Jollibee Group re: Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), the social development arm of Jollibee Group, recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Education (DepEd) for the adoption of the central kitchen model for School-based Feeding Program (SBFP), which aims to alleviate hunger among school-aged children. DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara led the signing ceremonies with JGF President Gisela Tiongson at the DepEd office last December 11, 2024.
In an effort to reduce hunger among school-aged children, the Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), the social development division of Jollibee Group, recently inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Education (DepEd) to implement the central kitchen model for the School-based Feeding Program (SBFP). On December 11, 2024, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara presided over the signing ceremonies with JGF President Gisela Tiongson at the DepEd office.
As part of the aforementioned collaboration, JGF will support the development of capacity to share its knowledge of executing the central kitchen model with local government agencies, partner public schools, and local partners through the JGF Busog, Lusog, Talino (BLT) Program. In the upcoming year and a half, thousands of students from Mindanao, Visayas, and Luzon are anticipated to gain from this collaboration.
The Foundation first launched the BLT Program in 2007, recognizing the need to address hunger, a key factor contributing to low school attendance and high drop-out rates among public elementary students. In 2016, with DepEd implementing the School-based Feeding Program (SBFP) nationwide, JGF transitioned its approach by focusing on the establishment of central kitchens, reinforcing its commitment to promoting better access to food. To date it has spearheaded the creation of 41 central kitchens nationwide, providing continuous support to DepEd’s SBFP . Since its inception, the program has served meals to over 270,000 students from the direct feeding approach and the shift to establishing central kitchens.
“The BLT Kitchens centralize the preparation and distribution of meals, feeding thousands of students with less time and effort,” said JGF President Gisela Tiongson. “By working with DepEd and the support of the local government units, private institutions and parent volunteers in utilizing the central kitchen model, we can help mitigate hunger and give students better chances of continuing their education.”
Empowering facilitators
The Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) will also support the development of training centers for central kitchen management. Under the partnership, 15 of JGF’s existing BLT partner schools will serve as learning hubs for organizations aiming to establish their own central kitchens.
JGF will produce manuals and educational videos for DepEd staff and BLT partners to guarantee consistent and long-lasting implementation. These materials will enhance the initiative’s long-term success by aiding in process standardization.
Under the said partnership, JGF will provide capacity building support to DepEd personnel based on its experience in implementing the Busog, Lusog, Talino (BLT) Program.
Nine DepEd Central and Regional staff have so far taken part in a four-day training conducted by JGF. These qualified individuals will act as coaches, liaising with local government entities to establish central kitchens for community and school meals. In order to guarantee the sustainability and impact of these central kitchens, they will also offer technical advice on how to put them up and run them.
McDonald’s Philippines and VYBE by BPI are collaborating this holiday season to introduce the “Holiday Treats” promotion, which will make festivities even more delightful. Customers nationwide can get a complimentary New Tiramisu or New Hazelnut McFlurry with every qualified transaction made through the VYBE app between December 11 and December 31, 2024. Fans of McDonald’s have the ideal excuse to indulge themselves and take full advantage of the celebrations this season thanks to this fantastic promotion.
Using the ease of smartphones, VYBE, which is quickly becoming the preferred digital payment platform among Filipinos, streamlines the way consumers purchase, eat, and make payments. Users can use the VYBE e-wallet to pay cashless at any QR Ph retailer, take advantage of special offers like Holiday Treats, and get rewards for each purchase. For people who want to simplify their holiday eating and shopping, it’s the ideal partner.
Customers who make a single-receipt purchase of at least PHP 300 at any McDonald’s store nationwide, whether for dine-in, take-out, or drive-thru, are eligible to claim their free McFlurry. To qualify, they simply need to pay using the VYBE app. Once the transaction is completed, customers can head to the cashier or take-out counter and claim their New Tiramisu McFlurry or New Hazelnut McFlurry, just by presenting proof of their VYBE transaction.
Each VYBE-registered mobile number is eligible to claim one free McFlurry regardless of multiple transactions in a day, the minimum single-receipt transaction requirement of PHP 300 must be met. Making it easy to enjoy a daily holiday treat during the promo period. Customers are encouraged to grab their McFlurries right after completing their qualifying purchase. Whether you’re craving the rich flavor of tiramisu or the nutty goodness of hazelnut, McDonald’s has you covered with these delicious, limited-time flavors.
“We are thrilled to partner with McDonald’s to encourage Filipinos to embrace a more rewarding lifestyle by transitioning to digital platforms for their financial transactions. This collaboration is an easy and fun way for consumers to incorporate VYBE in their holiday spending while enjoying their favorite McFlurries this holiday season,” said Eric Faustino, Head of Digital Partnerships and Ecosystems at BPI.
There’s no better way to treat yourself or your loved ones this Christmas than with McDonald’s and BPI VYBE’s Holiday Treats promo, which runs through the end of December and offers a lovely way to celebrate the season with the convenience of mobile payments and a free McFlurry on the line.
