Luxurious Living Experience at 1001 Parkway Residences in Filinvest City: The Soon-to-rise Tallest Residential Tower in Alabang

Luxurious Living Experience at 1001 Parkway Residences in Filinvest City: The Soon-to-rise Tallest Residential Tower in Alabang

Thursday, January 4, 2024

In a resounding testament to its unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled living experiences, Filigree, a renowned luxury real estate brand, recently hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for its prestigious project, 1001 Parkway Residences. The event provided a tangible glimpse into the project's progress, with excavation works in full swing this fourth quarter of 2023 and the much-anticipated first pouring scheduled for the first quarter of 2024.

The groundbreaking ceremony witnessed the presence of key figures, including Filinvest Alabang Inc. President & COO Catherine Ilagan, Senior Vice President for Residentials & Estates Daphne Sanchez, and other distinguished personalities like Andrew Gotianun III, Winnie Lim, Cherie Fernandez, and Jun Rodriguez.

Daphne Sanchez, Senior Vice President for Residentials & Estates, expressed excitement about the future prospects of 1001 Parkway Residences. She stated, "With the recent groundbreaking milestone, future residents of 1001 can look forward to all the benefits of high-rise living in a cosmopolitan neighborhood." She emphasized that the project's allure extends beyond its iconic location along Filinvest City's Millionaire’s Row, as it seamlessly merges two highly sought-after worlds.

Upon completion, 1001 Parkway Residences is poised to become the tallest residential tower in Alabang, making a bold architectural statement against the backdrop of Filinvest City’s skyline and expansive park system. The property's interiors and meticulously designed amenities will showcase understated elegance, offering a perfect blend of beauty and functionality.

Residents at 1001 Parkway Residences are promised a holistic live-work-play concept. Common amenities promote a healthy lifestyle and community synergy, while private spaces prioritize the integration of beauty and functionality. Each unit features a balcony for residents to relish the outdoors within the comfort of their homes, and strategically placed windows ensure ample natural light and ventilation. Garden units offer breathtaking views of the future Creekside Park.

Adding to the allure is the property's strategic location in Filinvest City, the country’s first LEED Gold-certified central business district. Situated along Millionaire’s Row at Spectrum, Filinvest City’s premium district, residents enjoy convenient access to essential establishments – from commercial centers and shops to leisure venues and parks, all within close proximity.

As construction progresses, 1001 Parkway Residences is set to redefine upscale living in Metro South’s garden business district, seamlessly blending nature and urban living. To embark on this journey of opulence and sophistication, visit Filigree's official website. Elevate your lifestyle at 1001 Parkway Residences – where luxury meets the art of living.

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AQTIVATE: Angel Investing Summit Transforms Philippine Startup Landscape

AQTIVATE: Angel Investing Summit Transforms Philippine Startup Landscape

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

QBO Innovation Hub Leads the Charge in Nurturing the Next Generation of Angel Investors

The excitement reverberated through Makati City, Philippines, as the curtains rose on the highly anticipated "AQTIVATE: Angel Investing Short Course." This transformative initiative, powered by QBO Innovation Hub in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines and IdeaSpace Investments, set the stage for a dynamic summit aimed at galvanizing the role of Angel Investors in fueling the growth of emerging startups.

The Crucial Role of Angel Investors in Startup Ecosystems

Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey often brings challenges, with securing capital topping the list. QBO Innovation Hub recognizes the pivotal role of Angel Investors in bridging this capital gap, empowering visionaries to turn their ideas into reality. Angel Investors not only stand to gain profits but also wield significant influence over the trajectory of promising startups.

AQTIVATE Summit Highlights: Voices of Influence

The "AQTIVATE: Angel Investing Summit" brought together luminaries in the world of startup investments. Notable speakers included Ray Alimurung, former CEO and Chairman of Lazada; Quenby Go, Executive Director of MAIN.PH; Martin Cu, Partner at 500 Global; and Paul Taylor, Senior Commercial Officer at the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines. The event also featured leaders of successful Filipino startups, such as Kim Yao of Cloudeats, Jess de Mesa of Kindred, and Saul Molla of Flowerstore – all of whom received their initial investments from Angel Investors.

