Unilever Philippines Earns Recognition for Gender-Inclusive Workplace Practices

Unilever Philippines Earns Recognition for Gender-Inclusive Workplace Practices

Thursday, November 12, 2026

Gender inclusion in the workplace goes beyond representation. It also involves creating policies and support systems that recognize employees' different family responsibilities, identities, and personal circumstances.

Unilever Philippines is putting this approach into practice through an integrated workplace inclusion framework built around three pillars: Care, Identity, and Community. The initiative recently earned the company first runner-up recognition in the Gender-Inclusive Workplace category at the 2026 UN Women Asia-Pacific Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards.

The recognition highlights the company's efforts to translate its diversity and inclusion commitments into workplace policies, from extended parental benefits and LGBTQ+ protections to employee-led communities.

For businesses looking to strengthen their own inclusion strategies, Unilever Philippines' approach illustrates how workplace equity can be addressed through concrete policies that respond to employees' everyday needs.

A workplace inclusion framework built on three pillars

Unilever Philippines developed its framework around the understanding that employees have different life stages, family structures, and lived experiences. Rather than relying on a single approach to inclusion, the company organized its initiatives into three interconnected areas.

These are Care, which focuses on caregiving and parenthood; Identity, which addresses gender identity and LGBTQ+ inclusion; and Community, which encourages employees to build connections through shared experiences.

According to Geeta Royyuru, Unilever Philippines HR Head and Beauty & Wellbeing Greater Asia HR Lead, the company's policies are designed to recognize that employees do not all begin from the same circumstances.

“True equity begins with recognizing that we don't all start from the same place,” Royyuru said, emphasizing the importance of providing employees with the support and space they need to succeed.

Care: Extending support for working parents and caregivers

One of the framework's key components is the expansion of parental and caregiving benefits.

Unilever Philippines said internal HR data showed that some parents relied on vacation or unpaid leave to extend recovery periods, manage caregiving responsibilities, and adjust to returning to work. In response, the company strengthened its benefits beyond the minimum requirements under Philippine law.

Early in 2026, Unilever Philippines extended fully paid maternity leave to 150 days for eligible regular and probationary employees, regardless of marital status. Employees may also take an optional additional 30 days of unpaid leave.

Other support measures include:

Return Ready Programme: Support for employees transitioning back to work after parental leave.

Primary Caregiver Leave: 20 days covering paternity, adoption, and same-sex partners.

Childcare Leave: Two days of additional leave.

Onsite daycare facility: A workplace childcare resource for employees.

The company also reported that women account for half of its workforce.

These measures reflect a broader approach to employee support, recognizing that caregiving responsibilities can affect employees' ability to participate in and progress through their careers.

Identity: Strengthening LGBTQ+ inclusion and workplace protections

The framework's second pillar focuses on creating a workplace where employees can feel respected and supported regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.

Unilever Philippines recognizes same-sex domestic partners for medical benefit coverage and primary caregiver leave. It has also established a Gender Transition Policy for transgender and gender-diverse employees.

These policies are reinforced by a zero-tolerance approach to harassment and discrimination.

The company also conducts year-round inclusion and awareness activities, including annual Pride Month celebrations and initiatives through ProUd Network, Unilever's employee resource group for LGBTQ+ employees and allies.

In a country where legal recognition and protections for same-sex couples and transgender individuals remain limited, workplace policies can provide an additional layer of institutional support. However, company benefits and protections should be understood separately from formal legal recognition under Philippine law.

Community: Creating connections beyond workplace policies

Unilever Philippines' inclusion framework also recognizes that belonging is shaped by everyday interactions among colleagues.

Through employee-led groups, the company provides opportunities for people to connect with others who share similar experiences, responsibilities, and interests.

These include Parent Groups, Fitness Clubs, and ProUd Network.

According to the company, more than 300 employees participate in these communities, representing approximately half of its head office workforce.

Such groups give employees opportunities to exchange experiences, develop connections, and build relationships beyond their immediate teams.

They also complement formal HR policies by encouraging employees to take an active role in shaping workplace culture.

UN Women recognition highlights the role of practical workplace policies

Unilever Philippines received first runner-up recognition in the Gender-Inclusive Workplace category at the 2026 UN Women Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards.

The Women's Empowerment Principles Awards recognize private-sector initiatives that advance gender equality and women's empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community.

For companies, the recognition places attention on the importance of moving beyond broad diversity commitments toward policies and practices that employees can experience in their daily working lives.

Unilever Philippines' Care, Identity, and Community framework brings together several aspects of that effort, from parental support and LGBTQ+ inclusion to employee participation and belonging.

Looking ahead to 100 years in the Philippines

Unilever Philippines is preparing to mark its centennial in 2027, commemorating 100 years of operations and presence in the country.

Its local portfolio includes familiar household brands such as Dove, Knorr, Surf, and Rexona.

As the company approaches this milestone, it says it will continue pursuing initiatives focused on social and environmental impact, innovation, sustainability, and purpose-led growth.

Its latest recognition at the UN Women Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards adds another dimension to that commitment: building an organization where inclusion is reflected not only in corporate values but also in the policies and support available to its people.

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RCBC Named Among Philippines' Best Employers for 2027 for Fourth Consecutive Year

RCBC Named Among Philippines' Best Employers for 2027 for Fourth Consecutive Year

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) has been named one of the Philippines' Best Employers for 2027, securing a place among the country's top 100 employers and ranking among the top two private domestic banks in the recognition.

The latest distinction marks the Yuchengco-led bank's fourth consecutive year on the Best Employers list, reinforcing its continued focus on employee experience, workplace culture, and an inclusive working environment.