Get the BPI VYBE app now from the Apple Store or Google Play to take advantage of this exclusive feature and other deals.
No strategy? No worries, as Absolut Vodka & SPRITE takes over the Philippines, hosting the ultimate unplanned bash to celebrate the launch of the nation’s newest alcoholic ready-to-drink (ARTD) beverage.
This season, Absolut Vodka & SPRITE is poised to spark impromptu get-togethers with friends without the need for formal invitations, dress codes, or wristbands, emphasizing that the pre-mixed alcoholic drink is the ideal combination for life’s most memorable unplanned moments.
Bringing together two iconic brands that have grown to have a global footprint, the new pre-mixed alcoholic cocktail is made with the perfect mix of Absolut Vodka’s full-bodied, smooth character with the highly refreshing lemon and lime flavour of SPRITE. Truly, the perfect blend of premium quality and refreshing taste has arrived.
Mark Dee, Senior Director of Frontline Marketing at the Coca-Cola Company for ASP East Region shares, “In today’s world where planning dominates, Absolut Vodka & SPRITE encourages people to relish life’s unplanned moments. We’re thrilled to bring the ‘Planned for the Unplanned’ campaign to life, offering our adult consumers a unique and interactive experience. We hope that our consumers across the Philippines will be inspired to embrace the unexpected and spark spontaneous gatherings with friends throughout the season and beyond.”
This innovative new beverage brings together the smooth sophistication of Absolut Vodka with the refreshing crisp, lemon-lime zest of SPRITE. Conveniently pre-mixed and packaged in a sleek 320mL can with a 7% ABV, it is designed for those spontaneous moments and social gatherings, ensuring you’re always ready to enjoy a perfectly balanced alcoholic cocktail.
Debasree Dasgupta, VP Global Marketing, Absolut Vodka added, “We’re delighted to see the next iteration of the Absolut Vodka & SPRITE journey, with the launch of this campaign platform. Absolut Vodka has always been the key player for the perfect mix in any social occasion, so inviting consumers to try Absolute Vodka & Sprite while enjoying their spontaneous unplanned hangouts with friends couldn’t be truer to our brand.”
Discover the Perfect Mix
The Absolut Vodka & SPRITE Ready-To-Drink Alcoholic Cocktail is available in select stores in Metro Manila and will soon roll out to other areas nationwide Clear responsibility symbols on the cans indicate that the drink is to be enjoyed only by consumers of legal purchasing age. Both The Coca-Cola Company and Pernod Ricard are committed to adhering to responsible marketing practices.
For just PHP 55 SRP at supermarkets and PHP 65 SRP at convenience stores, the Absolut Vodka & SPRITE Ready-To-Drink Alcoholic Cocktail provides the ideal balance of luxury taste and convenience, whether you’re organizing a party or embracing an unforeseen moment. The official Coca-Cola Flagship Store on Lazada, located at https://s.lazada.com.ph/a.jbn, also sells it.
To learn more about our responsible marketing strategies and the most recent news about Absolut Vodka & SPRITE, visit www.coca-cola.com/ph or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Drink responsibly at all times.
The holidays are here and Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation is giving you recipe ideas you can enjoy making and sharing!
What better way to commemorate the season than with a heartfelt feast? The holidays are all about getting together over a meal and creating memories. Families love to indulge in delicious meals during Christmas feasts, but that doesn’t mean they have to be unhealthy!
This December, we’re giving you a gift: Holiday Healthy dishes that will help you spread joy to your entire family! These recipes, which range from freshly made pasta to filling main courses, can help you create memories that you will cherish for years to come! To make this season wholesome, vibrant, and delectable, Let’s Eat Well and Live Well!
Wanna make sure everyone is happy while also keeping your to-do list short? This one-pot wonder is perfect for the busy holiday cook, while providing a healthy, plant-based pair to the usual hearty mains.
Steps to Make:
Mix cauliflower, kangkong, tofu, garlic, AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning, salt, and flour in a bowl. Scoop a tablespoon of the mixture and mold it into balls. Pan-fry the vegan meatballs in hot oil until golden brown, then drain and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté garlic and onion in additional oil until fragrant. Add tomatoes and tomato paste, then cook until soft. Pour in water and bring to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente.
Once the pasta is cooked, season with AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar. Add the fried vegan meatballs and mix well. Transfer to a serving plate, garnish with parsley and Parmesan if desired, and serve!
Combine lemongrass, garlic, AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning, calamansi, black pepper, coco sugar, and chicken in a bowl. Mix well and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.
In a saucepan, combine tamarind, garlic, coconut milk, water, AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning, and coco sugar. Simmer for about 15 minutes until the sauce thickens, then set aside.
