Manulife Collaborates with MDRT to Drive Quality Agency Force Growth and Strengthen Customer Focus

Manulife Collaborates with MDRT to Drive Quality Agency Force Growth and Strengthen Customer Focus

Monday, January 20, 2025

Manulife Asia announced recently that it has signed a three-year Exclusive Premier Sponsorship agreement with the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), a global, independent association of the world’s leading insurance and financial services professionals from 85 nations and territories and more than 700 companies.

The program, which started earlier this year, is a strategic initiative to drive high quality, sustainable growth for Manulife’s agency force by better providing agents with essential tools and knowledge to advance their skills and careers in the life insurance and financial services industry. Recognized globally as the standard of excellence, MDRT's collaboration with Manulife, which ranked third worldwide in MDRT members in 2023, solidifies Manulife’s leadership in the industry and inspires its professionals to expand their expertise as the insurance sector evolves.

“The signing of Manulife’s Premier sponsorship deal with MDRT represents a tremendous opportunity for our company to grow and advance by further professionalizing our strong agency force. This renewed sponsorship underlines our continuous dedication to developing our team and upholding the outstanding quality of our agency force. Our professional agents are crucial to maintaining trusted relationships with our customers and they make a positive difference in the lives of the communities that we serve across the region,” said Rishi Srivastava, Chief Agency Officer, Manulife Asia.

This three-year MDRT sponsorship program supports career advancement for top agents at all Manulife markets at all stages, from newcomers to future leaders, ensuring that Manulife's customers receive quality advice and comprehensive services from well-trained and motivated professionals. This initiative encompasses a range of tailored development programs, including Academy Train the Trainer year-round support, in-person workshops supporting both agency leaders and MDRTs by MDRT expert speakers, and other valuable learning content and online courses, all aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of Manulife's agency force to better serve their customers in the region.

In the Philippines, Manulife has been taking steps to support and equip their agency force with the recent launch of LEAP (League of Extraordinary Advisors Program). LEAP is an initiative aimed at providing financial advisors with learning, coaching and mentorship opportunities to become MDRT members and leaders. The courses cover local and global best practices, top sales ideas, as well as MDRT tools, and include mentoring sessions and performance coaching. Additionally, Manulife Philippines has rolled out an industry-first program, which provides special career progression to financial advisors who achieve Top of the Table (TOT) and Court of the Table (COT) honors.

“Achieving our mission to make decisions easier and lives better for customers means strengthening our agency force by investing in their learning and development. At Manulife Philippines, we are committed to setting up our financial advisors for success, so they can better serve our customers while also empowering them to acquire best practices from fellow advisors and agency leaders, grow their careers, and achieve their life goals and aspirations,” said Sailesh Nalinakshan, Chief Agency Officer, Manulife Philippines.

The MDRT sponsorship is in alignment and complementary to Manulife’s strategy in accelerating Asia growth and enhancing the quality of agency force. To attract and nurture top talent in the financial services industry, Manulife continues to roll out Manulife Pro, a proprietary recognition and activation program for top-tier agents across Asia. Together, the MDRT engagement and the Manulife Pro program will help create a best-in-class professional, customer-centric agency force that supports Manulife’s goal of becoming a leader in the Asian market.

Mr. Srivastava further commented, "As Manulife continues to prioritize customer needs and enhance customer experience by leveraging advanced data and analytics, our dedicated agency force is key to delivering high-quality, holistic solutions to meet their needs in this world. By investing in comprehensive, training for our agents, we empower them to drive our transformation into a leading digital, customer-focused market leader and the best long-term partner for our customers."

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Real-time Meralco payments at 7-Eleven CLiQQ Kiosks, now made possible by Bayad

Real-time Meralco payments at 7-Eleven CLiQQ Kiosks, now made possible by Bayad

Sunday, January 19, 2025

Busy lifestyles have led a lot of Filipinos to rely on doing one-stop-shop errands at convenience stores like 7-Eleven. Apart from buying goods, ready-to-eat cooked meals, and beverages, Meralco bills can also be paid at 7-Eleven CLiQQ Kiosks, available in over 4,100 branches nationwide.

Apart from enabling 24/7 payments at the ease of your own neighborhood, 7-Eleven has partnered with Bayad, accelerating Meralco payments from 24 hours to real-time or instantaneous posting. This will greatly benefit more Filipinos as it allows them to pay on time, and avoid overdue bills or disconnection notices.

