Building Resilience at Home: How ASSIST’s Master of Disaster Game Solves the Household Preparedness Gap for IDDRR 2026

 

To mark IDDRR 2026, ASSIST is bringing the UN theme, "Resilience Starts at Home," straight to communities. By gamifying disaster prep with its Master of Disaster board game, ASSIST helps parents and kids build actionable safety routines together.

To mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) 2026, Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) is bringing the United Nations’ theme, "Resilience Starts at Home" straight to local communities. Moving beyond top-down emergency response, ASSIST brings parents and children together to build practical home safety plans.

While the Philippines ranks #1 on the WorldRiskIndex 2025, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative studies show that while 58% of households discuss emergency planning, only 20% maintain an actionable disaster plan. Without a practiced routine, families are prone to act out of panic and make poor decisions in times of emergencies.

To help build those critical routines, ASSIST created Master of Disaster (MOD). Replacing dense safety manuals with an engaging and innovative board game for all ages, MOD strips away jargon to translate knowledge into engaging and hands-on decision-making tools that even young kids understand. 

MOD gamifies learning about various types of disasters and how to prepare for times of emergencies.Through interactive challenges like "Act It Out," MOD gamifies learning on emergency prep, packing Go Bags, hazard response, and offline meetup spots. Community sessions even bring parents together to play alongside their peers and children, fostering collaborative learning and turning preparedness into a shared household habit. 

“It’s about building a readiness mindset,” says Francis Macatulad, Director for Business Development at ASSIST. “More than emergency equipment, evacuation centers and response plans, disaster resiliency requires a mindset shift for the whole community. This is what ASSIST Asia's Master of Disaster brings: practical, localized knowledge that unites families and schools to protect their communities and build a lasting mindset of preparedness.”

ASSIST partners with schools, local officials, and CSR sponsors to run MOD play sessions, train student and parent volunteers to lead local playgroups, and distribute readiness kits.

For teachers, the hands-on approach makes a critical difference. Teacher Cherry Talirongan of Fr. William F. Masterson Elementary School in Cagayan de Oro shares how gamified learning resonates with young minds: “Malaki ang maitutulong nito, lalo na sa mga batang hindi pa alam ang gagawin sa isang disaster. Sa paglalaro ng Master of Disaster board game, mai-aapply nila ang natutunan at magkakaroon ng ideya sa tamang gawin sa ganitong sitwasyon.” (“This will be a huge help, especially for young children who don't know what to do during a disaster yet. By playing the Master of Disaster board game, they can apply what they’ve learned and gain a clear idea of the right actions to take in emergencies.”)

To date, the MOD initiative has achieved major milestones:

471 MOD Rollouts deployed across schools, barangays, and youth councils (Sangguniang Kabataan).

703 Local Champions Trained, equipping teachers, students, parents, employees, and community leaders with practical disaster kits.

To leave no community behind, ASSIST is translating MOD into Taglish, Vietnamese, and Tamil, while the physical board game ensures offline learning reaches every home. 

As IDDRR 2026 calls for disaster preparedness to begin at home, ASSIST invites LGUs, corporate partners, and CSOs to adopt family-centered DRR tools that transform disaster anxiety into active self-reliance.

To learn more about bringing Master of Disaster to your school, barangay, or organization, or to explore sponsorship and partnership opportunities, visit assistasia.org or fill out the Partnerships Form.

About Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST)

ASSIST (Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation) is a self-sustaining pan-Asian NGO working at the intersection of social impact and sustainable transformation. True to its role as a Partner for Progress, ASSIST collaborates with corporate and institutional funders to deliver co-created initiatives as well as award-winning flagship programs that convert social investments into lasting local capacity. Explore our work and partner with us: www.assistasia.org

Cebuana Lhuillier’s People-First Culture Takes Center Stage in Global D&I Finalist Recognition

 Cebuana Lhuillier, through its parent company PJ Lhuillier, Inc., has been named one of only 10 global finalists for the Award for Diversity and Inclusion at the Investors in People Awards 2026, making it the only Philippine organization recognized in the category. The Investors in People Awards recognize achievements in people practices, making the distinction a significant international recognition of Cebuana Lhuillier’s four-year journey toward building a more inclusive workplace.

“An organization can only truly serve a community with different backgrounds when it first understands and values the individuality within its own people. Our journey toward greater inclusion is about creating an environment where every Ka-Cebuana can bring their experiences, talents, and perspectives to the table and know that they have a meaningful role to play,” said Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier.

At the heart of that achievement is Cebuana Lhuillier’s belief that inclusion must begin from within. With more than 12,700 Ka-Cebuanas serving approximately 30 million customers nationwide, the company has made creating a workplace where people feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute an integral part of its culture and employee experience.

