SSS launches facial authentication for Annual Confirmation of Pensioners with liveness check
The Social Security System announced today the launch of a facial authentication to allow pensioners to complete the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) requirement without visiting SSS branches.
SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Jospeh M. de Claro said the system uses biometric liveness checks to verify the identity of pensioners online. “This makes compliance easier, faster, and more secure, ensuring uninterrupted pension payments,” de Claro said.
The feature is available to pensioners registered in the National ID System (PhilSys) including:
- Retirement pensioners aged 80 and above residing in the Philippines
- Retirement pensioners living abroad
- Survivorship (death) pensioners
De Claro explained that pensioners do not need to login to My.SSS. By visiting the SSS homepage at www.sss.gov.ph, pensioners can access a dedicated ACOP icon that seamlessly guides them through the facial scan and biometric verification process using any camera-enabled device, through the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) National ID eVerify system.
“The verification process takes less than a minute and immediately updates SSS records while confirming that a live person is present, preventing fraudulent activity,” he added.
Pensioners without compatible devices may seek assistance at SSS branches through E-Centers. Traditional options, including in-person visits or scheduled video appointments, remain available.
This initiative is part of SSS’ ongoing efforts to enhance digital services for nearly four million pensioners nationwide and abroad, making compliance to ACOP requirement more convenient while reducing travel burdens amid rising living costs.
“No travel. No hassle. Just quick, secure verification from home,” he emphasized
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MANILA, Philippines — The Association for Philippines–China Understanding (APCU) has officially opened nominations for the 6th Award for Promoting Philippines–China Understanding (APPCU) 2026 during a launch held Friday at the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) in Binondo, Manila.
During a press conference, APCU Chairman and President Raul Lambino announced that the 2026 edition marks the sixth staging of the APPCU Awards, organized in coordination with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Philippines.
Lambino expressed gratitude to the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) for allowing the use of its venue for the event.
The APPCU Awards were first organized in 2020 through the initiative of former Education Secretary Alejandro Roces and former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who now serves as Representative of Pampanga.
According to Lambino, the awards aim to recognize Filipinos who have made significant contributions in promoting friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding between the Philippines and China.
He emphasized the importance of strengthening people-to-people relations between the two countries through education, cultural exchanges, business cooperation, and other collaborative initiatives.
Lambino also expressed confidence in the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), led by Secretary Teresa Lazaro, in maintaining diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China despite ongoing issues in the West Philippine Sea.
The APPCU Awards recognize individuals in five categories who have helped foster better understanding and cooperation between the two nations.
The awards ceremony is tentatively scheduled for mid-June 2026, depending on the availability of the venue.
Meanwhile, APCU Director Mafee Cai said nominations may be submitted through the organization’s official website, apcu.org.ph, or via email. She added that all Filipinos are encouraged to nominate individuals who have contributed to strengthening Philippines–China relations.
Director Brian James Lu urged nominators to clearly explain how their nominees have helped promote better understanding between the two countries.
Also present during the launch were APCU Vice Chairman Sixto Benedicto and Directors Joaquin Sy and Dr. Lily Tan Lim, who encouraged the public to participate in the nomination process for the 6th APPCU Awards.
— G.I.E.C.E.L., AN-PAPI VP Visayas
Courtesy of Perfecto Raymundo, Mabuhay News Online, and Raffy Rico of Noon Break Balita.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Regional Statistical Services Office IV-A (CALABARZON), through its National ID team, participated in the Job Fair organized by the Office of the Representative of the Fourth District of Batangas on March 5, 2026 at the Rosario Sports and Cultural Center, Rosario, Batangas.
The one-day job fair, spearheaded by the Office of Congressman Amado Carlos A. Bolilia IV in partnership with San Miguel Corporation, aimed to connect job seekers with potential employers while providing access to essential government services needed for employment.
In support of the activity, National ID booth was set up to provide registration services and assistance to individuals who have not yet registered with the National Identification System. The team also assisted registrants with inquiries related to the National ID, including the different formats of the National ID and its use as a valid proof of identity for various transactions.
