in fat, limited in sugar, and rich in fiber. He noted that overweight children are becoming more common due to the widespread availability of fast food and processed options. Preparing meals at home, he stressed, remains the healthier choice.

To protect mental and cardiovascular health, he advised the public to manage stress through simple practices:
“Practice deep breathing. Take a deep breath. Walk it off and go for a short walk. Take a break from social media for a while. Once you feel okay, then that’s good.”

Aside from physical inactivity and poor diet, De Vera warned that smoking and excessive alcohol consumption significantly increase heart risks.
“If you smoke, it can cause many illnesses, including heart disease. Smoking causes blood vessels to constrict, which can lead to hypertension,” he explained.

According to DOH Ilocos CHD data, the region recorded 3,689 deaths due to cardiovascular diseases in 2024, with 2,495 caused by myocardial infarction (heart attack) and 432 from congestive heart failure.

The health department continues to strengthen its advocacy for physical activity, healthy eating, and tobacco‑free living—reminding the public that adopting positive habits today can significantly lower the risk of chronic diseases and save lives.

via PIA | Health & Fitness PH

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The InLife Sheroes TBR Dream Crew 2026 are raring to show how they chose to #StartWithin and finish stronger than ever. From left: Bea Villegas, Josel Castro, Luigi Galvez, Coach Nylah Bautista, Jessa Vitangcol, Dale Henson, Mark Alborida and JB Bagallon.

For many, a marathon is a grueling 42-kilometer test of physical endurance. But for the members of the InLife Sheroes TBR Dream Crew 2026, the journey toward The Bull Runner (TBR) InLife Dream Marathon is a profound act of love, a celebration of self-worth, family, and the courage to start anew.

As the title sponsor of the marathon on February 15, 2026, InLife is not just supporting a race; it is fueling a movement of personal transformation, embodied by the InLife Sheroes TBR Dream Crew 2026. The group is composed of women and “He-for-She” male supporters who embody InLife Sheroes campaign, “#StartWithin.” 

#StartWithin addresses a phenomenon many Filipino women face: “inspiralysis,” the state of being inspired but paralyzed by the noise of surface-level empowerment. Through the InLife Sheroes platform, InLife provides the tools, mentorship, and spaces necessary to turn that internal spark into action. The Bull Runner Dream Marathon is the ultimate manifestation of this mission, proving that real empowerment begins in the quiet, often messy process of looking inward, deciding to love oneself enough to pursue a dream, and taking that first intentional step toward who we are truly meant to become.

Running for healing and empowerment

The stories of the InLife Sheroes TBR Dream Crew 2026 highlight how empowerment and inner strength are built and nurtured through personal struggle and the everyday decision to keep moving forward.

Roselle Banaag  began her journey during a low point of stress and depression. Today, she runs to honor her growth, transforming that initial pain into power and peace. “One day, I had to walk home, broke and lost. That walk hit 6k steps, which sparked a goal to reach 10k daily. With just thrifted shoes, I kept going. I started from a place of pain, stress, and depression, and found healing, strength, and peace through running. This marathon is more than a race. It’s a celebration of resilience, discipline, and the power of choosing to keep moving forward.”

Maan Batac runs for her two children diagnosed with autism. To her, every stride is a tribute to their daily courage. “They face challenges every day with courage and grace. Their journey inspires mine. Running now symbolizes strength, patience, and unconditional love. I dream of completing a marathon not just to tick off a goal, but to show them that persistence pays off. Even when the road is long and uncertain, we keep moving forward.”

Jomar Luczon started running “just to breathe” while feeling stuck in life.  “I was stuck in a cycle of work-eat-sleep and have forgotten myself. I want to prove the past version of myself, the one that was tired, lost, and ready to give up, that we can make it. Each kilometer I run is a reminder that I am healing, growing, and choosing myself.” 

Josel Castro’s self-discovery through running has become proof of the undying spirit of women. “I have endometriosis, and for the past few years, this illness controlled me. I want to become the strongest version of myself. Running is about showing up for every early run, every doubt that needed to be conquered, and every breakthrough that needed to be celebrated.”

JB Bagallon, once an athlete, admits taking a turn for the worse after graduating from his studies. “Work, vices, and unhealthy habits led me away from running. Becoming a father changed everything. I now run for my daughter to prove the value of perseverance, and for my wife, who believes in me. Every mile is a step toward becoming the best version of myself for them, and for me.”

