Allianz PNB Life Supports Zero Hunger Through Sustained, Strengthened Food Rescue Partnership

Allianz PNB Life Supports Zero Hunger Through Sustained, Strengthened Food Rescue Partnership

Friday, July 4, 2025

Food insecurity remains a pressing issue in the Philippines, with 27.2% of Filipinos experiencing involuntary hunger according to a Social Weather Stations survey conducted on March 15 to 25, 2025.

This contrasts with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) 2024 Food Waste Index Report of 2.95 million tonnes a year, or 26 kilograms (kg) per capita of food waste in the Philippines. The Food Waste Index measures the amount of food and its inedible parts wasted in retail, food service, and households. The household sector worldwide accounted for 60% or 631 million tonnes of wasted food, followed by food service at 28% or 290 million tonnes, and retail at 12% or 131 million tonnes. This posts not only a challenge to overflowing landfills; the food waste materials also emit greenhouse gases that impact the environment.

Sustainable solutions to this inequity were discussed in the recent Zero Summit led by Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) Philippines, a food rescue and environment foundation that rescues good quality surplus food and makes these available to vulnerable communities.

Sustainability as a strategy

With its unwavering commitment to sustainability and social impact, Allianz PNB Life (AZPNBL) continues its partnership with SOS Food Rescue Philippines. Gino Riola, AZPNBL Chief Marketing Officer, delivered the keynote message during the Zero Summit opening session.

AZPNBL is committed to operating as a responsible business, taking into account the impact of its activities on people and the environment. In his talk, “Sustainability as a Strategy,” Riola focused on the importance of making sustainability the core of every enterprise.

He encouraged other business leaders to start with Purpose. “Sustainability strategies must be grounded in the company's core purpose and values,” he explained.

He added that it is also important to link the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework to the business goals. This echoes the ESG triple bottom line principle: People, Planet, Profit. “Sustainability must be integrated into the business model, he added. “It should not be mere optics. Hindi pwedeng puro palabas lang, dapat may balik din o clear connection to the organizations mission for it to be sustainable. Sayang ang effort kung hindi rin lang maipapagpatuloy.”

Innovation and compassion

SOS Philippines Food Rescue Country General Manager Rachel Marie Q. Luna underscored the importance of partnerships in helping the advocacy reach more Filipinos in need. “It is in these partnerships that our mission is able to reach farther, respond faster and serve more communities.”

Luna proudly shared that through its partners and its food rescue ambassadors, it has already reached its year-to-date goal, with more than 2.5 million meals served. “At Scholars of Sustenance Philippines, we believe no one should go hungry while good food is being discarded. That is why we recover surplus and deliver it to those who need it most-creating a food system that is not only charitable but circular by design. One that transforms excess into access, waste into worth, and scarcity into shared abundance.”

“We are here today because of partners who help bring this vision to life-not just through generosity, but through action. Partners who give us the courage to move forward with quiet but steady confidence in tomorrow, and who show us that building harmony is more than an aspiration-it is something we can come home to.”

Since the launch of its partnership with SOS Philippines in 2023, AZPNBL has conducted food drives and volunteer activities among its employees, along with the donation of a truck that is used for food rescue missions. “We stand alongside those who believe that a better world is ours to make; that real, lasting impact grows from intention, care, and collaboration. And we are moved by those whose spirit to go further reminds us that progress happens when we push beyond limits and choose purpose, again and again,” Luna said.

The global focus of Allianz is on climate action. Riola said that this is reflected locally through Carbon footprint reduction initiatives in operations, its continued partnership with SOS Food Rescue Philippines, and the upcoming relocation to a certified green building in Makati. Riola adds, “Allianz is committed to sustainability—not just in protecting the future of its clients, but in ensuring the planet is ready for tomorrow.”

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GPCCI RTD Highlights Urgency for Integrated Cardio-Renal-Metabolic Care in the PH

GPCCI RTD Highlights Urgency for Integrated Cardio-Renal-Metabolic Care in the PH

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

The German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI), in partnership with the German Embassy Manila and Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines, convened a multi-stakeholder roundtable discussion to address the pressing issue of cardio-renal-metabolic (CRM) health and explore strategies for more integrated and patient-centered care.

