SOCIAL MEDIA

PFIP LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion Report 2024 Highlights Positive Strides in Philippine Workplace LGBTQ+ Inclusion

Thursday, May 2, 2024

LGBTQ+ workplace inclusivity

The Philippine Financial Industry Pride (PFIP) unveiled its 2024 LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion Report on April 30, 2024, at the University of the Philippines (UP) School of Statistics Auditorium in Diliman, Quezon City. The event marked a significant step in assessing the current landscape of LGBTQ+ workplaces across the Philippines, drawing insights from hundreds of companies in various sectors and business hubs.

Driven by its commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ workplace inclusivity, the non-profit organization, consisting of LGBTQ+ employee resource group representatives and human resource/diversity professionals from private firms in the Philippines, takes proactive steps to showcase policy progress and identify challenges ahead. The event was well-attended by corporate leaders, HR professionals, LGBTQ+ advocates, and scholars, converging to discuss the findings and exchange ideas for fostering a more inclusive workplace environment. PFIP’s key findings showcased concrete progress in LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion, vibrant discussions and successful corporate examples that underscored the positive impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) policies on workplace culture.

The 2024 PFIP LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion Report revealed encouraging trends:

85% of companies now have LGBTQ+ inclusion or anti-discrimination policies in place, while 86% have established grievance procedures for LGBTQ+ employees. Furthermore, 78% offer medical benefits to both married different-sex couples and same-sex domestic partners, and 73% have active LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Groups. Public support for LGBTQ+ inclusion has grown, with 79% of companies expressing this commitment, reflecting a significant cultural shift towards acceptance and advocacy. DE&I training is also on the rise, with 80% of companies providing comprehensive programs.

These statistics show that many Philippine companies are fostering safer and more equitable work environments conducive to employees' success. The launch event also provided an opportunity to review PFIP's broader initiatives, such as the "PFIP Playbook: For LGBT+ Inclusive Workplaces in the Philippines," and the nationwide caravan conducted in 2023 to promote these best practices across the country. The emphasis on partnerships with LGUs, local LGBTQ+ groups, and other allied organizations has proven instrumental in fostering greater inclusivity.

Looking ahead, PFIP announced plans for the July 2024 Pride Summit, the largest DE&I conference in the Philippines, which is expected to further amplify the conversation and drive additional LGBTQ+ workplace initiatives. The summit aims to encourage corporate decision-makers to continue advocating for inclusion and diversity.

Reflecting on the event's impact and future aspirations, PFIP Chairperson, Weena Ekid, said, “To corporate decision-makers, continue to champion for inclusion and embrace diversity. Build a workplace where every individual can thrive authentically, regardless of who they are or who they love. As they embark on this journey towards a more inclusive future, they are urged to lead the charge towards a world where everyone is valued and respected. Join in this transformative endeavor, and together, create a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.”
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Grab cools down thousands of street workers, delivery riders on Labor Day



The leading superapp provides relief to street workers and delivery riders enduring the summer heat in Quezon City, Cebu City, and Davao City

In honor of Labor Day, Grab Philippines has cooled down thousands of street workers and other skilled professionals at its Grab Palamig Spots. 

In light of the cautionary heat indices averaging 39°C to 40°C in Metro Manila, Davao, and Cebu, the Grab Palamig Spots were strategically stationed in high-traffic and accessible locations across these regions: Quezon City Memorial Circle, Agdao Public Market, and the SM City Cebu Terminal. The spots served as cold and convenient rest stops for street sweepers, traffic enforcers, delivery riders, and other workers who spend their days under the heat of the sun. 

Cooling down these street workers, the Grab Palamig Spots maintained soothing temperatures as low as 16°C in its mini-lounge areas. And in a world where 'cooling down' is typically associated with the color blue, the leading superapp has reimagined it in a vibrant shade of green – offering green summer coolers like flavorful avocado and buko pandan ice creams, and crowd-favorite sodas and sweet tea drinks to its Palamig guests. 


Grab worked with the local government units of Quezon City, Davao City, and Cebu City in inviting the hard-working street workers to visit and take a refreshing break at the Grab Palamig Spots. To encourage its own delivery-partners to recharge at the spots, the leading superapp also activated special push notifications and GrabMap Pins guiding them to the exact location of the cold rest stops. 

