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Leading company in energy management and digital automation, Schneider Electric, reiterates its goal to support local manufacturing’s digital transformation by 2024

The chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian, was recently invited to Schneider Electric’s Cavite Smart Factory. The business showed Senator Win Gatchalian around their cutting edge plant, which is setting the standard for smart manufacturing in the Philippines.

The factory uses its own EcostruxureTM technology to demonstrate its creative end-to-end manufacturing solutions. With the use of the company’s patented technology, enterprises can combine a variety of assets, sensors, and other items into an open IoT architecture and software platform by utilizing the Internet of Things (IoT). Businesses can benefit from improved agility, asset performance management, cybersecurity, and energy efficiency through this. The World Economic Forum has acknowledged Schneider Electric Smart Factories as trailblazers in the transformation of global manufacturing operations towards increased productivity and efficiency through sustainable practices.

“At Schneider Electric, we remain committed to bringing global solutions to support local industries and manufacturers. Our focus this year is to strengthen our partnerships and harness the power of digitalization and efficiency to build a more sustainable tomorrow for all,” shares Atty. Norman Roland Ocana III, Head of Government Affairs of Schneider Electric Philippines.

Schneider Electric is also stepping up its partnership with PEZA in order to support the corporate sector’s delivery of clever and sustainable solutions. This will assist in elevating the nation to the forefront of innovation and industrial digitization. In November 2023, Schneider Electric and PEZA initiated the Go Ecozone forum series, which aims to inform locators registered with PEZA about the benefits of the green economy. Additionally, it gives the industrial sector a forum to exchange ideas and ask PEZA for assistance in achieving their transformational objectives.

“We will continue to collaborate with the government to deliver cutting-edge, sustainable solutions to power up industries and help boost the economy,” Ocana adds.

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Be more financially prepared for health emergencies  

The latest Manulife Asia Care Survey indicates that young Filipinos are growing increasingly aware of their health span—that is, the amount of time they will have excellent health. While the average Filipino respondent believes that they will be healthy until they are about 62 years old, younger millennials (those born between 1989 and 1996) believe that they won’t be at their best until they are 55 years old.

Because of the pandemic’s unprecedented effects, particularly on people’s health and financial situations, Filipino millennials and Gen Zs are now worried about their financial stability. They came to the realization that, given the following worries, they needed to start investing in life and health insurance or find other ways to increase their savings:

1. Their critical illness risk. Genetics, the environment, the stresses of modern living, and even binge-eating and endless feasts brought by the holidays, may conspire to put everyone at risk for various critical illnesses. Even Gen Z and millennials find that their relatively young age does not guarantee protection. For Filipinos, coronary heart diseases, tumors, and cerebrovascular conditions are the top health and mortality risks, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). 

2. Their poverty risk. Medical treatments remain costly, and they can be challenging even for the otherwise comfortable middle class. This financial burden is a significant concern for many Filipinos, with almost half or 45% of the national health expense coming from out-of-pocket payments. At least 1.5 million Filipino families are pushed to the poverty line every year due to unexpected health expenses, according to the Insurance Commission.

3. Weakened social safety nets due to economic uncertainties. Most Filipinos rely on health maintenance organization (HMO) plans and government-subsidized health insurance programs for their protection. However, with economic uncertainties causing medical inflation to soar to as high as 12-13%, Filipinos need more resources to cover the rising costs of hospital and medical treatments.

While they realize the importance of bolstering one’s health protection, some millennials and Gen Zs – many of whom are just starting their careers, shifting priorities, or changing life journeys – may feel held back by their limited income.

To address this gap and help make it easier for young Filipinos to boost their health and life protection, Manulife offers HealthFlex and FutureBoost.

HealthFlex, an innovative and flexible life and health insurance plan that protects against up to 112 critical illnesses and guarantees health coverage until age 100. Furthermore, if diagnosed with one of these covered critical illnesses, premiums are automatically waived, allowing them to focus on recovery instead of worrying about their medical bills. They can also customize their plans by adding coverage benefits for early-stage illnesses, second occurrences of cancer, heart attack, or stroke, and hospitalization and recovery assistance.

