Lifestyle

According to SM Supermalls, foot traffic increased from 3.3 million in the same period last year to an average of almost 4 million daily visitors in the first quarter of 2024. This consistent expansion demonstrates SM’s dedication to enhancing the mall experience with a variety of interesting events that meet changing customer demands.

According to SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan, “The increase in foot traffic reflects our steadfast commitment to meeting the daily needs and wants of our customers. Our malls serve as dynamic hubs that blend modern retail services with vibrant entrepreneurial environments.”

SM has turned its shopping centers into destinations that provide immersive experiences catered to each and every member of the Filipino family through its integrated property developments.

Amid a shift towards discretionary spending, Filipino consumers increasingly visit malls for leisure and dining experiences. Food tenants now constitute 30% of mall spaces leased, up from 10% a decade ago while non-food tenants including entertainment now occupy 50%. Other service-related tenants complement the diverse offerings.

Recent innovations include the Space & Time Cube+ at S Maison, an immersive art museum featuring 20 themed attractions such as LED tunnels and holographic displays, exemplifying SM’s commitment to blending art with entertainment.  

SM Supermalls also provides a platform in support of fandoms, whether you stan your favorite K-pop group, anime, and artists. SM is excited to support these communities and be the go-to place for these celebrations of fan gatherings of all ages and backgrounds.

One of the places fans can express themselves is the newly launched Cosplay City at SM City Fairview. It’s a hub for the community where they can be creative and be immersed in this multiple district spot filled with toy exhibits and anime themed zones wrapped with that Tokyo City vibe for Instagram-worthy posts.

A 1,947 square meter indoor entertainment complex featuring amenities like a basketball court, bowling alley, e-darts, and an indoor archery range is also available at the flagship Game Park of SM Mall of Asia, which opened in November 2023 and caters to a variety of interests.

As stated by Mr. Tan, “SM keeps innovating and improving customer experiences. Our objective is to create enduring memories through dynamic destinations that complement traditional shopping.”

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

For inquiries, please contact: [email protected] 

The Philippines’ leading ICT solutions provider and telecommunications company, Eastern Communications, is expanding in Bohol to further its objective of digital inclusivity. It has already brought advanced connectivity and ICT solutions to Tagbilaran City and plans to branch out to other areas of the island in the near future. Through its “Via Eastern” launch event, the telecom formally introduced its services, showcasing its products intended to support the province’s digital transformation efforts and empower regional companies.

“Eastern Communications is expanding its reach to make its services more accessible across the Philippines,” said Mike Castañeda, Vice President and Head of Sales at Eastern Communications. “We see Tagbilaran City as a strategic area for growth in the Visayas region,  embracing digitization initiatives like cashless transactions and the development of the new Bohol Business Park, which is projected to generate 3,000 jobs.”

Eastern Telecom is dedicated to Bohol in ways that go beyond its network and merchandise. On July 23, 2024, the MetroCentre Hotel hosted the “Via Eastern” launch event, which provided local businesses with an opportunity to learn important lessons about digital transformation. Local government representatives from Bohol, business leaders, and special guests imparted their knowledge and gave attendees advice on how to use Eastern’s solutions to streamline processes and spur expansion.

Powering businesses of all sizes

Eastern Communications focuses on bridging the digital gap and empowering local businesses through its innovative ICT solutions. The expansion will provide micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as large enterprises in the area with access to Eastern’s fast and reliable connectivity services, such as Eastern Fiber 1 and Internet Direct Service (IDS).

Eastern Fiber 1 offers a shared, high-speed fiber service that ensures optimal performance during peak office hours, making it an ideal choice for emerging businesses seeking affordable yet reliable internet. For enterprises requiring greater connectivity, IDS provides dedicated bandwidth speeds of up to 10Gbps, ensuring uninterrupted, round-the-clock operations.

“Reliable connectivity partnered with ICT solutions are crucial for businesses to thrive and provide the best services to their stakeholders,” said Jed Estanislao, Assistant Vice President and Head of Marketing and Customer Excellence at Eastern Communications. “Our full suite of internet and ICT solutions can be packaged to meet the unique requirements of each type of business, ensuring dependable and customized tech services for Boholanos.”

Eastern Communications’ ICT solutions include Network Solutions, Cybersecurity Solutions, Cloud and Data Center Solutions, and Business Applications. These digital tools are essential for local enterprises to confidently expand and lead their businesses to success.

Partnering for a smart and connected city

Eastern Communications’ expansion aligns with Tagbilaran City’s vision of becoming a premier destination for IT-BPO companies and tourism. The telco recognizes the city’s immense economic potential, particularly with the thriving IT-BPO sector and the resurgence of tourism exceeding its 2023 target of 900,000 arrivals.

Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Censoria Cajes-Yap expressed her enthusiasm for Eastern Communications’ entry into the market, saying, “Tagbilaran City welcomes new businesses with open arms and extends sincere gratitude to all existing businesses and investors for their enduring support over the years. The prestigious recognition as the Most Business-Friendly City for three consecutive years showcases Tagbilaran as an ideal environment where businesses not only survive but flourish. This acknowledgment underscores the city’s commitment to facilitating a conducive atmosphere for economic growth, benefitting both Tagbilaranons and Boholanos by fostering an environment of prosperity and progress.”

Eastern Communications’ arrival at Bohol follows its nationwide expansion through the joint Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) project, the longest undersea fiber optic cable network in the Philippines, spanning 2,500 kilometers. This strategic infrastructure investment ensures Bohol’s high bandwidth and low latency connectivity, solidifying the province’s position as a prime destination for business and leisure.

“We are proud to say that we are also present in 30 of the 38 Next Wave Cities and Digital Cities identified by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) — a list that includes Tagbilaran City,” said Castañeda.

