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A pilgrimage of self-love and reflection for business leaders
A pilgrimage of self-love and reflection for business leaders.....»»
Saso bounces back with 69 but still trails by 6
Yuka Saso rebounded from a previous round of 75 with a 69 but still found herself trailing significantly behind new leaders KoreanJiyai Shin and Alison Lee of the US after three rounds of the FIR Hills Seri Pak Championship at Palos Verdes Estates in California Saturday (Sunday Manila time)......»»
Rama to meet with council, LFC over RPT revision
CEBU CITY, Philippines –City Mayor Michael Rama is planning to meet with legislators and the Local Finance Committee (LFC) to discuss the general revision of the real property tax (RPT) code after he returns from his business trip to Taiwan. “I wish they will find time that once I come back, we will have a.....»»
Filinvest profit hits all-time high in 2023
Filinvest Land Inc., the listed property developer of the Gotianun family, delivered an all-time high net income in 2023 on the back of strong contributions from its residential and leasing business segments......»»
January Promo Ideas for Your Business
As January presents a fresh start for everyone, entrepreneurs are also allowed to revitalize their businesses and captivate their audience who are still synchronizing themselves back with the real world after a lengthy holiday vacation. This is the time when businesses can leverage innovative promotion ideas to kickstart the year with a bang. Let’s explore […].....»»
Paco’s best is yet to come
Francisco “Paco” Delgado Magsaysay, at 55, is focusing his energy back into the family’s cable TV business after an unexpectedly successful diversion into a niche ice cream business venture that has now been acquired by the Metro Pacific Group......»»
MVP back in PLDT’s driver seat
Business tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan is returning as the president and CEO of telco giant PLDT Inc., replacing Alfredo Panlilio who is vacating his post due to health reasons......»»
Get Your Customers Coming Back with Loyalty Programs
One of the factors that make a business successful is the ability to retain customers. It is a gratification in physical form that says your product or service is of quality since customers are constantly coming back for more. However, a lot of businesses are still figuring out how to retain customers, or in Filipino […].....»»
Dev’t, capacitybuilding for cities
An attractive proposition and a necessary goal to further improve the state of the Philippines is to accelerate and sustain inclusive growth in the country. But what exactly needs improvement? How can this be achieved? What does it entail? How will it benefit the Philippines? Metro Manila is already developed and, in my opinion, not the priority in making more improvements. The cities outside Metro Manila are, however, a different story altogether. The economic competitiveness and resilience of said cities require much improvement. The development of these cities as engines of growth that are inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and strong is the foundation with which to realize these improvements. Specific areas may need financial inputs, and technical support varies from city to city. Examples of sectors to focus on are energy, environment, governance, health, local economy, small to medium entrepreneurship, taxation, technology and education. The enumeration is not exclusive and may be expanded. Generally, the growth trajectories of nations are closely linked to their urban environment, where cities act as propulsions of growth and lay the groundwork for their foundation. At first glance, it may seem like a tall order, but with proper planning, preparation, and stakeholder cooperation, it becomes achievable. If urban growth is well planned, cities can accelerate regional economic growth, innovation, and the end goal of prosperity for all. Circling back to my initial point on why cities outside Metro Manila are important to focus on for development, these smaller cities have a relatively high urban population concentration and hold the most growth potential. Although varying in size and level of development, they are equally important in ensuring the country’s success. To achieve this would require the cooperation and participation of various sectors and stakeholders. Government agencies, various leagues of local government units, civil society groups, non-government organizations, and the private sector, which may include corporations, business chambers, and trade associations, must all be involved. Implementing this undertaking will be an opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of the “whole-of-nation” approach. Government agencies that top the list of entities expected to shore up this collective effort include the Department of the Interior and Local Government, National Economic and Development Authority, Anti-Red Tape Authority, Department of Finance, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Health, and Department of Education. The participation of the Philippine National Police is also crucial, as business can thrive only in an atmosphere of peace and security. The benefits of capacity building for cities are many. Initially, the more apparent recipients are the affected cities themselves and their