Youth participation key to addressing climate change issues – ChildFund Philippines

Youth participation key to addressing climate change issues – ChildFund Philippines

Thursday, April 25, 2024

ChildFund Philippines supports youth in Infanta, Quezon through a climate action program called Project GREENLIGHT. This initiative aims to help address climate change issues and mitigate climate-induced disaster risks, underscoring the central role of youth in driving climate action within their community. 

Project GREENLIGHT, in partnership with the municipal government of Infanta and ReINa Federations of Parents Associations, Inc., integrates Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) and Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) into the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) program of Infanta, Quezon. 

Project GREENLIGHT represents a comprehensive approach to climate action, acknowledging that climate change is a complex and interconnected issue. “It integrates education, community engagement, and sustainable livelihood development to help the next generation of local eco-leaders combat climate change, especially since the Philippines is prone to various climate hazards and risks due to its geographical location and human activities,” said Erwin Peter Galido, Program Specialist - Disaster Risk Management of ChildFund Philippines. “Our ultimate goal for this project is to eventually make this a national program and support more Filipino youth taking action to mitigate climate change impacts,” he added. 

The initiative employs a classroom-to-forest approach to support the youth in taking an active role in environmental protection and conservation, efficient energy consumption, waste management, awareness raising, local policy advocacy, and climate action. It involves taking students out of traditional classroom settings and into natural environments, such as forests, wetlands, or parks, to learn about environmental concepts, ecological systems, and conservation practices firsthand. 

"We believe in the power of these young individuals to make a meaningful difference in their communities and beyond. With Project GREENLIGHT, we aim to work hand-in-hand with them to actively contribute as catalysts for climate action, particularly in communities vulnerable to the impacts of disasters, and for a more sustainable and eco-friendly world,” said Anand Vishwakarma, CEO & Country Director of ChildFund Philippines. 

Youth leaders and advocates in the program, called Eco-scouts, highlight the importance of youth engagement in creating sustainable solutions to address climate change. 

“This immersive approach gives us a better understanding of why we need to combat climate change now more than ever,” said Ramiline Resplanador, one of the Eco-scouts. “Throughout the implementation, we are learning the impacts of deforestation and degradation on our community, and so we encourage other children to become better stewards of our planet,” she added. 

Lu By Ron Broto, another Eco-Scout, shared, “I apply what I learn from the project by encouraging my family to switch to more sustainable ways of living, including waste segregation, plant growing, and efficient energy consumption.” He added that the project also enhanced his leadership skills to educate more members of the community about climate change, helping them make conscious choices that have a positive impact on the environment. 

The project’s approaches and tools will enable individuals and communities to adapt to the challenges of climate change while simultaneously promoting sustainable development. This includes the promotion of climate-smart agricultural practices, green jobs and livelihoods (e.g., zero waste stores), and renewable energy, among others.

ReINa Federation and the government of Infanta, Quezon have been integral partners in the pilot implementation of the program, demonstrating a commitment to building climate resilience in Infanta, Quezon which is prone to natural disasters because of its diverse landscape. 

The government of Infanta emphasizes that climate awareness should lead to action. "It is imperative to get commitments on the ground and to act with more urgency. By thinking globally and acting locally to adapt to our community’s needs, we can effectively utilize our resources to mitigate climate change impacts,” said Ron Pallugna Crisostomo, Municipal Government Department Head I - Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer of Infanta, Quezon. 

ChildFund Philippines encourages more multi-sectoral collaborations with corporate institutions, non-government organizations, and other stakeholders to expand Project GREENLIGHT's implementation to other communities across other parts of the country.

For more information on how to get involved, visit https://childfund.org.ph/get-involved/.

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UnionBank Wealth Management Ignites 2024 with Dynamic Strategies for Scaling Wealth

UnionBank Wealth Management Ignites 2024 with Dynamic Strategies for Scaling Wealth

Friday, April 19, 2024

 

This 2024, Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) Wealth Management is doubling down on its commitment to helping you scale your wealth to success through expert and global investment insights that enable you to make the best move.

Make the most of the promising year as UnionBank Wealth Management empowers you so you can unlock prosperity like never before through solutions offered only by the best in the industry—from wealth management offered by a team of experts, to convenient banking that can be tailored to your needs.

UnionBank Access and UnionBank Elite 

For those at the beginning of their wealth journey, UnionBank Access is the perfect service. Customers in the Access program: get VIP treatment with priority queueing at UnionBank Wealth Branches, get preferential foreign exchange rates (for travel or investment purposes), have exclusive time-deposit rates, enjoy free ATM withdrawals with higher transaction limits (in country and abroad), can enjoy cross-border fund transfers via UnionBank Online, and can link multiple deposit accounts to their UnionBank Access debit card.

UnionBank Elite customers, on the other hand, enjoy the service of a team of wealth experts providing holistic support comprised of: a Service Banker, Wealth Acquisition Officer, Investment Specialist, and Insurance Specialist to provide insights and guidance that will help keep them on track to meet their financial goals. UnionBank Wealth Elite customers are able to access Global Investment products without opening off-shore accounts, have free international ATM withdrawals, and can transfer cross-border funds to any account in the world with no outgoing fees.

