Lifestyle

As their newest service, home vaccinations are now accessible on PetPal, the first pet care super app in the Philippines!

This new service’s October launch coincides with National Pet Wellness Month, reminding pet parents of the value of making regular veterinary examinations and preventive treatment a priority in order to keep their animals healthy and happy throughout the year.

Many pet owners in the Philippines only visit the vet in an emergency. According to a Royal Canin survey, 80% of Filipino pet owners postpone visits until their animals are sick or in need of emergency care. PetPal wants to alter this reactive strategy.

“Our services in PetPal were developed with our customers in mind–allowing them to have more control and flexibility in caring for their pets. Our home vaccinations are no different,” said Martin Luchangco, General Manager of PetPal.

Luchangco highlighted that every home vaccination service ensures pets’ records are instantly updated in the PetPal app, simplifying the process for pet parents to monitor and stay on schedule for their pets’ next vaccinations.

He added, “We want to build that habit of proactive care with our customers, with the PetPal App serving as their digital petcare companion and connecting them to the resources and services they need through our platform.”

Currently, PetPal’s home vaccinations are available within Metro Manila, including cities like Taguig, Makati, Pateros, Pasig, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Marikina, Quezon City, Navotas, Caloocan, Valenzuela, Manila, Pasay, Paranaque, Las Pinas. Service areas also extend to parts of Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, and Bulacan.

Available vaccines include Anti-Rabies and Kennel Cough, as well as combination vaccines like the 5-in-1, 6-in-1, and 8-in-1 for dogs, and the 4-in-1 for cats, with more to come.

Vaccinations start at just P300, excluding professional fees and add-ons.

Pet owners simply need to log into their PetPal app,

1. select their preferred vaccination schedule
2. choose a veterinarian, and;
3. confirm the appointment.

To ensure availability, it is recommended to book at least one week in advance.

Holistic pet care in just one app!

PetPal continues to lead innovation in pet healthcare, empowering Filipino owners with holistic solutions to keep their companions healthy and happy.

The home vaccination service enhances the platform’s existing lineup, catering to all types of pets. This includes:

• Quick Assist – an AI-powered chatbot that answers pet parents’ immediate questions and guides them in their next steps;
• Teleconsultations – available as via on-demand or scheduled video or chat consultation, pet owners can directly consult with a professional about their pet’s condition.
• Home vet visits – be it for vaccinations or a physical assessment, pet owners can schedule an in-person consultation with our registered vets
• Home grooming – now available on the app and covering Metro Manila.
  • Home service for condominium owners are still in the works.

Pet owners can download the PetPal app on Android and iOS to find out more about the home vaccination service and other services.

Expected to be completed by September 2025, the Pinugay SpTP will have a 50-cubic-meter capacity and is projected to provide sanitation treatment services to 143,612 residents of Baras,Teresa, Cardona, Jala-jala, and Morong in Rizal Province.
 

The P141.5-million Pinugay Septage Treatment Plant (SpTP), Manila Water’s third septage treatment plant (SpTP), is scheduled to be built in Barangay San Jose, Antipolo City, with the intention of preserving the environment and public health.

The Pinugay SpTP is anticipated to be finished by September 2025 and will have a 50- cubic-meter capacity and is anticipated to offer services for sanitary treatment to Baras, Teresa, Cardona, Jala-jala, and Morong are home to 143,612 people.

The plant, which is being constructed on a 35,032-square-meter lot adjacent to Pinugay Road, will be equipped with cutting-edge technology for wastewatermanagement. Key components of the project include septage acceptance tanks, grease storage tanks, a dewatering system, a membrane-aerated biofilm reactor, and a disinfection facility, among others. These implements help stabilize and treat septage, killing harmful pathogens and ensuring proper wastewater treatment for the community.

With this new septage treatment plant, the company aims to support the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) in expanding sanitation services in the East Zone concession area while ensuring strict compliance with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Orders 2016-08 and 2021-19 on environmental standards.

