FedEx Launches Import Tool in the Philippines to Empower Local Businesses

FedEx Launches Import Tool in the Philippines to Empower Local Businesses

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

In today’s fast-paced global market, importing goods can be both an opportunity and a challenge for Filipino businesses. From customs paperwork to compliance requirements, navigating cross-border trade often means dealing with delays and extra costs. But here’s some good news: FedEx, one of the world’s leading logistics companies, has just rolled out a new digital solution in the Philippines—the FedEx Import Tool—to make importing easier, faster, and smarter.

Why This Matters for Filipino Businesses

The Philippines continues to rely on imported raw materials and goods to meet both consumer demand and business growth. In fact, imports from January to April 2025 alone reached USD 42.78 billion, showing a 5.6% increase from last year. This highlights how vital efficient logistics are for SMEs and large-scale importers alike. With the FedEx Import Tool, local entrepreneurs can now take advantage of a streamlined, tech-driven platform that removes much of the hassle from the import process.

What the FedEx Import Tool Offers

FedEx designed this platform to give businesses more control and visibility. Here are its standout features:

Unified self-service platform – Centralizes shipment tracking and document management in one dashboard.

End-to-end visibility – Importers can monitor shipments every step of the way.

Proactive notifications – Keeps businesses updated to help avoid customs delays.

24/7 shipment monitoring – Track shipments for up to 90 days after pickup.

Already available in countries like Australia, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, this tool is now being rolled out in the Philippines and will expand soon to Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, and New Zealand.

Supporting Filipino SMEs in the Global Market

According to Maribeth Espinosa, managing director of FedEx Philippines, this launch represents a big boost for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). She emphasized that by simplifying imports, FedEx helps local businesses focus on scaling up and competing globally, without being weighed down by logistics complexities.

FedEx’s Commitment to Digital Solutions

The Import Tool isn’t FedEx’s only innovation. The company continues to develop digital solutions that support businesses in a competitive global marketplace, such as:

FedEx Ship Manager™ – An online system to simplify shipment management.

FedEx Electronic Trade Documents – Reduces paper waste by allowing digital submission of cross-border documents.

AI-driven delivery windows – Machine learning enables FedEx to provide a four-hour delivery window for incoming shipments.

These tools reflect FedEx’s commitment to smarter, more sustainable logistics that can keep up with the demands of international trade.

For Filipino entrepreneurs, especially SMEs, the FedEx Import Tool could be a real game-changer. By minimizing delays, cutting down on manual paperwork, and providing greater visibility, businesses can focus more on growth and less on logistics headaches. If you’re running a business that relies on international suppliers, this is definitely a tool worth checking out.

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Kissflow Recognised as Sample Vendor for No-Code Platforms in 2025 Gartner® Hype Cycle™ for Enterprise Process Automation

Kissflow Recognised as Sample Vendor for No-Code Platforms in 2025 Gartner® Hype Cycle™ for Enterprise Process Automation

Saturday, August 16, 2025

Kissflow, a leading AI powered low-code, no-code platform, has been recognized in the 2025 Gartner® Hype Cycle™ for Enterprise Process Automation.

Gartner’s Hype Cycle for Enterprise Process Automation, 2025, offers deep insight into the emerging technologies that will reshape business operations through automation, AI, and citizen development.

The research highlights four major innovation themes: Orchestration and Connectivity, Agentic Automation, Citizen Development, and Process Visibility.

A few key highlights: 

•  “By 2029, 80% of enterprises with mature automation practices will pivot to consolidated platforms, such as business orchestration and automation (BOAT), that orchestrate business processes and agentic automation.”

• “By 2027, 80% of automation platforms will offer AI-assisted development, resulting in lower development costs and higher citizen development.” Tools that empower non-technical users—particularly no-code platforms and citizen development platforms—are gaining momentum, democratizing innovation across business functions.

• Computer Use for AI Agents poised to revolutionize legacy workflows. One of the most transformational technologies on the horizon, this innovation enables AI agents to interact with digital interfaces like humans, even without API access—opening up automation opportunities in legacy and browser-based systems.

“We’re thrilled to be recognised once again—this time in Gartner’s Hype Cycle for Enterprise Process Automation, 2025,” said Dinesh Varadharajan, Chief Product Officer at Kissflow. “We see this as a strong validation of our continued leadership in empowering true citizen development. With our intuitive no-code platform and AI-assisted application building, we’re helping organisations scale rapidly and adapt to evolving business needs. This recognition reinforces our commitment to unifying low-code, no-code, and citizen development in a single, powerful platform driven by Agentic AI.”

