Scams are one of the threats we may encounter online, as they are spread across the internet and social media platforms. According to the latest report by GASA (Global Anti-Scam Alliance), half of Filipinos experienced more scam attempts in 2024, with fraudsters targeting 1 in 3 Filipinos over the past 12 months. A concerning finding is that almost 67% of Filipinos did not report scams to law enforcement, despite 31% of cases being reported. Mary Grace, from Camarines Sur, was scammed on February 13, 2025, losing about 9,000 Pesos through the Telegram app, where a fraudster communicated with her. The fraudster, named “Marjorie (Lucky Orders Manager),” offered her a part-time job that required her to complete tasks by paying for orders in her account to earn nearly 50% in commission. Believing she would receive the commission, Mary Grace sent money to the fraudster’s account using GCash to add funds. To deceive her further, the fraudster allowed her to make an initial withdrawal. Howeve...

In our previous blog , we mentioned that Pag-IBIG new members can now avail of loans after their first 12 months of saving—compared to the previous 24-month requirement. Pag-IBIG aims to let members enjoy benefits, addressing the need for emergency loans in the Philippines and daily financial support.   On Tuesday, the Palace announced that all Pag-IBIG Fund members can now benefit from the newly upgraded Multi-Purpose Loan (MPL). Members can now borrow up to 90% of their total savings (from the previous 80% cap)—making it one of the best Pag-IBIG loan upgrades in 2025.   Castro confirmed that higher loan amounts and faster eligibility also apply to short-term loan programs, including:   - Health and Education Loan Programs (HELPS) (for medical or tuition needs)   - Calamity Loan (for emergencies)   Need cash fast? Check if you qualify under the new Pag-IBIG loan!    Other related Articles: • Pa...

The Dimitra Connected Farmer platform was developed to help farmers monitor their farm activities, provide recommendations and resources to balance the impact of farming on the environment, and make a resilient outcome while producing bountiful harvests. The platform is believed to be a more powerful and helpful advanced application in farming, which combines the power of satellite imagery, artificial intelligence, and IoT sensors to give accurate action and recommendations in farms and their activities. The platform wants to penetrate the world of farmers to utilize these uses and possible opportunities that the app can give. Dimitra CEO Jon Trask believes that, "every smallholder farmer, regardless of economic status, should be able to benefit from simple, beautiful, and useful technology.. because when farmers thrive economies thrive." Why Dimitra launched Dimitra Token? Tokens of one company or platform generally help in the financial needs of the company. The easiest way...

If you’ve ever felt frustrated with weight loss programs that demand perfection, endless willpower, or massive lifestyle changes overnight, you’re not alone. The truth is, lasting weight loss and well-being come not from extreme measures, but from sustainable habits that respect both your body and your life. The Real Problem: Diets That Aren’t Designed for Real Life Most diet plans fail because they: Demand too much, too fast. Don’t account for emotional eating or stress. Rely on willpower instead of structure. Don’t teach you why certain foods work better for your body. The typical "eat less, move more" advice often backfires, leading to cycles of restriction, guilt, and eventual burnout. Sustainable change starts when we stop asking " How can I lose weight quickly? " and start asking " How can I feel better, consistently, with less effort over time? " What Actually Works Here are a few principles that are backed by real success stories and nutritional sc...

The best payment solutions for freelancers and SMBs in the Philippines As global demand for Filipino talent, goods, and services continues to rise, the country’s growing community of SMBs and freelancers need to be able to send and receive money securely and eciently. But managing international payments can often be confusing and costly without the right tools in place. These small businesses are eagerly expanding into global markets. According to Payoneer’s second annual SMB Ambitions Barometer , half of Filipino SMBs say that reaching new customers is the biggest benefit of going global. They also highlight improved innovation (62%), access to higher quality supply chains (57%), and better financial performance (54%). All that international activity comes with an increase in cross-border payments. When looking for the best payment solutions for freelancers and SMBs in the P...

PayPal is a financial technology (FinTech) operating as an online payment system in the majority of the country, accepting payments online. PayPal is a payment method used by the majority of Filipino freelancers accepting payment from their clients in other countries. It is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas as an operator of payment services in the Philippines under the National Payment Systems Act. G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI) and PayPal partnered to have smooth and fast withdrawal of funds from PayPal to GCash, which helps all freelancers with ease without hassle in withdrawal; there is no need to link a card to get cash from PayPal. However, what if you have no other way or method of payment for your purchases online or other transactions but only PayPal? How will you get funds (cash in) your PayPal account here in the Philippines? As of today, we have no other way to cash in your PayPal account by over-the-counter methods or bank transfer because this is an internat...

If you miss your due date once in a week, there is nothing to worry about regarding your account because there are no additional charges on your balance. However, your Account Officer (AO) will visit your home and ask for your payment as a follow-up reminder. Your AO will advise you to avoid missing due dates as much as possible and offer simple advice on managing your payments. For example, if you have savings that can cover your due or if offsetting is possible (using your locked savings to pay your loan), they will assist you in resolving the issue. An overdue payment creates a negative record on your account, which can affect future assessments. It may impact your next loan application. Your AO will evaluate your application possible based on  Your repayment history,  Your attitude toward payments, and  Your behavior during follow-up visits. As mentioned earlier, the...

The Philippines’ agriculture sector has long been a cornerstone of its economy, providing livelihoods for millions and ensuring food security for its growing population. However, the industry faces significant challenges, including climate change, limited modernization, and post-harvest losses. Over the next decade, the sector is poised for transformation through technological advancements, policy reforms, and sustainable practices. This article explores the potential trajectory of Philippine agriculture from 2024 to 2034.   Current State of Philippine Agriculture   As of 2024, agriculture contributes about 9-10% to the country’s GDP and employs nearly 25% of the workforce. Key crops include rice, corn, coconut, sugarcane, and bananas, while fisheries and livestock also play vital roles. Despite its importance, the sector struggles with:   Low productivity due to outdated farming techniques   Climate vulnerabilities (typhoons, droughts, El Niño/La...

The government will open Kadiwa stores in NHA housing sites. They will sell rice for ₱33 per kilo. This will start this month, General Manager Joeben Tai announced the plan on Monday. The stores will open from April to May 2025. They will be in Central Luzon and Region IV. Some locations include San Jose del Monte (Bulacan), Laguna, Naic, Bacoor (Cavite), and parts of Rizal.   The Kadiwa ng Pangulo program sells affordable rice, vegetables, meat, and fish to Filipinos. Each family can buy 3 to 50 kilos (1 sack) of rice. The program aims to help 1.2 million families in NHA housing.  Right now, the government is still buying rice. But they already have 80,000 sacks ready. The rice may arrive in housing sites this week or next week. The NHA and the Department of Agriculture (DA) signed an agreement last March to start this program. Source: GMA News Other related Articles: • Practical Farming Practice for Sustainable Agriculture: Balancing En...