Chinabank Named 2023 Employer of the Year: Setting a Benchmark in People Management

Chinabank Named 2023 Employer of the Year: Setting a Benchmark in People Management

Sunday, October 29, 2023

    Photo courtesy of PMAP

In an outstanding achievement, China Banking Corporation (Chinabank) has been honored with the title of 2023 Employer of the Year (EOY) in the Philippines, a recognition presented by the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP). This prestigious award serves as a beacon of excellence in the realm of people management, and Chinabank stands as the sole bank to have claimed this coveted accolade in the last three decades. The award was formally bestowed upon Chinabank during the 60th PMAP Annual Conference Awards Night, which took place on October 26, 2023, at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu.

The significance of this accolade was underscored by Chinabank's President and CEO, Romy Uyan, who noted, "Our legacy is not just about banking; it's about people. This achievement reflects our commitment to the wellbeing and happiness of Chinabankers and to creating an empowered and inclusive workplace."

The selection process for the EOY award was highly competitive, with a total of 77 nominations received from various regions across the country. These nominations encompassed three award categories—Employer of the Year, People Manager of the Year, and People Program of the Year. Within the EOY category, 33 nominees were evaluated based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including strategic business management and HR partnership, performance focus, HR competence and credibility, leadership focus and approaches, people engagement, and risk management and sustainability.

The rigorous evaluation process led to the identification of seven Regional Exemplars, among which were four Exemplar Employers contending for the EOY award. Chinabank emerged as the distinguished winner, with other notable contenders including Manila Water Company, Inc., Murata Philippines, and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp.

The People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) serves as the leading organization for companies and professional management executives engaged or interested in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations work in the Philippines. Marking its 47th year, the PMAP Awards program continues the tradition of acknowledging and celebrating best practices in the field of people management, providing a benchmark for others to emulate.

Chinabank's recognition as the 2023 Employer of the Year underscores its unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and thriving work environment for its employees, setting a remarkable example for organizations across the nation.

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Bayad And Ventaja, Elevating Digital Financial Solutions for Filipinos Overseas

Bayad And Ventaja, Elevating Digital Financial Solutions for Filipinos Overseas

Friday, October 27, 2023

CHAMPIONING DIGITAL FINANCIAL INCLUSION: Executives of Bayad and Ventaja on their partnership signing. Seen in the photo (from L-R) are Ventaja Chief Operations Officer Zaida G. Batallones, Ventaja Chief Executive Officer Vincent Paul D. Grey, Bayad President and CEO Lawrence Y. Ferrer, and Bayad Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer Dennis S. Gatuslao.

In an effort to make greater strides in the country’s digital payment transformation, CIS Bayad Center, Inc. (Bayad)– the pioneer brand in the outsourced payment collection system and a full-service fintech subsidiary of Meralco – has officially renewed its partnership with Ventaja International Corp., a fintech institution, initially developed as a telecom prepaid card provider for Filipino migrant workers based overseas, and is now offering a variety of financial services such as remittance, loading and bills payment services for both government and household utilities, all of which, are powered and supported by Bayad’s robust biller aggregator system.

Bayad brings in Meralco, Autosweep, Easytrip, SSS, and many others biller brands in Ventaja’s mobile application calledPayremit and through Ventaja’s domestic and international payment centers. With this, even Filipinos overseas can be able to help settle their families’ bills in the Philippines and regularly pay for their government contributions at the same time.

Bayad President and CEO Lawrence Y. Ferrer shared, “We continue to expand our payment footprint globally, as we aim to elevate the payment experience of our kababayans. Our goal is centered on boosting their financial wellbeing, as we help them seamlessly settle their families’ bills in the Philippines, and at the same time, invest for their future through government contributions.

“We are with Ventaja in helping OFWs strengthen their ties to home, and we highly value every story of hard work that our kababayans experience before they are able to provide for their families’ needs back home”, added Ferrer.

Ventaja President and CEO Vincent D. Grey also shared “We are thrilled and grateful for our renewed partnership with Bayad as we both maximize the opportunity to offer enhanced payment services to Filipinos overseas. This way we can further financial inclusion and help boost the country’s economic growth.”

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

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DoubleVerify announces appointment of Tinee Cruz as Senior Sales Director

DoubleVerify announces appointment of Tinee Cruz as Senior Sales Director

Friday, October 13, 2023

 

DoubleVerify (“DV”) (NYSE: DV), a leading software platform for digital media measurement, data, and analytics, today announced the appointment of Tinee Cruz as Senior Sales Director, Philippines. In her new role, Tinee will work closely with local partners to initiate, implement, and create new partnerships with a focus on business growth. Leveraging her extensive industry experience, Tinee will play a pivotal role in elevating DoubleVerify’s extensive suite of measurement solutions to brands and agencies to drive effective advertising spend outcomes.

The appointment is a testament to DoubleVerify’s commitment to regional growth with a focus on increasing in-market resources in the newly launched markets in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines.

“The Philippines is a unique market with a huge potential for advertisers to drive ROI for their media investments, and Tinee’s appointment is timely for forging new partnerships focused on performance for media buys,” said Conrad Tallariti, Regional Vice President of Sales, Asia. “Tinee has a track record of driving growth leveraging her exceptional leadership skills in developing strong client relations and delivering service excellence. Her expertise covers multiple functions and markets in the region which will be invaluable as we continue our expansion across Southeast Asia.”

With nearly 10 years in the marketing, media, and sales industry, Tinee joins DoubleVerify from InMobi, where she was the Country Sales lead for the Philippines, and played an instrumental role in localizing InMobi’s platform in the Philippines. Her career spans the gamut of the advertising ecosystem - agency, brand, publisher, and platform.

