HAVAS Red expands Offering in ESG with Red Impact Launch

HAVAS Red expands Offering in ESG with Red Impact Launch

Sunday, September 29, 2024

HAVAS Red, the PR arm of HAVAS Ortega, has announced the launch of Red Impact, a global ESG communications offering that integrates environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) expertise. This new platform strengthens HAVAS Ortega’s legacy of creating a meaningful difference by bringing purpose-driven communications designed to inspire brands and organizations to make lasting positive changes.

“With Red Impact, we aim to ignite real change,” said Jos Ortega, CEO of HAVAS Ortega. “Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity for future-proofing businesses. Our mission is to guide brands in creating meaningful impact that not only stimulates growth but also benefits society as a whole.”

Co-Creating Change at La Conférence Bleue

The launch of Red Impact took place at the inaugural La Conférence Bleue, the sustainability summit organized by the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines (CCI France-Philippines). As the conference partner, Red Impact played a pivotal role in co-creating the event’s theme and program, which aimed to share stories of various organizations and their journeys into sustainability. 

“We’re excited to help brands and organizations transform their pledges into progress,” shared Jeuls Hermosisima, Head of Red Impact. “By leading with purpose, we hope to build a more sustainable legacy for generations to come.”

For more information, please visit the Havas Red LinkedIn page.

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Eastern Communications Expands Reach to Roxas City’s Emerging Digital Hub

Eastern Communications Expands Reach to Roxas City’s Emerging Digital Hub

Eastern Communications, the Philippines' pioneering telecommunications company and ICT solutions provider, continues its mission to empower more businesses across the Philippines as the company launches its services in Roxas City, Capiz. The telco provider officially expanded to the city through its “Via Eastern” launch event held on September 13, 2024, at the San Antonio Resort, Baybay, Roxas City.

“We have Eastern Communications, another partner locator here in Roxas City, as we aim for more practical and efficient IT solutions. As a digital city, our LGU is heavily investing on infrastructure, talents, and utilities,” said honorable Roxas City Mayor, Ronnie Dadivas, in his speech during the Via Eastern Roxas launch event. “On behalf of the city government, we in Roxas City would like to extend our gratitude to Eastern Communications, for its presence and entrance in the city,” he added.

Roxas City Mayor, Ronnie Dadivas welcomes Eastern Communications in the city.

The expansion will provide Roxas-based enterprises with access to cutting-edge digital tools and insights on how digital transformation can propel their growth in an increasingly competitive landscape. As Eastern Communications marks its presence in the area, it plans to extend its services to other cities across Capiz in the future.

"We are excited to bring Eastern Communications' services to Roxas City, supporting its growth and helping it thrive in the digital age," said Mike Castañeda, Vice President and Head of Sales at Eastern Communications. “We are proud to support Roxas City’s vision of becoming a center for business and technology through our ICT solutions by offering business-grade connectivity and digital tools that address the unique needs of the local business landscape.”

Empowering Roxas City’s evolving digital and business landscape

Eastern Communications' expansion into Roxas City aligns with the city's anticipated growth in the coming years, especially after being recognized as one of the digital cities by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP).

Roxas is currently gearing up to establish the nearly 700-hectare Pueblo De Panay Township, which is expected to become the Philippines’ largest techno hub. The township project aims to generate over 40,000 jobs and boost the IT-BPM industry, the key focus area for the city. With a commitment to providing businesses with reliable and scalable digital solutions, Eastern Communications will help Roxas City achieve its goal of becoming a digital hub and fueling local economic growth.

Reliable connectivity and ICT solutions for Roxas City enterprises

With Roxas City's emerging micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), the growing sectors of IT-BPM sector and tourism, Eastern Communications is ready to support businesses in driving economic development through its business-grade connectivity and customized ICT solutions. The telco provider’s expansion will bring its signature connectivity services in Roxas City, including Eastern Fiber 1, a shared high-speed fiber service designed for SMEs to ensure optimal performance during business hours, and Eastern Internet Direct Service (IDS), a dedicated internet solution tailored for uninterrupted, round-the-clock operations. These services will ensure that businesses of all sizes have access to fast, reliable, and secure internet connections, essential for day-to-day operations and growth.