Through the National ID registration services offered during the event, job seekers were given the opportunity to obtain a government-recognized proof of identity that can help facilitate their employment requirements and access to services from both public and private institutions.
The participation of the PSA in the job fair highlights the agency’s continuing commitment to bring National ID services closer to the public and support initiatives that promote inclusive access to identification, employment opportunities, and government services.
PSA encourages individuals who have not yet registered for the National ID to visit the nearest registration center or participate in similar outreach activities conducted in partnership with local government units and other stakeholders.
Four clients from institutions under the CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) were honored as Digital Champions at the 4th Digital Financial Inclusion Awards (DFIA) held at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Assembly Hall in Malate, Manila.
The awardees include two clients of CARD, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO), and one client each from CARD Bank, a microfinance-oriented rural bank, and CARD SME Bank, a thrift bank.
As a mutually reinforcing network, CARD MRI integrates financial and social development services with digital innovations to support client enterprises and improve quality of life. “It’s such an honor for us to support these award-winning entrepreneurial journeys. Their success inspires us to keep our mission moving forward,” said CARD MRI Managing Director Aristeo A. Dequito.
Inspiring stories of digital transformation
Among the awardees is Carmelita Dapanas, a CARD, Inc. client from Manticao, Misamis Oriental. She operates a hydroponic farm producing green bell peppers and salad tomatoes, alongside coconuts and cacao that she processes into tablea. By leveraging Facebook, Messenger, and mobile cash services, she connects with customers nationwide and now supplies hotels, restaurants, and public markets in Iligan City and nearby areas. Another CARD, Inc. awardee, Annalisa Monil from Bilar, Bohol, transformed the Bilar Stem Vegetable Farm into a thriving enterprise that supplies resorts and restaurants in Panglao Island, while also operating a retail store in Tagbilaran City. By accepting orders through Messenger and processing payments via mobile cash services and online banking, she has significantly expanded her market reach—creating more livelihood opportunities within her community.
Raquel Lanaban, a CARD Bank, Inc. client from Bilusa, Davao City, was also recognized for her batik and handcrafted products business, which she established in 2010. By leveraging Facebook and Messenger, she increased her sales by 90%, adopted digital payment options, and now supports a network of resellers across five areas in Mindanao.
Meanwhile, Niel Danica Polong, a CARD SME Bank, Inc. client from Silang, Cavite, transformed her pancit business into an online favorite after launching a Facebook page during the pandemic. With the introduction of cashless payment options and an expanded menu, 60 to 70 percent of her orders now come from online customers.
Digital Financial Inclusion Awards
The Digital Financial Inclusion Awards (DFIA) is a financial inclusion initiative funded by the Citi Foundation, in partnership with Microfinance Council and supported by Citi Philippines and the Bangko Sentral ng PIlipinas (BSP). Now in its fourth year when it spun off from the previously known Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards (CMA), it recognizes outstanding microentrepreneurs and microfinance institutions that effectively use digital solutions to conduct financial transactions, strengthen enterprises, and expand livelihood opportunities.
BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. highlighted the shifting narrative around microentrepreneurs during the awarding ceremony, noting that digital tools were long perceived as too technical, costly, and complicated. He emphasized that the awardees have proven this notion outdated, demonstrating that with simple yet innovative solutions— such as online selling, QR payments, and digital business systems— Filipino entrepreneurs are redefining what is possible in the digital economy.
The ceremony also recognized 13 other microentrepreneurs and three MFIs. Each awardee received PHP 100,000 in cash and a laptop to further support their digital transformation.
The recognition of CARD MRI clients at the DFIA highlights the growing role of digital innovation in inclusive finance. These awardees showed how technology can empower communities, strengthen livelihoods, and pave the way for sustainable growth across the Philippines.
The Department of Science and Technology Ilocos Region (DOST Ilocos Region) was recognized as GRAND WINNER- Best Agri-Tourism Booth Competition during the Agri-Tourism and Community Fair held from March 6–10, 2026, in celebration of the 28th Cityhood Founding Anniversary of the City of San Fernando, La Union.