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TGP Reaffirms Leadership in Quality Generics with New Campaign Featuring Judy Ann Santos

TGP Reaffirms Leadership in Quality Generics with New Campaign Featuring Judy Ann Santos

Thursday, August 14, 2025

When it comes to affordable, effective medicine, one name has earned the trust of generations of Filipino families — TGP. Now, the country’s leading generics brand is doubling down on its mission with a new campaign that reminds everyone of a simple truth: “Pag dating sa quality, dapat TGP Generics.”

A Legacy of Accessible Healthcare

TGP’s story began in 1949 as the Pacific Insular Company, a small pharmaceutical business with a big vision: make healthcare affordable and inclusive for every Filipino. Long before generics became widely accepted, TGP was already at the forefront, offering safe, effective, and budget-friendly medicines that allowed more families to get the treatment they needed without breaking the bank.

Fast forward to today, with over 2,100 branches nationwide, TGP continues to make healthcare access easier for communities across the country.

Judy Ann Santos Brings Authenticity to the Message

The new campaign is led by award-winning actress and hands-on mom, Judy Ann “Juday” Santos, whose own commitment to her family mirrors TGP’s dedication to Filipino households.

Known for her genuine care and practicality, Juday chooses only what’s best for her loved ones — and that includes the medicine they take. Her endorsement comes with a heartfelt reminder:

“Siguraduhin ang Quality: Dapat TGP Generics!”

This year’s campaign is even more special as Juday is joined by her mother, also a TGP endorser, symbolizing how trust in TGP spans generations.

TGP offers value-for-money medicines and supplements without compromising quality. Their approach ensures that more Filipinos, regardless of income, can make informed health choices and get reliable treatments.

In a time when healthcare costs are rising, brands like TGP prove that quality doesn’t have to mean expensive. With trusted generics and a message that hits home, they’re not just selling medicine — they’re championing healthcare equality for all.

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Palo Alto Networks Launches Prevention-First App Security with Cortex Cloud ASPM

Palo Alto Networks Launches Prevention-First App Security with Cortex Cloud ASPM

Cybersecurity just got a major upgrade — Palo Alto Networks has unveiled a game-changing Cortex Cloud Application Security Posture Management (ASPM) designed to stop threats before they even reach production. This move marks a shift from simply detecting issues to actively preventing them, giving businesses — including those in the Philippines — a faster, smarter way to protect cloud and AI-driven applications.

Why This Matters for Businesses in the Philippines

With AI-generated code allowing applications to be built in hours instead of months, developers are moving faster than ever. But speed can leave security gaps. For Filipino companies embracing digital transformation, Palo Alto Networks’ new prevention-first approach offers up to 10x faster and more cost-efficient risk management — a crucial advantage in today’s threat-heavy online environment.

A Smarter, Centralized Way to Manage App Security

The new Cortex Cloud ASPM doesn’t just block risks — it brings them all into one view.

Unified partner ecosystem – Consolidates data from top third-party code scanners like Black Duck, Checkmarx, GitLab, HashiCorp, Semgrep, Snyk, and Veracode.

No disruption for developers – Teams can keep using their favorite tools while benefiting from consolidated, actionable insights.

Comprehensive visibility – Combines native ASPM data with third-party insights for a complete picture of risks.

Building on a Powerful Cloud Security Foundation

This release expands on Cortex Cloud, which already merges cloud-native application protection (CNAPP) and cloud detection and response (CDR) for real-time threat defense. Now with ASPM, organizations get:

Proactive protection – Guardrails to stop issues before deployment.

Priority-driven alerts – Focus only on exploitable threats, not false alarms.

Automated remediation – Removes the need for manual fixes, saving time and resources.

What Palo Alto Networks Leaders Are Saying

Sarit Tager, VP of Product Management at Palo Alto Networks, emphasized the urgency:

As AI accelerates development, security must keep pace. With CNAPP, CDR, and now ASPM, Cortex Cloud offers end-to-end visibility and automatic risk prevention before production.

Industry analyst Katie Norton of IDC agrees, noting that Cortex Cloud ASPM helps security teams zero in on real risks, connecting app security with the live threat landscape for faster action.

Availability

Cortex Cloud ASPM is currently in early access and is expected to roll out globally — including in the Asia-Pacific region — in the second half of 2025.

