The Digital Marketing Association of the Philippines (DMAP) has officially unveiled Digicon 2026, themed Interoperability: Welcome to the Age of Collaboration. Celebrating its 11th year as the country’s premier gathering for innovators, marketers, and tech leaders, DigiCon returns to the Grand Ballroom of the Manila Marriott Hotel on October 15–16 with its most inclusive lineup yet.

The Theme: Interoperability as a Competitive Advantage

“We are entering a new era, an age where progress is powered by coming together,” said Raymund Sison, Co-Chair of DigiCon 2026. “The future will not be built in silos. It will not belong to those who work alone. It will be shaped by connections, synergies, and ecosystems of collaboration where ideas, technologies, and communities converge to create impact far greater than the sum of their parts.”

Interoperability isn’t a technical concept but a mandate. In a landscape fragmented by platforms, disciplines, and silos, DigiCon 2026 argues that progress only happens between people and technology, creators and AI, government and industry, local and global. The theme is both a provocation and an invitation as no brand, platform, or industry succeeds alone.

“DigiCon has always been about what’s next,” said Shayne Madamba, Co-Chair of DigiCon 2026. “In 2026, what’s next is working together across disciplines, across industries, and across technology.”

What’s New in 2026

DigiCon 2026 introduces the full 2026 Committee and a conference designed to be bigger, louder, and more impactful than any edition before.

“I’m excited about DigiCon 2026 because our future isn’t just about better technology, it’s about better connections,” said Miko David, DMAP President. “When AI, platforms, agencies, brands, and creators work together, innovation scales. That is what DMAP exists to do: connect the ecosystem and turn collaboration into meaningful progress for the industry.”

Early Access and Sponsorship Opportunities

DigiCon 2026 is officially open for partnerships, sponsorships, and speaker submissions across the tech, media, data, and creative sectors. For more information including ticket inquiries and reservations, interested participants may send their inquiries via email to digicon@futureproof.ph.

Early bird registration is now available in very limited slots, offering 50% off for DMAP members and 30% off for non-members. These special rates are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are available only until allocated slots are filled.

Stay updated on announcements, speaker reveals, and key event highlights by following DigiCon’s official website and social media channels.

Sun Life Grepa Emerges as Fastest-Growing Life Insurer, Posting Strong Gains in New Business, Premium Income, and Net Income

Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (Sun Life Grepa), delivered standout performance in 2025, emerging as the fastest-growing life insurer in the Philippines in terms of new business, while also ranking among the top 10 across key industry metrics including new business annualized premium equivalent (NBAPE), total premium income, and net income.

Sun Life Grepa recorded PHP3.30 billion in NBAPE, reflecting a remarkable 66% increase from 2024 — the highest growth rate among life insurers during the period. This accelerated expansion was driven by strong performance across both individual and group insurance segments, underscoring the company’s ability to respond to evolving protection and financial planning needs.

Total premium income likewise rose to PHP18.59 billion, marking a solid 28% year-on-year increase. Meanwhile, net income reached PHP1.60 billion, representing a growth of 17% from the previous year. These results highlighted the company’s sustained financial strength, disciplined execution, and growing relevance in an increasingly competitive insurance landscape.

The company’s momentum was supported by the introduction and continued strength of solutions that address the diverse and evolving priorities of Filipinos. Products such as Sun Grepa CashBack Protect, Sun Grepa Secure Income, and SLG Global Tech Fund expanded Sun Life Grepa’s portfolio, offering clients more opportunities to combine protection, guaranteed income, savings, and investment to help them build financial security at every stage of life.

Beyond business growth, Sun Life Grepa sustained its commitment to financial inclusion through collaboration with organizations such as Ahon Sa Hirap (ASHI) and ASA Philippines. These partnerships support underserved communities by promoting financial education and expanding access to insurance protection, helping empower more Filipinos to secure their financial future.

Sun Life Grepa’s strong performance in 2025 reflects its continued focus on delivering relevant solutions, strengthening client relationships, and expanding access to life insurance protection. As the company build on its momentum, it remains committed to helping more Filipinos achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives, while reinforcing its position as one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic life insurers in the country.

As education continues to evolve in response to changing lifestyles, technology, and family priorities, more Filipino households are rethinking what quality learning looks like today. Increasingly, that conversation is leading parents and students to Online Education (OEd)— particularly for its Online Senior High School (SHS) and Short Courses, which have seen growing interest nationwide.

For many, the shift is not simply about convenience. It reflects a deeper belief that education should adapt to the learner—not the other way around.

Learning That Fits Real Life

OEd students often describe their learning experience as more personal and empowering than traditional classroom setups. With fully online access to lessons, modules, and assessments, students are able to study at their own pace while managing other responsibilities at home.