The recognition is based on an independent survey conducted by global research and data firm Statista. The assessment considers employee feedback and employer reputation, providing a measure of how organizations are perceived as places to work.

RCBC puts employee experience at the centre of its workplace strategy

RCBC attributes its continued recognition to its people-first approach to human capital management. The bank maintains that investing in employees and creating an environment where people feel supported and empowered are important to delivering better customer experiences.

This approach connects workplace culture with the bank's broader service philosophy. By encouraging employees to develop their capabilities, contribute ideas, and build meaningful relationships with clients, RCBC aims to create value that extends beyond everyday banking transactions.

For financial institutions, where customer relationships and service quality are central to operations, employee engagement can be an important part of organizational performance.

RCBC President and CEO Reggie B. Cariaso said the recognition reflects the contribution of the bank's employees and its commitment to maintaining an inclusive workplace.

“Being recognized for four consecutive years as one of the nation’s top employers reflects the strength and heart of our organization—our people,” Cariaso said.

He added that RCBC remains committed to ensuring employees feel valued, motivated, and empowered to deliver their best work for customers and communities.

What the Philippines' Best Employers recognition measures

The Philippines' Best Employers ranking is an annual initiative by Statista that evaluates companies based on employee feedback and perceptions of employers.

For its 2027 edition, the ranking recognizes 300 companies across 28 industries. Statista reports that more than 10,000 employees participated in the independent online survey, while approximately 3,500 companies were evaluated.

The methodology combines two components: direct feedback from employees about their own employers and indirect assessments of other employers within their respective industries. Direct scores account for 70% of the final result, while indirect scores make up the remaining 30%.

The survey considers factors that include workplace culture, salary, opportunities for professional development, and diversity.

This approach makes the recognition relevant not only to companies seeking to strengthen their employer reputation but also to professionals evaluating potential workplaces.

Workplace culture as part of the banking industry's long-term priorities

RCBC's latest recognition places employee experience in the broader conversation about how banks attract, develop, and retain talent.

As financial services continue to evolve, banks need people who can adapt to changing customer expectations, digital banking developments, and increasingly complex financial needs. A workplace that supports professional growth and encourages collaboration can help organizations build the capabilities required to respond to these changes.

RCBC, currently described by the bank as the country's fifth-largest privately owned bank, continues to position its people-first philosophy as part of its approach to customer relationships and organizational development.

Its fourth consecutive appearance on the Philippines' Best Employers list provides another indication of how the bank's workplace reputation is being assessed through employee and employer perceptions.

For organizations across the financial sector, the recognition also serves as a reminder that business performance and customer service are closely connected to the people behind the institution.

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Jollibee Group Earns Two Golden Arrows for Corporate Governance

Jollibee Group Earns Two Golden Arrows for Corporate Governance

Wednesday, November 11, 2026

Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), widely known as the Jollibee Group, has received two Golden Arrows at the 2026 Golden Arrow Awards, marking its second consecutive year earning the distinction and its fifth straight year of corporate governance recognition.

Presented by the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), the recognition is based on JFC's performance in the 2025 ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS), where the company improved its assessment score compared with the previous year.

The awarding ceremony was held on October 23, 2026, at Makati Shangri-La. Jollibee Group Philippine General Counsel Atty. Vem King received one of the two awards on behalf of the company.

The latest recognition reflects the company's continued efforts to strengthen corporate governance practices as it manages its business operations and pursues long-term growth.

What the Golden Arrow Recognition Means for Jollibee Group

The Golden Arrow Awards recognize publicly listed companies in the Philippines that demonstrate adherence to corporate governance standards under the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard.

Companies must obtain at least 75 points in the assessment to qualify for a Golden Arrow.

For Jollibee Group, receiving two Golden Arrows for the second consecutive year represents continued recognition of its governance performance. Its latest assessment also showed an improvement over its previous year's score, although the company did not disclose its exact 2025 ACGS rating in the announcement.

The fifth consecutive year of recognition further highlights the company's ongoing participation in the corporate governance assessment process.

How the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard Evaluates Companies

The ACGS is a regional framework used to assess the corporate governance practices of publicly listed companies across participating ASEAN markets.

According to the Institute of Corporate Directors, the assessment examines several important areas:

Shareholder rights and equitable treatment: How companies protect shareholder rights and ensure fair treatment.

Sustainability and resilience: How organizations address sustainability considerations and their ability to manage long-term risks.

Stakeholder relations: How companies engage with stakeholders and consider their interests.

Disclosure and transparency: How companies communicate relevant information and maintain accountability through disclosures.

Board leadership and oversight: How the board provides strategic direction, monitors management, and exercises its oversight responsibilities.

The assessment is intended to encourage stronger governance practices among publicly listed companies and improve the visibility of well-governed Philippine corporations to investors.

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Jollibee Group Emphasizes Accountability and Long-Term Value Creation

Ernesto Tanmantiong, Jollibee Group Global President and Chief Executive Officer, said the recognition reflects the company's continuing efforts to strengthen corporate governance across its operations.

He noted that as the business grows, the company remains focused on governance practices that support business priorities, reinforce transparency and accountability, and create long-term value for stakeholders.

Tanmantiong also emphasized the importance of pursuing practical improvements that strengthen governance while addressing the evolving needs of the business.

For companies operating in increasingly complex business environments, corporate governance plays an important role in establishing clear responsibilities, supporting informed decision-making, and maintaining stakeholder confidence.

Jollibee Group's latest Golden Arrow recognition adds to its record of consistent performance in the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard assessment.

As the company continues to pursue its business objectives, maintaining effective governance practices remains an important part of its approach to sustainable growth and long-term stakeholder value.

