QBO, ITC, DTI, Propel Filipino Startups onto the Global Stage through ARISE Plus Philippines

QBO, ITC, DTI, Propel Filipino Startups onto the Global Stage through ARISE Plus Philippines

Friday, April 19, 2024

Twelve Filipino youth-led startups were unveiled during the kickoff event, marking the beginning of a transformative journey as they go on a 14-week training program designed to bring their business towards international success.

The Arise Plus Philippines Young Entrepreneurs (YE)! Boost Accelerator Program, funded by the European Union and led by the International Trade Centre, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry - Competitiveness Innovation Group (DTI-CIG) and QBO Innovation Hub, has just launched its 3rd Cohort. Twelve Filipino youth-led startups were unveiled during the kickoff event, marking the beginning of a transformative journey as they go on a 14-week training program designed to bring their business towards international success.

Arise Plus Ye! Boost Accelerator Program gathers young entrepreneurs under 35, preparing them to learn the tools and resources necessary to thrive in today's competitive market. With a focus on going from local to global, this program seeks to empower startups to scale their ventures beyond borders and make a remarkable impact on the international stage.

Through strategic partnerships facilitated by QBO, ITC, and DTI-CIG, the twelve participating startups will gain access to comprehensive training, mentorship sessions, and networking opportunities. These initiatives aim to prepare them to meet the challenges of the global market, positioning them for sustainable business growth and investor readiness in the global market.

The 12 handpicked startups participating in the Arise Plus Ye! Boost Accelerator Program Cohort 3 represents a diverse range of industries—from technology, sustainability, to healthcare, and beyond:

BCRemit: A London-based fintech company founded by Pinoys empowering OFWs with efficient money transfers.

PAMMÉ: A fashion brand crafting sustainable accessories from recycled plastic, made by women deprived of liberty.

Mylo Speech Buddy: Developer of a speech development app for children with autism and speech delay.

Hibla Philippines: A social enterprise preserving Philippine weaving traditions.

Nama Urban Farms: An urban agriculture startup cultivating nutritious produce.

Capilli: A social enterprise creating eco-friendly products from upcycled human hair waste.

REPAMANA: A circular fashion brand repurposing hotel textiles into new garments.

Nutricoach Inc.: A platform aiding dietitians in building and scaling nutrition clinics.

Reelist8: A PropTech x Shoppertainment marketplace for real estate transactions.

Prezenter: A company that simplifies presentations in under 10 seconds, helping teachers put their lessons on Smart TVs.

TERPCAP INC: An accessibility solutions provider for inclusive workplaces.

IndieCo: An SEO company blending human creativity with AI for business content.

QBO Innovation Hub boasts a great pool of over 50 experts spanning various industries, offering support and guidance to the startups throughout the program. These mentors are well-equipped to train the entrepreneurs to address a wide range of challenges and opportunities they may encounter.

"For the next 14 weeks, our startups will be immersed in a transformative journey of mentorship and workshops, equipping them to create wealth and enhance the lives of their employees. At QBO and IdeaSpace, we're committed to building a community where innovation thrives and drives societal impact," said Butch Meily, President of QBO and IdeaSpace.

“I know that your energy, passion, and ideas can really shape the future of trade in the Philippines.” shared by Mayara Louzada, Head of Youth & Trade Programme of ITC. We encourage you to take advantage of the top notch mentorship, training, and linkages that you will be getting through this accelerator program,” Louzada added.

"We are thrilled to embark on this journey with the exceptional entrepreneurs selected for Arise Cohort 3," said Miguel Lopez, National Youth Entrepreneurship Lead for the ITC. "We believe in the power of profound support and a great foundation. Through initiatives like Arise, we are committed to harnessing the strengths of our Filipino startups to help them reach the European market and champion their journey towards global success,” Lopez added.

To know more about QBO Innovation Hub and ARISE Cohort 3, please visit www.qbo.com.ph. Follow @QBOPhilippines to stay tuned for updates on upcoming learning sessions on Intellectual Property (IP), Investment Readiness, and more! Gear up for an enriching experience as the program kicks into high gear in the coming weeks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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GS1 Standards Week 2024 to showcase latest advancements in barcode technology, global push for shift from barcode to QR code

GS1 Standards Week 2024 to showcase latest advancements in barcode technology, global push for shift from barcode to QR code

GS1 Philippines, the leading organization on local barcode standards, is set to join industry experts and stakeholders in supply chain and digital transformation for a global discussion on the latest barcode technology and the push for the transition from the traditional linear barcode to the 2D QR code during this year’s GS1 Standards Week 2024, which will take place from April 23 to 26, 2024 Philippine time.

