Young Filipinos turning to AI self-help tools amid rising mental health struggles

 

AXA’s 2025 Mind Health Report highlights the growing mental health challenges faced by young Filipinos and the importance of digital tools and proactive support in fostering safer, healthier mental well-being for the community.

In an era defined by economic uncertainty, digital fatigue, and growing social isolation, young Filipinos are emerging at the forefront of a vital conversation: mental health. According to AXA’s 2025 Mind Health Report, Filipinos, aged 18 to 34, are experiencing significantly higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression than their global peers. Yet, they are also among the most proactive in seeking support through digital and AI-powered mental wellness tools.

This year’s study offers deep insights into how Filipinos—especially the younger generation—are coping, adapting, and innovating in response to mental health challenges.

Gen Z and Millennials Lead the Shift to Digital Mental Health

The AXA Mind Health Index, a key component of the report, categorizes individuals into four distinct mental well-being states:

A significant portion of Filipino youth identify as languishing or struggling—highlighting the urgent need for accessible, relevant, and proactive mental health solutions.

This year’s AXA Mind Health Report provides valuable insights into how Filipinos, particularly the younger generation, are coping, adapting, and finding innovative ways to address mental health challenges.

According to the report, Filipinos aged 18 to 34 are more likely than older generations to suffer from severe mental health symptoms and are diagnosed with conditions at higher rates than their global peers. Despite these challenges, this age group shows strong resilience and initiative—39% turn to AI-powered mental health tools, well above the global average of 28%. In fact, half of all Filipinos now rely on digital platforms like websites, blogs, forums, and social media for mental health support.

Stress Levels Among Working-Class Filipinos Among Highest Globally

The report also reveals that nearly seven in ten Filipinos experience at least mild forms of anxiety, stress, or depression—among the highest rates globally. Key drivers include financial instability and job insecurity (76% vs 53% globally), uncertainty about the future (70% vs 53%), loneliness and social isolation (58% vs 42%), climate change anxiety (57% vs 38%), and exposure to negative news (55% vs 45%).

Workplaces play a significant role in both stress and support. The data points to an opportunity for organizations to be part of the solution—by fostering psychologically safe environments, supporting mental health literacy, and encouraging open conversations.

Local employers must encourage proactive conversations and collaborations among young Filipinos to support mental health and promote holistic well-being across communities.

Building a Culture of Early Support

As more young Filipinos turn to self-guided tools and digital channels for help, the availability of accessible resources for early mental health awareness and care becomes increasingly important.

Simple, non-diagnostic tools – such as AXA’s

Mind Health Self-Check—are helping individuals reflect on their mental state and take proactive steps when needed. Some

health plans in the market have also begun to include free mental health consultations as part of their coverage, recognizing the importance of holistic care. Additionally, a growing number of protection solutions now acknowledge the reality of mental health conditions, with some beginning to incorporate coverage for select mental health conditions.

“Because mental health is not just a personal issue—it’s a public one. And tackling it requires shared understanding, accessible tools, and sustained support,” said AXA Philippines CEO Ayman Kandil. “And while we still have a long way to address the gaps,know you cando something now and thrive with the right support.”

The annual AXA Mind Health Report, now in its fifth year, explores global and local attitudes toward mental health and tracks emerging trends and behaviors that influence mental wellness across life stages and cultures. As one of the largest and fastest-growing insurance companies in the country, AXA Philippines aims to amplify the conversation around mind health and uncover opportunities for individuals, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to take action for a better global mind health.

For more information about AXA Philippines' commitment to holistic well-being for all, visit https://www.axa.com.ph.