inhabitants. However, increased capability will lead to a more efficient and equitable distribution of resources and delivery of services to the specific sectors we have mentioned. This will support decentralization and public financial management by helping cities widen their own-source revenue bases. It also helps cities enhance tax collection efficiency, access debt capital markets, and strengthen their public financial systems to create a more equitable fiscal framework geared towards inclusive growth. Decentralization also improves governance, with cities becoming more accountable and transparent to their constituencies. With accountability and transparency, the city becomes an attractive destination for investments. Local entrepreneurs will be one of many who will seize upon these attractions, but foreign investors as well. The different benefits and positive impact foreign direct investments provide a country deserve another article in the future. For now, let us all call on our government and the private sector to join hands in developing and building capacity for all cities in the Philippines. Let us contribute to moving our country forward and taking it to new heights. The post Dev’t, capacitybuilding for cities appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘I couldn’t breathe’: Seoul crowd crush survivor writes to heal
Kim Cho-long escaped death by chance last October -- pulled from packed streets in South Korea's capital by a friend, as those around her were swept into an alley where 159 people later died in a crowd crush. Kim, 33, told AFP she'd been going to Halloween parties in Seoul's Itaewon district for years, but there were more people at the 2022 event -- the first post-pandemic celebration -- than she'd ever seen before. The crowd was so dense that she was quickly swept off her feet by the pressure, trapped and unable to breathe until her friend saw her and somehow managed to drag her into a nearby bar. "I was completely stuck in the crowd as I was pushed back and forth," said Kim, who has written a book about her Itaewon experience called "Am I a Disaster Survivor?" "The pressure first started from behind, and then pressure came from the front so hard that my feet were lifted off from the ground and I couldn't breathe." By chance, she was swept to the side of the street, and when her back hit a wall, she was able to catch her breath, before her friend saw her and pulled her out of the melee. With no police or official crowd control measures in sight -- an official investigation would later slam "massive failings" of preparation and response -- Kim said the confusion and chaos continued for hours, as she sheltered in a nearby bar with her friend. She had no idea what was happening or how close she had been to death. "I went out to the streets of Itaewon and saw people lying on the street receiving CPR. Ambulances were parked disorderly on the road and people were being taken away, but even then I didn't think that all those people were dead," she said. Writing to heal Kim walked for hours to get home, in a state of shock. "I couldn't sleep for two days. As if obsessed with something, I couldn't turn off the news on TV. I couldn't eat, I couldn't sleep, I only drank water and kept watching the news." Kim, a writer, struggled with feelings of survivor's guilt, and eventually, her therapist suggested that writing about her feelings might allow her to process what had happened. At first, she shared her writing only in private forums online, where she received overwhelmingly positive feedback, including from others who said it had helped them with their own Itaewon-linked trauma. After one of her posts went viral, local newspapers asked her to write for them, which she eventually agreed to -- but the reaction from the general public was overwhelmingly negative. "When it was released to the public, I did not receive comfort from the reactions I received. Personally, it was good as a way to release my feelings and it was helpful in relieving my depression," she said. Critics showered her with personal insults and told her she was spoiled and shouldn't have been out partying. But despite the onslaught of online attacks -- which are also aimed at families of victims campaigning for an independent inquiry into the disaster -- Kim remains positive. 'All survivors' "I believe that all citizens living in South Korea are survivors of the Itaewon disaster," she said. The police probe did not find any senior officials were to blame for the disaster, and none of the lower-level officials who are being prosecuted have yet been convicted or jailed. "Looking at this disaster from a survivor's point of view for a year, I don't think anything has been resolved and the truth has not been revealed legally, socially, or at any government level," Kim said. But her near-death experience has totally changed her view of society, for the better. "In the past, I never once imagined how bereaved families would live on. I thought it had nothing to do with me and it was none of my business," she said. "But now I realize it could have happened to me, and their pain could be mine someday. So I started to sympathize with them and took more interest in their lives." Kim, who hopes to have her book translated into English, said she plans to continue writing about what happened at Itaewon, to keep the memories of all the victims alive. "I will keep thinking hard about what I can do so that they are remembered for a long time." The post ‘I couldn’t breathe’: Seoul crowd crush survivor writes to heal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Robinsons retail unit posts profit rise
