PhilHealth implements one-time interest waiver to help employers and members settle contributions

by Info @Brand Zone | January 9, 2026

PR No. 2026-01 - January 6, 2026

PhilHealth welcomes the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to implement a one-time waiver program for incurred interests from missed premium payments. This is a concrete measure to help employers, self-employed individuals, and other covered members settle long standing contribution obligations and restore good standing with the National Health Insurance Program. 

The waiver policy underscores the administration's commitment to fairness, economic recovery, and sustained access to healthcare by addressing the accumulated burden of interest arising from missed premium payments. 

To provide clarity, the one-time waiver applies strictly to interest charges, and does not cover unpaid premium contributions. The policy is designed to assist employers and self-employed individuals whose arrears have ballooned primarily because of compounded interest, while ensuring continuous delivery of benefits of employees and members of PhilHealth.  

To further ease the financial burden on covered entities, PhilHealth is providing a one-year settlement window from the effectivity of the Circular, during which outstanding premium contributions may be paid. Employers who settle earlier within the prescribed period may qualify for greater reductions in interest, including partial or full waiver, depending on the length of the payment term. 

For the employed sector, the guidelines for availing waiver will be published soon. Meanwhile, the detailed implementing mechanics for the self-employed sector are being finalized and will be issued separately to ensure proper guidance and orderly implementation. 

As part of the program safeguards, employers availing of the one-time waiver are required to register their employees under the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) and ensure completion of the First Patient Encounter (FPE), in line with PhilHealth policy. This requirement reinforces the intent of the waiver—not only to recover missed contributions, but also to connect workers and their families to accessible primary care services.

PhilHealth encourages all eligible employers and members to take advantage of this limited, one-time opportunity, and advises the public to await official announcements for further details on implementation timelines and payment arrangement options, particularly for the self-employed sector. 

For more information, employers may contact PhilHealth’s 24/7 hotline at (02) 866-225-88 or at mobile numbers (Smart) 0998-857-2957, 0968-865-4670, (Globe) 0917-1275987 or 0917-1109812.

UAS Invests in UNLEASH, a Groundbreaking Pet Lifestyle App to Provide Filipinos' Pet Companions Peace of Mind Through Technology and IoT

by Info @Brand Zone | Nov. 15, 2024

[Mandaluyong City, Philippines] — [15 November 2024] — UAS (Universal Access and Systems Solutions), a leading technology solutions provider, today announced its strategic investment in UNLEASH, a revolutionary pet lifestyle app that combines the power of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and real-time monitoring to enhance the lives of pets and provide peace of mind for their owners.

As part of UAS's commitment to driving innovation and improving the quality of life for Filipino families, the investment in UNLEASH aims to redefine how pet owners manage their pets' health, safety, and well-being. The app allows pet owners to seamlessly monitor their pets' activity, health status, feeding routines, and even their location—all through a smartphone app connected to a network of IoT-enabled devices.

“Pets are not just animals; they are family members. With millions of Filipinos choosing to adopt pets, it’s crucial that we provide them with tools to care for their pets, no matter where they are,” said Kookie Victorino, CEO of UAS. “Our investment in UNLEASH reflects our belief in the power of technology to create a smarter, more connected future. By integrating IoT and real-time monitoring, UNLEASH gives Filipino pet owners the peace of mind that their pets are safe, healthy, and well cared for—even when they’re not at home.”

Key Features of UNLEASH Include:

· Real-Time GPS Tracking: Keep track of your pet’s location through an intuitive GPS tracking system, ensuring they’re safe whether indoors or outside.

· Health & Activity Monitoring: Monitor your pet’s health and daily activity levels, from steps taken to sleep patterns, with an IoT-enabled collar or wearable device.

· Automated Feeding & Care: Schedule feeding times remotely, allowing pet owners to ensure their pets are fed even when they’re away.

· Pet Care Community: Access a network of local pet services, including veterinarians, groomers, and trainers, through the app's community feature.

· Behavioral Insights: Receive insights into your pet’s behavior, helping owners to make informed decisions about their pet’s needs.

The UNLEASH app empowers pet owners to provide a higher standard of care by enabling them to remotely monitor their pets, stay updated on their health, and ensure their safety, all while promoting a deeper bond between pet and owner.