In the meantime, FutureBoost is a comprehensive plan that combines savings, health, and life insurance. It provides coverage against critical illness up to ten times the face value of the plan, or Php 15 million, and gives access to a variety of investment funds so that Filipinos can increase their savings and enhance their coverage at any time through various add-on benefits like hospital income benefit, which can assist them in covering hospital costs while safeguarding their savings. Young Filipinos can receive early protection from serious illnesses with FutureBoost while they save and get ready for their future.

Manulife aims to create creative ways to make insurance more accessible so that consumers may customize their health coverage and financially safeguard themselves and those they love most. This is because more Filipinos are looking for insurance solutions but are having trouble with budgetary restrictions.

Go to manulife.com.ph to find out more about Manulife’s health and life insurance offerings.

The OBRA Design Masterclass Program was introduced by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Trade Training Center – Global MSME Academy (PTTC-GMEA). Its goal is to give young designers and scholars mentorships and specialized furniture training.

The goal of the OBRA Design Masterclass Program is to develop and support regional talent in the creative and furniture industries. The program’s goal is to raise the bar for Filipino furniture design by skillfully fusing cutting-edge technology, eco-friendly materials, and inventive creative methods.

“In the OBRA Design Masterclass, there will be training programs from mind setting, design thinking, market-driven designs, creative process, design phase, and prototyping. We will be witnessing the participants’ progress from the raw materials to those worth selling to the international market,” PTTC-GMEA Executive Director Nelly Nita Dillera said.

The program also aims to address challenges faced in the industry that affect Filipino furniture makers’ creativity and product development. Dillera cited escalating costs of imported raw materials and the competitive landscape amid rapid development on both local and international fronts.

Moreover, according to Ruby Salutan, Executive Consultant of Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation, Inc., a critical challenge the program intends to deal with is the emigration of professionals, including skilled furniture designers, from the country. OBRA Design Masterclass focuses on cultivating a cohort of young designers capable of seamlessly entering and contributing to the industry.

DTI-Competitiveness and Innovation Group Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba highlighted in her keynote speech the pivotal role of design in shaping a product’s value, influencing consumer perceptions, demand, and market positioning, which generates value in the furniture landscape.

“In an increasingly competitive market environment, design stands as a key differentiator. Beyond keeping pace with design trends, our designs must also align with emerging consumer preferences encompassing eco-friendly materials, digital technology integration, and responsible sourcing,” Aldaba said.

The program sessions will take place simultaneously across three locations: Pampanga, Cebu, and Manila. Participants will have the opportunity to refine their skills and capabilities in crafting designs and prototypes, guided by industry-renowned furniture designers such as multi-awarded industrial designer Kenneth Cobonpue and industry partners like the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines, Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation, Inc., and Pampanga Furniture Industries Foundation, Inc.

The program is divided into three stages: designing for the market, where participating companies participate in an international event, such as the Philippines International Furniture Show in March 2024; program consultancy, where participating companies plan and execute their product development; and the designer’s phase, where they receive training in planning, execution, evaluation, and tools.

The courses for the OBRA Design Masterclass Program are expected to start in the second week of December 2023. Go to www.pttc.gov.ph or the DTI-PTTC Facebook page for additional details.

Leading foam manufacturer Uratex Philippines just achieved a noteworthy milestone to commemorate its 55th anniversary: they broke the record for the largest human mattress Domino. Beyond just breaking records, though, Uratex is celebrating by reiterating its dedication to corporate social responsibility (CSR) by contributing 2,355 mattresses to various charitable institutions around the Philippines.

