Lifestyle

BPI Foundation extends opportunities to micro and small enterprises through its new program, SEAL-SEGA.

BPI Foundation, the Bank of the Philippine Islands’ (BPI) social development arm, today announced the launch of BPI Small Enterprise Acceleration Lab (SEAL), a program for the development of local micro and small enterprises (MSEs), with its first track, Small Enterprise Growth Agenda (SEGA), in collaboration with Bayan Academy.

BPI SEAL-SEGA is a search for start-up companies that are ready to expand their enterprises. This programme aims to satisfy the needs of new firms by providing training, mentoring, and cash grants. The training program is designed to assist entrepreneurs in evaluating their products, services, operations, and marketing, as well as formulating their start-up firm development plan. I’m so fortunate to be able to learn from this webinar many things regarding these SMEs and how BPI is able to help them. It was indeed a great experience acquiring knowledge from them as they were able to share their knowledge with us.

Taken during the zoom meeting

Photo shows, clockwise from upper left: DTI Undersecretary of Regional Operations Group Blesila A. Lantayona, BPI Foundation Executive Director Owen Cammayo, Start Up Village President Carlo Calimon, and Bayan Academy President and Chairman Prof. Francisco “Jay” Bernardo.

“It’s no secret that the past two years have been extra tough for the entire business community, most especially for the Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) which faced multiple challenges including the lack of funds to maintain their businesses after a series of lockdowns. To help address the pressing need for an intervention and spur growth to the MSE sector, we are excited to kick-off the pilot run of the BPI SEAL-SEGA,” said BPI Foundation Executive Director Owen Cammayo.

In 2020, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported that 99.51% of all businesses across the country belong to the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector.  Micro enterprises account for 88.77%, while 10.25% are small enterprises.

According to a study conducted by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies in 2018, this sector continues to struggle in the value chain, primarily due to lack of access to finance, labor and technical and management know-how. SEAL-SEGA aims to help bridge the gaps.

“Startups proved to us that crisis can also be a strong driving force for creativity and innovation,” DTI Undersecretary of Regional Operations Group Blesila A. Lantayona noted. “If this new normal has taught us anything, it is harnessing the benefits of digital technologies and transformation that could be an opportunity to create sustainable and adaptable businesses.”

Bayan Academy President and Chairman Prof. Francisco “Jay” Bernardo said, “BPI SEAL SEGA is dedicated to helping startups sustain, develop and scale up their businesses. We are here to be part of the nation-building efforts that SMEs have been providing us.”

Fifty (50) MSEs will be chosen to attend the boot camps and present their plans to a panel of judges in a business pitch. The Top 1–10 will each earn a P100,000 cash prize, while the Top 11–20 will each receive Php50,000. The business challenge is available to 18-year-old and older start-up entrepreneurs with a total asset value of less than Php1 million. The deadline for applications is July 15, 2022.

Visit https://bpifoundation.org/page/bpi-seal-sega and follow BPI Foundation on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about SEAL.

KSK Farmers’ Market Day at SM City Sta. Rosa

Market access and limited market information are two main roadblocks to enhanced smallholder farmer income. Farmers in grassroot communities, according to studies, frequently lack access to viable, value-added marketplaces. Farmers struggle to shift their traditional subsistence farms into viable commercially focused production in the absence of crucial supporting activities such as infrastructure and service supply. Buyers, such as wholesalers, have a hard time getting the quantity and quality of produce they want for processing on a timely basis.

Because of this challenge, SM Foundation collaborated with various government agencies, and engaged various SM business units such as the SM Development Corp. (SMDC), SM Supermalls and SM Markets to ensure that local farmers under the Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan (KSK) program have venues where they can sell their produce amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

SMDC Weekend Market

KSK Pop-up booths in Davao

SMFI, in partnership with other SM business units, exploited the power of collaboration to create farm-market connectivity – a major driver of rural poverty reduction.

Team social good

The Good Guys Market links KSK farmers to consumers while ensuring food security in SMDC communities.

The Good Guys Market is a weekend market set up in SMDC properties to connect small-scale farmers directly with consumers—condo residents. This initiative links around 26,000 small-scale farmers directly with consumers.

Together with SM Supermalls, SMFI launched the Green Lane initiative. Led by the wives of the KSK farmers, the social enterprise offers a wide variety of quality yet affordable indoor and landscape plants which cater to every enthusiast’s preference. In addition, the team also launched the KSK Farmers’ Market Day to provide farmers with market exposure in select SM Malls nationwide.

