Linggo ng Kabataan: NGO Equips Incoming SK Leaders to Drive Solutions for Children and Young People

Girl and child rights organization Plan International Pilipinas sees leadership potential in Filipino youth and is challenging incoming Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and Barangay leaders nationwide to champion health, education, gender equality, and child protection. The initiative comes ahead of the SK and Barangay elections and this year's Linggo ng Kabataan. 

In Samar, the push was most visible at SIRAK Day on August 11, where Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara joined an estimated 1,000 youth leaders to mark the Sirak Kabataan movement’s 5th anniversary.

The gathering and other youth training initiatives highlight the youth's enthusiasm and leadership capabilities, and the urgent barriers they'll need to address as leaders for their peers. 

One in four Filipino adolescents nationwide falls behind academically by age 18; more than 10,600 adolescent mothers were recorded in 2024, with pregnancies rising among girls under 15; child labor reached over half a million in 2025; and nearly 20% of internet-using children aged 12 to 17 have faced grave online sexual abuse and exploitation (OSAEC).

To close these gaps, Plan International Pilipinas facilitated the creation of the Girls' Agenda, a four-point blueprint crafted by 400 girl advocates, focusing on safety, resilience in crisis, health, and education and economic empowerment. Since 2025, the organization has reached 2.83 million people, protected over 740,000 individuals through violence prevention programs, and trained more than 14,000 child protection advocates.

"The Girls' Agenda came directly from young people, mostly girls, who told us where the gaps are," said Twyla Raros David, Country Program Manager for Gender and Child Rights. "Training incoming SK and Barangay leaders to carry that agenda into their own communities is how we turn those numbers around, one barangay at a time."

That vision is already being put into practice. Programs are underway across the Visayas and Mindanao, from Samar’s youth advocacy panels and peer educators to Cotabato City’s mental health initiatives under Plan International Pilipinas’ Global Youth Ambassador program. Among these are the Youth Advisory Panel, which empowers young advocates to influence community decisions; the Youth Peer Educators and Youth Reporters, who train high schoolers on OSAEC, SOGIESC, child rights, mental health, and leadership, enabling them to counsel their schoolmates; and the Girls’ Challenge Grants Group, which equips girls from vulnerable communities to design their own solutions to local problems. 

These initiatives, carried out in partnership with local governments, communities, and schools, ensure that SK councils and barangay leaders are supported by trained youth voices. By equipping young advocates with skills in leadership, counseling, and community organizing, Plan International Pilipinas is ensuring young people are not just participants, but primary decision-makers. 

As Linggo ng Kabataan is being celebrated across the country, Plan International Pilipinas is urging incoming SK and Barangay leaders nationwide to turn those aspirations into action by translating the Girls' Agenda into concrete local ordinances. These efforts echo the United Nations’ 2026 International Youth Day theme, "Different Contexts, Common Aspirations," underscoring how Filipino youth share the same hopes for safety, health, and opportunity no matter where they live. 

To support Plan International Pilipinas' programs and help ensure that every girl has the resources to learn, lead, decide, and thrive, visit their official website or email partnerships.ph@plan-international.org. 

Visa and UMSI advance financial inclusion with new payment innovation for Filipino SMEs

Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, and USSC Money Services, Inc. (UMSI), one of the largest one-stop shops for financial services in the Philippines, are ushering in a new era of payments digitalization with the launch of U Accept, an innovative payment solution that empowers micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to securely accept contactless card payments using an eligible smartphone.

U Accept is powered by Visa Accept, a payment solution that enables merchants to turn their smartphones into payment acceptance devices and removes the need for traditional point-of-sale terminals. Integrated as a key feature of the uGrow app, UMSI’s digital platform for entrepreneurs and small businesses, U Accept helps remove barriers to digital acceptance and helps MSMEs participate more fully in the digital economy.

Making up more than 99% of all business enterprises and generating 67% of total employment in the country^[1], MSMEs play a crucial role in economic development. However, multiple barriers hinder MSME owners from accepting card and other digital payments, including upfront hardware costs, lengthy onboarding processes, and a general lack of awareness on enabling products and solutions. 