In an interview during the event, Mrs. Naty Cheng, CEO and president of Uratex, emphasized the company’s dedication to giving back to the community. “Noong 40th anniversary, nagbigay na kami to forty charities. Noong 50th year, nagbigay ulit kami. Maraming nabigyan namin, buo pa yung kutson nila kaya bibigyan namin yung mga iba naman” (During our 40th anniversary, we donated to forty charities. On our 50th year, we did it again. Since many already received mattresses, we decided to help others).

Charity Foundations and Beneficiaries

Orphanages, senior housing facilities, and other nonprofits that offer refuge to the poor are among the groups that benefit from Uratex’s mattress donations. Among the notable recipients are Bethany House Sto, Gawad Kalinga, Philippine Red Cross, and CORA Non-Profit Organization. Orphanage for Young People. These organizations were carefully selected because they share Uratex’s mission and have an immediate need for mattresses.

The company’s founder, Mr. Robert Cheng, articulated the following vision: “We will not stop until we give every Filipino with a comfortable and affordable mattress to lie on.” Uratex worked with outside partners to identify charities that support community hospitals in need of appropriate bedding as well as shelters for the elderly, women, children, and adults with special needs.

The 2,355 mattresses found their way to diverse communities, including the Muslim community, orphanages, homes for the aged, hospitals with outdated mattresses, and troubled teens in need of a fresh start. Some recipients were living in poor housing conditions, relying on uncomfortable bedding or, in some cases, had never experienced the comfort of a mattress.

Locations of the charities spanned across Cebu, Agusan del Norte, Cagayan de Oro City, Isla Verde in Batangas, Metro Manila, and nearby provinces.

Isla Verde, a secluded and simple community within Verde Island in Batangas, was one of the recipients. In an interview, recipients expressed their gratitude. One recipient stated, “Maraming salamat Uratex dahil natulungan nyo kaming mabigyan ng foam dahil sa sahig lamang kami natutulog. Ngayon ay komportable na kaming matulog dahil sa foam ng Uratex” (Thank you very much, Uratex, for helping us receive a foam. Before, we only slept on the floor. Now, we can sleep comfortably because of Uratex’s foam). Another recipient also conveyed appreciation, “Akoy nagpapasalamat at kami’y inyong nabigyang pansin… Maraming salamat sa Uratex. Kami ay makakahiga sa malambot” (I am thankful that you noticed us… Thank you, Uratex. We can now sleep on something soft).

The Mattresses: A Symbol of Quality and Generosity

2,355 units of Uratex’s best-selling Classic Uratex Single (36 x 75) mattresses, which were utilized in the attempt to set a record for the largest human mattress Domino, were donated by the company. The 14 minutes and 25 second attempt to break the record demonstrated Uratex’s dedication to excellence and served as the foundation for a larger CSR project.

Uratex is demonstrating how business success can be used to improve communities by fusing the thrill of setting a world record with a sizeable philanthropic donation. This is in line with the company’s long-term goal of giving comfort to every Filipino. This innovative program shows that, for Uratex, giving back is a commitment ingrained throughout the company’s 55-year history rather than only an occasion.

AssureMax, a life insurance plan that combines protection benefits with guaranteed returns that Filipinos can use to fund their children’s education, support their businesses or passions, provide themselves a comfortable retirement, and other future needs and financial goals, was recently launched by Manulife China Bank Life Assurance Corporation (MCBL), the bancassurance partnership between Manulife and China Bank.

With its guaranteed maturity benefit of 100% of the Face Amount paid out at the end of the policy term, MCBL AssureMax, now available in 5- and 10-year payment terms, offers guaranteed life protection equal to 200% of the Face Amount, a guaranteed cash payout of 10% of the Face Amount every two years beginning at the end of the seventh year for the 5-year variant and the end of the eleventh year for the 10-year variant. It includes pre-selected or optional riders, like payor’s benefits, hospital income benefits, accidental death benefits, and other non-guaranteed benefits.

