Uncategorized

At the Wadhwani Foundation Welcome Reception held at Yuchengco Museum, Makati City, President & CEO Dr. Ajay Kela shared that their free AI-powered platform equips Filipino learners with in-demand job skills and trains educators in AI-driven career counseling.
 

To close important gaps between education and work in the Philippines, the Wadhwani Foundation, a private philanthropic organization, provides Wadhwani GenieAI, a 24/7 mobile-first AI-powered skilling platform with several AI Co-Pilots. The platform offers free teacher training and career counseling resources. Additionally, the Foundation provides organizations with grants of up to $1 million each year to encourage worker upskilling and sustainable job creation.

Just 10% of K–12 graduates start their careers right away, according to a recent Foundation survey. Only 25% of these university enrollees graduate from higher education institutions, despite the fact that 83% pursue university education. The report also revealed that 75% of those who dropout of college without earning their degrees eventually find employment. In the meantime, 1.5% of the graduates start their own business, and 5.5% are classified as “Not in Education, Employment, or Training.” These factors lead to poor pay and unstable employment.

“Our free AI-powered platform provides access to in-demand job skills that address the gaps in the school-to-work journey of K-12 students in the Philippines,” said Dr. Ajay Kela, President & CEO of Wadhwani Foundation. “We are excited to collaborate in the Philippines to leverage AI-driven solutions that empower students, improve public services, and generate jobs.”

The Foundation currently collaborates with over 60 partners across the Philippines, reaching 22,000 students through AI Co-Pilots. It helps students build in-demand job skills and make informed career choices, while also providing training for educators to deliver AI-driven career counseling.

Boosting Job Creation in PH

To boost job creation in the Philippines, the Wadhwani Foundation, through its grant-making arm, Wadhwani Charitable Foundation (WCF), also offers grants up to $1 million annually to high-impact organizations.

Wadhwani Foundation announced that they are providing grants of up to $1 million annually to organizations to drive job creation in PH. (From left: Dr. Ajay Kela, President & CEO of Wadhwani Foundation; and Angela Chen-Delantar, Vice President for Skilling of Wadhwani Foundation.)

“We are looking for non-profit organizations, enterprises, and academic institutions that share our vision to boost job creation for the 21st-century workforce,” said Angela Chen-Delantar, Vice President for Skilling of Wadhwani Foundation. “Our funding will help them expand impact, enabling us to reach 1 million lives by 2030 and providing more Filipinos with job opportunities for a better future.”

WCF seeks organizations in the country focused on job fulfillment or creation, with a proven track record of scaling impact. Ideal partners operate within a $1-5 million budget, demonstrating strong leadership in their sector.

Aside from the annual funding, WCF provides comprehensive support to partner organizations including access to the GenieAI platform for job creation, skilling, and placement, and opportunities to collaborate with the Foundation’s global network, leveraging expertise in program management and impact measurement.

Other developing nations with sizable and expanding young populations, such Mexico, Brazil, and Indonesia, also provide the funding program.

Dr. Romesh Wadhwani, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, established the non-profit tech organization The Wadhwani Foundation in 2001 with the goal of enhancing lives and creating jobs in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Organizations can apply for the funding on the Foundation’s website at www.wadhwanifoundation.org and find out more about Wadhwani GenieAI at web.opportunity.wfglobal.org

 Discover the latest local finds, immerse in digital innovations

Globe Business demonstrates its dedication to enabling entrepreneurs with the much-anticipated G Fair, a thrilling exhibition of the most recent local discoveries spanning a wide range of hobbies and passions. In addition to showcasing the best of Filipino craftsmanship, this lively pop-up market aims to increase B2B2C engagement by giving business owners a dynamic platform on which to build meaningful relationships with customers.

