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Meralco receives 3 Golden Arrow awards for outstanding good governance
Recognizing its remarkable corporate governance practices, the Manila Electric Company has once again received a three-arrow recognition from the Institute of Corporate Directors during the Golden Arrow Awards held on 28 September. The prestigious accolade came as a result of Meralco’s outstanding performance in the 2022 ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard assessment, reflecting the company’s conformance with the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission’s Code of Corporate Governance for Publicly-Listed Companies, as well as internationally recommended corporate governance practices as espoused by the ACGS. ACGS is an evaluation tool developed by the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum to assess the governance framework of publicly listed companies in the region. This assessment covers various aspects, including board responsibilities, shareholder rights, disclosure and transparency, and stakeholder management. This recognition serves as a testament to the company’s unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance. By excelling in the ACGS assessment, Meralco has demonstrated its commitment to operating with integrity and safeguarding the interests of its shareholders and stakeholders. Through the award, Meralco highlights the importance of good corporate governance in today’s business environment. It serves as a reminder to all publicly listed companies that adherence to rigorous corporate governance standards is essential to ensure sustainable success and foster good relationships among investors, customers, and the community they serve. The post Meralco receives 3 Golden Arrow awards for outstanding good governance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Meralco receives 3-Golden Arrow Award for Outstanding Corporate Governance
Recognizing its remarkable corporate governance practices, the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has once again received a three-arrow recognition from the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) during the Golden Arrow Awards held on 28 September 2023. The prestigious accolade came as a result of Meralco’s outstanding performance in the 2022 ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS) assessment, reflecting the company’s conformance with the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission’s Code of Corporate Governance for Publicly-Listed Companies, as well as internationally recommended corporate governance practices as espoused by the ACGS. ACGS is an evaluation tool developed by the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum to assess the governance framework of publicly listed companies in the region. This assessment covers various aspects including board responsibilities, shareholder rights, disclosure and transparency, and stakeholder management. This recognition serves as a testament to the company's unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance. By excelling in the ACGS assessment, Meralco has demonstrated its commitment to operating with integrity and safeguarding the interests of its shareholders and stakeholders. Through the award, Meralco highlights the importance of good corporate governance in today’s business environment. It serves as a reminder to all publicly listed companies that adherence to rigorous corporate governance standards is essential to ensure sustainable success and to foster a good relationship among investors, customers, and the community that they serve. The post Meralco receives 3-Golden Arrow Award for Outstanding Corporate Governance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Thousands of rice farmers treated to PhilRice field day
Thousands of farmers across the country had been feted in the traditional Lakbay Palay field festival, where all eight stations of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) opened their doors for farmers to personally view the progress and benefits of the latest palay seeds technologies done in the premier rice research institute of the country. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development Leocadio Sebastian said the dry season Lakbay Palay is held every March or April and the wet season every September or October. Sebastian said the participants toured the 140 hectares of PhilRice field in Science City, Nueva Ecija. The farmers also had the chance to look into the available seeds and soil nutrients of the private sector exhibitors during the two-day festival from 27 to 28 September. Farmers learn PhilRice-developed technologies which include Palayamanan system, a rice-based farming system they can adopt to lessen the economic effects of El Nino, high yielding varieties and farm machinery, according to DA official. He added that about 10 public and private agencies and cooperatives also pledged their support to the “BIDA RiceBIS, Be the rice’s best” movement, which aims to increase farmers’ market opportunities. The regular Lakbay Palay, which started in 1992 as Farmers’ Field Day, was changed into Lakbay Palay in 2012 under the administration of PhilRice Executive Director Eufemio T. Rasco Jr. It held before October each year or the start of the planting season for the dry season crop. The 2023 Lakbay Palay wet season festival was simultaneously held in all eight stations of PhilRice with the biggest festival held at the PhilRice Central Experiment Station in Munoz, Nueva Ecija. The other stations that held simultaneous Lakbay Palay were Batac, Isabela, Los Banos, Bicol, Negros, Agusan and Midsayap. The farmers that attended on both days of the Lakbay Palay in Nueva Ecija were from Zambales, Bulacan, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Tarlac and Aurora provinces. The farmers were divided into 500 persons a day but the number was exceeded on the second day as many walk-ins showed up. PhilRice Executive Director Dr. John de Leon said farmers are welcome to visit the 140-hectare research and development farm and the new Crop Protection Division for any of their inquiries and concerns. PhilRice Deputy Executive Director for Development Dr. Karen Barroga urged the farmers to work in clusters so they could meet the required rice volumes of potential private sector partners for their produce. She cited the case of Negros Occidental farmer-cooperative who is now selling 500 bags a