Listed Gokongwei group’s Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. proved its resilience in the first nine months as it reported a core profit of P3.8 billion, up 4 percent. Net sales during the period were at P138.2 billion, which rose by 8.7 percent year-on-year. The company was able to generate growth in net sales and core net earnings despite the impact of inflation on consumption and a challenging base last year which benefited from economic reopening and election-related spending. Core net earnings exclude foreign exchange gains and losses, interest income from bonds, equity in earnings from associates, interest expense related to the Bank of Philippine Islands acquisition financing, BPI cash dividends, and others. The growth in net sales was supported by blended same store sales growth of five percent and store expansions. The core businesses supermarkets and drugstores were the main revenue growth drivers in the first nine months. These two segments accounted for almost 75 percent of Robinsons Retail’s revenues for the period. Meanwhile, a bright spot in the discretionary portfolio was the department store segment, which was able to deliver double-digit topline growth due to back-to-school and continued out-of-home activities. The company’s consolidated gross profit continued to grow faster than revenues, increasing by 9.4 percent year-on-year to P32.9 billion in the first nine months. This was enabled by improvements in category mix and higher penetration of private label brands. Meanwhile, operating income grew by 3.7 percent year-on-year to P6.1 billion. Net income attributable to equity holders of the parent company fell by 41.4 percent year-on-year to P2.6 billion until September. The decline in net income to parent was weighed by equitized losses from minority startup investments which continue to ramp up, the derecognition of Robinsons Bank’s net income under equitized earnings following the ongoing merger with the Bank of the Philippine Islands, interest expense from the acquisition financing of the BPI shares that were purchased earlier this year, and the absence of cash dividends from BPI in the third quarter of 2023. Dividends set BPI has historically paid dividends in the second and fourth quarters of each year. The expected cash dividends from BPI in the fourth quarter should fully cover for the acquisition related financing interest expense for the purchase of the BPI shares. “Our defensible business model has enabled us to continue growing and remain relevant among Filipino consumers. This is notwithstanding near-term macroeconomic challenges, particularly the impact of inflation on consumer sentiment. These headwinds are temporary, in our view, and we thus remain positive on the long-term potential of the domestic retail industry given the Philippines’ attractive demographics. We will continue to invest with a long-term view and in a sustainable manner — core strategies that we firmly believe will translate to greater stakeholder value,” Robina Gokongwei-Pe, president and CEO of Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc., said. The post Robinsons retail unit posts profit rise appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
New U.S. speaker rallies support for Israel
The United States House of Representatives is back in business with the newly-elected Republican speaker, Mike Johnson, introducing a resolution supporting Israel in its war with Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. The resolution passed with support from all but nine Democrats and just one Republican dissenter. The first successful act of Johnson signals a stable leadership despite being the least experienced speaker in the post Civil War era, having never chaired a committee or held a senior leadership role. “We all know that the world is in turmoil — but a strong America is good for the entire world,” Johnson told lawmakers after his election on Wednesday that ended the paralysis of Congress. Biden congratulated the new speaker and vowed to work with him, adding that the US now needed “to move swiftly to address our national security needs and to avoid a shutdown.” Ahead of the filing of the Israel resolution, the Louisiana congressman said in his acceptance speech that the bill is overdue as America’s “greatest ally in the Middle East is under attack.” The little-known ally of Donald Trump who spearheaded legal efforts to overturn the 2020 election won the unanimous support of his party to replace Kevin McCarthy who was ousted in a right-wing coup on 3 October. The post New U.S. speaker rallies support for Israel appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Leadership Lessons from Kobe and LeBron for Small Business Success
The NBA is back, at last, and along with it, new storylines which delve into the world of locker room chemistry and leadership from each team’s respective superstars and candidates. Let’s have a look at how two of NBA’s greatest superstars, the late Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, take on leadership roles and their approach […].....»»