As part of Globe’s month-long G Day celebration, G Fair will be held at the BGC Amphitheater on September 20 and 21 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Here’s what is in store at the fair:

• Art & Tech Fusion: Immerse yourself in a world where art and technology converge, as talented Filipino artists and entrepreneurs showcase their unique creations.
• Curated Selection: From handcrafted fashion and accessories by Baybayin Bags, Habi Lifestyle, Sewn Sandals, X Label Store, HOF Plus, Trinkets, Yana’s  Woven Textile, Veroni Star, MyMantra Jewelry, Love and Luna, and Gratia Manila  to delectable treats from Batter & Bake, Baked By Morena, and W Bakehouse, G Fair offers something for everyone.
• Home & Lifestyle: Enhance your living spaces with stylish and sustainable products from Lumi Candles.
• Wellness & Beauty: Pamper yourself with natural and locally-sourced products from Arete Lifestyle, Russ & Rose and MAGWAI.
• Coffee & Confections: Indulge in aromatic coffee blends from H Proper, Rustique Corners Coffee, 1C Coffee, SSPACE, and savor artisanal gelato from Araro Gelato.

“We’re holding this MSME bazaar as a gesture of appreciation for the continued trust our clients have placed in us. Through G Fair, we aim to give them an opportunity to present their products, expand their reach, and connect with new customers to grow their businesses. They will also get to immerse in the Globe Business Hub, where we feature digital solutions for their ever-evolving needs,” said KD Dizon, Head of Globe Business.

Globe Business Hub: Your Partner in Digital Transformation

Recognizing unique challenges faced by MSMEs, such as increasing customer reach and day-to-day manual processes, the hub will feature connectivity plans that cater to businesses of all sizes and needs for seamless business operations. Digital solutions will also be present on-ground. This includes Google AI, which enhances productivity; Prosperna, which is designed to help with merchants’ e-commerce site management; and various cybersecurity solutions, which aim to secure customer information and merchants’ data.

Exclusive Deals and Unforgettable Experiences

• Merchant Hour: Enjoy special discounts and promotions throughout the day, making it the perfect time to shop for unique gifts or treat yourself.
• Interactive Demonstrations: Witness firsthand the ingenuity behind the products and services on display, and gain valuable insights from passionate entrepreneurs.
• Raffle: Participate in a raffle for a chance to win exciting prizes and take home a piece of the G Fair magic.
• Prosperna Integration: Pre-order products from participating merchants for convenient pick-up at the fair, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience.

Visit G Fair to see the finest Filipino workmanship, and find out more by going to https://glbe.co/GFair2024.

A scalable decarbonization roadmap for the Philippine manufacturing sector was unveiled by Schneider Electric, a leader in energy management and digital automation worldwide, at the recent Go Industry 2024: Driving towards a Net Zero Industry event, which was co-hosted by Dualtech Training Center Foundation, Inc. at The Mills Country Club in Laguna.

Leaders from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Laguna Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), and the Climate Change Commission (CCC) Philippines attended the event.

The decarbonization roadmap outlines four key strategies that the sector can implement gradually to reduce carbon footprint:

• Electrifying operations through microgrid optimization
• Reducing energy consumption through digitalization and automation
• Replacing energy sources with renewable energy such as solar energy, wind power, and hydropower
• Engaging the entire value chain to design and build for sustainability and to offset carbon emissions, enabling a circular economy

“Our approach to decarbonization involves not just transforming our energy supply but also optimizing our processes through electrification,” said Dr. Song Pei Chua, Business Development Manager for Chemicals, Schneider Electric East Asia. “Strategic planning, digitization, and a steadfast commitment to efficiency and sustainability are at the core of manufacturing and industrial operations.”

Schneider Electric’s Sustainability Business Team helps industries achieve their carbon neutrality targets by developing customized digital-centric strategies. They provide advisory services to establish a baseline, understand current energy use, and create a comprehensive roadmap towards carbon neutrality.

Deployment of Schneider Electric’s proprietary and award-winning cloud-based platform EcoStruxure Resource Advisor helps collect and analyze energy consumption data. With this, businesses can develop better energy and sustainability strategies. Software trainings are conducted by Schneider Electric to help educate partners on how to maximize the software to enable effective application into their operations.

During the event, CCC and UNDP both emphasized the significant role the private sector plays in achieving the country’s climate goals. “Shifting to digital operations is crucial for sectors aiming to reduce carbon emissions and meet the targets established by the nationally determined contribution (NDC) implementation plan,” CCC Executive Assistant Raul Villegas stated.