The DOST Ilocos Region booth showcased various science and technology programs, services, and innovations aimed at supporting agriculture, local industries, and community development. Through engaging exhibits and discussions, visitors were able to learn how science and technology initiatives help empower communities and promote sustainable growth in the region.
The successful participation of DOST Ilocos Region was made possible through the leadership and coordination of DOST La Union Provincial Director Jonathan M. Viernes and the dedicated efforts of the DOSTOneSCIGLAT Team. ( Sheshenie Janae M. Perez)
Now in its 30th year, Enchanted Kingdom — the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines — continues to be one of the lead advocates for local industry development, following the recent induction of its Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Cynthia R. Mamon, Ph.D., as the president of the PCCI-Laguna Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (LCCI).
The induction ceremony of newly elected LCCI officers was held on February 16 at Enchanted Kingdom in Santa Rosa, Laguna led by Area Vice President Hoover Picar and Regional Governor Mary Ann Katigbak.
In acceptance of this role, Mrs. Mamon said, “We are committed to focus on Livelihood and labor concerns, Corporate sustainability, Community empowerment, and Innovation with integrity. These four principles support Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) South Luzon’s guiding principles as presented by AVP Hoover Picar, namely Volunteerism, Excellence, Service, and Integrity (VESI). Through these, we look forward to transforming the lives of the people working for our companies and the communities we serve.”
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, LCCI is a non-stock, non-profit, non-government organization, comprised of Laguna-based small, medium, and large enterprises, dedicated to foster a stronger, sustainable local economy, and promote growth, resilience and competitiveness of the business community in the province.
Present during the induction ceremony were Department of Labor and Employment – National Conciliation and Mediation Board IV-A Director Cynthia Foncardas, Laguna Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (LEPIDO) Laguna Head Fatima Villaseñor, PCCI Los Baños President Grace Bondad Nicolas, PCCI Quezon City President Anne Marie Francisco, and PCCI Lipa City President Marites Jumarang. They were joined by past presidents of LCCI namely Atty. Rose Lynn Zara-Coloma, Marvin Adolfo, Virgilio Lorenzo, Richard Albert Osmond, and EK’s President and Chairman Mr. Cesar Mario O. Mamon.
An economic briefing by Prof. Ronilo Balbieran, economist at the University of Asia and the Pacific followed after the induction ceremony.
Even prior to this, EK has been a longstanding active member of LCCI, as Mr. Mamon also served as its president from 2006 to 2007.
Championing Tourism
Mrs. Mamon was also reelected as the president of the Laguna Tourism Council (LTC), officially assuming the new term together with the other newly elected LTC officers during the oath taking ceremony administered by Governor Sol Aragones last January 22 in Santa Cruz, Laguna.
LTC is a provincial multi-sectoral body composed of representatives from various government and private organizations, serving as one of the main drivers in developing Laguna into a premier tourism destination in the Philippines.
Under Dr. Mamon’s leadership ever since she stepped into the role in 2023, LTC has been working closely with the provincial government of Laguna, along with other local offices and non-government organizations across the country in promoting tourism, culture, heritage, and the arts to both domestic and foreign audiences.
Aside from this, they also support Laguna-based micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by providing platforms to showcase their world-class products and crafts through LTC’s various events and collaborations happening inside and outside the province.
For more information and updates regarding these and EK’s initiatives towards industry growth, sustainability, and tourism, visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph and EK’s official social media accounts @enchantedkingdom.ph for Facebook and TikTok, and @ek_philippines for Instagram.
The Social Security System announced today the launch of a facial authentication to allow pensioners to complete the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) requirement without visiting SSS branches.
SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Jospeh M. de Claro said the system uses biometric liveness checks to verify the identity of pensioners online. “This makes compliance easier, faster, and more secure, ensuring uninterrupted pension payments,” de Claro said.