“The Pinugay Septage Treatment Plant is not just a response to increasing wastewater management needs; it is also a significant step toward improving public health and environmental sustainability in Rizal Province,” Project Manager Jocelyn Pagsaligan said.

The water corporation aims to improve the environmental and public health of Rizal province by expanding its high-quality sanitation services to other towns in the East Zone concession area.

Corinthian Anne Valenton, owner of Corrsy’s Kitchen, offers Cheese Pimiento spread and Langka Calamansi jam. Corrsy’s Kitchen is one of the winners of SEAL-SEGA.

The top 40 small businesses and top 20 nanobusinesses from this year’s Small Enterprise Acceleration Lab (SEAL) program were recently revealed by the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), in collaboration with Bayan Academy, through its social development division, the BPI Foundation (BPIF).

The SEAL Project Series was established in 2022 with the goal of empowering young entrepreneurs as well as micro and nano businesses. For small business owners hoping to grow and maintain their operations, SEAL has emerged as a ray of light thanks to its strategic interventions and practical advice.

Over 200 entrepreneurs received priceless training in marketing, operations optimization, and product and service development over the course of the last year from the SEAL-Small Enterprise Growth Agenda (SEAL-SEGA). Beyond merely imparting knowledge, the curriculum provided customized solutions that tackled the issues these companies had. In addition to receiving information, top-performing businesses also benefited from financial awards and professional mentoring to support their expansion.

This year, BPIF honored 40 enterprises that showcased outstanding potential, providing them with cash grants ranging from Php80,000 to Php120,000. These businesses, now empowered to implement their strategic plans, will continue to benefit from ongoing mentorship.

OhMi Krafts, one of the winners of SEAL-BEGIN, customizes souvenirs from polymer clays, beads, wood, and succulents.

BPIF also introduced a new track this year called the SEAL-Business Education and Growth Initiative for Nano-entrepreneurs (SEAL-BEGIN). SEAL-BEGIN provided fundamental training and resources to support aspiring entrepreneurs, with a focus on integrating digital-age opportunities.

For SEAL-BEGIN, over 240 registrants participated in the program, with 20 nano-enterprises being recognized for their promising potential and innovative ideas. The participants received entrepreneurial training and were encouraged to leverage local and government resources to enhance their business ventures.

“We have witnessed the entrepreneurs’ determination through the program, and we’re excited to see how they will scale their businesses in the future. It has been an honor to be part of their journey,” said Carmina Marquez, BPIF Executive Director. “BPI Foundation is committed to empowering small enterprises, and we believe that with the right support, these entrepreneurs can significantly contribute to economic growth and financial inclusion. We look forward to seeing their continued success as they transform their visions into reality.”

The SEAL program series has provided substantial monetary grants to numerous businesses since its launch. The initiative is supporting a thriving and creative business ecosystem nationwide by providing extensive training, financial assistance, and mentorship.

• Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Youth Philippines ranks 4 out of the 113+ entry submissions in Asia.
• Five youth-led initiatives driving equitable transition and skills training selected from Asia Pacific and will receive a 50,000-euro prize.

As part of the company’s global “Youth Innovation for a Sustainable Future” Call for Projects, which was launched in honor of the Foundation’s 25th anniversary, Schneider Electric Foundation recently designated Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Youth Philippines as one of the five winners. Through entrepreneurship, skill development, and a just transition, the program, which received hundreds of proposals from two continents, honors youth-led projects that are leading the way in creative solutions for a more sustainable future.

The global call, which was organized in partnership with Ashoka’s Changemaker Companies program, seeks to determine which 25 of the participating areas’ (Africa & Middle East, Europe, Americas, and Asia) most creative and influential youth-serving initiatives are the most impactful. Professional training, entrepreneurship, and a just energy transition are the main topics of this international call for donations.