Schneider Electric Empowering Youth to Drive Digital Transformation

Schneider Electric’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond environmental initiatives. This is demonstrated by the company’s 5-year partnership with Dualtech where Schneider Electric has committed to provide PHP5 million worth of equipment and instructor training.

Dualtech, a 2-year program that combines electrical, mechanical, and electronics disciplines, is approved by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The school is updating its training programs and facilities to accommodate more students and alleviate the shortage of training materials and equipment in response to the global demand for skilled workers.

The corporation wants the manufacturing sector and other industries to follow suit. It wants to be carbon neutral in operations by 2025, save 800 million tons of carbon annually by 2030, achieve full value chain carbon neutrality by 2040, and reach net zero across all scopes by 2050. Schneider Electric was just named the “Most Sustainable Company in the World” by TIME Magazine.

In the Philippines, iQor Qares recently provided school materials and backpacks to primary schools as part of a campaign to empower young people and raise awareness of the value of education. The iQor Qares Philippines Foundation is a nonprofit charitable organization that helps iQor staff members, their families, and their communities when they require financial support as a result of traumatic or life-altering circumstances.

The steering committee and the board of directors of the iQor Qares Philippines Foundation collaborated to collect employee gifts, and the teams from senior leadership and human resources helped pack the school bags. The following schools received the school supplies from the administrative team, including notebooks, pencils, dictionaries, whiteboards, markers, modeling clay, rulers, and protractors:

• Angeles City, Pampanga – Cutcut Elementary School

• Mabalacat, Pampanga – Monicayo Elementary School

• Santa Rosa City, Laguna – Macabling Elementary School

• Dasmariñas City, Cavite – Paliparan 3 Relocation Site through the Kristong Hari Parish

“It was a wonderful experience having not only our senior leaders from the Philippines take part but also our chief operations officer and the other country leads from Trinidad, Colombia, and India all lend a hand to pack 500 school bags for distribution here,” said Kevin Murphy, vice president of operations. “Seeing the impact iQor Qares has had on so many really puts a smile on my face, and our team values what our organization is doing for employees and our community at the same time.”

Since early 2023, iQor Qares has provided financial assistance to iQor employees in the Philippines who have faced life-altering events and hardships. The organization also believes in giving back to the communities in which iQor operates, especially focusing on supporting public elementary school students and addressing the challenges many children face in accessing quality education.

“By rolling up their sleeves and actively engaging in the event, senior leadership exemplified the very essence of being an iQorian by setting a tangible and inspiring example for all employees. Their presence and participation sent a clear message that the company’s values are not just words on paper but deeply ingrained in our actions,” said James Down, senior director of operations.

“The ‘Opening Doors to Education’ project reflects our commitment to making education accessible and inspiring students to prioritize their learning. By offering school supplies, the initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on families who struggle to afford basic educational materials. Moreover, it provides an opportunity for students to build their confidence and self-esteem. We hope that this project will inspire more people to contribute and initiate similar projects, ultimately creating a positive impact on education in the regions where iQor operates,” said Fleurette Navarro, chief people officer at iQor and chairperson of iQor Qares Philippines Foundation.

Visit iQorQares.com for further details or to donate. Individuals from all over the world are welcome to make one-time and recurring credit card donations to iQor Qares. Additionally, payroll gifts are an option for iQor staff members in the Philippines and the US. Every donation is warmly welcomed and helps the iQor Qares purpose be accomplished.

The value-driven business process outsourcing company iQor is dedicated to fostering gratifying interactions and interpersonal relationships. Work-at-home and flexible office hours are popular among employees. In the Philippine archipelago, which consists of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, iQor operates 17 contact centers. Candidates should go to https://apply.iqor.com if they are interested.

The global supply chain is getting more and more complicated, especially as more and more industries use numerous, diverse suppliers to support production. The need to control expenses and maintain high efficiency levels is still present. Organizations must use a structured approach for procurement in order to manage their interactions with many suppliers and service providers and to stay competitive.

As the sole producer of PepsiCo beverages in the nation, Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI) upholds ethics and accountability in all of its dealings with partners and suppliers. This aids in upholding the highest standards of quality in creating, manufacturing, and dispensing its selection of beloved beverages.