Tapping into opportunity

Visa’s research shows that accepting cards creates positive impact for both MSME owners and consumers^[2]. Among Filipino SME owners, 83% reported an increase in turnover after accepting card payments, and 41% said customers spent more when they used cards. For those who do not accept cards, 67% said they would adopt a solution if given support.

Now, MSME owners can simply activate U Accept within the uGrow app to accept contactless payments including cards and pay-by-link, making digital acceptance more accessible and inclusive without the need to invest in additional proprietary hardware. As a customer-centric innovation, U Accept was designed around the realities of running a small business. Business owners and customers can use U Accept to transact with confidence and ease with the security, reliability, and dispute protections expected from Visa card payments. 

With U Accept, MSME users can also send digital receipts to buyers via email and check transaction history, which complements the uGrow app’s other features, such as sales monitoring and inventory management. The app also allows for near-real time settlement to users’ U Visa Prepaid Card.

“The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BPS) welcomes the launch of Visa Accept in the Philippines, underscoring its importance in accelerating digitalization of payments in the country. This marks an important step towards democratizing digital payments acceptance, with more Filipino MSMEs set to benefit from improving access to payment innovations. This collaboration supports the country’s broader digital transformation agenda and advances financial inclusion for more Filipinos throughout the country,” said Mamerto E. Tangonan, BSP Deputy Governor for the Payments and Currency Management Sector.

“The collaboration between Visa and UMSI is a game-changer for Filipino MSMEs, bringing payments innovation to where it can have the most impact to our communities. With Visa Accept, payments innovation is now within reach of every Filipino entrepreneur, unlocking many opportunities for small businesses through acceptance of secure, seamless payments from both Filipino consumers and tourists traveling to the Philippines,” added Jeffrey Navarro, Visa Philippines Country Manager.

“With Visa Accept, the uGrow app has become the perfect digital accelerator for the modern Filipino entrepreneur. Through uGrow, UMSI creates an ecosystem where small business owners and retailers have secure, more reliable ways to manage their business without the complexity of traditional enterprise systems. This innovation also complements our commitment to serve the unbanked across urban centers and remote areas, helping them shift seamlessly to digital, cashless transactions,” highlighted Jose Xavier Gonzales, UMSI President and Chief Executive Officer.

The collaboration builds on Visa and UMSI’s shared commitment to support the government’s vision of transforming the Philippines. In 2025, the two organizations announced a strategic partnership to launch Visa Direct, enhancing outbound money movement capabilities and providing business owners and customers with secure, fast, and convenient cross-border payment services.

Join an Epic Party with Plenty of Music, Energy, and Audience Interaction at Disney On Ice presents Let's Dance!

Disney On Ice is bringing the party to hometowns across the country, and the guest list is jam-packed with audience’s favorite Disney characters! Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy have become DJ’s, remixing Disney tunes into colorful stories at this all-new state-of-the-art ice show. Get ready to turn up the fun when Disney On Ice presents Let’s Dance! visits for the very first time—SM Seaside Cebu Arena from November 28 to December 6 and at the SM Mall of Asia Arena from December 18 to January 3.

Feel the electric atmosphere as Mickey and his pals remix favorite Disney tunes into colorful worlds.

This production invites guests to belt out Disney’s chart-topping tunes, as their favorite stories are brought to life on and above the ice. Fans are sure to be wowed by the cutting-edge figure skating, high-flying acrobatics, unexpected stunts, thrilling special effects, eye-catching costumes, and stunning set designs.

Audiences will experience a nonstop party that encourages them to journey to unforgettable places, laugh, sing, dance, and make magical memories together. Through the magic of music, what started as a party transforms into a fantastic adventure!

This all-new and thrilling Disney On Ice production features fan-favorite stories including:

WISH

Now, the entire Kingdom of Rosas will magically come to life, featuring even more characters from Wish. Asha, Valentino, Star, and King Magnifico come together to bring to life “This Wish,” “I’m a Star,” and “This Is The Thanks I Get?!”

Wish upon a star with Asha and Valentino.

