Financial literacy and inclusivity take center stage at FWD’s Community Care Month

Financial literacy and inclusivity take center stage at FWD’s Community Care Month

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

In celebration of its 10th-anniversary in the Philippines and as part of its commitment to continuously promoting inclusive financial literacy, FWD Life Insurance (FWD Philippines)launched its Community Care Month in August – a program that is likewise observed across the insurer’s 10 markets in Asia. 

The event kicked off with an energetic introduction hosted by Coaches Jim and Toni Saret, who are top fitness coaches of Philippine national athletes. Participants engaged in an obstacle course filled with modified parlor games and mental activities inspired by financial concepts like saving and budgeting, as well as activities like flag-making and a Zumba session.

FWD Philippines launched its Community Care Month with an exciting sporting event called Dream Big, Play Hard. The event welcomed FWD Philippines’ Community Care partners through the decade: Junior Achievement of the Philippines (JA Philippines)[1], Humanity & Inclusion (H&I) and Special Olympics Pilipinas (SOP). Members from these partners participated as volunteers alongside FWD Philippinesemployees.

As mentioned by Roche Vandenberghe, FWD Philippines’ Chief Marketing and Digital Business Officer, during her opening speech, “FWD is committed to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion, which is why we encourage everyone to join us in building a community and creating the best future for all.” 

JA Philippines Executive Director, Krishna Alejandrino, highlighted the importance of creating a sense of inclusion and belonging through such sporting events. He said, “This kind of opportunity creates an invaluable impact for people with disabilities because they have very specific skills that are often overlooked. This kind of event empowers them to learn and experience how to be a positive contributor to society.”

SOP Program Director, Kaye Samson, also emphasized how events like Dream Big, Play Hard help shift perceptions about the abilities of people with disabilities, allowing them to showcase their talents and skills – “People often box those with disabilities to have limited capabilities. We aim to change that by providing them the chance to play and learn alongside everybody else, as they often excel beyond expectations when given the opportunity.”

Adrianne Odulio, a 21-year-old member and volunteer of SOP, shared her excitement after the event by saying, “It’s important for us to participate in these events because they give us the space to interact and connect with different people. They allow us to show that while we might not be perfect, we are constantly improving.”

FWD’s Community Care vision focuses on financial inclusion. By educating the next generation, FWD aims to build a better future and empower people to live fulfilled lives. This commitment to financial empowerment supports nation-building by creating resilient and inclusive communities.

Visit fwd.com.ph/about/community-care/ and read more about FWD’s Community Care initiatives and programs.

[1] Dream Big, Play Hard is one of FWD’s Community Care initiatives in partnership with JA Philippines, alongside the recently concluded JA It’s My Dream program, which focused on teaching over 400 out-of-school youths about financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

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Discovery Samal Hosts the Stellar Fashion Gala for a Night of Glamour and Purpose

Discovery Samal Hosts the Stellar Fashion Gala for a Night of Glamour and Purpose

Discovery Samal in partnership with the Davao Fashion and Design Council Foundation, Inc is hosting a fashion fundraiser event where style, culture, and sustainability harmoniously blend with glamour at the Stellar Fashion Gala on September 28 at the Samal Grand Ballroom. The fundraiser is for the benefit of b.LOOM Project’s weaving communities and Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation, Inc. (MTEFI), a foundation that reaches out to grassroots communities. 

The fundraiser gala, which will be held at the resort’s newest and largest venue in Davao, will highlight a 100-piece luxe resort apparel collection from Davao’s top designers from the Davao Fashion and Design Council Foundation, Inc. (DFDCFI) such as Aztec Barba, Dodjie Batu, Emi Englis, Popoy Barba, Edgar Buyan, Ebay Ayag, Windel Mira, and Benjie Panizales. Each designer will use innovative tropical fabric blends of piña, cotton, abaca, and baXmboo developed by the DOST Philippine Textile Research Institute. 