Heat oil in a griddle pan and grill the marinated chicken for 5 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
Serve the grilled chicken with the sauce on the side.
A spicy surprise to heat up the cooler season, this balanced and bold pasta dish is the perfect way to spice up your holiday menu. It’s a guaranteed hit for any guests who love a little kick.
Steps to Make: Heat oil and butter in a pot, then add chicken and cook until golden brown. Add onions and sauté until translucent, then stir in tomatoes and French beans. Cook for 3 minutes.
Add penne pasta, cream cheese, Cajun spice mix (smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning, and cayenne powder), and mix well. Cook for 3-5 minutes.
Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with spring onions if desired, and serve.
Pairing fresh and tender salmon with a creamy garlic sauce, this showstopper is great for any festive gathering. Show some holiday spirit to your family and friends with this blast of flavors!
Steps to Make: Heat oil and butter in a pot, then add chicken and cook until golden brown. Add onions and sauté until translucent, then stir in tomatoes and French beans. Cook for 3 minutes.
Add penne pasta, cream cheese, Cajun spice mix (smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning, and cayenne powder), and mix well. Cook for 3-5 minutes.
Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with spring onions, and serve.
Holidays are best celebrated with food that brings everyone together, and these recipes are great ways to make your gatherings extra special. Each nutritious dish is crafted to fill your home with warmth, flavor, and joy, creating moments and memories worth savoring.
Keep in mind that spending time with loved ones is always the best element while preparing your holiday feast. Allow these recipes to serve as inspiration for dinners that will keep the family content, happy, and healthy.
Greetings on the holidays, Ka-Cookmunity!
For more holiday food inspiration, check out Cookmunity by Ajinomoto Philippines. For further updates, you can also follow us on Facebook and Tiktok.
Over 18 participants from different FEP farmer groups and local implementing partners gathered to learn about agri-extension approaches and methods at the pioneering Agri-Tech Facilitator Training Program of the Jollibee Group Foundation.
The inaugural round of training for the Agri-Tech Facilitator (ATF) Program was successfully held in Pasig City from October 14–16 by the Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), the social development division of the Jollibee Group. As part of JGF’s effort to develop smallholder farmers into agri-tech facilitators who will find, test, and promote innovations that will increase the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of their agro-enterprises, this training covered the first of three program modules.
JGF offers farmer groups and local implementing partners of its Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP) ongoing capacity-building training, which includes the ATF Program. Ayat ti Pasuquin Farmers and Irrigators Association, Kalasag Multipurpose Cooperative, Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Lourdes Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Marcos Village Palayan City Farmers Agri-Farm Corporation, Onion and Vegetables Producers Cooperative, Pagbiagan Multipurpose Cooperative, Sacred Heart Savings Cooperative, Tucop Farmers Association, Ungab Farmers Association, and Ahon sa Hirap, Inc. (ASHI) were among the first group of ATF participants.
“The Agri-Tech Facilitator Program enables JGF to further support the growth of our farmers. By fostering collaboration and encouraging openness to innovative changes, we hope our farmers could thrive better as agro-entrepreneurs and continue to achieve sustainability and success in the long-term,” JGF President Gisela Tiongson said.
The ATF participants engaged in activities and workshops to build on their outputs and allow them to have a meaningful learning experience.
For Jude Tria, Board of Director of the Lourdes Multi-Purpose Cooperative, one of FEP’s local implementing partners, who is also an ATF Farmer Adviser, the entire module would also be beneficial in building their confidence and establishing their quality as FEP farmers.
“Naniniwala ako na ang programa ng ATF ay magkakaroon ng magandang epekto sa mga magsasaka dahil ang agritech ay hindi lamang pamilyar sa mga magsasaka kundi nakatutok din sa bawat isa sa kanila. Dahil napaka-accessible rin nila, hindi na magdadalawang isip ang mga magsasaka tungkol sa pagkonsulta sa kanila, at sa akin, ito ay magreresulta sa na ang programa ay maging isang milestone, isa pang trademark ng FEP, (I believe that the ATF program would have a good impact on the farmers because the agritech is not only familiar with the farmers but is also focused on each one of them. Since they are also very accessible, the farmers won’t have second thoughts about consulting them, and to me, this would eventually result in the program becoming a milestone, another trademark of FEP)” he said.
JGF, through FEP, provides smallholder farmers with training and resources to help sharpen their leadership and technical skills, enabling them to supply quality vegetables to institutional markets such as Jollibee Group. To date, 19 FEP farmer groups regularly deliver their crops to the Company.
Farming Innovations
Following the completion of the first module, the participants will proceed to the next two modules which will be conducted in 2025. Part of the two other modules is the practicum participation of the attendees.
The next training session will be in January 2025 and will be facilitated by the Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan.
For Lamac Multipurpose Cooperative Association Cluster Leader Jefrey Velasquez, the ATF program helps enhance their competency as farmers. As a leader, he also learned how to communicate effectively, which, according to him, is essential in building relationships with his fellow farmers.