week to Merzci, a famous palalubong and fastfood chain in the region for its business and corporate social responsibility activities. This was made possible through the Rice BIS (Business Innovation System) of PhilRice, which links farmers to private sector buyers so they can enjoy better market prices for their produce. Another partnership was forged by PhilRice between the farmers of Zambales and Bicol who are now supplying the Kiwanis International for their feeding programs for poor communities, she said. Dr. Val Perdido, who represented Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian for Rice Industry Development, exhorted the farmers to improve their yields using both new technologies and better farming practices so the country can meet its food sufficiency and nutritional goals and improve the farmers’ incomes. He said Nueva Ecija farmers have proven yields of six tons a hectare but most other areas produce four tons or less. He mentioned that the Department of Agriculture is giving production assistance to farmers (in fertilizers and biofertilizers) in addition to the certified seeds, training and machineries provided under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) program. A farmer cooperative officer, Vincent Gonzales of St. Vincent Parish Multupurpose Cooperative in Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya narrated to the participants that their coop was founded in 1979 by a Belgian priest to help farmers– who borrow from loan sharks for their daily subsistence with a capital from 400 members of P4,000 has now grown to 5,600 members with a total material asset of P424 million. The coop is now able to support members through loans and social development activity, scholarship grants, medical assistance and food packs (for the disabled and the aged). It had received numerous awards including the Most Outstanding SIPAG award in 2022 from Senator Cynthia Villar. The post Thousands of rice farmers treated to PhilRice field day appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
600 checkpoints net over 15 Comelec gun ban violators: PNP
Around 15 persons have been apprehended since the start of the Commission on Elections' gun ban on Monday during the first day of filing of the certificate of candidacy for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said on Tuesday. Acorda said since implementing the gun ban, 15 firearms have been confiscated from more than 600 checkpoints nationwide. The establishment of checkpoints was carried out under Comelec Resolution No. 10924 to effectively implement the ban on firearms and other deadly weapons during the 90-day election period from 28 August to 29 November. The resolution prohibits the bearing, carrying or transporting of firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, including any building, street, park, private vehicle or public conveyance, or even if licensed to possess or carry the same, unless authorized by the Comelec. Acorda also said he has ordered a probe and has a person of interest in the incident that happened in Libon town in Albay where the victim Alex Repato, reelectionist captain of Barangay San Jose, was shot dead by still unidentified assailants in his residence at around 5 p.m. Monday, just hours after he filed his candidacy. “It is unfortunate in Albay we have one case of shooting but we already have a person of interest there and tinututukan ng ating kapulisan. What happened in Albay is election-related but I want to get first 'yung talagang official result of the investigation,” Acorda said on the sidelines of the National Capital Region Police Office's commemoration of its 122nd Police Service anniversary at Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan Taguig City. Addressing the event, Acorda lauded the NCRPO's dedication to the PNP's agenda, which includes the relentless pursuit of justice, commitment to excellence and fostering deep connections with the communities under their care. He extended his congratulations and recognition to the men and women of the NCRPO for their invaluable contributions to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of the nation's capital. The ceremony was also marked by the presentation of awards to outstanding officers and units within the NCRPO. The awards recognized excellence across various categories, including community engagement, crime prevention and exceptional acts of valor. The NCRPO's Northern Police District, Eastern Police District, Manila Police District, Southern Police District and Quezon City Police District were feted for their outstanding contributions. The post 600 checkpoints net over 15 Comelec gun ban violators: PNP appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Belmonte named Presidential Lingkod-Bayan awardee
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has been named regional winner of the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award from the Civil Service Commission National Capital Region for its 2023 Search for Outstanding Government Workers. The certificate, issued 19 May and presented yesterday, was signed by CSC NCR Committee Chairperson Judith Dongallo-Chicano and Committee Members Maverick Sevilla, Joselito Florendo, Hans Alcantara, and Vlademir Villacorta, in recognition of Belmonte’s outstanding performance as a public servant. “We thank the CSC for this big honor. This is not for me but for all our city government workers serving our QCitizens,” Belmonte said. “If not for them, we would have not received this recognition for our service, programs and projects,” she added. Established by virtue of Executive Order No. 508, s-1992, the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award is given for outstanding work performance and contributors with national impact. According to the CSC process, the names of the regional winners will then be forwarded to the Honor Awards Program National Secretariat for review before a national qualifier will be determined. The Committee on Awards for the Presidential Lingkod Bayan and CSC Pagasa, and the Committee on the Outstanding Public Officials and Employees (Dangal ng Bayan) Award will deliberate at the national level. The said committees are composed of government officials appointed by the President of the Philippines, members of the Commission, heads of constitutional bodies, and prominent Filipino citizens who are not in government service. The semifinalists will be determined after the first round of deliberations and they will undergo background investigation to verify their accomplishments, as well as clearances from appropriate government agencies. These will be considered during the second round of deliberations before the list of finalists is submitted to the Office of the President for vetting and approval. Several QC government officials, led by City Administrator Michael Alimurung, were also nominated for the Pagasa Award, along with Chief of Staff Rowena Macatao, Business Permits, and Licensing Department Head Margarita Santos, City Engineer Atty. Dale Perral, and City Treasurer Edgar Villanueva. The late traffic enforcer Jeffrey Antolin was also nominated for the Dangal ng Bayan Award for giving his life to save a commuter from harm. The post Belmonte named Presidential Lingkod-Bayan awardee appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