The event will benefit Davao Region’s artisanal weaving communities, as pilot beneficiaries of the fundraiser event's Extra Mile Creative Communities Sustainable Enterprise Program in partnership with the Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation, Inc.. (MTEFI). MTEFI is a multi-sectoral, socially responsive, and resilient organization promoting Mindanao eco-friendly products and services to the global community and envisioned to be a leading and pioneering exponent of services in the fields of trade development and promotion in Mindanao. 

Tickets to this exciting night of fantastic fashion and food at Discovery Samal are available at www.discoverysamal.com for Php 12,888 per seat. This is an amazing opportunity to support not only Davao fashion designers but also grassroots communities in Davao. 

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BSP partners with GoTyme Bank to become the first bank to support Coin Deposit Machines

BSP partners with GoTyme Bank to become the first bank to support Coin Deposit Machines

GoTyme Bank partners with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to allow customers to deposit their coins and turn them into high-interest savings. Now integrated into the BSP’s Coin Deposit Machines (CoDMs), GoTyme Bank offers an additional deposit option for users. If you, like many Filipinos, tend to collect loose change this is your chance to convert these coins in a straightforward and hassle-free manner. 

Simply visit a CoDM located at a mall near you. Here, you’ll see instructions on how to deposit your coins in your GoTyme account through the machine. Next, simply follow the same Deposit-Withdrawal procedure on your GoTyme Bank app. This will generate a secure barcode for you to scan to credit the deposit to your account. Should the barcode fail to scan, you can enter the code manually. 

Turning Idle Coins Into Interest-Earning Deposits

The BSP launched the CoDM project on June 20, 2023 to address the artificial coin shortage in certain parts of the country. But apart from promoting coin recirculation, it was also a public service that allowed customers to exchange coins sitting idly at home into e-wallet credits, shopping vouchers, and now, bank deposits. It’s especially useful for individuals who do not like carrying coins or those who don’t have time to go to the bank to convert.

As the first bank partner to be integrated into CoDMs, GoTyme Bank offers the unique advantage of being able to convert coins into direct deposits that will earn 4% annual interest—60x more than the average payroll accountand certainly more than if they were sitting in piggybank at home. Plus, instead of requiring your phone number, it generates a unique barcode for added privacy and security. 

Robinsons Retail President and CEO Robina Gokongwei has been a huge supporter of the BSP’s CoDM initiative, citing how they support economic activity and restore balance in our monetary systems. These machines can be found at select Robinsons Supermarkets nationwide. 

Visit a CoDM near you or check out your GoTyme Bank app to learn more.

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Wellness Whispers’ Journey: Building a Wellness Brand on TikTok Shop

Wellness Whispers’ Journey: Building a Wellness Brand on TikTok Shop

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of health and wellness, Wellness Whispers has emerged as a standout example of how digital innovation can drive substantial growth. Founded by celebrity mom, podcast host, and entrepreneur Dani Barretto, this Filipino brand is revolutionizing the wellness sector with products designed to enhance daily well-being, from soothing winter melon milk tea to immunity-boosting pomelo juice. By tapping into TikTok Shop’s dynamic platform, Wellness Whispers has expanded its market reach and set new standards for consumer engagement and digital sales.

“We started Wellness Whispers with a vision to offer products that cater to the wellness needs of our customers,” said Dani Barretto, CEO and Owner. “TikTok Shop has been instrumental in turning that vision into reality. The platform’s innovative tools have allowed us to connect with a broader audience and deliver our wellness solutions in a way that resonates deeply with consumers.”

The integration of TikTok Shop’s features into Wellness Whispers’ strategy has been nothing short of transformative. Embracing the platform’s live streaming capabilities and promotional tools, the brand has experienced significant growth, including a remarkable 183% increase during the 8.8 sale. This success story reflects a broader trend where digital platforms are reshaping how businesses connect with consumers and drive sales.

Harnessing the Power of Live Streaming and Promotions

At the core of Wellness Whispers’ success is its strategic use of TikTok Shop’s live streaming feature. By hosting engaging live sessions, Dani Barretto has been able to interact directly with viewers, showcase the brand’s products, and offer exclusive deals. These live interactions have led to a substantial 107% month-over-month growth in live GMV (Gross Merchandise Value) for 2024. The impact of this approach is evident in the impressive sales figures, with live sessions contributing over $171,000 to the brand’s total GMV year-to-date.