“Mahalaga po itong training na ito dahil dito po nagmumula ang mga bagong kaalaman sa teknolohiya, at iba pa pong kasanayan, na siya ko rin pong ituturo sa aking mga kapwa magsasaka.” (This training is important because it gives us new knowledge on technology, as well as other practices, which I will also be able to teach and share with my fellow farmers) he said.
Meanwhile, Larena Nicolas, President of the Marcos Village Palayan City Farmers Agri-Farm Corporation, appreciates how the training encourages leaders like her to help their fellow farmers succeed.
“Kailangan ko pong maituro sa aming members ang kahalagahan ng ganitong trainings upang ma-adopt din po nila ‘yong practices at patuloy na makapag supply sa mga institutional market. Importante po talaga na magpaliwanag sa mga farmer at pakinggan ang needs nila,” (I need to teach our members the importance of such trainings so they can also adopt the practices and be able to continuously supply to institutional markets. It is important that we get to discuss with them and listen to their needs) she added.
JGF is eager to see how the new Agri-Tech Facilitators will apply these agri-extension strategies and techniques in their local farming communities, thereby improving the standard of living for the nation’s smallholder farmers.
Who are the “Defenders of Health”? Ladies of Yakult! An ideal term to acknowledge their passion for delivering a time- tested health-improving product to as many Filipino households as possible.
With “YAKULT LADIES: Defenders of Health” as the subject for its 46th National Dealers Convention, Yakult is celebrating its unwavering army of women who brave the rain and the sun in honor of its Dealers’ 46 years of commitment to the Filipino people. To promote a product that will help families live healthy lives, these women have been marching on the streets of most Philippine cities and rural areas, including Mindanao and Luzon Visayas.
YAKULT Ladies are known for their perseverance to reach as many households as possible with their offer of a reliable supply of an internationally-recognized health-enhancing product to help protect as many families as possible so their bodies do not easily yield to certain diseases. The product that they bring has been around in the Philippines since 1978 although it has been circulating in several countries after it was successfully launched in Japan in the year 1935 by Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd. of Japan with Dr. Minoru Shirota at the helm.
These Yakult Ladies in previous years needed to zealously explain the health-benefits of Yakult to people encountered on the streets or to families who opened the door of their homes to them. In more recent years, there had been less and less explaining needed as Yakult, over the stretch of time that it had been around, had gained popularity as a trusted probiotic for human health protection. Indeed, the people must have experienced and proven how Yakult had been a handy part of their daily lives in preserving their best wealth: HEALTH. Yakult Ladies had been bringing this TIME-TESTED PRODUCT right at the doorstep of many families, so with less effort now that Yakult is already widely recognized for its health value as a TRUSTED PROBIOTIC, these ladies are able to fulfill their role as “DEFENDERS OF HEALTH.” They had successfully dished out loads of product knowledge on Yakult as a reliable probiotic which had been helping promote the health of Filipino families for decades now. Yakult has by now become a TRUSTED BRAND of probiotic that “walks its talk” and truly works to enhance people’s health, and the Yakult Ladies are always eager day by day to bring this now-well-sought-after probiotic brand close to where people who clamor for it are.
Yakult has by now become what people would call “GOOD NEWS” when it comes to health protection. And so, the Yakult Ladies deserve both the titles “Bringers of Good News” and “Defenders of Health”.
Yakult is by now a TIME-TESTED PROBIOTIC used worldwide after it emerged from a reputable laboratory in Japan 94 years ago. It is a breakthrough probiotics fermented milk health drink introduced into the market only after long years of study in a Japan-based university laboratory for microbiology. Yakult contains beneficial bacteria strain, “Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain Shirota (LcS)” named after Dr. Shirota. It now has a long track record as a pioneering preventive medicine which has more than proven the great health advantage of the use of probiotics worldwide.
Yakult was introduced in Japan only in 1935 although as early as 1930, Dr. Shirota already succeeded in culturing a strain of lactic acid bacteria beneficial to human health. He was recognized as the first in the world to succeed in this endeavor. He made his discovery while working at Kyoto Imperial University’s School of Medicine. What motivated him was his deep concern over the many cases of death of children in Japan in the 1920s reportedly “due to infectious diseases and other maladies brought on by malnutrition,” which made him focus his efforts on preventive medicine in order to fight off harmful bacteria living in the intestines. The result of his long years of research gave rise to Yakult, with its 8 billion beneficial bacteria of the “Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain Shirota (LcS)” alive and fresh in every bottle, ready to fight bacteria that trigger intestine-bred diseases and improve the immune system. Taken in adequate amounts, Yakult-maintains intestinal health and helps prevent disorders. Yakult Ladies provide information on the adequate amounts needed for different ages and cases, among other things.