The roundtable brought together leaders and experts from medical associations, patient advocacy groups, academic institutions, and the pharmaceutical industry. Discussions focused on aligning efforts across sectors and government agencies to respond to the growing incidence of interconnected cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic conditions.

“Addressing CRM conditions is not only about clinical treatment. It is about equity, education, and empathy,” said Dr. Cherry Sevilla-Arenas, from the Philippine Heart Center on her keynote address. “Despite growing awareness, many patients continue to fall through the cracks due to uneven access and fragmented systems of care. If we want to move toward meaningful health outcomes, we must align our efforts—across government, industry, and communities—to prevent care fragmentation and ensure no Filipino is left behind.”

From the patient perspective, Mr. Ralph Degollacion of Healthy Philippines Alliance described the real-world implications of managing CRM conditions, including the emotional, social, and financial burdens that patients and families endure. He emphasized the persistent stigma and exclusion faced by many, rooted largely in the lack of universal access to high-quality, accessible health services, including early diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Rodney Jimenez of the Philippine Heart Association advocated for the institutionalization of interdisciplinary training through elective rotations and certification options in CRM care. He pushed for unified workflows, shared care plans, and integrated support roles as essential components in delivering consistent and effective patient care. He further advocated, along with other medical associations, for the establishment of disease registries and implementation of universal healthcare.

Offering the perspective of the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Greta Cortez of Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines reflected on the evolution from fragmented disease awareness toward a more systemic understanding of CRM interconnectedness. She highlighted initiatives such as It Starts with U: Get CheCKD which aimed to provide health screening and disease awareness for chronic kidney disease and related CRM conditions.

According to a representative from the public health sector, strengthening the country’s healthcare system is imperative to effectively respond to the rising incidence of chronic illnesses and to increase resilience in the face of future public health challenges. They emphasized the need for culturally appropriate, high-quality care across all levels, as well as the continued provision of free consultations and medicines for common non-communicable conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia.

During the open forum, participants from across sectors raised key concerns and potential solutions to improving CRM care. Discussions touched on the importance of early intervention, unified data systems, community-level engagement, and integrated care models. Experts also emphasized the need for greater public awareness, improved workplace wellness, and continued collaboration between public and private stakeholders. The roundtable served as a platform to identify challenges while also reaffirming a collective commitment to systemic, long-term improvements.

“This roundtable served not only as a space for exchange but as a launching point for more unified action and healthcare delivery reforms for CRM.” says GPCCI President Ms. Marie Antoniette E. Mariano, reflecting from the conclusion of the event “Our goal is to help create bridges between patients, practitioners, business community, and policymakers, and we will continue to support efforts that bring impact to Filipino communities.”

In his closing message, Dr. David Klebs, Economic Counsellor of the German Embassy Manila, affirmed Germany’s support for CRM awareness and the importance of cross-sector partnerships. He emphasized the value of long-term collaboration to strengthen public health education, policy implementation, and holistic care.

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TP, Bacolod LGU Partner to Equip Future BPO Workforce with TESDA-Accredited Career Readiness Training

TP, Bacolod LGU Partner to Equip Future BPO Workforce with TESDA-Accredited Career Readiness Training

Global digital business services leader TP has formalized a strategic partnership with the Bacolod City Government to boost career readiness and job placement opportunities in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed for the rollout of the @SENSO Life Skills Academy Training Program at Bacolod City College (BCC), a move aimed at aligning local education with industry requirements.

The program—accredited by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)—will integrate industry-based skills training directly into the BCC curriculum. This initiative targets students, graduates, and near-hires, preparing them for high-demand roles in the BPO industry through hands-on training, certification, and employment pathways.