Building a more inclusive city: Tagbilaran launches “Cityzen Card” with GCash to unlock financial services

 

(L-R) Tagbilaran City chief of staff Cathelyn Torremocha, GCash account manager for public sector Bryle Acedillo, Tagbilaran City mayor Hon. Jane Yap, GCash head of public sector Cleo Santos, head of B2B strategy Cathlyn Pavia, and Visayas regional sales head Ronelo Buhawe

Tagbilaran, a heritage city known for its old churches and the famed Chocolate Hills, is accelerating its digitalization efforts with the launch of its multipurpose "Cityzen's Card," powered by GCash and Visa. The Cityzen's Card will serve as a prepaid card and a local government-issued ID, enabling Tagbilaran City residents to access essential local government services seamlessly.

As the first Visayan city to offer this service, Tagbilaran is leading the way in innovation and highlighting the value of a multisectoral approach that leverages the combined efforts of local government units, digital financial technology providers, and private enterprises in creating lasting social and economic benefits.

City officials emphasize that the introduction of the Cityzen’s Card marks a significant step forward in improving the delivery of public services and advancing financial inclusion, particularly for traditionally underserved residents. Launched during the city’s annual Saulog Festival, the card will initially be issued to 80,000 residents, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and public sector workers.

The co-branded card will also enable the city government to send financial assistance and allowances directly to recipients’ GCash accounts, eliminating the need for in-person collection and reducing the risk of inefficiencies.

In addition, the multi-stakeholder approach in accelerating Tagbilaran City’s digitalization efforts allows residents to make cashless purchases at merchants accepting Visa and benefit from GCash features, such as savings accounts, fair credit options, affordable insurance, and accessible investment opportunities. Cardholders can also enjoy discounts at select establishments across Tagbilaran City, encouraging local economic activity and community engagement. 

“Digitalization is part of the key executive agenda of my administration,” added Mayor Yap during her address at the Liveable Cities LocalLab, a policy platform focused on smart city development.

“We believe that it is now time that we plant the seeds so that the next generation will reap the benefits. As a young mayor, I have access to technology, but I can’t keep it all to myself. I have to share it, I have to make my city realize that this is it, we are going to be a smart city,” said Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap.

The launch of the Cityzen’s Card highlights a growing trend across Southeast Asian countries, where local governments partner with fintech firms to accelerate financial inclusion and digitize public services. In the Philippines, where more than half of the population remains unbanked, fintech companies like GCash have become critical gateways to digital finance.

“The Cityzen’s Card is a powerful example of how digital tools can enable smart governance,” said GCash VP and head of public sector, Cleo Santos. “By embedding financial access into city services, we’re not only streamlining aid and assistance delivery but also supporting efficient governance, like that of Tagbilaran, and driving real financial inclusion for their constituents.”

The Cityzen’s Card is expected to become the default ID and digital financial access point for residents of Tagbilaran. Its rollout comes amid heightened calls for digital transformation across Philippine local governments, many of which are grappling with the logistical challenges of social aid distribution.

For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com.

Skyro partners with Infinix to turn dream gadgets into real deals

 

The MOA signing led by (L-R) Infinix marketing manager Jelly Buan, assistant retail manager Elton Paque and head of HQ retail Kim Yang, together with Skyro’s head of POS business Lowen Medina and key accounts lead Yernar Ashimov.

Owning a fast and high-performing smart phone is now made easier and more accessible, thanks to the recent partnership between Skyro, one of the fastest-growing fintech company in the Philippines, and Infinix, the trendy global tech brand crafted for young consumers. 

The strategic collaboration coincides with the launch of the highly-anticipated Infinix NOTE 50 — a performance gaming smartphone built for dominance. With the fastest charging, highest refresh rate, and a premium metal frame, the NOTE 50 CODM Edition delivers an immersive, full-throttle gaming experience designed for the most competitive players.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to team up with Infinix—a brand loved by tech-savvy, trendsetting Filipinos. This partnership brings more than just smartphones; it brings joy, self-expression, and endless possibilities into people’s hands,” said Lowen Medina, Skyro Head of POS Business.

Avail your dream Infinix phone with 0% interest through Skyro.

