by Ferry Bayu | Jun 18, 2026 | Business
As electric cooperatives seek franchise renewals, PARE asks a simple question. If franchise renewals determine the future of electric service, rates, and reliability, why are consumers often excluded from the process? PARE calls for greater transparency, accountability, and meaningful consumer participation in electric cooperative franchise approvals.
June 15, 2026 – Partners for Affordable and Reliable Energy (PARE) appeals to Congress to place consumers at the center of electric cooperative franchise renewals.
The group said the approval process should not rely solely on technical reports and regulatory evaluations. It must also consider the actual experiences of consumers who pay for and depend on electric service every day.
As more cooperatives seek and secure franchise renewals, PARE stressed that hearings should serve as an opportunity for consumers to ask critical questions. These include concerns about electricity rates, service reliability, system losses, disaster preparedness, governance, and the long-term plans of their cooperative.
“We consumers pay our electric bills every month, and we deserve a voice in franchise renewals, deciding whether our cooperative has earned another 25 years of public trust. A franchise is not an automatic entitlement. It is a public trust that must be earned through affordable rates, reliable service, transparency, and accountability,” said Nic Satur Jr., Chief Advocate Officer of PARE.
Unfortunately, many consumers are denied meaningful opportunities to raise these concerns. While Annual General Membership Assemblies (AGMAs) are intended to promote transparency and accountability, some cooperatives fail to hold them regularly, like PALECO. Others do not adequately address issues on rates, reliability, system losses, governance, and future plans. In some cases, consumer engagement takes a backseat to ceremonial activities and raffle draws, as seen in FICELCO. This limits opportunities for member-consumer-owners to receive updates, seek answers, and participate in decisions that directly affect the service they pay for every month.
As a result, many consumers remain uninformed about the actual performance, financial condition, governance issues, and future direction of their cooperative. PARE stressed that franchise renewal hearings should not become routine legislative exercises. They must provide consumers with a meaningful platform to evaluate whether cooperatives are fulfilling their mandate.
PARE also argued that the current evaluation process should move beyond NEA performance ratings. Consumers continue to express confusion over why some cooperatives receive high ratings – such as triple AAA and double AA classifications – yet still experience prolonged brownouts, unreliable service, high system losses, and expensive electricity rates. This has been the case with BATELEC II, FICELCO, and MOELCI I just to name a few.
These concerns highlight the need to ensure that franchise evaluations reflect not only administrative compliance but also the real experiences of consumers on the ground.
“Consumers deserve to know what concrete plans cooperatives have to lower rates, improve reliability, reduce system losses, strengthen disaster response, and improve service quality. These are the questions that matter most to households, businesses, farmers, students and communities that rely on electricity every day,” Satur said.
PARE further emphasized that accountability should not end with cooperatives. Congress and the House Committee on Legislative Franchises also share responsibility for ensuring that only qualified, transparent, and consumer-focused cooperatives receive franchise approvals. If a cooperative fails to deliver affordable and reliable service, consumers have every right to ask whether the approval process was sufficiently rigorous and whether warning signs were adequately scrutinized before a franchise was granted.
“A franchise is a privilege granted in the public interest, not an automatic entitlement. Shared accountability between cooperatives, regulators, and policymakers will help ensure that renewals are based on actual performance and consumer welfare, not simply paperwork and compliance reports,” Satur added.
PARE said franchise renewals must become a platform for transparency, accountability, and genuine consumer participation. Consumers deserve answers, not excuses. Those entrusted with delivering an essential public service must be prepared to demonstrate that they have earned the public’s trust and are capable of fulfilling their responsibilities for the next generation of consumers.
About Partners for Affordable & Reliable Energy
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This press release has also been published on VRITIMES.
by Ferry Bayu | Jun 18, 2026 | Business
TAGUIG CITY, PHILIPPINES 12 June 2026 — On this Independence Day — a day that has always called Filipinos to stand together, Color Your World Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Casino Plus is mobilizing short and long term aid to quake-hit victims in Mindanao.
Through its flagship disaster resilience pillar, “Project Bigkis”, Color Your World will complement the ongoing government and partner-led disaster response efforts, and deliver immediate and coordinated humanitarian assistance to thousands of families affected by the magnitude-7.8 earthquake that struck offshore Sarangani earlier this week.
