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Filipinos frequently travel overseas in the dreams of a better future, full of excitement and anticipation. These ambitions frequently go beyond individual objectives and have a big impact on families and communities. However, the road to achieving these goals is frequently fraught with difficulties, necessitating fortitude, tenacity, and the proper assistance to thrive on the international scene.

From left to right: Lianne De Vera, Thomas Aguila, and Hannah Velasco, past IELTS test takers now successfully living abroad.
 

For many, being able to communicate in English is essential to taking advantage of these opportunities. Taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a crucial step for anybody looking to advance in their job, pursue additional education, or begin a new life. In addition to administering the IELTS exam, the British Council, which co-owns the test, provides assistance to those getting ready for international exams so they can adjust to life overseas. Introducing Lianne, Thomas, and Hannah—three Filipinos who overcame both personal and professional obstacles to prosper in their new communities.

Dreams Beyond Borders

For Lianne De Vera, a British Council scholarship grantee and now the marketing communications head of a London-based non-profit, the dream was always to broaden her horizons. Initially believing her strength was in writing, her speaking skills surpassed her expectations after taking the IELTS exam and scoring higher in speaking than in writing.  “Taking the IELTS felt like a stamp of validation. It gave me the confidence to engage with my peers and professors,” she said. Earning a scholarship through the British Council’s IELTS Prize further motivated her to hone her skills in her field. “The IELTS was an eye-opener. I’m not particularly an extrovert, and I’m not comfortable speaking in public, but I did well with my speaking, showing me that I could surprise myself,” Lianne shared.

Moving to Canada to work as a nurse was a long-standing goal according to Thomas Aguila. This also required the right credentials. His employer and the academic institution where he is completing his degree units easily recognised his IELTS certification because it was from the British Council.  “If I had taken another test, I think the outcome would’ve been different,” he explained. “The process was much smoother, and I got my results quickly from the British Council.” He added that improving his English skills also helped him be more attuned to his patients’ needs and adapt to the foreign environment.

Meanwhile, after years of navigating the paperwork to move to Bermuda, Hannah Velasco took the leap to relocate from her hometown of Dagupan three years ago. It was an adjustment that pushed her out of her comfort zone, but it led to fulfilling experiences that extended beyond her career. “Talking to people from different cultures has been one of the most rewarding experiences for me,” she said. “Improving English through the IELTS not only made me more fluent, but it also broke down barriers. I gained friends and insights into their cultures, which made my transition smoother.” Beyond her life as a nurse, the skills she gained through her IELTS journey helped her adapt to a foreign community.

A Stepping Stone to Success

The IELTS journey also provides individuals with the skills needed to create life-altering experiences. As Lianne shared, “IELTS opened the doors for me to step into a new chapter, leading to career and study opportunities, as well as the chance to live here and raise my family.”

Thomas echoed this, sharing how IELTS helped him achieve his dream of working abroad. After securing a healthcare role, he later received a scholarship in Canada with his employer covering his travel, accommodation, and education. “For the first time, I felt truly valued in my profession,” Thomas said, reflecting on how the experience has created opportunities for him.

For all three of them, the difference in their IELTS experience came down to the personalised support that the British Council offered. “The test may be the same, but how they deliver it and the support given makes all the difference,” Lianne said, likening her experience to a safe space for pursuing her goals. The British Council also provided tips on building a mindset ready for the exam, helping ease her anxiety. “The readily available resources and stamp of credibility are what make the journey more empowering,” she added.

Lianne, Thomas, and Hannah’s experiences demonstrate how fluency in the English language promotes both career and personal development. The British Council provides a wealth of assistance for Filipinos who want to succeed overseas, including materials for test-taking and IELTS preparation. With more than 20 testing locations around the country and their extensive online preparation resource, IELTS Ready Premium, the British Council is dedicated to helping people realize their dreams of living abroad.

Are you prepared to embark on your worldwide adventure? Take advantage of our Early Holiday Promo this October! by scheduling your IELTS exam now! Take advantage of a 10% discount at our test locations in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Pampanga when you register for your IELTS online. Go to https://www.britishcouncil.ph/exam to reserve your place right now.

Iskaparate.com core team, industry partners, and media representatives in a commemorative photograph, marking a significant milestone of the platform.