The power of mentorship and community

The InLife Sheroes TBR Dream Crew 2026 underwent a rigorous coaching journey under renowned World Triathlon Level 2 Coach Nylah Bautista. This mentorship provided the technical discipline needed for a first marathon, but the program offers something more vital: a sense of belonging.

Dale Henson and Jessa Vitangcol note that having a coach and a supportive community have kept them accountable for their own health, and helped them train smarter, building the discipline, confidence, and endurance not just to reach the finish line, but also live more empowered lives. Luigi Galvez agrees as he says, “being surrounded by others chasing the same goal, makes everything more meaningful. It’s not just about the distance, it’s about growth.” 

For Bea Villegas, being part of the Dream Crew has made her realize what she is capable of doing, and how she could further improve herself, something echoed by Mark Alborida who views this Marathon as a turning point in his life, pushing him to go beyond his limits. 

“At InLife, we believe that real empowerment is not just about finding inspiration but acting on it. The TBR InLife Dream Marathon embodies this conviction as these runners rise for themselves. InLife is proud to support these marathoners who are proving to all that the most important race they will ever cover is the one that circles back to their own strength,” said InLife Chief Marketing Officer Gae L. Martinez

A Record-Breaking Journey

This year’s marathon is set to be the largest in the event’s history, welcoming a record 3,000 participants to Filinvest City, Alabang. Among them will be InLife employees and partners, running alongside the InLife Sheroes TBR Dream Crew as living ambassadors of perseverance, discipline, and conquering dreams.

In a world that can often feel harsh, these runners remind us that it is never too late to start a journey of self-discovery. By the time they cross the finish line this February 15, they won’t just be marathoners. They will be the living embodiment of what it means to #StartWithin: to be moved by internal conviction and to keep showing up for themselves, proving that the strength they discovered on this marathon journey will continue to fuel their breakthroughs long after they finish the race. 

via HealthandFitnessPH

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Via: HealthAndFitnessPH

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“Every medal we receive is an honor not just for Tanduay but for the Philippines. We share this recognition with our hardworking team, whose dedication and passion enable us to showcase the best of Filipino craftsmanship to the world,” said Roy Kristoffer Sumang, International Business Development Manager of Tanduay.

The Asia Spirits Ratings recognizes spirit brands according to their quality, value for money, and what they look like. To earn a Double Gold, a product needs to score 96-100 points. The Gold Medal is awarded to those who score 90-95 points; the Silver Medal to those who score 85-89 points; and the Bronze Medal to those who score 80-84 points.

Tanduay Especia Spiced Rum received the highest score in the contest, earning 96 points, to earn the top honor alongside Kenya’s Mara Gin. The judges were particularly impressed with Tanduay Especia Spiced Rum’s taste, noting how “gingerbread and biscotti aromas open to a layered palate of chocolate, almond, and nutmeg, finishing long with butterscotch and warm spice.”

More Tanduay Products Receive Medals

Apart from Tanduay Especia Spiced Rum, several Tanduay products also earned medals from Asia Spirits Ratings. 

Tanduay Asian Rum Gold, Tanduay Double Rum, and Tanduay 10-Year Old Rum all received Silver Medals. Embassy Whisky, Tanduay Overproof Rum, Tanduay Rhum Dark 5 Years, Tanduay Asian Rum Silver, Tanduay 1854, and Tanduay Superior were awarded Bronze Medals.

“These medals inspire us to continue Tanduay’s winning legacy by staying true to our tradition while constantly pursuing product innovation,” Sumang said.

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Mobile data revenues climbed to an all-time high of ₱25.2 billion in Q3 2025, powering the company’s sequential topline improvement. Globe closed September with 63.1 million mobile subscribers, a 5% year-on-year increase reflecting sustained customer engagement and expanding 5G adoption. Data now accounts for 86% of total mobile service revenues, underscoring its centrality to everyday digital life for Filipinos.

Globe’s network investments have been instrumental in capturing this demand. With 1,375 new cell sites, 8,699 upgraded mobile sites, and 877 new 5G sites built as of end-September, the company continues to expand reach and capacity at pace with rising data usage, particularly in high-traffic urban corridors and growing regional markets. These targeted upgrades enabled Globe to broaden coverage, unlock higher throughput, and elevate overall customer experience, supporting the surge in mobile data monetization even as total traffic remained steady.