This three-day virtual gathering will welcome over 5,000 member organizations from GS1 Philippines and numerous partners of GS1 around the world. Attendees can expect a series of informative sessions that will cover a range of industries, including retail, marketplaces, consumer packaged goods, fresh foods, healthcare, and transport and logistics, showcasing the latest barcode innovations.

A key highlight at the GS1 Standards Week 2024 will be the opening plenary session focused on the global push for the adoption of the 2D barcode, most popularly known as the "QR code." The next generation of barcodes will leverage web technologies and the current barcode system to store extensive product information in just one scan, promising limitless possibilities set to further improve operational efficiency in the supply chain industries and benefit brand owners, retailers, and consumers.

By 2027, GS1 Philippines aims to have prepared all sectors nationwide for a complete transition to 2D barcodes, anticipating that all global retail POS scanners will be equipped to read and process these advanced codes, supported by widespread adoption among brand owners.

"GS1 Standards Week 2024 marks a transformative milestone in our mission to drive the global supply chain industry forward. Amid rapid technological advancements, we are spearheading a new era of digital integration where enhanced barcode connectivity significantly boosts efficiency and sustainability worldwide. Join us as we chart the course for tomorrow's industry standards, celebrating groundbreaking innovations that are reshaping how the world does business," said Roberto "Bobby" Claudio, President of GS1 Philippines and the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA).

In addition to exploring the global shift to 2D barcodes, GS1 Standards Week 2024 will offer a comprehensive agenda that includes deep dives into the latest updates and features of GS1's standards. These discussions aim to assist businesses in complying with international standards and requirements crucial for the circular economy. 

Furthermore, the event will feature GS1's Global Standards Management Process (GSMP) working group sessions, designed to unite thought leaders from various sectors globally. These sessions will delve into cutting-edge, industry-wide standards, guidelines, and solutions, providing valuable insights for attendees.

With a strong lineup of leading experts from GS1 and other influential figures in the industry, the event promises to foster a collaborative environment aimed at revolutionizing retail supply chains through internationally recognized barcode technologies.

With its current 5,000 member organizations, GS1 Philippines is eyeing to reach 30,000 businesses nationwide by the end of 2024.

To learn more about GS1 Standards Week 2024 and register, you may visit the event's official website.

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PRUBabies receives back-to-back international awards

PRUBabies receives back-to-back international awards

Thursday, April 18, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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TAG Resort Coron Selected as Venue for World Bank International Sustainability Workshop

TAG Resort Coron Selected as Venue for World Bank International Sustainability Workshop

World Bank selects TAG Coron as venue for international sustainability workshop attended by national and local government officials, community leaders and environment experts

Coron, with its stunning natural beauty and commitment to sustainable tourism, was the chosen venue for a significant World Bank conference focusing on sustainable landscape management. The three-day workshop brought together environmental experts, international stakeholders, and delegates — including country representatives from Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, the US, Singapore, and South Korea — to discuss regional best practices in recognizing forest land rights and sustainable landscape management.

Co-organized by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), the Global Partnership for Sustainable and Resilient Landscapes (PROGREEN), and the World Bank multi-donor trust fund Enhancing Access to Benefits while Lowering Emissions (EnABLE), the workshop was held at eco-luxury hotel TAG Resort Coron. The event served as a platform for interactions between the World Bank officials, environmental experts, and the Tagbanua community leaders. With an agenda comprising land rights recognitions and exchanges on conservation strategies, the conference culminated with the awarding of Certificates of Ancestral Land Titles to the indigenous communities.

Present at the event as speakers and facilitators were Palawan Governor Victorino Dennis Socrates, Coron Mayor Mario Reyes, Jr., NCIP Chairperson Jennifer Pia Sibug-Las, PROGREEN’s Patricia Kristjanson, Senior Social Development Specialist Satoshi Ishihara, as well as NCIP officials and key World Bank officials.

TAG Resort Coron: The Epitome of Eco-Conscious Business Hospitality

The World Bank East Asia and Pacific Workshop on Recognition and Formalization of Land Rights in Forest Areas selected TAG Resort Coron as its official venue and sole accommodation provider for the international delegates after rigid screenings. The resort, which also champions eco-conscious tourism, boasts the largest ballroom in Coron, accommodating a large contingent of international delegates. Complementing its impressive event space are 112 rooms with all-inclusive amenities, ensuring a luxurious and restful stay for all attendees.