Meta quarterly profit jumps but it sees volatility in ad market
Meta on Wednesday reported that its quarterly profit more than doubled from last year's figure as it looks ahead at a volatile ad market and lawsuits accusing it of profiting from "children's pain." "Meta earnings looked pretty good," said independent tech analyst Rob Enderle. "They have clearly cut back on the bleeding surrounding their metaverse efforts and the company appears to be on a more even keel right now." The tech giant said it made a profit of $11.6 billion as ad revenue climbed 23 percent to $34 billion when compared to the same period a year earlier. "We had a good quarter for our community and business," said Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg. The number of people using Facebook monthly rose slightly to 3.05 billion in a year-over-year comparison while monthly active users of Meta's "family" of apps was 3.96 billion a 7 percent increase from the same quarter in 2022, the company reported. Meta said it had trimmed costs, with layoffs and other belt-tightening measures started last year providing "greater efficiency." Meta had suffered a rough 2022 amid a souring economic climate and Apple's data privacy changes, which allowed users to block ad targeting, the pillar of Meta's business. Meta's vow of austerity on spending brought an unprecedented round of cost-cutting that saw the company lay off tens of thousands of workers since last November. Meta shares, which closed the formal trading day down, fell more than three percent further in after-hours trades to $289.50. Chief financial officer Susan Li said during an earnings call that Meta is seeing "volatility" in an ad market that started to soften when the conflict between Israel and Hamas began. "It's hard for us to attribute demand softness directly to any specific geopolitical event," Li said. "We have seen broader demand softness follow other regional conflicts in the past, such as in the Ukraine war, so this is something that we're continuing to monitor." Lawsuit peril Analyst Enderle maintained that Meta is at risk from lawsuits poised to damage its image and its wallet. Dozens of US states this week accused Meta of profiting "from children's pain," damaging their mental health and misleading people about the safety of its platforms. "In seeking to maximize its financial gains, Meta has repeatedly misled the public about the substantial dangers of its Social Media Platforms," argued a joint lawsuit filed in federal court in California. The states accused Meta of exploiting young users by creating a business model designed to maximize time they spend on the platform despite harm to their health. In total more than 40 states are suing Meta, though some opted to file in local courts rather than join in the federal case. Meta said the states were singling it out unfairly instead of working with social media companies to develop universal standards for the whole industry. "This landmark lawsuit could herald a seismic shift in how social media platforms approach product features and user engagement," said Insider Intelligence principal analyst Jeremy Goldman. "That said, even as tech stocks face uncertainty, Meta's consistent performance cements its leadership in the digital realm." Meanwhile, the European Union is seeking details on measures Meta has taken to stop the spread of "illegal content and disinformation" in light of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The AI race The tech giant is putting artificial intelligence into digital assistants and smart glasses as it seeks to gain lost ground in the AI race. "I'm proud of the work our teams have done to advance AI and mixed reality with the launch of Quest 3, Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, and our AI studio," Zuckerberg said in the earnings release. The second-generation Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses made in a partnership with EssilorLuxottica have a starting price of $299. "Smart glasses are the ideal form factor for you to let AI assistants see what you're seeing and hear what you're hearing," Zuckerberg said. Meta has taken a more cautious approach than its rivals Microsoft, OpenAI, and Google to push out AI products, prioritizing small steps and making its in-house models available to developers and researchers. "The majority of the world's population will have their first experience of generative artificial intelligence with us," Meta chief technology officer Andrew "Boz" Bosworth told AFP in a recent interview. Meta recently unveiled AI-infused chatbots with personalities, along with tools for creating images or written content using spoken prompts. The post Meta quarterly profit jumps but it sees volatility in ad market appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Who wants a ‘tindesal?’