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PLDT Enterprise Expands Cybersecurity Education Across Business and Government Sectors

PLDT Enterprise Expands Cybersecurity Education Across Business and Government Sectors

As artificial intelligence makes business operations more efficient, it is also creating new challenges for organizations trying to protect their people, systems, and information. Phishing messages, deepfake impersonation, and AI-generated fraud are making it increasingly difficult to distinguish legitimate communications from malicious attempts.

Addressing these risks requires more than stronger IT infrastructure. Employees, executives, and public officials also need to understand how cyber threats work and how to respond.

This was the focus of PLDT Enterprise's cybersecurity awareness initiatives throughout October 2026, bringing digital and cyber resilience discussions to corporate employees, military institutions, government agencies, and an international academic community.

Through engagements with Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines (CCEAP), the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), the Institute of Data, and defense and law enforcement agencies, PLDT Enterprise is emphasizing the importance of making cybersecurity a shared organizational responsibility.

The initiatives were led by Alexis C. Bernardino, Principal CXO Advisor and Field CISO at PLDT Enterprise.

Why Cybersecurity Awareness Must Extend Beyond IT Teams

Cybersecurity has traditionally been associated with IT departments responsible for protecting company networks, devices, and information systems.

However, many attacks begin with ordinary workplace interactions. An employee may receive a seemingly legitimate email requesting sensitive information, a message impersonating a senior executive, or a voice or video communication designed to convince someone to authorize an unusual transaction.

Artificial intelligence adds another layer to these threats by making fraudulent communications more convincing through synthetic voices, manipulated videos, and generated messages.

For organizations, the consequences can extend beyond compromised accounts. Security incidents can disrupt business operations, expose confidential information, damage corporate reputation, and affect stakeholder trust.

During its October engagements, PLDT Enterprise highlighted the need to equip people across organizations with practical knowledge to recognize suspicious activity, verify unusual requests, protect sensitive credentials, and report potential incidents.

The underlying message is that cybersecurity should be part of everyday decision-making, not just a technical function handled by specialists.

Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines Focuses on Digital and Cyber Resilience

One of the October engagements took place on October 6, when PLDT Enterprise supported CCEAP's Cybersecurity Awareness Month initiative through a Digital and Cyber Resilience briefing at the company's office in Uptown Eastgate Tower 1.

Bernardino led the discussion, which covered emerging cyber threats, executive impersonation, AI-powered attacks, phishing, and the importance of organizational digital resilience.

The session examined how cybercriminals exploit human trust through fraudulent messages and increasingly sophisticated impersonation tactics.

Winnie T. Rebancos, Chief Information Officer of CCEAP, emphasized that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility that extends beyond the company's IT team.

She said equipping employees with the knowledge to recognize and respond to emerging threats helps protect business operations and maintain the trust placed in the organization.

The engagement reflects the growing importance of integrating cybersecurity awareness into workplace practices, particularly as companies become more dependent on connected systems and digital communications.

Philippine Military Academy Workshop Addresses Deepfakes and Social Engineering

PLDT Enterprise also brought its cybersecurity advocacy to the education and defense sectors through a Cyber Awareness Workshop at the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City on October 21.

The session addressed risks relevant to military and academic environments, including:

• Social engineering and phishing attempts
• Deepfake impersonation
• Threats involving personal accounts and digital devices
• Suspicious communications designed to obtain sensitive information

Participants were encouraged to adopt practical safeguards, such as verifying unusual requests through trusted communication channels, protecting login credentials, identifying suspicious messages, and promptly reporting potential security incidents.

These practices are particularly relevant in environments where access to sensitive information and the credibility of official communications carry significant importance.

The workshop reinforced the idea that individual awareness contributes to an institution's broader cybersecurity preparedness.

PLDT Enterprise Extends Cybersecurity Knowledge Sharing to APAC Learners

The company's cybersecurity awareness efforts also reached an international academic audience.

In collaboration with the Institute of Data (IoD), PLDT Enterprise conducted an online Cybersecurity Industry Practitioner session for participants in a multinational cybersecurity cohort programme.

The learning community included participants from New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore, with connections to the University of Canterbury in New Zealand and the University of Technology Sydney in Australia.

The engagement provided an opportunity to share industry perspectives on emerging cyber risks and the importance of building stronger digital resilience.

It also highlighted the value of cross-border knowledge sharing as organizations across different markets face increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

By extending its discussions beyond Philippine institutions, PLDT Enterprise brought its cybersecurity advocacy to a broader regional learning community.

Defense and Law Enforcement Agencies Join Digital Resilience Discussions

PLDT Enterprise further extended its October initiatives through Digital and Cyber Resilience Workshops for senior officials and leaders from the country's defense and law enforcement sectors.

The engagements reached the Department of National Defense (DND), the Philippine Army, and the Philippine National Police (PNP), as well as local government officials and public servants.

Led by Bernardino, the discussions focused on emerging threats that could affect government operations and public institutions, including deepfake impersonation, social engineering, phishing, and AI-powered fraud.

One concern raised during the sessions was how cybercriminals can exploit the authority associated with government officials and the public's trust in official institutions to make fraudulent communications appear legitimate.

The workshops highlighted the importance of verifying suspicious requests, protecting sensitive information, and reporting potential threats promptly.

For government organizations, these practices have implications beyond internal information security. They also contribute to protecting citizen data, maintaining operational continuity, and preserving public trust.

Building AI-Ready Organizations Requires People and Technology

Across its engagements, PLDT Enterprise emphasized that adopting new technologies is only one part of becoming an AI-ready organization.

Companies and institutions must also prepare their people to understand the risks associated with increasingly connected workplaces and AI-enabled tools.

This means moving beyond a reactive approach, where organizations respond only after a security incident, toward proactive and adaptive cybersecurity practices.

