Taxumo and REKO Join Forces to Empower Filipino Authors with Easy, Affordable Tax Compliance

 

 

Manila, Philippines — November 15, 2025 — Taxumo, the Philippines’ leading online tax filing platform for freelancers, professionals, and small business owners, has partnered with REKO, the country’s first all-Filipino eBook platform, to make tax compliance simpler and more affordable for local authors.

Through this partnership, REKO partner publishers and authors will enjoy special discounted rates on Taxumo’s online tax filing services, helping them easily file their taxes and stay compliant with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) — all within minutes and without the stress of manual paperwork.

REKO, developed by BookSpine Inc., is a digital platform that allows readers to discover, read, and support Filipino-authored eBooks. It empowers authors by providing them with tools to publish, protect, and distribute their works digitally, complete with secure streaming, DRM protection, and data analytics. Since launching in 2025, REKO has made it easier for Filipino authors to monetize their craft, expand their readership, and bring local stories to a wider audience.

“At Taxumo, we believe that every creator and author deserves to focus on telling their stories — not stressing about taxes,” said Ginger Arboleda, CEO and Co-Founder of Taxumo. “Partnering with REKO gives us an opportunity to support Filipino authors who are turning their creativity into sustainable livelihoods. We’re here to make the financial side of their careers simpler, more affordable, and compliant — so they can keep creating without worry.”

“With REKO, our vision has always been to make Filipino-authored books accessible to everyone and to give authors greater control over their work, distribution, and income,” said Gia Santos, Founder of REKO. “This partnership with Taxumo completes that cycle — ensuring that as our authors grow their readership and earnings, they can also confidently manage their taxes. It’s another way we’re helping Filipino writers thrive in the digital age.”

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment between REKO and Taxumo to strengthen the Philippine creative economy by empowering authors with the tools and knowledge they need to grow their careers — from publishing their first eBook to managing their professional finances responsibly.

About Taxumo

Taxumo is the Philippines’ most trusted online tax platform for freelancers, professionals, and small business owners. Since 2016, it has helped thousands of Filipinos stay compliant by making tax filing simple, secure, and fully digital.

 

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

 

UPSJ Revives 1985 Fundraising Tradition with “UPSJ Rise UP Run 2026” to Aid UP Track and Field Team

  

The UP SCINTILLA JURIS (UPSJ) is organizing the UPSJ Rise UP Run 2026, an open to pubic fundraising fun run happening on January 18, 2026, at the UP Diliman Academic Oval. The event aims to raise funds for the UP Track and Field Team, helping student-athletes with nutrition, training, and competition expenses. Reviving a tradition first held in 1985, the initiative reflects UPSJ’s long-standing commitment to the UP community—supporting projects that range from donating trash bins and building campus facilities to providing scholarships and student aid.

The UP SCINTILLA JURIS (UPSJ) is organizing the UPSJ Rise UP Run 2026, a fundraising fun run scheduled for January 18, 2026, at the UP Diliman campus. The event aims to generate funds for the UP Track and Field Team — one of the university’s most dedicated yet underfunded athletic groups — as well as other initiatives that benefit the UP community.

While fun runs have become increasingly commercialized across the country, Rise UP Run returns to the sport’s original spirit of bayanihan. The event echoes a similar UPSJ-led fundraiser held in 1985, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to using collective effort to uplift students and strengthen university programs.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, recreational running remains one of the fastest-growing sports nationwide, particularly among young professionals and university students. UPSJ hopes to channel this momentum toward a purpose-driven cause that empowers student-athletes to focus on their training and education rather than financial strain.

“UPSJ has always been an active supporter of the Isko community — from donating trash bins around the campus to building facilities and funding scholarships,” said Engr Joseph Martin P Perez, President of UPSJ. “Through the Rise UP Run, we aim to sustain that legacy by rallying runners and supporters around our student-athletes who bring pride to the university.”

Members of the UP Track and Field Team shared how such efforts directly impact their development. “The organization helps us with nutrition and supplements that are essential for performance athletes,” said Shane, one of the team’s sprinters. High jumper Lawrence added, “Sa probinsya mahirap lang buhay namin, kaya thankful ako sa support ng UPSJ. Nakakapag-focus ako sa training, kaya ginagawa ko talaga ang best ko.”

