Talent Show in Ilocos Sur Puts Child Rights Message Center Stage

 

 SAN JUAN, Ilocos Sur — The Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) held the second leg of the ANNAKKO Talent Show 2026 in San Juan, Ilocos Sur, part of a year-long program working to prevent child labor in farming communities. The event brought together 20 young performers from public elementary and high schools across the area.

ANNAKKO is ASSIST’s flagship program that directly addresses the persistent issue of child labor in small-scale farming communities, where families often rely on unpaid labor from household members, including children, to keep farms running. The program distinguishes this from child work—light, age-appropriate tasks that support a child’s development without compromising their health, safety, or education.

In contrast, child labor deprives children of their childhood, interferes with their ability to attend regular school, and is mentally, physically, socially, or morally harmful- risks that are particularly prevalent in agricultural and informal settings.

Guided by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which upholds every child’s right to education, rest, play, and protection from exploitative labor, ANNAKKO works directly with farming communities to counter these vulnerabilities and safeguard children's fundamental rights. This core mission drives the program’s community-centered approach.

"Our children are our future," said Francis Macatulad, ASSIST's Director for Business Development. "As the leaders of tomorrow, children deserve the opportunities to learn, play and experience childhood away from the demands and hazards of child labor. ANNAKKO ('My children' in Ilocano) was designed to raise awareness among the youth on children's rights and the importance of education."

To translate these principles into action, the Talent Show was launched as one of several activities under ANNAKKO Year 3: Our Children, Our Future, launched in November 2025. Anchored in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, the program aims to reach 1,500 children, 500 parents, and 100 educators by strengthening the support systems around children — family, school, and community — through activities that include a Children's Rights Parade, digital literacy sessions, poster-making contests, summer leadership camps, and the Talent Show series.

The event, supported by Rotaract Club of Magsingal North Ilocos Sur, Trans-Manila, Inc., and Universal Leaf Philippines, Inc., opened with an orientation on child labor, grounding the day in ANNAKKO's core message: every child has the right to learn, grow, and pursue their ambitions in an environment that protects rather than exploits them.

Talent show winners across the Elementary and High School divisions were awarded plaques and cash prizes. Families, teachers, classmates, and school communities filled the venue in support of the performers throughout the event.

While events like the talent show foster immediate community engagement, they form part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at long-term empowerment and regional growth.

"The program also organizes various enjoyable but empowering activities that build their knowledge and skills, such as leadership training, advocacy campaign building, disaster resiliency games, summer camps, self-defense classes, talent shows, and art competitions," Macatulad added. "ASSIST is proud to uphold children's rights and contribute to child labor protection among small-holder farming communities in Region 1, and we hope to expand our impact to other parts of the Philippines."

Programs like ANNAKKO run on partners willing to invest in children's futures. Organizations interested in partnering with ASSIST can learn more about partnership opportunities https://bit.ly/PartnerForProgress

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

Payoneer in the Philippines: Cross-Border Payments Become Critical as Local Businesses Go Global

 

 The press release explains how Payoneer supports Philippine businesses, freelancers, BPOs, and ecommerce companies managing international payments. It covers currency conversion, bank transfers, withdrawals, account verification, customer support, B2B payment methods, and PayPal vs. Payoneer considerations.

Payoneer in the Philippines: Cross-Border Payments Become Critical as Local Businesses Go Global

The Philippines has become an important hub for businesses serving customers around the world. From outsourcing and IT services to freelancing, ecommerce, and professional services, Philippine businesses increasingly generate revenue from international markets.

But winning a global client is only part of the equation. Businesses also need reliable ways to receive payments, manage currencies, pay international partners, and maintain control over their cash flow.

This is making cross-border payments an increasingly important part of the growth strategy for Philippine businesses.

Platforms such as Payoneer provide businesses and professionals with tools designed to help manage international payments and operate across markets.

Why Payoneer in the Philippines Matters

Philippine businesses have access to a growing global customer base. A technology company can provide services to clients in the United States. A BPO or outsourcing agency can manage operations for companies in Australia or Europe. A freelancer can work directly with clients across multiple countries.

An ecommerce seller can reach customers outside the Philippines. These opportunities create demand for reliable B2B payment methods and international payment infrastructure.

The right payment setup can help businesses manage international revenue without creating unnecessary operational complexity.

Traditional International Transfers Can Create Friction

Traditional bank transfers remain an option for many businesses receiving money from overseas.

However, international transactions can involve multiple steps and intermediaries.