Bayad, formerly Bayad Center and the pioneer brand in the outsourced bills payment collection service in the Philippines, is now a full-service fintech subsidiary of Meralco.

Apart from Meralco, Bayad has also activated Red Fiber, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and National Housing Authority (NHA) in the CLiQQ Kiosk’s biller network.

On top of these, Bayad is also expected to bring in more electric and water utility brands, government fees and contributions, tollway RFID, insurance, loans, tuition fees, and many others.

Ultimately, Bayad’s partnership with 7-Eleven underscores modern convenience and digital innovation, fulfilling its shared mission of making daily lives easier for Filipinos.

Bayad President and CEO Lawrence Ferrer underscored , “Our world moved faster than we could have imagined. We at Bayad had to swiftly up our game in expanding our payment channels as we cater to the demand of providing more accessible and secured bills payment services for our kababayans who are noticeably always on the go and are becoming more and more tech-savvy. Our partnership with 7-Eleven allowed us this opportunity, highlighting our shared vision for financial consumer empowerment and driving economic growth in the country.”

7-Eleven Managing Director for Digital, Jose C. Ang, shared, “As we celebrate our 40th year in the industry, this partnership with Bayad allows us to continue to stay true to 7-Eleven's thrust to continuously innovate modern convenience and enhance customer experience. We are excited to keep serving our communities and uphold our mission of being ‘the neighbor you can count on.”

For fintech and retail institutions like 7-Eleven that are interested in being a part of Bayad’s extensive payment channel network, you may send an email to partnerships@bayad.com. Bayad enables partners to attain nationwide presence and provides end-to-end support services for efficient payment and collection processing.

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Mang Inasal and DOT join forces to celebrate Filipino flavors and tourism

Mang Inasal and DOT join forces to celebrate Filipino flavors and tourism

Saturday, January 18, 2025

Mang Inasal and the Department of Tourism (DOT) have announced their collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement, to promote their “Love the Flavors, Love the Philippines” campaign, inspiring locals and tourists to explore the country’s unique flavors.

“For more than 20 years, Mang Inasal has seen how our food creates lasting connections between tourists and their experiences in the Philippines,” said Mang Inasal president Mike V. Castro. “This partnership with DOT excites us because it allows us to turn every meal into a reason for tourists to keep coming back. We look forward to making their trips more fun, memorable, and flavorful through Mang Inasal.”

The partnership was officially launched at the DOT office in Makati City, with Mang Inasal executives and key representatives from the DOT, led by Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, in attendance.

“As DOT elevates the global competitiveness of Philippine tourism, we have remained true to who we are," said Secretary Frasco. "And what better partner for the DOT to have than a homegrown brand that has brought much pride to our countrymen for all that the brand has managed to accomplish these many years, and for the many stomachs that have been satisfied, hearts that have been made happy, and families that have come together at the table, enjoying a meal of Mang Inasal.”

As part of the “Love the Flavors, Love the Philippines” campaign, regional festivals will be highlighted to showcase gastronomy tourism to both locals and tourists. More exciting projects are set to be revealed in 2025 through the official online channels of Mang Inasal and the DOT.

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DOT’s Philippine Experience Program now on KLOOK

DOT’s Philippine Experience Program now on KLOOK

The Department of Tourism (DOT) and Klook Philippines on Wednesday (Jan. 15) formally signed a partnership that would make travel experience in the country more accessible for all, highlighting curated tour packages of the Philippine Experience Program (PEP), a flagship tourism program that was developed and launched under the Marcos Administration.

With the unveiling of the latest collaboration between the DOT and one of Asia’s leading platforms for experiences and travel services comes a pioneering roster of PEP tours on the platform offering tours across the country. It also aims to accelerate the digitalization of Philippine tourism.

Now available on Klook are must-experience destinations including a Culture, Heritage & Arts Tour in Calabarzon, where travelers will discover the captivating Pagsanjan Falls, and cultural landmarks like the connective Pinto Art Museum and the historical Villa Escudero.

Also available is the Culture, Heritage & Adventure Tour in Bicol, where one can embark on an ATV adventure to Mayon Volcano and sample the delicious Bicolano cuisine, highlighting the wonders found south of the capital in Luzon.

Up north, the Culture, Heritage & Arts Tour in the Ilocos Region offers visitors to the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage City to discover the Philippines’ Spanish colonial history. During the tour, participants will also get the chance to interact with locals and savor local specialties like empanadas and tupig.