A team from ConnectSys, Iskaparate’s ecosystem provider, led an interactive online purchase demo for media representatives and industry partners to get a firsthand look at the platform during the press launch of Iskaparate.com on October 15, 2024, at Overdoughs Café in Ayala Malls Circuit, Makati.

The occasion, which was intended to present Iskaparate’s characteristics and advantages, was a significant occasion for the platform as it formally entered the online market. The demonstration included a comprehensive overview of the website, covering product showcasing, e-commerce functionalities, and the purchasing process that was initiated with an e-gift certificate. In addition to an open discussion on the platform’s general functionality, attendees interacted with the demo through interactive navigation.

I really enjoyed the event; it helped the local and small business entrepreneurs to widen their reach. It is also essential to acquire more skills to innovate and foster their business. Through the event, we got a demo of how the whole process works, and everyone enjoyed the event. It is such a great relief knowing what they launched is such a convenience, not just for the sellers but also for the customers. That’s why it is also important that we value our very own products and support the small and local businesses here in our country.

Media representatives and Iskaparate partners from various organizations participate in the platform’s online demo, exhibiting customers experience with hands-on guidance in website navigation.

The event began with a warm video message from Iskaparate Founder Joey Bermudez, sharing the journey of Iskaparate from having a community of 33 entrepreneurial mothers to partnering with 3,000 fully vetted sellers. He highlighted. “Iskaparate.com was born during the darkest days of the COVID pandemic when micro and small entrepreneurs lost their physical stores to the brutal lockdowns. We then created an online platform that would allow these entrepreneurs to resume their businesses.”

Attendees included a mix of media professionals and industry partners eager to see how the platform could potentially impact and transform the digital commerce landscape for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines.

In the modern era when a unique driving force can define the success of an online platform, Iskaparate.com made a strong impression with its mission to empower small business owners. In her talk, DTC Promos Inc. President & COO Marissa Dames emphasized its passionate goal, “We share a vision to support the growth of MSMEs.”

On the left, Iskaparate President & COO Josefina Rojo-Natividad shares the platform’s growth since formation. On the right, DTC Promos Inc. President & COO Marissa Dames discusses features that set the platform apart from others.

On the other hand, Josefina Rojo-Natividad, President & COO of Iskaparate, shared the progressive growth of the platform, “Iskaparate started as a B2C [platform], but now, we are proud to showcase that our website already features B2B, offering grocery items and personal care products. This would benefit the sellers we have whose products are not able to sell because of competition.”

Using an e-gift certificate, the demo walked participants through the entire buying process, from selecting products to completing transactions. This hands-on demonstration allowed the attendees to explore different aspects of the platform in real time. This feature of the launch allowed for an in-depth understanding of how the platform operates from a customer perspective.

Iskaparate.com, while initially conceived to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), has now extended its offerings to include larger businesses and B2B companies. With a wide range of e-commerce tools, vendors of all sizes can list and manage their products, handle transactions, and engage directly with consumers on a trusted, efficient platform. The team emphasized that this expansion is designed to help businesses adapt to the digital age while remaining competitive in an increasingly globalized market.

Iskaparate.com’s primary goal of empowering Filipino business owners, especially MSMEs, by providing them with the resources they need to successfully traverse the e-commerce industry was further explained during the event. Iskaparate aims to make online selling accessible to companies that might lack the funds or know-how to set up their own e-commerce systems by offering a multi-vendor platform that levels the playing field.

From left, Iskaparate team Beck Llaneta and Josefina Natividad and Louise Sarrah Uy of Suy Sing engage in a conversation after the event.

A multi-vendor e-commerce platform called Iskaparate.com was created to support and empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Larger organizations and B2B companies are now included, enabling resellers to purchase in bulk at discounted rates and resell them with healthy profit margins.

To learn more, go to www.iskaparate.com.

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Multi-year partnership contributes to uplifting Filipino lives

Unite for Hapag this World Food Day. Globe and SMAC celebrate their joint effort that raised Php 14.93M to be donated to the Hapag Movement. IN PHOTO (L-R): Hapag Movement mobilization partners David Jo, Head of Partnerships, Communications and Reports, UN World Food Programme; Eduardo Jimenez, Vice Chairperson, World Vision Philippines; Jun Godornes, Director for Resource Development, World Vision Philippines; Cel Amores, Senior Director for Corporate Communications, Ayala Foundation; Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, Globe; Kevin Hartigan Go, Chief Operating Officer, SMAC; and Yara Macalindong, VP for Sales and Marketing, SMAC.