The feature is available to pensioners registered in the National ID System (PhilSys) including:
- Retirement pensioners aged 80 and above residing in the Philippines
- Retirement pensioners living abroad
- Survivorship (death) pensioners
De Claro explained that pensioners do not need to login to My.SSS. By visiting the SSS homepage at www.sss.gov.ph, pensioners can access a dedicated ACOP icon that seamlessly guides them through the facial scan and biometric verification process using any camera-enabled device, through the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) National ID eVerify system.
“The verification process takes less than a minute and immediately updates SSS records while confirming that a live person is present, preventing fraudulent activity,” he added.
Pensioners without compatible devices may seek assistance at SSS branches through E-Centers. Traditional options, including in-person visits or scheduled video appointments, remain available.
This initiative is part of SSS’ ongoing efforts to enhance digital services for nearly four million pensioners nationwide and abroad, making compliance to ACOP requirement more convenient while reducing travel burdens amid rising living costs.
“No travel. No hassle. Just quick, secure verification from home,” he emphasized
Malugod na tinanggap ni Senadora Loren Legarda ang pagsasabatas ng Republic Act No. 12315, na nagpapalawig sa termino ng Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) ng karagdagang dalawang taon.
Bilang may-akda at pangunahing sponsor ng batas, binigyang-diin ni Legarda na ang pagpapalawig na ito ay nagbibigay ng katiyakan sa mandato ng Komisyon na ipagpatuloy ang masusing pagsusuri sa mga sistemikong kakulangan ng sektor ng edukasyon at ang pagsusulong ng mga kinakailangang reporma, na may mas matinding diin sa paghahatid ng kongkretong solusyon.
“As EDCOM II continues its work, we must be deliberate in strengthening our education system,” ang pahayag ng apat na termino nang senadora. “We will close the gaps, reinforce our institutions, and deliver the changes our learners and educators truly deserve.”
Mula nang ito’y likhain sa ilalim ng Republic Act No. 11899 noong 2022, nakapaglabas na ang EDCOM II ng mahahalagang ulat na naglantad ng mga kagyat na realidad sa mga paaralan sa bansa. Ang pinakahuli nitong ulat, Turning Point: A Decade of Necessary Reform (2026–2035), ay nananawagan sa sektor ng edukasyon na ipatupad ang mga estratehikong hakbang. Kabilang sa mga natuklasan: halos kalahati ng mga mag-aaral sa Grade 3 ay hindi marunong bumasa sa antas na naaayon sa kanilang baitang, 88% ng Grade 7 learners ay hindi handa sa pagbabasa, at mas mababa sa 1% ng Grade 12 students ang nakakaabot sa antas ng pagiging mahusay.
Ipinunto rin ng ulat ang mahihinang pundasyong pagkatuto, kakulangan sa pondo, hati-hating pamamahala, at malalalim na agwat sa pagitan ng mga paaralan sa lungsod at kanayunan. Nanatiling hindi tugma ang kurikulum sa mga industriyang may mataas na paglago gaya ng advanced manufacturing, turismo, at ICT, na nag-iiwan sa mga nagtapos na hindi handa sa pangangailangan ng merkado sa paggawa.
Upang tugunan ang mga hamong ito, inirekomenda ng EDCOM II ang mga reporma sa maagang pagbasa at pagbibilang, mas matibay na suporta para sa mga guro, nakatuong pamumuhunan sa mga last-mile schools, at mas pinasimpleng pamamahala upang matiyak na magtatagal ang mga reporma lampas sa mga siklo ng politika.
Si Legarda, na co-chair ng EDCOM II bilang pinuno ng Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education, ay nagsabing ang mga natuklasan ay nangangailangan ng agarang aksyon.
“The evidence tells us exactly where the system is failing,” aniya. “We will make sure every reform we advance is evidence-based, targeted, and built to last.”
Nakapagsumite na si Legarda ng ilang panukalang batas na kaakibat ng mga rekomendasyon ng EDCOM II, kabilang ang SBN-1412 o ang Last Mile Schools Act; SBN-1894, na nag-aamyenda sa Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act upang palakasin ang kahusayan, katarungan, at pananagutan ng Tertiary Education Subsidy Program; SBN-1427 o ang Higher Education Development and Innovation Act; at SBN-1413 o ang TESDA Modernization Act, bukod sa iba pa.
