Save and Invest to Live Brighter

In this digital age, it is possible to live the life you want. But it doesn't come easy. It takes hard work, patience, discipline and perseverance to achieve one's personal and professional goals.

One of the ways to reach your dreams (assuming that you have a job) is to save money. It's the first step you need to take and it doesn't matter how small you are saving as long as you are consistent. Discipline is key here. And savings should be a priority before your expenses. This way, you are sure to be setting aside money each month rather than saving only what's left of your expenses.

A 2017 study conducted by Nielsen on the consumer habits of Filipinos found that 58 percent save money only after paying for their essentials. The research also noted that 29 percent of Filipinos said they would invest in stocks while 27 percent would spend on home improvements.

Sun Life Regional Sales Manager (Mindanao Cluster) Eunice Aton

Lessons from the First National Information Convention

One of the areas of the Duterte government that has made a great leap, in my personal opinion, is the communications department. Kudos to Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) chief Martin Andanar for exerting efforts to upgrade the facilities of the agencies under his care and for organizing campaigns online and offline to raise awareness on the government's activities in and out of Malacanang.

Last February 19 and 21, I had the privilege of attending the first ever National Information Convention (NIC 2018) which carried the theme "Spurring National Development and Empowering Communities Through Information. The event opened my eyes to the various government flagship programs accomplished under President Rodrigo Duterte's administration and those that are still underway. Held at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang Premier, the convention organized by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) gathered more than a thousand information officers and staff of government agencies and local government units across the country.  Thanks to PIA-XI for inviting the Davao Bloggers Society to cover the event.