Senior High School learners, in particular, say the flexibility has allowed them to focus better, revisit lessons when needed, and develop stronger self-discipline—skills that are increasingly essential beyond the classroom. Adult learners taking short courses echo the same sentiment, citing how OEd allows them to upskill or reskill without disrupting work or family commitments.

For these learners, education becomes less of a routine obligation and more of a meaningful journey—one they choose to stay committed to.

Parents Prioritize Flexibility, Safety, and Continuity

Parents play a central role in this shift. Many cite flexibility as a key reason for enrolling their children in OEd’s Online Senior High School. With learning accessible anytime and anywhere, families are better able to manage schedules, health considerations, and household responsibilities—without compromising academic progress.

Safety is another factor. Home-based online learning provides reassurance, especially for parents who prefer a controlled and familiar environment for their children during crucial academic years. At the same time, OEd’s structured curriculum ensures students remain on track toward graduation and future academic or career pathways.

Parents also point to continuity. OEd offers a clear progression from Senior High School to higher education and skills-based programs, giving families confidence that their children’s learning journey is supported over the long term.

SHS and Short Courses Drive Enrollment Growth

OEd’s Online Senior High School and Short Courses have emerged as two of its most indemand offerings.

The SHS program follows national academic standards while delivering content through a flexible online platform. It prepares students for college, employment, or entrepreneurship—without the constraints of a physical classroom.

Meanwhile, OEd’s Short Courses respond to the growing demand for practical, targeted learning. These certificate programs are designed for learners who want to develop specific skills, explore new fields, or strengthen their credentials in a shorter timeframe. For many working professionals and adult learners, this format offers a practical entry point into continuous education.

Together, these programs reflect a broader trend: Filipinos are increasingly valuing education that is adaptable, efficient, and aligned with real-world needs.

Education, Reimagined—and Within Reach

As learning environments continue to change, OEd positions itself not just as an online school, but as a partner in lifelong learning. Its growing enrollment in Senior High School and Short Courses underscores a shift in mindset—one where education is seen as a personal investment, a family decision, and a long-term commitment.

For students and parents who want an education experience designed around real life, the option is no longer distant—it’s already here.

To learn more about Online Senior High School and Short Courses, visit   www.oed.com.ph

Inquire now and explore how flexible learning can work for you and your family.

Demonstrating its strong commitment to community service and medical excellence, the AMA School of Medicine (ASM/AMASOM) actively participated in the third leg of the nationwide “Lab for All” program in San Juan, La Union. The initiative is spearheaded by the Office of the First Lady under the leadership of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, whose advocacy centers on improving access to essential health and social services for underserved Filipino communities.

Through the “Lab for All” program, the First Lady continues to champion inclusive and people-centered governance, ensuring that vital government services reach grassroots communities. Her sustained efforts have brought medical care, social protection, livelihood assistance, and digital services closer to families nationwide—particularly in remote and marginalized areas.

As a proud member of the AMA Education System, (ASM) remains committed to producing socially responsive and globally competitive medical professionals. In line with this mission, the ASM medical team provided free medical consultations, basic health screenings, and risk assessment services to residents from 41 barangays in San Juan, benefiting a total of 1,476 patients and community members.

The activity was implemented through strong inter-agency collaboration, involving the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Health (DOH), PhilHealth, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Agriculture (DA), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), the Local Government Unit of San Juan, La Union, and other participating organizations.

Central to ASM’s meaningful contribution was the dedicated service of its faculty physicians, all of whom are members of the institution’s academic and teaching staff. The medical mission was led by Dean Michael Maniwa, together with Dr. John Rey Gonzales, Dr. Jonathan Iledan, and Dr. Eric De Leon, who exemplified ASM’s standards of clinical excellence, professionalism, and compassionate care.

Supporting the faculty doctors were four (4) medical clerks, who are foreign medical students enrolled at ASM, highlighting the school’s growing international community and commitment to multicultural medical education. Assigned to the Risk Assessment Station, the clerks handled preliminary screening, patient triage, and coordination with partner agencies—gaining valuable hands-on experience in community-based healthcare delivery.

Their participation reflects ASM’s strong emphasis on experiential learning, enabling both local and international students to engage directly in national public health initiatives while developing cultural sensitivity, teamwork, and patient-centered competencies.

Through its continued involvement in the “Lab for All” program, the AMA School of Medicine reinforces its role as a key partner in advancing the First Lady’s vision of accessible, responsive, and integrated public services. It also strengthens ASM’s position as a leading medical institution under the AMA Education System—one that integrates academic excellence, global perspective, and social responsibility.

Moving forward, ASM remains committed to supporting future legs of the program, contributing to population health, preventive care, and collaborative public service, while shaping competent, compassionate, and community-oriented physicians for the Philippines and the global community.