FROZEN 2

Journey to Arendelle and the Enchanted Forest in Frozen 2 with Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf as they are reminded that “Some Things Never Change.” Visit the river full of memory, Ahtohallan, as Elsa asks memories of the past to “Show Yourself,” and Olaf thinks this will all make sense “When I’m Older.”

THE LION KING

Escaping to the Pride Lands with Simba and Nala from The Lion King, audiences should “Be Prepared” as Scar and the hyenas plot to take over the throne. Timon and Pumbaa remind us it’s best just to say “Hakuna Matata” as everyone celebrates the “Circle of Life.”

Join Simba and Nala as they escape to the Pride Lands.

THE LITTLE MERMAID

Skilled maestro, Sebastian, strikes a chord “Under the Sea” when he conducts Ariel, her seven sisters, and a colorful orchestra of sea creatures from The Little Mermaid. Guests will be singing along as Ariel serenades Prince Eric with a wish to become “Part of Your World,” and a symphony of lagoon insects perform “Kiss the Girl.”

MOANA

The audience will immediately “Know The Way” when Moana shows them “How Far I’ll Go,” as she journeys from the island of Motunui to save her home from Te Kā. Along the way she meets Maui who reminds everyone “You’re Welcome.” The duo comes face to face with Tamatoa who hasn’t always been this “Shiny.”

TICKETS: www.ticketmaster.ph

It’s easier than ever to experience the Disney magic. With a variety of ticket options, choose what fits best for an enchanted experience.

As the official bank partner of Disney On Ice presents Let's Dance!, Metrobank, together with Mastercard, gives Metrobank Mastercard credit, debit and prepaid cardholders exclusive first access to tickets through a special presale from August 7 at 10:00 AM until August 10 at 10:00 AM.

Cardholders can secure the best available seats before tickets are released to the general public.

Following the exclusive Metrobank Mastercard presale, tickets will be available to the general public beginning August 10 at 12:00 PM.

Tickets may be purchased online via www.ticketmaster.ph.

To purchase tickets online, simply log in to www.ticketmaster.ph and create an account. If you are already a registered member, proceed to the Disney On Ice event page and select either Manila or Cebu to view available seats and choose from the full range of ticket prices.

This spectacular ice-skating show is made possible through the support of its Official Bank Partner, Metrobank, together with Mastercard.

For more info about Disney On Ice, follow Disney On Ice’s social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & TikTok. Subscribe to the Disney On Ice YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce

SM MOA Arena Ignites AHOF’s ‘The First Spark’ into an Unforgettable Fan Experience

AHOF's The First Spark lit up SM Mall of Asia Arena on July 25 to 26 with more than just an electrifying concert. From fan activities across the SM Mall of Asia complex to unforgettable moments inside the arena, FOHAs enjoyed a complete concert experience that transformed every stage of their visit into a celebration.

AHOF delivers stunning performance on their SM Mall of Asia Arena debut.

Arriving early was part of the experience. SM Mall of Asia transformed into the ultimate destination for FOHAs, giving fans spaces to celebrate their love for the group and connect with fellow supporters long before showtime.

Fans celebrate AHOF’s first anniversary at SM Mall of Asia.

From interactive message walls and fan-run booths at MOA Sky to lamppost banners across the mall grounds, every corner reflected the energy of the fandom. The entire complex became a vibrant gathering place where fans celebrated together before stepping inside the arena.

A connection like no other

Although AHOF debuted only a year ago, the group has already built a strong connection with its Filipino fans. FOHAs marked the group's first anniversary with heartfelt fan projects, banners, and themed outfits that showcased their unwavering support since debut.

Fans are dressed for the occasion with fan banners and lightsticks.

Filipino member JL Gaspar made the night even more memorable as he spoke to thousands of fans in Filipino, creating an instant connection through shared language, culture, and experiences.

AHOF’s JL Gaspar captivated the crowd at SM Mall of Asia Arena.

His heartfelt interactions resonated throughout the venue, highlighting the growing presence of Filipino talent in K-pop while making local fans feel seen, represented, and celebrated.

The future of live entertainment

Today's concerts extend far beyond the performance itself. Fans now seek experiences that begin before the first song and continue long after the final encore.