MATAGUMPAY na nahuli ng mga operatiba ng Maragondon Municipal Police Station ang isang babaing wanted kamakailan sa Bacoor City, Cavite.
Ang akusadong si alyas Ann, residente ng Bacoor City, ay naaresto nitong Marso 10.
Ipinatupad ang matagumpay na operasyon sa bisa ng bench warrant of arrest kaugnay ng paglabag ng akusado sa Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (RA 9165), Article II, Section 11 – Possession of Dangerous Drugs na inisyu ng Presiding Judge ng Regional Trial Court, Fourth Judicial Region, Branch 117, Bacoor City, na may petsang February 2 at may inirekomendang piyansang P400,000.00 para sa pansamantalang kalayaan nito.
ARESTADO ang tatlo katao kamakailan kaugnay ng pinaiigting na kampanya kontra droga ng Tanza Municipal Police Station.
Kinilala ang tatlong suspek sa mga alyas na JM, Prince, at Rey, na pawang residente ng Naic, Cavite.
Ayon sa ulat, nakaramdam ang mga suspek na mga pulis ang kanilang katransaksiyon kaya na tumakas lulan ng sasakyan patungo sa Naic.
Dahil dito ay mabilis na isinagawa ang pursuit operation ng mga rumespondeng tauhan ng pulisya at sa tulong ng mga mobile patroller mula sa Tanza MPS at Naic MPS ay tuluyang naharang ang mga tumakas na suspek at matagumpay na nahuli sa kahabaan ng Soriano Highway, Barangay Timalan Concepcion, Naic.
Sa naturang operasyon na naganap nitong Marso 10 ng hapon ay nakumpiska ng mga awtoridad ang apat na heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet na naglalaman ng puting crystalline substance na hinihinalang shabu na tinatayang may timbang na 16 gramo na may karaniwang presyo ng droga na nagkakahalaga ng P108,800.00.
Naharap ang tatlong suspek sa kasong paglabag sa Sections 5, 11, 12, at 26, Article II ng Republic Act 9165, o ang Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
TIMBOG ang isang City Level Most Wanted Person Rank No. 5 sa ikinasang operasyon ng pulisya kamakailan sa Dasmariñas City, Cavite.
Nakilala ang akusado na si alyas JP, 24, at kasalukuyang naninirahan sa Dasmariñas City.
Inaresto ang akusado sa bisa ng warrant of arrest para sa krimen ng Statutory Rape (Article 266-A in relation to Article 266-B of the Revised Penal Code, as amended) na inilabas at nilagdaan ng Executive Judge ng Regional Trial Court, Fourth Judicial Region, Branch 129, Dasmariñas City, Cavite, na may petsang Hulyo 17, 2025, at walang inirekomendang piyansa.
Isinagawa ng warrant personnel ng Dasmariñas Component City Police Station ang operasyon dakong alas-3:10 ng hapon nitong Marso 9.
TIKLO ang isang wanted na may kasong murder sa matagumpay na joint operation ng kapulisan kamakailan sa Imus City, Cavite.
Kinilala ang akusado sa alyas na Geric, residente ng Imus City at nakalista bilang Regional Level Most Wanted Person.
Ang pag-aresto ay isinagawa sa bisa ng warrant of arrest para sa krimen ng murder na inisyu ng Presiding Judge ng Regional Trial Court Branch 126, Imus City sa ilalim ng Fourth Judicial Region, na na may petsang Agosto 2, 2024, at walang inirekomendang piyansa.
Pinangunahan ng warrant personnel ng Imus Component City Police Station ang operasyon dakong alas-11:00 ng umaga nitong Marso 9 sa Barangay Malagasang 2C, Imus City, katuwang ang mga tauhan mula sa Regional Intelligence Division 4A, Provincial Intelligence Unit Cavite, at 401st Maneuver Force Battalion Company, Mobile Force 401st.