Locally farmed onions by KSK farmers in SM Markets

Meanwhile, SMFI also partnered with SM Markets in creating market for onion farmers. Through the partnership, SMFI was able to establish specialized onion pop-up booths creating a stable market for small scale onion farmers.

Millions of smallholder farmers are seeking ways to improve the productivity of their farms and to improve their market performance. Modern farming technologies, paired with market linkage, such as the SM KSK, plays a vital role in improving the livelihood of small-scale farmers and their families.

Green lane: an agri-enterprise led by the wives of KSK farmers

The SM Foundation’s Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan (KSK) program on sustainable agriculture is SMFI’s Social Good program that aims to improve the lives of Filipinos in grassroot communities through sustainable agriculture through technology transfer, product development, and farm-market linkage. To date, the initiative has trained over 28,500 farmers from over 900 cities and municipalities across the country.

L-R: Atty. Mel Georgie B. Racela – Executive Director, AMLC Secretariat; Atty. Rodel U. Buenaventura – Acting Director of the Commitments and Policy Group, AMLC Secretariat; Cecilio D. San Pedro – SBA President & CEO; Luisito S. Mayor – SBA Sr. Vice President & Operations Group Head

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) and Sterling Bank of Asia (SBA) have signed an Information Sharing Protocol (ISP) Agreement to help government efforts to combat financial crime in the country. The ISP framework strives to control, detect, and investigate money laundering (ML), terrorism, and terrorism financing (FT) in the country. It will also encompass information sharing and capacity-building measures to improve the ability to combat money laundering, terrorism, and financial terrorism. In addition, the ISP intends to provide an acceptable documentation framework for performing targeted suspicious transaction monitoring and reporting, as well as developing valuable/breakthrough investigation leads.

“This is in line with the Bank’s efforts in promoting a strong and good corporate governance culture,” said Cecilio San Pedro, SBA’s President and CEO.

SBA recognizes the importance of the collaboration between the public and the private sector in upholding a framework that will deliver a more efficient and effective identification and detection of financial crime patterns and trends. “Sterling Bank will extend its full cooperation in the exchange of information and financial intelligence and full support in the capacity-building measure of AMLC,” said San Pedro.

Visit www.sterlingbankasia.com for additional information and updates on Sterling Bank of Asia, and download the Sterling Bank Online App for secure and convenient banking.

Solar rooftop at SM City North EDSA

One of the most serious and defining global challenges today is climate change. It is now more important than ever for the public and private sectors to work together to protect people’s welfare and improve the nation’s resilience.

When it comes to climate change vulnerability, the Philippines currently ranks third in the world. It is more vulnerable to changing intensities of climate change displayed through irregular weather systems and natural calamities due to its geographical location. More than ever, the commercial sector must align with sustainable development concepts and adopt the same hard stance on environmentally sound practices in its activities.

Mr. Hans T. Sy

“I constantly encourage the private sector to work closely with the government. This way, we can be more cohesive in our efforts to make more meaningful progress towards a better and sustainable future. As a private enterprise, SM Prime will continue to do its share in addressing climate change for the benefit of communities,” said Hans T. Sy, SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee.

Water conservation

Sustainability at SM Prime is at the core of its corporate identity. SM Prime has spearheaded sustainable practices as well as set records in pioneering programs to consciously protect the environment and strongly focus on resilience in its developments.

For one, the property conglomerate embarked on a campaign to substantially reduce its water consumption. It pioneered the installation of sewage treatment plants even before the measure was required by way of the Clean Water Act in 2004.

Today, its sewage treatment plants recycle 8.7 million cubic meters of water, lessening its dependence on fresh water sources for air conditioning operations, gardening, water closet flushing and other non-potable uses. SM Prime’s water catchment basins across 20 SM malls can also catch and store almost 79 million liters of water in total every time it rains, or as much as 32 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

By controlling the flow of flood water, surrounding communities have been provided more protection against the devastating effects of floods, alleviating what communities would normally fear when the rains come.

Renewable energy

SM Prime continues to explore ways to promote environmental consciousness in its operations and developments to minimize environmental impact.

In 2014, SM Prime achieved an important milestone in the country with SM City North EDSA becoming then the world’s largest solar-powered mall. Today, SM Prime is adding eleven more malls with solar roof decks.

Showing its firm resolve to advance its sustainability agenda, the company is committed to increase the use of renewable energy by 50% in 2022 across its various business segments, ahead of the national goals to be 35% renewable by 2030.