World-class connectivity

“This quarter validates our strategy anchored on world-class connectivity and disciplined capital allocation are delivering sustainable results,” said Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz. “The global pivot to mobile-first, data-centric ecosystems is transforming customer behavior, and our network readiness allows us to fully participate in this shift. Mobile will remain the backbone of our growth as we push forward with customer-focused innovations and inclusive services.”

Globe’s continued emphasis on data-driven connectivity also underpins its broader commitment to national development, enabling access to digital tools, financial services, and online platforms at scale. With outdoor 5G coverage now reaching 98.71% of Metro Manila and 98.31% of key VisMin cities, Globe is positioned to support the next wave of digital adoption, from streaming and e-commerce to cloud-based enterprise applications.

As global and local market forces converge around high-speed, ubiquitous mobile data, Globe is accelerating execution to strengthen momentum through the rest of the year, while maintaining its discipline toward achieving positive free cash flow by end-2025 prior to dividends.

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

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That’s why the newly inducted officers and members of Philippine Heart Association (PHA) Southern Tagalog Chapter (STC) thought of integrating health and tourism program to ensure both residents’ and visitors’ protection especially in times of  emergency. One way is by propagating hands-only CPR and resurrecting the CPR on Wheels & Wings (CWW), a joint advocacy partnership between the PHA and the Department of Tourism from 2016 to 2020.

The caravan conducted free hands-only CPR in top 25 tourist destinations, teaching  and empowering tourism/travel and hotel-resort industry workers with life-saving skills. it was halted by COVID-1 with Pilar, Bataan, as the last hop.

Another edge of CALABARZON  it has tertiary hospitals – the Perpetual Help Medical Center-Binan, De La Salle University Medical Center, Dasmarinas, Cavite and Mary Mediatrix Medical Center, Lipa City, Batangas, which are PHA-accredited Cardiology Training Institutions. With this, the PHA STC will continue  the “Guru2.0” program which educates physicians from other specialties and family medicine doctors how to assess cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Amil commends STC, the biggest PHA chapter with 249 members

The Southern Tagalog Chapter also expressed support for the DOT’s  First-aid Kiosk Program  in key destinations. The first batch of areas identified by the DOT were Boracay, La Union, Panglao, Bohol; Palawan and Puerto Galera. There are PHA chapters in all these places.   

DOT First-Aid Kiosks provide immediate medical assistance and emergency response to travelers and tourists.

Manned by medical professionals, these kiosks, on top of basic first-aid tools, are equipped with automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and an efficient communication system. An AED is a portable medical device that can diagnose and treat sudden cardiac arrest by delivering an electrical shock to the heart.  

The chapter will also   partner with influencers and organizations to combat misinformation on cardiovascular health; and constantly promote the PHA healthy lifestyle mantra: the PHA PUSO MUNA (Pagkain na masustansya; Huwag manigarilyo; Aktibong pamumuhay; Presyon ay kontrolin; Uminom ng maintenance; Sugar ay kontrolin; Obesity ay iwasan; Matulog nang kumpleto; Umiwas sa stress; No to alcohol; Ayawan ang cholesterol).

Induction of PHA STC officers and members

The ceremony on Novmber 8, led by PHA National President Dr. Walid Ami as inducting officerl, highlighted the STC’s priority projects for 2025–2027, toward a CPR-Ready region in the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and  Quezon; Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan. The  campaign seeks to bring CPR and the AED in every Filipino home and city to put the Philippines on the CPR-Ready country map. 

“Thank you for putting your trust and confidence in me and my fellow officers. I am honored to continue the hard work and dedication of our past leaders and officers who have shaped PHA STC to what it is today,” PHA STC President Dr. Ray Albert Cabigan said. 

Outgoing  president Dr. Marlon Patricio reported that under his watch, the chapter  trained more than 900 BLS ACLS  enrollees.

“As we move forward, we aim to continue to increase these numbers through collaboration with local/municipal health offices, hospitals, training institutes and the NGOs with the goal of making every barangay CPR-ready,” Cabigan emphasized.

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With the theme “The Future is Now: Unleash the Power of Digital Transformation,” this year’s conference called on both public and private sectors to move from ambition to execution in building the country’s digital economy. For Globe, it was an opportunity to advocate for a future where digital transformation is both inclusive and sustainable, powered by strong connectivity and trust.

In the opening plenary, “Connectivity at the Core – The Philippines’ Digital Transformation Roadmap,” Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz joined DICT Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda and ComClark COO Benedicto Bulatao to discuss how government and industry can work together to accelerate the country’s digital transformation.