Bridging Education and Employment in the BPO Industry

As outlined in the MOA, the @SENSO Life Skills Academy will feature:

• Curriculum development tailored to BPO skill requirements
• A 10-day simulation-based training module
• Industry-led instruction and certification
• Job placement support
• Utilization of TESDA’s Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) framework and Micro-Credentials Program

“This partnership showcases TP’s commitment to investing in Bacolod’s future workforce,” said Maria Jesusa Gemarino, TP Bacolod Site Director. “By equipping students and near-hires with the in-demand skills needed in today’s BPO sector, we’re strengthening government efforts to create more career opportunities outside of Metro Manila.”

Government and Industry Alignment for Local Growth

Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez emphasized the importance of this partnership in advancing the city’s economic ambitions. “We see this collaboration as a key step toward transforming Bacolod into a supercity through sustainable job creation and workforce development.”

This initiative builds on Teleperformance’s ongoing investments in government-academe-industry linkages. Earlier in 2025, TP signed similar MOAs with State University of Northern Negros (SUNN) and previously with BCC, supporting community empowerment, on-the-job training (OJT), and career development under the TP Launchpad program, its flagship university engagement initiative.

Jeffrey Johnson, Chief People Officer of TP Philippines, reiterated the broader vision behind these efforts: “With the strong participation of local government, academe, and industry, we are building more than just skills—we’re building stronger, more resilient communities.”

Why This Matters for Business and Education Leaders

This partnership exemplifies how cross-sector collaboration can drive inclusive employment growth in provincial cities while enhancing education-to-employment pipelines. By aligning academic programs with actual industry needs, initiatives like TP’s @SENSO Life Skills Academy can serve as models for other regions aiming to future-proof their local economies.

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EastWest Ageas Earns 2025-2026 Great Place To Work Certification

EastWest Ageas Earns 2025-2026 Great Place To Work Certification

EastWest Ageas is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place To Work for 2025-2026. This prestigious award is based on employees' and financial advisors’ ratings of the company’s culture, in which EastWest Ageas earned a score 17 points higher than average in the Philippines.

Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention, and increased innovation.

"Great Place To Work Certification is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience," says Sarah Lewis-Kulin, the Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place To Work. She emphasizes that Certification is the sole official recognition earned by the real-time feedback of employees regarding their company culture. “By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that EastWest Ageas stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees."

“EastWest Ageas is honored to be certified as a Great Place to Work™,” shares Lois Dalida, Chief People and Culture Officer. “We are deliberate about our employees’ professional and individual growth, and this milestone will only push us to do more in building their better tomorrow with us.”

One of EastWest Ageas’ initiatives to create a positive employee experience is its hybrid workplace culture. The insurer’s leaders created the WFH 2.0 program, which balances the needs of the business and employees. The head office’s progressive workplace practice only requires employees to be on-site twice a week. This showcase of mutual trust and accountability has led to a more attractive workplace with a hiring rate improvement of 5% and an attrition rate reduction by 6%.

EastWest Ageas also offers financial advisors world-class training and support to help them thrive in their roles. As one of the fast-rising new players in the insurance industry, East West Ageas is also open to fresh ideas, allowing employees to take the lead in innovation.

According to Great Place To Work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at a Certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at Certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work, and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company’s profits and have a fair chance at promotion.

HIRING!

Looking to grow your career at a company that puts its people first? Visit our careers page at: www.ewageas.com.ph

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Globe, Home Credit bring learning tools and free internet installation in one go

Globe, Home Credit bring learning tools and free internet installation in one go

Enjoy free GFiber Prepaid installation with every gadget purchase at over 5,000 Home Credit stores nationwide.

Filipino families can now enjoy free GFiber Prepaid UNLI internet with every purchase of a Sulit Skwela learning device, whether it’s a laptop, tablet, or mobile phone, through Home Credit. This unique partnership between Globe At Home and Home Credit brings together two everyday essentials: a reliable gadget for school and fast, dependable UNLI internet at home. All in one go, and on flexible payment terms.