The AQTIVATE Program: A Comprehensive Approach to Angel Investing Education

In conjunction with the summit, QBO Innovation Hub curated an immersive 3-part AQTIVATE program. Day 2 focused on building a successful startup investment portfolio, led by seasoned investors. Participants gained invaluable insights into optimal capital deployment and high-potential investment opportunities. Day 3 shifted the spotlight to "Closing Angel Investing Deals," offering exceptional insights to enhance participants' angel investment strategies.

QBO Innovation Hub's Vision for Angel Investing in the Philippines

As the leading organization for startups in the Philippines, QBO Innovation Hub is at the forefront of building the angel investing community. The AQTIVATE program aims to develop the next 1,000 angel investors in the country. Katrina Rausa Chan, Executive Director of QBO Innovation Hub, emphasized, "Unlocking private capital is key to fueling growth within the startup landscape in the Philippines."

U.S. Embassy's Support and Collaboration

Pauline Anderson, U.S. Embassy’s Deputy Director for Public Engagement, highlighted the embassy's support in her opening remarks. She commended QBO's efforts, citing their collaboration on previous programs like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) challenge bootcamp, aligning with the Philippine government’s push for inclusive economic growth and global competitiveness in the tech sector.

QBO's Resounding Success in 2023 and Future Commitments

As 2023 draws to a close, QBO Innovation Hub celebrates the success of AQTIVATE: Angel Investing, marking a remarkable year alongside the Philippine Startup Week and the ongoing IdeaSpace Accelerator Program. Looking ahead, QBO remains steadfast in advancing the startup ecosystem, particularly in nurturing the angel investment landscape. Grateful for partner support and a vibrant community, QBO envisions a future filled with innovation and collaboration.

Join the Journey with QBO Innovation Hub

For those ready to take the next step in the world of startups and angel investing, QBO Innovation Hub beckons. Visit their official website at www.qbo.com.ph and embark on a journey towards entrepreneurial success. As QBO continues to lead the charge, the next wave of angel investors and startups in the Philippines awaits an exciting and transformative future.

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An Open Letter from realme’s Founder and CEO, Sky Li: Let’s Make it real.

An Open Letter from realme’s Founder and CEO, Sky Li: Let’s Make it real.

realme’s Founder and CEO, Sky Li, issued an open letter at the beginning of 2024, announcing that 2024 will be the year of rebranding for realme. The open letter has clarified realme’s new mission, brand positioning, and spirit. Sky Li says realme will shift its brand outlook from being a brand that is “opportunity-oriented” to being a brand that is “brand-oriented,” and this will be the foundation of its strategic development moving forward. 

A tech brand that better understands young users. 

realme was founded in the fiercely competitive smartphone market and quickly established its position with a differentiation development strategy: bring better technologies and designs to young users around the world. In the past five years, realme gained deep insights into the young generations and continues to provide products with leap-forward performance and design to over 200 million users around the world.

At the beginning of the next five years, based on its deep understanding of young users and guiding the company’s development, realme moved its brand position from a trendy-based strategy to a more open and wide-reaching one, to be A tech brand that better understands young users. Sky Li said, “The focus of our new positioning is not so much a redirection as it is an opening up. This will guide our long-term investment and development which will help us better connect with more young users, in more markets, and more regions of the world.” 

With its 5-year brand assets and young users’ recognition, realme aims higher in its standard. realme focuses more on the brand experience and product experience than before with the goal of exceeding young users’ expectations, beginning with starting from the impossible and raising the standard to make it possible. Therefore, realme revised its mission to more concisely capture its aspirations for future development: To let young users around the world enjoy tech experiences that exceed expectations. Staying true to its original intention, realme will be moving forward with greater focus and ambition, ready to explore new possibilities and make breakthroughs to reach its aspirations.

From “opportunity-oriented” to “brand-oriented”.

realme always puts young people at the core and adheres to the user-centric to drive its competitiveness in three areas: product strength, technological strength, and brand strength. This will guide realme to achieve long-term and high-quality growth. 

To bring breakthroughs in product strength, realme continues to adhere to its “Simply Better” and “No Leap, No Launch” strategies while clarifying the positioning of its three product lines: the GT Series positioned as Next-level Performance Flagship, Number Series positioned as Next-gen Imaging, and C Series positioned as Essential Plus.

Besides, realme will focus on improving the product experience in the three areas of performance, photography, and design, collaborating with more than 30 leading tech partners while investing more heavily in research and development. This will enable realme to bring the latest advances in technology directly to its young users.