Aligning with the fintech’s mission, Kim Yang, Infinix Head of HQ Retail, expressed the brand’s support to Skyro’s mission: “We’re excited to partner with Skyro as we continue pushing the boundaries of accessible innovation. This collaboration brings us one step closer to empowering more Filipinos with powerful, game-ready devices and smarter, more connected lifestyles.” 

Through this partnership, Skyro will now be made available as a financing option  offered directly in Infinix’s official channels in the Philippines to simplify the purchasing process. With Skyro, customers can enjoy 0% interest and standard loans on products such as the Infinix NOTE 50 Series and other Infinix devices.

With the mission to provide hope, happiness and financial support to Filipinos, the collaboration of Skyro and Infinix ensures that many more customers in the country can enjoy quality products and other essential needs.

To know more about Skyro, download the app for free on Apple Store for iPhone users and Google Play for Android users or visit https://www.skyro.ph/ and follow its social media accounts, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.

These New Charging Devices Are High-Powered Yet Compact and Perfect for On-the-Go Professionals

Whether you work remotely or in the office, it is essential that your workspace is equipped to accommodate all your devices. Everyone has different setups, some using more devices than others. But one thing always remains the same: the demand for powerful and reliable charging solutions. 

If you’re looking to build up a compact and high-powered charging system, look no further. The Anker Laptop Powerbank (25K, 165W, Built-in and Retractable Cables) and the Anker Prime Charger (250W, 6 Ports, GaNPrime) ensure you never miss a deadline, wherever your work may take you. 

Power meets mobility with the Anker Laptop Powerbank 

The Anker Laptop Powerbank (25K, 165W, Built-in and Retractable Cables) is built for professionals who are constantly on the move. With portability in mind, it’s compact and lightweight yet very powerful, with a 25,000mAh battery capacity that can charge up to four devices simultaneously through its four ports. It's ideal for digital nomads and ensures you stay productive without compromising on performance.

With its 165W total output, charging your laptop, tablet, phone, and earbuds all at the same time can conveniently be done while you’re catching up on your tasks at an airport lounge or while at a cafe. 

It’s also the ultimate travel companion, compliant with CAAP Guidelines for Air Travel (based on CAAP Memo FOD-APD-2023-008), making it safe to bring on board. 

While it's often annoying to carry lots of tangled and disorganized cables when traveling, the Anker Laptop Powerbank (25K, 165W, Built-in and Retractable Cables) offers both a 15 cm long integrated USB-C cable and a 70 cm long retractable cable to keep everything in order.

For added convenience, the powerbank also has a smart screen that displays real-time power status, battery life, and temperature, ensuring safe and efficient charging. 

Anker Multiport Charger – The Ultimate Desk & Travel Companion

If your work requires a more powerful charging hub that can charge multiple devices efficiently and still be portable enough to accompany you on your travels, Anker provides the perfect solution with the new Anker Prime Charger (250W, 6 Ports, GaNPrime) and Anker Prime Charger (200W, 6 Ports, GaNPrime).

Its multiple ports allow you to charge laptops, tablets, phones, and more at full speed. Now, you can get rid of all the chargers and wires that are cluttering up your workspace. With its sleek and minimal design, you also have the option to take it anywhere you go. 

The Anker Prime Charger (250W, 6 Ports, GaNPrime) is equipped with GaNPrime technology for worry-free charging. It delivers faster and smarter charging for all your devices, even when they are all connected together. It’s also equipped with a smart control dial to instantly adjust the power output to ensure each device charges at the optimal speed, while its activeShield™ technology optimizes this and prevents overheating to protect the devices.

The Future of Charging: Intelligent, Powerful, and Compact

Anker continues to set new standards in charging technology by combining power with portability in its chargers such as the Anker Laptop Powerbank (25K, 165W, Built-in and Retractable Cables) and Anker Prime Charger (250W, 6 Ports, GaNPrime). With smart, powerful and compact devices, Anker is redefining the way busy professionals can stay charged wherever they go and wherever work takes them.