In preparation for World Food Day, SMAC has reaffirmed its commitment to combating involuntary hunger by contributing Php 14.93 million to Globe’s Hapag Movement. This is a major milestone in Globe’s efforts to end involuntary hunger and improve communities nationwide.

The Globe-led hunger reduction program, which helps 100,000 Filipino families with livelihood training and supplemental meals, has received the largest single corporate donation to date.

The funds were raised in the second round of SMAC’s partnership with the Hapag Movement, focusing on SMAC kits sold and members’ points donation through eligible purchases from SM Store and other SM retail partners from December 2023 to January 2024. The donation will be distributed to key mobilization and program implementation partners of the Hapag Movement, among them the Ayala Foundation, Tzu Chi Foundation, the United Nations World Food Programme, and World Vision.

The Hapag Movement has provided meals to over 154,000 family members, with 2,784 heads of households receiving livelihood training. Impressively, 2,361 of these individuals have successfully continued running their small businesses, highlighting the program’s role in fostering sustainable community growth.

“We are deeply grateful to our partners for closely working with us on this life-changing initiative. Together, we are creating a meaningful shift in consumer behavior, where Filipino shoppers are inspired to consider not only their personal needs but also the collective well-being,” said Yaracel S. Macalindong, VP for Sales and Marketing, SMAC.

The growing success of the partnership also reflects the importance of corporate collaboration in addressing social issues.

“Our partnership with SMAC is a testament to the power of collective action. Seeing the impact of the Hapag Movement firsthand among families we have supported so far is truly inspiring. We are incredibly grateful for this substantial donation from SMAC, which will help us expand our reach and provide vital support to families whose lives we have yet to touch,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

“SMAC’s partnership with Globe through The Hapag Movement has created valuable opportunities for our members to engage in meaningful contributions. It enables them to actively give back to their communities and make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of others. This collaboration empowers members to be part of something greater, fostering a sense of purpose and social responsibility,” said Kevin Hartigan-Go, Chief Operating Officer of Digital Advantage Corp (DAC).

Looking ahead to their third fundraising round in December, SMAC and the Hapag Movement are creating more opportunities for Filipino shoppers to transform their purchases into acts of kindness and community support.

SMAC’s first partnership with the Hapag Movement in 2022 raised Php 5.5 million, benefiting 55,000 individuals and counting. Year 2 received a boost from the participation of 13 different brands apart from SMAC: SM Appliance Center, SM Beauty, SM Fashion, The Body Shop, Crate & Barrel, ECCO, Forever 21, Kultura, Levi’s, Our Home, Simply Shoes, Sports Central, and Surplus. This alongside the doubled online engagement for last holiday’s campaign significantly increased the funds gathered for the cause.

In order to provide lasting, effective solutions for Filipino families in need and contribute to the development of sustainable change that improves communities nationwide, Globe and SMAC encourage more businesses to #UniteForHapag. In order to combat child stunting, the program will intensify its livelihood training programs and support for wholesome feeding in public schools through its partners as it approaches its multi-year target.

To find out how you can help, see the Globe website’s Hapag Movement page.

• Improving digitalization and enhancing supply chain sustainability identified as the two biggest areas of planned investment
• 98% of PH companies have established sustainability targets, with 22% planning to invest at least USD 1M or more into sustainability in the next 2 years
• In Asia, sustainability is a high priority for 60% of business leaders, and nearly half have established comprehensive strategies and targets

Schneider Electric, a pioneer in the digital transformation of energy automation and management, released the results of its yearly Green Impact Gap study. It highlights the sustainability journey of Asia Pacific. 98% of PH companies, according to the poll, have set sustainability targets, and 22% want to devote at least USD 1 million or more over the next two years to their sustainability strategy. Additionally, the primary focus for this investment includes prioritizing digitalization as a key driver of their sustainability strategy.

Schneider Electric conducted interviews with 4,500 executives in nine different nations to learn about their viewpoints as business leaders in the Asia Pacific area. Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam are among the markets. Milieu Insight, a market research firm, collaborated on the poll.