Indeed, Yakult’s discoverer’s premise that a healthy intestinal tract leads to a long life as it helps in strengthening the intestines, the place where nutrients are absorbed into the body, has led to healthier lives among people who have trusted it.
Nothing can compare to the effectiveness that has been showed year after year for more than 90 years worldwide in countries like China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Brunei, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and of course the Philippines in Asia; in South America, South America, and Argentina; in North America, Canada, Mexico, Belize, and the United States; in Europe, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom; and in Australia and New Zealand. Yakult is actually in other countries not listed here, but the ones mentioned here are those where Yakult has set up its operations with prominence.
Ajinomoto leads forum focused on health, nutrition, and sustainability with the future champions of our nation
L-R: Sarah Coe, Redscope CEO, Morexette Erram, CBN Sr. Multi-media Reporter, Cheryl de la Victoria, DA Chief of Regional Agricultural and Fisheries Information Section, Dr. Paulyn Jean Ubial, Redscope TWG Chairperson, Koichi Ozaki, President of Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC), Ma. Victoria Abrera, DENR Regional Director for Central Visayas, Atty. Salustiano Jimenez, DepEd 7 Regional Director, Mika Makino, APC Director of Sales, Marketing and Public Relations, Ernie Carlos, APC Chief Sustainability Officer, and Madelin Dofiles, PFT, APC General Manager for Corporate Planning and Public Relations
When Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) successfully held its Eat Well, Live Well: 2024 Youth Summit at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel in Cebu City, it was a day of empowerment, education, and dedication to sustainability and health. This year’s summit, which built on the success of the previous one, brought together more than 150 passionate young Filipinos, educators, and activists for a day of wellness, sustainable living, and nutrition.
The 2024 Youth Summit is a component of APC’s continuous effort to provide the future generation with the skills and information necessary to improve their communities and the environment. In order to promote a culture of sustainability and wellness among Gen Z attendees, the event was jam-packed with interactive workshops, thought-provoking presentations, and cooperative activities.
Empowering Cebu’s Youth for a Healthier Future
APC Group President Koichi Ozaki delivered a remarkable message to the youth and shared Ajinomoto’s vision for a healthier, more sustainable Philippines. “The mission of APC is to contribute to food and wellness to better lives of the future and we take it upon us to inspire the younger generations to become champions of a healthy and sustainable future,” said Mr. Ozaki. “Ajinomoto is here to make your eating experience happy, healthy and satisfying.”
Throughout the day, participants engaged in panel discussions with experts from the Department of Agriculture (DA), represented by Ms. Cheryl de la Victoria, Chief of Regional Agricultural and Fisheries Information Section and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), represented by Ms. Maria Victoria V. Abrera, Regional Director for Central Visayas, exploring key topics such as sustainable nutrition, waste reduction, and wellness practices. Through these dialogues, APC aimed to deepen the youth’s understanding of how small daily actions can lead to significant positive changes for both health and the environment.
Interactive Activities and Youth-Led Solutions
The summit featured hands-on activities, allowing attendees to actively participate in brainstorming solutions for real-world sustainability challenges. In one of the day’s highlights, a Youth-Led Output Activity encouraged participants to develop actionable ideas for living healthier and more eco-conscious lives. Groups collaborated to present innovative approaches, from reducing food waste to promoting planet-based diets, which encourage the increase in consumption of vegetables as reflected in Ajinomoto’s “Eat Well, Live Well” philosophy.
Another successful run of Eat Well, Live Well 2024 Youth Summit by Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation!
The breakout room sessions also gave opportunities for all student attendees to gain first-hand learning experience about the science behind MSG plus witness how vegetables can be turned into a delicious dish using almost all its parts with nearly zero-waste. The best part, they all got to taste it.
A ceremonial pledge concluded the event, with all participants vowing to implement the lessons learned and advocate for healthier, more sustainable lifestyles within their communities.
A Continued Commitment to Health and Sustainability
Ajinomoto’s global goal of increasing healthy life expectancy and lowering environmental impact by 50% by 2030 is in line with the company’s Eat Well, Live Well: 2024 Youth Summit. APC Group continues to motivate young Filipinos to take the initiative and lead in environmental and health stewardship through significant events like this one.
APC Group is also bringing the Aji-Ginisa® I Love Veggie-licious School Caravan to Cebu, at the Lahug Elementary School, to demonstrate the force behind Ajinomoto’s advocacy for a better and healthier future for all Filipino children. This will help to continue educating and motivating the next generation about the value of eating a healthy diet.
Outstanding Corporate Governance. Atty. Vem King, Jollibee Group’s Associate General Counsel, EMEAA, Corporate & Commercial Global, and Legal Business Partner Global and Philippines, (2nd from left), receives the Golden Arrow Award on behalf of the Company during the recently held ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard Awards by the Institute of Corporate Directors. This is the third consecutive year that the Jollibee Group has been cited for its strong corporate governance practices.