“Our live streaming efforts have proven to be a game-changer for us,” Barretto added. “It’s not just about selling products; it’s about creating an engaging and informative experience for our customers. This has helped us build a stronger relationship with our audience and significantly boost our sales performance.”

Innovative Digital Strategies Drive Growth

Wellness Whispers has also adeptly utilized TikTok Shop’s promotional tools to enhance its market presence. During the May 29-31 Payday sale, the brand offered significant discounts, including up to 30% off on Wellness Whispers Sets and exclusive bundles featuring movie tickets and freebies. These promotions were crucial in driving consumer interest and increasing sales.

The brand’s exclusive bundles and flash deals contributed to a notable increase in product sales, with over 40,500 units sold year-to-date. Additionally, Wellness Whispers achieved an overall GMV of $171,000 in 2024, with video GMV contributing $12,000. The brand’s targeted promotions and flash deals were instrumental in achieving these results, underscoring the effectiveness of TikTok Shop’s tools in driving sales and engagement.

"TikTok Shop has been more than just a platform for us; it has been a catalyst for growth. It taught me how to market my brand and myself effectively, boosting my confidence to scale our business. I believe TikTok Shop is a platform where anyone can thrive, and our success with Wellness Whispers is a testament to that potential. As we continue to innovate and grow, we are excited about the future and the endless possibilities that lie ahead,” concluded Barretto.

Future Prospects and Continued Innovation

Wellness Whispers remains committed to evolving within the digital landscape, with plans to further expand its presence on TikTok Shop. The brand's achievements so far demonstrate the opportunities that digital platforms offer for business growth and customer engagement.

“TikTok Shop is dedicated to empowering creator-entrepreneurs and emerging brands like Wellness Whispers,” said Franco Aligaen, Marketing Lead, TikTok Shop Philippines. “Our platform offers robust tools and support to help new businesses grow and connect with their audience. By leveraging features like live selling and targeted promotions, we enable these businesses to establish a strong market presence and drive meaningful engagement. We look forward to seeing how Wellness Whispers and others continue to thrive and innovate on TikTok Shop.”

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Eastern Communications Recognized and Awarded for Its Nationwide Network Infrastructure

Eastern Communications Recognized and Awarded for Its Nationwide Network Infrastructure

Eastern Communications, the Philippines' pioneering telecommunications company and ICT solutions provider, proudly announces its victory at the Asian Technology Excellence Awards (ATEA) 2024. The telco provider won the Philippines Technology Excellence Award in the Infrastructure Technology - Telecommunications category for its groundbreaking Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) project, a major initiative aimed at strengthening the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure amidst natural calamities.

“The Philippines is prone to typhoons and in some remote areas, connectivity is not even stable on regular days. The PDSCN project is more than just an infrastructure development and our goal is to ensure that unserved and underserved areas have access to reliable and resilient internet services, even in the face of natural disasters,” said Delfin Lopez, AVP and Head of Network Planning, Engineering and Implementation at Eastern Communications.

The award, presented by the Asian Business Review Magazine, celebrates the top technological innovators across the region, recognizing exceptional companies that are redefining industries and driving digital transformation. Eastern Communications’ victory in the telecommunications category underscores the company’s pivotal role in addressing the country’s communication vulnerabilities and supporting the ongoing digital evolution.

Apart from this, Eastern’s nationwide infrastructure and expansion efforts also gained global recognition and was previously awarded the Telecom Infrastructure Deployment category at the 2024 Carrier Community Global Awards in Berlin, Germany in June 2024. 

Stronger connectivity for all

The PDSCN is the result of a strategic partnership between Eastern Communications, Globe Group, and InfiniVAN. With a PHP 4.3 billion investment, the project extended the reach of high-speed internet to underserved areas and ensured the creation of alternative routes for data transmission, minimizing the risk of service disruptions during calamities.