Commenting on her new role, Tinee Cruz said, "Digital ad spending in the Philippines is on the rise, being projected to reach 1.6 million USD in 2023, as customer preferences and habits continuously evolve. With emerging technologies, particularly AI, also set to make its mark, the Philippines advertising market is poised for long-term changes. I look forward to nurturing relationships with our customers and meeting their needs with DoubleVerify’s cutting-edge solutions, to drive a significant impact in the Philippines advertising market."

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Revolutionizing Convenience: beep™ Partners with PalawanPay and Home Credit for Easy Card Reloading

Revolutionizing Convenience: beep™ Partners with PalawanPay and Home Credit for Easy Card Reloading

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Tap tap to top up in-app

beep™, the leading contactless and micropayments system, is bringing added convenience to its users through a strategic partnership with e-wallet PalawanPay and financing giant Home Credit. This collaboration empowers beep™ cardholders to reload their beep™ cards hassle-free with a few taps on their smartphone, eliminating the need to line up at transport terminals.

Reload with PalawanPay in 3 Easy Steps:

1. Open the app and log in or sign up for an account. From the home screen, tap “Pay Bills” then “Electronic Cash” or search for “BEEP” in the search bar.

2. On the next page, enter the 16-digit beep™ card number, your name, and the amount you want to reload.

3. Proceed to the payment page and choose to pay via your wallet, PalawanPay Points, or vouchers when available.

Reload with Home Credit in 3 Easy Steps:

1. In the Home Credit app, tap “Pay Bills” then “Transport” or simply search for beep using the search icon.

2. Enter the amount to reload, the 16-digit beep™ card number, and your name. Tap save, then Continue.

3. Confirm payment details by entering your mPIN.

Vital Reminder:

After purchasing load online, please remember that the purchased load must be retrieved from NFC-enabled phones or E-stations located in various transport terminals, including LRT1, LRT2, and MRT3.

“E-wallets and fintech services have become integral in our increasingly digital lifestyle, with their user base continually growing. The inclusion of PalawanPay and Home Credit in our roster of over-the-air reloading partners underscores our commitment to leveraging technology to enhance the convenience of public commuting. Simultaneously, we enable our business partners to expand their services and attract more customers,” said JJ Moreno, the President & CEO of AF Payments Inc.

PalawanPay is from the pawnshop and remittance company Palawan Pawnshop Group. It is compliant with QR Ph, allowing its suki users to send money, pay bills, shop at stores, and transfer funds to other QR Ph-compliant entities easily and securely.

Home Credit, on the other hand, has revolutionized consumer financing in the country by offering innovative services that help Filipinos manage their spending through the Buy-Now-Pay-Later option, product loans, and many more. It is also QR Ph-compliant.

The beep™ card is available for purchase at LRT1, LRT2, and MRT3 stations, select convenience stores, and online in the official Shopee, Lazada, and Facebook Marketplace stores. beep™ cards can be used to pay for fares in the elevated rail lines, select bus lines, P2P buses, and modern jeepneys, and in partner retail merchants nationwide.

The list of loading partners for beep™ continues to grow, enhancing the commuting experience for Filipinos. beep™ card holders can now load through popular apps and e-wallets such as Gcash, Maya, BPI, Shopee, AND Financial, Maya, Sharetreats, justpay.to, G-gateway mobile, Ventaja, Cebuana Lhuillier, with the recent addition of Home Credit and PalawanPay. With AF Payments’ commitment to enhancing the lifestyle of public commuters, customers and partners can anticipate more innovative, technology-driven solutions in the months ahead.

Businesses interested to partner with beep™ can email sales@afpayments.com or contact the Service Desk at (02) 87379600 (landline), 09175121319 (Globe), or 09985819675 (Smart). To be updated on news and promotions, follow beep™ on Facebook,  X (Twitter), and Instagram.  More information is available at the website.

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Challenge the Usual: DM&A Co. secures partnership with Home Credit PH

Challenge the Usual: DM&A Co. secures partnership with Home Credit PH

Thursday, October 5, 2023

As the leading consumer finance company’s new PR agency on record, DM&A Co. envisions innovative, influential PR initiatives to further reach a diverse Filipino audience

Dugenia, Marayan, and Associates Company (DM&A Co.) announced today its appointment as the PR agency on record of Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), the leading consumer finance company, for 2023 to 2024. 

This strategic move follows Home Credit’s 10th anniversary this year and its dedication to ensuring that it continues to deliver innovative financial services. 

Home Credit has been a trusted ally for every Filipino since 2013, empowering the country with innovative financial services that provide fast and convenient access to credit, helping people live the life they want. Staying true to its mission, Home Credit has undergone phenomenal growth over the years in its effort to expand its operations, products, and services to meet the changing needs of consumers. 

"As we celebrate a decade of trust and financial empowerment, we believe that DM&A Co.’s expertise can help us connect with our media friends and customers more effectively. The agency’s collaborative and people-focused approach aligns seamlessly with our values at Home Credit Philippines. Together, we will continue to innovate and challenge the usual to better serve and help empower Filipinos financially so they can realize the life they truly deserve,” said Kenneth Lerona, Head of PR, Home Credit Philippines. 

DM&A Co., a well-established, full-service, strategy-oriented, omni-channel marketing communications agency, now collaborates with Home Credit to ensure that its stories reach its stakeholders. DM&A Co.'s tagline, "Challenge the Usual," underscores its mission to bring fresh perspectives and creative vigor to the partnership. 

DM&A Co. Managing Partner Michael Dugenia expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration. "We look forward to working closely with Home Credit, a brand synonymous with financial empowerment in the Philippines. Our team is eager to embark on this journey as we dedicate ourselves to crafting creative PR initiatives that leave a lasting impact while helping reaffirm Home Credit's unwavering commitment to its customers.” 

DM&A Co. is composed of PR experts who are collaborative, client-centric, and people-focused. The team has more than 40 years of combined experience inproviding strategically sound marketing communications programs that add value to a brand's reputation, increase market share, and enhance the brand's standing in the industry. 