Digitalisation at the Forefront of Sustainability Efforts in Asia

Digitalization is emerging as a critical component of Asian organizations’ sustainability journeys. With 93% of companies currently leveraging digital tools, the survey found that technology is at the center of efforts to meet sustainability goals. The most common applications of digitalisation for sustainability are paperless operations (35%), followed by risk and opportunity management (33%) and supply chain digitisation (31%). For the Philippines, digitalization methods implemented include going paperless (42%) and limiting travel to/from office (39%).

“Digitalization is now becoming a priority for local businesses. While there are still challenges on our digital infrastructures that hinder digital inclusion and economic development, we are seeing significant shifts in terms of prioritization. Businesses now understand that digitalization will help drive operational resiliency and address achieve their sustainability agenda,” said Ireen Catane, Country President of Schneider Electric Philippines.

Sustainability: A Top Business Imperative

The survey also underscores the growing importance of sustainability in Asian companies, with 60% of business leaders now considering it a high priority. This is particularly strong in Thailand (83%), Vietnam (73%), and Indonesia (71%).

In the Philippines, while 98% have sustainability goals, only 52% of companies have implemented comprehensive sustainability strategies. Business leaders cite regulatory or economic uncertainty and internal company resourcing as key barriers to progress. When asked about their familiarity with the Philippines’ Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (RA 11285), results show that the local business leaders are only “very to moderately familiar” with the policy. Most business leaders also expressed that they are moderately confident (44%) in meeting the terms of the policy.

Despite progress, the survey also reveals a persistent ‘Green Impact Gap’ in Asia—a misalignment between regional companies’ declared sustainability goals and the tangible actions taken to achieve them.

Navigating the Path to Net Zero

A notable difference between companies that have implemented sustainability strategies and other organizations lies in their commitment to supply chain sustainability. Nearly half (49%) of companies that have implemented strategies in Asia have identified supply chain sustainability as a key investment focus for the next two years, compared to around a third (34%) of other companies. This distinction translates into significantly higher rates of collaboration with suppliers to ensure sustainable sourcing practices and reduce environmental impact throughout the supply chain.

Survey results show that 41% of Asian firms that are implementing sustainability strategies plan to invest $1 million or more in the next two years, compared to 31% of other organizations. These efforts include navigating emerging standards and regulations.

The results also reveal that energy supply and demand volatility (56%) and fluctuating energy prices (51%) are the top energy risks for Philippine companies. In response, the companies are taking steps by adopting technologies such as energy/resource efficiency measures (49%) and digitalization of systems/operations (47%) to address these challenges and meet their energy goals.

“There is a substantial opportunity to accelerate progress and close the gap between ambition and action. This involves reassessing organizational priorities and strategically allocating resources to achieve resilience through digital transformation. We believe that sustainability drives business growth, value creation, and should be at the heart of every firm’s business strategy,” Catane added.

Schneider Electric is a leading global provider of electrification, automation, and digitalization solutions for future-proof data centers, smart industries, robust infrastructures, intelligent buildings, and intuitive homes. It has been a part of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for 13 years running, having been named the “World’s Most Sustainable Company” by Time Magazine in 2024.

Ms. Che Diaz, Executive Vice President for Commercial, and Atty. Karlo Marco P. Estavillo, Chief Operating Officer of Shang Properties receive the BCI Asia Top Developers award presented by BCI and Daikin Philippines.

One of BCI Asia’s Top Developers for 2024 is Shang Properties, Inc. (SPI), a renowned developer and manager of premier properties in the Philippines.

Top developers, contractors, and architectural firms from Asian countries—Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam—have been featured by BCI since 2005. The award, which is given based on strict criteria, emphasizes and weighs a developer’s total worth of ongoing projects, commitment to sustainability, and contributions to the built environment of the area.

“BCI’s recognition of the work we do in the Philippines is a testament to years of thoughtfully building our portfolio,” said Atty. Karlo Marco P. Estavillo, SPI’s Chief Operating Officer. “Every project that we unveiled in the past year is also proof of our optimism about the market. We are looking forward to the momentum that comes with urban renewal and an improving macroeconomic and interest environment.”

The BCI recognition comes after SPI’s successful launch of Shang Summit, an 80-storey residential tower in Quezon City, Metro Manila,  Shang Bauhinia Residences, its first venture into Cebu, and LAYA, a 67-storey tower in Pasig that is made for a market of creative tastemakers, professionals, and young families.