National Nutrition Council-NCR Confers on Muntinlupa Green Banner Seal of Compliance
The City of Muntinlupa has been awarded its third Green Banner Seal of Compliance by the NNC-NCR in recognition of its efforts to combat malnutrition, especially among children. In addition, the city garnered 9 special awards and 2 outstanding and finalist nominations on nutrition focal points or program implementers in various nutrition programs and policies. Recognized as well was Riane Grace H. Gatmaitan, a Grade 7 student of the Tunasan National High School, as the Grand Winner in the On-the-Spot Poster Making Contest conducted by the NNC-NCR in this year's Nutrition Month Celebration. "Congratulations Muntinlupa!" Mayor Ruffy Biazon said. "This is a positive validation of our efforts to eliminate malnutrition in the city. There is still much to be done, but for now, we wish to recognize all the hard work of our local nutrition and health workers to make this recognition possible," he added. The Green Banner Seal of Compliance (GBSC) is given by the NNC to local government units (LGUs) with programs and policies that have shown a significant impact on the local nutrition situation of the community. An LGU may be given the Seal by posting an overall accomplishment of at least 85 percent on specific nutrition parameters. As such, Muntinlupa earned the GBSC as well as the special awards of Best LGU in nine major categories: 1) Compliance and Dissemination of National Laws and Issuances on Nutrition; 2) Implementation of Infant and Young Child Feeding Program; 3) Implementation of Nutrition Promotion for Behavior Change; 4) Implementation of Micronutrient Supplementation Program; 5) Implementation of Mandatory Food Fortification Program; 6) Implementation of Nutrition in Emergencies Program; 7) Implementation of Overweight and Obesity Management and Prevention Program; Implementation of Nutrition Sensitive Programs; and 9) Documentation of Nutrition Programs. In addition, the NNC-NCR recognized Muntinlupa's Dr. Magdalena C. Meana as the 2022 Regional Outstanding City Nutrition Action Officer (CNAO), Alicia A. Tanabe as Regional Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS), and City Nutrition Program Coordinator (CNPC) Leah Faith M. Macabulos as a finalist for the Regional Outstanding CNPC for the National Capital Region. The NNC recognizes outstanding BNSs for their groundwork and implementation of their local nutrition programs. Moreover, a GBSC awardee is in the running for the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner on Nutrition (CROWN) award at the national level and should maintain excellent performance for three consecutive years. Reference: Noemi Gonzales, Public Information Office - Muntinlupa Contact Number: 8-8867091 The post National Nutrition Council-NCR Confers on Muntinlupa Green Banner Seal of Compliance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fortman Cline declared Best M& A Advisory Team in SE Asia
Fortman Cline Capital Markets was recently named the Best Mergers and Acquisitions Advisory Team in Southeast Asia for 2023 by Capital Finance International, a premier London-based print journal and online resource for business, economics and finance. In recognition of FCCM’s work as a corporate finance advisory and consulting firm, CFI wrote that the firm has “demonstrated a track record on assisting entrepreneurs and family businesses achieve transformational growth via joint ventures, external fund-raising placements, and inorganic acquisitions.” “In addition, it has assisted a number of entrepreneurs monetize their businesses via strategic transactions with responsible partners that could transform businesses towards a larger scale. The team has also developed specialized practices in healthcare, consumer businesses, infrastructure, and logistics. It has complemented its workforce with industry professionals,” CFI further said. The CFI award program aims to demonstrate “the many ways in which the economies of the world are converging” and the awards are given to individuals and organizations “that truly add value.” This is the second time that CFI has bestowed the recognition to FCCM. The first time was in 2019. That same year, FCCM was also given the Most Innovative Solutions Provider Award from International Finance, Inc. FCCM has been ranked as one of the top M&A firms in the Philippines by Bloomberg and in Southeast Asia by Thomson Reuters. “Having meaningful dialogues with our clients over a company’s lifecycle is very important. This develops customer loyalty, and annuity like revenue streams vis-à-vis a transaction-oriented approach to business,” said FCCM president and co-founder Daniel D. Ibasco. FCCM acted as one of the two financial advisers of Professional Services Inc., the company that owns The Medical City, as it recently sealed the deal with Luxembourg-based CVC Capital Partners. The deal will involve a control entry by CVC over the hospital’s Philippine assets and operations through a combination of convertible notes and secondary share purchases via an ongoing tender offer. FCCM has also assisted PSI in refinancing $146 million worth of guaranteed obligations of its subsidiary in Guam with non-recourse long-term debt from a syndicate of South Korean lenders. FCCM has assisted TMC grow into one of the largest healthcare networks in the Philippines through a series of multiple transactions performed for TMC over the last 10 years. In November 2022, FCCM advised TMC on the issuance of up to P12.7 billion of convertible notes to Universal Healthcare Services, Pte., Ltd., which is managed by CVC. The move is