SDSN Youth Philippines is a program under the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network launched in 2012 to advance global expertise on the Sustainable Development Goals. They will receive a 10,000-euro prize as one of the winners from the Asia Pacific Region. In November 2024, Schneider Electric Foundation will announce the global winner chosen from the short-listed entries in Asia Pacific, The Americas, Africa, Europe and The Middle East at the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan. The winning foundation will get a 50,000-euro prize to fund its program and support from Schneider Electric Foundation and Ashoka.

Founded in 1999 under the aegis of the Foundation de France, the Schneider Electric Foundation supports changemakers driving just transition, promoting social inclusion, and empowering communities worldwide.

“The younger generation is playing an influential role in how we shape tomorrow’s innovative solutions. From the outset, our Foundation has valued the contribution of the Filipino youth, and therefore, considers the importance of supporting them to nurture future generations and our planet,” Atty. Norman Roland Ocana III, Head of Government Affairs at Schneider Electric Philippines, highlighted.

The 2024 “Youth Innovation for a Sustainable Future” other winners in Asia Pacific are:

1. The Women’s Foundation (Hong Kong) – Improving the lives of women and girls, by challenging gender stereotypes, increasing the number of women in leadership roles, and empowering women in poverty.
2. Yayasan Solar Chapter (Indonesia) – Empowering remote communities through education and development initiatives, building resilience to climate challenges, one step at a time.
3. Sambhav Foundation (India) – Addressing critical social issues such as unemployment, lack of quality education, inadequate healthcare, and the need for sustainable community development through targeted programs and impactful interventions.
4. Connecting Dreams (India) – Empowering youth to drive entrepreneurial actions that enhance livelihoods in sustainable ways, economically, socially, and environmentally.

After successful iterations in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, the campaign is back in South and North America this year.

Renewed partnership launches programs supporting girls’ mental health and career development

Executives from Beiersdorf Philippines, Watsons and Plan International renewed their partnership and signed a declaration of support as a continuing commitment to the agenda of accelerating social change for young women.

In photo from left to right Watsons Group Senior Category Manager, Zyra Tino Obias Plan International Portfolio Manager for Gender Equality and Inclusion, Twyla David Watsons Director for People Innovations Projects, Jose Arriola Beiersdorf Sales Director, Jacques Baisa Watsons SAVP for Marketing Communications, PR & Sustainability, Sharon Decapia Plan International Executive Director, Ana Maria Locsin Beiersdorf Country Manager, Nimisha Jain Plan International Program Director, Cathy Seco Beirsdorf Head of Route to Markets, Josefa Manese

Girls hold the power to shape a brighter, more inclusive future—but far too many are held back by enduring biases and barriers that silence their voices, leave them isolated, and restrict their ability to realize their full potential. As the world celebrates the international Day of the Girl (IDG), there is a rousing call to action to create a world where girls are supported, included, and empowered to dream beyond limits.

Heeding this call, Beiersdorf Philippines, Watsons, and Plan International Pilipinas reaffirmed their partnership to intensify initiatives toward the upliftment of girls in the country.

Working side by side for two years now, the tripartite collaboration unites the members’ respective focus into a joint agenda charged to accelerate social change for young women. From last year’s programs and discussions about girl’s rights, gender equality, equitable and quality health services and economic resilience, the partnership expands their programs to include pressing concerns on understanding the disempowering impact of social isolation among girls, promoting mental health and wellbeing, as well as creating pathways for career development.

As a brand that cares beyond skin, NIVEA of Beiersdorf, advocates for an inclusive society and aims to foster social cohesion through its global social mission, NIVEA CONNECT. Addressing the rise of social isolation among young women is critical because loneliness and lack of social connection increase their vulnerability to social injustices and hinder their overall development.

Beauty retailer Watsons, on the other hand, aims to inspire holistic wellbeing, positivity and acts of care and kindness towards people, communities, and the planet. Part of its Sustainability goals under the People Pillar are their efforts to provide scholarships and career opportunities for the youth.