Exclusive market outlook events

The UnionBank Wealth Management leveled-up banking experience grants you access to exclusive events tailored to enrich your partnership with the Bank. Most recently, UnionBank Wealth Management hosted two highly successful market outlook events in Metro Manila and Cebu. The events were meticulously crafted to offer clients invaluable insights and discern trends, empowering them to make well-informed financial decisions.

During the events, UnionBank Wealth Management’s two global fund house partners presented the latest financial shifts and prospects around the world. Christopher Wong and Liao Shuangwei from Fidelity International provided investment insights on enduring megatrends, emerging markets like India, and taking the defensive approach through less volatile sectors. Michelle Leung, from Allianz Global Investments, articulated ways to navigate in a dynamic landscape, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) across industries, and other opportunities in new markets such as Japan. 

Event host Issa Litton and UnionBank Financial Services and Insurance Brokerage Inc. (UFSI) President and CEO Ramon Tejero led a panel discussion with the fund house speakers to elaborate on the topics presented and entertain questions from the attending Elite and Access program members in the audience.

With the growth of the wealth business since UnionBank’s acquisition, you can expect better quality of service and support from experts who are actively finding new ways to raise the bar and make your every transaction meaningful.

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Dermorepubliq Revealed as Mysterious 'D' Behind Viral Billboard that raked 30 million views online

Dermorepubliq Revealed as Mysterious 'D' Behind Viral Billboard that raked 30 million views online

Dermorepubliq, TikTok Shop Philippines' top skincare brand, has stepped forward as the mastermind behind the viral billboard along C5 Southbound in Libis, Quezon City, which has sparked intrigue from an estimated 30 million social media users with its heartfelt plea to salvage relationships.

The billboard, featuring the message "Wag na tayo mag-break, please" (Let's not break up, please) and signed with the initial "D," initially sparked speculation among netizens. Celebrity actors like Daniel Padilla and Dominic Roque were swiftly linked to the campaign, given their recent public breakups, fueling further speculation about the identity of "D."

The original video that went viral was posted by social media influencer Gifer Fernandez, garnering nearly 20 million views and thousands of reactions, comments, and shares on Facebook alone.

Dermorepubliq's revelation sheds light on the creative campaign behind the emotional appeal. The message was crafted as part of the launch campaign for Dermorepubliq's latest skincare innovation, the 5% Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid serum, which joins the local skincare brand’s meticulously curated range of 28 products.

The newly replaced billboard, situated in the same location, now bears the message, “Sabi ni D, breakout no more sa tulong ni Dermorepubliq with regular use of 5% Niacinamide." (D says, no more breakout with the help of Dermorepubliq with regular use of 5% Niacinamide.)

This breakthrough serum aims to innovate skincare routines by addressing common concerns such as breakouts, blemishes, pore refinement, hydration, and oil regulation. Positioned as an essential addition to any skincare regimen, the serum offers gentle yet effective solutions for individuals seeking radiant and flawless skin.

Keith Sta. Barbara, President and Founder of Dermorepubliq, said, "The unveiling of Dermorepubliq as the force behind the viral billboard narrative underscores our commitment to creativity and innovation in the skincare industry." He emphasized the brand's dedication to providing science-based products that cater to the diverse needs of consumers.

Sta. Barbara added, "Our mission at Dermorepubliq is to empower individuals to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. We believe that skincare should be accessible to all and that our products offer effective solutions for a wide range of skin concerns."

As speculation continues to swirl, Dermorepubliq invites the public to uncover the story behind the billboard's emotive plea and explore its range of innovative skincare products.

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PRUBabies receives back-to-back international awards

PRUBabies receives back-to-back international awards

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Pru Life UK's free insurance coverage for newborns lauded for making protection accessible to more Filipino families

PRUBabies, Pru Life UK's free insurance coverage against select infectious diseases for newborns, bagged Silver and Bronze Stevie® Awards for Community Relations/Public Service Communications and Innovative Achievement in Diversity & Inclusion, respectively.

As a testament to the company's commitment to driving financial inclusion in the country, Pru Life UK offered 175,000 free vouchers of PRUMedCare – Select Infectious Diseases coverage for newborns from 7 days to 11 months old, helping parents protect their newborns against the cost of getting sick from any of the covered four infectious diseases – Dengue, Typhoid, Measles and Malaria. 

“Daghang salamat Pru Life UK. Dahil sa inyo, nabigyan ng libreng proteksyon ang aking baby,” shares Jeresa Caranoo, mother from Bantayan Island, Cebu who received free insurance for her child. 

Through PRUBabies, parents can receive cash assistance for the diagnosis and death of newborns due to any of the four covered diseases. The Department of Health has warned the public to watch out for the four covered diseases, particularly during summer. 