On brand strength, realme remains focused on the young generation and will optimize the customer insight mechanism to be more adaptive and responsive in its approach. Sky Li said, realme will be able to directly implement new user insights into its brand and product development, even while in the middle of projects, making for a brand experience that feels more fluid, dynamic, and three-dimensional. 

While focusing on product strength, technological strength, and brand strength, as the core competitiveness, it enables realme to bring the latest advances in technology directly to young users, taking its positioning as a tech brand that better understands young users from an idea into reality.

Moreover, realme puts forward a new slogan: Make it real. The new slogan retains the spirit of realme’s Dare to Leap while focusing more on young users, and bringing real, clear, and tangible benefits to their lives. At the beginning of its next 5 years, realme will stay true to its original intention, growing up with young people to be a tech brand that better understands young users and satisfies their spiritual pursuits and emotional values to make it real.

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Bayad Revolutionizes Bill Payments: A Leap into the Future at the 2023 Singapore Fintech Festival

Bayad Revolutionizes Bill Payments: A Leap into the Future at the 2023 Singapore Fintech Festival

Friday, December 22, 2023

Bayad, the Philippines' largest multi-channel payment platform, recently took center stage at the 2023 Singapore Fintech Festival, reaffirming its commitment to transforming financial technology and expanding its global footprint. President and CEO Lawrence Y. Ferrer presented a compelling vision for the role of bill payments in catalyzing digital economic growth in the Philippines.

Fueling Progress: Bill Payments as the Catalyst for Digital Economic Growth

In his insightful presentation, Mr. Ferrer underscored the pivotal role of bill payments in the Philippine economy. With the country ranking among the top receivers of global remittances, a digital shift in payment behavior is evident, projected to reach at least 50% in 2023. This aligns with the Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, reflecting the growing preference for digital transactions.

Bayad's Response to the Digital Wave

The surge in digital transactions in the Philippines, constituting 9.4% of the GDP in 2022, prompted Bayad to adapt. Lawrence Y. Ferrer expressed Bayad's commitment to meeting the demands of Filipinos for secure and convenient bill management solutions globally.

Bayad's Role in the Bill Payment Industry

Having served as a trusted brand for 26 years, Bayad has evolved into the premier bill payments aggregator. Boasting an extensive ecosystem, Bayad caters to over 3,000 biller brands, covering a diverse range of services. With over 400,000 physical touchpoints and connectivity to 80 million subscribers, Bayad stands as a unifying force in the bill payment industry.

Bayad Overseas Empowers Global Filipinos

Bayad Overseas, a groundbreaking initiative, enables Filipinos worldwide to conveniently pay bills in the Philippines. Specifically designed for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), Bayad Overseas ensures secure, convenient, and reliable bill payments, enriching the financial experiences of global Filipinos.

Partnership for the Future

In concluding his presentation, Mr. Ferrer extended an invitation to potential partners, emphasizing Bayad's commitment to integrity, reliability, and trust. With a mission to shape a better world of fintech, Bayad seeks collaborations that fuel the expansion of the global digital economy.

Bayad's active participation in the 2023 Singapore Fintech Festival included a booth exhibition, where it showcased its extensive biller ecosystem alongside more than 500 fintech companies worldwide. Mr. Ferrer highlighted Bayad's role as the biller aggregator of choice, offering a faster time-to-market approach.

Bayad's presence at the 2023 Singapore Fintech Festival signifies a significant stride toward its mission of empowering individuals and businesses with seamless and convenient bill payment solutions on a global scale. As Bayad continues to revolutionize the fintech landscape, it invites forward-looking partners to join hands in shaping a future where financial transactions are secure, convenient, and accessible for all.

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Beating the holiday rush: Here’s how 3 business owners winged it this season with these “delivery hacks”

Beating the holiday rush: Here’s how 3 business owners winged it this season with these “delivery hacks”

Sunday, December 17, 2023

Christmas is upon us, and you know what that means: traffic, crowded malls, with everyone rushing to buy gifts and prepare for parties. For business owners, this season is great news, but the heightened demand for products and services can be a double-edged sword.

But three business owners are ready to face the holiday rush. Here’s how Aguirre Office Furniture, Bloomingails.ph, and Etiquetta PH are powering through this season:

Aguirre Office Furniture

The orders and inquiries started pouring in as early as October for Aguirre Office Furniture, a national provider of office furniture, services, and office solutions. 