DM&A Co. External Director and Partner Alvin Marayan, Client Servicing Lead Maika De Castro, and Head of Content and Strategic Planning Officer Jj Ibarreta, along with PR and Content Writer Lorelee Yap, Media Relations Officer Jainy Carilla, and Junior PR Consultant Sheena Macinas, have been assigned to handle Home Credit’s PR requirements.

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Bayad seals partnership with Tala, enabling convenient bills payment services

Bayad seals partnership with Tala, enabling convenient bills payment services

Friday, September 29, 2023

CHAMPIONING DIGITAL FINANCIAL INCLUSION: Executives of Bayad and Tala on their partnership signing. Seen in the photo (from L-R) are Tala President and Head of Finance Charisse Alvarez, Tala Chief Business Officer Jori Pearsall, Bayad President and CEO Lawrence Y. Ferrer, and Bayad Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer Dennis S. Gatuslao.

Two fintech innovators – CIS Bayad Center, Inc. (Bayad), the country’s pioneer brand in the outsourced payment collection system, and Tala Financing Philippines, Inc. (Tala) - a global leading money app for the underbanked, has officially sealed its partnership, sharing the same goal of elevating the financial experience of Filipinos.

Since 2017, Tala has been providing financial tools that help its customers manage their household expenses and help them navigate opportunities to invest in small businesses. Tala has recently reached one million wallet users on its mobile application since its official launch earlier this year. Through its partnership with Bayad, Tala now enablesMeralco bill payments in its mobile application, while also offering quick and easy ways to pay loans, allowing its customers to settle their bills on time. 

Today, Tala customers can now pay their bills in real time using their credit of up to PHP25,000 all within the Tala app. With its flexible credit terms, customers have the freedom to choose when to repay within 61 days, aligning with their respective income cycles.

Bayad President and CEO Lawrence Y. Ferrer shared, “We continue to strengthen our digital footprint by co-creating payment innovations with forward-thinking fintech institutions like Tala. We are one with Tala as we help boost the financial well-being of our kababayans. We are keen on expanding our biller ecosystem as we bring our one-stop bills payment solution in the Tala App. With this, Tala will also soon be able to accept payments for other electric and water utilities, telecommunications, cable, internet, insurance, online shopping, and many others.”

Tala’s Chief Business Officer Jori Pearsall added, “We believe everyone deserves access to financial services, regardless of their background or circumstances. As the Philippines is Tala’s innovation hub, and its largest market in Asia, we view this collaboration with Bayad as part of our ongoing commitment to financial inclusion as we step up to help revive our economy.”

For fintech institutions like Tala 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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MaxiLife announces leadership transition

MaxiLife announces leadership transition

Monday, September 25, 2023

A a significant leadership transition is happening over at Maxilifie, the visionary life insurance start up. After a remarkable journey of growth and success under the guidance of Jose Pastor Z. Puno as President and CEO, the reins of leadership have been passed on to Mervin L. Pobre, Ph.D. This transition marks a pivotal moment in MaxiLife's evolution and is a testament to the company's commitment to continuous growth and excellence.

Mr. Puno's legacy is etched in the foundation of MaxiLife's success story. His visionary leadership propelled the company from its inception, guiding it through remarkable milestones that solidified MaxiLife's position to be a prominent force in the insurance landscape, especially within the pivotal Year One. His strategic brilliance, unwavering dedication, and nurturing of a culture steeped in excellence and innovation have left an indelible mark on the organization.

Under Mr. Puno's guidance, MaxiLife achieved extraordinary feats, obtaining approvals for its pioneering Group Life Insurance products and rapidly insuring 350,000 lives within the first five months of commercial operations in 2023. The company's footprint expanded, earning accolades such as the Great Place to Work certification, while forging robust strategic partnerships. His commitment to innovation, paired with a sincere focus on employee well-being and development, has shaped MaxiLife's distinctive culture, destined to inspire for years to come.

Stepping into this leadership role with enthusiasm and expertise is Mr. Mervin L. Pobre, PhD, the newly appointed President and CEO. Mervin is a distinguished business leader with an illustrious career spanning the insurance and banking sectors, both in the Philippines and the US. His most recent role as Chief of Strategy at FWD Insurance underscores his proficiency in steering organizations toward prosperity. Beyond the corporate realm, Mervin has also enriched the academic landscape, educating the next generation at esteemed institutions such as the Asian Institute of Management, Ateneo De Manila University, and De La Salle University.

Mervin's academic prowess, coupled with his strategic acumen, positions him perfectly to lead MaxiLife into the next exciting phase of its growth journey. Armed with a deep understanding of the life insurance industry, he is poised to uphold the company's commitment to excellence, innovation, and core values.

During this transition, MaxiLife remains resolute in its dedication to delivering exceptional service to valued customers, while nurturing a culture of excellence within its ranks. In this new chapter, the company continues to pursue their mission to simplify the insurance journey for Filipinos and protecting their aspirations for lifelong peace of mind.

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foodpanda, TabSquare to offer AI-driven tech to restaurants

foodpanda, TabSquare to offer AI-driven tech to restaurants

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Online food and grocery platform foodpanda and software company TabSquare are joining hands to empower restaurants with artificial intelligence (AI)-powered in-restaurant solutions. 

The collaboration is part of a region-wide partnership including other Asian markets like Singapore, Malaysia, and Taiwan to help restaurant partners digitize their ordering, payment, and customer engagement-related processes. 

In the Philippines, the announcement was made during foodpanda’s recent partner vendors summit, entitled "CRAVE: Creating Relationships and Advancing Vendor Experiences”. At the event, partner vendor attendees were provided a firsthand end-to-end experience using TabSquare, showcasing its convenience, seamless operations, and efficiency. 