“We constantly seek to work with the best suppliers for the best materials. PCPPI observes the highest standards of supplier compliance supported by stringent requirements. It is in line with our commitment to our customers to only collaborate with those that meet this criteria,” said Lyn Udarbe, PCPPI’s Head of Procurement.

PCPPI values suppliers that are flexible in terms of pricing and have strong liquidity position. It is also keen in prioritizing local suppliers, as much as possible, in line with its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities.

Aside from this, PCPPI makes sure the selected suppliers are compliant with its Supplier’s Code of Conduct. This agreement highlights the business and ethical standards that suppliers must adhere to and observe. These include compliance to human rights and labor standards, health, safety, quality and food safety regulations, and relevant environmental codes.

PCPPI’s ICARE value of Integrity plays a significant role in maintaining supplier relationships. As an example, accreditation cycles are held regularly to ensure that the organization maintains a validated list of suppliers at any given time.

“We ask for legal documents such as business permits to check the validity of our suppliers’ permits. Through this process, we are able to review their performance and credibility vis-à-vis their capabilities to serve our requirements. Our premium on working with integrity must also be implemented among our suppliers, and this is not up for compromise,” Udarbe added.

Fairness and openness are two ways that PCPPI upholds its ICARE (Integrity and Innovation, Care and Respect, Empowerment, and Excellence) Values in all of its dealings. In the rush to finish a project or transaction, due diligence and conflicts of interest are sometimes disregarded during the accreditation and selection process. The company uses the SpeakUp program and legal involvement to develop a supplier resolution process to reduce the risk of similar occurrences. The SpeakUp initiative allows PCPPI employees and suppliers to voice concerns about unethical or unethical business practices. The service is offered every day and is maintained by a third-party partner to ensure anonymity.

Over time, establishing solid supplier relationships enables operations to be streamlined and cost efficiencies to be realized. PCPPI is able to produce its products with the help of trusted supplier partners for the benefit of Filipino clients by utilizing an organized, transparent method.

Famous beverage companies like Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Tropicana, Sting, Milkis, Lipton, Premier, and Chum Churum Soonhari are distributed by PCPPI. Visit www.pepsiphilippines.com for more details on PCPPI and its products.

7th Ave Family of Trees

This month, everyone is looking forward to a little holly jolly, and there’s no better place to go for all things merry than Bonifacio Global City! With a fantastic lineup of activities, BGC is once again amplifying the city’s wanderlust-inducing vibe. You’ll definitely feel the holiday spirit in the air at BGC, whether you’re a foodie looking forward to enjoying a scrumptious dinner with your loved ones or a caring fur parent who wants to involve your dogs in the Christmas fun!

Keeping the Christmas spirit alive in the streets

Adorned with hundreds of twinkling lights, you’ll find various Christmas trees and decorations that lit up the streets in BGC. From classic to quirky, to the absolute showstoppers, BGC is going big with different decorations that capture the joy of the season. To further amp up the festive spirit, BGC also has a variety of dining options showcasing different cuisines you and your loved ones can indulge in. If you’re still wary of eating indoors in restaurants, there are a lot of options with open areas for outdoor dining so you can celebrate the holidays with good food and peace of mind.

The most famous, 5th Avenue, with holiday lights in display

Seize the view with the Bird Cage Chandeliers hanging on trees along Bonifacio High Street, or sit down and eat a meal at the al fresco dining setups along One Bonifacio High Street Park with Hanging Stingray Lamps.

Bird Cage Chandeliers in BHS

One Bonifacio High Street Stingray lamps

If you’re on the road, you can spot the Red Bells with ribbons on BGC lampposts and the iconic Christmas shaped stop lights all over the estate.

City Lamppost Bell Decors

Tree Stoplight

You can even stroll through the one kilometer stretch of canopy lights (from Fully Booked until OBHS) and further embrace the joy of the season. There are also floating Chandeliers (near Italianni’s), perfect as a backdrop for your holiday snaps.

Floating Chandeliers in BHS

A special installation by Monkey Shoulder’s The Giving Tree at C1 Park (beside 5th Ave) comes with a pop-up bar. BGCitizens and visitors can get free cocktails every Friday and Saturday, 7 to 8 PM. You can also drop by to pick up their Monkey Shoulder twin packs and gift them to family and friends for their holiday celebrations!