For the third year in a row, the Jollibee Group has received the Institute of Corporate Directors’ (ICD) 1-Golden Arrow Recognition, enhancing its standing as a company with good governance, accountability, and transparency. The honor, which was given out at the most recent Golden Arrow Awards, demonstrates the business’s ongoing dedication to maintaining the greatest standards of moral leadership and corporate responsibility.
“Receiving this award for the third year in a row reflects the Jollibee Group’s dedication to doing business the right way—responsibly, transparently, and with integrity. It also affirms our commitment to corporate governance and sustainability, as we continue our journey towards becoming one of the top five restaurant companies in the world,” said Jollibee Group Global Chief Legal, Ethics and Compliance Officer Atty. Valerie Feria Amante.
The ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS), which measures adherence to corporate governance principles, is used by the Golden Arrow Awards to assess publicly traded corporations within the region. Businesses that receive a score of 80 points or more, such as Jollibee Group, are granted the coveted Golden Arrow, which denotes their adherence to both international best practices and the Philippine Code of Corporate Governance.
The ACGS evaluates corporate governance performance in a number of important categories, including transparency, fair treatment of stakeholders, shareholder rights, and the board’s function in strategic leadership and supervision. By highlighting well-run businesses, the scorecard seeks to improve governance standards in the Philippines and draw in long-term investment.
Photo shows from left: Iskaparate President & COO Josefina Rojo-Natividad, All About Baking Director Kyne Gorospe, Chef Instructor Catherine Blas-Yu, DTC Promos Inc. President & COO Marissa Dames, and Unox Corporate Chef Karhen Igarashi in a fun photo opportunity to celebrate workshop success and a trusted partnership.
Chef Cathy Yu of Save Bakery and Café Philippines will be hosting a Christmas Mooncake Workshop at All About Baking SM North EDSA, The Block, as part of Iskaparate.com’s digital media launch in honor of World Entrepreneurs’ Day on November 19, 2024.
The digital debut, which followed its recent October 15, 2024, opening at Overdoughs Café in Ayala Malls Circuit, Makati, sought to illustrate the platform’s capabilities beyond simply a multi-vendor e-commerce platform.
Iskaparate.com highlighted through a practical workshop conducted by a baking industry specialist that it also offers training to help individuals refine their abilities and knowledge and explore other fields of competence that promote both technical business improvement and personal development.
As we tackled the ventures of Iskaparate, we learned a lot from them and enjoyed each thing that they had shared with us. One of the activities that we did during the media lunch was teaching us how to bake. I really had a wonderful time and enjoyed it very much since I don’t know how to cook. This activity became a tough challenge for me, and I managed it successfully. Aside from that, we had acquired different skills, knowledge, and ideas from them.
Two members of the core team of Iskaparate.com, DTC Promos Inc. and Iskaparate President & COO Josefina Natividad, attended the session. Marissa Dames, the president and COO, as well as a number of media representatives, internet influencers, and content producers from many industries.
In addition to learning about Iskaparate.com’s mission and story, the guests had the opportunity to observe how mooncakes are made in advance of the holidays, which gave them a sense of what it’s like to be a part of the community.
One of the highlights of the event was a brief speech by Chef Alphie Azarias, Marketing Development Specialist at Unox Asia. Chef Klyne Gorospe of All About Baking then gave a warm welcome to the guests and expressed excitement about soon joining Iskaparate.com as a vendor, expanding the platform’s offerings to include high-end professional kitchen equipment and in-demand baking supplies.
In 2020, Iskaparate.com was established to assist business-minded women in maintaining their operations amidst the COVID-19 epidemic. On the new platform, there are now 3,000 thoroughly screened sellers of all kinds, compared to 33 nanays in the past.
Since then, the original objective has expanded to include empowering local community vendors and micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) through business-to-business (B2B) partnerships and assisting them in navigating the digital economy through a variety of marketing methods and business growth prospects. With the opening of Ozam, its Canadian portal, and plans for gateways in the US and Singapore, the platform will soon expand globally.
With its B2B expansion, Iskaparate.com offers merchants easy access to wholesale products, competitive pricing, and strategic alliances with major companies in the market like Suy Sing and Hypha. For distributors, owners of sari-sari stores, restaurants, caterers, and other small companies in the Philippines, this negosyo platform promises simplified procedures, financial support, and an intuitive user experience.
The B2B platform offered by Iskaparate.com is revolutionary for companies of all sizes, from little sari-sari shops to major wholesalers. Iskaparate.com is poised to provide business owners with impermeable solutions with its negosyo tools for businesses and collaborations with industry titans like Suy Sing and Hypha.
Iskaparate.com core team, industry partners, media representatives. and content creators in a commemorative photograph after the workshop.