SPI entered the residential market in 2002, working with internationally acclaimed architects, designers, and artisans to make spaces that embody luxury, attention to detail, and creative refinement. Since then, it has launched and managed successful projects in prime locations across Metro Manila.

Shang Properties Inc. proudly receives the BCI Asia Top Developers 2024 plaque.

Shang Properties Inc. proudly receives the BCI Asia Top Developers 2024 plaque.

Meanwhile, SPI’s other ongoing project, Shang Residences at Wack Wack in Mandaluyong, is nearing completion and is poised to boost the developer’s lived-in portfolio and its residential segment’s income.

 “We are happy to see SPI’s strategy validated by peers from BCI and by the market. We promise to continue doing the difficult but rewarding work of creating living spaces with timeless elegance,” added Maria Rochelle S. Diaz, SPI’s Executive Vice President – Commercial.

A few of SPI’s well-known projects are One Shangri-La Place in Ortigas Center, Horizon Homes in Bonifacio Global City, Shangri-La Plaza, The St. Francis Shangri-La Place, The Enterprise Center, The Shang Grand Tower, Shang Salcedo Place, The Rise in Makati, and Assembly Grounds at The Rise. Currently one of the newest five-star international hotels to open in the Philippines, Shangri-La at the Fort is owned by SPI.

Go to https://www.shangproperties.com/ for additional details.

Alsons Dev receives the Sapphire Award and the Most Compliant Award  at BDO Home Loan’s Top Developer Partners for 2023, recognizing their commitment to excellence in the industry

At the BDO Annual Developers’ Appreciation Event, the leading real estate firm in Davao City, Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev), was recognized as one of BDO Home Loan’s Top Developer Partners for 2023. Officially receiving the Most Compliant Award and the renowned Sapphire Award, Alsons Dev demonstrated their commitment to serving the changing real estate demands of Mindanaoans and offering outstanding customer service.

This is the first time the developer from Davao has been recognized by BDO on the esteemed list. Being the only recipient from Davao and Mindanao, Alsons Dev demonstrated its distinctive impact and dedication to quality in the real estate market, reinforcing its standing as a leader in the region’s sector.

Please visit https://alsonsdev.com/ to learn more about Alsons Dev.

917 Hapag Movement families to receive grocery package, cinema experience

In honor of G DAY, Globe effectively encouraged its users to contribute to the fight against forced hunger, accomplishing its objective of accumulating 100,000 Globe Rewards points five days ahead of schedule.

100,000 Globe consumers contributed 1 Rewards point apiece through the G-gantic Goals campaign to the Hapag Movement, an initiative aimed at reducing forced hunger and giving disadvantaged families across the country access to possibilities for employment.

G-gantic Goals is among activities being held in celebration of G DAY, Globe’s annual event commemorating its iconic 917 prefix. Beyond exclusive rewards and exciting surprises, Globe is offering an opportunity for customers to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need through the campaign.

“G-gantic Goals or GGG empowers our customers to become active agents of change, helping combat hunger and contributing to broader sustainable development goals. We are very grateful to those who helped us achieve our G-Gantic Goal of raising 100,000 Rewards points for the Hapag Movement faster than expected!” said Jerome Patalud, Head of Globe Rewards.

Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, added: “By aligning our G Day celebration with The Hapag Movement, we’re showcasing how technology can be a force for social good. This campaign exemplifies how business goals, customer engagement, and social responsibility can come together to create shared value for everyone involved.”

G-gantic Goals called for 1-point Rewards donations from its customers starting September 1, kicking off the month-long G DAY celebrations. The donation period was supposed to end on September 20, but Globe reached the 100,000 target by September 15.

The campaign will culminate on September 28, Saturday of the National Family Week with a special treat for 917 Hapag Movement beneficiary families or about 3,688 individuals who will receive G Day grocery baskets filled with food essentials worth over Php 1 million.

As an added surprise, the families will also be treated to a free movie screening where they can watch together and bond— an experience that will be a first for some. The screenings will take place at select Ayala Malls Cinemas nationwide: TriNoma, Ayala Malls Feliz, U.P. Town Center, Ayala Malls MarQuee Mall in Pampanga, Ayala Center Cebu, and Ayala Malls Abreeza in Davao.

Globe is collaborating with partners including Ayala Foundation, Scholars of Sustenance Philippines, Ayala Malls Cinemas, and Puregold Price Club Inc. to bring this special treat to life.