For those looking to explore the Visayas region, travelers can look into visiting Silay City, known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture and heritage houses, as well as its fresh and delectable seafood through the Culture, Heritage & Arts Tour in Western Visayas.

To round up the pioneering set of tours is an exclusive experience highlighting the beautiful sights, history, and traditions of Palawan in the Culture, Heritage & Arts Tour in Palawan, through the Palawan Special Battalion WW-II Memorial Museum, Binuatan Weaving Creation workshops, and the Butterfly Garden.

On top of the PEP curated tours the partnership also looks to integrate the DOT’s Tourist Rest Areas (TRAs) on Klook and initiate exploratory partnerships with the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Clark International Airport through the endorsement of the DOT.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Klook President and Co-Founder Eric Gnock Fah led the ceremonial signing of Strategic Alliance and Memorandum of Agreement between the DOT and Klook, with Tourism Assistant Secretary Sharlene Zabala-Batin and Klook General Manager for Philippines and Thailand Michelle Ho as witnesses.

“With this partnership with Klook, the Philippine Experience Program will now be carried on the Klook platform. The Philippine Experience Program is a flagship initiative of the Marcos administration, whereby, we are translating the President's vision of reintroducing the Philippines to the world, not just from a one-dimensional lens of fun and adventure, but also from the highly diversified lens of our Filipino identity that can very well be seen in in our culture, our heritage, our stories, immersions into our communities, our gastronomy, and all the other experiences that you can have in our destinations. Carrying the Philippine Experience Program on Klook will also equalize tourism opportunities among our destinations, which is the advocacy of the Department of Tourism,” Secretary Frasco said.

From Klook's end, the global platform’s co-founder shared his excitement about this new endeavor.

“At Klook, we believe there are countless adventures, unique experiences, and cultural treasures still waiting to be discovered. Here in the Philippines, with its stunning natural wonders and the warmth and vibrancy of its people, we are excited to partner with the Department of Tourism to bring even more of these incredible experiences to Filipinos and travelers around the world,” Gnock Fah said.

Klook will also continue hosting a series of regional roadshows to encourage more travel operators to take advantage of its technology and have a global reach.

Over the years, Klook has been an active partner of the DOT. The first partnership was during the pandemic for training seminars on social media marketing and product development; the rolling out of Intramuros Pass to give travelers exclusive access to attractions and activities inside the award-winning Walled City; and the marketing collaboration with the Tourism Promotions Board on the Love the Philippines Campaign.

At present, Klook has over half a million experiences on its platform, catering to over 2,700 destinations nationwide.

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CCIP welcomes 2025 with new board of trustees

CCIP welcomes 2025 with new board of trustees

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

The Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines, Inc. (CCIP) recently held its fourth General Membership Meeting (GMM), dubbed “Cocktail Night” at the Revel at the Palace in Taguig City.

Leading the event were members of CCIP’s Board of Trustees including the current board headed by president Christine Reyes of Amway Philippines who shared her annual report and emphasized CCIP’s mission to accelerate, elevate, and champion the cosmetics industry in the Philippines. She also expressed excitement about continuing to grow the Chamber's legacy with the unwavering support of its member companies.

“In response to the dynamic and ever-changing business and regulatory landscape, CCIP is dedicated to advancing the cosmetics industry by fostering adaptability and delivering swift, strategic solutions to market shifts. By nurturing creativity, we aim to drive sustainable growth and meaningful change, reinforcing our leadership in the industry. Building on the momentum of our 50th anniversary, our next step is clear, to take CCIP to the next level as we break new ground and lead the cosmetics industry to unparalleled excellence in 2025 and beyond"

Joining Christine during the year-end festivities were fellow board members Jacqueline Lim of First Asia Manufacturing, Monina Leslie Ferrer of Snoe Beaute Produits Inc., Denice Sy of Ever Bilena Cosmetics, Inc., Dennies Ladia of Environatural Corporation, Dr. Janina Tan of Jradiance Corporation, and Shirley Cayago of Splash Corporation.

The event, co-hosted by Denice Sy, Dominic Plana, and Tin Guiao, was filled with energy, entertainment, and warm fellowship among members. Guests enjoyed great drinks, lively music, and the excellent company of colleagues from across the industry.