part of the hospital’s recapitalization program. “The current industry environment is ripe with opportunity driven by a demand for quality healthcare services, an increase in healthcare spending, and a growing middle class population,” Ibasco said. Prior to the CVC-TMC deal, FCCM advised Mang Inasal Philippines Inc. on its sale of a 70-percent stake to Jollibee Foods Corporation, and All First Equity Holdings on its acquisition of a 60-percent equity stake in Philippine Geothermal Production Company, Inc. from Chevron Geothermal Philippines Holdings, LLC (USA). The firm was also the financial advisor of San Miguel Corporation’s acquisition of Citra Tollways’ interest in the Southern Luzon Expressway, the sale of Air 21 Group to AC Logistics Holdings Corporation, the sale of 51% of The Generics Pharmacy to Robinson Retail Holdings, Inc., Bounty Fresh Food Inc.’s $300 million acquisition of Tegel Foods Ltd. in New Zealand, Fernwood Holdings, Inc.’s acquisition of a 100-percent stake in Liquigaz Philippine Corporation, and more. Before founding FCCM along with Gary P. Cheng in 2007, Ibasco headed Asian Capital Markets and Southeast Asian Investment Banking for Bear Stearns and Co. in Singapore and Hong Kong. He has over 30 years of experience in investment banking, debt and equity capital markets, private and venture equity and special situations, specializing in emerging markets and Southeast Asia. Cheng, on the other hand, is currently the Managing Director of FCCM. He was the president and CEO of Amalgamated Investment Bancorporation and has worked with J.P. Morgan in New York, Hong Kong, and London. Ibasco and Cheng are joined in the top executive positions by Clarisse T. Tan and Michael C. Tiutan, Executive Directors for the Investment Banking Group. Earlier in the year, FCCM established a management consulting arm under the leadership of Francis S. Del Val, who has more than three decades of global executive experience. The post Fortman Cline declared Best M&A Advisory Team in SE Asia appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kudos, Dr. Eric Olivarez (2)
Yesterday I was asked how sure I was that the resident auditor was true and correct in his conclusions about the accounts and results of the financial operations of Parañaque City as of 31 December 2022. As sure as the rising sun, I said. I explained that the audit covered areas by the instructions of the Assistant Commissioner and the Director of the National Capital Region, both Local Government Sector of the Commission on Audit through the memoranda they issue, in addition to the areas identified during the risk assessment for the audit of the accounts and transactions during the year. The observations presented and discussed in the report are residual issues and addressed after the issuance of the Audit Observation Memorandum together with the recommended courses of action, management’s comments, and the auditor’s rejoinder, where appropriate. It is very clear, therefore, that the audit report is not the product of the audit team alone but of the Commission on Audit and the management. Dr. Eric continues to reap the rewards of his toil, the following significant accomplishments: Major projects completed: Construction of Fisherman’s Wharf; Construction of various school buildings; Construction of various multi-purpose halls; Construction of various child development centers; Construction of daycare centers. Various awards and recognitions the city received: Good Financial Housekeeping Passer for CY 2022; Sixth Place in Top 10 Highest Locally Sourced Revenues among Cities during the National Top Performing Provinces, Cities, and Municipalities in Local Revenue Generation for Fiscal Year 2021; Gawad Kalasag Seal of Excellence for being Beyond Compliant for garnering a rating of 2.66 in the Gawad Kalasag Seal for Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils and Offices Category for CY 2022; Certificate of Recognition for outstanding performance during the Vax Baby Vax Campaign (Routine Catch Up Immunization Activity) by achieving 122.16 percent vaccination coverage of the targeted eligible population; Green Banner Seal of Compliance Award; Special Award for Best Local Government Unit in Nutrition Governance; Special Award on Best Local Government Unit in the Implementation of National Dietary Supplementation Program; Special Award for Best Local Government Unit in the Performance of Nutrition Management Functions; Special Award on Best Local Government Unit in the Implementation of Philippine Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition Program; Special Award on Best Local Government Unit in the Implementation of Nutrition Promotion Program for Behavior Change in CY 2022 Regional Nutrition Awards; Certificate of Recognition 1st Place — Most Exemplary in Disaster Response Operations Reporting (Pinakamahusay na Pag-uulat ng mga Operasyong Pangsakuna); Certificate of Recognition 2nd Place in the Most Exemplary in Yearly Accomplishment (Pinakamahusay sa Taonang Pagsasakatuparan) Response Operations Category; Certificate of Recognition 1st Place in Most Exemplary in Advocacy Campaigns (Pinakamahusay sa Adbokasiya); and Certificate of Appreciation for invaluable support during the conduct of Listahan 3rd Round National Household Assessment. There are still 302 lots with Transfer Certificates of Title or TCTs that have not been transferred in the name of the city casting doubt on the existence and ownership by the city. The International Public Sector Accounting Standard or IPSAS 17 on Property, Plant and Equipment provides the guidelines for the measurement of recognition of PPE. With little more hard work on research and dedication by the City Accounting Office and the continued guidance on the enabling law and jurisprudence as bases for transferring land titles in the name of the city, who knows, by next year, there might be another ten billion pesos added to the city’s assets and equity. Section 39 (2) of PD No. 1445 states that in the case of deeds to property purchased by any government agency, the Commission shall require a certificate of title entered in favor of the government or other evidence satisfactory to it that the title is in the government. (To be continued) The post Kudos, Dr. Eric Olivarez (2) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pueblo de Oro launches condo project in CDO