The leading life insurer distributed free vouchers across the country through Pru Life UK’s 42,000-strong agency force and the support of local government units, non-government organizations (NGOs) and hospitals – NGO Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) for Bantayan Island, Cebu and Parañaque City; The CSR arm of FirstGen Corp. for its host communities in Batangas City; St. Scholastica’s Formation House in Tagaytay City; Philippine Medical Association-Calamba for Dr. Jose P. Rizal District Hospital in Calamba, Laguna; Rotary Club of Mandaluyong-Biyaya for the Grace to Be Born Shelter in Pasig City; Microfinance NGO Tulay sa Pag-unlad Inc. (TSPI) in Makati; Office of Palawan Board Member Anton Alvarez and the Mayor’s Office of Taytay for Taytay, Palawan, Rotary Club of Mandaluyong and Mandaluyong City government for the Mandaluyong City Medical Center, Manila City government for Tondo, Manila, and Barangay Council of Tandang Sora for Barangay Tandang Sora in Quezon City.

A combined financial literacy and climate & health session was also conducted for the families in Palawan, the only province in the Philippines with known malaria cases. 

“PRUBabies is one of the many ways we make life insurance more accessible to more Filipino families, including babies who deserve to be protected from birth. We are grateful to our like-minded partners for their support in reaching out to unserved and underserved communities in far-flung areas. With PRUBabies, we live up to our mission to be the most trusted partners for every life and protectors for every future of Filipino families,” shares Allan Tumbaga, Pru Life UK's Chief Customer and Marketing Officer.

The free coverage vouchers have been distributed in 2023. Filipinos who want to be continuously financially protected with PRUMedCare – Select Infectious Diseases can get it via Pulse app. They can also check the coverage details at www.prulifeuk.com.ph. 

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Empowering Communities for Sustainable Land Management

Empowering Communities for Sustainable Land Management

While global awareness of forests' significance has grown, Southeast Asia grapples with ongoing forest loss. The region has lost approximately 80 million hectares of forest between 2005 and 2015, with projections indicating further shrinkage or growth. In the Philippines, the Food and Agricultural Organization estimated that the country has the second fastest deforestation rate in Southeast Asia and seventh globally between 2000 and 2005, losing roughly 2.1% of its forest cover annually. The cause for the loss is human activities like converting forests to farms, using trees for fuel, illegal logging, and clearing land for mining all contribute to this rapid decline. 

With increasing numbers of changing and extreme weather patterns due to the climate crisis, forests will continue to be in a dire state, as there will be potential decreases in coffee, palm oil, sugar cane, and corn production across Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, the problem comes with a conundrum, as there is a risk of a hunger crisis, exacerbated by the pandemic. Therefore, the question is how do we increase the protection of our forest without impacting our food security.

We have seen efforts to ensure food security in the form of food estate development. However, these efforts are mostly done without a sustainability framework or are designed to meet a short-term goal. For example, Indonesia has been trying to develop its food estate programs for years to ensure food security; however, these projects have not had successful outcomes. What’s left now are damaged forests and peatlands, the latter being fragile ecosystems that can cause an increase in carbon emissions, forest fires, and transboundary haze.

Apart from impacting the environment, these approaches also do not have the local community's interest at hand. Opening up these lands also means relocating some indigenous communities that have lived on the land for generations. This will cause more issues in the future, including cultural erosion, economic disparity, and health impacts.

In this challenging landscape, WALHI, the Indonesian Forum for the Environment, stands as a beacon of hope. Founded in 1980 and part of the Friends of the Earth International network since 1989, WALHI is Indonesia’s largest and oldest environmental advocacy NGO. Committed to promoting resilience and community economics, WALHI’s mission revolves around restoring environmental rights and empowering local communities.

“At WALHI, we have witnessed the success of the Wilayah Kelola Rakyat (WKR) or Community Managed Area approach in promoting sustainable land management among the communities that we work with. We firmly believe this approach can be used as a benchmark for communities across Indonesia and replicated in other Southeast Asian countries,” said Uli Arta Siagian, WALHI National Forest and Big Plantation Campaign Manager.

Empowering Community to Make Environment Thrive

At the heart of WALHI’s work lies the Wilayah Kelola Rakyat (WKR), a community-based area management that champions sustainable land management. WKR integrates governance, production, distribution, and consumption processes while respecting local wisdom and values, ensuring no land conflict between the communities and other private parties. By empowering communities to manage their resources, WKR addresses structural poverty and inequality while defending against extractive industries.

WALHI has also helped communities, such as the Dayak Meratus, one of the indigenous communities in Borneo, to continue their swidden farming practice. While the practice is focused on the slash and burn activities, it ensures that the land being cleared is not part of the fragile ecosystem. Additionally, the Dayak Meratus also provides ample time for the land to recover by not planting anything after a period of time. During that time, the Dayak Meratus will search for another area to be cultivated.

Apart from conducting this practice, the Dayak Meratus tribe also practices intercropping, growing various crops in the same field. This allows a variety of staple foods to be consumed but also helps the crops to be more resilient, reduces pest outbreaks, and enhances the resilience of the farming system against environmental fluctuations.

What Dayak Meratus has been doing, is what WALHI wants to replicate across Indonesia. Focusing on each area’s strength and the community practices, ensuring to meet the needs of local communities. At the same time, there should be an increase in sustainable agricultural practices that improve yield without exploiting the forest.