But the night's highlight was the announcement of the election results for CCIP’s new Board of Trustees of 2025. The new trustees will work alongside the current board members.

The Election Committee, led by Gladys Conopio of DKSH Philippines, Inc., Lessie Galindo of Brenntag Ingredients, Inc., and Faye Muñoz of Chemrez Technologies, Inc., announced the newly appointed trustees: Aio Nery of CCT Chemicals Inc., Jellie Marie Villamor of GT Cosmetics in Cebu, Maria Roberta Estacio of Harem Inc., Ramon Claridad of Rainiers Research and Development Institute, John Robinson Uy of Unilever Philippines, Michael Zotomayor of ZLab International Corporation and Kimberly Sablayan of Lifestrong Marketing, Inc.

As the Chamber moves into 2025 with a dynamic and visionary board, CCIP reaffirms its dedication to empowering the local cosmetics industry and fostering collaboration among its diverse and vibrant membership.

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MMDA Honors Top Barangays in Results-Based Incentives Awarding for Solid Waste Management

MMDA Honors Top Barangays in Results-Based Incentives Awarding for Solid Waste Management

Sunday, January 12, 2025

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) proudly recognized the top-performing project barangays of the Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP) for their exemplary implementation of community-based solid waste management (SWM) under the project's Results-based Incentive (RBI) scheme. The awarding ceremony took place at the Red Hotel in Cubao, Quezon City, highlighting the success of the barangays in managing solid wastes in their communities and contributing to the minimization of waste in waterways, which is critical for flood mitigation.

A total of 12 top-performing barangays from across the 85 project barangays of MMFMP in Metro Manila were selected based on agreed performance measures on community-based plans and practices in waste collection, segregation, and diversion. Under the RBI scheme, these barangays consequently underwent a performance validation process led by a technical working group composed of representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) and the De La Salle University.

After the evaluation, three barangays emerged as the top performers. The best-performing barangays, Barangay 136 in Manila, Barangay San Isidro in Makati, and Barangay 94 in Manila, each received major incentives and a Solid Waste Management Investment amounting to PHP 750,000 for their outstanding efforts in improving waste collection, segregation, and disposal practices. Meanwhile, the remaining top barangays received minor incentives, including solid waste management (SWM) tools worth PHP 50,000 each.

MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando S. Artes emphasized the significance of the RBI scheme, stating, “Our Results-Based Incentives scheme is a very tangible initiative with clear results rooted in the power of collaboration. The success of these barangays proves that with the right support, community engagement, and incentives, we can make significant strides in reducing waste in Metro Manila’s waterways, ultimately preventing flooding and creating cleaner, more sustainable neighborhoods.”

MMDA General Manager Undersecretary Procopio G. Lipana emphasized that “Since the launch of the RBI in 2023, we have partnered with various agencies to assess and evaluate the performance of barangays in managing their waste. I send my heartfelt congratulations to the twelve barangays that have demonstrated exemplary dedication and leadership in solid [waste] management. Your efforts are making a real difference, not only in your communities but across Metro Manila.”

“What we are doing now is all anchored on our ten-year roadmap to zero waste. Because that is now the trend, we have to remove the word ‘garbage.’ But we have turned the waste into a valuable resource. Pursuant to Republic Act 9003, we have to segregate at source,” he added.

The RBI program is part of the larger Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP) under Component 2, which aims to minimize solid waste in waterways. The program incentivizes barangays to improve their SWM practices, thereby reducing the volume of waste that accumulates in waterways and pumping stations, which can inhibit their flood control functions.

The top-performing barangays demonstrated innovative strategies and exceptional dedication to solid waste management, setting benchmarks for other communities. Barangay 136 of Manila implemented a robust waste segregation program, achieving approximately 90% household participation through ordinances, seminars, and social media campaigns. Barangay San Isidro, Makati formalized a subsystem for inaccessible areas, increasing waste collection coverage to nearly 100% and diverting more biodegradable waste since 2021. Meanwhile, Barangay 94 of Manila established a Barangay Materials Recovery Facility near its estero to streamline waste management and recycling efforts, ensuring proper waste disposal and promoting tie-ups with local junk shops and NGOs.

These barangays not only improved their local environments but also inspired sustainable practices among their residents, contributing significantly to Metro Manila’s waste management goals.