Businesses may encounter:

• Additional transfer fees
• Foreign exchange costs
• Longer settlement times
• Complicated payment instructions
• Manual reconciliation
• Limited payment visibility
• These challenges may be manageable for occasional transactions.

They can become more significant when a company receives international payments regularly.

How Long Does a Payoneer to Bank Transfer Take?

One common question among Philippine users is Payoneer to bank transfer time. The actual processing time can depend on several factors, including the receiving bank, currency, transaction details, compliance checks, and other processing requirements.

Businesses should therefore consider transfer timing when planning cash flow. Checking the expected processing information available within the Payoneer account can also help users understand when funds are expected to arrive.

Managing USD to PHP With Payoneer

Currency conversion is another important consideration for Philippine businesses receiving international revenue.

A business may receive USD from a US customer but have most of its operating expenses in Philippine pesos.

This creates an important planning question around USD to PHP Payoneer conversion.

Understanding the applicable exchange rate and conversion costs can help businesses estimate how much international revenue may ultimately be available in PHP.

This can be particularly important for:

• Freelancers
• BPO companies
• Digital agencies
• IT service providers
• Ecommerce businesses
• Exporters

Currency management becomes even more important as international transaction volumes increase.

Payoneer for Philippine Freelancers and Businesses

The Philippines has a large community of professionals providing services to international customers.

Freelancers may work in:

• Software development
• Graphic design
• Digital marketing
• Virtual assistance
• Content creation
• Consulting
• Customer support

For these professionals, international payments are not an occasional requirement. They can be a fundamental part of their business model. A platform that supports international payments can therefore become an important part of running a freelance business.

B2B Payment Methods for Global Companies

Businesses working internationally have several potential B2B payment methods available to them. These can include traditional bank transfers, payment platforms, digital wallets, and other financial services.

The appropriate option depends on factors such as:

• Transaction volume
• Countries involved
• Currencies required
• Payment frequency
• Fees
• Settlement times
• Accounting requirements

For a growing Philippine company, selecting a scalable payment method can be just as important as selecting the right banking relationship.

Outsourcing Businesses Face an Even Larger Challenge

For BPOs and outsourcing companies, payment complexity can increase with scale.

An agency may receive payments from several international clients while simultaneously managing payroll, contractors, suppliers, and operating expenses.

This can create a complex financial workflow.

Some companies may also use a payroll app Philippines businesses rely on for local workforce management while using a separate platform for international client payments.

Connecting these processes efficiently can help businesses reduce manual work and improve financial visibility.

How to Withdraw Money From Payoneer in the Philippines

Another common question for local users is how to withdraw money from Payoneer in the Philippines. Available withdrawal options can depend on the user's account, currency, eligibility, and supported banking arrangements.

Users should check the withdrawal options available directly within their Payoneer account before initiating a transaction. This is particularly important for businesses that need to plan when international revenue will become available for local operating expenses.

How to Check if a Payoneer Account Is Verified

Account verification is another important consideration for new users. People searching for how to check if Payoneer account is verified can review their account status and any outstanding verification requirements through their Payoneer account.

Additional information or documentation may sometimes be required before particular features become available. Completing verification requirements early can help reduce potential disruption when a business begins receiving international payments.

PayPal vs Payoneer Philippines: What Should Businesses Consider?

Another common search among Philippine users is PayPal vs Payoneer Philippines. Both platforms can serve international payment needs, but their features, supported use cases, fees, and withdrawal options can differ.

Businesses should compare providers based on their specific requirements rather than choosing solely on brand familiarity.

Important factors to consider include:

Receiving payments

How international customers can pay you

Currency support

Which currencies you need to receive and manage

Withdrawals

Available options for accessing local funds

Fees

Transaction, withdrawal, and currency conversion costs

Business use

Whether the platform fits your transaction volume

Support

Available customer service and assistance

Scalability

Whether the solution can support future growth

For a Philippine freelancer, the best option may differ from the needs of an outsourcing company receiving large recurring B2B payments.

What Should Philippine Businesses Look for in a Payment Platform?

There is no single payment solution that works for every business. Before choosing an international payment provider, companies should consider:

• Supported currencies
• Receiving options
• International payment capabilities
• Currency conversion
• Transfer fees
• Payment processing times
• Security and compliance
• Accounting integrations
• Scalability

The payment solution should fit the company's current needs while leaving room for future international growth.

Cross-Border Payments Are Becoming Business Infrastructure

International payments were once primarily viewed as a banking function. Today, they are increasingly connected to the wider digital business ecosystem. Businesses want to manage customers, invoices, payments, currencies, and accounting with fewer disconnected processes.