Cebuana Lhuillier’s inclusion journey has evolved through initiatives that progressively created more opportunities for its people to listen, understand one another, share their experiences, and see the value of their individual contributions. Intertwined opened conversations around diversity and mutual respect, while iBelong gave employees a platform to share their stories and perspectives. Last year, Amazing Cebuana brought those conversations closer to the people by celebrating the different experiences and contributions of Ka-Cebuanas, while this year, Tatak Cebuana, Proud Ka-Cebuana: Work That Impacts Lives builds on that foundation by connecting employees’ individual contributions to the work they do and the lives they impact. Together, these milestones have helped move inclusion from a conversation into an increasingly embedded part of Cebuana Lhuillier’s culture.

Employee participation has helped strengthen this culture, with more than 250 Tatak Cebuana influencers championing inclusion and bringing these conversations into everyday experiences across the company.

“Over the years, we have seen how these efforts can bring our people closer together and create a workplace where everyone feels they have a place. What makes this journey meaningful is that inclusion is no longer just something we talk about. It is something our people are helping shape and live out every day. This recognition is a reflection of that collective effort,” said Jo-Ann Tacorda, First Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Cebuana Lhuillier.

This growing culture of inclusion also supports a more engaged employee experience, strengthening how Ka-Cebuanas connect with one another and, ultimately, with the customers and communities they serve.

For Cebuana Lhuillier, an inclusive workplace is integral to its purpose of serving Filipinos from all walks of life. Being named a global finalist recognizes the progress made so far and marks another milestone in building a culture where every Ka-Cebuana can belong, contribute, and make an impact.

Ginto Privilege Club Celebrates Six Winners in Its First ₱10,000 Ginhawa Support Draw

A teacher from Surigao City receives ₱10,000 to help pay household bills, while five others receive ₱500 GCash rewards.

MANILA, Philippines — October 12, 2026 — Ginto Privilege Club (GPC) has confirmed six winners from its first Ginhawa Support Draw, held live on October 1, 2026, at 8:00 PM Philippine time.

The draw awarded a total of ₱12,500 in prizes, including a ₱10,000 main reward and five ₱500 GCash bonus rewards, marking an important milestone for GPC's new one-off Pack model.

₱10,000 Ginhawa Support Helps Winner Cover Household Bills

Teacher Wyzyn Patosa from Surigao City was named the main winner of GPC's first Ginhawa Support Draw.

After completing the required eligibility and identity verification, Wyzyn received the ₱10,000 prize through GCash on October 5, 2026.

Wyzyn shared that the reward would help pay the family's electricity and water bills, providing welcome financial relief for everyday household expenses.

“Malaking tulong po ang ₱10,000 Ginhawa Support prize sa amin, lalo na sa pagbabayad ng aming kuryente at tubig. Maraming salamat po sa Ginto Privilege Club!” Wyzyn said.

Alongside the main winner, five other participants each received a ₱500 GCash bonus reward:

Maria Ira P. – Surigao del Norte/Caraga

Rosalie P. – Sta. Ana/Pampanga

Josefa P. – Tuguegarao City/ Cagayan

Ferdinand R. – Surigao del Norte/Caraga

Jennifer L. – Catanauan/Quezon

GPC Highlights Transparency and Prize Delivery

“Our first draw is an important milestone for GPC, but what matters most is seeing our winners receive their prizes,” said Kristine Henderson, Co-Founder and CEO of Ginto Privilege Club.

“We want every participant to feel confident that our draws are transparent, our winners are properly verified and our prizes are delivered as promised.”

All six winners completed GPC's verification requirements before their prizes were confirmed.

Winners were not required to pay any fees to claim their rewards.

To support transparency and public confidence, GPC maintains a dedicated Winner Proof page featuring confirmed winners, available prize delivery records and updates on reward fulfilment.

GPC also conducts its winner announcements through Facebook Live, allowing viewers to watch the computerized winner selection process.

GPC Continues Weekly Draws with ₱30,000 Smartphone Upgrade and Upcoming ₱10,000 Prize

On October 8, 2026, GPC held its second promotional draw, naming Ferdinand Rodriguez of Surigao City as the verified winner of the ₱30,000 Smartphone Upgrade Reward.

The prize provides store credit towards an eligible smartphone purchase. Ferdinand is currently completing the merchant selection and redemption process.

The next GPC draw, ₱10,000 You Win–You Pick, is scheduled for October 15, 2026, at 12:30 PM Philippine time, offering six prizes: one ₱10,000 main reward and five ₱500 GCash Bonus Rewards.