According to their Chief Financial Officer Ken Arocena, the holiday season has given them a 50 percent increase in orders.

However, Arocena shared that their operations require additional resources to manage the increased demand. “Given this, we have to deal with potential shipping delays and managing customer expectations,” he added.

The solution, according to Arocena: Lalamove. He remarked that Lalamove’s wide array of services, especially affordable rates, helped Aguirre Office Furniture keep up and deliver what they promise to their clients, which is the ease of how they do business.

Arocen also noted that their “secret hack” is using Lalamove’s multiple booking feature. He explained, “It’s how we minimize logistics costs and send our orders to multiple locations in one go.”

Bloomingails.ph

For Bloomingails.ph, one of the most trusted flower shops in Manila, the demand is quite high, especially for their fresh mini pine trees, wreaths, and Christmas centerpieces. According to their Chief Executive Officer Abigail Ang-Santander, their event styling business is very robust as well, as this season is a time for a lot of celebrations.

Since part of their business is making sure every special occasion is perfect for their clients, the Bloomingail.ph CEO explains, “We prepare and send out orders very early or after rush hour if the client is amenable to accepting late deliveries. But we make sure we’re on top of our inventory and don’t have to do lots of rush orders for suppliers.”

This peak season, Abigail also heavily relies on Lalamove. She remarked, “With Lalamove, I can book multiple drops and multiple vehicles, especially for our time-sensitive products to reach our clients on time.”

When asked about her favorite feature of the on-demand delivery app, she shared, “We can always rely on trusted partner drivers. This is crucial because we always need to make sure the items are carefully delivered, plus the partner drivers are courteous not only to us but to the recipients – our clients – especially, despite being stuck in traffic the whole day.”

Etiquetta PH

Every year, Etiquetta PH, a souvenir shop, always urges its customers to book in advance to beat the holiday season. “We offer early bird promos as early as August, as well as scheduled pickups of set date of releasing orders, so by the third week of November, we’re already dispatching the items,” shared Etiquetta PH Chief Executive Officer Ria San Juan-Gumaru.

This mompreneur explained that this is their process in anticipation of the major challenges for their business. These include logistics issues, whether it’s delays in the delivery of raw materials or shipping of orders to their customers due to the heavy traffic.

When the peak season ushers in paired with increased demand for logistics, Lalamove always comes to the rescue for Etiquetta PH. According to Ria, “Lalamove’s user-friendly app makes booking seamless and efficient. It’s easy to schedule deliveries, and you don’t have to fill in a ton of information.”

Her favorite, though, proven to help with their business, is Lalamove’s vast fleet of delivery vehicles. “I can choose the most suitable option according to my needs. This flexibility ensures we can adapt to the ever-changing demands of the peak season,” she adds.

“Supporting the needs of the micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) is always a priority for Lalamove, especially during this time of year. Our platform is here to make the holiday season easier for our business owners, one delivery at a time,” remarked Lalamove Philippines Managing Director Djon Nacario.

No need to worry about the high demand during the holiday season. Learn from these business owners and go for their logistics tactics with Lalamove, your trusted delivery partner in Luzon and Cebu.

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OFW Remittances from U.S. Boost Philippines Economy, New Study Finds

OFW Remittances from U.S. Boost Philippines Economy, New Study Finds

Friday, December 15, 2023

Remittances from overseas foreign workers (OFWs) – particularly healthcare professionals – significantly stimulate the Philippines’ economic growth and development, a new research study finds.

Economist Alyssa Nuñez of the University of Asia and the Pacific conducted the study, which comes as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas recently reported that monthly cash remittances reached a six-month high, rising 2.1 percent from one year ago. 

According to Nuñez, it is clear that remittances from OFWs in the U.S.—specifically those working in the healthcare sector—are incredibly important to the wellbeing of individuals and families in the Philippines, as well as the growth and stability of the nation’s economy.

Remittances have played an increasingly significant role in the Philippine economy. Remittances to the Philippines totaled USD 31.19 billion, or 9.2 percent of the Philippine GDP, in 2020. By way of comparison, total remittances to the Philippines were USD 10.7 billion in 2005, and only USD 290.8 million in 1978.

Among the study’s findings is that the U.S. is by far the largest source of remittances to the Philippines, accounting for nearly 41 percent of all remittances sent to the country in 2021. The next closest country accounted for only 7 percent of remittances to the Philippines that year. 