Meanwhile, Plan International Pilipinas, a development, humanitarian, child and youth-girl-centered organization working in the Philippines has been at the forefront of advancing children’s rights and equality for girls since 1961. According to Plan International Pilipinas, girls’ mental health is one of the core foundations for their success and well-being. By prioritizing self-care and seeking support, they empower themselves to thrive in both their careers and personal lives. Moreover, advocating for girls’ overall wellness is part of its agenda for girls’ rights and empowerment. It encourages them to exercise their rights, prioritize their overall health, and shape their futures.

For their IDG celebration, the three organizations mounted an event entitled “From Isolation to Inclusion: Empowering Girls, Shaping Futures,” that brought various stakeholders delivering learning modules on financial literacy, digital literacy, and career guidance to help girls from Punlaan School prepare for the future of work and navigate livelihood opportunities and professional empowerment.

Beiersdorf Philippines Country Manager Nimisha Jain in her opening remarks said, “NIVEA’s CARE BEYOND SKIN Sustainability Agenda is guiding all our actions across three critical areas: consumer, society and environment, forming a holistic approach. We want to “Care beyond Skin” by empowering women so that they can thrive. She also shared findings from a NIVEA global study on social isolation which revealed that young people between 16-24 (38%), hybrid workers (52%), and heavy social media users (34%) feel the most isolated in society. She explained that breaking the cycle of social isolation entails building connections, fostering community, and having access to mental health resources, which are key components of NIVEA CONNECT.

“This partnership today is a perfect example of all three elements coming together. I am confident that with our willing & committed partners, we can make a meaningful impact to empowering young women and transition them from Isolation to Inclusion”

For the panel discussion, Beiersdorf Philippines Sales Director Jacques Baisa, Watsons SAVP for Marketing Communications, PR and Sustainability, Sharon Decapia, and Plan International Pilipinas Portfolio Manager for Gender Equality and Inclusion Twyla David dived deep into social isolation – how it has disadvantaged girls for centuries, interventions and solutions needed to stop the stigma, and how communities can create a support system for those in need.

The event culminated with the turnover of the Php 1 million donation from Beiersdorf Philippines for the continuation of Watsons and Punlaan School Apprenticeship Program where students are trained with a TESDA certified curriculum to gain skills needed to succeed in the health and beauty retail space. Participants are also assured of a permanent job as Pharmacy Assistants in Watsons after they successfully complete the program.

Lastly, the tripartite partnership was renewed in a MOA signing and formal declaration of support, reinforcing the institutions’ continued collaborative efforts.

Watsons SAVP Sharon Decapia pointed out, “At Watsons, we understand that our responsibilities go beyond helping people care for their health and bring out their innate beauty. For us to be able to help girls become the best version of themselves, we have to open up avenues for learning and understanding what the future will be like, and what issues can affect them. This is what we have been doing with our partners – we are preparing them to be capable leaders of their families and communities.”

Plan International Pilipinas Executive Director Ana Maria Locsin said, “Today, we stand united with Beiersdorf and Watsons in our shared commitment to transforming the lives of Filipino girls and young women. The theme of this year’s partnership event on social isolation resonates deeply with our mission of advancing children’s rights and equality for girls in the country.”

“Gender equality and inclusion serve as powerful tools for understanding the barriers that prevent girls from accessing quality education, livelihood opportunities, and meaningful participation in decision-making. We firmly believe that when girls are empowered and included, they envision brighter futures for themselves and become catalysts for change, helping shape a world where we are all equal.”

For NIVEA, the fight against social isolation goes beyond the Philippines as it looks to set up local NIVEA CONNECT projects with partners in forty countries by 2026. All its efforts are in service of Beiersdorf’s long-term commitment to champion a more inclusive society.

Filipinos frequently travel overseas in the dreams of a better future, full of excitement and anticipation. These ambitions frequently go beyond individual objectives and have a big impact on families and communities. However, the road to achieving these goals is frequently fraught with difficulties, necessitating fortitude, tenacity, and the proper assistance to thrive on the international scene.