In a time when one data breach can cost millions, prevention-first security could be a lifeline for companies, big and small. For Filipino businesses building in the cloud, the message is clear: Don’t just react to threats — stop them before they start.

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EastWest Dream Run 2025: Thousands Run for Hope Across Davao, Cebu, and Manila

EastWest Dream Run 2025: Thousands Run for Hope Across Davao, Cebu, and Manila

Turning Every Step Into a Gift for Filipino Youth

In the Philippines, fun runs are more than just about fitness—they’re about community, purpose, and heart. The EastWest Dream Run 2025 proved just that, gathering over 13,000 runners in Davao, Cebu, and Manila to raise funds for organizations dedicated to changing young lives.

This year’s event was extra special. It marked EastWest Bank’s 30th anniversary and Filinvest Group’s 70th year, making the milestone a double celebration of legacy and giving back. Each city had its own unique energy, but the mission remained the same—running not just for health, but for hope.

Beneficiaries That Inspire Change

Portions of the Dream Run proceeds were donated to:

Young Focus Philippines (Manila) – Empowering youth through education and values formation.

Asian Hospital Charities (Manila) – Providing vital medical care to those in need.

SOS Children’s Village (Cebu) – Offering long-term family-based care to children without parental support.

Padre Pio’s Home for Children (Davao) – Providing shelter, love, and guidance to abandoned and neglected kids.

Davao: Showing Up for Padre Pio’s Children

The series began on April 6 in Davao with nearly 4,000 participants. But the true highlight came days later, when EastWest’s Manila and Davao teams visited Padre Pio’s Home for Children, bringing not only financial support but also time and encouragement.

As Executive Director Sr. Floravy E. Raya put it, “Showing up matters. Sometimes all it takes to change a life is to be there, to listen, to care.”

Cebu: Heartfelt Moments at SOS Village

On May 4, over 3,000 runners gathered at City di Mare by Filinvest for Cebu’s first large-scale EastWest wellness run. After the event, the EastWest team visited SOS Children’s Village Cebu, where the donation will fund food, education, health care, and home maintenance.

Village Director Mario Victor Baang shared that the visit made a lasting impact, saying the children felt genuine care and attention—something that stays with them for years.

Manila: First-Time Runners, Big Dreams

The grand finale happened on June 15 at the Filinvest Event Grounds in Alabang, drawing over 6,000 participants. Donations from this leg went to Young Focus Philippines and Asian Hospital Charities, supporting programs in education, youth development, and medical care.

Ms. Grace Palanca from Young Focus noted how seeing their students run with determination embodied their mission—showing the world what’s possible when children are given opportunities.

Beyond the Finish Line

EastWest Head of Marketing Martin Reyes summed it up perfectly: “These young dreamers need more than encouragement. They need access, support, and opportunities—and that’s what the Dream Run aims to provide, one step at a time.”

The EastWest Dream Run 2025 might have crossed its final finish line, but its momentum lives on—fueling more dreams, more cities, and more lives touched in the years to come.

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HONOR Philippines Marks 3 Years of Record-Breaking Growth, Inspires at SEA & Middle East Summit

HONOR Philippines Marks 3 Years of Record-Breaking Growth, Inspires at SEA & Middle East Summit

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

HONOR Philippines is proving that local success can truly make waves internationally. In just three years since its market comeback, the tech giant has risen from re-establishing its presence to becoming one of the most celebrated and fastest-growing brands in the HONOR global network.

This remarkable journey was in the spotlight during the HONOR SEA & Middle East Summit, held last August 10–12 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City. The event gathered leaders from 35 countries to exchange strategies, celebrate wins, and learn from each other’s best practices.

From Local Comeback to Global Benchmark

Since its return to the Philippine market in August 2022, HONOR Philippines has delivered a winning combination of:

• Strategic, timely product launches
• Strong partnerships with retailers and distributors
• A deep understanding of Filipino consumer needs

At the summit, HONOR Philippines executives shared their growth story—highlighting how their approach not only elevated their local market position but also set a standard for other HONOR branches worldwide.

A Proud Moment for the Team

Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines, expressed pride in being able to share the brand’s journey with an international audience.

“From day one, our mission has been to bring the best technology and experiences to the Filipino people. Being recognized globally validates our hard work and motivates us to keep pushing boundaries—not just to lead locally, but to inspire globally,” Cheng said.