The Tagbanua people, cultural pillars of Coron, inspired the name for TAG Resort. Visual artist Kublai Millan's Bantayog ng Tagbanua takes centerstage in the resort to honor the tribe

“It is a privilege to be hosting this World Bank workshop which will further enhance cooperation in recognizing IP rights over ancestral lands and push for greater sustainable management of our forests,” said Stephen Rey Tagud, TAG Resorts, Inc. Managing Director. “The preservation of living heritage and the environment is really an integral part of our business DNA, and we welcome more opportunities to host worthwhile events like these in the future which serve as platforms for discourse and plans of action.”

With its successful hosting of the World Bank’s significant workshop, TAG Resort Coron reiterates its capability as a prime destination for business events — especially those that require a blend of luxury and eco-tourism.

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Empowering Communities for Sustainable Land Management

Empowering Communities for Sustainable Land Management

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

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

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

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

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

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

Empowering Community to Make Environment Thrive

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

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

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

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

Challenges and Trajectories

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

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

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

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

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EastWest Continues to Break New Ground in Digital Banking with AI Chatbot ESTA

EastWest Continues to Break New Ground in Digital Banking with AI Chatbot ESTA

Monday, April 15, 2024

EastWest Bank, one of the fastest-growing banks in the country today and a pioneer in Philippine digital banking solutions, is thrilled to announce the latest updates on its groundbreaking artificial intelligence chatbot, ESTA (EastWest System Tech Assistant), available on Facebook Messenger.

For the past few years, this innovative tool has been redefining the digital banking experience for EastWest credit cardholders and employees alike, marking a significant milestone in the bank's commitment to technological advancement and customer service excellence. 

Designed to cater to the modern-day banking needs of its users, ESTA leverages the widespread use of Facebook Messenger to provide a platform where credit cardholders can effortlessly perform a variety of credit card services. From balance transfers and installment conversions to accessing Insta-Cash, ESTA offers a seamless and secure banking experience right at the fingertips of its users. In addition, it consistently generates Php1B in installment bookings monthly. 

Just recently, ChatGPT was incorporated in EastWest’s Customer Service functionality, resulting in a 75% reduction in Customer Service warm body interactions. In the near future, retrieving account information and performing transactions can be done not only by screen or button presses but via textual commands. Imagine having a digital assistant that can carry out commands like – “Compute my average spend on XYZ ecommerce for the last 6 months” or “Send Php10,000 to my husband’s EastWest bank account.”

This AI-powered convenience is a testament to EastWest's dedication to providing quick and easy solutions to meet the busy lifestyles of its customers.

ESTA Leveling Up

Further extending the ESTA experience, EastWest is proud to announce an upgraded version of ESTA for its employees. This new iteration integrates flawlessly with ChatGPT on Microsoft Teams, allowing staff to access knowledge bases that include the internet at large, internal manuals, store policies, MORB + Select BSP Circulars, the Corporate Credit Policy, and credit card product features more efficiently. This internal tool is designed to accelerate information retrieval, analysis and synthesis based textual and numerical work output, fostering a smarter, empowered and more productive workplace environment. It is similar to having a virtual assistant capable of conducting financial ratio analysis or crafting advertising copy for an ad campaign.

“ESTA represents a first-in-market innovation, offering unparalleled accessibility and convenience in digital banking. It exemplifies EastWest's commitment to leveraging technology to enhance the banking experience for both customers and employees,” said Efren dela Cruz, Jr., Head of Consumer Service Delivery at EastWest.

“Through constant improvements, upgrades and updates, EastWest aims to further ESTA's contribution to the bank's extensive digital capabilities, showcasing the bank's ongoing thrust for innovation and customer service excellence,” dela Cruz added.

Power to the Customers

EastWest reiterated its commitment to customers, highlighted by ESTA’s consumer-friendly features for an even more convenient banking experience, including the following:

• Account Security: Real-time lock and unlock capabilities for primary and supplementary accounts. Real time notifications for and confirmation of suspicious transactions.

• Promo Searches: Enhanced search functionality for promos by category or keyword, making it easier to find the best deals.

• Real time display of transactions

• Updating of addresses, mobile and email address

• Other EastWest Credit Card Services: One stop shop for accepting information and documents for applications for credit limit increases, supplementary cards, disputes, balance transfers, annual fee waivers, insta-cash, and convert to installment

"ESTA represents more than just an advancement in digital banking technology; it embodies EastWest's vision for a future where banking is not only accessible but also seamlessly integrated into our customers' daily lives. Our commitment to innovation is driven by our dedication to providing exceptional service and convenience. With ESTA, we're not just keeping pace with the digital age—we're defining it," concluded Efren dela Cruz, Jr.

Experience the future of digital banking today with ESTA. Chat with ESTA on Facebook Messenger at www.ewlend.com/esta or apply for your EastWest credit card via the ESTA chatbot at www.ewlend.com/creditCard.

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