“Our hearts are with our brothers and sisters in Mindanao during this devastating time. When disaster strikes, the truest measure of who we are — as organizations, as people — is not what we say, but how quickly and meaningfully we show up. We are committed to acting swiftly: providing temporary shelter, essential supplies, and the immediate support they need to begin healing,” said Casino Plus Chief Executive Officer Evan Spytma.
Color Your World Foundation will be distributing over PhP 3-million worth of emergency packages consisting of at least 150 livable tents, nearly 1,500 hygiene and medicine kits, over 1000 units of solar-powered lamps and provide potable drinking water in the most-affected areas in General Santos City and Sarangani Province.
“Bigkis means bond. And that is exactly what this response is about — binding resources, binding partners, binding people together around the families who need us most. Because no family should have to face the aftermath of a disaster alone. Casino Plus is here to recolor the lives of Mindanaoans — one family, one community, one act of compassion at a time,” said Michael Angelo Horfilla, Director for Corporate Social Responsibility, Casino Plus
To ensure its long-term commitment to progress and assistance to vulnerable communities, Color Your World Foundation targets to rebuild classrooms. This will ensure safe and functional learning spaces needed by thousands of affected learners and teachers amid the start of the new academic year.
Aside from these, the foundation will also roll out livelihood programs targeting hardest hit communities, equipping them to color their lives again with the skills, tools, and opportunities to rebuild not just their homes but their hope for the future.
“Casino Plus’ commitment goes beyond immediate relief. We are in this for the long term—helping communities rebuild, recover, and rediscover the hope, dignity, and joy that define them. Together with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), we will work to ensure sustained support for the Color Your World Foundation as we continue our mission of helping create more Makulay Lives for Filipinos,” added Spytma.
About IGO Digital High Technology, Inc.
Casino Plus is a trusted online casino platform in the Philippines, duly licensed and regulated by the PAGCOR. 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. About Color Your World Foundation Inc. Color Your World Foundation, Inc. is the corporate social responsibility arm of Casino Plus and Stotsenberg Leisure Park and Hotel Corporation. Through programs anchored on its four core pillars—Disaster Preparedness and Resilience; Education & Livelihood Access; Community Support for Health, Culture and Environment; and Responsible Gaming Research & Education—the Foundation is committed to creating more ‘makulay’ (colorful) lives, reflecting its philosophy: where play creates color and color creates good. Color Your World Foundation partners with public and private sector stakeholders to deliver sustainable initiatives that uplift lives, empower communities, and contribute to nation-building.
This press release has also been published on VRITIMES.
by Ferry Bayu | Jun 17, 2026 | Business
RYC Wellness Unveils a Dynamic Weekly Lineup Focused on Wellness, Community, Learning, and Social Connection
RYC Wellness continues to redefine the modern wellness experience by offering a diverse lineup of weekly events that cater to personal growth, health, recreation, and meaningful social engagement. More than just a wellness center, RYC Wellness serves as a community hub where guests can discover new experiences, build lasting friendships, and invest in their overall well-being.
Located in a welcoming environment designed to promote both physical and mental wellness, RYC Wellness combines the benefits of a healing café, wellness studio, fitness facilities, therapeutic services, and community-centered events into one unique destination. Through its weekly programming, guests are encouraged to explore different aspects of wellness while enjoying a supportive and engaging atmosphere.
Wellness Wednesday: A Midweek Reset
Every Wednesday, RYC Wellness invites guests to take a well-deserved break from their busy schedules through Wellness Wednesday. Dedicated to self-care and rejuvenation, this weekly event offers guests the opportunity to book facial treatments and wellness services designed to refresh both body and mind.
In today’s fast-paced world, taking time for self-care is often overlooked. Wellness Wednesday serves as a reminder that investing in oneself is not a luxury but an essential part of maintaining overall health and confidence. Guests can enjoy professional treatments while relaxing in a peaceful setting that encourages renewal and restoration.
Therapy Thursday: Conversations That Matter
On Thursdays, RYC Wellness transforms into a space for meaningful dialogue through Therapy Thursday. This weekly gathering provides a welcoming environment where participants can come together to discuss a variety of topics related to personal development, emotional wellness, relationships, stress management, life experiences, and other relevant issues.
Therapy Thursday is built on the belief that healing and growth often begin through open conversation and shared experiences. Guests are encouraged to listen, learn, and contribute to discussions in a respectful and supportive setting. The event fosters a sense of belonging and connection while promoting mental and emotional well-being within the community.