I got my certificate of participation for the Christmas Mooncake Workshop at All About Baking SM North EDSA, The Block
Iskaparate.com is the perfect partner for companies looking to improve operations and profitability because of its BNPL financial alternatives, nationwide delivery convenience, and easy registration process.
What makes it different from other business-to-business platforms?
Competitive Wholesale Pricing
One of the strongest features of Iskaparate.com as an online negosyo platform is its access to competitive wholesale prices. Through its collaboration with partners such as Suy Sing and Hypha, businesses can enjoy prices significantly lower than traditional retail stores. For businesses managing their margins, this makes a significant difference when it comes to driving profitability, especially when selling in large quantities.
As observed in the comparison from a recent pricing study, Iskaparate.com consistently offers better deals compared to other competitors, including well-known grocery wholesale stores. Price differences range from a few cents to a couple of pesos.
See Table 1 for price comparison.
Product
Iskaparate Price
Grocery X
DATU PUTI SOYSAUCE TABA PK60/200M
9.73
10.15
DATU PUTIVINEGAR TABA PCK60/200ML
7.47
7.75
MANG TOMASALL-AROUNDSARSA 24/325G
34.41
36.75
UFC BANANACATSUP 24/320G
23.78
26.75
CALLA PWD FBCNF.FRSH V 240/45G
6.09
6.10
THOSE DAYSS.NAPKIN REG NW60/8’S
12.80
12.95
THOSE DAYSS.NAPKIN WINGS60/8’S
16.33
15.45
COLGATE TPSTEGRF REG 12/12/24G
7.79
7.61
Table 1
Financial Assistance: Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)
Iskaparate.com goes beyond just offering competitive pricing; this online marketplace also recognizes the financial struggles that many small businesses face. That’s where their financial assistance option comes into play, provided through a partner organization. With Iskaparate.com‘s BNPL feature, registered businesses, such as sari-sari store suppliers, can choose a more flexible payment method at checkout that makes it easier to stock up on essential inventory without immediate financial pressure. Approval for this payment option is required but opens up a more accessible route for businesses to maintain cash flow while meeting customer demand.
Quick Registration Process and Free Membership
Iskaparate.com understands that time is money, especially for small business owners. negosyo platform for sari-sari store owners offers free registration to welcome new joiners without incurring upfront costs. Once registered, approval typically occurs in as fast as 48 hours. This simple sign-up process ensures that even start-up sari-sari stores can access wholesale products and competitive pricing right away.
For further convenience, businesses can sign up with their name and customer addresses, especially if they plan to distribute to multiple locations.
Suy Sing orders above ₱5,000 are also automatically eligible for free shipping, making Iskaparate.com an attractive option for businesses operating in both serviceable and non-serviceable areas.
Register your sari-sari store on Iskaparate!
Become a B2B negosyo partner to access exclusive pricing and wholesale products that fit the needs of your business. Partnering with Iskaparate.com means gaining access to a wide range of products, special deals, and support to help your business grow. Once you’re set up as a partner, don’t forget to register to shop on Iskaparate to unlock even more benefits and resources.
Iskaparate.com B2B Partners: Suy Sing and Hypha
Suy Sing, one of the country’s largest wholesale distributors, is known for decades of expertise and a vast inventory of consumer goods. Hypha, on the other hand, provides health, beauty, and wellness solutions.
Through these partnerships that bring wholesale solutions for sari-sari stores, businesses can access a wide range of high-quality products—from pantry essentials to wellness needs—all under one roof. This level of convenience is crucial for small businesses that often lack the resources to manage multiple suppliers efficiently.
Logistics and Nationwide Reach
Iskaparate.com ensures smooth delivery of orders from Suy Sing for sari-sari store wholesale deals across the country through the latter’s strategically located warehouses. With facilities in Metro Manila (Taguig, Parañaque, and Binondo) and provincial locations(Bacolod, Cagayan De Oro, Cauayan Isabela, Davao, Iloilo, Labangan Zamboanga Del Sur, Lipa Batangas),Suy Sing can efficiently serve businesses in urban and rural areas. For companies based outside serviceable zones, Iskaparate.com’s process allows distributors to register customer addresses in these zones under the same name, guaranteeing that goods still reach their intended destinations without extra delivery fees.
Flexible Margin Options
Iskaparate.com allows negosyo e-commerce users to set their own margins as long as they remain competitive. This allows distributors and sellers to tailor their pricing strategies according to their target market to ensure profitability while maintaining attractive offers for their customers.
Iskaparate.com‘s B2B platform is a game-changer for businesses, regardless of whether they are small sari-sari stores or large-scale distributors. With its negosyo tools for entrepreneurs and partnerships with industry leaders like Suy Sing and Hypha,Iskaparate.com is set to offer airtight solutions for business owners.
The added convenience of nationwide delivery, BNPL financial options, and a systematic registration process make Iskaparate.com an ideal partner for businesses trying to enhance their operations and profits.