Now available, the Anker Laptop Powerbank (25K, 165W, Built-in and Retractable Cables) and Anker Prime Charger (250W, 6 Ports, GaNPrime) may be purchased on Anker’s official stores and online platforms.

🛒 Shop now on Shopee, Lazada, and on anker.ph. Follow Anker’s official pages on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

Tanay partners with GCash to drive digital transformation through innovative digital finance and financial inclusion

 In a milestone initiative to drive digital transformation and meaningful economic growth, the Municipality of Tanay, Rizal, has teamed up with GCash, the country’s top finance app and largest cashless ecosystem, to roll out the province’s first comprehensive digital payment system. This partnership aims to simplify financial transactions for residents, reduce the need for time-consuming commutes, and support the broader economic empowerment of the local community.

(L-R) GCash public sector account manager Anne Danting and public sector regional head Rafael Tecson, with Tanay Rizal mayor Hon. Rafael Tanjuatco and municipal administrative director Jeffrey Pino

The roll out of the new digital system, which includes GCash’s Scan-To-Pay (STP), BillsPay, Fund Disbursement Service (FDS), and VISA Cards, will significantly streamline the way Tanay residents handle their financial transactions. This marks a crucial step for the province, making Tanay the first municipality in Rizal to adopt digital financial aid disbursement through GCash, paired with VISA cards for added financial flexibility.

For many Tanay residents, the traditional process of paying taxes or receiving financial assistance often meant traveling long distances to the municipal hall, a journey that could cost as much as PHP 100 to PHP 200 in transportation expenses. With the integration of GCash’s digital solutions, citizens can make payments and collect financial aid from the comforts of their homes, anytime and anywhere.

This collaboration is set to lead the way for other municipalities in Rizal, sparking a ripple of innovation that will accelerate digital transformation and empower communities across the province to thrive in a world that’s increasingly becoming digital-first. With the successful rollout in Tanay, GCash aims to inspire more local governments to adopt similar technologies, contributing to a more financially inclusive future for all Filipinos.

As GCash continues to expand its footprint across the country, this partnership underscores its commitment to driving positive social impact through innovative financial technology, empowering communities, and fostering sustainable growth.

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.

Discover Quality Tech and Massive Discounts at Logitech’s Shopee 6.6 Sale!

 Quality gear shouldn’t break the bank. Luckily for you, Logitech is offering exceptional deals on its premium gaming and non-gaming items at the Shopee 6.6 Sale! 

Starting June 5 at 8 PM until June 8, Logitech is offering up to 50 percent off Logitech G gaming equipment and up to 60 percent off non-gaming essentials to bring high-quality tech within reach for both gamers and professionals. Customers can also enjoy an additional 22 percent platform-exclusive discount voucher on top of these amazing offers to maximize their savings and get the most value for their money.

Pro-Grade Tech with Pro-Deals

If you're on the lookout for a fresh new set of gaming headphones,  mouse, or keyboard, then this 6.6 Sale is the perfect opportunity to browse and check out Logitech G’s offerings.

Gamers can secure an exclusive early bird discount worth ₱1,000 for purchases with a minimum spend of ₱6,000 on select Logitech G gaming items, available from June 5 (8 PM) to June 6 (2 AM). Throughout the entire sale period, additional vouchers are also available for bigger savings:

• 10 percent off with a ₱5,000 minimum spend, capped at P500

• 10 percent off with a ₱3,500 minimum spend, capped at P350

• ₱175 off on G304 Black and White variants

Work Smarter, Save Bigger

Productivity enthusiasts and professionals can expand their workspace with Logitech’s premium lineup of items focused on productivity and efficiency. Customers can enjoy the following deals on their next Logitech personal workspace gear purchase:

• ₱50 voucher for first-time customers of Logitech’s official Shopee store

• Discount vouchers up to ₱250

• 15 percent off on purchases of ₱2,000 or more, available exclusively from June 6 to June 8, between 12 PM and 6 PM

Four flagship items will also be available at a massive limited-time discount of ₱1,000: 

• Combo Touch Pro 11 and 13 inch

• Combo Touch Air 11 and 13 inch

• MX Master 3S Graphite

• MX Master 3S Pale Grey

• MX Keys S

• MS Keys Mini 

These exceptional devices are ideal for boosting productivity while adding a touch of sophistication to any workspace.