With TabSquare’s Smart QR solution, foodpanda’s vendor partners can automate tasks, including order processing and payments, while ensuring enhanced profitability. It also contributes to labor savings by minimizing order errors and reducing staff workload.

According to foodpanda Philippines Commercial Director Luis Antonio Yanga, “By offering digital menus through QR codes, we enable customers to place orders and make payments via TabSquare's platform effortlessly. This enhances the dining experience by seamlessly bridging the offline-to-online gap and provides efficient solutions for our thousands of partner vendors and merchants."

Delivering convenience to diners and restos alike

With foodpanda and TabSquare's combined data and predictive technologies, restaurant partners can enhance customer engagement and retention. 

Restaurant owners can review the transactions via TabSquare’s analytics, which provides valuable insights to support partners in improving menu items, pricing, and promotions, among other things. “This enables restaurant owners to identify trends, and personalize subsequent experiences based on customers' purchasing history,” Yanga said. 

Moreover, digital menus offer numerous advantages, including reduced reliance on wait staff, minimized employee turnover, decreased losses on food and finances due to human error, and more efficient menu changes without costly reprints.

According to foodpanda and TabSquare’s data, restaurants using this digital solution can see up to 10% higher bill sizes, up to 50% reduction in staff costs, and better customer satisfaction. At the same time, restaurants on foodpanda see an average of at least a 10% uplift in business performance since joining the platform. 

In the dining service, there has been a massive shift in digitally-led solutions and services which TabSquare believes will further enhance the appeal of their services. "With foodpanda, we will be bringing many new innovative features to the industry. For example, restaurants working with TabSquare can now promote themselves to foodpanda's large customer base and attract new customers," told Anshul Gupta, co-founder of TabSquare. 

Growing demand for QR codes in dine-in

Dine-in is offered through foodpanda’s pandapro subscription program with exclusive discounts and deals for app users.

Yanga shared that to further boost this segment and cater to the growing demand for QR Code payments, foodpanda introduced TabSquare's enhanced QR Code scanning process for dine-in orders. This strategic move comes as a response to the rising demand for QR Code payments, evident by the country's QR Code transactions totaling P 32.7 billion in Q1 2023.

Recently, dine-in has also become available to all foodpanda app users in Cebu with new features like in-app payment. With "Redeem & Pay," the process becomes effortless as users can pay directly through the app, saving time and enhancing the overall dining experience.

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Philippine Airlines Partners with Expedia Group to Launch All-in-One Travel Website, PAL Holidays

Philippine Airlines Partners with Expedia Group to Launch All-in-One Travel Website, PAL Holidays

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Philippine Airlines (PAL), the national flag carrier of the Philippines, has launched PAL Holidays powered by Expedia Group, a one-stop travel website that offers travelers a seamless and comprehensive platform for all their travel needs. The new site is now live in the US, Canada, Australia, and Philippines. 

The new platform is powered by Expedia Group’s White Label Template technology and designed to help passengers effortlessly plan and book their entire journey—including PAL flights, hotels, transportation, and exciting travel activities, all in one convenient location.

"We are thrilled to introduce PAL Holidays, our new one-stop booking platform that simplifies and enhances the travel planning process for our passengers. By partnering with Expedia, we are confident that our customers will enjoy unparalleled access to a superior range of great offers for hotels, experiences, and transport that can go together with the Philippine Airlines flights that they book. PAL Holidays reflects our dedication to providing exceptional travel experiences, and we look forward to serving our customers in a more convenient and efficient way," said Bud Britanico, VP for Sales at Philippine Airlines. 

PAL Holidays marks a significant milestone in the airline's commitment to enhancing the travel experience of its valued customers. With Expedia Group's long-standing reputation as a reliable and trusted travel platform, travelers can be assured that PAL Holidays will deliver exceptional service and value:

Access to Hotel Accommodations Worldwide

PAL Holidays provides travelers with access to over 900,000 properties across the globe, enabled by the collaboration with renowned global travel platform, Expedia Group. The vast selection of accommodations, from budget-friendly options to luxurious resorts, ensures that there is something for every traveler's preference and budget.

All-in-One Booking

PAL Holidays allows travelers to access a wide array of services in one transaction, encompassing PAL flights, hotel accommodations, transportation, and travel activities. From the comfort of their homes or while on-the-go, travelers can effortlessly tailor their perfect itinerary.

Exclusive Promo Deals

PAL Holidays will feature exciting promotional deals and exclusive offers, making travel dreams even more attainable. With great discounts and carefully curated packages, travelers can explore more destinations and create unforgettable memories with their loved ones.

“We are thrilled to team up with Philippine Airlines for PAL Holidays. We share the same vision of transforming and easing the way travelers plan and book their journeys. With our combined expertise and service, we are excited to offer a seamless travel platform that will be of great help to travelers,” said Greg Schulze, Senior Vice President, Strategic Travel Partners at Expedia Group.

Travelers can experience the ease and convenience of PAL Holidays by visiting the website. Discover a new era of travel, where booking PAL flights, hotels, activities, and transportation needs is as simple as a few clicks!

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Higher OFW remittances continue to buoy Filipinos at home

Higher OFW remittances continue to buoy Filipinos at home

Friday, September 8, 2023

 

Global migration trends continue to affect Philippine labor and economy as Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reports a 3% overall remittance growth to $17.59 billion (from January to June 2023) from the year-earlier $17.09 billion.

 

The same data found that cash remittances by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) also increased by 2.9% to $15.79 billion compared to $13.35 billion in 2022. In June alone, OFW remittances sent through banks hit $2.81 billion, the highest level since $3.16 billion in December 2022. According to BSP data, personal remittances, including non-monetary inflows, grew by 2.2% to $3.13 billion in June from $3.06 billion in the same month last year.