SM Mall of Asia continues to redefine the concert journey by creating spaces where fandoms can gather, celebrate, and create lasting memories across the entire complex, from outdoor fan activities to world-class entertainment inside SM Mall of Asia Arena.

AHOF greets the SM Mall of Asia Arena crowd on their first anniversary as a group.

As the country's most loved venue for local and international artists, SM Mall of Asia Arena continues to deliver more than world-class entertainment. Every concert is designed as a maxed out experience, where every fan enjoys unforgettable moments from the mall grounds to the final encore. By bringing together exceptional performances, seamless service, and immersive fan experiences, SM Mall of Asia Arena continues to set the stage for the biggest names in music and the memories that last long after the lights go down.

Families Discover the Magic of Saving at Disney Themed Jumpstart Launch

Following the success of the "Discover the Magic of Saving: BPI Jumpstart " launch event, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is inviting more Filipino families to visit BPI branches nationwide and open a Jumpstart account, giving children a fun and meaningful introduction to saving.

If parents missed the two-day "Discover the Magic of Saving: BPI Jumpstart" event last August 1-2 in Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City, they can still join the fun by opening an account across all BPI branches in the Philippines. 

Upon opening an account, kids will receive Disney-themed Jumpstart sleeves, the Jumpstart book, and an access to Jumpstart web app, which demonstrate how small saving habits, practiced consistently, can help young savers achieve bigger goals and dreams in the future.

"Seeing families learn, play, and talk about saving together was exactly what we envisioned for Jumpstart," said Ginbee Go, Head of Consumer Banking at BPI. 

"We believe that financial education is most effective when it starts early and becomes part of everyday conversations at home. Through our collaboration with Disney, we're making those first lessons more relatable, enjoyable, and memorable for children,” she added. 

During the event launch, families immersed themselves in Disney-themed fun, with opportunities for learning and discovery, exploring installations and engaging activities designed to make financial education fun and meaningful.

The event marked a milestone for BPI as the first bank in the Philippines to collaborate at scale with Disney, bringing together financial education and timeless Disney storytelling to inspire the next generation of savers.

Stronger fraud prevention, onboarding foundations key to unlocking PH’s next MSME growth wave: industry leaders

The financial sector must modernize how it verifies, protects, and extends credit to millions of unique micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to accelerate financial inclusion across the Philippines, industry leaders urged.

At 'The Anatomy of Merchant Trust' executive roundtable co-hosted by IDfy and Mastercard in Manila, executives across banking, fintech, and payments concurred that while consumer adoption of digital payment channels like QR Ph has surged past 57% according to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data, traditional merchant infrastructure must evolve to serve the distinct needs of every small vendor, from urban startups to neighborhood sari-sari stores.

The discussion highlighted a critical systemic challenge currently holding legitimate businesses back. Because traditional merchant identity verification remains fragmented and unverified at the micro-level, it trickles down to ecosystem-wide trust issues that compel institutions to enforce rigid, blanket risk policies. Consequently, vast numbers of honest, high-potential merchants who simply lack paper credit histories are turned away from the formal digital economy. 

 

Leaders present at the event highlighted the importance of addressing the gap to complement government-led empowerment efforts. Initiatives like the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) “Tindahan Mo, e-Level Up Mo!” have successfully equipped thousands of small merchants with digital literacy and cashless payment tools. Financial sector leaders emphasized that by streamlining merchant onboarding, such as replacing legacy paper checks and physical audits with automated, risk-based verification, banks and fintechs can seamlessly welcome these newly enabled businesses into the fold.

 

Internal industry polling conducted during the session underscored this sentiment, with executives identifying business document verification and compliance checks as the single highest-priority workflow for automation, scoring 4.4 out of 5.

 

Beyond onboarding, attendees noted that safeguarding merchants requires moving from point-in-time checks to continuous protection. By deploying real-time behavioral analytics and continuous fraud monitoring, institutions can defend against threats like document forgery, deepfakes, and post-approval misuse without placing unnecessary friction on legitimate vendors.