“With high protection and guaranteed returns offered by AssureMax, we want to provide Filipinos a smarter way to save, wherever they may be in their life journey. AssureMax is designed for our customers who aim to save up to purchase a new home, finance their children’s education or prepare for their retirement while ensuring insurance coverage. AssureMax is also tailor-fit for those who simply want to grow their investments or diversify their financial portfolios so they can reach their life goals,” said Neil Bowyer, President, MCBL.

With a benefit duration of 20 years or up to age 65, MCBL AssureMax is offered in two basic plans: AssureMax 20 for ages 0-65 and AssureMax 65 for ages 0-45.

Go to www.manulife-chinabank.com.ph to find out more about AssureMax.

Following a spike in sales with over 10,000 orders in a single day, the local apparel business  Make “Philippine-Made” Great (MPMG) has taken the top spot on the TikTok Philippines Men’s Fashion list for October and November 2023. Since its founding in February 2023, MPMG has grown quickly and achieved significant traction in the Philippine fashion sector, especially with younger customers.

MPMG, which is well-known for its simple styles and wide selection, provides reasonably priced, basic clothing that is adaptable in terms of styling. The brand is dedicated to offering locally produced, high-quality apparel, and it targets the younger market with fashionable yet reasonably priced fashion options. MPMG caters to the fashion needs of younger customers by offering reasonably priced, fashionable apparel options. They depart from the conventional focus on luxury labels and pricey apparel and emphasize that fashion is a tool for personal expression.

MPMG’s ascent to prominence has been largely attributed to its skillful use of social media, especially TikTok, which appeals to younger viewers. The company’s “Buy 1 Take 1” promotion helped it become much more visible and successful, as evidenced by the day-by-day sales of over 10,000 units.

“This milestone marks a groundbreaking moment for MPMG as it is not just a win for our brand ergo, it’s a bold statement about the rising influence and global potential of Philippine-made fashion. Our journey, from a local startup to a trendsetter in less than a year reflects our deep connection with the youth and our ability to turn minimalist designs into a fashion revolution. We’re not just selling clothes; we’re weaving the vibrant spirit and creativity of the Philippines into every fabric. This is more than fashion; it’s a movement,” said Kevin Co, CEO of MPMG.

MPMG encourages consumers to support fashion created in the Philippines as it works to maintain its position as a leader in the industry. The brand intends to launch additional projects in its pursuit of changing the perception of fashion, empowering youth, and making a significant impact on the international fashion industry.

Social Media Accounts:

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@mpmgofficialstore 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mpmgofficialstore 

Shopee: www.shopee.ph/mpmgofficialstore  

Lazada: www.lazada.com.ph/shop/mpmg-men-s-clothing 

In Pastrana, Leyte, Procter & Gamble (P&G) Philippines, the nation’s top producer of hygiene and health products for consumers, is building an environmentally friendly community health center and birthing facility in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity Philippines. Notably, the facility represents a major step towards sustainability as it is primarily constructed from retrieved plastic trash.

Community Partnerships in Pastrana, Leyte

Pastrana, surrounded by coconut plantations and rice fields, is going through a significant change in terms of sanitation and healthcare. The health center is an outward manifestation of the municipality’s active embrace of sustainable development, which is being backed by the corporate sector and non-governmental organizations.

P&G and Habitat Philippines have been working together to create sustainable communities since 2017. P&G’s significant community involvement in Leyte, which includes the building of this health facility with the goal of improving access to basic healthcare services for low-income families, has been made possible thanks in large part to the solid cooperation.

In August 2023, a local project management team, comprising community members, barangay leaders, the local government of Pastrana, and the regional Department of Health (DOH) representatives came together to ensure that the health center would not only meet but exceed DOH standards for healthcare facilities. This eco-friendly health center project will serve approximately 1,100 individuals, catering to their basic healthcare needs and giving access to proper pre and post-natal care for mothers.

Innovative Construction: The Science behind the Health Center

At the core of this health center is an innovative and sustainable approach— the use of eco-casts. Manufactured from single-use plastics collected by the Habitat community in Kawayanville, Tacloban City, these recycled materials were used in the health center’s construction.