WESTWOODS Storeys will offer a total of 989 residential units, including 25-sqm studio-type and 56-sqm two-bedroom mode PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF pueblo de Oro Development Corporation THE property stands out among other condominium projects with its expansive layout on a large land area. Pueblo de Oro Development Corporation, the residential development arm of Investment & Capital Corporation of the Philippines Group, has recently launched a P3-billion mid-rise condominium project in Barangay Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City. Dubbed Westwoods Storeys, the project consists of seven towers, each with six or seven floors, and is set on a 5.2-hectare plot amidst the protected urban rainforest of Pueblo de Oro. “Westwoods Storeys will contribute to mitigating the housing backlog, particularly in the City of Cagayan de Oro,” the company said. It will offer a total of 989 residential units, including 25-sqm studio-type and 56-sqm two-bedroom models with introductory prices ranging from P4 million to P8.9 million. Westwoods Storeys stands out among other condominium projects with its expansive layout on a large land area, providing a less crowded environment. It is thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding rainforest, promoting environmental preservation that offers unit owners a harmonious connection to nature. Westwood Storeys also features a range of amenities, such as swimming pools, a playground, a multi-sport court, landscaped meditation decks, nature trails, rain gardens, pocket greenscapes, a family picnic area and a guardhouse with 24/7 security. Westwoods Storeys offers convenient proximity to various landmarks such, as SM City CDO Uptown shopping mall, St. Francis Xavier Parish Church, Xavier University-Pueblo de Oro Campus and the soon-to-open The Hub at Bamboo Lane commercial center. The whole development is expected to cost P3 billion, with the first tower set for turnover in 2026. Westwoods Storeys is Pueblo de Oro’s next vertical housing project following the successful Familia Apartments and Familia Apartments at Bamboo Lane. The latter received the Special-Purpose Development of the Year-Philippines award in the 2021 Real Estate Asia Awards. The post Pueblo de Oro launches condo project in CDO appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AirAsia tagged best low-cost airline
AirAsia has been voted the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2023 or Skytrax for an unprecedented 14th consecutive time. The final award results covered 325 airlines ranked according to quality and excellence, with AirAsia taking first place in its category. From September 2022 to May 2023, when AirAsia progressively expanded its network to over 130 locations, more than 100 different nationalities of visitors participated in the online poll, with 20.23 million entries. AirAsia said that the recognition comes as a resounding testament to the airline’s recovery and robust growth in its routes and passengers carried, along with an unwavering commitment to innovation and providing exceptional service despite the challenges brought about by the global pandemic. As a result, AirAsia once again remains the top low-cost airline for travelers seeking the best value and choice. Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes said that in accepting the honor on Tuesday at a ceremony held at the Paris Air Show 2023 in France: “We are incredibly proud and grateful for this meaningful award given to us by the Skytrax coordinators, voters, and the incredible supporters of AirAsia. Receiving an award of excellence for 14 years running is a remarkable achievement, one that fills our hearts with joy and humility. This is an extraordinary feat for any company in any industry, even one as competitive as aviation,” Fernandes added. Respondents’ favorite Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted said that AirAsia is a survey passenger favorite and has delivered a remarkable degree of consistency year-on-year since the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline category was introduced to the awards program in 2010. The recognition from customers should be a great source of pride for the airline management and staff in what has been a difficult period as travel returns after the Covid pandemic. The post AirAsia tagged best low-cost airline appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
24 microentrepreneurs go digital to grow business, receive additional capital
Twenty-four microentrepreneurs were recognized at the Digital Financial Inclusion Awards (DFIA) for adopting digital solutions that helped them upscale, innovate and grow their business......»»
Property firm bags shelter dev’t plums
In an acknowledgement of its desire to contribute to the government’s efforts to end the country’s housing backlog, P.A. Alvarez Properties and Development Corporation or P.A. Properties bagged two awards from the Home Development Mutual Fund. Last 12 May, P.A. Properties was recognized by Pag-IBIG as Northern Luzon’s Top 8 Pag-IBIG Fund Accredited Developer for 2022, as well as the Highest Performing Loans Ratio among Pag-IBIG Fund Accredited Developers in North Luzon. The awards were personally received by P.A. Properties’ president and CEO Atty. Marianne Reyna Lina-Cruz with P.A. Properties’ VP for Documentation and Collection Evelyn Buco at Pag-IBIG Fund Stakeholder’s Accomplishment Report for 2022. Among top developers The company had previously been recognized by Pag-IBIG as one of their top developers at the 2022 Pag-IBIG Fund Stakeholders’ Accomplishment Report or StAR, ranking 7th in the National Capital Region and 8th in Northern Luzon from Q1-Q3. They also ranked 9th for Pag-IBIG Fund’s Accredited Developer Excellence Award for 2022 last 24 March 2023 during the Pag-IBIG chairman’s Report for 2022. P.A. Properties is one of the rapidly expanding real estate developers in the country. The company has successfully completed the development of more than 180 hectares of land and constructed over 20,000 housing and condominium units across 40 communities located in Laguna, Batangas, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga and Metro Manila. The post Property firm bags shelter dev’t plums appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
24 microentrepreneurs go digital to grow business, receive additional capital
Twenty-four microentrepreneurs were recognized at the Digital Financial Inclusion Awards (DFIA) for adopting digital solutions that helped them upscale, innovate and grow their business......»»