 

“Merchant trust is no longer a one-time verification exercise—it is a continuous lifecycle,” said Raghuraman Chandrashekhar, PH Country Head of IDfy. “As digital payments scale across the Philippines, institutions must move away from fragmented onboarding and adopt intelligent, risk-based systems that unify identity verification, alternative data, and real-time monitoring. The future of financial inclusion depends on enabling MSMEs to be onboarded quickly and safely at scale.”

 

To bridge the credit gap for small vendors, financial institutions are increasingly leveraging alternative data, such as digital payment records, utility payments, and transaction footprints. Paired with progressive lending models that scale credit limits as merchants grow, alternative underwriting could unlock formal financing for over one million underserved merchants nationwide.

 

“Merchant trust extends well beyond onboarding. As more businesses participate in the digital economy, the industry needs to strengthen collaboration across banks, payment providers, fintechs, and technology stakeholders,” said Jason Crasto, Mastercard’s Country Manager for the Philippines.

“Each stakeholder brings unique capabilities, perspectives, and expertise to the table. Through stronger public-private collaboration, shared intelligence, and advanced risk solutions, we can build a more secure, scalable, and inclusive digital ecosystem that empowers Philippine MSMEs to grow with confidence.”

 

By rebuilding onboarding foundations and adopting continuous risk intelligence, industry leaders agreed that the Philippines can transform strict risk barriers into pathways of opportunity, ensuring every legitimate merchant has the access, security, and capital needed to thrive in the digital economy.

For more information on the roundtable discussion, you may visit www.idfy.ph.

Big Home and Tech Upgrades are Now Within Reach with Maya Mini Payments at 0% Interest

Upgrading your laptop, replacing an old washing machine, or finally bringing home that new TV doesn't have to mean paying everything upfront. 

From August 1 to October 31, 2026, Maya, the country's leading digital financial services platform, is offering cardholders the opportunity to convert eligible electronics and home appliance purchases made with the Maya Black Credit Card or Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card into a  3-month Mini Payment plan with an effective 0% interest. To make the offer even sweeter, processing fees are waived for Mini Payments created until September 30, 2026.

The flexibility doesn't stop there. Purchases continue to earn instant Maya Miles with the Maya Black Credit Card or Landers Cashback Points with the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card, allowing cardholders to keep earning rewards while paying over time.

Getting started is simple:

1. Make a single straight purchase worth at least ₱10,000 using your Maya Black Credit Card or Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card.

2. Wait for the transaction to be posted in your Maya app.

3. Select the transaction and tap Convert to Mini Payments.

4. Choose the 3-month Mini Payment plan to enjoy the promo.

Note: Mini Payments are initially billed with the standard monthly interest, but Maya automatically credits back the applicable interest every first week of the following month once the Mini Payment plan is posted in the credit statement, giving eligible purchases an effective 0% interest.

Whether you're replacing essential appliances or finally upgrading your favorite gadgets, Maya Mini Payments makes it easier to bring home what you need today while paying over time.

To see which merchants are eligible for the promo and view the complete mechanics, visit maya.ph/minipaymentpromo before making your purchase. 

Follow @makeyourmoneymaya on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Approval and offer are subject to credit evaluation. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. www.bsp.gov.ph. For 24/7 assistance, visit the Help Center in the Maya app or call us from 8 AM to 7 PM daily at +632 8845-7788.

The Modern Way to College: A Guide to How Mapúa ÚOx Helps Busy Filipinos Level Up!

Between endless project deadlines, back-to-back work calls, personal commitments, and the relentless reality of Metro Manila traffic, time has become our most expensive currency. For ambitious professionals and adult learners, the dream of earning or completing a college degree often hits a massive brick wall: where do you find the hours to sit in a physical classroom?

Pausing your career or sacrificing your personal life shouldn't be the prerequisite for self-improvement.

Fortunately, the path to success and to one’s goals and dreams can now be achieved in more ways than one in today’s modern higher education with the help of technology.

Mapúa University, in collaboration with Arizona State University (ASU), offers Mapúa ÚOx (Ubiquitous Online Experience), a premier, excellent, and credible online learning pathway to complete a college degree at the comfort of one’s own time and pace. 