Eastern Communications will also offer an array of ICT solutions, such as Network Solutions, Cybersecurity Solutions, Cloud and Data Center Solutions, and Business Applications. These services are designed to equip local businesses with the tools they need to succeed in a highly competitive and evolving marketplace. The telco provider’s entry into Roxas City fortifies its nationwide expansion through the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN), the longest undersea fiber cable network in the Philippines spanning 2,500 kilometers. This initiative, in partnership with Globe Telecom Inc. and InfiniVAN, Inc., reinforces Eastern Communications’ mission to provide resilient and reliable internet connectivity across the country. To learn more about Eastern Communications’ products and services, contact 5300-7000 or visit www.eastern.com.ph.

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PepsiCo Announces Alternō as 2024 APAC Greenhouse Accelerator Winner; Program Helps Promote Sustainable Innovation in the Region

PepsiCo Announces Alternō as 2024 APAC Greenhouse Accelerator Winner; Program Helps Promote Sustainable Innovation in the Region

• The program - in its second year in the region - aligns with PepsiCo’s sustainability strategy (pep+) and aims to inspire change in the F&B industry through collaboration and innovation. 

• Alternō demonstrated its low-cost thermal energy storage solution that champions one of the three key focus areas of the Greenhouse Accelerator program - sustainable agriculture.

PepsiCo, today, unveiled Alternō as the winner of its 2024 Greenhouse Accelerator Program - APAC edition, highlighting the company's ongoing desire to help foster next-generation solutions for a more sustainable future. The Greenhouse Accelerator is an important initiative within PepsiCo’s pep+ strategy, which seeks to promote sustainability across the company’s operations. By supporting entrepreneurs across APAC, including the Philippines, who focus on reducing waste, improving food security, and addressing climate change, PepsiCo is reinforcing its efforts to work towards a sustainable food system that benefits both people and the planet.

This year, one of the finalists of the program was Takachar, a Filipino startup which was chosen for its innovative approach to transforming crop and forest residues into high-value, carbon-negative products like fertilizers, chemicals, and biofuels—helping to advance climate justice. By developing small, low-cost, portable systems that attach to tractors and pick-up trucks, Takachar enables deployment to remote rural areas, empowering local bioeconomies while helping to reduce the air pollution and carbon emissions caused by open-air biomass burning.

Selected from a group of 10 finalists across APAC, including the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, and China, the 2024 Greenhouse Accelerator Program winner, Alternō, was selected for its pioneering approach to reducing carbon emissions across agriculture, industry, and residential heating through thermal energy. 

As part of their win, Alternō will receive an additional USD 100,000 grant to further develop its solution. This grant will be instrumental in helping them to scale their sand-based battery, which was recently piloted at PepsiCo’s food plant in Vietnam, completing a pellet drying project with a view to trial heating oil next. 

“Winning PepsiCo’s APAC Greenhouse Accelerator Program 2024 is a pivotal moment for our startup,” said Hai Ho, Co-Founder and COO of Alternō. “PepsiCo’s mentorship and resources have helped us sharpen our strategy and accelerate our growth. We look forward to further collaborating with PepsiCo to expand the reach of our solution and contribute to a more sustainable future.”

The Greenhouse Accelerator Program is designed to be a launchpad for startups that are reimagining the future of business through sustainability. Participants received personalized mentorship from PepsiCo executives, a USD 20,000 grant, and access to PepsiCo’s extensive industry network, positioning them to bring their innovative solutions to market faster.