Through this, Eastern Communications significantly bolstered its presence in Visayas and Mindanao with 33 points of interconnection spanning multiple regions. This extensive network provides enhanced connectivity for every Filipino, laying the foundation for digital inclusion across the archipelago and ensuring that the Philippines remains competitive in the digital age.

As the telco provider celebrates its achievement at the ATEA, Eastern Communications remains steadfast in its goal to be at the forefront of the country’s digital transformation journey. The recognition not only highlights the success of the PDSCN project but also affirms the company’s role as a leader in providing resilient and reliable connectivity solutions across the Philippines.

For more information about Eastern Communications and its initiatives, contact 5300-7000 or visit www.eastern.com.ph.

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Mangroves: Nature-Based Solutions for the Philippines Coastal and Coral Reef Sustainability

Mangroves: Nature-Based Solutions for the Philippines Coastal and Coral Reef Sustainability

Sunday, September 8, 2024

The ocean and the coast play important roles in Southeast Asia as a residential area and a source of livelihood. The region’s coastline spans a total length of 234,000 km and its ocean supplies around 40% of the global fish supply; at the same time, it is also the home to a third of mangroves and coral reefs in the region. Out of that many, 36,289 km of coastline belongs to the Philippines, making it an integral part for the nations. However, ocean and coastlines’ conditions greatly impacted due to the rising global temperature and climate crisis, including in the Philippines. 

The latest report from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) states that the world is experiencing the fourth global coral bleaching event. This coral bleaching will certainly have an impact, including in reduced livelihoods and food sources due to disturbed fish habitats. The challenges in the Philippines are exacerbated by environmental degradation, including pollution, overfishing, and destructive fishing practice.

To prevent the coastal area from becoming more deteriorated, the Philippines has several approaches, including creating a network of marine protected areas. There is also focus on community based resources management that aims at sustainable fishing practices, mangrove reforestation, and coral reef restoration. One of them is the San Vicente Mangrove Forest and Marine Protected Area in Palawan, where the community is committed to safeguarding and restoring the mangrove area for 25 years since 1999, and extended to 12 more years.

Sustainable Mangrove Management by Communities in Indonesia

In Indonesia, similar to the Philippines, there has been a sustainable mangrove management by involving the community in Bali, specifically in Budeng Village. 

Since September 2023, the Wana Mertha Forest Farmer Group (KTH Wana Mertha), that’s based in Budeng Village, has been assisted by Pesisir Lestari, a non-governmental organization (NGO) that focuses on coastal area management through Community-led Sustainable Natural Resources Management model approach. The program aims at enabling the community to preserve the mangrove forests and gain livelihood opportunities from it. 

Based on a study conducted by Pesisir Lestari in early 2024, the mangrove ecosystem area in the Budeng Village spans a total 112.51 hectare (ha). From the total area, 25 ha is managed by the community who are members of the Wana Mertha Group.

In order to ensure proper management of the mangrove area, KTH Wana Mertha conducts regular check-ups on the mangroves’ health. Additionally, KTH Wana Mertha also creates an added value to the area by turning it into an eco-tourism culinary destination through the establishment of Warung Mangrove (restaurant) in 2021. 

At the restaurant, residents of Budeng Village who are members of KTH Wana Mertha jointly manage the establishment, including managing the fish farm and other seafood such as shrimp, mangrove crabs, shellfish, and even the production and sale of mangrove chips, mangrove tea, mangrove herbal medicine and mangrove nurseries. The collaborative utilization and preservation of mangroves extends the benefits beyond Budeng Village but also for its surrounding villages.

"Warung Mangrove offers a unique dining atmosphere with a view of the mangrove forest and serves a variety of menus made from the community's catch and directly cooked by the women's group of Budeng Village," said I Putu Madiasa, Chair of KTH Wana Mertha, Budeng Village, Jembrana, Bali.

Beyond its presence as a unique tourist attraction, Warung Mangrove becomes an example of how sustainable environmental management can support creative ways to preserve the environment and strengthen community livelihoods. This case also highlights the importance of legal entities such as Wana Mertha which unlock opportunities for them to receive fiscal transfers and development funds from the government. 