PMAP Chooses Joy. The Jollibee Group was named the Employer of the Year by People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) during its 48th Awarding Ceremonies in Iloilo City.
Receiving the award is Ernesto Tanmantiong, Jollibee Group Global President & CEO (5th from left); Joseph Tanbuntiong (4th from left), CEO, JFC Philippines and Head, Global Jollibee Brand; Arsenio Sabado (4th from right), Jollibee Group Global Chief HR Officer; and Ruth Angeles (3rd from left), Chief HR Officer, JFC Philippines, and Head for Global Organization, Leadership and Culture, Jollibee Group. They were joined on stage by PMAP officials led PMAP Executive Director Rene Gener, DPM (leftmost); PMAP Past President Arthur Luis Florentin, DPM (2nd from left; PMAP Employer of the Year Judge Diwa Guinigundo (3rd from right); 2024 PMAP President Michael Godinez, FPM (2nd from right); and 2024 PMAP Vice President Lydia Lily Quintans, FPM (rightmost).
During its 48th National and Regional Awarding Ceremonies, which were recently held at the Iloilo Convention Center, the People Management group of the Philippines (PMAP), the nation’s leading and largest group of people managers, recognized the Jollibee Group Employer of the Year.
Established in 1977, the PMAP Awards Program honors exceptional companies that effectively carry out their social and human resource management obligations in addition to their economic goals. After a thorough evaluation process that included numerous panel and employee interviews as well as sporadic onsite audits, PMAP determined that the Jollibee Group was the best among other top-tier businesses due to its excellent HR-driven business solutions that produce tangible business performance results and a noticeable impact on individuals and the community at large.
The Jollibee Group has exhibited not only a remarkable turnaround from its first-ever net income loss in 2020 due to the pandemic but achieved its highest-ever sales and net operating income in its history in 2022 and set another record high in 2023. Coupled with record-setting business performance, the Jollibee Group’s employee engagement scores continue its trajectory to an all-time high and have been recognized as among the top percentile companies in the world.
“The Jollibee Group has always been committed to fostering a people-centered culture. Guided by our Employer Value Proposition, called Choose Joy, we foster an environment where employees can find happiness and fulfillment, ensuring their engagement, development, and overall well-being,” said Jollibee Group Global President and Chief Executive Officer Ernesto Tanmantiong.
“Our Choose Joy approach is central to our journey, helping us grow into a global organization while staying true to the values that make Jollibee Group a joyful place to work. When asked about the secret to our success, I always say it’s our people. Other companies could try to copy our brands, systems, equipment, or even our products, but it’s our people that make the difference. This recognition is because of them and is dedicated to them. It is through our people that the Jollibee Group can truly fulfill its mission of bringing the joy of eating to everyone across the globe,” Tanmantiong added.
People Manager of the Year
People Manager of the Year. Jollibee Group Global Chief Human Resources Officer Arsenio Sabado (3rd from left, holding trophy) has been named the national winner for People Manager of the Year by the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP).
PMAP also awarded Jollibee Group Chief Human Resources Officer Arsenio Sabado as People Manager of the Year. After a thorough assessment by PMAP, Sabado was chosen among other outstanding chief HR officers in the country for his “exceptional people management initiatives and programs addressing business and organizational challenges.” He was also selected for exemplifying an outstanding record of related professional experiences, as well as for his significant contributions to the development of the HR profession in the country.
With his track record in strategic leadership and passion for talent development, Sabado has been a consistent driver of innovation, transforming Jollibee Group’s HR into a world-class function. “The purpose of life is to live a life of purpose. Jollibee Group’s evolution from a local company to one of the world’s largest restaurant companies has inspired me to embrace my role in helping people become the best versions of themselves,” Sabado said.
Sabado’s commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and employee empowerment has strengthened the HR’s role in creating a people-centric response to the effects of the pandemic. This enabled the Jollibee Group to achieve record-breaking business performance results and employee engagement, which transformed the Company into an agile, future-resilient organization with bigger global ambitions.
“I am extremely grateful to be working with a dedicated and capable leader like Mr. Sabado, who supports Jollibee Group’s journey towards becoming one of the top five restaurant companies in the world. Our story is not just one of business growth but of people growth—something we remain deeply proud of,” added Tanmantiong.
A joyful place to work in. Jollibee Group’s recent wins as Employer of the Year and People Manager of the Year for its CHRO are a testament to the Company’s people-centered programs that enable employees to become highly productive and highly engaged individuals who find joy at work.
For its dedication to employee involvement, the Jollibee Group has been recognized as an outstanding workplace on numerous occasions. It is the only Filipino firm to get the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award, which it has received for three years running, beginning in 2020. Additionally, it was listed in Forbes Magazine’s World’s Best Employers for three consecutive years and TIME Magazine’s World’s Best Companies.