The study affirms that remittances provide stable support for the household consumption of essential goods, help alleviate poverty, and increase savings and investments. A survey by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas found that 96 percent of Filipino households spent a good portion of remittances on food and other household needs, 50.5 percent spent them on education, and 45.8 percent used them toward medical expenses. 

The full research study on the economic importance of remittances to the Philippines can be found here. The research was supported by Health Carousel, a leading nursing recruitment firm.

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Unlocking Efficiency and Security: The Benefits of Using ML Moves Logistics Solutions in Your Business

Unlocking Efficiency and Security: The Benefits of Using ML Moves Logistics Solutions in Your Business

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

In the dynamic landscape of modern business, staying ahead requires a strategic approach to logistics. ML Moves Logistics emerges as a game-changer, offering a comprehensive solution to meet the evolving needs of businesses. 

ML Moves excels in providing reliable logistics services, ensuring that your goods reach their destination securely and on time. With a robust network and cutting-edge technology, the company guarantees efficient handling of shipments, reducing the risk of delays and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Transparency is key in logistics, and ML Moves Logistics understands this well. The company employs state-of-the-art tracking and monitoring systems through partner couriers, allowing you to keep a real-time eye on your shipments. This not only enhances the security of your goods but also enables you to provide accurate information to your customers, fostering trust and loyalty.

ML Moves Logistics is committed to delivering cost-effective solutions without compromising on service quality. By optimizing routes, utilizing advanced technology, and streamlining processes, the company helps businesses minimize transportation costs, contributing to overall financial efficiency. For selected Shopee and Lazada sellers utilizing M Lhuillier branches as drop-off points for their parcels, service is provided by their legitimate and licensed courier partners - Airspeed and J&T Express for domestic deliveries. Shopee customers can also drop off approved items for return to seller at any M Lhuillier branch without spending on shipping fee. If you are a Lazada customer, you can conveniently pick up your parcel at any M Lhuillier branch of your choice instead of having it delivered at home.

Every business has unique logistics requirements, and ML Moves Logistics recognizes this diversity. The company offers customizable logistics solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of your business. Whether walk-in transactions or e-commerce solutions, ML Moves Logistics provides flexible options to optimize your retail operation by acting as an extended business center. 

Security is paramount in logistics, and ML Moves Logistics prioritizes the safety of your shipments. The company only partners with trusted courier partners giving you peace of mind knowing that your goods are in good hands. This commitment to security ensures that your business can operate with confidence in the reliability of their logistics partners.

For businesses with global aspirations, ML Moves Logistics offers international logistics services. With DHL Express as partner that is guaranteed to have a deep understanding of international shipment regulations, the company facilitates seamless cross-border movements, opening up new markets and opportunities for your business.

In a competitive business landscape, the right logistics partner can make all the difference. M Lhuillier ML Moves Logistics stands out as a reliable, efficient, and innovative solution that can elevate your business operations. From ensuring the security of your shipments to providing cost-effective and customizable logistics solutions, ML Moves Logistics is a strategic ally for businesses aiming to thrive in the modern marketplace.

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RLC Residences’ breaks ground for Tower D of AmiSa Private Residences

RLC Residences’ breaks ground for Tower D of AmiSa Private Residences

Amisa Tower D Groundbreaking Ceremony. From left to right:RLC Residences Cebu Sales Director Federico Pandagani, RLC Residences Vice President for Project Management Engr. Emmanuel Arce, Cebu Cluster Head Melissa Magno, Cebu Sales Director Leoniza Aguitong, Cebu Branch Head Gretchen Marie Lim Belleza, Cebu Sales Directors Eugene Arcena, and Dennis Siongco

Before the year ends, RLC Residences achieved another construction milestone as it held a groundbreaking ceremony for the fourth tower of AmiSa Private Residences.

Present during the event were RLC Residences Vice President for Project Management Engr. Emmanuel Arce, RLC Residences Cebu Branch Head Gretchen Marie Lim- Belleza, RLC Residences Cluster Head Melissa Magno, and RLC Residences Cebu Sales Directors Federico Pandagani, Leoniza Aguitong, Eugene Arcena, and Dennis Siongco.