Challenges and Trajectories

What WALHI proposes is not an entirely novel approach, The Forest Development Center of the College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR-FDC) from the University of the Philippines Los Banos has previously floated the idea. Especially in addressing the country's chronic food insecurity and malnutrition problems. This highlights the often-overlooked role of forests in contributing to food security, alongside traditional agriculture.

However there are going to be challenges moving forward. Despite the approaches proposed by WALHI, there are still uphill battles that the organization and local communities must face, especially on government regulations, restoring the ecosystem to support the community, and whether the effort can be scaled up. 

In the Philippines, similar efforts are already being undertaken, namely the Carood Watershed Project, backed by the U.N.'s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The project tackles environmental health and food security as it aims to restore the watershed's natural balance by focusing on reforestation, water reservoir protection, and sustainable land management. This collaborative effort brings together government officials, local communities, and academic institutions to ensure collaborative decision-making. 

Replicating the WKR approach elsewhere requires sensitivity to local contexts and active community participation. Nonetheless, the model offers a blueprint for sustainable land management in the face of escalating environmental challenges, and most importantly, it holds promise for other Southeast Asian countries, to balance food security and environmental protection.

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Top Philippine PR agency head to join panel of judges in the prestigious Stevie Awards

Top Philippine PR agency head to join panel of judges in the prestigious Stevie Awards

Friday, April 12, 2024

The Stevie Awards, one of the world’s premier business awards, has recently named Filipino Ana Pista, founder, and CEO of Ardent Communications, as one of its distinguished panel of judges for the Corporate Communications/PR, Publications, Events, and Video Asia Pacific Awards. 

The Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards are an international business awards competition that is open to all organizations in the 29 markets of the Asia-Pacific region. The focus of the awards is on recognizing innovation in all its forms. In short order, the Stevie has become one of the world's most coveted prizes. 

Ana Pista started Ardent Communications Inc. or ArdentComm in 1997 as a PR agency specializing in the then-booming technology sector. Over the years, Pista has helped the agency to become one of the Philippines' leading integrated marketing communications agencies. 

ArdentComm offers strategic communications consultancy, government and community relations, digital PR, media and influencer relations, and digital marketing. It counts as clients some of the biggest brands in the world such as Airbnb, Toyota, Disney, Chevron, and Alibaba Cloud. 

Pista was the first-ever Filipino elected as a director of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communications Management, the leading international body for the profession of public relations and communications.

Pista will join other local top PR agency heads, academics from renowned universities, and top executives in the country as members of the panel of judges. Along with these juries are professional and prominent personalities from Singapore, Texas, Australia, and other countries.

The winners of the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards were unveiled last April 10, showcasing diverse and exceptional campaigns, individuals, and innovations to inspire and influence wide-ranging sectors worldwide. The awardees are slated to celebrate their outstanding works at the upcoming banquet on May 24 which will be held in Manila. 

For additional information about the elected juries and other 2024 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards Asia updates, you can visit their website at: https://www.asia.stevieawards.com/.

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Japan ranks as top leisure travel destination for Filipino travellers: Visa study

Japan ranks as top leisure travel destination for Filipino travellers: Visa study

Monday, April 1, 2024

Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has published its most recent Green Shoots Radar study. This quarterly report analyzes consumer sentiments across various sectors, such as financial services, commerce, and travel. The study reveals a surge in travel frequency among Filipino travelers. According to the data, 24% of surveyed Filipino respondents have traveled overseas for leisure or business purposes in the past year. This trend aligns with a broader travel resurgence across Asia Pacific, with 37% of those surveyed reporting overseas travels within the same period.

Japan emerged as the top leisure destination for Filipino travelers, with 32% visiting in the past year. Singapore (22%) followed by Hong Kong (21%) and Thailand (18%) were the next most popular destinations. For business trips, Singapore led the list with 25%, followed by Japan (23%), and the United States tied with Hong Kong at 18%.

Filipino travelers prefer to book flight tickets directly from the provider’s website (44%). Among those respondents who booked their accommodations through Online Travel Agencies and paid the full amount upon booking, using credit cards is the most popular payment mode (41%), followed by mobile/e-wallets (28%).

Jeff Navarro, Country Manager for Visa Philippines, said, "As cross-border travel gains momentum in the Philippines and the region, we have a significant opportunity to maintain visibility throughout travelers' journeys. This involves being present during destination searches and bookings, using Visa cards on travel apps for smoother transactions, and engaging consumers with authentic travel and shopping content to create a secure and seamless digital payments experience for everyone, everywhere."

The future of travel remains promising, with 65% of Filipino respondents planning overseas leisure travel in the next 12 months. The top three leisure destinations intended in the next 12 months are Japan (38%), followed by South Korea (29%) and Singapore (16%). For business travel, Japan (19%), Canada (13%), and South Korea (12%) are the most likely destinations.

According to Visa’s Global Travel Intentions 2023 study, majority (89%) of Filipino travelers used credit (44%) and debit (39%) cards when travelling, for the benefits of cards’ wide acceptance (56%), accepted at ATMs (49%), and ability to be used both online and within apps (43%). 

Visa’s most recent Consumer Payment Attitudes 2023 study data also reflect cards as the preferred mode of payment when travelling, where 25% of surveyed Filipinos use credit or debit cards online and 21% use via swipe or insert when traveling overseas.