Some of the everyday measures highlighted during the sessions include:

• Verifying unexpected instructions, especially those involving money or confidential information.
• Confirming unusual requests through a separate, trusted communication channel.
• Avoiding the sharing of passwords, access credentials, and sensitive information.
• Being cautious of messages, calls, and videos that appear to come from familiar people or senior officials.
• Reporting suspicious activity promptly instead of assuming someone else will handle it.

These measures do not replace technical security controls, but they reinforce the human element of organizational cyber defense.

For businesses pursuing digital transformation, cybersecurity awareness must therefore be considered alongside technology adoption, operational planning, and risk management.

PLDT Enterprise's October initiatives reflect its continuing effort to share cybersecurity expertise across industries and institutions, with the broader goal of helping organizations become more prepared for an increasingly AI-driven digital environment.

As AI continues to change how people work and communicate, the ability to recognize threats and respond appropriately will remain an important part of building resilient organizations.

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Scoop Wholefoods Brings Refill-Based Shopping to the Philippines

Scoop Wholefoods Brings Refill-Based Shopping to the Philippines

Tuesday, November 10, 2026

An Australian retail concept built around buying by weight and reducing packaging waste has arrived in the Philippines. Scoop Wholefoods, together with its personal care counterpart Scoop Whole Beauty, has opened at Power Plant Mall in Rockwell, Makati City.

The store introduces a refill-led shopping experience that gives customers the flexibility to purchase food, pantry essentials, and personal care products in quantities that suit their needs. Rather than choosing from fixed package sizes, shoppers can bring reusable containers or use recyclable paper bags provided in-store, then pay according to the weight of their selections.

The concept puts a familiar practice into a more organised retail setting. Filipinos have long been accustomed to buying certain goods in custom portions, but Scoop aims to make this approach part of a wider everyday routine centred on mindful consumption.

“Filipinos have long understood the practicality of buying in custom portions. Bringing Scoop to the Philippines allows us to elevate that familiar habit into a modern, zero-waste lifestyle,” said Romy Sia, Managing Director of Healthy Options Group.

A different way to shop for everyday essentials

Founded in Sydney in 2013, Scoop Wholefoods was inspired by the traditional markets of Malta and the founders' interest in making quality food and more conscious living accessible. The brand has since grown to more than 20 locations worldwide.

Its retail model centres on choice and flexibility. Customers can purchase just a small amount of a specialty ingredient or stock up on household staples, depending on their budget and requirements. Buying smaller quantities can also help households manage pantry supplies and avoid purchasing more than they can use.

“Shopping by weight gives people the freedom to make healthier choices that respect both their budget and the planet,” said founders Jeremy and Bettina Kirk. They added that buying only what is needed can help shoppers manage spending, reduce waste, and limit single-use plastics.

The store is designed to make the process straightforward. Customers bring clean containers from home or use the recyclable paper bags available in the store. Containers are weighed at the counter before shoppers fill them, allowing the weight of the packaging to be deducted when the contents are paid for.

The selection includes organic wholefoods, natural treats, pantry staples, freshly prepared granolas and mueslis, and products developed with artisanal producers in Australia. Among the brand's popular offerings are Byron Bay chocolate-coated fruits and nuts.

The Philippine store is also incorporating local products into its selection. These include locally harvested rice from Family Farms and probiotic kombucha on tap from Brye and Brew. Scoop says it intends to expand its relationships with Filipino farmers, artisans, and makers as the local business grows.

For Sia, making conscious shopping practical is central to the concept.

“Conscious living is best integrated into daily routines when it is made intuitive and practical for shoppers,” he said, describing a shopping experience that can accommodate anything from a pinch of spice to a week's supply of household essentials.

Extending the refill concept to personal care

Scoop's sustainability approach also extends beyond food through Scoop Whole Beauty, its dedicated personal care and beauty range.

The collection includes cosmetics and skincare described by the brand as 100% vegan, palm-oil-free, and toxin-free, with ingredients sourced on ethical and earth-based principles.

Customers can buy selected products such as liquid soaps, face masks, and body oils by weight. The range also includes alternatives to conventional packaged products, including solid shampoo bars and compostable beauty tools.

Scoop Whole Beauty works with Australian artisans on personal care products packaged in compostable materials. These include natural deodorants, face washes, and lip balms.

The beauty line also features mineral makeup designed for warm and humid conditions. According to the brand, the lightweight formulas absorb oil and moisture while offering buildable, long-wearing coverage. Its shades are developed with Filipino skin tones in mind.

Another feature is the use of plastic-free, refillable makeup pans. Customers can replace individual shades as needed rather than disposing of an entire compact when one product runs out.

Making reuse part of the shopping routine

Scoop's pay-by-weight system is designed to make refilling accessible even to shoppers who are new to the practice.

The process begins with bringing a clean reusable container or choosing a paper bag in-store. The empty container is weighed before customers fill it with their preferred products. Once selections are complete, shoppers proceed to the register, where payment is based on the weight of the contents.

The founders say the store is intended to welcome both experienced refill shoppers and those taking their first steps towards reducing packaging waste.

“We designed Scoop as a welcoming space for everyone, whether you are taking your first zero-waste step or are a seasoned refiller,” Jeremy and Bettina Kirk said.

With its combination of international products, local sourcing, refillable pantry goods, and personal care options, Scoop Wholefoods brings another model of conscious retail to the Philippine market. Its success will depend not only on the products it offers, but also on how easily shoppers can make refilling part of their regular routines.

Scoop Wholefoods and Scoop Whole Beauty are located at Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City. Customers can follow Scoop Wholefoods Philippines and Scoop Whole Beauty Philippines on social media for updates on their product selections and local partnerships.