This shift is particularly relevant to Philippine companies serving international markets. As transaction volumes grow, payment infrastructure can directly affect operational efficiency and cash-flow management.

The Future of Global Payments for Philippine Businesses

Cross-border commerce continues to evolve. Several developments are shaping international payments:

Greater digitalization

Businesses increasingly expect payments to fit naturally into their existing digital workflows.

More multi-currency activity

Companies are working with customers, suppliers, and contractors across more markets.

Greater demand for transparency

Businesses want clearer visibility into fees, exchange rates, and payment status.

More integrated financial operations

Payments are increasingly connected with accounting, invoicing, payroll, and other business systems.

These changes are encouraging businesses to think about payments as more than simply moving money from one account to another.

Supporting the Philippines' Global Business Ambition

The next stage of growth for many Philippine businesses may come from serving more customers around the world.

As companies expand internationally, they need more than access to overseas customers. They need practical financial infrastructure to receive revenue, manage currencies, pay partners, and maintain visibility over their cash flow.

Payoneer provides a platform designed to support businesses and professionals operating across borders.

For Philippine businesses participating in the global economy, having the right payment infrastructure can help turn international opportunities into sustainable, repeatable growth.

Female Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Donna Borres-Eramis Opens Independent Practice in Cebu City

 The new Cebu clinic combines Dr. Borres-Eramis' experience in Manila with personalized treatment planning, physician-led care, and surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures under one practice.

D'Sculpt Face & Body Center, a new clinic specializing in advanced aesthetic medicine and cosmetic surgery, has officially opened in Cebu City under the leadership of Dr. Donna Borres Eramis, a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who has spent years honing her craft in Manila's leading aesthetic practices.

Dr. Donna completed her training and graduated from the Philippine Academy of Aesthetic Surgery (PAAS) and passed the board exam given by the Philippine Federation of Cosmetic Surgeons (PFCS). She is one of very few board-certified female cosmetic surgeons practicing in Cebu City, a distinction earned through years of rigorous surgical training, peer-reviewed assessment, and adherence to the highest ethical standards in the field.

A Cebuana Surgeon Comes Home

A Cebu native, Dr. Donna built D'Sculpt from the ground up after recognizing a gap in her hometown: Cebuanos seeking credentialed cosmetic surgery often had no choice but to fly to Metro Manila. With D'Sculpt, she brings the same caliber of care, structured treatment planning, and safety protocols she developed throughout her Manila career directly to the Visayan market.

"I took everything I learned from the best clinics in Manila and built something specifically for my community," says Dr. Donna. "Cebuanos deserve access to safe, board-certified cosmetic surgery without having to leave the city."

A Rare Credential in a Male-Dominated field

Cosmetic surgery in the Philippines remains overwhelmingly male-led. Dr. Donna is among the very few women in Cebu City who hold board certification in cosmetic surgery, making D'Sculpt a first-of-its-kind practice in the region. For the growing number of patients who seek the trust, comfort, and shared understanding that comes with a female surgeon, this represents a meaningful new option.

A Different Approach to Aesthetic Care

D'Sculpt operates on a program-based model rather than a menu of isolated treatments. Each patient undergoes a comprehensive consultation where their skin, facial structure, body, and wellness goals are assessed together. From there, Dr. Donna and her team design structured care plans that sequence treatments for optimal, natural-looking results.

The clinic offers both non-surgical aesthetic treatments (skin rejuvenation, injectables, laser, body contouring) and cosmetic surgical procedures, all under one roof with consistent medical oversight.

Rooted in Cebu, refined in Manila

While Dr. Donna continues to practice in Manila, D'Sculpt represents her personal investment in elevating the standard of cosmetic care in her home region. The clinic incorporates best practices from years of experience across multiple high-volume aesthetic settings, adapted for the needs of the Cebuano market.

"This isn't a satellite office or a franchise. D'Sculpt is mine. It's everything I've learned, built specifically for the community I come from," she adds.

D'Sculpt Face & Body Center is now accepting consultations at its Cebu City location.

About D'Sculpt Face & Body Center

D'Sculpt Face & Body Center is an aesthetic medicine and cosmetic surgery clinic in Cebu City founded by board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Donna Borres-Eramis. The clinic offers surgical and non-surgical aesthetic treatments through personalized, medically guided treatment programs with an emphasis on patient safety, appropriate treatment planning, and natural-looking results.

