Former Chiefs of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) from the Arroyo, Aquino, Duterte, and Marcos administrations, along with nearly two thousand former officers, personnel, and generals, have formally endorsed Ariel Querubin’s candidacy for the Senate on July 8 at the Filipino Club.
The most recognized soldier in Philippine history, retired colonel Ariel Querubin is well-known for his amazing bravery and eternal devotion to his nation. Querubin is a candidate that can unite people and bridge different political viewpoints because of his remarkable military career and dedication to public service. He is a recipient of the Medal of Valor, the highest military award for extraordinary bravery and self-sacrifice.
With the retired colonel Ariel Querubin
I myself recognize him and his good works for our nation; It is such a great privilege to witness the rest of his former colleagues support and acknowledge all his good work. They are now also rooting for him for the next election this coming 2025 for the Senate place, as he promises he will help combat the corruption and other other social issues in our country. He now once again wants to prove himself and his love for our country through serving the people.
In his remarks, Querubin recognized Club Filipino’s historical significance as the location of numerous pivotal moments in the history of the country. Recalling significant occasions like Martial Law, the EDSA revolutions, several coups, and the administrations of Marcos to Marcos Jr., the retired colonel offered his reflections on the varied political trajectories of individuals in present.
“Truth be told, all of us here stood on different sides in many pivotal moments of our nation’s history,” Querubin noted.“And yet, we gather here today not as allies of the many political factions but as brothers in arms who have once and always will put our lives for our children, families, and fellow Filipinos. We stand united in our service to the Philippines, in our service to God.”
In 2025, Querubin accepted the responsibility of serving the country once more by running for the Senate and emphasizing the urgent need to confront inflation, poverty, and corruption. In addition, the former colonel underlined how critical it is to protect the nation’s sovereignty from both external and internal threats.
“We find ourselves at a crossroads,” Querubin stated. “The bullying in the West Philippine Sea threatens our sovereignty, while the proliferation of illegal POGOs brings social issues that affect our communities. And the call for the modernization of our military – to secure our nation and uphold our sovereignty with the respect it deserves – is nothing short of urgent and vital for our survival as a free nation.”
Querubin also emphasized the necessity of bolstering the nationalism and selflessness of the Filipino people.
“My vision is a nation of heroes. Isang bayang handang magsakripisyo at kayang ipaglaban ang Pilipino mula sa mga mang-aapi.”
Coca-Cola Philippines, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the City Government of Tagum andthe Tagum City Council of Women Foundation launched the iSTAR Center for Entrepreneurship in Davao del Norte on July 4, 2024.
With the opening of Centers for Entrepreneurship (CFEs) under the digital Sari-Sari Store Training and Access to Resources (iSTAR) program in seven important areas, Coca-Cola Philippines hopes to empower more micro-entrepreneurs across the country. The CFEs—which are situated in the cities of Davao del Norte, Cagayan de Oro, Taguig City, Nueva Ecija, Cebu, Bacolod City, and Camarines Sur—will function as long-term centers that provide small business owners with financial support, training, and mentorship.
Through the use of digital platforms, the iSTAR program aims to empower individuals with entrepreneurship and provide them with the skills they need to create and run retail enterprises.
“At Coca-Cola Philippines, we are committed to supporting the entrepreneurial spirit and unlocking the potential of aspiring entrepreneurs. The launch of the iSTAR Centers for Entrepreneurship is a testament to our dedication to foster economic growth and sustainable development at the community level,” said Coca-Cola Philippines President Tony del Rosario during the launch of the CFE in Tagum, Davao del Norte.
The program is the result of a public-private partnership between the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Coca-Cola Philippines. This collaboration supports Coca-Cola Philippines’ broader economic empowerment strategy to break the cycle of generational poverty.