The Grab Palamig Spots, an initiative under Grab’s No Sweat Summer campaign, is a manifestation of the superapp’s commitment to enabling all Filipinos to go through the hot season conveniently and hassle-free – with much-needed breaks and moments of respite in between. 

Showing Up for the Community

Understanding the impact of the intense summer heat on workers who make their living on the road, Grab’s very own delivery-partners volunteered to help in the distribution of the coolers to the guests at the Grab Palamig Spots. The Grab Ugnayan Advocates – a network of delivery-riders focused on community outreach, scoured the areas where the Grab Palamig Spots are to invite and assist street workers as they cooled down with Grab. 

Big Daddy, an Ugnayan Advocate, shared how he empathizes with the country’s street workers. “Ang laking epekto sa amin ng init, lalo na madalas kaming nakababad sa init ng araw. Kaya saludo ako sa mga kapwa ko rider at mga kagaya naming mga naghahanapbuhay sa kalsada. Noong narinig ko na may ganito tayong espesyal na kaganapan para sa amin at sa iba pang manggaawa sa daan, agad-agad naming napagdesisyonan na tumulong kahit sa papaano mang paraan,” Big Daddy shares. 

Grab Palamig Spots

Prior to volunteering at the Grab Palamig Spots, the Ugnayan Advocates have been going around in select pit stops that are famous among delivery riders to give away free refreshments to their colleagues – regardless of platform affiliation. 

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I.E. Medica and MedEthix, first local pharma companies to win prestigious healthcare awards in Singapore

Tuesday, April 30, 2024


● MedEthix was recognized for leveraging the synergy of strategic alliances to ease Molnupiravir access in the Philippines during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

● I.E. Medica was also awarded for its efforts in implementing solutions to its end-to-end supply chain operations to meet the nation's healthcare product supply chain needs.

The Philippines’ major pharmaceutical importers and distributors, I.E. Medica, Inc. and MedEthix Incorporated, were recently awarded three (3) major healthcare awards at the Healthcare Asia Pharma Awards 2024 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

The pharmaceutical companies received the Supply Chain Initiative of the Year, Hospital Partnership of the Year, and the Most Differentiated Service of the Year awards. This marks the first time for native Philippine pharmaceutical brands to have won in these categories. The brands are active proponents in the importation, registration, and supply of healthcare products in the Philippines.

I.E. Medica and MedEthix executives, Monaliza Balnig Salian, co-founder, president, and CEO, and Ma. Victoria P. Sugapong, COO, accepted the awards on behalf of the pharma group.

Monaliza B. Salian

In her acceptance speech, Monaliza B. Salian said, “The Philippine pharmaceutical industry is heavily dependent on importation; thus, we continuously look for ways to improve our supply chain operations. As a young pharma group, I.E. Medica and MedEthix are aware of the overwhelming need of our countrymen for quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare solutions—and so we will continue to respond to these unmet needs, as Filipinos, for the Filipinos.”

Salian’s acceptance speech in the prestigious awards program is a fitting capstone to the young local pharma group’s contribution to easing the burden of healthcare for Filipinos. The awards conferred by the respected regional publication Healthcare Asia magazine put I.E. Medica and MedEthix in the league of outstanding pharma companies in Asia and the Pacific that have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence and have redefined pharmaceutical excellence.

I.E. Medica: Implementing enhanced end-to-end supply chain operations that could enhance the nation’s healthcare product supply chain requirements

I.E. Medica is driven to continuously improve its supply chain operations to comply with Philippine Customs Administration import guidelines: from obtaining the Super Green Lane certificate in 2017 to having demonstrated its initial compliance with the cargo security risk management framework required for accreditation as an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Importer.

The company is also on track to securing the Level 1 AEO Certification, affirming its observance of supply chain security standards and the benefits of improved accessibility to healthcare goods brought about by streamlined import-export systems across borders, ultimately benefiting Filipinos and earning it the Supply Chain Initiative of the Year award.

MedEthix: Introducing a game-changing COVID-19 treatment in the country 

The impact of COVID-19 has been widespread, with its magnitude affecting the stability of social, economic, and political structures in many countries. It has particularly challenged national healthcare systems and their capacity to respond to large-scale outbreaks.