 

Data from the Department of Migrant Workers and the Philippine Statistics Authority found that the country deployed over 1.8 million OFWs to major destination countries in 2022, which accounted for the largest financial contribution of all observed areas in this study.  

 

"Millions of Filipinos are welcomed and valued in various industries and economies worldwide. While the pandemic slowed their deployment, this has since rebounded thanks to easing restrictions and inclusive labor policies in both the Philippines and host countries," said Earl Melivo, Head of Asia-Pacific at WorldRemit.

 

Land-based workers with contracts of a year or more and sea- and land-based workers with contracts of less than one year served as the greatest contributors, according to recent reports. Origin countries with the largest remittance flows from January to June 2023 were the United States at 41 percent, Singapore at 7 percent, Saudi Arabia at 6 percent, and Japan at 5 percent.

 

Melivo said that digitalization has been increasingly important in facilitating recruitment and emigration, improving labor migration management among OFWs.

 

Digitalization has also streamlined many processes for migrants and has also helped them cope with working and living abroad. It lets them stay in touch with loved ones and send money home easily. Platforms like WorldRemit facilitate secure and real-time online transfers for users worldwide. 

  

"In this global landscape, remittances play an increasingly critical role in moving people and sustaining populations. But primarily, they support migrant workers' families. WorldRemit recognizes the significance of affordable remittance services in ensuring their welfare and empowering them through financial inclusion," Melivo said.

 

Get to know Filipino workers all over the world and their inspiring stories through the WorldRemit community at https://worldremote.com/en/blog/community.

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BDO Wins Sustainable Finance Initiative of the Year

BDO Wins Sustainable Finance Initiative of the Year

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Sonny Marpuri, First Vice President of BDO Singapore branch and Candice Lee, Manager of Institutional Banking of BDO Singapore received BDO’s Sustainable Finance Initiative of the Year and Health & Wellness Bank of the Year awards from Ho Kok Yong, Chief Strategy & Operations Officer of Deloitte at the Asian Banking & Finance Wholesale Banking Awards 2023 in Singapore. 

BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO) received the Sustainable Finance Initiative of the Year Award at the 2023 Asian Banking & Finance Wholesale Banking Awards in Singapore. BDO’s unwavering commitment to Sustainable Finance was recognized as the Bank financed groundbreaking renewable energy projects, pioneered innovative funding channels, forged sustainable partnerships with international financial institutions, and integrated Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) in funding projects.

BDO recognizes the critical role of financial institutions in managing its environmental and social risks and financing the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Since 2010, BDO has financed a mix of 55 renewable energy projects for wind, solar, geothermal, hydro, and biomass energy sources accounting for 2,230 megawatts of total installed renewable energy capacity nationwide. 

BDO pioneered the issuance of the first Green Bond in the East Asia and Pacific region in 2017, which was earmarked for renewable energy, energy efficiency and green buildings projects. With International Finance Corporation (IFC) as sole anchor investor, it was the first for banks and a landmark transaction in the country that catalyzed financing eligible renewable energy projects. IFC was also the sole investor when BDO issued the first Blue Bond in Southeast Asia in 2022 for funding water and wastewater management projects along with offshore wind projects at sea. 

“This recognition is a testament to the Bank’s commitment to sustainability. Sustainability principles are ingrained in the way we conduct business and in everything that we do,” said Nestor V. Tan, President and CEO of BDO Unibank. 

The Bank continues to expand its Sustainable Finance initiatives, in place since 2010, towards funding new and existing renewable energy projects to increase their capacity, and support the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions to the 2015 Paris Agreement that aims to reduce 75% of the country’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030. 

The Asian Banking & Finance (ABF) Wholesale Banking Awards recognize financial institutions for their outstanding performance in demonstrating leadership and exceptional customer service. The judges also assess the wholesale banks’ unique and innovative initiatives and cutting-edge deals, their impact to clients’ businesses, and significant contributions in the industry. 

BDO is the country’s largest bank in terms of total assets, loans, deposits and trust funds under management. The Bank has the country’s largest distribution network, with over 1,600 consolidated operating branches and more than 4,700 ATMs nationwide, with 16 international offices in Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East. The Bank also offers extensive digital banking solutions to make banking easier, faster, and more secure for its clients.

Apart from Asian Banking & Finance Awards, BDO received a Platinum Award for Excellence in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Best Sustainability Bond for Financial Institution in the Philippines at the recent Asset Awards. BDO also won the Best Advance in Sustainability Practices Award at the Retail Banker International Asia Trailblazer Awards. For the second consecutive year, BDO was named Top Sustainability Advocate in Asia and Industry Champion of the Year at the 2022 Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) Awards.

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P&G Philippines' Commitment to Healthcare Superiority Recognized at 2023 MIMS Excellence Awards

P&G Philippines' Commitment to Healthcare Superiority Recognized at 2023 MIMS Excellence Awards

Sunday, September 3, 2023

Procter & Gamble (P&G) Philippines, the multinational company behind the trusted personal healthcare brands such as Vicks, Neurobion, Dolo-Neurobion, and Sangobion, was recognized for its product and marketing superiority in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors at the recent 2023 Monthly Index of Medical Specialties (MIMS) Excellence Awards.

The MIMS Excellence Awards honors the most innovative and effective brands, products, and initiatives in the Philippine healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. The awards cover a wide range of achievements and excellence in areas ranging from brand management, marketing, publications, campaigns, online and in-person events, drug listings, and more.