For more than a decade, this partnership has expanded with seven regional microfinance and non-governmental institutions across the country, making iSTAR’s modules free and accessible nationwide through the TESDA Online Program.
iSTAR aims to address key barriers that hinder the development of women entrepreneurs, such as limited access to training, resources, and mentorship. Through its expanded digital platform, iSTAR has empowered over 150,000 micro-entrepreneurs, surpassing its 2025 target of 100,000 graduates. Earlier this year, the program was showcased at the 68th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Coca-Cola Philippines, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the City Government of Tagum, and partner CSOs and microfinance institutions with the over 800 iSTAR graduates in Davao del Norte
“These CFEs represent hope, opportunity, and the collective effort of our partners like TESDA and the Tagum City Council of Women Foundation Inc., whose dedication is instrumental in making this initiative a reality. Together, with a shared vision of economic empowerment, we can bridge existing gaps and create a truly inclusive environment where micro-entrepreneurship can thrive,” added del Rosario.
TESDA also acknowledges how the iSTAR program helps bridge the digital divide among micro and small businesses. “The Philippines is lagging behind in digitalization, but with Coca-Cola Philippines introducing this digital platform to educate and empower women, we are heading in the right direction,” said TESDA Deputy Director General for Special Concerns Felizardo Colambo.
Building a network of sustainable support
The CFEs represent a strategic expansion of the iSTAR Program by establishing regional hubs that aim to provide business development, training, and support to micro-entrepreneurs.
Students of iSTAR during a learning session at the Center for Entrepreneurship in Tagum City
The hubs will be managed by a network of trusted partners, including microfinance institutions, cooperatives, civil society organizations, and the local government units of the hubs’ locations. This initiative reinforces Coca-Cola Philippines’ commitment to building the capacity of Filipinos in entrepreneurship and empowering them through the strategic use of digital platforms and the fostering of business networks.
“When the CFE was offered to us at the Tagum City Council of Women Foundation (TCCWFI), we accepted it with open arms, without hesitation. We immediately saw the need for it, not just in our area, but throughout Mindanao. We are grateful to the City Government of Tagum and Coca-Cola Philippines for bringing this initiative to our city,” said TCCWFI President Alma Uy.
Scaling impact with technology
The iSTAR Program and CFEs are among Coca-Cola Philippines’ projects that seek to leverage technology to amplify the reach and impact of its support for micro-retailers. It’s similar to the Tindahan Extra Mile (TEM): Balik PET Bottle program, which utilizes innovative methods to promote the circularity of plastic packaging.
By assisting in the conversion of their sari-sari stores and carinderias into recyclable PET bottle collection points, TEM, in partnership with the Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies, Inc. (BEST) and the Philippine Association of Stores and Carinderia Owners (PASCO), hopes to assist micro-retailers in their role as frontline environmental advocates. Customers are urged to discard their plastic bottles since they are more visible and close to these drop-off containers. By gathering bottles, micro-retailers can accrue environmental points that they can exchange for merchandise and rewards, enhancing their bottom line.
Graduates of the iSTAR program receive assistance in joining the Coca-Cola Philippines network of TEM partners, enabling them to expand their enterprises and encourage their local communities to maintain clean environments.
Vermosa Green Run 2024 takes running to a whole new level
On Sunday, June 30, more than 2,500 people and 300 dogs of various kinds participated in the third edition of The Green Run, an annual multi-category run held inside Vermosa, AyalaLand’s 700-hectare modern suburban development in Imus, Cavite.
The extraordinary turnout for this running event, which offered a variety of distances to meet fitness levels and running goals, underlined the continued popularity of running and the desire to participate in meaningful advocacy for a greener, better future.
Jodi Santa Maria poses at the Finish Line after finishing the 10K run
Fun runners, fitness enthusiasts, and aspiring marathoners joined elite competitors on the tracks, lacing up for 21K, 10K, 5K, and 3K distances, while fur parents bonded on the path with their ShihTzus, Poodles, Jack Russells, Huskies, Retrievers, and Aspins in the fan favorite, 1.4K Dog Run.
“We are extremely happy and grateful for the overwhelming support and response of runners in this year’s Green Run. More than just bringing fun and promoting healthy living, we are delighted to also give the running community a worthy cause to support. The Green Run’s main mission is to give back to the community by concretizing our commitment to protect the environment, championing young athletes and promoting animal care,” said Chrissy Roa, AyalaLand Inc. marketing and communications group head.