Wern-Yuen Tan, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), APAC and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of PepsiCo, remarked, “The APAC Greenhouse Accelerator Program goes beyond celebrating a single winner; it highlights the growing momentum behind sustainable innovation. Through our pep+ strategy, PepsiCo is proud to support visionary entrepreneurs who are helping to build a future where businesses and the planet can thrive. By fostering collaboration, mentorship, and access to resources, we’re helping to scale innovative ideas that seek to address critical environmental and social challenges. This program represents an investment in the future of our planet, and we look forward to continuing this journey, ensuring these solutions can continue to grow and benefit generations to come.”

A diverse panel of judges evaluated the startups based on their innovation, feasibility, scalability, and alignment with PepsiCo’s sustainability goals. The panel included Pariwat Wongsamran, Deputy Executive Director of the Innovation System at National Innovation Agency; Yosavee Niranvichaiya, Senior Investment Manager for Thailand at Circulate Capital; Oranuch Lerdsuwankij, CEO and Co-Founder of Techsauce Investor; Alan Choi, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at PepsiCo APAC; Ashley Brown, Vice President of Supply Chain ANZ and Chief Sustainability Officer at PepsiCo APAC; and Sudipto Mozumdar, GM, IndoChina Foods and CCO for APAC at PepsiCo.

In just four months, the 2024 Greenhouse Accelerator Program has launched seven startup pilots within PepsiCo’s value chain, focusing on Climate Action, Sustainable Agriculture, and Circular Economy, which are tackling challenges like reducing carbon emissions, improving resource efficiency, and fostering circular supply chains. Building on the success of the 2023 cohort, which now has four pilots running at various stages, the 2024 pilots are setting the stage for improved environmental and operational impact.

Among last year’s participants, TURN, a finalist, has successfully partnered with Gatorade to launch the Gatorade x TURN reusable cup, which is currently being piloted with AFLW and AFL clubs in Australia. The initiative is expected to replace approximately 200,000 single-use cups, exemplifying the impact that Greenhouse startups can have on sustainability. Adiona - a startup that brings real-time data visibility to delivery operations - is already in a second-phase pilot with wheels on the ground, analyzing PepsiCo’s delivery data and proposing efficiency improvements at its Tingalpa plant. These enhancements can potentially reduce the distance travelled and, consequently, help to lower CO2 emissions.

Last year’s GHAC winner, Powered Carbon, has reached multiple business milestones since participation. Powered Carbon has, to date, provided its low-carbon bio-fertilizer to PepsiCo's potato fields across Guangdong, Shandong, Gansu, and Inner Mongolia. Since participating in the Greenhouse Accelerator program, Powered Carbon has not only raised market awareness and attracted the attention of investors but has also enjoyed a six-fold surge in income since August 2023.

PepsiCo is exploring a third edition of the Greenhouse Accelerator Program in APAC, set for 2025. To date, startups across the previous 11 editions worldwide have generated a total of USD 200 million in annual revenue, showcasing the program’s ability to fuel growth and support the launch of sustainable solutions.

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Asticom joins forces with GTI to broaden global reach, targets US and Singapore market

Asticom joins forces with GTI to broaden global reach, targets US and Singapore market

Friday, September 27, 2024

Asticom Technology Inc. has entered into a strategic partnership with GTI Telecom (GTI) to expand its global reach, with a focus on the United States and Singapore markets.

This move underscores Asticom and GTI’s shared vision of harnessing their collective strengths and networks to expand into new territories and seize additional growth opportunities.

With almost a decade of experience as a digital-first shared services and outsourcing provider, Asticom boasts a comprehensive range of solutions across talent management, employee experience, IT, engineering, and BPO services. It serves more than 200 clients in 40 diverse industries, including telecom, fintech, e-commerce, health-tech, IT, energy, and banking.

GTI, a subsidiary of GTI Business Holdings, Inc., has a well-established international presence. It provides connectivity, co-location, voice, top-up, A2P, and ICT solutions between the United States and Asia Pacific, empowering clients to harness technology for business and personal growth.

“We are excited to join forces with GTI in this endeavor. By combining our expertise and resources, we aim to enhance our global footprint and deliver unparalleled value to our clients,” said Mharicar Castillo-Reyes, President and CEO of Asticom. “This partnership is a significant step towards achieving our international growth ambitions and reinforcing our position as a trusted outsourcing partner.”