“The Philippines’ digital ambitions can only move forward if connectivity sits at the core,” said Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz. “Connectivity really enables nation building. It’s the backbone of any great digital economy. We’re one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing digital markets, but to truly bridge the divide, we need sustained investment and bold regulatory reform.”

Cruz pointed out that infrastructure challenges remain a key hurdle. “Permitting, property access, and deployment are still bottlenecks we need to fix,” he said. “Right now, we have about 40,000 towers serving 115 million people, while Thailand has 90,000 for a smaller population. The gap is clear, but so is the opportunity.”

For Globe, the event reaffirmed its long-standing mission to serve as the digital backbone of the Philippines. The company highlighted the need for closer government–industry collaboration and regulatory coherence to translate digital roadmaps into measurable results that benefit citizens and businesses alike. Sustained investment, coupled with clear and consistent regulation, remains vital to keeping the Philippines on its growth trajectory as Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing digital economy and strengthening its position across the Asia-Pacific region.

Beyond connectivity, Globe is driving the next wave of digital adoption through artificial intelligence (AI). The company views AI as a powerful equalizer that can accelerate transformation across sectors and empower both individuals and enterprises to innovate and grow. Globe has also democratized AI internally, giving all employees access to AI tools to build skills, enhance productivity, and scale innovation company-wide.

As the chair of the Philippine chapter of the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, Globe has made trust and digital safety a central part of its transformation agenda. The company continues to block fraudulent SMS links and deploy AI-enabled scam detection through its GlobeOne app, initiatives that reinforce the foundation of a trustworthy digital economy.

Cruz concluded with a call for collective action: “The digital economy is growing fast, but to sustain it, we need collaboration, capability, and courage. At Globe, we’re powering that future: one connection, one community, one Filipino at a time.”

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

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“I will suggest to the 911 Commission to include the Philippine Heart Association because I was surprised at how important CPR really is when we heard about it,” said Emergency 911 National Office Executive Director Francis Fajardo during the PHA’s “Usapang Puso sa Puso” Media Conference for World Restart a Heart Day, held on November 4, 2025, at Victorino’s Restaurant in Quezon City.

The event, spearheaded by the PHA, brought together key representatives from the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine College of Emergency Medicine (PCEM), Philippine Red Cross, and the Emergency 911 National Office, underscoring a united effort to build a CPR-Ready and 911-Ready Philippines. Discussions highlighted the need for timely response, inter-agency coordination, and heightened public awareness to save more lives during cardiac emergencies.

Strengthening the Lifeline: The Unified 911 Program

Launched on September 11, the Unified 911 Program consolidated over 30 emergency hotlines into one universal number, simplifying access to emergency services. With regional call centers now capable of handling calls in local dialects—including Ilocano, Cebuano, and Bicolano—the system ensures faster, more inclusive communication during critical situations.

The evolution of 911 dates back to Executive Order No. 226 (2003) under former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, which institutionalized “Patrol 117.” This later transitioned into 911 under Executive Order No. 56, s. 2018 during the Duterte administration, making emergency calls nationwide free of charge—even without load, provided there is signal coverage.

Efficiency Through Innovation

Under the leadership of DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr., the Emergency 911 National Hub continues to enhance efficiency and coordination across responder agencies such as the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and partner institutions including the DOH, DOT, DOJ, DSWD, NTC, MMDA, AFP, and private sector collaborators.

Innovations in the system include:

• DOH Dashboard Integration – Identifies the nearest hospitals based on patient needs (e.g., cardiac arrest, snake bites).

• Incident Management System – Provides redundancy, connectivity, and geolocation capabilities for tracing callers.

• Push-to-Talk Over Cellular (POC) – Enables real-time sharing of photos, videos, and location coordinates.

• Anti-Prank Call System – Filters out spam and test calls to ensure legitimate emergencies are prioritized.

These advancements contributed to a dramatic improvement in performance—from a 48% efficiency rate in 2024 (22.3 million calls, 10.7 million handled) to an impressive 96.56% efficiency rate in 2025 (1.77 million calls received, 1.7 million handled).

A Call for a CPR-Ready Nation

Through its CPR-ReadyPH initiative, the Philippine Heart Association continues to champion nationwide CPR education and preparedness, reinforcing the message that every Filipino can be a lifesaver.

As Fajardo emphasized, including the PHA in the 911 Commission would ensure that “no emergency is met with hesitation—only readiness.”

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