“This year, we welcomed Takbo Kabitenyo to the growing family of Vermosa. We opened the Ayala Vermosa Sport Hub to youth runners from Cavite who have a strong potential to become national athletes. We are committed to providing them with training support and the use of our state-of-the-art facilities. We look forward to producing athletes who will bring pride to our country in the future while providing them with opportunities to have a better quality of life,” Ms. Roa added.
Takbo Kabitenyo, one of the Green Run 2024 beneficiaries
Aside from Takbo Kabitenyo, the Green Run continues to support the Haribon Foundation this year, and Pawssion Project was added as a beneficiary to promote animal welfare.
Avida Sentria Storeys, Ayala Malls Vermosa, Kremil-S, Diatabs, Merrell, Pocari Sweat, Park Access, Chris Sports, Fitbar, Naturals, Healthway Medical Network, Fuwa Fuwa, Nutrition Depot, Mogu Mogu, Sante Barley, and Oishi sponsored the Green Run 2024.
From left to right: Tina Marie Yu, Senior Assistant Vice President and Head of 2GO Forwarding Operations; Faye Alonzo, Business Unit Head of 2GO Forwarding; Dr. Mirasol Tiu, Vice President of PSU – Davao Chamber; Mary Antonette Doromal, Secretary General of the Davao Chamber; Elizier Santiago, Assistant Vice President of Operations for 2GO Forwarding; Mary Josephine Baylon, ATS-PPA Davao; Lester Tan, Operations Head at Globalport Terminals, Inc.; and Marceliano Rivera, Philippine Ports Authority Davao.
2GO’s expansion in Mindanao continues with the recent inauguration of shipside services in General Santos City and Davao, the sixth and seventh ports to provide this service, following Manila, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, and Zamboanga.
2GO, the nation’s leading end-to-end logistics, transportation, and distribution solutions provider, expands its footprint in Southern Mindanao. 2GO creates logistics centers in the major ports of Davao and General Santos to serve businesses and communities, capitalizing on economic growth prospects.
The shipside service improves the efficiency of the Less Than Container Load (LCL) or shared cargo service by offering shippers with shorter lead periods and the flexibility to accept last-minute commodities up to 18 hours before vessel departure. This service is great for urgent shipments, particularly those including vegetables, fruits, and other fresh food.
“We are excited to expand our shipside services to Davao and General Santos, enhancing our capability to support the local economy and meet the needs of our customers,” said Faye Alonzo, 2GO Forwarding Business Unit Head. “These new hubs will enable MSMEs in Davao, GenSan, and neighboring municipalities to ship their products widely, ensuring that fresh produce and other time-sensitive goods reach their destinations swiftly and efficiently.”
The LCL service offers significant advantages for inter-regional shipments, allowing businesses to ship smaller quantities without the need to fill an entire container. This not only reduces costs but also improves inventory management and supply chain efficiency, making it an ideal choice for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and businesses with diverse shipping needs.
2GO’s extensive shipping routes from Manila to Davao, General Santos City, and Iloilo facilitate both travel and shipment, creating a reliable and efficient logistics network. These routes are particularly advantageous for businesses in Mindanao, providing them with consistent and cost-effective access to major markets, thus supporting their growth and expansion.
Faye Alonzo and Sea Operations Head Elizier Santiago attended the Davao and General Santos opening festivities. Representatives from the Philippine Ports Authority of Davao and General Santos, GlobalPort Terminals, Inc., South Cotabato Integrated Port Services, Inc. (SCIPSI), PHILEXPORT Region 12, various fruit and vegetable traders and shippers, the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII), and partner agents also attended the events.
The event featured a sample shipment of 65 crates of tomatoes from Davao heading for Iloilo, demonstrating the efficiency and dependability of 2GO’s new shipside service.
For more information on 2GO LCL services, visit www.2go.com.ph.
An action-oriented approach towards food systems transformation, establishing four key pathways with targets, as launched at COP28.
Launching an aseptic beverage carton featuring a paper-based barrier with 90% renewable content.