Filipino pharmaceutical company MedEthix went beyond its way as the first importer to secure its first four (4) hospital partners from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the compassionate special permit (CSP) for Molnupiravir. This oral drug is indicated for mild to moderate cases of COVID-19 infection, enabling the standard of care to go beyond the confines of the overstretched hospital wards into the comforts of the patient’s home.

MedEthix further expanded the distribution of Molnupiravir from the first 4 CSP grantees to over 80 health institutions and over 500 doctors across the country as soon as it successfully secured the Emergency Use Authorization from the regulatory authority. Healthway QualiMed, the hospital network of AC Health, played a valuable role in its success. The hospital network, along with I.E. Medica and MedEthix, are partners of AC Health. The expanded access to affordable alternative treatment for COVID-19 greatly benefited Filipinos during the pandemic and earned the company the Hospital Partnership and The Most Differentiated Service of the Year awards.

A commitment to every Filipino

As the recipients of the three prestigious awards for the pharma category in the Philippines, I.E. Medica and MedEthix remain committed to providing a wide range of products that cover almost all therapeutic areas to meet the ever-changing healthcare needs of Filipinos. 

As the men and women of I.E. Medica and MedEthix interact with doctors, retail outlets, distributors, suppliers, regulatory authorities, and consumers daily, the hallmark of excellence exemplified by the three awards continues to inspire them to make a difference in the lives of their countrymen.
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Caltex Further Expands Network with Opening of Third Site in Aseana City, Paranaque

Caltex Aseana City

The new Caltex site in Aseana City, Paranaque, is now open to serve quality products and fuels.

Committed to its mission of bringing quality fuels and service closer to Filipinos, Caltex, marketed by Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), continues to expand its network with the grand opening of its newest retail site in Aseana City, Paranaque.

Aseana City is a 204-hectare mixed-used business district, prominent for hotels, malls, and business establishments. As a growing community, this area is often bustling with residents and visitors and sees increasing traffic flow daily. By opening this new Caltex site, the third retail site in the area, Caltex helps enhance convenience for residents, businesses, and visitors, reducing the need to travel long distances for refueling.

This Caltex site is conveniently located near flagship developments such as Parqal Mall, the St. John Paul II Chapel, office buildings, and other institutions, enabling residents and visitors to quickly access Caltex’s products and services whenever needed.

As Caltex continuously grows its network, the brand creates more investment opportunities for interested investors to explore with Caltex. This new site stands as the third flagship retail site Caltex has opened for 2024. Before this, Caltex celebrated the consecutive grand openings of two flagship sites earlier this year at Milagrosa, Calamba, Laguna, and White Plains, Quezon City. Caltex aims to open more sites as the year progresses.

“We chose to partner with Caltex for the retail site in Aseana City because of their positive reputation in providing high-quality fuel and their well-established presence in the market. Caltex’s commitment to excellence aligns with our vision of building a master-planned community, ensuring that customers receive top-notch service and products,” said Edwin Michael Wenceslao, owner of the retail site.

Caltex‘s continuously growing network is a testament to its commitment to enhancing Filipinos' lives by helping them reach their destinations through its accessible quality fuels and services. As it continues to open more sites and opportunities to investors, Caltex assures Filipinos that they can stay stress-free on the road and that enjoyment remains uninterrupted on every journey. 

“With every new site, we can make memorable journeys attainable for Filipinos, particularly here in Aseana where many activities happen, either for business or leisure. We want to ensure that motorists will get to and from their destinations safely and seamlessly, so we continue to aim to open more sites this year. Every Filipino deserves a stress-free and memorable journey,” said Billy Liu, CPI country chairman and general manager. 



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Havas Red Philippines launches SWAY, an influencer marketing arm focusing on influencers and their subcultures

Sunday, April 28, 2024


In today's digital landscape where understanding cultural contexts reigns supreme, one agency is redefining the concept of influence. SWAY by HAVAS Red digs deep into the nuances of subcultures, considering their significance in contemporary marketing strategies. 

Unlike traditional methods that rely solely on metrics like followers, reach, impressions, likes, and engagements, SWAY by HAVAS Red emphasizes authentic connections within smaller, more defined niche communities that represent subcultures. It recognizes the power of genuine voices, especially in social media platforms. 

By understanding the language of diverse subcultures, SWAY by HAVAS Red provides brands a more genuine and meaningful way to engage with their audiences. It prioritizes targeted, but more relevant, communication that brings real engagement and builds brand loyalty within specific communities. 