What is Mapúa UOx?

One of the biggest misconceptions about online learning is that it compromises academic rigor or diploma prestige. Mapúa ÚOx dismantles this myth.

ÚOx is Mapúa’s renowned fully online, self-paced learning program that delivers a global learning experience, aligned with the university’s more than 100 years of academic excellence. Graduates of Mapúa ÚOx earn the exact same diploma and academic credentials as on-campus Mapúa students. The program seamlessly merges Mapúa’s legacy of engineering and technological expertise with ASU’s global innovation footprint. Through this collaboration, online students gain direct access to:

• ASU’s world-class digital modules, globally benchmarked academic content, and industry-aligned microcredentials

• AI-Enabled education and research exchange, using modern tools designed to personalize and elevate the learning journey

• Industry-focused outcomes through a curricula built to deliver immediate, real-world skills that boost career mobility and employability.

Among the future-ready undergraduate programs offered fully online are Computer Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, and Information Technology.

Who should enroll at Mapúa ÚOx?

Mapúa ÚOx is primarily designed for a diverse set of learners such as working adults and adult students who are seeking flexibility to balance life and studies, non-traditional college students who are looking for an alternative to conventional campus learning, and learners with special needs who would benefit from UOx’s flexible pacing, inclusive learning environment, and adaptive online delivery.

It is worth noting that the platform addresses challenges often faced by those who are willing to obtain a college degree but are hindered by certain limitations. 

The online learning experience by Mapúa UOx benefits those who are geographically restricted or those who are unable to relocate or regularly visit the campus due to location, work setup or personal circumstances. It is also for time-constrained professionals who would like to pursue a degree to make a career pivot but lack the luxury of time while delicately balancing work and personal obligations. The platform is advantageous also for independent, self-directed learners who thrive in well-structured, self-paced learning environments who are comfortable with digital tools. Lastly, since Mapúa UOx is flexible due to its online and digital features, it is highly inclusive for students who may have learning, physical and health, or situational needs who have previously faced barriers in traditional classroom settings.

Why should you choose Mapúa UOx?

Hesitation around online degrees is common but with Mapúa ÚOx, it is guaranteed that students will get the exact same academic weight, diploma, and credentials as Mapúa University’s traditional on-campus programs. Backed by Mapúa’s long-standing heritage of excellence and fortified by ASU’s global innovation framework, the platform delivers world-class, outcomes-based education designed to equip students with practical, highly employable skills for today's competitive job market.

Built specifically for modern and non-traditional learners who value work-life balance, Mapúa ÚOx offers a fully asynchronous, tech-driven setup that seamlessly fits higher education into busy personal and professional schedules. Remote learning does not mean learning in isolation; students receive structured, hands-on guidance from dedicated Faculty Facilitators and Digital Life Coaches to help them navigate academic milestones every step of the way.

Crucially, Mapúa UOx also offers a highly cost-efficient pathway to a degree in today’s economy. Online students are exempt from traditional campus-related expenses—such as laboratory, facility maintenance, and miscellaneous fees—while saving significantly on daily transit, boarding, and lodging costs.

How to enroll and be a Mapúa ÚOx student

Exploring options through Mapúa ÚOx is as convenient as it gets. 

Classes will begin in August 3, 2026 but the A.Y. 2026-2027 online application is still ongoing and interested students can also take advantage of an exclusive Fully Online Discount offering. Visit the Mapúa Applicant Portal, and follow the step-by-step guide to kick off your fully online learning journey.

For more information on how you can design your path to success with Mapúa ÚOx, you may also visit mapua.edu.ph .

Iwas Dialysis, Ligtas Kidneys brings early kidney health screening closer to Taytay residents

 Taytay residents are taking proactive steps to protect their kidney health through accessible community-based screening efforts led by the local government in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines. 

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often develops silently, with many individuals unaware they have it until symptoms appear or the disease has progressed. In the Philippines, an estimated 13 million Filipinos, or 11.2% of the population, are living with CKD, underscoring the importance of early screening to identify risks sooner, access timely care, and help prevent further disease progression.