A 47% reduction in operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions since 2019.
Tetra Pak has released its 25th Sustainability Report, which chronicles the company’s progress toward its sustainability objectives. It focuses on five interconnected themes: food systems, circularity, climate, nature, and social sustainability.
The company’s Sustainability Report FY23, released on the United Nations’ World Environment Day, indicates a 20% reduction in value chain GHG emissions and a 47% reduction in GHG emissions across its operations from 2019. The latter puts Tetra Pak on schedule to accomplish its 2030 target of net zero GHG emissions in its operations while also supporting the company’s long-term goal of working with suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders to achieve net-zero GHG emissions across the value chain by 2050.
Another significant milestone saw the launch of an aseptic beverage carton featuring a paper-based barrier, reducing its carbon footprint by a third (33%) and bringing the company a step closer to developing the world’s most sustainable food package. This world-first resulted from a €100 million investment in packaging research and development in 2023, with the same investment planned annually for the next five to ten years.
Adolfo Orive, President & CEO at Tetra Pak, comments, “Collaboration across the food industry is ever more important to feed a growing population sustainably. Our global presence and end-to-end solutions give us daily opportunities to collaborate with stakeholders across the value chain, from farmers and food producers to suppliers, policymakers, consumers, and others. We understand the responsibility that comes with this role. We remain committed to playing our part to transform the world’s food systems to ensure they are more secure, resilient, and sustainable.”
Tetra Pak implements Cartons for Communities (CFC) in the Philippines, a comprehensive initiative to promote carton recycling and sustainability. The program includes education and awareness, collection and infrastructure, and advocacy and policy, enabling Tetra Pak to effectively collaborate with schools, communities, and local governments to promote recycling.
Tetra Pak Philippines’ recycling volume has increased by twice as much as the previous year because to CFC. This increase is part of a long-term increasing trend, with a CAGR of 23% reported since 2020. “Our collaborative activities have spread across the country, involving 15 local government units (LGUs) in Region 4A (Calabarzon) and the city of Baguio. “These partnerships are critical in driving our vision for a greener future as we continue to innovate and invest in sustainable practices,” said Catherine Chua, Tetra Pak’s Sustainability Manager for the Philippines.
Tetra Pak’s FY23 Sustainability Report highlights the company’s successes from the previous year as well as ongoing measures to preserve food, people, and the environment. This includes:
Expanding School Feeding Programmes: The company helped 64 million children in 49 countries access milk and other nutritious beverages through School Feeding Programmes.
Accelerating Recycling: The amount of carton packages collected and sent for recycling worldwide rose 7% compared to 2022. Additionally, there was a 14% increase in the volume of polyAl sent for recycling.
Again, getting recognition for Leadership in Corporate Transparency and Performance: Tetra Pak was included in the CDP Forests ‘A List for the eighth consecutive year. Additionally, the company received an ‘A-‘ rating in Water Security despite its first year of reporting in this area.
Actively implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) have emerged as transformative forces in the modern business landscape, promising significant benefits for early adopters, but they are not without disruptive consequences, including the possibility of disproportionately affecting more vulnerable members of society.
The League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) is organizing the highly anticipated 2024 CSR EXPO to unite CSR practitioners to collaborate and leverage the potential of technology and innovation while mitigating risks. This year’s conference will be held at the Dusit Thani Manila on July 3 and 4, followed by the EXPO on July 4 and 5 at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City.
Aptly themed “Reimagining a New and Inclusive Future”, this year’s Expo will bring together leaders, experts, and representatives of different industries to tackle significant topics ranging from how technology can enhance CSR practice and ESG reporting to AI’s role as a catalyst for innovation and as a source of disruption. It will also feature small-group breakout sessions where attendees can gather new insights and tactics about how AI and other revolutionary technologies can be leveraged across such crucial areas as enterprise development, health, environment, education, disaster resilience, arts and culture, and financial inclusion.
This gathering of CSR experts will showcase the application of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting can help mitigate the challenges posed by technology. The sector aims to ensure that these technologies are inclusive and contribute to true societal and national development that benefits the 51% of Filipinos living in poverty.