Customers of Globe can utilize their Rewards points to assist causes in a variety of ways, including through G-gantic Goals. Globe emphasizes that this year’s G Day events are open to all of its clients and that even small individual efforts can have a big group effect.

Check out the GlobeOne app or go to http://glbe.co/GDayEveryday for additional details about G Day and G-Gantic Goals.
 

• Chris Leong, Chief Marketing Officer of Schneider Electric, emphasizes three pillars that businesses should implement to future-proof their operations: Electrification, Automation, and Digitalization.
• Schneider Electric identified pivotal megatrends shaping industries and customer needs that present opportunities for businesses to innovate. 

During a roundtable discussion titled “Unlocking Sustainable Impact Through Innovation: Path Towards a Future-ready Business Landscape,” Schneider Electric and Makati Business Club gathered business leaders and executives from various industries and discussed how businesses can integrate sustainability in their business growth strategies.

Global leader in energy management and automation, Schneider Electric, is pushing local industries to embrace sustainability as a core business growth strategy instead of just a CSR project. These industries include data centers, manufacturing, infrastructure, power and grid, and water utilities.

In light of the global challenges posed by climate change, increasing energy costs, and the current Administration’s emphasis on sustainable development, Schneider Electric underscores the criticality of incorporating sustainability into every facet of their operations in order to sustain competitiveness and readiness for the future.

During a recent roundtable discussion hosted by Schneider Electric together with the Makati Business Club, Schneider Electric’s Chief Marketing Officer and one of Forbes’ 2024 most influential CMOs in the world, Chris Leong, stated that sustainability is no longer optional but essential for long-term business success. “At Schneider Electric, we believe that sustainability should be the heart of business strategy, driving growth, innovation, and value creation. Through electrification, automation, and digitalization, we empower industries to achieve this transformation.”

Schneider Electric’s approach to sustainability is built on three-prong strategies: Strategize, Digitize and Decarbonize.

Strategize is all about setting measurable and strategic sustainability ambitions. For Schneider Electric, all the research and development of the brand is centered on its sustainability goals. The Schneider Electric Sustainability Impact Program (SSI), a concrete and measurable roadmap, tracks the company’s progress towards its environmental, societal and governance (ESG) targets. The report is published quarterly through the company website. Digitize is all about digitalizing tools to capture energy usage and carbon footprint in real time. All Schneider Electric distribution hubs and manufacturing facilities across the world are equipped with digital solutions allowing facilities to harness data analytics real time to measure operational efficiency. Meanwhile, Decarbonize refers to the action plan. Schneider Electric’s end-to-end portfolio of technologies brings electrification to reality, leveraging these solutions enable real time monitoring of energy usage and carbon impact possible contributing to business profitability goals.

Megatrends Shaping the Future

Schneider Electric has identified five pivotal megatrends shaping industries and customer needs: Digitization and Artificial Intelligence (AI) brought about by the global digital transformation scaling up significantly power usage, need for concrete solutions to fight against Climate Change, Energy Transition through electrification, Evolution of Wealth driven by increased demand in electrification and data that provide fresh opportunities to emerging economies as countries and companies alike rethink how they operate, and new Global Equilibrium where there is a shift in paradigm due to supply chain evolutions.

Chris Leong, Chief Marketing Officer of Schneider Electric, urged PH companies during the roundtable discussion hosted by Schneider Electric and Makati Business Club to implement a three-prong approach to future-proof their operations: Electrification, Automation, and Digitalization.
 

Leong highlighted that these megatrends offer opportunities for businesses in various industries to innovate. “Digitization and AI are transforming energy management. Climate change drives the shift to renewables, reshaping industries, and markets,” she added.

A heightened focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) can catalyze innovation, efficiency, cost reduction, and business growth. It presents opportunities to tap into new markets, attract conscious consumers, and enhance long-term resilience. For instance, research conducted with WSP Global Inc., a design and engineering consulting firm, found that digital building and power management solutions help in reducing operational carbon emissions in existing office buildings by up to 42 percent, with return on these investments can be expected in around three years.

Leong concluded, “We are more than a technology provider. As sustainability practitioners, we empower our partners to achieve their ESG goals through innovative digital solutions. Our recommendation is to not shy away from action but make environmental claims that are clear, credible, and can be verified because sustainability is our passport to operate in the future.”