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Enstack Launches "HERstory": A Celebration of Women in Leadership

Enstack Launches "HERstory": A Celebration of Women in Leadership

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Series aims to inspire professional ambition and personal growth by spotlighting trailblazing women in business and industry

Enstack, the AI-powered mobile app that enables everyone to be entrepreneurs, announced today the launch of EmpowHER HERstory, a year-long video series designed to spotlight the journeys, challenges, and achievements of female leaders across various industries.

EmpowHER HERstory, a new initiative from Enstack’s EmpowHER campaign, gives a closer look at the lives of influential women who balance professional success with personal roles such as that of mothers and primary caregivers.

As a female-led company, Enstack consistently highlights female entrepreneurs, emphasizing role models just ahead in their journeys for relatable inspiration. With EmpowHER HERstory, Enstack also wants to celebrate women who have reached the C-suite, built billion-peso businesses, or created an impact on millions of Filipino lives while juggling different personal roles, with an aim to motivate audiences toward even bigger dreams and substantial ambitions.

This series brings to the fore influential women including: 

● Yangyang Zhang, Xendit's Chief Innovation Officer, known for her pivotal role in financial innovation across Southeast Asia; 

● Ruoshan Tao, Canva's Head of Marketing for Southeast Asia and Latin America, who is transforming digital design accessibility worldwide; 

● Ambe Tierro, Country Managing Director at Accenture Philippines, who is setting the standard for excellence in the IT and consulting industry; 

● Berna Romulo-Puyat, Deputy Governor at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, instrumental in shaping national financial and economic policy; and 

● Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, renowned for her dedication to community development and governance. 

In the Philippines, women hold 39% of senior management and have surpassed men in tertiary education enrollment, with a ratio of over 2.57 million women to 1.87 million men in AY 2021-2022. However, the labor force participation rate for women is at 34.5%, highlighting a discrepancy that underscores the critical importance of visible, diverse female leaders to inspire the next generation. 

"Within Enstack's ecosystem, where nearly 70% of merchants are women, we are deeply committed to amplifying female entrepreneurship and underscoring the significant impact women have on the economy. EmpowHER HERstory is about the power of visibility and representation. It's about revealing not only the achievements of women but also the paths they've taken, the obstacles they've overcome, and the significant impacts of their journeys,” shares Enstack's CEO, Macy Castillo. “This initiative is our way of inspiring viewers to dream bigger, encouraging not just young women but people from all walks of life to challenge norms, break barriers, and pursue their dreams with relentless passion."

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PLDT, Smart, ATRIEV hold digital training for persons with disabilities in Cebu

PLDT, Smart, ATRIEV hold digital training for persons with disabilities in Cebu

Monday, March 18, 2024

PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) conducted an eight-day Digital Business Basics Training (DBBT) for persons with disabilities in Mandaue City, Cebu. The training was done in collaboration with non-profit organization ATRIEV, Voice Philippines, and the Mandaue City Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO).

Under their Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Advocacy through Technology (IDEATe) program, PLDT and Smart partnered with ATRIEV, or Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation Integration and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired, to expand the reach of this digital training across the country and upskill more entrepreneurs with disabilities, enabling them to participate in and benefit from the digital economy.

“In a world full of judgment, it may be challenging for persons with disabilities to establish their own businesses, but I salute our DBBT graduates’ willingness to learn and improve their livelihood. Through IDEATe, PLDT and Smart ensure to support persons with disabilities in navigating through the world of business enabled by technology,” said Lailane H. Go, Senior Manager, Regional Customer Development at Smart.

Helen Ortega, a tuberculosis survivor, expressed her gratitude for being part of this initiative. “As someone who is unfamiliar with online selling and digital tools, this training undoubtedly equipped me with skills to improve my small business. This is a great opportunity for us, and I thank ATRIEV and its partners for making this happen,” she said.

A total of 27 participants, who included individuals with physical and psychosocial impairments, learned about various digital tools and applications that they can use in growing their businesses online. Additionally, the training also covered e-commerce platforms, social media marketing, content creation, internet safety, and an introduction to the Maya Business App, helping them fully embrace digitalization in their businesses.

“LGU Mandaue City values the welfare of its people, especially those from vulnerable groups. We thank our partners for helping us reach our goal of capacitating persons with disabilities in our city and helping them become productive individuals,” said Dr. Michael Allan O. Pielago, Mandaue City PDAO Head.

This initiative under PLDT Group’s pioneering inclusion program, IDEATe, aligns with its commitment to helping the country achieve UNSDG No. 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and UNSDG No. 10: Reduced Inequalities by empowering and promoting the social, economic and political inclusion of all, including persons with disabilities. IDEATe was a finalist at the 2024 Global Mobile (GLOMO) Awards, the connectivity industry’s most prestigious accolade, judged by the telco sector’s most prominent experts.