From left to right: MediMarketing, Inc. Head of Marketing Platform Ma. Gracia Cruz, P&G’s Brand Manager for Healthcare Professional Promotions Mayette M. Reyes, P&G’s Senior Medical & Technical Affairs Manager Dr. Digna M. Almeida, and MediMarketing, Inc. President and Country Representative Richard M. Rivera

P&G Philippines' Award Highlights:

1. Neurobion - Bronze Awardee for Best Brand Category: This award recognizes the outstanding brand as determined by the best-in-class marketing programs, delivered projects, collaborations, and the number of touchpoints achieved. 
2. Dr. Digna “Didi” Almeida - Gold Awardee for Best Medical Manager Category: This award recognizes the outstanding achievements in medical communications programs determined by the delivered projects, collaborations, and the number of touchpoints achieved.
3. P&G Nerve Care Summit - Gold Awardee for Best Pioneering Award Category: This award recognizes the innovative spirit of pioneering projects in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

“P&G Philippines’ accolades at the 2023 MIMS Excellence Awards are a testament to the company's continued commitment to delivering impactful collaborations, transformative brand marketing programs, and meaningful medical communication projects. These awards affirm our dedication to providing personal healthcare products of the highest quality and superior performance, meeting the daily-use health needs of our consumers throughout the country,” says Ming Arroyo-Cunanan, P&G's Senior Director for Personal Health Care Category.

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SES and We Are IT to Deliver Internet Connectivity to 43 Commission of Elections sites across Mindanao

SES and We Are IT to Deliver Internet Connectivity to 43 Commission of Elections sites across Mindanao

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

SES, a leader in global content connectivity solutions, and We Are IT (WIT), the Philippines’ leading telecommunications service provider, announced their first partnership to deliver connectivity services via the SES-9 satellite to 43 Filipino Commission of Elections (COMELEC) offices.

The partnership will see SES enable WIT to deliver reliable and secure connectivity to COMELEC offices in Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines. 

WIT is the largest ‘very small aperture terminal’ (VSAT) satellite network service provider in the Philippines, with two decades of experience and expertise in delivering satellite-enabled connectivity to government entities, businesses and individuals in the country. WIT will use SES-9 to meet the growing connectivity requirements for mission-critical government operations and digital services in remote regions of the country.

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UnionDigital Bank named Best Digital-Only Bank at The Asian Banker Excellence in Retail Financial Services and Technology Innovation Philippines Awards 2023

UnionDigital Bank named Best Digital-Only Bank at The Asian Banker Excellence in Retail Financial Services and Technology Innovation Philippines Awards 2023

Sunday, August 27, 2023

L-R: Christian Kapfer, Research Director, The Asian Banker; Ron Puno, Chief Transformation and Technology Officer, UnionDigital Bank; and Wilson Chia, International Resource Director, The Asian Banker

UnionDigital Bank, the digital bank subsidiary of Union Bank of the Philippines, was recently awarded as the "Best Digital-Only Bank" at The Asian Banker Excellence in Retail Financial Services and Technology Innovation Philippines Awards 2023. The recognition was a testament to UnionDigital's exceptional performance, underpinned by its robust fintech capabilities, strong support from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), and extensive partnerships within its ultimate parent company Aboitiz Group's dynamic ecosystem.

UnionDigital Bank also won the Best Digital Lending Service Award from the The Digital Banker: World Digital Bank Awards 2023 last May.

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City of San Fernando takes technological leap with TeLavi-powered Unified Hotline

City of San Fernando takes technological leap with TeLavi-powered Unified Hotline

Sunday, August 20, 2023

In a continuous effort to improve services for the citizens of San Fernando City in Pampanga, the local government has introduced Voice Connectivity Integration or One Hotline Number – an effective means of communication for residents of the city. 

Gur Lavi Corp. (GLC), a prominent provider of voice communication solutions in the nation, supplied the technology for this groundbreaking project in San Fernando City, utilizing their flagship product, TeLavi, an innovative all-in-one communication platform recognized as a trailblazer in the country.

GLC President and CEO Erwin Co said, "Telavi offers a great help for San Fernando City especially in improving the internal and external communication of the local government. This will be useful for the people of San Fernando as it speed up the LGU's response to their needs especially during emergencies and calamities.”

San Fernando City Mayor Vilma Caluag shared that they are already promoting the centralization of the city's voice connectivity for the improvement of their public service. 

Residents only need to remember one number to reach local government agencies. They just have to dial the Kayabe Hotline Number 961HELP (4357).

"This initiative will help not only in managing our processes but also in immediately responding to the needs of our dear people in San Fernando City by improving and accelerating communication in the local government," added Mayor Caluag.

She also emphasized that it will be easier for their LGU to reach out to their 35 barangays because the technology they are implementing can give quick updates especially in the middle of disaster response during typhoons, intense flooding and earthquakes.

On top of all of these benefits, Co envisions other opportunities in this partnership because the project can pave the way for more support not only in the public sector but from private organizations as well from SMEs to Large corporation with branches or satellite offices in remote areas. A better communication platform for the LGU is also in place with the technology where government employees can stay connected with their office colleagues or from other departments using the Telavi App. 

The San Fernando City project Kayabe Hotline Number 961HELP (4357) through Telavi is seen as a part of the ground-breaking initiatives in the province of Pampanga in its journey to be future-proof. Investing in the advancement of technology to facilitate and fast track response to the needs of the people is a proof of the local government’s show of concern for their welfare.

To know more about TeLavi and other products services, visit www.telavi.com.ph.

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Mang Inasal accelerates growth with new stores in 2023

Mang Inasal accelerates growth with new stores in 2023

As it celebrates its 20th year, Mang Inasal, the Philippines’ Grill Expert, continues to expand its store network nationwide.

On the first half of 2023, seven new branches have opened including Biñan, Laguna; SM City Grand Central, Caloocan; Baler, Aurora; SM City Tuguegarao; WalterMart Caloocan; WalterMart Capas Tarlac; and Polomolok, South Cotabato.

“Mang Inasal is inspired to reach more customers nationwide,” said Mang Inasal President Mike V. Castro. “We want everyone to taste our delicious, char-grilled food and the unlimited fun that goes with it when our customers enjoy it with their loved ones.” 