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Arfak Coffee: Sustainable Farming and Forest Protection

Arfak Coffee: Sustainable Farming and Forest Protection

Coffee can create value beyond the cup. In Indonesia’s Arfak Mountains, Arabica cultivation is helping indigenous communities develop new livelihood opportunities while strengthening efforts to protect forests, soil, and local water resources.

Located in West Papua, the highland region is home to coffee farms managed by local communities. Through sustainable cultivation, improved processing, and access to wider markets, what was once an underused garden crop is gradually becoming a source of economic opportunity.

The experience offers an interesting example of how agricultural development and environmental conservation can work together, particularly in Southeast Asia, where countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines have long histories of coffee production.

Turning an overlooked crop into a livelihood

Before 2018, coffee was not widely viewed as a commercial crop in the Arfak Mountains. Many families grew only a few trees in their home gardens, alongside vegetables and fruit trees. Some farmers even cut down coffee trees because they did not see their economic value.

That began to change as local initiatives introduced more sustainable approaches to coffee cultivation and processing.

Barto Inden, a 28-year-old agricultural practitioner working at the Arfak Mountains Regency Agriculture Office and owner of Kopi Anggi, witnessed the transition.

"Before 2018, coffee was only one or two trees per farmer. Some planted it but did not know what to develop it into. Some were even cut down because they were considered to have no value," Inden said.

The region has favorable conditions for Arabica cultivation. At elevations of approximately 1,800 to 2,000 meters above sea level, its cool climate and fertile soil support coffee production.

However, favorable growing conditions alone were not enough. Farmers needed access to technical knowledge, better post-harvest practices, and markets that could recognize the value of their coffee.

The opportunity also became increasingly important from an environmental perspective. Land clearing, heavy rainfall, and illegal gold mining upstream had contributed to risks involving landslides and damage to water sources. Several major landslides had affected community gardens.

As a result, coffee cultivation became part of a broader effort to protect the landscape. Farmers adopted intercropping and avoided land burning, with coffee trees helping support soil stability and the protection of water catchment areas.

Building local expertise through community-based training

Bentara Papua became involved in 2019, providing long-term technical assistance to help farmers improve cultivation and processing practices.

Rather than introducing a ready-made production system, the organization worked with communities to understand their existing farming practices and identify opportunities suited to local conditions.

"We did not bring a finished system. We learned together with the community from their own gardens, and from there we assessed the potential of this coffee in accordance with the community culture," said Demius Aud, Coordinator of Bentara Papua's Udohotma Station.

One of the initiatives established through this effort was the Merdesa Village School, known as SEKAM, which trains young people in natural resource management.

The Udohotma Station also serves as a learning and production center, as well as a place where harvested coffee can be consolidated.

Training covers several stages of cultivation, beginning with independent nurseries using locally sourced seeds and compost. This approach reduces dependence on seedlings brought in from other areas, which may struggle to adapt to different temperatures.

Farmers also receive guidance on planting distances, pruning, and organic pest management. Instead of relying on synthetic inputs, they prepare fertilizers using pig manure, decayed leaves, and kitchen waste. Botanical pesticides made from garlic and local leaves are also used.

These practices help farmers build production knowledge while making use of resources available within their communities.

Improving coffee quality through better processing

Sustainable coffee production also depends on what happens after harvesting.

Bentara Papua introduced standardized post-harvest procedures to help farmers improve consistency and maintain the quality of their beans. These include sorting coffee cherries, flotation, 36-hour fermentation, washing, and drying.

Solar dryers are used to help maintain moisture levels at approximately 13 percent.

Research has also contributed to improving farming practices. In 2024, students from the University of Papua (UNIPA) supported the initiative by studying local soil conditions and coffee pests. Their findings were intended to help inform organic pest control strategies.

Together, these efforts address several challenges faced by small-scale coffee producers: inconsistent processing, limited technical resources, and the difficulty of meeting the quality requirements of specialty coffee markets.

A growing coffee enterprise with local economic benefits

The initiative has expanded to involve 37 farmer groups across seven districts, with approximately 35 hectares of coffee planted in home gardens.

Farmers receive direct cash payments through purchases made at production sites, removing intermediaries from the transaction.

According to the initiative's reported figures, green bean prices have increased from around IDR 80,000 to IDR 100,000 per kilogram, equivalent to approximately ₱280 to ₱350. Parchment coffee is priced at IDR 80,000 per kilogram.

Annual production from 2023 to 2025 is estimated at 6,000 kilograms of beans.

Marketed under the Kopi Anggi brand, Arfak coffee is available in green bean, roasted bean, and ground coffee formats. It has reached coffee shops in Manokwari and appeared at national exhibitions. Buyers from Poland, Germany, and the Netherlands have also expressed interest.

Despite these developments, supply remains limited. Producers continue to prioritize quality standards and the processing requirements needed to bring their coffee to market.

For the communities involved, this gradual expansion is important. It creates opportunities to earn from a crop that was previously overlooked, while keeping production connected to local farming practices and environmental priorities.

What Arfak coffee means for sustainable agriculture

The experience in the Arfak Mountains reflects a broader opportunity for coffee-producing countries across Southeast Asia.

In the Philippines, coffee-growing communities in the northern highlands, including indigenous Igorot farmers, continue to cultivate heirloom Arabica varieties such as Typica, Bourbon, San Ramon, and Mondo Novo. These are often grown alongside pine trees and other shade crops.

Indonesia's Arfak coffee communities share a similar interest in producing distinctive Arabica beans while maintaining a connection to the natural environment.