“Partnering with Asticom is a natural extension of our mission to support clients globally. Together, we are well-positioned to meet the growing demand for high-quality outsourcing services. Our combined efforts will drive innovation and growth, benefiting businesses worldwide,” said Ramon Aesquivel, GTI Telecom President.

Asticom and GTI, both part of the Globe ecosystem, are also dedicated to sustainable development, fostering global partnerships that drive economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development.

To learn more about the partnership, you may visit https://asticom.com.ph/ and www.gticorporation.com.

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Philippines Consumer Security Survey Reveals Highest Demand for Mobile App Security in 4 Years

Philippines Consumer Security Survey Reveals Highest Demand for Mobile App Security in 4 Years

Latest Philippines security survey adds the consumer voice; challenging brands to do more to protect end users from AI & social engineering attacks while supporting industry standards like OWASP.

Appdome, the one-stop shop for mobile app defense, today announced the results of its 4th Annual Philippines Consumer Survey of Mobile App Security here at the Rootcon18 Conference. The survey reveals that mobile end users are keenly aware of the growing security, fraud, and privacy threats when they use mobile apps and demand that mobile brands and enterprises step forward to provide real defenses to these threats. The survey reveals a crucial opportunity for mobile brands in the Philippines to stand out by prioritizing mobile app security and creating a better user experience when attacks happen.

To create the 2024 survey, Appdome partnered with the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP). The voice of the Filipino consumer was clear – not only do they demand the protections included in the OWASP MAS standard, but the survey data reveals a challenge to the entire mobile industry in the Philippines to improve the state of the art of mobile app protection.

The 2024 Philippines survey data adds to the 120,000+ consumer voices gathered from 12 countries over the past four years, making the Appdome Global Consumer Survey the largest single collection of consumer data on mobile app security, privacy, anti-fraud, and other attack vectors. Mobile applications have taken center stage in consumers’ daily life. Mobile app protection – consisting of mobile app security, malware defense, fraud prevention, and privacy – is now critical to the way consumers choose and use mobile apps, and also critical in whether they choose to stay with and promote a brand.

“Cyber professionals work tirelessly to keep applications, networks, transactions, and users safe while Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other attacks increase,” said Tom Tovar, co-creator and CEO of Appdome. “Filipino consumers continue their march upward in recognizing the importance of this work and it’s clear that they overwhelmingly support a broadening cyber, anti-fraud, anti-malware, anti-bot mandate, and higher OWASP standard, inside brand and enterprise mobile apps everywhere.”

Several upward trends are revealed in the 2024 data, including consumers’ use of mobile apps, their awareness of mobile attack vectors, the growing expectation of protection in apps and consumers’ willingness to be brand advocates if protected. Here are some of the cyber expectations in mobile apps that hit all-time highs in the 2024 Survey:

Mobile vs. Web: 54.7% of Filipino consumers say they use mobile applications more than web, dwarfing preference for online/web at 12.2%. Furthermore, 74.2% say that their use of mobile apps has increased over the last 12 months.

eWallet / Payment apps: 61.6% of Filipinos say they use eWallet / Payments most often, nearly doubling the rate at which global consumers use eWallet / Payment apps (31.7%)

Total Mobile Protection: 97.5% —the highest level ever— of Filipino consumers demand total protection in mobile apps including mobile app data, account integrity, login, data storage, data in transit, and protection from malware and fraud.

Hacking, Fraud, Malware and Social Engineering Scams: 67.6% of Filipino consumers are concerned about hacking while 42.4% fear mobile fraud. A substantial 45.3% have been the victims of cyber-attacks and malware, while 36.4% have encountered social engineering scams.

Fraud Prevention: 87.5% —the highest level ever— of Filipino consumers demand brands proactively prevent mobile fraud from happening rather than reimburse them post-fraud.