“At Globe, we are committed to uplifting the lives of Filipinos, empowering them to access opportunities and grow,” shares Abigail Cardino, Vice President and Head of Brand Management for Globe Broadband. “This collaboration with Home Credit strengthens our shared goal of providing both the right tools and reliable connectivity for students, helping to ease the burden on families and support learners in achieving their dreams this school year.”

Here’s how it works:

1. Head to any of the 5,000+ Home Credit partner stores nationwide.
2. Avail a gadget through Home Credit and automatically qualify for free GFiber Prepaid installation. There’s no lock-up period, no monthly bills, and you’ll get prepaid UNLI fiber that you can load up whenever you need it.
3. Once you complete your purchase, scan a QR code to check if your area is serviceable.
4. If your area is serviceable, Globe will:

• Collect your details.
• Schedule your installation in as fast as 2 to 3 working days.

"This collaboration is truly about making meaningful change possible, directly addressing financial and digital inclusion gaps,” says Puneet Suneja, Chief Sales Officer of Home Credit Philippines. “With Home Credit's flexible financing options and Globe's fast, reliable GFiber Prepaid UNLI internet, we're bringing essential tools closer to Filipino homes, especially those who need them most. This initiative will help the Filipino youth achieve their dreams by ensuring they have the devices and connectivity they need to succeed in school and life.”

With Home Credit’s easy installment options and Globe’s affordable, fast, and reliable GFiber Prepaid UNLI internet, it’s never been simpler to gear up. Whether you're in the city or in the province, this offer is available nationwide. No contracts, zero installation fee, and no complicated steps.

Promo runs until July 30, 2025.

For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/GFPHomeCreditPR.

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Lhoopa Disrupts Real Estate Norms with 2.5x Growth in Affordable Home Sales

Lhoopa Disrupts Real Estate Norms with 2.5x Growth in Affordable Home Sales

Thousands of first-time Filipino homeowners turn to Lhoopa as housing gap grows

For millions of Filipino families, the aspiration to own a home feels out of reach. Proptech company Lhoopa is fundamentally reshaping this reality, reporting 2.5x more homes sold in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year. This surge reflects the company's growing momentum, helping almost 7,000 low- to middle-income Filipinos across 64 cities secure their own homes through its proprietary AI-enabled technology. 75% of these homeowners had no other option before discovering Lhoopa.

Making Homeownership Accessible at Scale

Lhoopa was founded in 2018 with a clear and vital mission: to streamline through technology the entire property journey, from acquisition to move-in, so homeownership becomes accessible to underserved communities at scale. “This mission guides our work every day, as we address the core challenges faced by aspiring homeowners,” said CEO and Co-Founder Marco Caillot.

Lhoopa's end-to-end model combines AI-powered land assessment and real-time supply-demand matching tools together with a growing network of decentralized partner contractors, brokers, and agents working on-ground. Through Lhoopa’s mobile applications, partners can access a suite of features to easily track and manage property listings, oversee construction progress, and monitor legal documentation and payments, just to name a few. Upon purchase, buyers are also assisted with their loan applications, closing the loop on an innovative system that drives efficiency while enabling scale where it's needed most: affordable housing.

“Our technology and network bring together available properties, accessible financing options, and user-friendly tools that simplify each step of the homeownership process,” Caillot added. “People need a straightforward and practical way to buy a home that doesn't leave them guessing or overwhelmed. Lhoopa is here to support them through this journey from start to finish.”

Building an Inclusive Housing Ecosystem

The average Lhoopa homebuyer has a monthly income of PHP 20,000 (about USD 350), a segment not fully served by traditional real estate systems. Lhoopa's impact is best seen in people like Mario and Yhang, both visually impaired massage therapists who recently bought their first home in Laguna, and Jennifer, a church caretaker who now lives with her family in their Cabanatuan home. “Malaking bagay yun samin na magkaroon ng sariling bahay [It’s a big deal for us to own a home],” Jennifer shared. “Talagang masasabi mong maiinvest mo sa pamilya mo, mabibigay mo sa anak mo [This is an investment for your family, something you can pass on to your children].” These are just some of the stories that reflect Lhoopa's firm commitment to homeownership for the underserved.