As specialty coffee consumers become more interested in bean origins and production practices, initiatives like these can help connect responsible farming with market opportunities. They also highlight the importance of supporting farmers through training, processing facilities, and more direct routes to buyers.

For Inden, the goal extends beyond increasing coffee production.

"My hope is that this is not just about production, but about the future of the people and nature of the Arfak Mountains," he said.

That perspective captures the larger value of the initiative. Sustainable coffee farming is not simply about growing and selling more beans. It is also about developing livelihoods without compromising the forests, soil, and water resources that communities depend on.

The Arfak experience shows how a locally rooted agricultural initiative can support both economic participation and environmental stewardship, offering a meaningful example of how people and nature can benefit from the same development effort.

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Pinyapel: Turning Pineapple Waste Into Sustainable Materials

Pinyapel: Turning Pineapple Waste Into Sustainable Materials

What if the next opportunity for Philippine manufacturing could be found in something farmers leave behind after harvesting pineapples?

Across the country, pineapple leaves have traditionally been treated as agricultural waste. But through an initiative led by the Design Center of the Philippines, these discarded leaves are being transformed into pinyapel®, a specialty paper that offers new possibilities for sustainable design, manufacturing, and product development.

The initiative demonstrates how agricultural byproducts can become valuable resources when government agencies, farmers, processors, designers, and manufacturers work together. More importantly, it points to a potential new income stream for pineapple-growing communities while giving local industries access to an alternative material with distinctly Filipino origins.

From pineapple leaves to a locally developed material

The development of pinyapel® began in 2018, when the Design Center of the Philippines brought together stakeholders across the pineapple value chain.

The collaboration included farmers, pulp processors, and paper and packaging manufacturers. Their shared goal was to explore how pineapple leaves, often discarded after fruit harvesting, could be processed into a useful material.

The result was pinyapel®, a specialty paper made from locally sourced and processed pineapple leaves.

The project gained international recognition in 2019 when it received a D&AD Future Impact Award. The award recognizes creative and innovative work addressing significant global challenges, giving the initiative greater visibility and momentum.

From an experimental material, pinyapel® began moving toward industrialization, opening opportunities for applications across design and manufacturing.

The next challenge was to demonstrate that the material could work beyond the development stage and find practical uses in the market.

Building an ecosystem for sustainable product development

To expand awareness of pinyapel® and its commercial potential, the Design Center launched the pinyapel® Flagship Project at the Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX).

Created by CITEM Philippines, SSX connects businesses with global sustainability leaders and solution providers. It also provides companies and brands with access to ideas and resources that can support their sustainability initiatives.

The Design Center also partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry's Competitiveness and Innovation Group (DTI-CIG) to organize the pinyapel® Investors Forum. The forum introduced the proposed green pulp facility as a potential responsible investment opportunity for the wider business community.

These initiatives are important to the material's development because scaling an alternative material requires more than product innovation. It also calls for investment, processing capacity, industry partnerships, and a market willing to adopt new solutions.

The progress of the initiative will be featured at the Sustainability Solutions Exchange 2026, scheduled for October 15 to 17 at the Philippine Trade Training Center.

Led by guest creative director-curator Stanley Ruiz, the showcase will bring together 10 product development partners from different industries. Their work will demonstrate how pinyapel® can be used independently or combined with other materials in furniture, home décor, packaging, and industrial products.

Beyond paper: Exploring commercial applications

Pinyapel® is also beginning to find its way into products and retail spaces beyond trade shows and exhibitions.

Its material properties have attracted interest from designers and manufacturers exploring alternatives for everyday products. These include applications where lightweight construction, breathability, durability, and light diffusion can be useful.

In footwear, for example, the Lakat shoe line uses pinyapel® to create a soft, breathable texture intended for everyday wear.

Its potential in furniture and home accessories is also being explored through products such as chairs by OMO Furniture, lamps by Tadeco Home, and accent pieces by Oro Handmade Innovations.

Other applications include food-contact-grade containers and servers, packaging, and specialty paper products.

These developments show how agricultural waste can serve as a starting point for product innovation across different industries. They also give local designers and manufacturers another material to consider as businesses respond to growing interest in more sustainable products.

The next step: Scaling production in Mindanao

While product development has demonstrated the versatility of pinyapel®, expanding production capacity remains an important step toward realizing its full potential.

A pulp mill in Mindanao is currently in the pipeline. The proposed facility is expected to process 20 metric tons of non-wood pulp from pineapple leaves.

The initiative has also been identified by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) as one of the large-scale agricultural waste-to-biomaterials initiatives under the Agricultural Waste Circular Economy Project in the Philippines, for submission to the Green Climate Fund.

If developed, the facility could create opportunities for thousands of pineapple farmers by establishing a larger-scale use for leaves that would otherwise be discarded.

The proposed mill could also help build a more integrated supply chain, connecting agricultural producers with processors and manufacturers that need locally sourced sustainable materials.

The project's long-term impact will depend on how successfully this supply chain develops, how much investment it attracts, and whether manufacturers can adopt pinyapel® at commercial scale.

Turning agricultural waste into economic opportunity

The pinyapel® initiative illustrates how sustainability and industrial development can work together.

What started as an effort to find a use for discarded pineapple leaves has evolved into a platform for material innovation, product development, and collaboration among different sectors.

For the Philippines, the opportunity extends beyond producing specialty paper. It involves rethinking agricultural waste as a resource, creating new possibilities for local manufacturing, and opening potential livelihood opportunities for farming communities.

The proposed pulp facility in Mindanao represents the next major step in that journey. If realized, it could help connect thousands of pineapple farmers to a growing market for alternative materials.

Sometimes, innovation does not require discovering an entirely new resource. It begins with recognizing the value of something that has been overlooked.