Monkey Shoulder – The Giving Tree

Just like old times, you can now also experience a safe meet and greet with Santa at the indoor Christmas tree at the One Bonifacio Mall during Sundays from 2-5PM.

A Pawfect Holiday for You and Your Pets

It’s no surprise that having your cute pets present can make any celebration ten times more enjoyable and exciting! As we officially approach the Christmas season, here’s a list of activities you can do with your pets:

• Sophisticated Swag – Limited edition pet bandana promo for cats and dogs
• BHS x PETdentity – Score your furry ones their own Pet Passport
• Dog Coach Francis (BGCitizen Perk) – Professional Furbaby Training & Classes
• Pet Huddle – A pet lifestyle and community fair

Holiday events abound in the BGC. Everyone is invited to attend with their loved ones for some spectacular sights, exciting surprises, and a lovely holiday celebration.

Visit the Bonifacio Global City and Bonifacio High Street’s Facebook pages for additional information on the latest happenings and updates on Bonifacio Global City’s holiday festivities.

The Solo Savings Account from Sterling Bank of Asia, one of the country’s major thrift banks, provides a more convenient and easy-to-maintain bank account. While the Bank continues to allow current customers to conduct banking operations from the convenience of their homes or offices, interested new customers can take use of the same services by creating a Sterling Bank account online.

“We are extending our excellent service to those unbanked, especially during this time, by making it easier and safer for them to open and manage their accounts through our digital facilities,” said Mr. Cecilio San Pedro, Sterling Bank’s President and CEO. “Whether they choose to visit our branches or do it via our online channels, they can still experience unparalleled quality service from our team,” San Pedro added.

Solo Savings account holders can access their funds, pay bills, and transfer money anywhere anytime. Aside from the opportunity to save while earning interest, they can also enjoy exclusive perks and privileges in over 30 million Visa-affiliated merchants worldwide and 45,000 BancNet-affiliated stores locally using their ShopNPay Visa Card.

By going to https://bit.ly/SterlingSoloOnlineApply, you can open your own Solo Savings Account right away.

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.

We appreciate the moments with our friends and family since we have more time at home. Indeed, these past few months have provided us with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reconnect and explore our passions – particularly when it comes to our culinary skills!

As Filipinos, we show our love and appreciation for others through memorable meals made with love. And Gusta!, the country’s newest ONLINE KITCHEN PANTRY by the category creator of FROZEN-FRESH Jimini Foods Group, has become the ever-so-reliable partner of every aspiring cook and homemaker, bringing convenience and delicious dishes straight to your homes.

Gusta! guarantees fresh, exciting flavors, and amazing foodie finds all in one place. Discover a great selection that will truly delight your taste buds – from ready-to-heat meals to frozen-fresh goods, to ready-to-cook international and local dishes, snacks, desserts, beverages, and more!

For those who are looking for a quick and delicious meal, Gusta! introduces its “Chef’s recommendations,” which include selections from well-known restaurant brands such as CIBO, Chili’s, Casa Reyes, Max’s Group (Max’s, Pancake House, Teriyaki Boy, and Dencio’s), Nanbantei, XO 46 Heritage Bistro, Rico’s Lechon, and Cusina by Albergus, to name a few. If you’re craving for some of your favorite snacks, Gusta! also carries selections from local iconic brands and favorites such as Jimini Whole Pizza, Potato Corner, and Nathaniel’s.

If you’ve been getting really inventive and want to prepare a tasty meal on your own, Gusta! can help by providing all of the necessary materials, supplies, and culinary instruments.

Either you’re making a treat or a meal, you’ll find everything on Gusta! Simply add to cart and have your entire order delivered to your doorstep. With only a few simple clicks, you can have delicious food and meals on your plate!

Discover. Delight. Delivered. Delicious! Only at Gusta!

Head on to www.gustafoods.ph and have your orders delivered now! Sign-up to the newsletter and receive a 10% discount voucher on your first purchase. For updates, follow Gusta! on Facebook: Gusta Foods PH and Instagram: @gustafoodph