“Subculture-focused influencer marketing represents a significant shift in marketing. Previously reliant on traditional paid celebrity endorsements, we now harness the power of focused collectives,” said Jos Ortega, CEO of Havas Ortega and General Manager of HAVAS Red Philippines. “Influencers have become trusted leaders and catalysts for change. By curating collaborative campaigns that align with their core values and those of the subcultures they influence, we foster deeper engagement and brand loyalty, all while respecting the unique interests of these passionate communities.” 

     Jos Ortega, CEO of Havas Ortega and General Manager of HAVAS Red Philippines

"We are redefining influencer marketing in the Philippines," added Dayniel Garcia, Head of SWAY by HAVAS Red Philippines. "The emergence of subcultures signaled the need to analyze and further explore the cultural context. Fortunately, we have proprietary strategic and measurement tools that inspire fresh approaches that deliver results." 

At the heart of SWAY's approach is HAVAS Ortega’s planning philosophy called Mx (Meaningful Experience) that is built on the confluence of the three C's — Connection, Context, and Content — facilitating the delivery of the right message, in the right format, to the right audience at the opportune moment when they are receptive to messages and open to persuasion. 

   Dayniel Garcia, Head of SWAY by HAVAS Red Philippines

In essence, SWAY by HAVAS Red Philippines redefines influencer marketing by championing a subculture-focused approach. In a world dominated by superficial metrics, SWAY by HAVAS Red sends a clear message that measurable, meaningful connections are the cornerstone of lasting impact. 

Interested in working with SWAY by HAVAS Red? Send an email to dayniel.garcia@havasred.com. 

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SM Prime marks 30th anniversary with record-breaking income, PHP 100 billion investment for 2024

Thursday, April 25, 2024

SM Prime Holdings
SM Prime’s (L-R): Assistant Corporate Secretary Arthur Sy, Corporate Secretary Atty. Elmer Serrano, Chief Finance Officer and Chief Compliance Officer John Nai Peng Ong, President Jeffrey Lim, Independent Director Atty. Darlene Marie Berberabe, Chairman of the Board Henry Sy Jr., Vice Chairman and Lead Independent Director Amando Tetangco Jr., Non-Executive Director Herbert Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, and Non-Executive Director Jorge Mendiola


SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPH), the leading integrated property developer in the Philippines, marks its 30th anniversary as a publicly listed company with the announcement of its highest-ever recorded income and a ₱100 billion investment for its partners, stakeholders, and communities they operate in. With eyes set on the future, SM Prime reaffirms its position as a catalyst for economic development and community advancement.

Record-Breaking Performance

From Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Lanson Place, SM Development Corporation (SMDC) Turf Residences, SM City Yangzhou in China, SM Mega Tower, SM Mall of Asia Complex, and SM City North EDSA

During the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on April 23, 2024, SM Prime announced its highest-ever recorded income, reaching PHP40 billion in consolidated net income, marking a 33% increase from 2022. Additionally, the company's revenues surged by 21%, soaring to PHP128.1 billion, a notable growth from the previous year. The consolidated operating income also saw significant growth, rising by 24% to PHP61.3 billion.

The outstanding performance can be attributed to SM Prime's mall business, driving 56% of consolidated revenues and a 30% growth to PHP71.9 billion in 2023. This growth was bolstered by a 24% increase in mall rental income, amounting to PHP61.3 billion. Moreover, the opening of four new malls in 2023 expanded SM's retail presence to 85 malls in the Philippines and 8 malls in China.

Meanwhile, SM Prime's residential business group, led by SM Development Corporation (SMDC), recorded an 8% growth in revenues to PHP43.1 billion in 2023. The residential group's gross profit rose by 15% to PHP25.4 billion, with reservation sales standing at PHP102 billion.

In addition to its mall and residential businesses, SM Prime's other key segments, comprising offices, hotels, and convention centers, contributed 10% of consolidated revenues, reported PHP13.1 billion in revenues in 2023, marking a remarkable 26% increase from the previous year. 

Commitment to Shared Growth

4 New SM Malls in 2024: SM City Caloocan, SM City J Mall, SM City Laoag, and SM City La Union

At the core of SM Prime's success is its unwavering commitment to shared prosperity in every city where they are present. With a strategic ₱100 billion investment capital expenditure in 2024, SM Prime aims to reinvest in its partners, stakeholders, and communities. 