“Corporates should view these innovations as vital opportunities to take part in, if not lead an all-of-nation implementations of CSR and ESG that maximize these innovations’ potential and promise while offsetting and minimizing their potential ill effects,” said Shem Jose W. Garcia, LCF Vice-Chair and Executive Director, Vivant Foundation, Inc. “These approaches must work to ensure that the application of technology is aligned with the fundamental principles of CSR and ESG, and, by doing so, made inclusive and contributes to social sustainability and the common good.”
Esteemed speakers across various spheres
The 2024 CSR EXPO will connect an estimated 200 delegates with industry leaders in CSR, technology and innovation, and other areas, and serve as a venue for dynamic discussions and collaboration.
The speaker lineup includes Keynote Speaker, Dr. David R. Hardoon, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aboitiz Data Innovation; Forum Speakers Leo de Velez, co-founder of Frontlearners, Inc.; Sherwin Yap, founder of Kaizen Robotics International; and Sherlo Reyes, Director for the Center for Partnership & Development, School of Deaf Education & Applied Studies at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.
For the thematic sessions, speakers include Ted Monroy, country representative, United Nations Industrial Development Organization; Dr. Alvin Marcelo, Philippine Digital Health Strategy Technical Working Group, Department of Health; Dr. Chelsea Elizabeth Samson, head of Strategy & Communications and head of Public Health and Policy, Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc.; James Elrond B. Lagare, Managing Director, Geodata Systems Technologies, Inc.; Prof. Erika Fille T. Legara, Aboitiz chair in Data Science and Associate Professor, Asian Institute of Management; Hon. Nolasco A. Mempin, Undersecretary for Administration, Department of Education; Ms. Aprille P. Tijam, Associate Director and Head of Exhibitions and Collections, Ayala Museum; Engr. Sergio Ramos III, president of PCI Innovations Tech Center; and Esteban Masagca, Executive Director, People’s Disaster Risk Reduction Network.
For the full list of speakers and sessions, please view the Conference Program at bit.ly/2024CSRExpo
Recognizing outstanding CSR initiatives
In celebration of National CSR Week, LCF will award noteworthy examples of CSR excellence concurrently with the Expo.
LCF will announce the winners of the 2024 Guild Awards on the evening of July 3 at Dusit Thani Manila. The yearly awards program honors exemplary CSR initiatives undertaken by LCF members.
For the first time, the League will also be awarding the CSR Medal of Recognition to non-members to acknowledge the work and effort they provide in their respective communities. The Medal of Recognition celebrates the interventional activities of non-member corporates. This inaugural program will be held on July 5 at the Glorietta.
Upholding CSR and technology to the public
Meanwhile, the Expo at the Glorietta Activity Center, which will be held from July 4 to 5, will showcase technology-themed CSR initiatives undertaken by LCF members and non-members alike for the general public.
This year’s exhibitors are Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc.; Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc.; BPI Foundation, Inc.; Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation, Inc.; Metrobank Foundation, Inc.; Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.; Metro Pacific Investment Foundation, Inc.; Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, Inc.; Vivant Foundation, Inc.; Manila Water Foundation, Inc.; Power 4 All, Inc.; Lopez Group Foundation, Inc.; Energy Development Corporation; BDO Foundation, Inc.; San Miguel Foundation, Inc.; Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philippines, Inc.; Ayala Foundation, Inc.; Don Antonio O. Floirendo Sr. Foundation, Inc.; East West Seed Foundation, Inc.; Joy~Nostalg Foundation, Inc.; SM Foundation, Inc.; PCI Innovations Tech Center, Inc.; Frontlearners, Inc.; Rise Against Hunger Philippines; and Animal Empathy Philippines.
The Expo will also serve as a venue for the launch of LIFE, the League of Corporate Foundations’ Initiative for Food Security, Nutrition and Empowerment. LIFE is a League-wide initiative working to halt stunting, wasting and malnutrition while collaborating with like-minded groups and government agencies.