HONOR Philippines’ 3-Year Milestones

In just 36 months, HONOR Philippines has achieved:

• 40+ devices launched catering to various price segments
• #1 Hero Product ranking for three consecutive years
• 100%+ year-on-year sales growth, with record-breaking models like HONOR X9b, HONOR X9c, and HONOR 400
• Sold-out product launches, including the HONOR 400 selling out in 3 days
• 2,500+ retail stores and 2,000+ regional sales advisors nationwide

A Blueprint for Success

HONOR Philippines’ growth story is now seen as a model within the HONOR global network. By combining innovation, strong customer engagement, and smart market strategies, the brand has proven that even in a fiercely competitive smartphone market, it’s possible to dominate both locally and inspire globally.

What’s Next for HONOR Philippines?

With this recognition, HONOR is set to expand its footprint even further, bringing world-class smart devices to more Filipino consumers and strengthening its role in shaping the future of mobile technology.

If you’re a tech enthusiast, now’s the perfect time to keep an eye on HONOR’s upcoming launches—you might just be holding their next record-breaking device in your hands.

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Eastern Communications Expands in Mindanao, Bringing Faster, Smarter Connectivity to General Santos and Dipolog

Eastern Communications Expands in Mindanao, Bringing Faster, Smarter Connectivity to General Santos and Dipolog

In today’s digital economy, reliable internet isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the backbone of thriving businesses and connected communities. This is why Eastern Communications, one of the country’s pioneering telecommunications and ICT providers, is making bold moves in Mindanao. The company has officially launched its services in General Santos City and Dipolog City, opening new opportunities for industries, MSMEs, and local governments to embrace the full power of digital transformation.

Strengthening General Santos: The Tuna Capital Goes High-Tech

On August 12, Eastern Communications made its presence official in General Santos City through its signature Via Eastern launch event at the Grand Summit Hotel. GenSan, recently ranked 15th most competitive city in the Philippines and 3rd among highly urbanized cities in Mindanao (2024 CMCI), is already a powerhouse for fisheries and exports.

City Councilor Michael Pacquiao welcomed the move, noting that improved connectivity will help local businesses, government offices, and communities “connect better, work smarter, and innovate faster.”

As home to six of the country’s seven tuna canneries, GenSan employs over 200,000 people and plays a major role in the nation’s fishery exports. With the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority upgrading the General Santos Fish Port Complex, digital-ready infrastructure is now more critical than ever.

Eastern Communications is stepping in with enterprise-grade internet—including Eastern Fiber 1 and Internet Direct Service (IDS)—to help industries such as:

Manufacturing and Smart Aquaculture – enabling real-time inventory tracking, automated production, and blockchain-based export traceability.

Agriculture – supporting agritech solutions like crop monitoring, weather prediction, and automated machinery.

Retail, Tourism, MSMEs, and IT-BPM – delivering scalable, secure, and fast internet to stay competitive locally and globally.

Unlocking Digital Growth in Dipolog: Gateway to Western Mindanao

Just a few weeks earlier, on July 22, Eastern Communications also launched in Dipolog City at D’Hotel & Suites. Known as the “Gateway to Western Mindanao”, Dipolog is an emerging hub for tourism, trade, and logistics.

Zamboanga del Norte Governor Darel Uy emphasized that connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity, helping bridge communities, boost local businesses, and expand access to opportunities.

Dipolog’s competitiveness is on the rise—it remains the Most Competitive Component City in Region 9 and has helped Zamboanga del Norte climb to 47th in economic dynamism nationwide. Eastern’s arrival promises to accelerate this growth, giving local industries and government agencies the tools they need to compete in the digital era.

Closing the Digital Gap in Mindanao

While more than 50 million Filipinos are online, many areas in Mindanao still struggle with access—only 28.5% of households in the Zamboanga Peninsula have internet connectivity, according to PSA data.

Eastern Communications aims to close this gap by expanding its presence across Mindanao, including Davao, Zamboanga, Butuan, and Cagayan de Oro, backed by the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN).

By bringing future-ready ICT solutions to General Santos and Dipolog, Eastern is helping fuel inclusive growth, strengthen industries, and prepare communities for a more connected future.

Why This Matters for Mindanao’s Future

Connectivity fuels progress—and Eastern Communications’ expansion is a game-changer for Southern and Western Mindanao. Whether you’re in fishing, agriculture, manufacturing, retail, or tech, faster and more reliable internet means more opportunities, better services, and a stronger economy.

If you’re a business in Mindanao looking to upgrade your connectivity, explore Eastern Communications’ full range of solutions at eastern.com.ph.

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