Recognizing the importance of early CKD detection, the Municipality of Taytay, in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines, and with the support of Angat Taytay, has expanded access to kidney health screening and education through the “Iwas Dialysis, Ligtas Kidneys: Get CheCKD Habang Maaga Pa!” program. Implemented under the leadership of the Municipal Government of Taytay, and in coordination with local barangay officials, barangay health centers, and community groups, the program brings kidney health screening closer to residents, helping them understand their kidney health, identify potential risks early, and take proactive steps toward prevention. The initiative also supports the goals of the Universal Healthcare Act (RA 11223) by strengthening primary and preventive care at the community level and bringing essential health services closer to Filipino families. 

"Sa Taytay, naniniwala tayo na ang tunay na malasakit ay hindi lang nakikita sa paggagamot, kundi sa maagap na pag-iwas sa sakit. Ang kidney disease ay madalas tahimik, kaya mahalagang mailapit ang libreng screening sa ating mga kababayan. Kapag maaga nating natutukoy ang panganib, mas marami tayong buhay na napoprotektahan at mas maraming pamilyang naiiwasan sa mabigat na gastusin at pagdurusa," said Taytay Mayor Allan De Leon.

("In Taytay, we believe that true compassion is not only shown through treating illness, but also through preventing it before it begins. Chronic kidney disease is often silent, which is why it is important to bring free screening closer to our communities. When we identify risks early, we can protect more lives and help more families avoid the burden of high medical costs and suffering.")

In Taytay, the initiative has reached nearly 4,000 residents in just two months, reflecting the strong community response and reach of kidney health screening efforts across the municipality.   The program brought screening services to the Taytay Municipal Hall; barangays Sta. Ana, San Juan, San Isidro, and Dolores; communities such as Sitio Batasin, Montevista Subdivision, and Cielito Homes II; and key venues including SM Taytay, schools, police stations, and fishports. These efforts demonstrate how strong partnerships between local government, community organizations, and the private sector can make preventive kidney care more accessible and encourage more residents across Taytay to take early action.

“The best healthcare is the illness that never happens. Prevention is the most compassionate and cost-effective investment any local government can make. Kidney disease is often a silent condition, and through preventive screening, we give our residents something more valuable than medicine—we give them time, knowledge, and the chance to act early. A healthier community is ultimately a stronger and more resilient Taytay,” said Dr. Aldwin Aguinaldo, Municipal Health Officer of Taytay.

The initiative reflects the shared commitment of Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines and the Municipality of Taytay to strengthen community-based healthcare and expand access to early detection. Through the “Iwas Dialysis, Ligtas Kidneys: Get CheCKD Habang Maaga Pa!”, Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines continues to support the Municipality’s efforts to raise awareness of CKD, promote early screening, and empower residents to take action toward better kidney health.

“Early detection can make a meaningful difference in chronic kidney disease, and it begins with improving access to screening in communities that need it most. At Boehringer Ingelheim, we are committed to improving health outcomes by working with local governments, community organizations, and healthcare providers to bring kidney health education and screening closer to more Filipinos, empowering them to take action early,” said Dr. Greta Cortez, Head of Medicine, Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines.

By bringing together local government, healthcare providers, community organizations, and industry partners, the initiative helps connect more residents to early screening, preventive care, and timely support. These collective efforts can help reduce the long-term burden of chronic kidney disease and build healthier communities. 

The program will continue expanding kidney health screening opportunities for Taytay residents through upcoming community-based activities in July and August. Screening activities will be held across different locations in Brgy. Dolores, Brgy. San Isidro, and SM Taytay, giving more residents opportunities to learn about their kidney health and take early action.

Upcoming screening schedules include:

• August 8 – 30 – Brgy. San Isidro

• August 9 – 29 – Brgy. Dolores

• August 23 - Sitio Tagumpay

• August 29 - Sitio Bayabas Purok 1

• August 30 - Sitio Bayabas Purok 5

Early screening can make a difference. Taytay residents are encouraged to visit their nearest health center or join the upcoming community screening activities to know their kidney health status and take proactive steps to protect their kidneys.