CDC to showcase investment opportunities in Clark at 2nd Subic/Clark Business Conference in Makati

AFTER the success of the Central Visayas Business Conference and the 1st Clark Business Conference, the Regional Development Series continues with the 2nd edition of the SUBIC/CLARK BUSINESS CONFERENCE (SCBC) to be held

Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MACCII) and the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAMCHAM), and other European chambers including the Spanish Chamber, the German Chamber, the French Chamber, the Dutch Chamber, the British Chamber, the Nordic Chamber and Advantage Austria.

This SCBC conference aims to showcase investment opportunities, discover the insights of local businesses, and analyze trends in the Subic/ Clark area. It is envisioned to further connect businesses based in the region that venture in creative industries, advanced technology and innovation, sustainable business practices, real estate, infrastructure, aerospace, renewable energy, and manufacturing industries among others to parts of the world as a hub for global corporations and investors. The event will feature a prominent set of speakers and panelists from the government, local government units (LGUs), the local business community, and foreign investors and organizations.

Key speakers include Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual and the President of the Clark Development Corporation, Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera and Tarlac Governor Susan Yap. The main focus for discussion include topics such as developments and investment opportunities for Tarlac thanks to New Clark City, economic updates and developments , government support for the growing area, and urban development programs among others.

BSP green lights use of GCash by Filipinos with International SIMs for easier financial transactions

Under the beta launch, only the first 1,000 users from Japan, Australia, and Italy can access GCash with an international SIM card. Once they’re fully verified, Filipinos overseas regardless of their SIM card can begin signing up for GCash and support their families back home by sending money for free (GCash-toGCash), paying for bills on time, and instantly buying them load credits with just a few taps on the app.

GCASH, the Philippines’ number one finance app, can now be used abroad with international SIM cards, making the e-wallet the first and only in the country to do so.

That’s after it got the approval from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to start the beta launch of GCash Overseas, which allows Filipinos in Japan, Australia, and Italy to sign up for GCash even without a Philippine SIM.

“We continue to make a difference in Filipinos' lives by making financial services easier and more accessible to our now 76 million-strong registered users. With around 10 million Filipinos living abroad, we want them to also be able to take advantage of GCash services even as they use international SIMs. As more people put their trust in GCash, we strive to remove more barriers and create a better experience for all,” said Martha Sazon, GCash president and CEO.

The beta mode will run for a limited time only and the full launch is expected later this year. GCash has also been doubling down on its international expansion thanks to its partnership with global payments platform, Alipay+. Aside from GCash Overseas, it can now be used to pay in select merchants across countries like Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Qatar as well as top European destinations like the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy.

GCash offers its users a wide variety of accessible financial products and services, such as Send Money, Buy Load, and Pay Bills. Likewise, users can explore other innovative financial services to jumpstart their journey towards their financial goals through GSave, GInsure, and GInvest.

To learn more about GCash Overseas, visit https://www.gcash.com/profile/overseas#

Manila Water to spend P833 million this year for service expansion projects in Rizal province

MANILA Water’s mission to deliver world-class services tailored to the needs of the communities it serves continues, as the company boosts the implementation of its service expansion program this year particularly for Rizal Province.

Manila Water is set to spend P833 million for projects slated for implementation this year in Rizal Province which include 23 mainline extension and individualization projects.

Eleven mainline extension projects will be done in several municipalities in Rizal, namely: five projects in Baras; four in Rodriguez, in Metro Royale Homes, Amityville, Emmaus Compound and along Marang Road; and two projects in Binangonan located in Sitio Balatik and Sitio Wawa.

In Antipolo City, ten mainline extension projects are set to be completed this year which include two projects in Sitio Tanza and Tolosa Ville; another two projects in Barangay Calawis; additional two projects in Cabading and Heroes Ville; one project in Sitio Painuman and Sitio Kalakad; one project in Pedra Blanca Homes and Sitio Culasisi; a project in Boso-Boso, and a mainline extension and individualization project in Queenstock Heights.

Individualization projects will also be done in Town and Country Executive Village in Antipolo and Aurora Subdivision in Angono.

Once these projects are completed, they are expected to bring better water quality, pressure, and supply to a total of 45,205 families in Rizal.

Under the company’s P181 billion Service Improvement Plan for 2023-2027, Manila Water will invest a total capital expenditure of

P2.8 billion for its service expansion program. Priorities for service expansion include the underserved and still-unserved areas as well as marginalized communities in its service area particularly in booming Rizal Province.

Despite challenges in terrain, Manila Water continuously reaches out to its customers, extending its water network and constructing new facilities even in the highest and farthest parts of Rizal to provide water access to its new customers, and better service for their existing customers.