Schneider Electric was named the most sustainable company in the world by Time Magazine and Statista, in recognition of the company’s dedication to sustainability. Since 2018, the business has assisted clients in reducing and avoiding their carbon emissions by 553 million tons of CO2.

Eastern Communications and Roxas City partners raise a toast for Eastern’s launch in the city. [Form L to R:] ETPI Head of Visayas Regional Operations Rafael Castellano, Capiz Halaran Chamber of Commerce and Industry Former President Dale Bernas, Capiz Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office Head Rio Garcia, Province of Capiz Provincial Information Officer and Spokesperson Atty. Luvim Amores, honorable Roxas City Mayor Ronnie Dadivas, Segment Marketing Head Gian Conde, Regional Sales Division Head Anthony Co, and President & CEO of Pueblo De Panay Township Jose Neri Ong.

With the debut of its services in Roxas City, Capiz, Eastern Communications, the Philippines’ innovative ICT solutions provider and telecommunications firm, continues its commitment to empower more businesses around the country. With its “Via Eastern” inaugural event on September 13, 2024, at the San Antonio Resort, Baybay, Roxas City, the telecom provider formally became a part of the city.

“We have Eastern Communications, another partner locator here in Roxas City, as we aim for more practical and efficient IT solutions. As a digital city, our LGU is heavily investing on infrastructure, talents, and utilities,” said honorable Roxas City Mayor, Ronnie Dadivas, in his speech during the Via Eastern Roxas launch event. “On behalf of the city government, we in Roxas City would like to extend our gratitude to Eastern Communications, for its presence and entrance in the city,” he added.

Roxas City Mayor, Ronnie Dadivas welcomes Eastern Communications in the city.

The expansion will provide Roxas-based enterprises with access to cutting-edge digital tools and insights on how digital transformation can propel their growth in an increasingly competitive landscape. As Eastern Communications marks its presence in the area, it plans to extend its services to other cities across Capiz in the future.

“We are excited to bring Eastern Communications’ services to Roxas City, supporting its growth and helping it thrive in the digital age,” said Mike Castañeda, Vice President and Head of Sales at Eastern Communications. “We are proud to support Roxas City’s vision of becoming a center for business and technology through our ICT solutions by offering business-grade connectivity and digital tools that address the unique needs of the local business landscape.”

Empowering Roxas City’s evolving digital and business landscape

Eastern Communications’ expansion into Roxas City aligns with the city’s anticipated growth in the coming years, especially after being recognized as one of the digital cities by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP).

Roxas is currently gearing up to establish the nearly 700-hectare Pueblo De Panay Township, which is expected to become the Philippines’ largest techno hub. The township project aims to generate over 40,000 jobs and boost the IT-BPM industry, the key focus area for the city. With a commitment to providing businesses with reliable and scalable digital solutions, Eastern Communications will help Roxas City achieve its goal of becoming a digital hub and fueling local economic growth.

Reliable connectivity and ICT solutions for Roxas City enterprises

With Roxas City’s emerging micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), the growing sectors of IT-BPM sector and tourism, Eastern Communications is ready to support businesses in driving economic development through its business-grade connectivity and customized ICT solutions. The telco provider’s expansion will bring its signature connectivity services in Roxas City, including Eastern Fiber 1, a shared high-speed fiber service designed for SMEs to ensure optimal performance during business hours, and Eastern Internet Direct Service (IDS), a dedicated internet solution tailored for uninterrupted, round-the-clock operations. These services will ensure that businesses of all sizes have access to fast, reliable, and secure internet connections, essential for day-to-day operations and growth.

A variety of ICT solutions, including network, cybersecurity, cloud, and data center solutions, as well as business applications, will also be provided by Eastern Communications. These services are intended to give nearby companies the resources they need to thrive in a market that is constantly changing and fiercely competitive. With the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN), the country’s longest undersea fiber cable network at 2,500 kilometers, the telco provider’s debut into Roxas City strengthens its national expansion. Providing dependable and robust internet connectivity throughout the nation is Eastern Communications’ purpose, which is furthered by this endeavor in collaboration with Globe Telecom Inc. and InfiniVAN, Inc. For additional information regarding Eastern Communications’ offerings, reach out to them at 5300-7000 or at their website, www.eastern.com.ph.