LCF, founded in 1991, is a network of operational and granting business and family foundations and corporations in the Philippines. The League has been in the forefront of promoting and improving CSR practices among its members and the broader business sector in the country. Go to the LCF homepage at lcf.org.ph and the 2024 Conference and Expo microsite at bit.ly/2024CSRExpo.
The Metro Pacific Investments Foundation, Inc. and the Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. collaborated to organize the 2024 CSR Conference and Expo. It is also sponsored by the Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc., Manila Water Foundation, Inc., Metrobank Foundation, Inc., SM Foundation, Inc., Henry Sy Foundation, Inc., and Felicidad T. Sy Foundation, Inc., as well as the Vivant Foundation.
Enhanced shopping experience awaits members of one of the country’s biggest rewards system
A SMAC Prestige member enters the Prestige Lounge, exclusive access given to Prestige members of SMAC. SM’s loyalty program and one of the biggest in the country, aims to incentivize the shopping behavior of its members. With over 4,000 partner stores, SMAC members get exclusive access to sale events, discounts, special offers, and freebies from SM group and partner merchants.
SM demonstrated its dedication to customers by continuously improving SMAC, the company’s loyalty program. Committed to providing a smarter, more rewarding shopping experience for customers, SM is focused on customer-centric innovation through SMAC, which will deliver an array of advantages designed to improve convenience, savings, and overall happiness.
SMAC, the country’s largest retail rewards system, has also expanded its client base, doubling it from 5 million in 2020 to over 10 million members now.
SM’s loyalty program has paved the path for smarter buying across the country. Members can use the SMAC app to track their spending, access their points, which are redeemable for cash, and stay up to speed on exclusive discounts and privileges. Customers can then adjust and tweak their expenditures to fit the lifestyle they choose.
“SMAC is more than just points and exclusive offers. We enable our members to shop smarter. With SMAC, they will have access to information that will equip them to make smarter purchases,”shared Kevin Hartigan-Go, Chief Operating Officer, SMAC.
Tracing their history from economic crises, loyalty programs have become a way for companies and the consuming public to strengthen their relationship, going beyond transactions and increasing the value exchange between them.
Smarter retailing and a rewarding lifestyle for SMAC members
Defined as providing customers with tools that allow them to shop faster and smarter, smart retailing has been dominating global retail businesses in the past few years as seen by how customers become more thoughtful in spending their money.
Insights from a loyalty program like SMAC also allow brands to craft a more positive experience for their customers.
“SM takes care of its customers by providing them a tool that enables them to shop smarter and that continuously engages with them. SMAC is a healthy program that its members and partner brands can rely on,” Hartigan-Go further shared.
Launched in 2002, SMAC has offered its loyal members an unparalleled shopping experience by fostering a strong community for more than 20 years. Loyalty goes both ways, and SM’s loyalty program understands this showcased through its strong network of over 4,000 partner stores nationwide.
Now, offering a more comprehensive and rewarding lifestyle for their members is SMAC’s partnerships with other brands including Shell, Mabuhay Miles, Globe Rewards, and PLDT Home Rewards.
As consumer expectations and buying behavior grow, SMAC strives to provide its members with even more possibilities to be rewarded. SMAC has made shopping more rewarding at SM Store, SM Markets, Ace Hardware, SM Appliance Center, Watsons, Toy Kingdom, Pet Express, Uniqlo, The Body Shop, and Sports Central by providing exclusive discounts, prizes, and freebies.
Members receive additional benefits when they reserve their stay at Taal Vista, Pico de Loro, or Pico Sands. Hotels include Radisson Blu and Park Inn by Radisson Hotels.
Fortune recently recognized three SM companies, SM Investments Corporation, BDO Unibank Inc., and China Banking Corporation, to its first Southeast Asia 500 list, which includes 38 Philippine companies.
Fortune stated in a statement that its focus on Southeast Asia comes as the region’s economies develop rapidly and supply chains shift.
The initial rankings comprised corporations from seven Southeast Asian countries: Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, and The Philippines.
