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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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

The company’s 25^th Sustainability Report details:

• 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.

The total FY23 report can be found here.

More information about Tetra Pak is available at www.tetrapak.com.

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