The main winner can choose from eligible prize options including groceries, food, beauty, or everyday essentials, depending on what matters most to them.

Entries close at 11:30 AM Philippine time on October 15.

The five ₱500 Bonus Rewards are available to eligible Sulit and Ginto Pack participants, subject to the official draw mechanics.

GPC offers three one-off Packs:

Try Pack – ₱49: 7 days of Partner Deals access and 1 free draw entry.

Sulit Pack – ₱149: 14 days of Partner Deals access, 6 free draw entries and eligibility for the ₱500 Bonus Reward.

Ginto Pack – ₱349: 30 days of Partner Deals access, 20 free draw entries and eligibility for the ₱500 Bonus Reward.

Participants may purchase multiple GPC Packs, with no limit on the number of Packs purchased, subject to the official draw mechanics.

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) can also purchase GPC Packs for their loved ones in the Philippines, allowing eligible family members to participate in upcoming draws. Purchases must be registered using the Philippine recipient's name and contact details.

Each Pack is a one-time purchase with no membership, subscription, automatic renewal or referral requirement.

For more information:

Buy a GPC Pack

View Current Draw and Official Mechanics

View Confirmed Winners and Prize Records

GPC Draws are open to eligible Philippine residents aged 18 and above. Official mechanics, eligibility requirements, entry cut-offs and winner verification conditions apply.   

About Ginto Privilege Club

Founded in September 2025, Ginto Privilege Club (GPC) is a consumer platform serving the Philippine market through one-off GPC Packs, access to Partner Deals and scheduled promotional draws.

GPC aims to provide accessible rewards and practical lifestyle benefits through clearly published Pack inclusions, transparent draw mechanics and verified prize fulfilment.

GPC operates without memberships, subscriptions, referral commissions or multi-level marketing structures.

Karaoke Manekineko Celebrates Opening 20 Outlets with New Promotions

 

KUALA LUMPUR, OCTOBER 2026 – Marking the milestone of opening its 20th outlet in Malaysia, Karaoke Manekineko is turning up the volume this October with a trio of exciting new promotions!

The 20th Outlet Celebration, renewed Student Package and Birthday Mic Drop promotions offer something for every occasion — from a casual karaoke session with friends and a post-class hangout to a memorable birthday celebration. With special rates and added perks, Karaoke Manekineko invites customers to grab the mic, gather their favourite people and make every celebration one to remember.

Celebrating 20 Outlets with Karaoke from RM20

To mark the milestone of opening its 20th outlet in Malaysia, Karaoke Manekineko is offering special weekday karaoke rates at just RM20 per person.

Enjoy 3 hours of karaoke from 11.00am to 3.59pm, or 2 hours from 4.00pm until closing, with free-flow drinks included. The promotion is available Monday to Friday, with a minimum of two persons per session.

As part of the celebration, customers can also enjoy 20% off all à la carte menu items.

The Student Package Gets an Extra Hour of Fun

 For students looking for an affordable way to unwind and catch up with friends, Karaoke Manekineko is giving its popular Student Package a refresh, now with a new 3-hour option for those who want to make more time for singing and fun. The revamped package offers 1 hour for RM9.90, 2 hours for RM18, and a new 3-hour option at RM27.90 per person, with free-flow drinks included.    

The 1-hour and 2-hour packages are valid throughout the week, while the 3-hour package is available on weekends, public holidays and weekdays from 4.00pm until closing.

Birthday Celebrations Get the Mic Drop Treatment

For birthdays, Karaoke Manekineko is bringing the party to the next level with its new Birthday Mic Drop promotion.

Available in three packages for groups of 5–8 pax, 9–15 pax and 16–20 pax, the Birthday Mic Drop packages offer different room options, karaoke durations, food, cakes, free-flow drinks and birthday-themed extras to suit different group sizes and celebration styles.

Priced from RM359, the packages are designed to make birthday celebrations easier to plan while giving guests everything they need for a fun-filled karaoke party — from singing and food to cakes and festive birthday touches.

A Month Made for Party, Sing and Celebrate

With three new promotions launching this October, Karaoke Manekineko Malaysia is inviting customers to make the most of the month and celebrate the brand’s journey to its 20th outlet. 

From affordable student sessions and special anniversary rates to all-in birthday celebrations, the promotions are designed around what Karaoke Manekineko does best — bringing people together through music, food and fun.

The October promotions are available at participating Karaoke Manekineko Malaysia outlets, subject to the respective promotion terms and conditions.

Party. Sing. Celebrate. 🎤🎉

Karaoke Manekineko Malaysia — where every celebration deserves a song.