From left to right: Lianne De Vera, Thomas Aguila, and Hannah Velasco, past IELTS test takers now successfully living abroad.
 

For many, being able to communicate in English is essential to taking advantage of these opportunities. Taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a crucial step for anybody looking to advance in their job, pursue additional education, or begin a new life. In addition to administering the IELTS exam, the British Council, which co-owns the test, provides assistance to those getting ready for international exams so they can adjust to life overseas. Introducing Lianne, Thomas, and Hannah—three Filipinos who overcame both personal and professional obstacles to prosper in their new communities.

Dreams Beyond Borders

For Lianne De Vera, a British Council scholarship grantee and now the marketing communications head of a London-based non-profit, the dream was always to broaden her horizons. Initially believing her strength was in writing, her speaking skills surpassed her expectations after taking the IELTS exam and scoring higher in speaking than in writing.  “Taking the IELTS felt like a stamp of validation. It gave me the confidence to engage with my peers and professors,” she said. Earning a scholarship through the British Council’s IELTS Prize further motivated her to hone her skills in her field. “The IELTS was an eye-opener. I’m not particularly an extrovert, and I’m not comfortable speaking in public, but I did well with my speaking, showing me that I could surprise myself,” Lianne shared.

Moving to Canada to work as a nurse was a long-standing goal according to Thomas Aguila. This also required the right credentials. His employer and the academic institution where he is completing his degree units easily recognised his IELTS certification because it was from the British Council.  “If I had taken another test, I think the outcome would’ve been different,” he explained. “The process was much smoother, and I got my results quickly from the British Council.” He added that improving his English skills also helped him be more attuned to his patients’ needs and adapt to the foreign environment.

Meanwhile, after years of navigating the paperwork to move to Bermuda, Hannah Velasco took the leap to relocate from her hometown of Dagupan three years ago. It was an adjustment that pushed her out of her comfort zone, but it led to fulfilling experiences that extended beyond her career. “Talking to people from different cultures has been one of the most rewarding experiences for me,” she said. “Improving English through the IELTS not only made me more fluent, but it also broke down barriers. I gained friends and insights into their cultures, which made my transition smoother.” Beyond her life as a nurse, the skills she gained through her IELTS journey helped her adapt to a foreign community.

A Stepping Stone to Success

The IELTS journey also provides individuals with the skills needed to create life-altering experiences. As Lianne shared, “IELTS opened the doors for me to step into a new chapter, leading to career and study opportunities, as well as the chance to live here and raise my family.”

Thomas echoed this, sharing how IELTS helped him achieve his dream of working abroad. After securing a healthcare role, he later received a scholarship in Canada with his employer covering his travel, accommodation, and education. “For the first time, I felt truly valued in my profession,” Thomas said, reflecting on how the experience has created opportunities for him.

For all three of them, the difference in their IELTS experience came down to the personalised support that the British Council offered. “The test may be the same, but how they deliver it and the support given makes all the difference,” Lianne said, likening her experience to a safe space for pursuing her goals. The British Council also provided tips on building a mindset ready for the exam, helping ease her anxiety. “The readily available resources and stamp of credibility are what make the journey more empowering,” she added.

Lianne, Thomas, and Hannah’s experiences demonstrate how fluency in the English language promotes both career and personal development. The British Council provides a wealth of assistance for Filipinos who want to succeed overseas, including materials for test-taking and IELTS preparation. With more than 20 testing locations around the country and their extensive online preparation resource, IELTS Ready Premium, the British Council is dedicated to helping people realize their dreams of living abroad.

Are you prepared to embark on your worldwide adventure? Take advantage of our Early Holiday Promo this October! by scheduling your IELTS exam now! Take advantage of a 10% discount at our test locations in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Pampanga when you register for your IELTS online. Go to https://www.britishcouncil.ph/exam to reserve your place right now.