Through co-processing, Republic Cement and Yakult Philippines Incorporated (YPI) hope to divert qualifying residual trash from landfills and waterways. It is one of YPI’s strategies for abiding with and promoting the Philippine Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation. From left to right in the picture are Mr. Yasuyuki Yufune, the Executive Vice President of YPI, and Atty. Vice President of YPI Michael Eric Ong, President of YPI Alberto Dy Sun, and Director of Ecoloop Angela Edralin-Valencia
Women on Wheels initiative aims to foster women empowerment
In honor of Women’s Month, foodpanda logistics is providing livelihood packages and training to women in their Ka-panda delivery fleet.
The program, known as Ka-pandaBIZ: Women on Wheels (WoW), was formally introduced on International Women’s Day. The recipients were chosen to receive business funding valued at Php 100,000 as well as training to launch their own small businesses.
Foodpanda Logistics Philippines’ Rider Experience Lead, Ron Sanders, stressed the value of helping their delivery partners—especially the women Ka-pandas—achieve success and better living conditions.
Sanders stated that as of 2023, the number of women in the growing fleet of foodpanda logistics delivery partners has increased by thrice, demonstrating the real benefits of this approach.
“With Ka-pandaBIZ: WoW, we are not just celebrating women, we are actively working to enhance their productivity, income, and living standards,” he remarked, highlighting the program’s commitment to inclusive business practices and women’s empowerment.
The beneficiaries will undergo online training sessions, mentoring, on-ground retail store visits, and catch-ups with mentors to be spearheaded by foodpanda logistics’ official partner organization, HAPINOY.
Hapinoy’s Mark Ruiz shared that this initiative will be anchored under their training and mentoring program, HapiSkwela, designed for sari-sari store owners. This program provides education, business tools, personal development training, and values formation. “Learning from all these aspects will serve as the foundation of their journey as happy, growth-oriented, and socially responsible microentrepreneurs,” he explained.
Ruiz added that they are delighted to be chosen as a partner in this endeavor. “foodpanda logistics shares our commitment to upskilling and providing sustainable livelihood to these women.”
Supporting livelihood for women as Ka-panda delivery partners
According to the November 2023 Labor Force Survey (LFS), there has been a decrease in the participation of women in the labor force this year, dropping from 57.8% to 55.4%. Factors such as family responsibilities, schooling, and age-related considerations have influenced this decline, resulting in a lower participation rate compared to men, which stands at 75%.
In response, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has set a target under the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) to increase female labor force participation from 2023 to 2028 by creating more economic opportunities for women.
Acknowledging this disparity, Sanders emphasized the significance of offering equal opportunities for women to become part of their delivery fleet. “We extend a warm invitation to all women interested in working as delivery partners at foodpanda logistics, and we’re fully committed to supporting and guiding them every step of the way,” he affirmed.
Ka-pandaBIZ: a livelihood program for Ka-pandas
A key element of foodpanda logistics’ larger livelihood program, Ka-pandaBIZ, which aims to provide delivery partners and their families with sustainable economic prospects, is the WoW initiative.
After completing the Ka-pandaBIZ program with success, three Ka-pandas were given starting funding and in-depth business training for their sari-sari establishments. Following a rigorous training program where they gained expertise in a range of business management domains, such as product marketing, store setting, financial administration, and business expansion, they graduated last year.
“Similiar to these Ka-pandas who have also undergone an extensive training curriculum, these women are poised to become thriving micro-entrepreneurs, and we hope they will also drive positive change within their communities,” Sanders said.
During the Hotel + Accommodation Industry Summit Philippines 2024 held at Edsa Shangri-La Manila, Schneider Electric’s Segment Head of East Asia and Japan Madhu Menon told leaders and experts of the hospitality and accommodation sector that the future of PH hotels is through the application of integrated digital solutions in their operations.
At the recent Hotel + Accommodation Industry Summit Philippines 2024, Schneider Electric—a leader in energy management and digital automation—emphasized the importance of sustainability in the hotel and lodging sector, noting that two out of every three travelers now favor establishments that use green practices.
In line with the first UNWTO World Tourism Barometer of the Year, which predicts that international travel will rise by 2% over 2019 to pre-pandemic levels in 2024, there is an increasing demand for sustainable businesses.
Schneider Electric’s Segment Head of East Asia and Japan Madhu Menon explained that digital transformation could enable the industry to continue offering comfort and convenience to travelers while reducing its energy consumption.
“Travelers are increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint,” Menon said as he emphasized that “this shift in priorities underscores the need for hotels to embrace innovative solutions that seamlessly integrate sustainability and efficiency into their operations.” He added that hotels consume 50% more energy than similar-sized residential buildings despite having only 55% occupancy rates on average.
This integration can be accomplished with end-to-end digital solutions that Schneider Electric offers through EcoStruxure™ IT, the company’s Internet of Things (IoT) platform that provides energy management and automation solutions.
Specifically, this technology features the Asset Advisor and Building Advisor, offering cloud-based analytics to monitor and control their energy use in real time, identify savings opportunities, and reduce their overall carbon footprint. Meanwhile, its Building Operation and Power Monitoring Expert provides data-driven insights to inform hotels about possible problems and diagnostics and determine areas for maintenance– decreasing downtime and guest complaints.
Schneider Electric identified four focus areas where end-to-end solutions could be used to future-proof hotels in the Philippines: lowering carbon footprint through the use of greener energy sources; increasing staff productivity and operational efficiency; guaranteeing continuity and agility in operations; and providing outstanding experiences for both guests and staff.
Digitalization and sustainability are becoming necessities as the Philippine hotel sector prepares for a tourist boom. In order to help hotels transform into greener, more efficient, and future-proof businesses, Schneider Electric is prepared to work with them as a partner.
Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez, BEST President Isabelita Mercado, Coca-Cola Philippines Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability Sr. Director Ivanna Dela Torre, and Coca-Cola Philippines Sr. Director for Franchise Operations Pablo Medina signed an agreement launching the Tindahan Extra Mile program in Bacolod City.
The Tindahan Extra Mile (TEM): Balik PET Bottle Program was introduced in Bacolod City by Coca-Cola Philippines in collaboration with Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies, Inc. (BEST) and the Philippine Association of Stores and Carinderia Owners (PASCO).
Customers in Bacolod City can take greater action regarding recycling and contribute to the advancement of a circular economy for plastic packaging by enlisting 500 sari-sari stores and carinderias as new collecting partners.
Albee Benitez, the mayor of Bacolod City, praised the effort and underlined the value of collaborating with businesses, organizations, social entrepreneurs, and non-governmental organizations to provide opportunities that have a lasting impact and can improve people’s lives.
“The Tindahan Extra Mile Program is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. By mobilizing our local entrepreneurs and fostering community engagement, we are taking significant strides towards a greener and more sustainable Bacolod,” he said.
“As we launch the Tindahan Extra Mile Program, we are not merely initiating a program; we are igniting a movement,” Mayor Albee emphasized. “Together with BENRO, BEST, Coca-Cola Philippines, and our dedicated micro-retailers, we have the power to effect real change and preserve our environment for future generations,” he added.
How does TEM benefit micro-retailers?
Through Tindahan Extra Mile, participating micro-retailers will receive financial incentives by collecting PET plastic bottles. The program encourages the community to partake in a shared responsibility towards a cleaner Bacolod by providing convenient collection points in front of sari-sari stores and carinderias. Residents can easily drop off their empty bottles for recycling. Store owners will accrue environmental points proportional to the bottles they collect, redeemable for cash or products through the bXTRA app.
Coca-Cola Philippines, BEST, and the City Government of Bacolod engage micro-retailers to join Tindahan Extra Mile and set up PET bottle recycling bins in their stores
“Investing in the Tindahan Extra Mile program aligns perfectly with Coca-Cola Philippines’ goal to collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle we sell in the country. By empowering women micro-retailers, who make up a significant portion of sari-sari stores and carinderia owners in the Philippines, TEM creates a convenient and accessible network for consumers to recycle,” said Pablo Medina, Senior Director for Franchise Operations at Coca-Cola Philippines. “This program not only helps foster environmental responsibility but also provides opportunities for financial independence and growth for these female entrepreneurs, driving positive change within their communities.”
How can a micro-retailer become a TEM member?
Sari-sari store and carinderia owners in Bacolod City sign up to become members of the Tindahan Extra Mile Program.
Any sari-sari store and carinderia owner can become a member of the Tindahan Extra Mile in three easy steps.
Step 1: On the Tindahan Extra Mile Facebook page, sign up on the bXTRA website using your email address.
Step 2: Collect empty PET plastic bottles and bring them to the nearest TEM Trash to Cashback Collection Hub.
Step 3: Exchange your PET bottles for a TEM kit and card to start earning environmental points.
Watchhere to learn more about Tindahan Extra Mile.
BEST Senior Vice President Jan Vincent Mercado urges micro-retailers to join TEM as
members. “In partnership with Coca-Cola Philippines, our aim is to empower micro- entrepreneurs to become environmental stewards,” he said. “We acknowledge their significance and influence within communities, emphasizing their potential to encourage community members to segregate plastic waste and participate in recycling endeavors,” Mercado said.
Empowering micro-retailers for a World Without Waste
To enable more micro-retailers and inspire collective action towards plastic bottle recycling, Coca-Cola Philippines will bring the Tindahan Extra Mile Program to other areas such as Cebu and Cagayan de Oro in 2024.
Coca-Cola Philippines introduced “May Ikabobote Pa,” a consumer engagement initiative, last year in an effort to inform, uplift, and encourage more people to recycle their old bottles and cans.
The company has launched new bottles that are entirely composed of recycled PET plastic in an effort to promote the circularity of plastic packaging. Wilkins Pure 500 ml, Sprite 500 ml, and Coca-Cola Original 190 ml are currently carrying this innovative container. Since these bottles may be recycled numerous times, less virgin plastic is produced and utilized overall.
Through the Coca-Cola Sustainability Hub, customers can find the closest collection locations and learn more about Coca-Cola Philippines’ recycling programs.
Manulife opens new branch in Davao City, Philippines. In this photo (second from left) are Rahul Hora, President and CEO, and Sailesh Nalinakshan, Chief Agency Officer, Manulife Philippines, with Manulife financial advisors and agency leaders from Davao.
The newest agency branch of Manulife, a worldwide financial services provider, opened its doors in Mindanao recently. It is situated in Aeon Towers, J.P. Laurel, Bajada, Davao City. The company’s largest branch has opened in the provinces of Davao and Mindanao, demonstrating its unwavering dedication to offering the local Filipino population comprehensive, adaptable, and easily accessible insurance products.
Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines, expressed excitement about the company’s expansion in Davao City. “Our commitment is stronger than ever to financially protect more Filipinos in Mindanao through our innovative insurance and investment solutions that aim to address our customers’ most pressing needs, especially when it comes to health and life protection, retirement planning, and investments. It will be much easier and more convenient for Davaoeños to consult with our empowered Manulife financial advisors as the new branch is now located at the heart of the city.”
Manulife’s biggest branch in Mindanao. In this photo are Rahul Hora (center in dark grey) President and CEO, Manulife Philippines; Sailesh Nalinakshan, Chief Agency Officer, Manulife Philippines (7th from right); and the company’s agency leaders and financial advisors in Davao.
Rahul Hora, President and CEO of Manulife Philippines; Sailesh Nalinakshan, Chief Agency Officer; Maiko Diaz De Rivera, Head of Distribution Operations; JF Salazar, National Agency Sales Head; and Manulife financial advisors and agency leaders were in attendance during the opening ceremony.
To learn more about Manulife and its offerings, go to manulife.com.ph and following them on Facebook (facebook.com/ManulifePH), Twitter (@ManulifePH), and Instagram (@manulifeph).
Signs partnership agreement with Ayala Group’s ACEN Renewable Energy Solutions
Ajinomoto Philippines Corp. (APC) is committed to environmental sustainability and is making progress toward completing its 2030 Roadmap. Ajinomoto Philippines Flavor Food Inc., or APF Bulacan Factory, has been operating entirely on renewable energy since December 2023, marking a new and shared milestone for APC and the Ajinomoto Group thanks to the relationship with ACEN Renewable Energy Solutions, a subsidiary of the Ayala Group. Last March 1, 2024, at The Melting Pot, 35th Floor, ACEN, Ayala Triangle Gardens Tower 2 Paseo de Roxas cor., Makati Avenue, Makati City, a commemorative MOA signing was held to celebrate this success.
APC President Mr. Koichi Ozaki, Vice President Mr. Makoto Tanabe, Director of the APF Bulacan Factory Mr. Juanito Ramos, and Chief Sustainability Officer Mr. Ernie Carlos were present for the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement. Mr. Miguel de Jesus, Chief Operating Officer of ACEN Corporation, Mr. Tony Valdez, Senior Vice President for Market Transformation, and Ms. Sheila Mina, Assistant Vice President for Commercial Operations, attended the significant occasion.
The journey for the APF Bulacan factory to run on 100% renewable energy began in 2022, with the installation of a 1MW-peak capacity Solar Rooftop in the manufacturing facility, reducing approximately 18% of its annual carbon footprint from electricity consumption. In mid 2023, APC continued to seek more avenues to mitigate its environmental footprint with ACEN RES coming into the picture, with the reputation of being one of the premier suppliers of Renewable energy in the country. Now, with this new partnership, APF Bulacan has been using only renewable energy to power its operations, a major feat for APC and the Ajinomoto Group.
“We will relentlessly foster partnerships with organizations that share the same advocacy and goal, because we believe that by combining our efforts, we are closer to co-creating a greener and more sustainable Philippine society.” Says APC President Mr. Koichi Ozaki.
As of right now, there is hope for reaching the target year on the route to finishing the APC 2030 Roadmap. One of APC’s several efforts toward environmental sustainability is the utilization of 100% renewable energy in its Bulacan factory. This suggests that further environmental-centric activities and projects may be accomplished.
Enjoy a 0% installment rate, up to 30% exclusive discount from Feb 1 to Mar 31, 2024
Alongside the Grand Pay Hulugan promotion, one of the top consumer finance businesses in the nation, Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), is once again partnering with SM Appliance Center to bring you amazing savings on a wide range of electronics and home appliances.
This special offer, which is valid from February 1 to March 31, 2024, enables you to upgrade your current appliances and devices or buy the appliances and gadgets of your choice at unbeatable prices, enabling you to achieve your goals. Through this partnership, you may benefit from 0% interest rates on a range of installment payment plans as well as up to 30% off Home Credit-only prices on specific items.
A large range of household and electronic goods are featured in the promotion. Offers are valid on a new television models from Samsung, LG, TCL, Sony, and Skyworth if you’re looking to upgrade your viewing pleasure. Take advantage of this promotion on refrigerators from companies like LG, Panasonic, Condura, Samsung, and Fujidenzo.
The promo also extends to air-conditioner units, so you can prepare for the upcoming summer season. The promo encompasses brands such as LG, Carrier, Panasonic and Samsung. For your laundry needs, you can seize the opportunity with washing machine brands like LG, Panasonic, Whirlpool, and Samsung.
Aside from that, the offer includes cooking ranges featuring select items from La Germania, Elba, Fabriano, and Hafele. Additionally, it applies to select Samsung mobile phones, Sony and LG speakers, LG vacuum cleaners, and Whirlpool microwaves.
The Grand Pay Hulugan promo is available at all SM Appliance Center branches equipped with Home Credit facilities. This way, you will not miss exclusive deals for your dream appliances and electronics.
Hurry up and visit your nearest SM Appliance Center now! Take advantage of the 0% interest rate on flexible payment options and great discounts from Feb 1 to Mar 31, 2024. Get the appliances and electronics you have been wanting for your home!
Go to www.homecredit.ph, the official website of Home Credit Philippines, to learn more about the most recent happenings. Additionally, you may follow its official profiles on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. To find out more about the most recent promotions and to explore what’s new at Shopping Mall Philippines, customers are also advised to download the My Home Credit App from Google Play.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have granted Home Credit Philippines the necessary licenses and oversight.
Leading Global Financial Services Provider Launches New Customizable Insurance Product to Help Filipinos Become More Prepared to Reach Their Retirement Goals
FutureBoost Retirement
A Manulife survey* indicates that while most Filipinos understand the value of saving for retirement, just thirty percent really have a strategy in place. The majority depend on bank accounts or cash savings (46%), prospective inheritances from family members (18%), state or federal subsidies (18%), or assistance from their offspring (17%).
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas 2021 Financial Inclusion Survey results, which show that 37% of Filipinos claimed they have some kind of savings, but that their savings are mainly kept at home and in banks and are exclusively allocated for emergencies, further corroborate these findings.
Manulife Philippines and Manulife China Bank Life (MCBL) recently introduced FutureBoost Retirement, a customizable insurance plan that enables people to meet their retirement goals, choose when to receive their retirement funds, and protect themselves from uncertainties, in an effort to help Filipinos better prepare for their retirement future while navigating current financial realities.
“We at Manulife understand that economic challenges, like the threat of inflation and other financial worries and accountabilities, may put constraints on Filipinos’ available resources and energy to take the necessary steps to secure their future,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “While they aspire to enjoy life and spend more time with their family, they are concerned that their finances will not be enough to sustain them during their retirement years.”
Hora shared: “Our new retirement product aims to help Filipinos save smarter, live better, and retire ready. It empowers them to build a retirement fund to supplement their savings and other financial products, while offering additional protection for the future. They can better enjoy peace of mind, pursue their passions and live their best life yet, knowing that they have secured financial protection for themselves and their loved ones.”
Build a retirement fund according to your goals
Based on Manulife’s internal research**, 86% of insurance owners surveyed are worried about insufficient retirement funds.
With FutureBoost Retirement, also available to China Bank and China Bank Savings clients through MCBL, Filipinos can optimize their retirement planning through the plan’s unique automatic fund management feature. This allows them to maximize returns in the early years and minimize risks as they approach retirement age, helping them grow their money and build their wealth.
“Through our latest offering, we want to instill more confidence in our customers in reaching their financial goals by going beyond their personal savings and tapping into investment growth opportunities that come with FutureBoost. This way, they may protect their retirement fund from inflation risks, live comfortably, and achieve their aspirations,” said Neil Bowyer, President, MCBL.
Customers may receive their retirement amount at their target retirement age, and choose when to receive their retirement fund, whether through steady payouts or a lump sum withdrawal.
FutureBoost Retirement also rewards customers with multiple bonuses for paying on time (5% of their basic premium), paying more (2% of basic premium), and being loyal (0.5% or 0.75% of account value). These bonuses will help grow customers’ retirement fund in the long term.
Retirement plan with life protection
Customers and their loved ones can feel more secure with FutureBoost Retirement’s protection riders and life insurance coverage. Customers may consider adding an enhanced critical illness rider, which pays a lump sum amount if the insured is diagnosed with a critical illness, a hospital income benefit, which provides an allowance for each day of hospital confinement to help cover medical expenses and doctor’s fees, among other options, for additional health protection, as 38% of Filipinos surveyed expressed concern about rising healthcare costs.
Visit manulife.com.ph or manulife-chinabank.com.ph to find out more about FutureBoost Retirement.
By increasing its capacity and positioning itself as a top global supplier for manufacturers’ textile requirements, Gold Fortune Textiles (GFT) is leaving its mark on the regional textile market. The Philippines was formerly a significant provider of garment products as well as fabrics, and GFT, led by its 23-year-old CEO and President Enrico Sy, is well-positioned to assist the sector in returning to its previous level of success. In Taytay, Rizal, the company recently opened its flagship showroom. Here, clients may examine their merchandise in a bright, welcoming space, and polite, sales-trained employees are on hand to answer any questions they may have.
They have also increased the variety of products they offer in order to stay up with international trends in linens and clothing. Additionally, Sy has made use of social media to interact with and cultivate a clientele that prioritizes high-quality goods for their clothing brands.
Sy took over his parent’s thirty-year-old RTW company and modernized it to meet the needs of local entrepreneurs in the textile industry. These needs include better quality and variety in fabric blends and prints, a one-stop shop for accessory products, and customization services for bulk orders. As time passed, we became aware of a need and began to increase output.
After realizing that the Philippines was adopting Bangkok-style clothing, we opted to import several types of fabric rather than just cotton.”
The platform’s growing popularity is a reflection of a larger trend where digital channels are the preferred means for Filipinos to access modern financial services, including formal credit options.
The multiplely honored consumer finance firm Digido is pleased to announce that it has reached an important milestone: over a million Filipinos have benefited from its inclusive, dependable, and safe digital loan services.
With a platform that provides a quick and easy way for people without access to traditional financial institutions to get cash loans, Digido has established itself as a reliable financial partner for the underprivileged in the Philippines.
Simultaneously, Digido’s increasing renown is indicative of a wider pattern in which Filipinos prefer using digital channels to obtain contemporary financial services, such as formal credit choices.
With Digido’s First Loan For Free program, first-time borrowers can obtain a normal personal loan up to PHP 25,000 for returning customers and up to PHP 4,000 with no interest for first-time borrowers. It is available via Lazada Loans, its apps on Google Play and the iOS App Store, and its official website, digido.ph.
Digido was recognized with 13 awards in 2023, including ones from The Digital Banker’s Global Retail Banking Innovation Awards, Pan Finance and the Global Banking & Finance Review.
“We at Digido are incredibly grateful for the trust that Filipinos have given to us. We view this milestone as both an achievement and challenge, spurring us further to meaningfully contribute to the country’s digital transformation through increased access to formal credit,” said Rose Arreco, business development manager of Digido.
2023 saw Digido experience 23% growth in total loans disbursed compared to 2022. 75.4% of the loans disbursed in 2023 were from repeat borrowers, indicating considerable brand loyalty.
According to a recently published commissioned survey by Digido, personal loans will remain the most often used formal credit option in 2023 across all demographic groups and geographic locations. Eight out of ten Filipinos reported having easier access to formal loan choices last year.
“We are firm in our mission to ensure every hard-working Filipino should have access to convenient and secure financial tools. As we endeavor to celebrate more milestones in thefuture, we will do so by ensuring we strive for innovation and find creative means to delight even more customers,” Arreco added