From a traditional Pinoy Grillery, Mang Inasal has evolved into the country’s Grill Expert with a new store design ready for the world. The new branches greet customers with an enticing façade, gold standard food and service, and a clean kitchen with modern equipment to reduce smoke and ensure store safety.

Among the Mang Inasal stores set to open for the rest of the year are those in Cavite, Quezon, Leyte, Samar, Quezon City and Marikina.

Want Mang Inasal exclusives NOW? Visit www.manginasal.com for the latest updates and https://manginasaldelivery.com.ph for delivery deals.

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American Standard Design Award 2023 (ASDA) celebrated winners of the competition

American Standard Design Award 2023 (ASDA) celebrated winners of the competition

Thursday, August 17, 2023

 

The awards ceremony and exhibition showcased purposeful design solutions for multi-generational living across Asia Pacific

LIXIL, the maker of pioneering water and housing products, hosted an awards ceremony and exhibition at The Arts House Singapore to celebrate the winners and finalists from the American Standard Design Award (ASDA) 2023. The event included the award ceremony and a gala dinner. The winners and finalists also got an opportunity to participate in a design workshop at the LIXIL Design Studio the next day. The workshop was followed by an architectural tour and a tour of LIXIL’s showroom located at 24, Mohd Sultan Road. 

With the theme of “A Home to Love, A Space for Everyone”, the ASDA seeks to uncover the power of design, to create a bathroom space that is truly loved by everyone in the family. The second edition of the competition was launched and was open for Second Year and above tertiary design school students from ten countries across the Asia: Australia, Cambodia, India, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Close to 1,500 entries were submitted, a two-fold increase from last year. The entries were judged by creative minds and thought leaders across the region.

The winners are, APAC Grand Prize Winner/ 1st Prize Winner from IndoChina (Cambodia/Laos/Myanmar) Sin Ponleu, 1st Prize Winner from Australia Azra Hrnjic, 1st Prize Winner from India Riya Awati, 1st Prize Winner from Malaysia Grace Wong Jing Yee, 1st Prize Winner from the Philippines Aevan Georgeline de Jesus, 1st Prize Winner from Singapore Rossalinda, 1st Prize Winner from Thailand Marisa Chonpracha, 1st Prize Winner from Vietnam Duong Pham Ngoc Hoai.

Expressing his happiness on winning the APAC grand prize, Sin Ponleu said, "I am very grateful for this achievement; it has been such an incredible experience for me to move forward to higher levels. With this achievement, I will remember to keep pushing myself to improve and continuously learn new things, all in the pursuit of enhancing the quality of life through architecture."

Grace Wong, Malaysia’s 1st prize winner, also shared: “I felt an overwhelming sense of happiness and pride in winning this award. I joined the ASDA competition because I wanted to test my abilities and learn from others in the field. Seeing the work of fellow participants has allowed me to broaden my perspective and gain valuable insights. I also want to thank the judges for their valuable feedback and comments. The judging session was truly the highlight for me. These experiences have been instrumental in my growth as a designer, allowing me to continuously strive towards becoming better.” 

The entries were judged at two levels – National Level and APAC Level. At the national level, a judging panel made up of architecture and design luminaries from each country evaluates entries received from local participants. The regional competition was conducted across Asia-Pacific and the 1st Prize Winners from each country were evaluated by the Asia-Pacific judging panel to determine the APAC Grand Prize Winner. 

"I am truly impressed that this year’s designs demonstrate an in-depth understanding of each space, material, color, lighting, and ventilation conditions. Overall, the entries reflect clear purpose, attractiveness, allure, and high feasibility. And within it, there are technical elements, sanitary technology, convenience, and aesthetics as core values that we all aim for. ASDA has played a very crucial role in initiating and creating challenges for young designers, said Arch. Le Troung, Founder and CEO of TT – Associates and one of the APAC jury members. 

“The American Standard Design Award was created as a platform to nurture and recognize exceptional talent in the industry. We are thrilled to honor the winners and showcase their groundbreaking ideas. Through its rich history of over 140 years, American Standard has continuously set new benchmarks in delivering bathroom solutions that combine purposeful designs and pioneering technologies. American Standard continues to be trusted by generations for its progressive and dependable products. This event not only celebrates their achievements but also acts as a catalyst for further innovation and collaboration for sustainable architecture and design,” said Antoine Besseyre Des Horts, Leader, LIXIL Global Design, Asia.

The National winners each won a cash prize of USD 2,000 with the APAC Grand Prize winner walking away with a total of USD 5,000 cash prize. The APAC winner and finalists were also invited to participate in a half-day tour and a design workshop at the LIXIL Design Centre in Singapore.

For more information about the design competition and a way to be part of an impactful movement that can make a difference to consumers’ lives, please visit the ASDA website at (https://americanstandard-apac.com/asda).

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P&G Philippines named as one of the Philippines’ 2023 Top 100 Employers for Fresh Graduates

P&G Philippines named as one of the Philippines’ 2023 Top 100 Employers for Fresh Graduates

Procter & Gamble (P&G) Philippines, the leading consumer goods company behind health and hygiene brands such as Safeguard, Tide, Joy, Head & Shoulders, and Pampers, was recognized as one of the Philippines' 2023 Top 100 Employers for Fresh Graduates by Prosple, a careers and education technology company used by leading organizations and universities to connect students with employment and education opportunities.

Prosple Philippines has refined its methodology to mirror both an employer's popularity and their quality. The methodology combines data from applications, page views, and graduate reviews to determine a comprehensive and objective ranking of graduate preferences. Using this advanced ranking methodology, Prosple ranks the Philippines’ Top 100 Employers list.