Security Bank wins ‘Best for High-Net-Worth Clients’ award for third year
Security Bank Corporation was recognized anew as the Philippines’ Best for High Net Worth Clients at the 2022 Asiamoney Asia Private Banking Awards, making it three consecutive yearly wins for the bank. According to Asiamoney, “Technological disruption is a big part of the overall strategy. Security Bank constantly provides better, faster and safer digital access for clients for their portfolios and review services.” Security Bank launched its wealth management proposition in 2017 to offer clients personalized financial solutions geared toward their goals and objectives. The bank’s Wealth Management division was recognized in 2021 and 2022 for its ability to expand its client base despite economic and global events that affected the financial industry. “This year-on-year recognition from Asiamoney only proves that we are making the right investments in what matters to our customers. We excel in the personal approach we take for each client — they really feel that they are being serviced, that someone is really there taking care of their portfolio," said Binky Mirabueno, Wealth Management Head. In growing its client base and AUM, Security Bank’s wealth management business leverages on the strengths of the bank’s core businesses. These include the bank’s branch network reach and the product offerings from Treasury, Trust and Asset Management Group, stock brokerage through SB Equities, and investment banking services through SB Capital. “During the five-year period from 2017 to the end of September 2022, the private bank’s Assets under Management and customer base rose 44 percent and 40 percent respectively, on a compound annual growth rate basis,” added Asiamoney. “Service differentiation is a key to our continued recognition as 'Best Bank for High-Net-Worth Clients' in the Philippines. This recognition is proof that we are on the right track to fulfill our goal of becoming the most-customer centric bank in the Philippines,” said Executive Vice President and Branch Banking Head Leslie Cham. To know more about Security Bank’s recent awards, visit www.securitybank.com/awards or its Facebook page www.facebook.com/SecurityBank. The post Security Bank wins ‘Best for High-Net-Worth Clients’ award for third year appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Security Bank recognized as Diversity Champion, Talent Insights Pioneer
Security Bank Corporation won the “Diversity Champion” and “Talent Insights Pioneer” awards at the recently concluded 2022 LinkedIn Talent Awards. These recognitions were given to successful organizations who have made a significant impact using LinkedIn Talent Solutions. “The 2022 LinkedIn Talent Awards recognize the companies leading the future of work by demonstrating remarkable adaptability, innovation and creativity throughout one of the most challenging years for talent,” said LinkedIn. The “Diversity Champion” Award is given to companies who initiated and inspired meaningful conversations around Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging and Equity, while the “Talent Insights Pioneer” is given to companies who utilize LinkedIn to make informed talent decisions with real-time insights. Aside from the two wins, the Bank was also named a finalist for the Learning Champion category, in companies with 5,000 to 10,000 employees, an award that the Bank won in 2021. Security Bank is the first local bank to have an existing partnership with LinkedIn Learning. On top of its comprehensive internal learning initiatives, Security Bank employees enjoy unlimited, on-demand access to thousands of LinkedIn Learning courses. They can choose from a wide range of topics to help them upskill and learn new things for their personal and professional development. “At the center of this recognition are our employees for their hard work and commitment to fulfill our mission of becoming the most customer-centric bank in the country. Despite the challenges faced by the banking industry with high inflation and other external factors, we will continue to move forward to become an employer of choice in Philippine Banking,” said Security Bank senior vice president and head of Human Capital Management Nerissa Berba. Recently, Security Bank was feted by UK-based financial magazine Retail Banker International for “Excellence in Employee Engagement.” The post Security Bank recognized as Diversity Champion, Talent Insights Pioneer appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SecurityBank workplace lauded
Security Bank Corp was hailed “Diversity Champion” and “Talent Insights Pioneer” at the recent LinkedIn Talent Awards. These recognitions were given to successful organizations who have made a significant impact using LinkedIn Talent Solutions. “The 2022 LinkedIn Talent Awards recognize the companies leading the future of work by demonstrating remarkable adaptability, innovation and creativity throughout one of the most challenging years for talent,” said LinkedIn. The “Diversity Champion” Award is given to companies who initiated and inspired meaningful conversations around diversity, inclusion, belonging and equity, while the “Talent Insights Pioneer” Award is given to companies that utilize LinkedIn to make informed talent decisions with real-time insights. Aside from the two wins, the bank was also named a finalist for the Learning Champion category, in companies with 5,000 to 10,000 employees, an award that the bank won in 2021. Security Bank is the first local bank to have an existing partnership with LinkedIn Learning. On top of its comprehensive internal learning initiatives, Security Bank employees enjoy unlimited, on-demand access to thousands of LinkedIn learning courses. They can choose from a wide range of topics to help them upskill and learn new things for their personal and professional development. “At the center of this recognition are our employees, who are recognized for their hard work and commitment to fulfill our mission of becoming the most customer-centric bank in the country. Despite the challenges faced by the banking industry with high inflation and other external factors, we will continue to move forward to become an employer of choice in Philippine Banking”, says Security Bank Senior Vice President and Head of Human Capital Management Nerissa Berba. Recently, Security Bank was feted by UK-based financial magazine, Retail Banker International for excellence in employee engagement. The post SecurityBank workplace lauded appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Prince Harry, Meghan in ‘near catastrophic’ New York car chase