Beyond this year’s event, UPSJ continues to fund community projects within the university — from campus upkeep to student assistance programs — reinforcing a culture of service and solidarity within the UP system.

The UPSJ Rise UP Run 2026 extends this tradition by bringing together runners, alumni, and supporters for a cause that celebrates discipline, perseverance, and the Filipino athlete’s fighting spirit.

The event will feature 3K, 5K, and 10K categories open to all fitness levels. Proceeds will directly benefit the UP Track and Field Team’s nutrition, training, and competition needs.

The UPSJ Rise UP Run 2026 will take place on January 18, 2026, at the UP Diliman Academic Oval. Click the link below to register!

https://upsjaa.myruntime.com/register

About UP SCINTILLIA JURIS

About UPSJUP Scintilla Juris (UPSJ) is a civic organization based in the University of the Philippines dedicated to community service, student development, and public leadership. It continues to spearhead initiatives that support academic excellence, athletic programs, and nation-building efforts.

 

This press release has also been published in VRITIMES

Villar Foundation’s River Rehabilitation Wins Global Environmental Honors

  

Las Piñas-For over a decade, the Villar Foundation’s key environmental initiatives, particularly the Sagip Ilog (Las Piñas–Zapote River Rehabilitation) and the Riverdrive Projects, have been recognized as pioneering models of community-led river rehabilitation, flood control, and waste management. These programs have received numerous national and international awards. These recognitions stand as proof of the project's positive environmental, social, and community impact.

1. UN Human Settlements Program and the Dubai International Award  - “Best Practice Award for Outstanding Contribution Towards Improving the Living Environment” (2006)

2. International Green Apple Award for Environmental Best Practice (2009) for the “Sagip Ilog” River Rehabilitation Program from the Green Organization of London in 2009.

3. Oikos Global Case Writing Competition (Switzerland) for the “Social Enterprises from River Rehabilitation Program,” (2009)

4. UN “Water for Life Award – Best Water Management Practices” presented in Zaragoza, Spain during World Water Day (2011)

5. “Kampeon ng Katubigan” Award , presented by DENR-NCR to Former Senator Cynthia Villar in 2018 for her tireless efforts in protecting bodies of water such as the Las Piñas–Zapote River and the Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park.

6. Gawad Taga-Ilog 2.0: Search for the Most Improved Estero in Metro Manila awarded Former Senator Cynthia Villar as Environmental Champion by DENR–NCR in March 2022.

7. Energy Globe Award “Certificate of Honor” recognizing the Las Piñas Kitchen Waste Composting Project as one of the World’s Best Environmental Projects, part of the Sagip Ilog and River Rehabilitation Programs (2002)

8. Human Rights Awards for Poverty Alleviation from United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP), reconized Former Senator Cynthia Villar for her initiatives in eliminating poverty and maintaining a healthy environment. (2024).

The Riverdrive was constructed along the government-owned 6-meter river easement, meaning no private land was taken and the natural width of the river remained intact. The combined Las Piñas–Zapote and Molino Riverdrive spans 40 kilometers, making it the longest riverdrive in the Philippines, completed between 2012 and 2022.

Before this project, the riverbanks were occupied by informal settlers living in hazardous and flood-prone conditions. hhhThese families were not forcibly evicted; they were properly and compassionately relocated to Naic, Cavite with assistance from the National Housing Authority.

Additionally, the Villar Family extended ₱20,000 in relocation assistance per family to help them rebuild their lives.

Today, these properties have increased in value as the area has grown due to improved infrastructure, a new bridge from Bataan, developing tourism areas, and the establishment of a PEZA Economic Zone that has opened jobs and livelihood opportunities.

Contrary to accusations, the Riverdrive did not make the river narrow. It was built on the easement, ensuring clear water flow and helping prevent flooding.

The Villar Family personally funded the construction of two vital bridges to enhance connectivity and community access:

· One bridge provides 24/7 free access to Bacoor and Imus

· Another bridge ensures free and convenient access to the Villar Foundation Farm School and Tourist Farm.

The bridges were constructed at no cost to the government, underscoring the Villar Family’s commitment to public service and community development. By opening their private property to build connecting roads leading to Bacoor, the family provided the public with free and convenient access. Although the route passes through the Villar Farm School and Tourist Farm, its greatest beneficiaries are the residents of Las Piñas, Bacoor, and neighboring communities, who now enjoy safer, faster, and more efficient travel.