20 Everyday Filipinos Honored for Extraordinary Acts of Courage Through “Hero For All”

Twenty ordinary Filipinos whose courage, compassion, and selflessness have made a meaningful difference in the lives of others are being recognized through “Hero For All: Honoring Stories of the Everyday Filipino,” a nationwide initiative dedicated to celebrating the unsung heroes whose stories deserve to be heard.

First announced on the Day of Valor April 9, 2026, Hero For All shines a light on Filipinos who choose to help others despite their own circumstances—demonstrating that heroism can be found in everyday people who simply choose to do what is right when it matters most.

The initiative is supported by Casino Plus, one of the country’s leading responsible digital entertainment platforms licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and championed by the AR Foundation, with Alden Richards serving as Hero For All Lead Advocate.

Driven by the belief that positive experiences can create meaningful impact, the initiative reflects the values of Empowered Courage and Integrity by recognizing individuals whose actions uplift others and helping sustain the communities connected to their stories.

Recognizing Heroes, Strengthening Communities

Each of the 20 honorees will receive a commemorative trophy alongside a total award of ₱1,000,000: ₱500,000 awarded directly to the recognized hero in recognition of their personal sacrifice and bravery, and ₱500,000 provided to their partner community organization to help support and scale their local advocacy efforts.

The initiative was inspired by living examples of heroism such as Rhodora Alcaraz-Toñacao, a 28-year-old overseas Filipino worker from San Pablo City, Laguna, who was named the campaign’s first awardee.

On her first day at work in Hong Kong on November 26, 2025, Toñacao shielded her employer’s three-month-old infant with her own body through thick smoke on the 13th floor, wrapping the baby in a bedsheet until rescuers reached them.

“Hindi ko inaakala na may kakayanan pala akong tumulong pagdating sa ganung tragedy. Nasa puso ko po talaga na, ikaw ’to. Matapang ka, kaya mong tumulong,” she had said.

Her story embodies the spirit of Hero For All: that heroism does not always come from people seeking recognition, but from ordinary Filipinos who choose to act with courage and compassion when someone needs help.

“We want to normalize how people see heroes—today, they are everyday Filipinos who, despite their own struggles, still choose to help others,” said Alden Richards, Founder of the AR Foundation and Hero For All Lead Advocate. “Rhodora’s courage is a powerful reminder of the inherent goodness in our countrymen that deserves to be celebrated.”

Alden emphasized that Hero For All looks beyond the scale of an individual act and instead recognizes the intention behind choosing to help.

“What we really look for is intention more than the impact. Kindness and goodness, may it be big or small, can go a long way,” he added. 

A Nationwide Search for Everyday Heroes

To ensure nationwide inclusivity, nominations were gathered digitally across social media and web portals, as well as offline through physical nomination postcards distributed across the country to reach communities without reliable internet access.

All submissions underwent independent verification before advancing to a distinguished multi-sector jury panel composed of respected leaders across government, media, civil society, and academia:

• Joy Flavier-Alampay — Director, Ramon Magsaysay Transformative Leadership Institute, Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation

• Tina Arceo-Dumlao — Business Features Editor, Philippine Daily Inquirer

• Ma. Teresa Habitan — Vice Chancellor, Philippine Tax Academy

• Daniel Cecilio — Senior Vice President for Land-Based Operations, PAGCOR

• Alden Richards — Multi-awarded actor, founder of AR Foundation, and Hero For All Lead Advocate

Nominees were evaluated based on selflessness, courage, sustainability, and “story transferability,” considering how an individual’s act of service could inspire similar community-led solutions across the country.

Hero For All is a celebration of Filipinos who do good not because they expect recognition, but because helping others is simply doing the right thing.

By recognizing their courage and supporting the communities behind their acts of service, Hero For All seeks to amplify stories of integrity, empathy, and meaningful social impact—and remind Filipinos that there are heroes all around us.

RESPONSIBLE GAMING ADVISORY

In accordance with PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming Code of Practice, Casino Plus wishes to remind all players of the following:

Gaming is for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered a source of income or a means of financial relief. Players are encouraged to play responsibly and within their means.

Winning is never guaranteed. All gaming outcomes are determined by chance. Past results, including jackpot wins, do not influence or predict future outcomes.

About IGO Digital High Technology, Inc.

Casino Plus is a PAGCOR-licensed online casino platform in the Philippines, providing secure, regulated, and responsible online gaming experiences for Filipino players. The company is committed to providing a secure, fair, and engaging digital entertainment experience, guided by the principles of responsible gaming and player protection. With its continuous expansion, Casino Plus is now regarded as one of the country’s leading online casino platforms, combining entertainment excellence with meaningful corporate social responsibility initiatives.