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle were involved in a "near catastrophic car chase" involving paparazzi in New York, a spokesperson for the couple said Wednesday. The pair were uninjured in the incident Tuesday night, which came almost 26 years after the Paris car crash that killed Harry's mother, Princess Diana, which Harry blames on paparazzi. The New York chase occurred after Harry, 38, and Meghan, 41, attended an awards ceremony in America's financial capital with Meghan's mother Doria Ragland. "Last night, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Ms. Ragland were involved in a near catastrophic car chase at the hands of a ring of highly aggressive paparazzi," the spokesperson said in a statement emailed to AFP. "This relentless pursuit, lasting over two hours, resulted in multiple near collisions involving other drivers on the road, pedestrians, and two NYPD officers," the spokesperson added. A source close to the couple said Meghan and Harry were pursued by half a dozen blacked out vehicles with "unidentified people driving recklessly and endangering the convoy and everyone around them." "The chase could have been fatal," the source added, claiming a number of possible traffic violations including driving on the sidewalk, running red lights, and reversing down a one-way street, were committed. A spokesperson for the New York Police Department said "numerous photographers" had made the couple's journey "challenging." "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived at their destination and there were no reported collisions, summonses, injuries, or arrests in regard," deputy commissioner Julian Phillips told AFP. Harry has long had a difficult relationship with the media. He blames press intrusion for causing the death of his mother in a car crash in a tunnel in Paris in 1997 while she was being pursued by paparazzi. In a US television interview earlier this year, he recalled seeing the final photos of her and realizing that the last thing she saw before she died was photographers taking her picture. Harry and Meghan, an American former TV actress, sensationally quit royal family duties in early 2020 and moved from Britain to the United States, in part because of intense media scrutiny. The younger son of King Charles III has been involved in several legal cases against British newspaper publishers since moving to California. 'Dangerous' Last week the publisher of the tabloid The Mirror, which Harry accuses of unlawful information gathering, apologized "unreservedly" and said the prince was entitled to "appropriate compensation." It did not provide further details. Harry is also pursuing claims against the publisher of The Sun and the publisher of the Daily Mail. Those cases will be decided later this year. Harry and Meghan had attended the Ms. Foundation for Women ceremony in New York where Meghan received an award and were staying at a private residence. The couple's spokesperson added that "while being a public figure comes with a level of interest from the public, it should never come at the cost of anyone's safety." "Dissemination of these images, given the ways in which they were obtained, encourages a highly intrusive practice that is dangerous to all in involved," it said. Mayor Eric Adams said he found it "hard to believe that there was a two-hour high speed chase," through the Big Apple but added that even "a 10-minute chase is extremely dangerous in New York City." "We have a lot of traffic, a lot of movement. A lot of people are using our streets. Any type of high-speed chase is inappropriate," he told reporters. Harry carried out several TV interviews this year to promote his best-selling memoir "Spare," which has broken publishing records. In the book and subsequent interviews, Harry aired a barrage of criticism at other royals, including elder brother Prince William. He claimed William physically attacked him during an argument about Meghan and also detailed his strained relationship with his father, King Charles. Harry attended his father's coronation earlier this month without Meghan, who remained in California with the couple's two children. Harry was not given a formal role in the ceremony and was absent from the royal procession through central London. Nor did he join other members of the royal family on the Buckingham Palace balcony. The post Prince Harry, Meghan in ‘near catastrophic’ New York car chase appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Diane von Furstenberg: From Brussels to the big time in the States
Diane von Furstenberg is a US fashion icon. But she never forgot her Belgian roots -- as evidenced by a return to Brussels, the city of her birth, to celebrate a half-century of her glamorous career. "I really lived an American dream as a young European and it was fascinating," the 76-year-old told AFP in an interview as the Belgian capital puts on an exhibition of her work. The show, at Brussels' Fashion and Lace Museum, is the first exhibition in Europe dedicated to the Belgian-American designer, organizers said. Naturally, pride of place goes to von Furstenberg's signature wrap dress, which made her famous as soon as it went on sale in 1973, three years after she made New York her home. Sought after for its simplicity and practicality, the soft jersey wrap dress has been made in several dozen iterations in bright colors, making it an enduring feature in celebrity wardrobes. "It makes a woman confident. And if you are confident, you are beautiful," von Furstenberg said with a wide smile. "The jersey: very practical. Doesn't crinkle. You put in a print that moves and moves with your body. That all of a sudden makes beautiful curves in your body. The shape: very simple." At age 25, von Furstenberg was making 25,000 dresses a week to keep up with demand. Her star never dimmed, enabling her to go into philanthropy and support her view of herself as "a big feminist". That's a theme informing the Brussels exhibition, which is titled "Woman Before Fashion". "What is most important to me is to use my voice, my experience, my knowledge, my resources, my connections in order to help other women to be the women they want to be," she said. 'A miracle' With her second husband, US media billionaire Barry Diller, von Furstenberg runs a foundation that annually hands out awards to personalities seen as inspiring other women. For her own sources of inspiration, she cites first above all her mother, a survivor of the Nazi concentration camps who incarnated, for her, combativeness and a desire for freedom. Liliane Halfin, nee Nahmias, came from a Greek-Jewish family. She was deported to Auschwitz in Poland and then to the Ravensbrueck camp in Germany as a young bride in her 20s. When she was freed in 1945 she weighed less than 25 kilograms (55 pounds) and was in such poor condition that doctors recommended she postpone having children. "She was a skeleton amongst ashes. She went to concentration camps and she wasn't supposed to survive," von Furstenberg said, adding that her own birth 18 months later was "a miracle". After the end of World War II her parents settled in Brussels, where the future designer, then named Diane Halfin, lived until age 14 before going to boarding school in Switzerland and England. It was during her university studies that she met her first husband, a jet-setting European prince named Eduard Egon von Furstenberg, whose name she kept after their divorce. That name is now indelibly linked to the world of fashion. For the curator of the Brussels exhibition, Nicolas Lor, one of the keys to the success of the Diane von Furstenberg label was the combination of a dress of typically European style with material that offered comfortable wear. "She mixed the concept of the little dress that was thought up in the 1920s with the principles of sportswear and comfort that clearly defined apparel in the United States," explained Lor, a French fashion expert who has worked at Chanel and Christian Dior. "For me, she was American," he smiled. The exhibition runs to January next year. The post Diane von Furstenberg: From Brussels to the big time in the States appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Diane von Furstenberg: From Brussels to the big time in the States