Through these efforts, SM Prime is committed to provide affordable and clean energy to its tenant-partners, minimizing the carbon footprint emission in its operations.

Collaboration toward resilience

As a key figure in the private sector, Mr. Sy and his dedication to environmental protection continues to serve as a testament to how Philippine businesses can usher positive change toward disaster resilience and risk reduction management in the country.

Mr. Sy became a member of the UN Private Sector Advisory Group (PSAG) on Disaster Reduction in 2012. In 2015, he was also inducted into the UNDRR ARISE (Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies) International Board as the first and only Filipino member. He currently represents the business sector as co-chair of the ARISE-Philippines network and the National Resilience Council (NRC) of the Philippines. He continues to assist in the development of multi-sectoral partnerships in the country in order to increase the ability of organizations, including MSMEs, to plan for and respond to natural disasters such as earthquakes.

“Our Mother Earth is under threat from climate change. I believe we will have an impact if we can all participate, no matter how small, and if I can make everyone aware of it. In a video interview for the 50 Sustainability & Climate Leaders project, Mr. Sy observed, “It’s never too late.”

The Philippines’ Independence Day is approaching, and there is so much to celebrate! June 12 is a celebration of the Filipino people’s tenacity, bravery, and unwavering passion for freedom. In honor of the 124th anniversary of Philippine independence, SM Supermalls explains why this day is so significant in our history.

It’s a celebration of our Filipino identity. Independence Day symbolizes the foundation of our beliefs and identity as Filipinos — a brave and strong people eager to battle for freedom. After over 400 years of colonization, flying our flag and singing our national anthem is more than a duty; it honors the valor of every Filipino who fought for our independence. Come dressed in Philippine flag colors to the SM Supermalls’ Flag Raising Ceremony on June 12, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. to show our love for our country and pay our respects.

It is a celebration of our identity as Filipinos. Independence Day represents the core of our beliefs and our identity as Filipinos – a strong and courageous race willing to fight for freedom’s sake. After almost 400 years of colonization, the raising of our flag and the singing of our anthem serves as more than an obligation; it commemorates the heroism embodied by every Filipino who fought for our freedom. This June 12, 2022 at 8:30 am, come in colors of the Philippine flag and head to the SM Supermalls’ Flag Raising Ceremony as we show love of our country and pay our respects to those who fought to protect it.

It is a celebration of our rich and diverse culture. Each year, the month of June encourages us to exhibit our country’s rich culture in many different ways. Whether it be through food, fashion, or art, all 18 regions across the Philippines have so much to offer! At an SM mall near you, enjoy a taste of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao’s diverse cultures through Pinoy Eats and Pinoy Buys until June 12, 2022.

It is a celebration of our love for the country. Putting the country above one’s self is a great honor and responsibility. As Filipinos, it is our duty to keep the flame of patriotism alive by learning Philippine culture and history, to cultivate in us a sense of community and accountability towards our Filipino brothers and sisters. Visit SM City Cebu’s HeroiSM phygital exhibit until June 15, 2022 to explore Philippine history in an #AweSM way!

Celebrate #PinoyFreedom at SM Supermalls!

While we each exude patriotism in our own way, one cannot ignore the pride and enjoyment that comes with Philippine Independence Day celebrations! Commemorate Independence Day in a truly Pinoy way— sumptuous food, the company of loved ones, and great deals on all things local!

Activities are planned at SM Supermalls to keep #PinoyFreedom alive across the country! So come to an SM mall near you to celebrate the #AweSM and historic Philippine Independence Day. Visit www.smsupermalls.com for additional information, or like and follow @smsupermalls on all social media channels.

“He who does not know how to look back at where he came from will never arrive to his destination,” our national hero Jose Rizal famously stated. As you climb higher, it’s critical to maintain your feet on the ground. The same is true for all Filipinos: we can’t completely appreciate the freedom we have now unless we understand what our forefathers went through to achieve it.

SM Supermalls will host big events to commemorate Philippine Independence Day and encourage Pinoys to embrace Filipino culture more fully.

Join SM Supermalls’ Flag Raising Ceremony 

Show your love of country and value the sacrifices of the Filipinos who died protecting and defending it. Come in colors of the Philippine flag and head to SM Supermalls’ Flag Raising Ceremony on June 12, 2022 – assembly time is at 8:30am. Give it the utmost importance, as this is the thread that knits Filipinos together from one generation to the next.