"The existence of the Mangrove forest makes us feel protected, we can now enjoy catching shrimps, crabs, and other seafood that contributes to our local economy," said I Kadek Sudiarsa, Secretary of KTH Wana Merta, Budeng, Jembrana, Bali.

Business Analysis and Community Engagement as Key to Sustainability

The community-led development approach carried out by Pesisir Lestari can be a complement of how communities can manage coastal areas in other Southeast Asian countries, especially the Philippines, including to develop existing potential to elevate the economy. 

There should also be a balance between development and community empowerment. The government plays an important role in creating regulations that can protect coastal areas and encourage community involvement in managing coastal areas. The success of sustainable mangrove management will also impact various aspects including the marine industry, tourism, and coastal area resilience.

Pesisir Lestari hopes that the work they do can inspire other coastal communities in Southeast Asia, so that more appropriate methods for sustainable mangrove management will emerge. This is needed to ensure that Southeast Asia continues to have healthy coasts and oceans in the future.

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FWD Life Insurance’s new product puts protection and wealth growth within reach for young Filipinos

FWD Life Insurance’s new product puts protection and wealth growth within reach for young Filipinos

Friday, September 6, 2024

If financial independence is at the top of your priorities, make this investment-linked insurance your first choice!

To help bridge the priority and protection gap in the country, FWD Life Insurance (FWD Philippines) introduces SmartStart Investment-linked Insurance—the insurance plan for everyone.

According to a comprehensive online study conducted by FWD Philippines, the majority of Gen Zs (85%) agree that owning an insurance is important and is something they need. However, while most (73%) have an intent to protect themselves, only 3 out of 10 own life insurance. This highlights a priority gap as they choose to spend on other essentials first. 

This is further aggravated by the next generation’s lack of awareness and understanding on how insurance products and services work, which leads to the Philippines having one of the lowest insurance penetration rates in the region at less than 2%.

“As the insurer of the next generation, providing innovative, inclusive, customer-centric products to more Filipinos has been our priority as part of our nation-building efforts,” explains FWD Philippines President and CEO, Antonio Manuel “Jumbing” De Rosas. “In celebration of our 10th anniversary and to continue our commitment in changing the way young people feel about insurance, we designed a trailblazing product to align with the youth’s behavior to spend on their passions while maximizing value— helping them to celebrate living and build their best future.”

FWD SmartStart Investment-linked Insurance is one of the most affordable entry-level insurance products in the market. SmartStart is perfect for active hustlers with a FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) mindset—these are people who have no dependents, are investing in their passions, and are looking to diversify their finances. Starting at PhP1,800+ per month, benefits include accidental death coverage, waiver of premium, and investment options. Policyholders also have add-on benefit options for life insurance, hospital cash benefit, and critical illness coverage.

For those with limited budget, there is also SmartStart Lite, perfect for breadwinners who are looking to get their first insurance to help them raise a family or even support their parents. Starting at PhP1,200+ monthly, policyholders can sustain their responsibilities and keep it within their budget while getting comprehensive coverage for accidental death and critical illness plus a waiver of premium. Life insurance and hospital cash benefits can also be availed as add-on benefits.

Additionally, policyholders can enjoy the Guaranteed Milestone Increase Benefit, which offers a pre-approved one-time increase in coverage amount when they hit major life milestones— from getting married, having or adopting a baby, owning a new real estate, graduating from university, retiring, to celebrating their policy’s 10th anniversary. Furthermore, customers can get as much as 200% of their policy fees back as a reward for keeping their policy active and paid through the Fee Reinvestment Benefit.

SmartStart was launched alongside The One for mental wellbeing, which is a fully customizable life insurance policy that provides special access to certified mental health professionals via ThoughtFull mobile app. Both products were introduced as part of FWD’s 10th anniversary celebrations since establishing roots in the Philippines in 2014.

Celebrate living today and thank yourself later with FWD SmartStart Investment-linked Insurance. Contact an FWD financial advisor today or visit http://www.fwd.com.ph/investment/smartstart/ for more information.

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