The process involves shredding plastic waste and combining it with aggregates, including sand, gravel, cement, additives, and water. The mixture is then pressed and molded using a specialized machine, followed by a seven-day drying and curing process.

Particularly, the eco-cast outperforms concrete hollow blocks in quality, providing higher thermal insulation and exceptional fire resistance (179 minutes or 3 hours). It is more compact and sturdier, with a strength recording of 700 psi, more than 4 times higher than the 150 psi of hollow blocks, ensuring a robust building.

Sustaining Long-Term Health Impact

Habitat for Humanity Philippines’ current focus is on sustaining the health center’s functionality. In collaboration with the local government unit of Pastrana and the regional DOH office, it provided Basic Health Training for Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), empowering them to independently maintain the health center.

Marilyn Estrellado, Programs and Operations Director of Habitat for Humanity Philippines shared, “The trained BHWs from the community will help man the facility, augmenting the capacity of health professionals provided by the LGU and DOH. We also appreciate Pastrana LGU and the DOH’s commitment to providing constant medical supplies, manpower, and proper maintenance of the health center to ensure improved access to quality health care and services for the community members in need.”

In the areas where it conducts business, P&G has dedicated itself to becoming a Force for Good and a Force for Growth. To better the lives of about 2,000 people in Barangay Baganihan, P&G and Habitat Philippines constructed their first health facility in Marilog, Davao in April 2021. The center offers a full health and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) program. In 2024, another environmentally friendly health facility is scheduled to open in Sterling Park, Caloocan, Metro Manila, with an emphasis on providing assistance to 1,500 people living in informal settlements.

Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands.

In keeping with its ambitious goal of enabling business owners of all sizes to tap into the worldwide market, the nation’s top logistics company, In-line Forwarder, gathered Cebu exporters last October for the “Usapang Exports: Unlocking Export Opportunities” event, which was sponsored by DTI Region 7 (Central Visayas) and the Department of Trade and Industry’s Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB).

Almost a hundred entrepreneurs and exporters from important sectors like furniture, handicrafts, and agriculture convened at Cebu City’s Golden Prince Hotel. Alongside leading industry experts from the Food and Drug Administration, Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Forest Management Bureau, Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau of International Trade Relations, and Bureau of Customs, In-line Forwarder discussed the nuances of logistics and brokerage solutions for export fulfillment.

“It is a huge honor for us to collaborate with the DTI EMB, as well as key agencies of the Philippine government to take our export sector to the next level,” says Herbert Caragay, Operations Head of In-Line Forwarder. “Helping our community of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the nation through our strategic expertise in logistics is key for our exporters to navigate the evolving dynamics of global trade and supply chain.”

Usapang Exports is an official DTI-EMB project under its Philippine Export Competitiveness Program which aims to capacitate existing and aspiring exporters through learning sessions on export opportunities, trends, cross-border regulations, and other timely topics.  One-on-one consultation sessions were also conducted in Cebu by In-line Forwarder, Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Plant and Industry, DENR, and the Philippine Exporters Confederation.

According to In-line Forwarder, they now have 6 offices across the country, including Cebu, and is bound to open a new warehouse in the United States for import-export facilitation and cross-border fulfillment operations.

Key preparations are also underway towards the National Exporters Week from December 4 to 7 spearheaded by the DTI-EMB, Export Development Council, and PHILEXPORT. It will be a crucial gathering of large export players, government agencies, and export enablers including In-Line Forwarder who will be part of the enablers exhibit at the Sheraton Hotel on December 7, the same day as the National Exporters Congress. The theme for this year is “Agile Philippines: Empowering Exporters towards Global Excellence.”

MSMEs can register for a free account at www.inlineforwarder.ph to take advantage of In-line Forwarder’s discounted pricing for its export service. Additionally, you can get in touch with them online at www.facebook.com/InlineForwarders, which is their official Facebook page.