“We are very excited to start bringing to life the fourth tower of AmiSa Private Residences. This development has a very special place to our hearts given its unique features and resort-like offerings. We believe our clients are also excited to call this haven their own where they can enjoy a relaxing life in Cebu,” said RLC Residences VP for Project Management Engr. Emmanuel Arce.

Located at Punta Engano in Mactan City, Cebu, AmiSa Private Residences is a leisure residential development by RLC Residences that offers relaxing, unobstructed beach views that can be enjoyed from the unit’s balcony. The first three towers of this development are now finished and are being enjoyed by its residents, while the pre-seling fourth tower was introduced in 2022.

To know more about AmiSa Private Residences and other RLC Residences projects in Manila and Cebu, visit rlcresidences.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

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Peatlands Under Pressure: The Resilient Farmers Paving the Way for Sustainable Agriculture

Peatlands Under Pressure: The Resilient Farmers Paving the Way for Sustainable Agriculture

Peatlands, crucial for carbon storage and ecosystem balance, face relentless threats from human activities. Restoring these vital ecosystems holds the promise of quelling fires, preserving biodiversity, and combatting climate change. However, the path to restoration is riddled with complexities, stirring disagreements among stakeholders with conflicting interests, from companies holding concessions to local communities.

In the Philippines, where peat soil is distributed across the archipelago, there is a glaring lack of awareness about peat and its management persists across various sectors. The recent approval of House Bill 8204 signifies a significant stride toward conserving these ecosystems. However, bridging the knowledge gap demands collective efforts. Engaging local communities, NGOs, and government bodies in comprehensive strategies is essential for effective peatland stewardship, bolstering the country's capacity to address climate change through sustainable practices.

Yusuf's Peatland Oasis: Thriving Horticulture for Sustainable Futures

In the sprawling peatlands of Riau, Muhammad Yusuf treads lightly on the fragile ecosystem that he has come to call home. Proudly displaying a massive pumpkin weighing over 9 kilograms, Yusuf symbolizes the agricultural innovation blossoming in these peatlands. As chairman of the Cemerlang Forest Farmers Group in Dayun Village, his journey mirrors the struggle to safeguard these vital ecosystems.

Indonesia's 21 million-hectare peatlands face similar issues, with 7.5 million hectares cleared for unsuitable oil palm and Industrial Forest Plantations (HTI), leading to severe damage, land sinking, and significant global CO2 emissions, surpassing 5%. Immediate action and sustainable alternatives are imperative to address these escalating threats to global ecosystems and climate stability.

Amidst the environmental discord, Muhammad Yusuf and his fellow farmers offer hope. While industrial giants encroach on peatlands, they demonstrate that alternative, profitable livelihoods can exist without compromising the fragile ecosystem. They show that peatlands can thrive, be restored, and sustainably support the surrounding community. "We must endure for the long term, not just for our survival but for the environment as well. It's crucial for us to strive for greater independence and not rely solely on landowners and oil palm plantations," said Yusuf.

Yusuf has transformed his 2-hectare peatland into a thriving oasis that reflects his unwavering dedication. Within this space, he skillfully tends to various crops, including pumpkins, watermelons, eggplants, and cayenne peppers, alongside nurturing timber trees like meranti, punak, sago, matoa, and rubber. His dedication bore fruit last October, yielding an extraordinary 60 tonnes watermelon harvest that surpassed all expectations. This success led him to advocate for his colleagues to embrace watermelon cultivation as well.

Eggplants and cayenne peppers also particularly shine in productivity. One harvest of eggplants can yield up to 200 kilograms in three months, while a cayenne pepper tree produces around 8-9 ounces. These crops not only bring profit but also sustainability, maturing much faster than oil palm.

"We aim to empower the local community economically by promoting the shift to horticultural farming. Beyond fostering self-reliance, horticultural farming offers eco-friendliness. By diversifying, we enhance self-sufficiency and contribute to a more environmentally friendly approach beyond the monoculture of palm oil."

Despite his efforts to persuade the local government to transition to horticulture farming due to its proven success, he has yet to achieve success. However, amidst the dominance of oil palm in Siak's landscape, Yusuf and his peers persist in showcasing that peatlands can support diverse crops beyond the confines of monoculture.

Yusuf believes in cultivating these alternative crops for the future. His group, the Cemerlang Forest Farmers, is dedicated to identifying the best-suited horticultural crops for peatland farming challenges. Farming in peatlands requires unique techniques, including careful soil compaction, water management to prevent rapid water loss, and essential fertilization due to low nutrient content.