To learn more about the pinyapel® Program, visit pinyapel.carrd.co. For inquiries, contact the Design Center of the Philippines at info@designcenter.gov.ph or pinyapel@designcenter.gov.ph.

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AIA K-Pop Together, Give Together Concert in Korea

AIA K-Pop Together, Give Together Concert in Korea

Nearly 7,000 customers, agents, employees, and business partners from South Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore came together in Goyang, South Korea, on October 24 for AIA’s “K-Pop Together, Give Together” concert.

The exclusive regional event brought together members of AIA’s communities for a celebration of Korean music and culture, with more than 300 Filipino customers, agents, and partners among those who traveled to South Korea for the occasion.

The concert featured an impressive lineup of K-pop performers, including PSY, J.Y. Park, ITZY, CHUNG HA, and JINUSEAN. Korean broadcaster Jae Min Park and Girls’ Generation member Tiffany Young hosted the event.

For AIA, the gathering was more than a night of live performances. It was an opportunity to bring people from different markets together through shared experiences, while reinforcing the company’s commitment to helping people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.

The event also supported the broader ambition of AIA One Billion, the initiative that aims to inspire one billion people across Asia to live healthier lives by 2030.

A K-pop experience with a taste of Korean culture

Beyond the concert, guests took part in activities designed to introduce them to different aspects of Korean culture.

Through the event’s K-Experience, participants explored K-beauty through personal color analysis, learned how to write their names in Hangul, and received exclusive AIA light sticks as keepsakes from the gathering.

For some Filipino attendees, the trip was also a memorable personal milestone.

AIA Philippines customer Esperanza Salvador, who was visiting Korea for the first time, shared how much she appreciated the experience and the care extended to customers.

“Beyond the concert itself, what made this experience memorable was feeling genuinely appreciated and cared for as a customer,” Salvador said.

For BPI AIA customer and long-time AIA Vitality member Manilyn Cabilin, the experience carried an added personal meaning. She had encouraged her fiancé to become an AIA Vitality member, and seeing him win the K-pop experience made the occasion even more special.

AIA Life Planner Elizabeth Tuanquin also shared the experience with her daughter. A member of the prestigious Court of the Table, Tuanquin said watching her daughter meet ITZY and seeing her reaction made the trip particularly meaningful.

Her experience offered a reminder that beyond financial planning and protection, the relationships built with customers can also lead to moments that families remember for years.

Filipino community giving through Kythe Foundation

The regional celebration also carried a charitable purpose.

As part of AIA’s giving initiative, each participating market partnered with a local charitable organization to support communities in its respective country.

In the Philippines, AIA Philippines selected Kythe Foundation, which supports children with chronic illnesses and their families.

The partnership connected the concert’s theme of bringing people together with a broader effort to create positive contributions beyond the event itself.

AIA Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer Melita Teo, who attended the gathering, said the event highlighted the connections shared by customers, agents, and partners across different markets.

She added that bringing people together through meaningful experiences can strengthen relationships, inspire positive change, and give the company’s purpose a more tangible expression.

AIA Korea Chief Marketing Officer Ji-Ye Hwang also described the gathering as an opportunity for guests from across Asia to experience Korea’s culture and connect through their shared appreciation of K-pop.

With nearly 7,000 attendees, the “K-Pop Together, Give Together” concert brought together music, cultural discovery, and community giving in one regional celebration. For its Filipino participants, it also offered a chance to experience Korea while being part of a wider AIA community supporting healthier lives and meaningful causes across Asia.

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Roblox Names Joel Neoh SEA and Oceania Managing Director

Roblox Names Joel Neoh SEA and Oceania Managing Director

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Roblox has appointed entrepreneur and investor Joel Neoh as Managing Director for Southeast Asia and Oceania, placing an experienced regional technology executive in charge of its business strategy and partnerships across two markets it considers important to its Asia-Pacific growth.

Neoh joined Roblox in October 2026 and will serve as its senior-most business lead across Southeast Asia and Oceania. His responsibilities include expanding the platform's regional presence, strengthening relationships with local partners and supporting developers and creators seeking to build businesses through Roblox.

The appointment comes as the company looks to deepen its engagement with local studios, players and parents while adapting its global product and business priorities to regional market needs.

Creator economy at the centre of regional strategy

A major focus of Neoh's role will be developing Roblox's creator ecosystem. The company intends to help local developers and studios make greater use of its tools, grow their audiences and explore commercial opportunities through the platform.

Roblox is positioning this effort within a broader shift in digital participation, where users are not only consuming online experiences but also creating games, communities and interactive content.

For developers, the platform offers an environment in which creative projects can potentially reach audiences beyond their home markets. Building a stronger regional ecosystem will require local partnerships, creator support and a better understanding of the needs of different markets.

Neoh said his experience building companies across Asia-Pacific has given him an appreciation of the region's entrepreneurial activity and creative potential.

He also pointed to the opportunity for more people to turn digital ideas into experiences, communities and businesses that can reach a global audience.

Online safety remains a regional priority

Alongside creator development and commercial growth, Roblox identified online safety as a central part of its regional strategy.

The company said it intends to work more closely with parents, regulators and local communities as it expands its presence in Southeast Asia and Oceania. This is particularly relevant given the platform's appeal to younger users and the importance of building trust among families.

Neoh said keeping young people safe would remain central to the company's approach, alongside efforts to understand local communities and support creators.

Zhen Fang, Roblox Vice President of International, said Southeast Asia and Oceania have vibrant and growing communities of players and creators. She added that the company plans to continue investing in local teams, creators and partners.

Fang cited Neoh's two decades of experience building and scaling businesses across the region, as well as his connections within the technology ecosystem, as important to Roblox's next phase of growth.