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LAC Leads Wellness Revolution by Redefining Supplement Consumption in the Philippines

LAC Leads Wellness Revolution by Redefining Supplement Consumption in the Philippines

Sunday, March 17, 2024

More and more Filipinos are embracing wellness, as a recent study showed a 4.7% surge in the country's personal care segment in 2023 compared to 2022. Seeking better health, nearly four out of five Filipinos (76%) have purchased vitamin supplements and incorporated them into their daily routines, indicating a shift towards a more proactive and preventative mindset in seeking personalized health solutions. However, despite this rise, there is an ongoing lack of complete trust in health and wellness products sold online, with 32% of individuals expressing reservations. 

Recognizing the prevalent lack of awareness and misinformation in the health and wellness market, LAC (Leader in Antioxidative Control™), the leading health and wellness product provider in the Philippines, aims to revolutionize the way people perceive supplement intake and consumption. With stores across 47 locations in the Philippines, LAC puts each of their scientifically-proven ingredients within Filipino’s reach.

LAC is dedicated to educating consumers on a wide range of products tailored to various needs to help them understand their unique nutritional requirements and choose the right supplements through nutrition education. Their Nutrition for Life campaign advocates for holistic well-being, offering supplements for health, beauty, wellness, preventive nutrition, diet, weight management, and sports nutrition, catering to diverse lifestyles across all walks of life.

This holistic approach to nutrition also translates to how supplements can be consumed–by integrating it into innovative recipes that will help consumers prioritize wellness without sacrificing taste or convenience.

Blend

LAC empowers individuals to effortlessly incorporate essential supplements into their lifestyles. Its supplements go beyond just pills and caplets. For on-the-go convenience, they come in tasty jelly, liquid, and powdered forms, making it easier to also mix them into your favorite foods and beverages throughout the day. Showcasing their commitment in removing the barrier of complexity, ensuring that optimal health and vitality are within easy reach.

Balance

LAC's supplements are meticulously crafted to enhance overall health and well-being, integrating a diverse array of nutrients and botanical extracts to promote equilibrium within the body's systems. From skin improvement, brain health, immunity to stress resilience and more, it promises a state of overall well-being where various aspects of physical, mental, and emotional health are in harmony. 

Boost

LAC's innovative approach is designed to boost every aspect of Filipinos’ life. Its scientifically-proven ingredients, diverse product range, and accessible platforms uniquely equip them to elevate your well-being. By harnessing the power of antioxidants, probiotics, collagen, and other bioactive compounds, these supplements help individuals optimize their antioxidant health, skincare, digestive health, and overall vitality through easy absorption for a more boosted and energetic lifestyle. 

LAC Masquelier’s® French Pine Bark Extract: SUPER ANTIOXIDANT, Perfect for Immunity Boosting

Start the day with LAC Masquelier's® French Pine Bark. As LAC’s best-selling product, over 200,000,000 tablets of Masquelier’s® French Pine Bark have been sold worldwide. This gem of a pill offers a holistic approach to health that goes beyond superficial enhancements, LAC Masquelier’s® French Pine Bark Extract’s antioxidative properties work from within, helping individuals to counteract oxidative stress and free radicals that can contribute to premature ageing and other skin-related concerns. Loaded with oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), a potent antioxidant, the product reduces the amount of free radicals in the body, allowing the body to combat pathogens and infections effectively.

LAC Activated Liver Protector™: Promoting Liver Health for Better Sleep and Skin

Contrary to popular belief, poor liver function does not just affect those who consume alcohol. Excessive consumption of fatty foods and even long term medication can also stress and burden the liver, weakening its functions and increasing the risk of liver disease. LAC Activated Liver Protector™ is a blend of Traditional Chinese Medicinal herbs that can prevent and relieve fatty liver, promote healthy liver function and lower bad blood lipid levels, infused with ingredients such as Hawthorn Fruit, Lotus Leaf, and Chrysanthemum Flower to keep the liver healthy.

LAC TAUT® Rejuvenate+ Premium Collagen 13,000mg: Firm, Hydrate, Restore skin for Ageless Beauty

Derived from one of the most premium fish sources – the red snapper, LAC TAUT® Rejuvenate+ is a unique collagen formula designed to protect your skin against the effects of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs), a primary cause for premature ageing which weaken the elastin and collagen proteins responsible for maintaining the support and elasticity crucial for skin integrity.

LAC TAUT® Rejuvenate+ contains 13,000mg of proprietary RDS (Rapid Delivery System) low molecular weight collagen and further fortified with thoroughbred placenta, a blend of glycation-fighting ingredients, antioxidants and herbal extracts.

LAC StemC®: The Elixir of Youth, Incomparable Cellular Rejuvenation

LAC StemC® is the final result of cellular research and an incomparable cellular rejuvenating supplement. It contains a precious concentration of 400mg of active placenta extract per capsule through an advanced encapsulation process to preserve vital cell growth factors extracted from the placenta; an active ingredient that supports the body’s renewal system to repair and rejuvenate ageing cells and damaged tissues. In addition to its high content of active placenta extract, each capsule also contains Grape Seed Oil with excellent emollient properties to repair and rejuvenate damaged skin, and Squalene from shark liver oil, known to support the body’s renewal system. This potent blend of ingredients results in the most powerful cellular rejuvenating supplement for the improvement of your life quality.