“We are thrilled to partner with UAS in bringing UNLEASH to the Filipino market,” said Chie Malaki, Founder and CEO of UNLEASH. “With the growing pet care industry in the Philippines, we believe our app offers a unique and innovative solution that caters to the evolving needs of pet owners. Through IoT, we are making it easier for Filipino families to provide the best care for their pets and experience true peace of mind.”

Novellino, malaking tulong sa ekonomiya ng bansa

by Info @Brand Zone | Oct. 26, 2024

Simula pa lang, ramdam na ni Vicente ‘Nonoy’ Quimbo, CEO at Founder ng Novellino, ang tagumpay sa kanyang wine making business.

“From the start…”, bungad na sagot ni Nonoy sa press nang tanungin siya kung kailan niya naramdaman ang tagumpay ng Novellino Wines. Kasama ang buong Quimbo family, nagpasalamat si Nonoy sa partners, guests at press na dumalo sa silver anniversary celebrations ng kumpanya na ginanap sa wine manufacturing plant sa Calamba, Laguna noong October 17, 2024.

Nitong nakaraan taon 2023, nakuha ang market share na 41.6 percent sa light grape wine category sa bansa. Patunay na nangunguna ang Novellino Wines sa local market. Kaya naman masaya niyang ikinuwento ang katuparan ng kanyang vision na makagawa ng isang wine na para sa Pinoy. Dagdag pa niya, misyon daw niya ang makumbinse ang mga Pinoy na uminom ng wine.

Ibinahagi ni Chris Quimbo, President at General Manager ng Novellino, ang sikreto kung bakit napapababa nila ang presyo ng wine na hindi nakukumpromiso ang quality nito. Inaangkat ang mga ubas mula sa iba’t-ibang bansa at direktang pinu-propeso ang grape juice sugars para maging wine. Dahil dito, nakakapagbigay ang kumpanya nang trabaho at nakakatulong pa sa ekonomiya ng bansa.

“We put in more investments by upgrading our winery with the latest technology and state of the art equipment to produce world-class wine,” banggit ni Chris.

Pinamunuan ni Chris ang facility tour para ipakita sa media at guests ang state of the art wine manufacturing plant. Ayon kay Chris, limang proseso ang kanilang wine production - Fermentation, Centrifugation, Three-stage micro filtration, Chilling at Bottling. Naging sentro sa facility tour ang modern equipment na ginagamit sa Centrifugation - ang Alfa Laval centrifuge mula sa Sweden. Isa ang Novellino ang may ganitong state of the art equipment sa buong Asya.

“The winery has the capacity to produce 30,000 liters of sweet wine per batch,” saad ni Chris.

Highlight ng facility tour ang ribbon cutting ceremony na pinangunahan ng buong Quimbo family, kasama si dating Senador Manny Villar na classmate ni Nonoy sa college sa University of the Philippines.

Bukod kay Chris, katuwang din ni Nonoy ang isa pa niyang anak na si Carlo Quimbo, bilang Director at Chief Strategy Officer, sa pagpapatakbo sa kanilang family-owned business. Parehong iniwan nang magkapatid ang maganda nilang career sa abroad para tutukan ang negosyo. Kaya kampante raw si Nonoy na ipagpapatuloy ng dalawa ang itinatag niyang negosyo.

Isa pang ipinagmamalaki ni Nonoy ay ang pagiging environmental friendly ng kumpanya dahil sa paggamit ng wastewater disposal solutions at renewable energy sa paggawa ng wine.

“We really want to have a sustainable company to meet the increasing demands of the market.” pahayag ni Nonoy. “We have already captured the hearts of the Filipinos. And this time, we want to make the brand known globally.”

Ngayon, hindi na lang tuwing Pasko o malaking okasyon tinatangkilik ang Novellino. Dahil naging household wine brand na ito ng bawat Pinoy. Swak ang sweet taste nito sa panlasang Pinoy.

“Novellino has made winemaking, drinking, and appreciation part of the growing cultural movement in the Philippines,” dagdag ni Chris.

Malayo na rin ang nararating ng Novellino. Mula sa maliit na manufacturing plant sa Valenzuela City, nalipat na ito sa 1.3 hectare winery sa Carmelray Industrial Park sa Laguna. Sa ngayon, may 17 variants na ang Novellino at unti-unti na rin itong nakikilala sa buong mundo.

“We take pride in the workmanship and craftsmanship involved behind every Novellino bottle. A big toast to Novellino!,” pagbibida ni Nonoy.