Indulge yourself with the best Pinoy Eats

As a champion of local MSMEs, SM Supermalls will spoil you with Filipino cuisine options and other local products from June 1-12. Savor the diverse and rich Filipino food offerings and have a taste of the best Pinoy dishes and treats from every region of the country. Enjoy special promotions during this period when you order your favorite Pinoy Eats on-ground or when ordering online.

Buy Local, Buy Pinoy

Support local businesses, buy fresh local produce and other specialty items from SM’s affiliates and tenants through the Buy Pinoy pop-up stores. Shop the best locally-made clothes, souvenirs, décor, and food brought to you by only the best Filipino businesses from June 1 to June 12, 2022.

“SM Supermalls have always celebrated Pinoy pride through various events where we get to appreciate our culture and express our gratitude to the heroes of past and present. Our Philippine Independence Day should never be taken for granted, because holding our national pride and heritage in high regard is what makes us true-blooded Filipinos through and through. We encourage everyone to join us as we celebrate freedom at SM Supermalls” Steven T. Tan, President of SM Supermalls, said.

Follow SM Supermalls on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter  for #SafeMallingAtSM updates, or check out the mall entry guidelines and updates on mall hours here. You can also look through the entire SM Directory here.

“The only difference between men and boys is the price of their toys,” someone once said. Men tend to spend more money on technology, cars, and even toys as they become older. Domesticated guys are more likely to spend more money on household appliances and other such devices that make being at home more enjoyable.

With COVID-19 still on the loose, dads might want to consider investing in a toy that can not only clean but also sterilize the house. The Gruenheim vacuum cleaner is a new gadget that will bring a lot of joy to dads.

The Gruenheim Vacuum Cleaning System (GHV1) employs environmentally friendly water filtering technology. The multi-functional health cleaning machine functions as an air purifier, disinfectant, sanitizer, aromatizer, and pharmaceutical all in one.

It can also dry vacuum the floor, ceiling, wall, curtains or blinds and window screens. The vacuum cleaner can also be used to shampoo carpets, sofas, mattresses and even chairs. It has the capacity to remove 99.9 percent of harmful fine dust from the air. It is not only user friendly; it is also energy consumption friendly.

Perfectly complementing the GHV1 is the Gruenheim Steam cleaning system makes use of dry steam at 170 degrees Celsius to sterilize all types of surfaces, bed materials, upholstery, carpets, kitchens, toilets, and bathrooms even areas that are difficult to reach without using any harmful chemicals. The extreme heat and pressure generated by the machine can visibly remove dirt, kill dust mites and bed bugs, and can do away with germs and molds, leaving the target area 99.99% free of sickness causing bacteria.

This state-of -the-art vacuum cleaner and steam cleaner are products of Gruenheim GmbH & Co. KG. The company was founded in 2014, is based in Stuttgart, Germany and is a subsidiary of Luckner & Lahusen Group GmbH & Co. KG. German made products are synonymous with quality because of the well-paid and highly trained workers who focus on quality.

It is a trademark of high-end ecological, innovative and premium home appliances. It stands for products that combine functional, timeless and puristic design with impressive technical innovations. Gruenheim products are sold worldwide exclusively by authorized Gruenheim wholesalers.

Its direct distributor in the Philippines is Gruenheim Philippines Inc.. Gruenheim is now available at 1^st Megasaver in Tarlac City; Cabanatuan City and in San Fernando, Pampanga.

So, what do you have to miss? Purchase a new gadget for your father! Get him a Gruenheim vacuum cleaner, or both! Call 09175984968 or email [email protected] for more information about Gruenheim Vacuum Cleaner and their other items.

According to a recent Mastercard study, despite the COVID-19 pandemic having a disproportionate impact on women entrepreneurs around the world – particularly in emerging nations – women are displaying the fortitude to succeed against the odds. Despite considerable social-cultural and infrastructure constraints that threaten to stifle their growth, women in the Philippines have done particularly well in entrepreneurship. Women’s entrepreneurship in the Philippines and Asia’s lower-middle-income economies is hampered by a lack of government SME assistance, limited access to entrepreneurial capital, and a severe lack of educational possibilities.

The fifth edition of Mastercard’s Index for Women Entrepreneurs (MIWE), which covered 65 economies and 82.4 percent of the worldwide female labor force, looked at women’s development in the global entrepreneurship scene over the last two years. Despite global efforts to reduce the pandemic’s effects, women have suffered significant economic and societal consequences, according to the research. As a result, the time frame for closing the global gender gap could be stretched by another 36 years.