Whether attendees are seeking guidance, inspiration, or simply a place to connect with others, Therapy Thursday offers valuable opportunities for reflection, understanding, and personal growth.
Foreigner’s Friday: Celebrating Culture and Connection
Every Friday, RYC Wellness welcomes international visitors and local guests alike through Foreigner’s Friday, a vibrant social event designed to celebrate cultural exchange and friendship.
As a special welcome, foreign guests receive their first drink free of charge, allowing them to relax and enjoy the evening from the moment they arrive. Additionally, guests accompanying foreign visitors are not required to meet any consumable minimum, making the event even more accessible and enjoyable for groups looking to spend quality time together.
Foreigner’s Friday creates opportunities for people from different backgrounds and cultures to meet, share stories, exchange experiences, and form new friendships. The event embodies RYC Wellness’ commitment to building an inclusive and welcoming community where everyone feels at home.
Guests can enjoy great conversations, refreshing beverages, delicious offerings from the Healing Café, and an atmosphere that encourages social interaction and cultural appreciation.
Sip & Shake Saturday: Dance, Energy, and Fun
The week culminates with Sip & Shake Saturday, one of RYC Wellness’ most exciting and energetic events. Combining music, movement, and social connection, this weekly dance experience invites guests to let loose, have fun, and embrace the joy of dancing.
Participants are guided by some of the area’s most talented and engaging dance instructors, whose passion and expertise help create an enjoyable experience for dancers of all skill levels. Whether someone is stepping onto the dance floor for the first time or looking to improve their technique, Sip & Shake Saturday provides a welcoming environment where everyone can participate with confidence.
Guests can enjoy their favorite beverages while learning new dance moves, meeting new people, and experiencing the positive energy that fills the venue each week. The event promotes physical activity, self-expression, confidence-building, and social interaction—all while having an unforgettable time on the dance floor.
Building a Community Through Wellness
The weekly lineup at RYC Wellness reflects the organization’s mission to create a space where wellness extends beyond fitness and self-care. By bringing together opportunities for relaxation, meaningful conversation, cultural exchange, and recreation, RYC Wellness aims to foster a stronger, healthier, and more connected community.
Each event is carefully designed to provide value to guests while encouraging personal growth, social engagement, and overall well-being. Whether visitors are seeking relaxation, support, friendship, education, or entertainment, RYC Wellness offers experiences that enrich their lives throughout the week.
As RYC Wellness continues to grow, it remains committed to creating innovative programs and events that inspire people to live healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives.
Guests are encouraged to inquire about upcoming schedules, special activities, and monthly featured events. Everyone is welcome to experience the unique blend of wellness, learning, community, and fun that has become the hallmark of RYC Wellness.
“Our weekly programs are designed to bring people together through wellness, meaningful experiences, and genuine human connection. Whether you’re here to relax, learn, share, or celebrate, there’s always something waiting for you at RYC Wellness.” – RYC Wellness Management Team
About Ryc wellness.
BYOB at RYC Wellness at our healing cafe, biohacking med spa, and self defense gym
by Ferry Bayu | Jun 16, 2026 | Business
GENERAL SANTOS CITY, PHILIPPINES, 13 June 2026 — Color Your World Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Casino Plus, on Saturday in partnership with local government built a tent village in Barangay Lagao in General Santos City, providing temporary shelter to families affected by the magnitude-7.8 quake that hit Mindanao.
Powered by its flagship disaster resilience pillar, “Project Bigkis,” Color Your World provided livable tents and over 2,000 gallons of drinking water to evacuees and affected residents of Barangays Lagao and Calumpang in General Santos City as hundreds of families struggle in accessing safe drinking water and temporary shelter.
The deployment has so far faced intense localized hurdles, including heavy downpours and persistent seismic activity. Earlier Saturday, “Color Champions” experienced a sharp magnitude-5.6 aftershock that caused minor property damage in the area. Despite the rainfall and structural challenges, the team have successfully distributed life-saving resources without interruption.
“The need on the ground is immediate, and the reality facing many families in the evacuation centers is heartbreaking,” said Casino Plus Chief Executive Officer Evan Spytma.
“When you see parents worried about where their children will sleep, or families struggling to access basic necessities, it reminds you that behind every disaster are real people trying to get through each day. Our Color Champions — our employees and volunteers on the ground — are committed to standing with these communities, not only by providing immediate relief such as shelter and clean drinking water, but by helping them rebuild and move forward in the months ahead,” Spytma added.