As the top performers were recognized for their solid waste management initiatives that not only improved waste collection and segregation but also fostered a culture of sustainability among its residents, the RBI program’s pilot implementation will continue to be refined, with plans for replication in more barangays across Metro Manila. The MMDA hopes to inspire other local government units to adopt the same model, further expanding the reach of community-based solid waste management practices.

Dir. Josias E. Syquimsiam, Jr., Director IV of the Solid Waste Management Office, said “"As public servants, we don't expect to be recognized for our service to the nation, as it is our sworn duty. However, MMDA chooses to give importance to these efforts. We understand the hardships and challenges you've endured in managing waste in your communities."

"Today, the MMDA recognizes the steps you have taken to maintain order and cleanliness, not only in your respective barangays but for the entire Metro Manila. We hope this continues and that the initiatives you have chosen to establish serve as a model, enabling us to do what’s right for our shared environment. We are beyond grateful to be your partner in providing an ecological, systematic, comprehensive, and, most importantly, sustainable solid waste management program for the people of Metro Manila," he continued.

The ceremony also included presentations from the winning barangays, showcasing their innovative SWM initiatives and plans, as well as sustained improvements in waste management practices. The event concluded with a commitment from the MMDA and partner barangays to continue working together in achieving a cleaner, flood-resilient Metro Manila.

For more information about MMDA’s Results-Based Incentives program and other initiatives under the Metro Manila Flood Management Project, visit the MMDA website or follow @MMDA on social media.

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Bossjob Successfully Concludes First-Ever Kasanggayahan HR Summit in Sorsogon

Bossjob Successfully Concludes First-Ever Kasanggayahan HR Summit in Sorsogon

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Bossjob, the fastest-growing AI-powered mobile chat-first recruitment platform, marked another milestone as it successfully concluded the First-Ever Kasanggayahan HR Summit in Sorsogon Province. The event, held at Villa Isabel Hotel, gathered hundreds of participants, including HR professionals, MSME owners, and local leaders. This collaborative effort was supported by the City Government of Sorsogon, the Provincial Government of Sorsogon, the Sorsogon City BPLO Chief Rodel Ferreras, and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Sorsogon, led by Provincial Director Ma. Lourdes Pancho.

In her speech, Ma. Lourdes Pancho expressed her enthusiasm for Bossjob’s expansion into the region, particularly in the province of Sorsogon. She highlighted the platform’s potential to greatly benefit Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by streamlining their recruitment processes. “We are thrilled with Bossjob’s entry into Sorsogon. It’s a game-changer for our business sector. DTI is committed to supporting Bossjob’s initiatives that empower MSMEs in the province,” she said.

Keynote Speaker Highlights the Role of HR in Business Growth

The summit featured Darwin Rivers, an acclaimed HR professional, founder of Philippine HR Group and guest speaker, who emphasized the critical role HR plays in driving business growth. Rivers discussed the "4 E's" of managing employees effectively:

• Employee Engagement
• Employee Enablement
• Employee Satisfaction
• Employee Experience

He noted that while many organizations focus heavily on employee engagement, they often overlook the equally vital areas of enablement, satisfaction, and overall experience. His insights resonated strongly with the audience, inspiring HR professionals and business owners to adopt a more holistic approach to employee management.

Bossjob’s Role in Empowering MSMEs

The event opened with a warm welcome from Feby Joy Llosala-Luneza, Growth Director of Bossjob, who expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from local government units and partner organizations. Bossjob’s Sales Manager for Expansion, Michelle Ayo, shared an insightful presentation on how the platform can revolutionize recruitment for MSMEs by offering cost-effective, AI-driven solutions.

“Our mission is to bridge the gap between employers and job seekers in the most efficient way possible. Bossjob is here to support Sorsogon’s businesses as they grow and thrive,” said Llosala-Luneza.

A Milestone for Sorsogon’s HR Community

The Kasanggayahan HR Summit marked a significant step in fostering collaboration among HR professionals, MSMEs, and local government units. It underscored the importance of strategic HR practices and innovative recruitment platforms like Bossjob in advancing the business landscape in the countryside.

With hundreds of participants and overwhelming support from key stakeholders, this event is a testament to Bossjob’s commitment to empowering businesses and job seekers alike. It also aligns with Bossjob’s broader mission to expand its footprint in key provinces, serving as a catalyst for growth and development in the Philippines’ MSME sector.

For more updates on Bossjob’s initiatives and events, visit www.bossjob.ph.

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