This is the first time P&G Philippines has been included in Prosple’s Top 100 Employers for Fresh Graduates. P&G secured its place within the Philippines' Top Retail, Sales, and Consumer Goods sector after evaluating employee feedback, career advancement opportunities, learning and development programs, and workplace benefits of the organization.

According to Criteria Corp, fresh graduates are on the lookout for companies that provide career growth opportunities, work-life balance, flexible work environments, healthy work cultures, and robust benefit packages, when looking for an employer. As a company that prioritizes and invests in its employees, P&G not only provides global opportunities but also mentorship from industry leaders all over the world.

P&G has long established itself as one of the most sought-after multinational companies in the Philippines, attracting thousands of applicants annually. Its reputation for providing best-in-class talent and leadership training programs, international career opportunities, and the chance to work on billion-dollar global brands, has positioned it as an employer of choice among fresh graduates seeking to launch their careers.

P&G is also a champion of equality and inclusion in the workplace. In 2021, the company launched an industry-leading policy called “Share the Care” parental leave policy that offers all parents regardless of gender, sexual identity, and orientation a minimum of 8 weeks of fully paid leave, enabling them to care for and bond with their biological or adopted children.

“We are honored and proud to be named among the 2023 Top Employers in the Philippines for fresh graduates. This affirms our commitment to providing all our employees meaningful work from Day 1. Our people are our top priority, and we will always invest heavily in talent and leadership development, as well as in caring for our employees, to ensure that all of them can thrive and succeed in the workplace,” says Vince Dizon, P&G’s Country Human Resource Leader.

Earlier this year, P&G also became a Great Place to Work-Certified™ company after earning a 94% satisfaction rating from its employees. The company has also previously bagged several employer-of-choice awards including the 2022 Asia CEO Awards “Top Employer of the Year” Grand Winner, being named one of the “2022 Best Companies to Work for in Asia” by HR Asia and being ranked 4th in the “2023 Philippines Best Workplaces™” list by Great Place To Work®. Most recently, P&G was recognized by LinkedIn as one of the 2023 Top Companies in the Philippines. Visit pgcareers.com to learn more about P&G and its job openings.

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Meralco ramps up campaign on Lifeline Rate Program

Meralco ramps up campaign on Lifeline Rate Program

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

 

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has strengthened its information campaigns in different cities and provinces across its franchise area to help increase the beneficiaries of the lifeline rate program. Through its barangay caravans, the company is also accepting on-site applications to encourage members of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and other qualified marginalized households to apply.

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Enhancing Commuter Convenience: Mocasa, beep™ Team Up for Effortless Payment Solutions

Enhancing Commuter Convenience: Mocasa, beep™ Team Up for Effortless Payment Solutions

Saturday, August 12, 2023

Mocasa and AF Payments Inc. (AFPI) recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that would improve the everyday travel experience for millions of Filipino commuters. Present in the MOA signing were (from L to R) AFPI Chief Commercial Officer Sharon Fong, AFPI President and CEO Jonathan Juan Moreno, Mocasa Chief Executive Officer Robin Wong and AFPI Chief Finance Officer Chona Christine Basilio

Philippines' first virtual credit wallet, Mocasa, and Automated Fare Collection Service provider, AF Payments Inc. (AFPI), recently announced their partnership aimed at improving the everyday travel experience for millions of Filipino commuters. Through this collaboration, users can now easily and securely reload their beep™ cards using Mocasa.

The collaboration comes at an opportune moment with the Philippine government, spearheaded by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), pushing for cashless payment transactions, particularly in the transportation sector.

To reload a beep™ card, users simply need to download the Mocasa mobile app and apply for a Pay Later account and activate their virtual Mastercard. Once approved, they can choose either to top-up or use their virtual Mastercard to reload.

For the top-up loading option, users simply need to go to the “Buy Load” section, select “BEEP” and choose their desired denomination. Users have to enter their beep™ account number and pay with Mocasa credit.

Users can also reload using the virtual credit card (VCC) option. They just have to tap the beep™ logo in Mocasa’s home page which will redirect them to beep™ app. Once rerouted, a pop-up window will show users instructions on how to reload using their VCC by tapping the “MPay” logo and keying in their card details checkout section. This integration streamlines the payment process, and users can be assured that their personal and financial information remain protected at all times.

In addition, Mocasa and AF Payments Inc. will develop loyalty programs that reward frequent Mocasa-beep™ users with exclusive perks and incentives. Both companies also promise to continuously enhance their systems and processes to meet the ever-evolving needs of commuters.

"We are honored and excited to partner with AF Payments Inc. to further ease the way people travel and pay for transportation services," said Robin Wong, Chief Executive Officer of Mocasa. "By leveraging our virtual credit technology and AFPI's extensive network, we aim to redefine the commuting experience, making it more seamless and enjoyable for passengers."

Jonathan Juan Moreno, President and Chief Executive Officer of AF Payments Inc., expressed equal enthusiasm, "This partnership represents a significant milestone in our mission to provide Filipino commuters with the most advanced and user-friendly payment options. Together with Mocasa, we are excited to introduce an innovative payment method that simplifies and enhances the travel experience."

Both companies are committed to an efficient and timely integration process, with the first phase of the partnership's offerings expected to roll out to commuters within the quarter.

beep™ cards can be purchased and used at Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2), Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) stations, select Point-to-Point (P2P) Bus Stations, and retail partners. They are also available in AFPI's official e-commerce platforms – Lazada, Shopee, and FB Marketplace.

Users are also encouraged to download the beep™ mobile app and register their card for convenient reloading, to check their balance, monitor transactions, and earn rewards points.

Mocasa is a financial technology company duly licensed and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and an accredited accessing entity of Credit Information Corporation (CIC). To learn more about the latest updates from Mocasa, visit www.mocasa.com or its Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok accounts. Customers are encouraged to download the app in Google Play or App Store to know more about its services and latest promos.

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