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Bayad and Pay&Go seals partnership with Carmona Cavite local government, bringing accessible bills payment services

Bayad and Pay&Go seals partnership with Carmona Cavite local government, bringing accessible bills payment services

As the Local Government of Carmona, Cavite celebrates its first cityhood anniversary last February 19, 2024, City Mayor Dr. Dahlia A. Loyola leads a week-long program celebration that champions its different programs including its advocacy on financial inclusion. In line with this, a joint partnership between the LGU, Bayad and Pay&Go was officially sealed on February 20, 2024.

Bayad is a subsidiary of Meralco and the pioneer and leader in the outsourced bills payment collection service in the Philippines while Pay&Go is a leading 24-hour self-service payment kiosk provider in the country.

Under the partnership, Bayad will continue to power the bills payment services of Pay&Go payment machines, which are now made accessible at LGU Carmona City Hall.

“Imagine the ease of being able to pay your electric, water, and internet bills, while being able to settle your government contributions, load your prepaid, RFID, and e-wallet accounts all at the same time. This is the kind of one-stop-shop convenience that Bayad stands for.” shares Bayad Business Development Manager Kathlyn Alarcon, as she also provided a picture of onboarding more local billers in the future to cater to the various needs of Carmona residents.

Pay & Go Senior Alliance Manager, Kenneth de Guzman also shared “We are happy that we share the same values with Bayad in providing convenient and accessible payment experience. We hope that in deploying our Pay&Go automated payment terminals, we enable thriving communities like Carmona City to strengthen financial inclusion.”

LGU Carmona Mayor Dahlia A. Loyola added “The local government of Carmona is proactively supporting the country’s adoption of fast and secured digital payment touchpoints. By harnessing our collective efforts with Bayad and Pay&Go, we can ensure that financial services reach more of our kababayans and empower them to make informed financial decisions.”

For banks, financial, and government institutions that are interested to be part of Bayad’s extensive channel network, you may send an email to partnerships@bayad.com. Bayad enables partners to attain nationwide presence and provides end-to-end support services for efficient payment and collection processing.

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Angkas Wins Hearts with Hilarious App Upgrade Announcement

Angkas Wins Hearts with Hilarious App Upgrade Announcement

Friday, March 15, 2024

Angkas, the popular motorcycle taxi app, took a unique approach to promoting their latest upgrade – a video advertisement packed with humor and heart. Released on March 9th, the video features CEO George Royeca in a starring role, and it's quickly gaining positive buzz online.

The charm factor comes from Royeca himself. He embraces a low-budget, PSA-style setup, complete with intentionally awkward moments. This self-deprecating humor makes him instantly relatable. The video even uses a retro DVD player aesthetic, complete with a bouncing Angkas logo – a playful nod to the app's improvements.

Watch the full ad here: https://fb.watch/qKt3lDbW3X/

But it's not all about laughs. Royeca acknowledges user feedback and openly discusses the app's earlier limitations. This transparency builds trust with Angkas customers. His passion for the app's potential to improve commutes and livelihoods is also evident, making him appear invested in the Angkas community.

The video's core message is clear: the new app offers a significantly enhanced experience. Customers can expect faster booking, a smoother user interface, improved location tracking, and even cashless payment options.

By combining humor, honesty, and genuine enthusiasm, Angkas crafted a video that's both entertaining and informative. They successfully promoted the app's benefits while leaving viewers with a positive impression of their CEO, George Royeca. It's a win-win for Angkas and their customers. Ready to experience the upgrade for yourself? Download the new Angkas app today! You can find it on the Apple App Store for iPhone users and Google Play Store for Android users. Look for the one with the glitter on the logo!

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New UK Visa Application Centre launched in Manila

New UK Visa Application Centre launched in Manila

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

• UK visa customers can visit the new and upgraded centre from Monday to Friday, between 7AM to 4PM to apply for all categories of UK visas.

• Customers get a range of optional services to choose from including Premium Lounge, Prime Time Appointments, Keep My Passport, and SMS Alerts among others.

• Customers can also apply for their UK visa from a location of their choice through our optional On Demand Mobile Visa (ODMV) service.

To offer an enhanced visa application submission experience to UK visa customers in Manila, Philippines, Mr. Alistair White, British Deputy Ambassador to the Philippines, inaugurated the new and upgraded UK Visa Application Centre in Manila on 08 March 2024, in the presence of Mr. Julian Salisbury, Assurance and Integrity Manager for Asia Pacific, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and Mr. Kaushik Ghosh, Head-Australasia, VFS Global.

The new UK Visa Application Centre in Manila located on the 6th Floor of the Makati Circuit Corporate Tower Two will offer customers a more comfortable and relaxed visa application submission experience. This spacious facility, equipped with modern amenities and services, will have the capacity to process a higher volume of visa applications per day, and enhance the customer experience by making the customer journey even more smooth and seamless. 

Mr. Alistair White, British Deputy Ambassador to the Philippines, said, "This new and improved visa application centre (VAC) located at the city center is easily accessible by public transportation, providing our customers with added convenience to ensure they have a smooth start to their journey to the UK, whether that’s to visit, work or study at one of our world-leading institutions. In 2023, UKVI issued around 77,500 visas to Philippine nationals. This was a 24% increase from the numbers we saw issued in 2022. As always, we’re excited to welcome more travellers this year, as the UK stands as a key travel destination for many in the Philippines.” 