Features vs. Security: 91.6% —the highest level ever— of Filipino consumers say that mobile app protection is equally or more important than mobile app features in their decision to use a mobile app, with 98.7% saying they evaluate the security claims of the brand before downloading a mobile app.

Frustrated with Inaction: 30.0% - the highest level ever – of Filipino consumers fear “developers don’t care” about protecting the mobile app. This is 25.0% higher than the global average.

Mobile consumers maintained strong perspectives on these top trends in the 2024 survey: Rewarding Secure Brands: 97.5% —the highest level ever— of respondents state they will become brand advocates for mobile brands that protect their apps and use. More than half (56.4%) said they would use the highest forms of advocacy, such as app store reviews or social media endorsements.

Consequences for Insecure Apps: 76.3% —the highest level ever— of respondents state they would abandon a mobile brand for failing to protect their app and use.

“It’s clear that consumers are taking mobile brand promises and the emerging threat of AI attacks seriously,” said Alan Bavosa, VP of Security Products at Appdome. “AI-based attacks will take mobile app risks to a new level, and mobile brands and enterprises need to change their cyber delivery models to meet the accelerating threat head on and maintain user trust and engagement on mobile platforms.”

To obtain Appdome’s 4th Annual “Philippines Consumer Expectations of Mobile App Security Survey,” please visit the Appdome Consumer Expectations on Mobile App Security survey page.

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Brgy. Molobolo’s path to clean water: A community-managed initiative against scarcity

Brgy. Molobolo’s path to clean water: A community-managed initiative against scarcity

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Residents of Brgy. Molobolo, together with representatives of the Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation, Inc. (AIDFI) and The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF), stand in front of the Agos Water Tank

Water collection was both a household concern and a shared community responsibility in Brgy. Molobolo in the Municipality of Cauayan, Negros Occidental. Parents and children needed to walk thirty minutes and wait at least two hours to fill their water containers from a water source in their barangay, which would not always cover all their daily water needs.

This water issue forced residents to conserve water whenever possible, but even that was not always sufficient. Water was a daily struggle, and each night, they went to bed hoping they could find enough for the next day.

This was the reality for Brgy. Molobolo residents until 2021, when the Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation, Inc. (AIDFI) implemented a clean water access project with a financial grant from The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF).

How water started flowing in Brgy. Molobolo

For Brgy. Molobolo, AIDFI used a gravity-fed water system to bring water closer to residents. The project connected a pipeline from the elevated water source, allowing the water to flow down to shared tapstands within the community and helping eliminate the need for a half-hour walk and two-hour wait at the stream. Additionally, water filters are provided to households to block debris and prevent bacteria from passing through.

Access to water has brought comfort to the residents. No longer burdened by the physically demanding task of water collection, they can enjoy the safety and security of having water at their doorstep.

The availability of safe water has also positively impacted community programs, including feeding programs that improve residents' health and nutrition. Convenient access to safe water reduces the health risks associated with collecting and consuming water from distant and potentially contaminated sources. This improvement in water accessibility has enhanced their quality of life and fostered a sense of community well-being and progress.

“Ngayon, sa bahay na lang kami naghihintay. May schedule pero sufficient talaga yung tubig. Hindi na kami mahirapan na [pumila] at pumunta sa malayo para mag-igib [ng tubig],” Myren Edoria, a resident of Brgy. Molobolo, said. (Now, we only wait in our home. There is a schedule, but this time the supply of water is sufficient. We don’t need to fall in line and go to faraway places just to collect water.)

From project beneficiaries to water stewards

The barangay captain of Brgy. Molobolo has advocated for their community to gain access to safe water. His dedication to securing water access and security for the community led him to apply for the Agos Project with TCCF and AIDFI in the first place. This initiative, aligning with the community's urgent need for clean water, garnered immediate and enthusiastic support from the residents.

Inspired by their barangay captain's leadership, the residents have transformed that passion into proactive stewardship, taking responsibility for protecting and managing their water resources to ensure the sustainability of the project's benefits for future generations.