An entrepreneur with experience across technology sectors

Neoh brings experience spanning digital media, e-commerce, financial technology, consumer health and artificial intelligence.

He founded GroupsMore in Malaysia, which merged with Groupon before the latter's initial public offering. He subsequently led Groupon's Asia-Pacific business.

In 2015, he founded Fave, a Southeast Asian consumer fintech and payments platform that expanded to more than 10 million users before its acquisition by Pine Labs in 2021.

Neoh later served as Managing Director at Prenetics, where he led its consumer health businesses. His entrepreneurial and investment activities also include First Move, an early-stage venture capital platform supporting founders across Southeast Asia. He has backed more than 50 startups across Asia, particularly in consumer technology.

His background combines operating experience in technology companies with exposure to the startup investment ecosystem, giving Roblox a regional leader familiar with building consumer platforms and scaling businesses across markets.

What the appointment means for Southeast Asia

Roblox's leadership change signals an intention to strengthen its regional operations beyond brand awareness and user growth. Its stated priorities include supporting local studios, building commercial partnerships and adapting its platform strategy to the needs of individual markets.

For Southeast Asia, the opportunity extends to developers and creative businesses seeking to reach international audiences through interactive digital experiences. However, turning that potential into sustainable growth will depend on the partnerships, creator support and safety measures the company develops across the region.

With Neoh leading its Southeast Asia and Oceania business, Roblox is positioning its next phase of regional expansion around a combination of local market knowledge, creator development and long-term engagement with communities.

More information about the platform and its creator ecosystem is available through the official Roblox website.

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Multipolitan Raises US$2M at US$25M Valuation, Plans Manila Technology Expansion

Multipolitan Raises US$2M at US$25M Valuation, Plans Manila Technology Expansion

Singapore-based global mobility technology company Multipolitan has raised US$2 million in seed funding at a US$25 million pre-money valuation, with plans to establish an office and expand its technology team in Manila.

Led by global venture studio EmergentX, the funding round will support the planned December 2026 worldwide launch of the company's free consumer-facing Multipolitan App and the continued expansion of Multipolitan Private Client, its service for high-net-worth individuals and affluent families.

The planned Manila expansion places the Philippines within the company's broader Asian growth strategy, as it looks to strengthen its technology capabilities and develop a platform for people who travel, work, study, invest and live across national borders.

Private client business provides commercial foundation

Multipolitan is entering its next growth phase with an established revenue-generating operation. The company reports that its Private Client business has generated more than US$4 million in net revenue in less than two years.

The company says its experience serving affluent clients has provided commercial validation, as well as research and customer insights that are informing the development of its consumer technology platform.

Multipolitan was founded by Nirbhay Handa, formerly Group Head of Business Development at Henley & Partners, and Lee Smith, an entrepreneur and co-founder of Japanese fintech company Paidy, which was acquired by PayPal for US$2.7 billion.

Their backgrounds span global mobility, wealth migration and financial technology, areas that inform the company's approach to bringing cross-border services into a connected digital experience.

A platform for managing life across borders

International travel and relocation often involve coordinating information from different sources, including passport and visa records, immigration requirements, insurance, pre-arrival documents and flight updates.

Multipolitan is developing a platform intended to bring several of these requirements together. Its business has two main offerings: the consumer-focused Multipolitan App and Multipolitan Private Client, which provides tailored services for affluent individuals and families with more complex international mobility needs.

The app is organised around three functions: Live, Travel and Stay.

Live is designed to help users manage passports, visas, residence information and family documents in one place, with reminders for important deadlines.

Travel brings together entry requirements, pre-arrival preparation and real-time flight updates to help users prepare for journeys and monitor travel information.

Stay is intended to track time spent abroad, remaining stay allowances and approaching deadlines, including planned calculations for covered travel rules such as Schengen scenarios.

The platform is supported by three proprietary technology systems: INREX, an immigration intelligence engine; FlightIQ, a real-time travel intelligence platform; and Visa Connect, an AI-powered travel visa engine.

Lee Smith, Multipolitan co-founder, said the company aims to reduce the complexity of managing travel and residency requirements, particularly for families handling multiple passports and visas.

The app is scheduled to launch free worldwide in December 2026. Multipolitan plans to use insights from the initial rollout to inform a premium version with additional features, targeted for the second quarter of 2027.

Manila forms part of the company's Asian expansion

The Philippines is among the markets Multipolitan intends to serve as it expands across Asia. The company sees potential demand from Filipinos who travel, work and study overseas, as well as digital nomads who live and work from the country.

Manila is also part of its technology expansion plans. Multipolitan intends to establish a local office and grow its technology team, drawing on the city's pool of mobile and full-stack developers to support product development.

"As more Filipinos travel, work, study, and build lives across borders, we see growing demand for clear, connected mobility support," said Handa. "We expect the country to remain a key part of our expansion in Asia."

The company currently employs more than 40 people across its Singapore headquarters and offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Bengaluru. It also plans to establish additional offices in Manila and Kuala Lumpur as it builds its regional presence.

Building for a more mobile global population

Multipolitan's expansion comes as international movement creates demand for services that help individuals and families navigate different immigration and travel systems. The company cites more than 1.5 billion international trips annually, over 300 million people living outside their country of birth, and an estimated 40 million digital nomads as indicators of the market it aims to address.

For Multipolitan, the challenge is to bring fragmented information and services into a more coordinated experience, while maintaining a specialised offering for clients with more complex mobility and wealth-related requirements.

The US$2-million seed round will fund the next stage of that strategy, with the planned Manila office giving the company an additional base for technology development as it prepares to introduce its consumer app globally.

More information about the company and its upcoming app is available through Multipolitan's website.

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