Spread across 3,300 square feet, this centre offers 10 submission counters with a capacity to process over 300 applications per day. The new center also provides a newly designed state-of-the-art Premium Lounge as one of the optional services for UK visa customers.

Mr. Kaushik Ghosh, Head - Australasia, VFS Global, said, "VFS Global has shared a long-standing relationship of trust with the UK Government since 2003, and this new Visa Application Centre is a reflection of the strong partnership we share. This centre in Manila will play a crucial role in effectively catering to the growing demand for travel to the UK. We are confident that this new Visa Application Centre will enhance customer experience by making the visa application process even more smooth and seamless, thereby helping us better serve travellers to the UK better.”

The visa application centre also offers a host of optional services that include the Premium Lounge service for end-to-end personalised assistance throughout the application process, Prime Time Appointments to allow submission of visa applications beyond regular working hours, and the Keep My Passport service to allow applicants to retain their passports while their applications are being assessed, and only submit them once a visa decision has been reached. Similarly, Courier Return service facilitates delivery of the processed documents to the registered address, while SMS Notifications can help in giving updates at each step of the application journey. 

Additionally, UK visa customers can apply for their visa from any preferred location – home or office -- by opting for our On Demand Mobile Visa (ODMV) service.

VFS Global operates UK Visa Application Centres across two cities in Philippines – Cebu and Manila. This new Visa Application Centre in Manila will cater to UK visa applicants including study, travel, business, and others. 

VFS Global, which has been a trusted partner for the UK Government since 2003, won the global contract for overseas UK visa and Citizenship services last year. As part of the contract, during 2024, VFS Global will deploy 240 Visa and Citizenship Application Service (VCAS) Centres for the UK in 142 countries across Africa & Middle East, Americas, Australasia & Europe, China & Taiwan, and Asia & Asia Pacific regions. These centres will accept all categories of visa applications as well as UK passport applications in some locations. Combined, these new centres are estimated to process 3.8 million applicants every year.

For more information, please visit https://visa.vfsglobal.com/phl/en/gbr/.

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Echelon’s TOP100 2024 Boasts A More Mature Program In Its 10th Edition As First 26 Startups Are Revealed

Echelon’s TOP100 2024 Boasts A More Mature Program In Its 10th Edition As First 26 Startups Are Revealed

Sunday, March 10, 2024

• Echelon has revealed the first 26 startups in its TOP100 Program for this year.

• Participants from beyond Southeast Asia will be spotlighted in 2024, with startups emerging from India, Bangladesh, and Taiwan.

• As the startup ecosystem matures, the program has shifted its mentorship focus to business resilience and sustainable regional growth.

Echelon, the premier tech and startup conference in Southeast Asia organized by e27, has announced the first 26 shortlisted participants in its TOP100 Program for 2024. Launched in 2012, the TOP100 is a curated growth program for startups across the region to gain visibility, mentorship, and funding opportunities. 

From cybersecurity to artificial intelligence, this year’s participants span beyond Southeast Asia, with startups from India, Bangladesh, and Taiwan emerging. “We are proud to see applicants and candidates emerge from beyond our traditional Southeast Asian borders. This goes to show the impact we have made on startups across Asia”, said Mohan Belani, CEO and Co-Founder of e27. “We have a pool of very impressive applicants, and the 26 shortlisted startups are poised to revolutionize their respective fields. This makes us very excited to see what the rest of the program will bring.”

The first 26 shortlisted participants include startups from Laos, the Philippines, and Malaysia along with Singaporean applicants. The list includes names such as Careera (Singapore), Fina Fintech (Laos), Edge Tutor (the Philippines), dentall Co. Ltd. (Taiwan), The Mango Jelly (India), PriyoShop (Bangladesh), Talent Hero Ventures (Singapore), among others.

These startups will participate in the TOP100 program in March, where they will have the privilege of exclusive access to events, mentorship, workshops, and 800+ investors on the e27 PRO Connect platform. They will also be active participants at Echelon X through their exhibition booths and will have a chance to showcase their ideas on the Pitch Stage during the milestone 10th event in Singapore on 15-16 May 2024.

Over the years, the program has witnessed the participation and showcasing of various notable players in today’s startup ecosystem such as 99.co, Edukasyon.ph, FOMO Pay, Lalamove, Gojek, Carousell, and Carro. Priyoshop, a participant in 2023, has since gone on to raise US$ 5 million in funding. Priyoshop is now, joining the stage in 2024 too, to get another boost to their growth.

In its 10th year, the program has evolved to match the dynamic landscape, focusing on providing a multitude of opportunities curated to meet the needs of more mature startups. This includes workshops and mentoring aimed at fostering business resilience and sustainable growth. "The TOP100 Program gives us an opportunity to support and collaborate with the up-and-coming startups across the region. This year, we have a very promising initial group of startups, and we eagerly anticipate revealing more startups to you soon”, added Belani.

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