Women’s entrepreneurship is on the rise in Southeast Asian economies such as the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, according to MIWE’s recent research. Women were identified in these nations participating in significant levels of entrepreneurship, often on par with males, despite the fact that the environment in which they operate remains challenging. Despite women’s lesser engagement in the workforce, the Philippines remains a global leader in women’s advancement outcomes for the third year in a row, and are just as motivated by opportunity as women in very business-friendly environments.

The Ranking: top economies for women’s advancement outcomes (Component A)

The graph above shows the latest overall ranking of the 65 economies in relation to women’s advancement outcomes (Component A) where the Philippines takes the top spot for the third consecutive year.

“Women entrepreneurs in the Philippines are a critical part of the country’s economic recovery. Hence, there is a need to ensure that women entrepreneurs, especially owners of smaller businesses, have access to the knowledge, resources, and tools they need to thrive and scale. Across the world, Mastercard is working with key partners in the public and private sectors to provide 25 million women entrepreneurs with payments technologies and access to initiatives like the company’s Digital Acceleration program, to help them participate in the digital economy and become more resilient,” said Simon Calasanz, Country Manager, Philippines, Mastercard.

Asia Pacific leads the world on all key indicators that determine the success of women’s entrepreneurship

Six economies from the Asia Pacific region have found their place on MIWE 2021’s global leaderboard for being the best places in the world for women entrepreneurs. New Zealand, Australia, and Taiwan have emerged as the regional leaders, propelled by strong scores across all three components that constitute MIWE: women’s advancement outcomes, knowledge assets, and financial access. These economies continue to furnish the conditions required to facilitate women’s access to financial support and services and their ability to start, operate, thrive, and adapt to the market circumstances. In these economies where the entrepreneurial ecosystem is enabling, women were driven by the pursuit of new opportunities emerging from the pandemic, demonstrating a proactive and upbeat entrepreneurial attitude that will be vital in supporting economic recovery and long-term growth.

The Ranking: top economies for women entrepreneurs (Asia Pacific economies are in bold)

In Singapore and Taiwan, access to finance ranked higher than anywhere else in the world, while New Zealand topped global rankings for having the most supportive entrepreneurial conditions. On average, high-income economies in Asia Pacific scored higher in providing a dynamic landscape for women entrepreneurs, unhindered by access to finances and opportunities. However, in certain high-income economies, such as Japan, women continue to be underrepresented economically and have a limited presence in the business scene.

Gender-focused policies and financial inclusion remain key to unlocking women’s entrepreneurial potential

Although MIWE points to the pandemic being particularly taxing on women, fewer than 10% of COVID-19 recovery measures implemented worldwide include gender-sensitive strategies. In economies such as Canada and Argentina, women’s progress has been positively influenced by gender-focused policies implemented to address women’s economic security during the pandemic.

Likewise, in Asia, women entrepreneurs in Thailand, Singapore, and Taiwan have benefited from initiatives aimed at supporting not them directly but small enterprises where they are highly represented. Such correlation proves that government policies that intentionally influence women’s entrepreneurship can meaningfully contribute to a swifter recovery.

Mastercard made a global commitment to link 25 million women entrepreneurs to the digital economy by 2025 as part of its commitment to building a world where women entrepreneurs are equally represented and encouraged. Women’s entrepreneurship will not only work as a stimulus for growth and innovation, but it will also enhance the communities that surround successful women, leading to a more equitable and long-term global recovery. The Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs report for 2021 may be downloaded here.

Methodology

The 2021 Mastercard Index Women Entrepreneurs (MIWE) uses 12 indicators and 27 sub-indicators to create three “Components”: women’s advancement outcomes; knowledge assets and financial access; entrepreneurial supporting conditions. These allow us to track factors and conditions that support and drive the female share of business owners in an economy across 65 economies, representing about 82% of the world’s female labor force.  

The updated MIWE ranks and scores each economy according to its performance over the past year. Aggregating these scores, the index provides an overall assessment of how women are faring in the business, financial, education, and workplace settings compared to their male counterparts at the national level as well as their peers on a global level. In this 5th edition, the number of economies analyzed has been expanded from 58 to 65 (with the addition of Qatar, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Morocco, Jordan, Lebanon, and Madagascar). 

To accommodate the addition of new indicators and sub-indicators in the analysis and maintain the historical series and allow for comparisons, we have also re-published the index, component, and benchmark scores for the previous two years as well.

About Mastercard (NYSE: MA)

Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart, and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments, and businesses realize their greatest potential. Our decency quotient, or DQ, drives our culture and everything we do inside and outside of our company. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all.

www.mastercard.com