Nagbabala si Senator Loren Legarda sa biglaang pagbagsak ng farm gate price ng sibuyas sa Nueva Ecija at Occidental Mindoro matapos bumulusok ang presyo mula ₱120–₱150 kada kilo noong Enero 2026 hanggang ₱30–40 na lamang noong Pebrero 2026.
Dahil dito, nalalagay sa bingit ng pagkalugi ang mga magsasaka kahit nananatiling mataas ang presyo ng sibuyas sa mga pamilihan sa Metro Manila.
Binigyang-diin ni Legarda na lalo pang nagpalala sa krisis ang maling oras ng pagdating ng imported na sibuyas, ang pagkapuno ng mga cold storage, at ang mga kahina-hinalang shipment sa Bulacan.
Aniya, malinaw nitong inilantad ang malalim na problema sa supply chain ng sibuyas sa bansa.
Naghain si Legarda noong Miyerkules, Marso 11, ng P.S. Resolution No. 344 upang atasan ang Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform na imbestigahan kung sumunod ba ang Department of Agriculture (DA), mga attached agencies nito, at mga lokal na pamahalaan sa tamang patakaran sa import calibration at cold storage.
Layunin din ng resolusyon na papanagutin ang mga nasa likod ng talamak na iligal na importasyon at ang paulit-ulit na paghahari ng onion cartels.
“When farmers lose, the entire nation suffers. We cannot allow the sweat and sacrifice of our onion farmers to be wasted because of cartels and misguided policies,” sabi ni Legarda.
Tinukoy sa resolusyon ang matinding pagbagsak ng farm gate price, ang pagsabay ng 4,000 metric tons ng imported na sibuyas sa kasagsagan ng anihan, at ang pagkapuno ng 82% ng cold storage capacity na nagkait sa mga magsasaka ng mahalagang imbakan.
Sa kabila ng naunang pangako ng DA na ihihinto ang importasyon pagsapit ng Enero, kinumpirma ng datos ng Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) na nanatiling valid hanggang Pebrero 15, 2026 ang mga Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances o SPSICs.
“Why allow importation at the height of harvest? The result is farm gate prices collapsing while market prices remain high. Traders profit, but farmers are left behind,” sambit ni Legarda.
Inaatasan ng resolusyon ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno na magpatupad ng agarang importation ban upang pigilan ang mapanlamang na presyo, magsagawa ng audit sa buong value chain upang matunton ang kita ng mga cold storage operator at wholesalers, suriin ang storage capacity sa Nueva Ecija at Occidental Mindoro kabilang ang bagong pasilidad sa Barangay Labangan, imbestigahan ang mga kahina-hinalang shipment sa Bulacan, at siyasatin ang iba pang onion-producing areas sa buong bansa kung may kaparehong iregularidad.
Nagbabala rin si Legarda sa mga ulat tungkol sa mga iligal na imported na sibuyas mula China na nadiskubre sa Bulacan na lumikha umano ng “shadow supply” na hindi nakatala sa opisyal na rekord ng BPI.
Ayon sa kanya, pinalobo ng mga iligal na stock na ito ang suplay sa merkado, pinabagsak ang farm gate price ng sibuyas, at naglantad ng kahinaan sa border control at pagpapatupad ng regulasyon.
“If we do not dismantle the monopoly over cold storage and import permits, this crisis will repeat every year. Government must buy directly from farmers and build farmer-managed storage facilities so they can compete fairly,” aniya.
Binigyang-diin rin ni Legarda na nananawagan ang resolusyon ng awtomatikong importation ban tuwing Disyembre upang maiwasan ang sobrang suplay sa panahon ng anihan, mas mahigpit na pagpapatupad laban sa agricultural sabotage sa ilalim ng RA 12022, direktang pagbili ng gobyerno sa lokal na ani sa support price, pagtatayo ng mga cold storage na pamamahalaan ng mga magsasaka, at imbestigasyon sa tinatawag na “prior booking” system na naglalagay sa alanganin sa mga magsasaka.