As a bonus, every customer who purchases any MX product will receive a free Wonderhome Naturals Organic Desk & Gadget Cleaner while supplies last, perfect for keeping their new gear spotless and ready.

Big savings are just a click away! Explore Logitech’s official Shopee store and Logitech G’s official Shopee store find the best deals for you. For more information, you may also visit Logitech’s and Logitech G’s official websites to view their wide product offerings and Logitech’s Facebook page for future promotions and announcements.

DMAP to host 10th DigiCon to tackle personalization, customer engagement in ‘The Age of ‘I’’

Celebrating a decade of digital marketing innovation, the Digital Marketing Association of the Philippines (DMAP), the leading organization known for its excellence and innovation in digital marketing, will set the stage for unlocking the next evolution of customer engagement when it hosts the 10th edition of the annual Digital Congress (DigiCon), with the theme, "The Age of ‘I’: Personalization in a Connected World,” on October 16 to 17, 2025, at the Manila Marriott Hotel, Pasay City, Metro Manila.

Now in its 10th year, the major digital convention will gather global and local industry experts, thought leaders, and technology pioneers to dive into navigating the complexities of personalization in an AI-driven world, unlocking strategies for scalable, impactful connections.

DigiCon 'The Age of 'I'' 2025 will offer attendees opportunities to learn, interact, and collaborate through five focused tracks: Data Science and Analytics, Digital Commerce and Retail, Digital Brand Building, Business Transformation, and Innovation. These tracks, along with various practical and immersive activities, aim to enable attendees to explore the latest trends and emerging technologies in personalized marketing, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration among industry professionals.

"We are entering an era where personalization is paramount. This year's theme, 'The Age of 'I,' celebrates the transformative power of technology to create unique, meaningful connections with customers. In this rapidly evolving digital landscape, brands must navigate how to cultivate personal experiences in a connected world, driving stronger brand loyalty and effective customer experience. DMAP DigiCon 2025 will be the destination to empower digital marketers to navigate this era and explore the future of personalized experiences," DigiCon 2025 Chair Alan Fontanilla said.

In the tech and AI world, brands leverage personalization to create more engaging and relevant customer experiences by using AI algorithms to analyze data, predict behaviors, and tailor content, recommendations, and marketing messages. About 71% of consumers expect personalization, and companies with high growth see 40% more revenue from it, underscoring the critical role of personalization in meeting consumer expectations and driving customer satisfaction.

This year's theme is a testament to DMAP's mission to future-proof the industry by providing crucial insights and skills, empowering marketers to stay ahead of the curve in the digital age amid evolving consumer behaviors and rapid technological shifts.

"Filipinos are even more connected and are changing their habits digitally, so digital marketers must possess new levels of expertise and adaptability. DMAP is committed to leading the industry in navigating this complex landscape, providing the critical insights and skills necessary to thrive in an era of hyper-personalization. We continue to strive towards fostering an ecosystem where innovation thrives, and where professionals are equipped to shape the future of digital engagement," DMAP President Miko David said.

Building on past successes, DigiCon The Age of 'I' 2025 expects to attract over 2,000 attendees from various sectors, including marketing, advertising, business, academia, media, and innovation.

Early registration is now open to the public. To secure your spot and learn more about DMAP DigiCon The Age of 'I' 2025, you may visit https://www.digicon.com.ph or email conference@dmap.com.ph.