The list featured SM Investments, BDO, and Chinabank, which contributed USD10.3 billion, USD5.8 billion, and USD1.4 billion in revenue, respectively.
“Having three SM companies included in the inaugural list of Fortune’s Southeast Asia 500 is reflective of how consumers have continued to patronize and support our customer-focused operations. More importantly, the list underscores Southeast Asia’s increasing importance in the global economy, driven by evolving supply chains and robust economic development across nations like the Philippines. It’s about time to shine the spotlight on Philippine companies and the opportunities in terms of investments and growth,” SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer Frederic C. DyBuncio said.
Companies are ranked by total revenues based on their latest available respective fiscal years ended on, or before, December 31, 2023. The ten largest companies on the list reported revenues of USD650 billion. That accounts for more than a third of the revenue for fiscal year 2023 across all Southeast Asia 500 companies which reported total revenues of USD1.8 trillion.
Fortune said that overall, revenues and profits shrank over the past year for the Southeast Asia 500. But those changes, driven by weak energy markets, masked impressive growth stories in multiple industries.
“The Fortune Southeast Asia 500 reflects a dynamic and fast-changing region — one whose core economies are growing notably faster than those of Europe or the U.S. This is partly due to Southeast Asia taking on far greater significance in the global economy, not least because a host of Global 500 multinationals have shifted more of their supply chains to Southeast Asian nations,” says Clay Chandler, Executive Editor, Asia.
In another sign of the dynamism of the region, Fortune’s analysts found there are about 30 female CEOs and chairmen amongst the Southeast Asia 500 companies. In all, there are 16 leaders in their 30s holding the positions of CEO, Managing Director, Executive Chairman or Chairman. In total, the 500 companies employ close to 6 million people.
“We are thrilled to introduce the Southeast Asia 500 to our international readers as we build on the 70-year history of publishing the Fortune 500. With this new list, we turn the spotlight on the impressive growth story of Southeast Asia and the largest companies driving this diverse region and its economies,” said Khoon-Fong Ang, Fortune’s Chief of Operations, Asia.
Companies named to the inaugural Southeast Asia 500 join an elite group of businesses recognized by the Fortune 500 franchise, which includes the original Fortune 500, the Fortune Global 500, the Fortune Europe 500, and the Fortune China 500.
2GO offers FedEx services in nearly 900 retail outlets, bringing convenience to customers.
2GO, the country’s largest logistics solutions provider, marks ten years of working with FedEx, one of the world’s top transportation firms, to make international shipping more accessible to Filipinos via 2GO’s wide retail network.
“Our goal is to provide outstanding experiences for our customers by making things easier and more convenient for them,” stated Maribeth Espinosa, FedEx Philippines’ Managing Director. “With the expected expansion of e-commerce in Asia Pacific, increasing entry points for e-tailers, SMEs, and solopreneurs is critical to making their firms more competitive. Our relationship with 2GO shows how FedEx links people and opportunities, and it is one of the milestones we will commemorate this year as we celebrate our 40th anniversary in the Philippines.”
Reliable logistics connects mother and daughter
Mrs. Julie Santos, a 62-year-old mother from Bacolod, needed to send important documents to her daughter, who is working as a nurse, in New York. April required the documents for her work records. Aware of 2GO FedEx services, Julie visited the SM Business Center in Bacolod to send her parcel. “I needed a courier I could trust, one that was secure and easy to find, which is why I chose 2GO,” said Mrs. Santos. “I was even able to include a bracelet her sister made as a lucky charm. Sure enough, within four days, the package arrived safely at my daughter’s apartment.”
Frederic DyBuncio, President and CEO of 2GO Group, Inc., expressed gratitude for the wonderful work with FedEx, stating, “2GO Group values our collaboration with FedEx, which empowers Filipinos to expand their horizons. By bridging the gap for local parcels, for personal or business, beyond borders, we’re not just delivering packages; we’re delivering opportunities.”
FedEx services are available in 895 stores, including SM Business Center, Alfamart, Waltermart, Fax Parcel and Print, and Savemore, expanding the worldwide company’s local presence in the Philippines.