The Villar Farm School & Tourist Farm stands today as a national model for agricultural education and farm tourism, aligned with the Farm Tourism Law (Republic Act No. 10816) authored and passed by Senator Cynthia Villar in 2016. Farm owners, cooperatives, and farmer organizations from across the country come here for study tours, hands-on training, and real-world learning.

Each year, the Villar Farm School provides free training to more than 1,000 individuals, equipping them to become agricultural trainers. After the program, these graduates return to their respective communities to mentor farmers, support local agricultural initiatives, and contribute to strengthened food production and improved rural livelihoods .

The farm features integrated and sustainable agricultural systems, including, a rice farm , a vegetable farm, an aquaculture demonstration area, a dairy farm with around 50 carabaos, and a coconut farm intercropping with cacao.

For more than 20 years, from 2002 up to the present, the Villar Family has also consistently led efforts in river cleanup and rehabilitation, long before the issue gained widespread public attention.

Villar Foundation turns river waste into useful products and livelihood opportunities. Water hyacinths are crafted into baskets and mats, coconut husks into coconets and coco peat for soil improvement, and kitchen and garden waste into organic fertilizer and distributed for free to farmers and urban gardeners. waste plastics are recycled into school chairs and are given to public schools and farm schools for free.

The Las Piñas–Zapote Riverdrive is a long-term development effort that has improved lives, restored the river, and strengthened the Las Piñas community.

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

Empower Your Engineering Future — Join PetroSync ASME Training Now

 Empower your engineering career with PetroSync ASME Training — boost efficiency, cut costs, and stay ahead in a fast-moving industry.

Falling Behind Is No Longer an Option

In today’s fast-evolving engineering world, standing still means falling behind. While your competitors invest in upskilling their teams and mastering international standards, the question is — are you keeping pace? Every successful engineering leader knows that precision and compliance are not just technical requirements — they are strategic advantages.

In industries driven by safety, efficiency, and innovation, staying updated with ASME standards is no longer optional. It’s the foundation that separates leaders from followers. Missing out on the latest practices doesn’t just risk technical errors — it can mean losing credibility, contracts, and clients.

The Power of ASME Knowledge

ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) standards define the global benchmark for pressure systems, boilers, and piping integrity. Understanding these standards means you’re not just following the rules — you’re leading with confidence.

Through programs such as ASME PCC-2 training, engineers learn how to repair and maintain pressure equipment safely and efficiently. Meanwhile, ASME Section I training empowers professionals to ensure compliance and reliability in power boilers — one of the most critical systems in modern energy operations.

For process industries, the ASME B31.3 training provides deep insights into process piping design, construction, and inspection. And for pressure vessel specialists, the ASME Section VIII training delivers the technical mastery needed to meet international project demands.

Each of these programs is more than a certification — it’s a strategic investment in long-term engineering excellence.

Unlock Efficiency and Cost Savings

Beyond compliance, the right training builds smarter teams and sharper decisions. Studies show that trained engineering teams are up to 20% more productive and achieve 15–25% higher operational efficiency due to better process control and reduced downtime.

Moreover, when combined with modern tools such as AI-driven chatbot systems for real-time troubleshooting and document retrieval, organizations have reported up to 30% cost savings in maintenance and operation. These results come not from luck — but from a culture of learning and precision.

By equipping your team with ASME expertise and leveraging AI-enabled support, you build a workforce that doesn’t just perform — it innovates.

PetroSync — Where Leadership Begins

Choosing PetroSync means choosing to lead. Each ASME course is designed with hands-on learning, real-world applications, and guidance from industry experts who have decades of field experience. You’re not just learning theory — you’re preparing for leadership in a world where precision defines success.

Your competitors might already be advancing their technical teams. The difference between staying relevant and being left behind begins with one decision — to invest in knowledge today.

So, don’t wait for the market to change. Shape it. Join PetroSync’s ASME Training now, and empower your engineering future.

About PetroSync Global Internasional

PetroSync was established in Singapore in 2010 and began its expansion into Indonesia in 2013. To this day, PetroSync has become a leading oil and gas training provider, with a participant passing rate as high as 90%.

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES