Lorna Ochoa Bayani – Nurse Supervisor at Fabella, Mitch Arce, and Pinky Fabro
Michelle Garcia-Arce, a marketing and public relations expert, recently organized a birthday charity dinner at Origine Restaurant, Brittany Hotel BGC, to support Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, which is regarded as the most significant maternity healthcare center in the Philippines.
The event, which was planned by Storytellers Management Inc., had a delectable Spanish meal that Chef Alexandra Cacho of Origine Restaurant had handpicked. A buffet of pintos, paella, and other gastronomic treats were served to the guests, who were then treated to desserts from Arce Dairy Ice Cream.
Consul Fortune Aleta Ledesma, generously donated diapers to Fabella Hospital
With one of the highest birth rates in the nation, Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital serves the greater Manila area and sees 150 newborns on average every day. Two single beds are pushed together to accommodate four to five women and their newborns due to lack of resources.
At the charity dinner, 13,500 diapers were raised, and on March 8, they were given to the hospital.
“We are immensely thankful to Mitch and all the donors for their generous contribution. This donation will make a significant difference in the lives of the infants and families we serve at Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital,” says Dr. Antoinette Pacapac, chair for external affairs committee at Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital.
Ariel and Mitch Arce, Alma Arvisu, Doreen Odvina, and Jj Arvisu
“Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital has a special place in my heart as a mother of two incredible children. I salute everyone at the hospital who are working tirelessly to help mothers and their families,” says Mitch, president of Storytellers Management Inc. and Salmo Trading and Distribution Corporation.
Alsons Dev’s recent recognition from BPI is a testament to its commitment to providing efficient, high-quality real estate services.
Accolades in title delivery and production at the recent Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Partners Appreciation Night further cement Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev)’s reputation as a distinguished Davao City real estate developer. The ceremony, which honored BPI’s top-performing business partners in a number of categories, was held on March 14 at Plaza Moriones in Fort Santiago.
Padayon! The Alsons Dev team, headed by Legal Management Head Gloria P. Concepcion (third from right), receives the awards for the fifth consecutive year.
Although Alsons Dev has received praise at the BPI Partners Appreciation Night for the last five years, this year is especially noteworthy because it was named the Top 1 Local Developer in Title Delivery Performance. The company’s prompt transfer of property titles to homeowners is highlighted by this award. Furthermore, Alsons Dev was selected as one of the Top 5 Local Developers in Production according to the quantity of BPI home loans that the company’s customers had scheduled. The developer’s ability to work quickly and in large quantities is evidence of its effectiveness and commitment to providing excellent client service. It further emphasizes how many homeowners consider Alsons Dev properties as a reliable option.
Global leader in digital automation and energy management, Schneider Electric, releases the results of its annual Sustainability Survey, which was carried out in collaboration with international research firm Millieu Insight.
According to the results, 60% of APAC’s business executives believe that sustainability is a “high priority” for both their organization and their nation. 94% of business leaders concur that electrification is essential to their corporate sustainability plan when it comes to the industry’s perception of digital transformation. Ninety-nine percent of local company leaders in the Philippines have set goals to operate at Net Zero.
The survey engaged 4,500 C-level to Middle-level business leaders across nine countries in Southeast and East Asia, including the Philippines. The objective is to gauge sentiments and actions on sustainability within APAC and the local business community.
“We are seeing a growing trajectory towards greater sustainability integration into our local industries’ operations. As a leader in sustainable energy management solutions, Schneider Electric is reaffirming its commitment to support the business industry and the government in their pursuit towards their shift to green energy,” said Ireen Catane, Country President of Schneider Electric Philippines.
Intention vs. Action: The Green Action Gap
The Green Action Gap, a Schneider Electric identified metric used to estimate the rift between the organizations’ declared commitment towards their sustainability goals and the tangible actions to implement sustainable development by companies. It reveals that while 99% of the surveyed leaders have established sustainability plans, only 58% have set their plans in action. The reasons captured include: poor incentives, regulations uncertainty, bureaucratic challenges, market data references insufficiencies and lack of business priority. While challenges persist, this gap serves as a rallying call for urgent efforts to bridge intentions with actions.
Although most of the companies in Asia have established sustainability goals or targets, less than half (4 in 10) have implemented or are currently practicing a comprehensive sustainability strategy, according to Schneider Electric’s annual Sustainability Survey.
Across the region, the top reasons reported for pursuing corporate sustainability were innovation and competitiveness (39%) and an increase in business opportunities (37%) with countries in Southeast Asia most likely to agree that sustainability contributes to business growth. Risk management, reputation and opportunity for cost saving round out the top five motivating factors companies consider when making decisions around sustainability strategy.
Most business leaders across the region (82% on average) believe that providing more incentives is more effective than enforcing penalties to encourage private sector compliance with government sustainability goals.
“We are encouraged by the growing awareness and commitment among Asia’s companies to establish sustainability goals. However, the survey’s findings on the intention-action gap reveal that there is still work to be done. As we navigate the urgent need for sustainability, it becomes more crucial for businesses and the public sector to collaborate and leverage innovative solutions to create a more sustainable future,” Catane emphasized.
Electricity 4.0: Path to Net Zero
To be on track for a net zero world in 2050, businesses need to reduce emissions by 50% this decade. At the recently concluded Philenergy Expo 2024, Schneider Electric introduced its global vision, Electricity 4.0, which shows how digitalization is the key to mitigate climate and energy crises.
From the survey report, results show that 97% of Philippine companies agree/strongly agree that digitalization is a key sustainability driver. The same number also consider energy efficiency as a core aspect of their sustainability plan.
“Electricity is the cleanest and most visible form of energy. By building a smart electric world where everything is interconnected, people will have the ability to optimize safety, reliability, performance, and lifespan. All while working towards achieving our global carbon neutrality goal by 2050,” says Catane.
In order to assist Philippine firms in digitizing, decarbonizing, and strategizing, Schneider Electric provides a variety of state-of-the-art integrated solutions.
The company’s exclusive EcoStruxure system links an organization from the shop floor to the top by combining hardware and software. Because of this, users can monitor and improve their operations in real time, leading to more efficient operations and lower energy usage.
“With digitization, energy shifts from being the biggest driver of carbon emissions to the biggest opportunity for carbon reduction. We have the tools that we need to drive change. All we need to do is to work together to make that happen,” Catane added.
Discover the newest perspectives shaping sustainability, electricity 4.0, and next generation automation on Schneider Electric Insights.
On March 21, 2024, at the Launchgarage Innovation Hub in Quezon City, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) formally unveiled the top five startup finalists for the Accelerating Development, Valuation, and Corporate Entrepreneurship (ADVanCE) for Creatives Program.
After being chosen from a starting group of eight growth-stage companies, the top five candidates were evaluated based on organizational capability, business development, and preparedness. During these sessions, DTI and Launchgarage assessed each startup on the basis of its current state of product development, team composition, goals for the future, and obstacles, with an emphasis on how the program may help it flourish. This made sure that the selected finalists were not only capable of handling upcoming obstacles but also in a position to significantly influence the creative industry with their creative and adaptable solutions.
The top five finalists are AniMattify, a startup transforming print ads into animations; KikoMonster Creative Studio, providing creative solutions from Zamboanga; Bihasa, merging instructional design with production for learning videos; ROC.PH Digital Marketing Services, assisting businesses and professionals through website management, digital marketing consultation, creative design, and strategy implementation; and Bentamo, a tech startup showcasing creative Filipino brands. The finalists will undergo intensive training based on the specific interventions identified during the needs assessment.
The ADVanCE for Creatives program, launched on December 5, 2023, aligns with the visions outlined in the Innovative Startup Act (ISA) and the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA). This initiative underscores DTI’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth in the Philippines.
DTI Undersecretary for Competitiveness and Innovation Group Rafaelita M. Aldaba commended the selected startups, emphasizing DTI’s dedication to supporting their growth. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the top five startup finalists of the ADVanCE for Creatives program,” said Usec. Aldaba. “DTI is proud to support the development of these promising startups as they contribute to the advancement of the Philippine Creative Industries.”
The finalists will receive in-depth instruction via a sequence of educational workshops, industry expert mentorship, and tailored business matchmaking and acceleration initiatives. A demo day in April, which marks the program’s culmination, will provide the businesses a chance to present their work and draw in possible partners and investors.
To support the Philippine Creative Industries even more, DTI previously unveiled ten carefully chosen creative startups and enterprises for the Incubation, Development, and Entrepreneurial Assistance (IDEA) program. The startups that were chosen for IDEA are Wika, 7×7 Development Corporation, MVRK Simulations, Pamitisan Shoe Shop, Transcend Studios Inc., Kwentoon, Carisle Media Corporation, Produkto PH, DND Denim N’ Denim, and Brave Story.
Earlier, Digido announced that it has served over one million Filipinos through its safe, reliable and inclusive digital lending services.
Digido, a multi-awarded consumer finance company, has received eleven award recognitions from four prestigious international financial and business periodicals as of the end of the first three months of this year.
The digital lending service was recognized as the nation’s “Best New Fintech Company” and the Philippines’ “Best New Online Lending Services” by the Global Banking & Finance Awards® for the second consecutive year.
Three titles were won by Digido at the World Economic Magazine Awards: “Best Personal Loans Provider Philippines 2024,” “Best Customer Service Company For Finance Philippines 2024,” and “Best New Online Lending Services Philippines 2024.”
The Global Financial Market Review named the platform the “Best Digital Lending App in the Philippines” while the Gazet International Awards recognized Digido in five categories: “Best Digital Lending Firm Philippines 2024”, “Most Customer-Friendly Financial Solutions Philippines 2024”, “Most Innovative Digital Lending App Philippines 2024”, “Best Digital Loan App Philippines 2024”, and “Best Digital Lending Platform Philippines 2024”.
Earlier, Digido announced that it has served over one million Filipinos through its safe, reliable and inclusive digital lending services.
Commenting on the 11 awards, Digido business development manager Rose Arreco said: “We recognize the unprecedented nature of this series of recognitions from these prestigious finance and business publications and feel incredibly humbled. We at Digido have been striving to ensure we remain a trusted financial partner for the Philippines’ underserved, and these awards are stark reminders to do so with the consumer at the forefront.”
Because of their versatility and ease of usage, personal loans were the most preferred formal credit option, according to a previous Digido-commissioned survey, which found that 54% of respondents had one in 2023.
With Digido’s First Loan For Free program, first-time borrowers can obtain a normal personal loan up to PHP 25,000 for returning customers and up to PHP 4,000 with no interest for first-time borrowers. It is available via Lazada Loans, its apps on Google Play and the iOS App Store, and its official website, digido.ph.
Auto Tech and Mobility Association Officers: Mr. Mark Saberola, Chairman and President, Ms. Odessa Escartin, Treasurer, and Atty. Marlon Valderama, Corporate Secretary.
David Almarinez from PeekUp and Alan Cheah from Carsome delighted the visitors with their engaging keynote addresses at the most recent roundtable. A significant milestone for ATMAI was also reached at the event when they signed a formal agreement to collaborate with Asia Events Group. This collaboration exemplifies ATMAI’s commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the automotive technology and mobility sectors and paves the way for the upcoming Future of Automotive conference, which is slated to take place in Pasay City. The event served as a great platform for introducing ATMAI’s new leadership team, who are equipped to lead the company into a bright future.
Mr. Mark Saberola, a seasoned auto industry professional with over two decades of experience, was elected as President and Chairman of ATMAI. A diverse group of officers who each bring a wealth of knowledge and commitment to the association complement his leadership, to wit:
– Ms. Odessa Escartin, Treasurer, brings her insightful experience from the event management and insurtech industries to oversee the association’s financial health.
– Atty. Marlon Valderrama, Corporate Secretary, a startup lawyer and a legal tech founder, lends his extensive legal expertise to ensure governance and compliance.
This dynamic team is further supported by a board of directors comprised of Mr. Jayvee De Leon of Forent, Ms. Olive Escartin of Oseas Tech, Mr. Kevin Abalos of AutoServed, Mr. Zes Martinez of Fame Technologies and Mr. Homer Nievera of Negosentro Group, all distinguished professionals from various sectors within the auto tech and mobility industry, all committed to driving forward the association’s mission.
“The introduction of our new officers at the Roundtable ATM marks a historic moment for our association, signaling the beginning of a new era of leadership committed to pioneering innovation in the auto tech and mobility space.” said President Mark Saberola. “With the collective expertise and vision of our leadership team, ATMAI is poised to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities of the future, making significant contributions to the industry.”
The Roundtable ATM event provided an engaging platform for discussions on the latest trends, challenges, and advancements in the auto tech and mobility sectors, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving the industry forward.
In addition to expressing its gratitude to the Roundtable ATM participants, ATMAI urges all parties involved in the automotive technology and mobility sectors to collaborate with it in its efforts to innovate and promote sustainable mobility and technological excellence in the future.
Visit the adobo SheCreative Conference 2024: Forging A Sustainable Future for Creativity to witness the power of creativity and teamwork. There, “Women Arise” to discuss a sustainable future for the creative industry. As committed to innovation as our speakers and attendees, we have partnered with Future Proof, RMN, Cignal TV, Shangri-La The Fort, PANA, ASEAN SOGIE Caucus, and Asia Society Philippines to bring you this important event.
Attend the 2024 #adoboSheCreative Conference presented by adobo magazine to find out how we can create a creative future that is sustainable. Women leaders are rising up and reinventing tomorrow in a world where optimism is much needed in our creative sectors.
Happening this March 26, 2024, 2PM at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, learn what these women have said, done, and promised towards forging a more sustainable future for our creative industries. Let them spark those same fires within you. Now, more than ever, the future is female.
With a line up of fabulous speakers, we are thrilled to announce the following women:
Loren Legarda – Keynote Speaker – Senator, Philippines Pro Tempore
Rhea Matute – Executive Director, DTI – Design Center of the Philippines
Lisa Collins – Director of Experience Platform, Accenture
Peachy Pacquing – Managing Director, Hyper Island Asia
Pia Colby – Vice President of Marketing, Globe Telecom
Jane Jimenez-Basas – President and CEO, Cignal TV
Lui Castaneda – PR and Influencer Lead, Unilever Beauty and Wellbeing
Merlee Jayme – Founder and Chairmom, The Misfits Camp
Join together with women who are paving the way for a more promising and sustainable future and benefit from their ideas and leadership. Tickets are available for purchase at https://adoboshecreative.helixpay.ph.
In a time when customers need immediate, clear information about what they’ve bought, the supply chain sector is going through a radical change. According to 77% of retail workers surveyed in Zebra Technologies’ 2023 Global Shopper Study, consumers today are more aware than ever before, indicating a well-educated and discriminating consumer base.
Businesses are redesigning their goods and supply chains to deliver more transparency, resilience, and sustainability in response to these changing consumer expectations. The survey also shows that 7% of businesses are using business analytics and intelligence now or in the future as part of their supply chain management plans.
Responding to these industry challenges, GS1 Philippines, the leading organization on local barcode standards, has announced the start of the adoption of the 2D barcode in the Philippines aimed to further enhance operational efficiency in the supply chain industry and bridge better product engagement between businesses and consumers in the advent of digital labeling.
The 2D barcode, most popularly known as “QR code,” leverages web technologies and the current barcode system to store extensive product information in just one scan. Through the QR codes, brand owners and retailers can easily interact with consumers and shoppers by providing in-depth information on their physical products. By scanning the QR code with a smartphone, buyers can instantly see ingredients, allergens, recipes, rewards, and promotions, as well as brand-authorized details about where the item was manufactured, facts about sustainable sourcing, guidance on recycling, easy ways to re-order and other kinds of information.
The QR code also allows retailers and supermarkets to ensure product safety, guarantee product freshness, and reduce food waste. Additionally, it enables regulators to check a product’s sustainable characteristics.
Moreover, the migration to the 2D barcodes improves operational efficiency in the supply chain industries. In addition to holding GS1’s global trade item number found in the traditional 1D barcodes, the QR codes can now store essential information, such as a product’s batch or lot number, serial number, and expiry date. With access to crucial data, all stakeholders in the supply chain can boost transparency, improve inventory management, enable traceability and sustainability initiatives, and simplify recall and return processes.
“In the face of rapid technological advancements, it’s critical that we adapt to empower the supply chain industry further. The introduction of QR code technology serves as Pandora’s box, opening infinite possibilities for brands and retailers to make their operations more efficient and improve customer engagement. GS1 Philippines members pave the way in this groundbreaking transition to more efficient and robust supply chain operations,” GS1 Philippines President Roberto “Bobby” Claudio said.
The announcement aligns with the global commemoration of GS1 Global’s 50th anniversary of the barcode’s invention, celebrating a legacy of innovation in business solutions through web technologies and GS1 Standards.
By 2027, GS1 Philippines hopes to have industry ready for the switch to 2D barcodes. By then, 2D barcodes enabled by GS1 can be read and processed by every retail point-of-sale scanner in the world, and widespread global brand owner implementation has taken place.
By the end of 2024, GS1 Philippines, which currently serves over 5,000 shops, hopes to have reached 30,000 establishments across the country.
Visit https://www.gs1ph.org/ or their Facebook page to discover the limitless possibilities of a single scan with GS1’s 2D barcode technology.