Visit 2GO.com.ph or contact (02) 8528-7000 to learn more about 2GO’s full range of services.
ChildFund Philippines recently gathered partners from communities and civil service organizations to share milestones in supporting Filipino children and youth. (L-R: Allan Lee Nuñez, Advocacy and Child Protection Specialist of ChildFund Philippines; Carla Santos, President of The Civil Society Network for Education Reforms; Dr. Ma. Bella Ponferrada, Nutrition Specialist of UNICEF; Dr. Elizabeth Protacio-De Castro, Executive Director of the Psychosocial Support and Children’s Rights Resource Center; Francis Joseph Dela Cruz. Partnership Advocacy Adviser of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities; Anand Vishwakarma, CEO and Country Director of ChildFund Philippines; and Kim Garcia, Business Development Officer of ChildFund Philippines.)
ChildFund Philippines recently discussed its accomplishments and impacts in assisting Filipino children, youth, and local partners, stressing collaborative action as a critical driver in preserving and supporting Filipino children and young.
ChildFund Philippines declared their objective to reach 5 million Filipino children and families by 2026 and every year after that at their event “Connection for Impact,” which drew partners and stakeholders. This will help ChildFund International meet its global goal of reaching 100 million children and families by 2030.
The event also included a panel discussion with representatives from The Civil Society Network for Education Reforms, the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, UNICEF, Psychosocial Support, and the Children’s Rights Resource Center. These organizations stressed the importance of collaboration across sectors in ensuring a sustainable future for Filipino children and youth.
“We aim to scale up our efforts to address the evolving challenges faced by Filipino children and youth,” said Anand Vishwakarma, Country Director of ChildFund Philippines. “Together with our partners, we are driven by the urgent need to create broader and more sustainable impacts through collaborative efforts.”
During the event held at Marco Polo Ortigas, Anand Vishwakarma, CEO and Country Director of ChildFund Philippines, announced the organization’s goal to reach 5 million Filipino children and families by 2026 and every year thereafter.
In 2023, the organization reached 21 provinces, 35 cities and municipalities, 365 barangays, and in partnership with 11 local partners, supporting a total of 54 million children, youth, and adults.
ChildFund supports children and youth through various life stages, focusing on education, health, skilling and livelihoods, child protection and participation, and climate action. “From birth to age five, children should be healthy and secure. From six to their teenage years, they need proper education to build personal agency. By young adulthood, they should have developed skills for employment,” said Dong Waña, Program and Sponsorship Director of ChildFund Philippines.
ChildFund supported 610 learners with disabilities through Project Advancement of Children’s Inclusive Education through Virtual Engagement (ACHIEVE) and developed an e-learning platform that improved children’s participation. They also established neighborhood play programs in remote communities with limited access to early childhood care and development. Additionally, the youth are supported in making informed decisions about sexual and reproductive health through inclusive services and information. Under its new Job Opportunity Building for Youth (JOB for Youth) program, the organization has so far provided industry and technopreneurship training to 396 youths..
In terms of disaster preparedness, the Children and Youth-led Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CYDRM) Program aims to engage children and youth in disaster risk management and climate action initiatives. ChildFund also continuously promotes transparency in disaster relief through Project Relief Allocation Management, Distribution and Monitoring (RAMDAM), integrating technology-based interventions and climate-adaptive innovations.
The organization launched #FunOfAKind campaign that encourages people to volunteer their “time, talent, and treasure” to ChildFund’s programs, supporting children and youth. This will allow the organization to:
Improve culturally relevant and developmentally appropriate learning experiences for indigenous children in BARMM through an inclusive education program called Bajau Ongka-kumpit for Access and Transition to School (BOAT School),
Enhance social and emotional learning for children and promote safe learning environments,
Withdraw more children from the worst form of child labor,
Engage more youth in leading their own Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) initiatives; and,
Rally for wide adoption of the RAMDAM disaster response app by national agencies.
“The challenges faced by Filipino children are complex,” said Vishwakarma. “By working together – government, businesses, non-government organizations, and concerned citizens – we can achieve far better outcomes for them.”