Brgy. Molobolo residents with representatives of the AIDFI and TCCF at the successful handover of the Agos Project

They formed an association and created a schedule system for everyone in the barangay to access clean water. They also coordinate with local partners to test and ensure the water's safety. To secure their water source, they implement policies protecting it from potential threats.

Clean and safe water for future generations

As the primary philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company, The Coca-Cola Foundation aims to support local and global changemakers leaving a measurable and lasting impact in areas around the world by investing in transformative ideas and institutions that address some of the most pressing global challenges.

For more information on the initiatives of The Coca-Cola Foundation, visit the company’s social media channels and its website

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RLC Residences Triumphs at PropertyGuru and DOT Property Philippines Awards 2024

RLC Residences Triumphs at PropertyGuru and DOT Property Philippines Awards 2024

RLC Residences, the residential arm of Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC), has solidified its position as a leading real estate developer in the country by winning the prestigious Developer of the Year awards at both the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards 2024 and DOT Property Philippines Awards 2024. These accolades highlight the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative, and sustainable developments that reshape the residential landscape in the Philippines.

Major wins at the DOT Property Philippines Awards 2024

At the DOT Property Philippines Awards 2024 held last September 12 at Okada Manila, RLC Residences secured six major accolades, including the coveted Developer of the Year award. This recognition highlights the brand's consistent excellence, innovation, and dedication to transforming the residential sector. The company's forward-thinking digital solutions such as the myRLC Home app earned the Special Recognition Award for Innovation.

Several standout RLC Residences projects were recognized. The Residences at The Westin Manila in Ortigas Center won Best Condominium Architectural Design, for its luxury and wellness features. Mantawi Residences in Cebu, the brand’s premium development in Mandaue launched last year, clinched the Best Luxury Development award. SYNC was named Best Smart Home Condominium for its future-ready offerings that address millennials' urban living needs. Meanwhile, Le Pont Residences in Bridgetown Destination Estate received the Best Sustainable Development award, reinforcing RLC Residences' commitment to green practices.

"Winning the Developer of the Year award, along with the other recognitions, is an incredible honor for us at RLC Residences. These awards affirm the hard work and passion of Team RLC Residences as we continue to create spaces that contribute to a better, more sustainable future,” said Chad Sotelo, Senior Vice President and Business Unit General Manager of RLC Residences and Chief Marketing Officer of Robinsons Land.

Success at the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards 2024

Robinsons Land and RLC Residences also shone at the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards 2024, held on September 6 at Shangri-la The Fort. Robinsons Land won Best Developer – Philippines for the third consecutive year along with Best Developer – Luzon, solidifying its reputation as one of the country's most trusted real estate developers.

RLC Residences’ The Residences at The Westin Manila garnered three prestigious titles: Best Branded Residential Development, Best Wellness Residential Development, and Best Lifestyle Condo Development underscoring the project’s unique blend of luxury, wellness, and convenience.

Other RLC Residences developments were also recognized. Woodsville Crest was highly commended in the Best Condo Development (Luzon) category, while Galleria Residences Cebu and Sierra Valley Gardens were acknowledged for their exceptional designs and smart home features, respectively. RLC Residences also received a Highly Commended award in the Best Lifestyle Developer category and Robinsons Land in the Best Sustainable Developer category, showcasing their shared commitment to eco-friendly practices.

"These recognitions reflect our unwavering commitment to delivering sustainable, innovative homes that cater to the evolving needs of our residents. We are grateful to PropertyGuru and DOT Property for these accolades and look forward to continuing our mission of creating future-ready homes," added Sotelo.

These awards further establish Robinsons Land, along with its residential arm, RLC Residences, as key players in shaping the future of Philippine real estate, with a strong focus on sustainability and meeting the evolving needs of home seekers both locally and internationally.

For more information on RLC Residences and their award-winning developments, visit rlcresidences.com or follow their official Facebook and Instagram pages.

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