For hundreds of families still grappling with trauma and seeking refuge in open-air covered courts and makeshift shelters, the arrival of physical shelter marks the first step toward stability.
Fernando Tatad Jr., community leader of the Purok 20 association, said their community would prioritize the elderly and children for accommodation in the tent village, emphasizing that many residents continue to stay in open areas because of the ongoing aftershocks.
“Ang laking tulong talaga, sobra-sobra. Ang laking pasalamat namin kasi ‘yung tent, magre-request sana ako kaso binigay na ni Lord at ng Casino Plus sa’min,” Tatad said.
Access to clean and safe water has also been a challenge amid disruptions to local water systems. In addition, damage to roads and bridges has hampered distribution efforts, particularly in remote communities.
Another quake survivor, Maureen Ortega, thanked Casino Plus and the Color Your World Foundation for providing water gallons, adding that obtaining clean water and hygiene supplies has been difficult over the past week.
“May dalawang maliit pa ako [na anak], sobrang hirap pag walang malinis na tubig. Siguro okay lang walang kuryente pero tubig ang kailangan namin dito. Hindi madali ‘yung nangyari sa amin. ‘Yung mga anak namin, nanginginig, sobrang takot kapag may lindol,” Ortega said.
As communities begin the difficult journey toward recovery, Color Your World Foundation will continue its mission across Sarangani, safely reaching more affected families and delivering immediate relief to those who need it most.
About IGO Digital High Technology, Inc.
Casino Plus is a trusted online casino platform in the Philippines, duly licensed and regulated by the PAGCOR. 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.
About Color Your World Foundation Inc.
Color Your World Foundation, Inc. is the corporate social responsibility arm of Casino Plus and Stotsenberg Leisure Park and Hotel Corporation. Through programs anchored on its four core pillars—Disaster Preparedness and Resilience; Education & Livelihood Access; Community Support for Health, Culture and Environment; and Responsible Gaming Research & Education—the Foundation is committed to creating more ‘makulay’ (colorful) lives, reflecting its philosophy: where play creates color and color creates good. Color Your World Foundation partners with public and private sector stakeholders to deliver sustainable initiatives that uplift lives, empower communities, and contribute to nation-building.
by Ferry Bayu | Jun 16, 2026 | Business
MANILA, Philippines — As Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) hiring continues across major Philippine hubs, applicants are placing greater importance on transparency after submitting job applications online.
From Metro Manila to Cebu, many BPO jobseekers apply for multiple roles through social media groups, messaging apps, walk-ins, and recruiter posts. However, a common frustration remains: after submitting a resume, applicants often do not know whether their profile was received, reviewed, shortlisted, rejected, or still pending.
This lack of visibility can make the job search more stressful, especially for first-time applicants, career shifters, and provincial candidates who need to plan interviews, prepare documents, or decide whether to travel for screening.
Status tracking becomes part of the applicant experience
In high-volume hiring locations such as Makati, Quezon City, Bonifacio Global City, Pasig, Alabang, Cebu IT Park, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu, candidates often apply for customer service, technical support, healthcare, non-voice, and sales roles with major BPO employers.
These include roles associated with large outsourcing and shared services employers such as Teleperformance, WNS, Alorica, Cognizant, and other companies operating in the Philippine BPO sector. Because applicants may apply to several campaigns at once, clearer application updates can help them understand whether they should wait, follow up, attend another interview, or continue applying elsewhere.
Application status tracking is becoming one way to address this gap. Clear updates such as “application received,” “under review,” “shortlisted,” “interview scheduled,” or “not selected” can help applicants make better decisions and reduce uncertainty.
“Many applicants do not only need job openings; they need clarity after applying,” said a recruitment operations lead familiar with high-volume BPO hiring. “Status visibility helps candidates understand whether their application is moving, pending, or closed.”
Moving beyond informal job posts
Social media groups and referral-based hiring remain widely used in the Philippines, especially for urgent BPO openings. However, these channels can also create confusion for applicants when postings are duplicated, roles are outdated, recruiters are unclear, or follow-ups are difficult to track.
As a result, verified digital portals are becoming more relevant to applicants who want a more structured process. These platforms typically combine employer-authorised job postings, organized candidate profiles, and clearer communication between applicants and hiring teams.