Diane von Furstenberg is a US fashion icon. But she never forgot her Belgian roots -- as evidenced by a return to Brussels, the city of her birth, to celebrate a half-century of her glamorous career. "I really lived an American dream as a young European and it was fascinating," the 76-year-old told AFP in an interview as the Belgian capital puts on an exhibition of her work. The show, at Brussels' Fashion and Lace Museum, is the first exhibition in Europe dedicated to the Belgian-American designer, organizers said. Naturally, pride of place goes to von Furstenberg's signature wrap dress, which made her famous as soon as it went on sale in 1973, three years after she made New York her home. Sought after for its simplicity and practicality, the soft jersey wrap dress has been made in several dozen iterations in bright colors, making it an enduring feature in celebrity wardrobes. "It makes a woman confident. And if you are confident, you are beautiful," von Furstenberg said with a wide smile. "The jersey: very practical. Doesn't crinkle. You put in a print that moves and moves with your body. That all of a sudden makes beautiful curves in your body. The shape: very simple." At age 25, von Furstenberg was making 25,000 dresses a week to keep up with demand. Her star never dimmed, enabling her to go into philanthropy and support her view of herself as "a big feminist". That's a theme informing the Brussels exhibition, which is titled "Woman Before Fashion". "What is most important to me is to use my voice, my experience, my knowledge, my resources, my connections in order to help other women to be the women they want to be," she said. With her second husband, US media billionaire Barry Diller, von Furstenberg runs a foundation that annually hands out awards to personalities seen as inspiring other women. For her own sources of inspiration, she cites first above all her mother, a survivor of the Nazi concentration camps who incarnated, for her, combativeness and a desire for freedom. Liliane Halfin, nee Nahmias, came from a Greek-Jewish family. She was deported to Auschwitz in Poland and then to the Ravensbrueck camp in Germany as a young bride in her 20s. When she was freed in 1945 she weighed less than 25 kilograms (55 pounds) and was in such poor condition that doctors recommended she postpone having children. "She was a skeleton amongst ashes. She went to concentration camps and she wasn't supposed to survive," von Furstenberg said, adding that her own birth 18 months later was "a miracle". After the end of World War II her parents settled in Brussels, where the future designer, then named Diane Halfin, lived until age 14 before going to boarding school in Switzerland and England. It was during her university studies that she met her first husband, a jet-setting European prince named Eduard Egon von Furstenberg, whose name she kept after their divorce. That name is now indelibly linked to the world of fashion. For the curator of the Brussels exhibition, Nicolas Lor, one of the keys to the success of the Diane von Furstenberg label was the combination of a dress of typically European style with material that offered comfortable wear. "She mixed the concept of the little dress that was thought up in the 1920s with the principles of sportswear and comfort that clearly defined apparel in the United States," explained Lor, a French fashion expert who has worked at Chanel and Christian Dior. "For me, she was American," he smiled. The exhibition runs to January next year. The post Diane von Furstenberg: From Brussels to the big time in the States appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BuzzFeed to close news operation
BuzzFeed announced Thursday that it was shutting its news division as part of layoffs, signaling the end of one of the most notable news websites of the internet era. The company cited challenges including recession in the tech sector and the struggling stock market, with CEO Jonah Peretti admitting he was partly at fault for the closure. "We are reducing our workforce by approximately 15 percent today... and beginning the process of closing BuzzFeed News," Peretti wrote in a memo to staff. The announcement is the latest to rock the US media landscape as outlets battle with falling reader numbers and lower advertising revenue. Shares in BuzzFeed, known for its viral content and journalism, plunged more than 20 percent on Wall Street following the news. Peretti said the company had come to the conclusion that it "can no longer continue to fund BuzzFeed News as a standalone organization." He added that it would now concentrate its news output on its HuffPost website. Peretti also cited the coronavirus pandemic, less capital, a decelerating digital advertising market, and "ongoing audience and platform shifts." "Dealing with all of these obstacles at once is part of why we've needed to make the difficult decisions to eliminate more jobs and reduce spending," he said. Peretti conceded that he could have reacted differently to the challenges. "I could have managed these changes better as the CEO of this company and our leadership team could have performed better despite these circumstances," he wrote. Peretti admitted that he had decided "to overinvest in BuzzFeed News because I love their work and mission so much." "This made me slow to accept that the big platforms wouldn't provide the distribution or financial support required to support premium, free journalism purpose-built for social media," he wrote. BuzzFeed, created in 2006, first became known for its lists and topical quizzes. Awards But in 2011 it founded BuzzFeed News, which won a number of awards and became a symbol of a new wave of internet media companies. It received plaudits for its investigative work and won a Pulitzer Prize in 2021 for coverage of the Chinese government's detention of Muslims in Xinjiang. But it was criticized after it published a cache of unverified information about Donald Trump known as the "Steele Dossier." BuzzFeed defended the decision by saying the public had a right to read the unsubstantiated claims since many in Washington already had. Ultimately, making money was Buzzfeed's problem and Peretti said he regretted that he "didn't hold the company to higher standards for profitability." The New York-headquartered company announced in May 2020 that it would shutter part of its loss-making news operations in Britain and Australia as it scaled back global ambitions to cut costs. In November of that year, BuzzFeed bought the Huffington Post news site from Verizon without disclosing the amount. "Moving forward, we will have a single news brand in HuffPost, which is profitable, with a loyal direct front page audience," Peretti wrote. Newsroom employment has declined steadily in the United States, falling from 114,000 in 2008 to 85,000 in 2020, according to a 2021 study by the Pew Research Center. Layoffs have taken place at CNN, NBC, MSNBC, and Vox Media in recent months. The post BuzzFeed to close news operation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»