Eastern Communications is prepared to assist Bohol on its journey toward a thriving and connected future as it continues to embrace digitalization.

You may reach Eastern Communications at 0919-081-7788 or 0917-300-7788, or you can visit their website at www.eastern.com.ph to find out more about their offerings.

The Madrasah Education Strategic Plan for the Bangsamoro region was signed on July 18, 2024, and the Bangsamoro government celebrated the occasion. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has committed to improving the quality of formal madrasah education during the next three years. This is outlined in the Plan by the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education.

An Islamic educational institution called a madrasah seeks to make Muslim students morally pure and dedicated to excellence. The Ministry acknowledges the important role madrasah education plays in maintaining the BARMM’s peace, stability, and potential for growth. The objective is to cultivate the next generation of Muslim professionals and innovators who can propel regional economic expansion, peace, and stability.

The Ministry received technical support from the Australian Government in order to design the Plan. In order to assist with the drafting process, they led consultation meetings with pertinent partners, reviewed madrasah education policies, and organized expert discussions.

“As neighbours and strategic partners, Australia and the Philippines share the goal of achieving a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region – and we believe that education plays a vital role in achieving this,” said Dr Moya Collett, Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy.

“I thank our friends and partners from the Ministry for their continued dedication in strengthening education policies and institutions in the BARMM. Australia remains committed to working with you in shaping a more peaceful and prosperous region.”

Under the Plan, the Ministry aims to increase the number of Bangsamoro learners – regardless of gender, physical ability, and social and economic status – by 30%. By 2025, they also aim to increase the number of formal madrasah institutions by 15%. Institutionalizing madrasahs is important because it allows the Ministry to monitor and regulate the quality of education and services they provide.

When it comes to incorporating traditional madrasah into the Bangsamoro educational system, the Ministry has made significant progress. There are currently 373 officially recognized madrasahs offering Islamic education for grades K–12. Along with the Australian Government, a policy guide was created to facilitate the certification of 444 non-formal madrasahs. In order to eventually accredit non-formal madrasas as well, the Ministry also intends to create a standardized curriculum for all madrasah.

Mohagher M. Iqbal, Minister of MBHTE said: “Strengthening madrasah education represents ‘unity in diversity.’ It demonstrates Bangsamoro’s firm commitment to preserving our region’s rich historical, religious, and educational heritage while creating an inclusive environment where every learner, regardless of background, can succeed.”

“Madrasah education is integral to our people’s aspiration to shape our educational policies and systems. Therefore, the Bangsamoro deserves genuine autonomy that all parties should honor. A thriving autonomy is the true solution to the recurring internal conflicts in the region.”

The first localized social and emotional learning (SEL) framework in the nation was recently unveiled by ChildFund Philippines and the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Center for Educational Innovation and Technology (SEAMEO INNOTECH).

The 2024–2027 SEL curriculum is made to be sensitive to the particular cultural quirks that Filipino pupils in public schools have. It seeks to:

• Develop adaptable SEL curriculum models that can be tailored to different cultural contexts,
• Foster a sense of ownership and sustainability within communities by involving them in the adaptation and implementation processes,
• Provide evidence-based recommendations for integrating localized SEL into educational policies at local, regional, and national levels, and;
• Share findings through academic publications, conferences, and workshops to contribute to the global discourse on effective SEL localization.

“When we started building the SEL framework, we envisioned a localized approach engaging all stakeholders in the country – teachers, parents, and students. This collaborative effort ensures the framework addresses the holistic development of both learners and educators, making it culturally relevant and impactful,” said Anand Vishwakarma, Country Director of ChildFund Philippines.

Marlene Floresca, Education Specialist of ChildFund Philippines, emphasized that the SEL framework helps students develop “pagpapakatao” (being humane) and “pakikipagkapwa-tao” (fellowship), to become capable and self-trusting individuals.

The competency framework also equips teachers with tools to better support students, contributing to a more inclusive and supportive educational environment. “The success of the SEL framework depends on the active involvement of teachers, along with parents and communities. Their participation ensures that the framework addresses the specific social and emotional needs of both learners and educators,” said Dr. Leonor Magtolis Briones, Center Director of SEAMEO INNOTECH.

Developing SEL skills early, starting in kindergarten and potentially even earlier, supports long-term success. According to Dr. Grace Aguiling-Dalisay, President and CEO of Center for Educational Measurement, assessing SEL skills alongside cognitive skills is imperative. “We are working with the education department to integrate these assessments into the SEL framework, ensuring evidence-based progress.”

Implementing the Framework

Implementation will begin this year with a pilot in select public schools to test the framework’s effectiveness. Following this, it will be integrated into school-wide practices and policies for students, educators, and non-teaching staff.

The technical working group, who has been involved in the development of the framework including the Department of Education (DepEd), will endorse SEL modules accessible via an e-learning platform. Teachers and school heads will complete these courses and earn professional development points through the National Educators Academy of the Philippines and the Professional Regulation Commission.

The framework supports the DepEd’s MATATAG Agenda: Bansang Makabata, Batang Makabansa, which aims to take care of learners by promoting their well-being and give support to teachers to perform better. It shall be implemented across the K-12 curriculum and expanded to mental health programs in schools nationwide.

“This SEL framework responds to the call for an education system that imparts knowledge and cultivates the social and emotional foundation children need to build their dreams, equipping them beyond what books can teach,” said Dr. Dexter Galban, Assistant Secretary for Operations of the DepEd.

In order to create the framework, the organization and its partners conducted interviews with K–12 and Alternative Learning System students in Metro Manila, Apayao, Negros Occidental, North Cotabato, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

Go to https://childfund.org.ph/ to learn more about the SEL competency framework.