“We’re committed to building a more inclusive housing ecosystem, where more families can say, 'This home is ours’," Caillot highlighted. “Our focus now is to scale: continue enhancing our platform and expanding our network of local partners to further bridge the housing backlog, while helping more and more families access safe, quality, and affordable homeownership.”

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Visa Strengthens Presence in the Philippines with AI-Driven Commerce Solutions

Visa Strengthens Presence in the Philippines with AI-Driven Commerce Solutions

Visa, the global leader in digital payment technologies, is bringing next-generation AI-driven commerce solutions to Filipino consumers and businesses. With the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reporting that 50% of retail payments were digitized in 2023, the country is primed for more advanced, secure, and seamless payment experiences.

To meet the growing demand for smarter payment tools, Visa Philippines is rolling out a suite of AI-powered innovations that focus on flexibility, security, and acceptance—key components of a modern, inclusive digital economy.

“The Philippines has one of the fastest-growing digital payment ecosystems in Southeast Asia. With our latest AI technologies, we aim to support every Filipino—from MSMEs to online shoppers—with more secure and intuitive ways to pay and get paid,” said Jeffrey Navarro, Country Manager, Visa Philippines.

Visa Intelligent Commerce: Powering the Future of AI-Powered Payments

Leading Visa’s latest efforts is Visa Intelligent Commerce, a breakthrough initiative that enables developers and fintech platforms to integrate AI-based payment APIs into everyday platforms. This means Filipino consumers may soon experience AI that can automatically order meals, manage subscriptions, or book travel—all while ensuring secure Visa checkout integration.

Visa is also exploring partnerships with tech giants Ant International, Grab, and Tencent to expand intelligent commerce capabilities across Asia Pacific.

“Filipinos can look forward to more personalized, frictionless transactions powered by AI,” said Poojyata Khattar, Head of Product, Regional Southeast Asia, Visa. “Whether it’s reordering your favorite food on Grab or booking concert tickets, Visa’s payment network ensures every digital moment is secure and seamless.”

Strengthening Digital Payments in the Philippines

Visa is launching new services tailored for Filipino consumers, small business owners, and merchants:

Visa Pay

A groundbreaking service that links local e-wallets like Maya to Visa’s global network. Now, Filipinos can pay at millions of merchants worldwide—whether in-store or online—using just a tap, scan, or click.

Digital Identity Solutions

From Passkeys to Tap to Confirm, Visa is helping improve online security while reducing transaction friction. These tools ensure safer payments for Filipinos without compromising convenience.

Visa Accept

Designed for micro-sellers and freelancers, this tool lets vendors accept contactless Visa payments through their smartphones—no additional hardware required. This feature will benefit informal businesses and self-employed Filipinos looking for simple ways to get paid.

New Payment Options for a New Generation

Visa continues to innovate with products that resonate with Millennials and Gen Z in the Philippines:

Visa Flex Credential

This multi-functional card lets users switch between debit, credit, and rewards in real-time. Originally launched in Japan, Flex is now being explored with partners across Southeast Asia, and may soon arrive in the Philippines.

Stablecoin Support & Tokenized Assets

Visa is leading the charge in crypto-friendly payments, offering stablecoin-backed cards and settlement services. In Asia Pacific, Visa has already processed over $225 million in stablecoin settlements and is collaborating with regional players like StraitsX and DTC Pay.

Through its Visa Tokenized Asset Platform (VTAP), Visa is also working to make blockchain-based payments and cross-border money movement more accessible for banks and fintechs in the region.

Collaboration is Key

Visa’s success in delivering innovation to the Philippines relies on strategic partnerships with local banks, merchants, acquirers, and government institutions.

“These collaborations help us ensure that our global innovations create real, local impact,” said Navarro. “From empowering SMEs to enabling next-gen payments, we’re committed to helping the Philippines lead in the future of digital commerce.”

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