SM Prime aims to continuously expand and develop new places for every Filipino to enjoy. 60% will be dedicated to enhancing its malls, development of new residential properties under SMDC, and construction of new hotels and convention centers. 40% will be directed towards acquiring new properties and coastal developments to pave the way for modern, eco-friendly urbanization.

Commitment to Environmental Sustainability and Disaster Resilience 

From Left to Right, Top to Bottom: SM Foundation’s Grow Trees Community Program, SM Cares’ Bike-Friendly Program, ARISE Philippines Chairperson Mr. Hans Sy and Members, SM Supermalls x Bureau of Fire Protection’s (BFP) Nationwide Simultaneous Fire Drill, SM Supermalls’ Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations, and SM Prime’s Solar Rooftop Project

SM Prime has always been committed towards creating a sustainable future. SM Prime continues to work towards its goal of achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040, aligning with the Department of Energy's target of reaching a 35% renewable energy share by 2030. Through partnerships with renewable energy suppliers and organizations like the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), SM Prime endeavors to reduce its environmental footprint and advocate for sustainable practices in all areas of its operations.

SM Supermalls' SM Cares and SMDC's The Good Guys also remain actively engaged in various community initiatives, such as conducting community disaster preparedness programs, providing support programs for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, and promoting job generation and entrepreneurship through nationwide job fairs and MSME programs. Other initiatives include coastal clean-ups, the donation of school buildings and fire trucks, and the organization of eco-camps for youth. 

Jeffrey C. Lim, President of SM Prime Holdings shared, “At SM Prime, we're not just building spaces; we're cultivating lifetimes of progress and shared growth. Our commitment lies in empowering Filipinos to thrive within their neighborhoods, whether through convenient shopping experiences at SM Supermalls, quality living in SMDC homes, or fulfilling work environments in our office properties. We believe that individual success fuels community prosperity, creating opportunities, and driving the nation's growth for many years to come.”

SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. For more information, visit www.smprime.com.


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Schneider Electric partners with NVIDIA to maximize AI in optimizing performance, scalability and energy efficiency of data centers

Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and digital automation, partners with artificial intelligence (AI) computing company NVIDIA to optimize data center energy efficiency using AI. 

The partnership will introduce the world’s first publicly available AI data center reference designs. These designs will integrate Schneider Electric’s expertise in digital infrastructures with NVIDIA’s AI technologies, setting new standards for AI deployment and operations within data center ecosystems to drive efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Pankaj Sharma, Executive Vice President of the Secure Power Division & Data Center Business at Schneider Electric, highlighted the significance of this partnership: "By combining our expertise in data center solutions with NVIDIA's leadership in AI technologies, we’re not just overcoming infrastructure limitations; we’re unlocking the full potential of AI.”

“This collaboration is a leap forward towards a more efficient, sustainable, and transformative future, powered by AI," Sharma added as he stressed that the data center industry continues to evolve, which calls for a stronger focus on integrating AI technologies to their operations and addressing Scope 3 emissions to achieve net-zero emissions. 

Scope 3 emissions account for about 50% of data centers’ GHG footprint. According to GHG Protocol and ISO 14064, Scope 3 emissions are indirect emissions attributed to the activities of companies which include business travel, waste management, and value chain operations. This type of emission is often not reported and is more challenging to measure compared to Scope 1 and 2 emissions. 

These indirect emissions are major but often overlooked drivers of environmental impact of data centers. As a response, Schneider Electric is advocating for a holistic approach to GHG management, which includes accurate carbon accounting, target-setting, and a systematic review of data and emission sources.

Schneider Electric offers data centers with accounting and reporting solutions to address their Scope 3 emissions. This includes a tool to simulate energy use to estimate GHG emissions, considering power consumption, cooling systems, and operational efficiency of the data center. 

“This approach aligns with our commitment in leading the charge to equip critical and energy-intensive industries such as data centers with advanced solutions to help them achieve better operational efficiency all while minimizing their carbon emissions beyond traditional means,” said Abraham Lim, Secure Power and Industrial Automation BVP of Schneider Electric Philippines. 

Schneider Electric remains committed to pursue the digital transformation of industries to keep pace with technological advancements and ensure environmental sustainability globally. 

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