Artwork by Demi Padua, this year’s Art in The Park’s featured artist, for BPI. Artwork will be printed on fans exclusively distributed to BPI clients at the fair.
The highly anticipated yearly art expo, Art in the Park, is returning for its 18th year, offering an eclectic display of Filipino ingenuity and a special chance for art fans to immerse themselves in a lively display of talent. This year’s event, which is organized by Philippine Art Events, Inc., brings together over 60 exhibitors from independent art spaces, galleries, art collectives, and student organizations, providing a vibrant forum for interaction and involvement.
Art in the Park, which will be held on March 17, 2024, at Jaime Velasquez Park, Salcedo Village in Makati, provides a wide selection of artworks at a price cap of P70,000, enabling attendees to purchase sought-after pieces at reasonable costs. Through its all-inclusive approach, Art in the Park hopes to promote a closer relationship between artists and the community as well as democratize art appreciation.
One of the featured artists at this year’s event is Demi Padua, a native of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, whose journey in artistry began at a young age. Drawing inspiration from childhood imagination, everyday experiences, and the desire to express his true identity, Demi’s paintings and sculptures captivate viewers with their Trompe L’oeil style, blending theatrical production elements with visual arts.
As part of its commitment to making art accessible to all, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is offering exclusive privileges to its credit cardholders during Art in the Park 2024. BPI Credit Cardholders can enjoy up to 6 months Real 0% Special Installment Plan (SIP) for a minimum purchase of P3,000 at the fair. Additionally, BPI offers a Buy Now Pay 3 months Later option and a 100% Bonus Madness Limit on installment purchases for qualified cardholders, providing a convenient and affordable way to acquire exclusive art pieces.
Art in the Park is another day of celebration for art enthusiasts to foster a deeper appreciation on Filipino’s creativity and continues to be a platform to make art more accessible to the public.
Art enthusiasts of all ages should look forward to an engaging experience from Art in the Park in 2024. Don’t pass up the chance to interact with the dynamic Filipino art scene and discover the variety of talents on display at this year’s festival.
As per its commitments, Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PPCPI) keeps creating initiatives and strategies to help its staff members understand and accept the importance of sustainability in their daily lives. In keeping with the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN, PCPPI, the sole manufacturer and distributor of beloved brands like Pepsi, Mountain Dew, and Gatorade, holds itself responsible to three main pillars: inclusive business, water stewardship, and circular economy.
“Today’s consumers exercise a keener sense of discernment, particularly when it relates to the values of the companies they support,” said Atty. Carina S. Bayon, PCPPI’s Chief Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Officer. “For PCPPI, sustainability has always been at the heart of our operations. From encouraging process and technological innovation to employee education and engagement, we make a conscious effort to create positive impact on society, the environment, and the communities where we operate,” she added.
Caring for the environment remains a top priority for PCPPI, and programs that encourage employees to adopt mindful habits is key. For example, waste segregation is practiced across its facilities as part of its guidelines. There are separate bins for recyclable and non-recyclable waste materials to allow the proper handling and recycling of items that may still be processed for alternative use.
Select PCPPI offices also utilize LED and motion sensor lights, as they consume less energy compared to regular incandescent lights. Through the annual Working Environment Measurement (a sampling method for measuring work environment or conditions) review conducted by its Environment, Health, Safety, and Security (EHSS) team, management gets to ensure that all of PCPPI offices and production facilities observe optimal working conditions for employee well-being and operational productivity.
PCPPI employees are also encouraged to bring their own reusable utensils at work, like stainless utensils and bamboo tumblers. Water refilling stations are also set up to minimize the use of plastic cups when employees refresh themselves throughout the day. Going digital also allows employees to reduce paper use, as emails, conferencing platforms, and other network-based channels facilitating information exchange and collaboration across PCPPI’s offices nationwide.
Atty. Bayon shared that aside from saving on expenses, implementing sustainability-focused policies in the workplace can contribute to employee health and well-being, as well as a shared sense of purpose. “Achieving sustainability is a shared responsibility—there’s no single team or department that carries it forward. It is the promise of creating a better future for generations to come drives us at PCPPI to champion this cause as we practice responsible operations,” she said.
Well-known beverage brands like Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Tropicana, Lipton Iced Tea, Sting, Premier, Chum Churum Soonhari, and Milkis are exclusively manufactured and distributed in the Philippines by PCPPI. To learn more about PCPPI, go to www.pepsiphilippines.com.