"That's why I consistently encourage Siak's farmers to transition towards horticulture. With relatively modest investments, they can own and harvest from their own plots of land. I also frequently motivate and train my workers, emphasizing the importance of them having their own farms in the future, ensuring sustainable utilization of these peatlands."

Despite the challenges, farmers like Yusuf embrace the opportunity these lands offer. Reduced chemical use and easier pest control make this environmentally friendly farming approach appealing.

Collaborative Efforts and Transformation

In this evolving agricultural landscape, initiatives like Perkumpulan Elang step in to bridge gaps. Recognizing the need for policy-level solutions and alternative livelihoods, they advocate for sustainable practices like Paludiculture in peatlands. Alternative crops like pineapple, squash, eggplant, cayenne pepper, and long beans offer economic and environmental benefits, with faster harvest cycles than oil palm.

Perkumpulan Elang collaborates with farmers like Yusuf and government stakeholders, conducting research, campaigns, and community programs. The result is evident in Dayun Village, with reduced oil palm reliance, increased prosperity, and ultimately reduced forest fire risk.

Muhammad Yusuf's story embodies hope in adversity, emphasizing the urgency of protecting Indonesia's peatlands and their potential for sustainable agriculture. By embracing alternative crops and eco-friendly farming practices, these farmers secure livelihoods while safeguarding our planet's delicate ecosystems. The time to act for the peatlands, for Indonesia, and for global climate stability is now.

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The Gift Financial Wellness this Christmas with Singlife Philippines

The Gift Financial Wellness this Christmas with Singlife Philippines

In the spirit of giving that defines the Filipino Christmas tradition, Singlife Philippines presents a unique and invaluable gift for this festive season: The Gift of Financial Wellness. This transformative offering goes beyond the usual festive presents, aiming to secure and nurture the financial future of every Filipino. Sherie Ng, Co-founder & Executive Director of Singlife Philippines, believes that this gift is not just a gesture; it's a commitment to long-lasting financial security and prosperity.

Starting the Journey Now

Embark on your financial wellness journey by downloading the Singlife Plan and Protect App. A mere Php 250 deposit into your Singlife Emergency Fund sets you on a path to earning a tax-free 5% yearly interest rate while ensuring instant life insurance coverage worth 3X your monthly income. This dual benefit not only safeguards your finances but also provides peace of mind for your loved ones in the face of unforeseen events.

The initiative is particularly crucial in a country where only 1.75% of the population currently holds life insurance, leaving many exposed to life's uncertainties. The 2021 Financial Inclusion Survey by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas highlights the financial challenges many face in acquiring insurance, despite recognizing its importance.

Singlife's Mission and Vision

Singlife Philippines is on a mission to change this narrative. Leveraging advanced digital technology, the company delivers agile, accessible, and affordable insurance and investment solutions. The vision is clear: a future where every Filipino has financial security to weather emergencies, cover medical expenses, and achieve significant life goals like education and retirement.

Continuing the Momentum into 2024

Singlife Philippines has garnered acclaim, earning an outstanding 4.8/5 stars on Trustpilot. This digital life insurance provider stands out for its seamless digital experience, from onboarding to efficient claims processing. With close to one million policies issued, Singlife Philippines is one of the fastest-growing digital life insurance companies in the country. Collaborations with key partners, including GCash, UnionBank, and KonsultaMD, have been pivotal in democratizing financial protection.

Discover the Singlife Plan & Protect App & Solutions

The Singlife Plan & Protect App is your all-in-one solution for financial empowerment. Key features include:

Save: Initiate your emergency fund with a tax-free 5% yearly interest and immediate life insurance coverage (3X your monthly income) with just a Php 250 deposit. Receive an additional Php 250 cash credits as a welcome bonus.

Plan: Engage with the AI-powered financial planner for a tailored savings strategy and monitor your progress towards financial wellness.

Protect: Easily access a broad range of life insurance and investment products without the need for a financial advisor.

Innovative and Comprehensive Financial Solutions

Singlife Philippines offers innovative and comprehensive solutions to protect against income loss, cover medical costs, and secure your financial goals through investment-linked insurance.

This Christmas, celebrate the season of giving by gifting the enduring and empowering present of financial wellness from Singlife Philippines. To learn more about how Singlife can transform your financial future, visit www.singlife.com.ph.

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