One platform supporting this shift is MyGlit, a Philippines-focused BPO job portal that publishes employer-authorised BPO openings. The platform also provides no-fee applications, structured screening, and application status visibility for applicants.
Relevance for Cebu and provincial applicants
Status tracking is particularly useful for applicants outside major hiring centers. Candidates from Bohol, nearby Cebu provinces, or areas outside Metro Manila may need to know whether to travel for an interview, attend a virtual screening, or continue applying elsewhere.
For Cebu-based hiring, where applicants may target roles in Cebu IT Park, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu, clearer status updates can reduce unnecessary travel and repeated follow-ups while helping candidates prepare for the next hiring step.
“Before, I would apply and wait without knowing if anyone had reviewed my profile,” said a Cebu-based BPO applicant. “Being able to see updates makes the process less stressful and helps me prepare for the next step.”
Better structure for employers and applicants
Recruitment teams also benefit from application tracking. BPO employers often process large numbers of applicants for customer service, technical support, non-voice, healthcare, and sales roles. Structured updates can reduce manual follow-ups, improve screening consistency, and help recruiters maintain cleaner candidate pipelines.
For applicants, the benefit is simple: a clearer and more predictable hiring process. For employers, it supports faster communication and better candidate management.
As BPO hiring continues across the Philippines, the applicant experience is shifting beyond simply finding job openings. Jobseekers are increasingly looking for safer channels, clearer processes, and better visibility after they apply.
About MyGlit
MyGlit is a Philippines-focused BPO job portal used by applicants and employers across Metro Manila, Cebu, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The platform publishes employer-authorised BPO job postings, supports structured pre-screening, provides application status tracking, and does not charge applicants placement fees.
Website: https://www.myglit.com
About Gratitude Jobs Ahead Hr inc
MyGlit is a specialized job portal by Gratitude Jobs for the BPO industry in the Philippines, connecting candidates with verified opportunities across Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The platform features employer-authorized job postings and provides application tracking without charging fees to job seekers. Website: https://www.myglit.com
by Ferry Bayu | Jun 15, 2026 | Business
As government moves to address recurring red and yellow alert, PARE stresses that lasting solutions require more than reactive measures. The group calls for stronger oversight, accountability across the energy sector, and institutionalized consumer participation to ensure that energy policies deliver affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity for all Filipinos.
June 9, 2026 – Partners for Affordable and Reliable Energy welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for the Department of Energy (DOE) to address recurring power alerts.
“We welcome the President’s call to address the power situation, but recurring red and yellow alerts cannot be blamed on one agency alone. If red and yellow alerts happen almost every year, then this is no longer an energy problem but an Energy Crisis long neglected,” PARE Chief Advocate Officer Nic Satur, Jr. said.
The group stressed that solving the country’s energy problems requires more than reactive measures whenever red and yellow alerts occur.
“This is a shared accountability issue involving Congress, the Senate, energy companies, NGCP, and both Private and electric cooperatives. Perhaps it is time for all of them to explain why consumers continue to suffer the same problems year after year. Accountability must extend across the entire energy sector,” Satur said.
Regulators such as the DOE, Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), and National Electrification Administration (NEA) play a critical role in planning and policy. Still, they are equally responsible for ensuring that energy players comply with laws, standards, and performance obligations.
Beyond regulators, Congress and the Senate must exercise diligence when granting franchises and oversight powers to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and distribution utilities. Transmission operators, generation companies, distribution utilities, and electric cooperatives must also answer for failures that contribute to recurring supply shortages, brownouts, high systems losses and expensive electricity costs.
“If the President is serious about solving the energy crisis, accountability must extend beyond the DOE. Regulators, lawmakers, energy companies, and all institutions entrusted with consumer protection share this responsibility,” Satur said.
PARE emphasized that consumers should no longer be treated as passive observers during energy crises. The group called for active consumer participation in technical working groups, task forces, regulatory proceedings, and independent audits involving all energy players.
“Consumers ultimately pay for every inefficiency, delay, outage, and pass-on charge in the system. They deserve a meaningful role in shaping reforms and monitoring industry performance,” Satur said.
“We pay for every outage, every delay, every inefficiency, and every pass-on charge in the system. If consumers are expected to shoulder the costs, then we deserve a seat at the table where energy policies, reforms, and accountability measures are being discussed,” Satur said
This press release has also been published on VRITIMES.
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