There really is no stopping chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou. After opening four restaurants of different concepts with business partners — Chef Tatung’s Private Dining, Lore, Azadore, and New York Cubao — he is finally launching his very own on 26 October. It is called Tindeli, and you can find it at Gateway 2 mall, Araneta City, Cubao, Quezon City. Glazed barbecue. Not exactly a restaurant, Tindeli is more of a deli shop and café with a Pinoy touch. It actually got its name from “neighborhood tindahan” and “upscale specialty deli.” It combines a dining area that can accommodate a maximum of 80 people and serves quick meals, salads, sandwiches, noodles, coffee, freshly baked breads and pastries, and a deli that sells homemade sausages, particularly his smoked hamon, wood smoked bacon, tapa, tocino, paté, local cheeses, chicken galantina, longganisa and other charcuterie. It also sells bottled products, such as salad dressings, sauces and drinks. The Galantina they sell in whole chicken form at P1,600. They also slice it and use it for a sandwich or rice meal. Chef Tatung shares that “the food we serve and sell at Tindeli is custom-made for the store, thus giving it a very personal touch. We bake our own breads and pastries, we make our own sausages, longganisa and other charcuterie.” Chori Quezo with salad. All these delicious goodies are, yes, familiar and homey, yet expertly cooked and prepared for the best dining experience ever. One of the highlights of the Tindeli menu is the Tindesal sandwich, which are oversized pandesals with different fillings that remind you of your childhood baon, the kind moms used to make, such as Chicken Salad Sandwich and our longganisa in bread. “Tindesal is our way of celebrating the pandesal as a great bread for delicious sandwiches. Our Chicken Salad Tindesal, for one, is made into an open-faced sandwich topped with a generous dollop of chunky chicken, béchamel sauce and melty cheese to create a delicious blend of flavors and textures that bring back memories and at the same time create new ones,” says Chef Tatung. Galantina. Tindeli, says Chef Tatung, is “not meant to be a fancy place but a cozy spot where one can relax and chill with good homemade food and good coffee or tea — alone or with friends and family.” Chef Tatung personally handpicked the colors and the design of Tindeli. He had modern Filipino interiors done, using traditional elements of Filipino design, such as an oversized solihiya, or thin rattan woven into sunburst patterns, to give the place a homey vibe. So, with the use of terra cotta tegula roofing as wall treatment. The lively hues and elements of modern art, on the other hand, gives the Filipino deli and café a contemporary and relaxed ambiance. Lechon Baka Tindesal. From this first store at Gateway 2 mall, Chef Tatung is looking to open more Tindeli outlets in key cities around the metro and provincial areas in the next two to three years. The post Who wants a ‘tindesal?’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Valuing Valuable Employees: The Cebuana Lhuillier Way
Cebuana Lhuillier has changed many people’s lives through the many products and services they offer. From a humble pawnshop to being one of the biggest microfinance companies in the Philippines, Cebuana Lhuillier has become synonymous with the words trust and reliability as it continues to financially empower Filipinos across the nation. But in no place has the impact of Cebuana Lhuillier been more felt than within the confines of the company, where many of their employees have stayed for years and, in some instances, decades. And throughout their decades of service, they are grateful to Cebuana Lhuillier, who inspired their growth by imparting new knowledge and skills, applauding and giving them recognition, and showing that they are valued and cared for like a true family. Recognition and Promotions Ricardo Cruz has been with the company for more than 35 years and has been a dedicated Area Head since 1998. Before his journey in Cebuana Lhuillier, Rey completed a degree in Business Administration with a Major in Management, and started his professional journey as a filing clerk. But fate led him to Cebuana Lhuillier, where his mother worked as a building caretaker for Agencia Cebuana. After passing the exams, Rey worked as a humble messenger and janitor at Agencia Cebuana Baclaran Branch. Among the many memories, Rey cherishes two significant milestones: he was appointed as an Area Head back in 1998 and won the highly coveted Best Area of the Year award. These moments of recognition and achievement fueled his motivation and inspired him to work hard for over three decades. "I am incredibly proud, grateful, and privileged to have been a part of this company for over 35 years. The most rewarding aspect of working at Cebuana has definitely been the continuous learning and personal growth I've experienced, which I've also had the privilege to share with my fellow Ka-Cebuanas. And I’m thankful to be part of this family. Because of Cebuana Lhuillier, I'm able to provide a comfortable life for my family," said Cruz. Marilyn Valencia, a dedicated member of the company for more than 35 years, holds a remarkable background. She is the Area Head for Region 1A, and her journey as a Ka-Cebuana has been filled with numerous achievements and significant milestones. During her tenure with Cebuana Lhuillier, she managed to earn 21 units in education and became a licensed teacher. Not stopping there, she also pursued and successfully completed her Master's in Business Administration at UE Manila, all while dedicating herself to the organization. In addition to her educational achievements, Marilyn's dedication has led her to be appointed as one of the first Area Heads in 1996. In this role, she took on the responsibility of overseeing branches in the entire Northern provinces, CAMANAVA, and parts of Manila and Pasay City. This included the rare opportunity to spearhead the opening of over 100 branches, a significant contribution to local employment and the training of new branch personnel. An Advocate for Continuous Learning Grace Ferolino, Business and Client Relations Manager of Region 4A, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. While she had various previous career opportunities, Ferolino eventually found a home in Cebuana Lhuillier and has been with the company for over 30 years. Among her countless experiences within Cebuana, Grace cherishes the memory of being selected for intensive diamond training at Gemlab and having the privilege to undergo Area Manager's training. For her fellow employees aspiring for longevity in the company, Grace emphasizes the importance of loving one's work and serving it with utmost honesty; treating the business as one's own; and mastering financial management to eliminate unnecessary debt. Aurora Genilo, Business and Client Relations Manager of Region 1A, is another exemplary employee who has dedicated over 30 years of her life to serving Cebuana Lhuillier. A graduate of BS Commerce Accounting, she holds her days as cluster leader and her involvement with the esteemed manning team closest to her heart. These roles, according to her, allowed her to nurture her leadership skills and actively contribute to the growth and success of the company. By working hard, she was able to ensure the education of her three children, one of whom has etched their own path within the company. "My journey of 30 years with Cebuana Lhuillier has been a transformative one. Not only did it enable me to provide for my own family, but it also provided me with numerous opportunities to develop my skills and advance in my career. I'm profoundly grateful for the continuous opportunities that Cebuana Lhuillier extends to all of its employees, including me," expressed Genilo. Region 5’s Business and Client Relations Manager, Imelda Quidato, has been with Cebuana Lhuillier for more than 30 years. With a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, she first ventured into the world of sales as a promodiser before becoming a part of the Cebuana Lhuillier family. When asked about the best part of working for Cebuana, Imelda cited the skills she acquired in appraising and attending enriching training programs, which played a pivotal role in molding her both personally and professionally. An Open and Compassionate Heart Armed with a degree in Aircraft Technology, Abelardo Aquino Jr. took a leap of faith and applied for a job at Cebuana Lhuillier over 30 years ago. As the Area Head of Region 3, he reveals that the best part about working for Cebuana is the opportunity to interact with diverse individuals and tackle challenging situations head-on. He emphasized the significance of maintaining a positive mindset and embracing a "can-do" attitude. With determination and perseverance, one can overcome any obstacle and forge a lasting and fulfilling career at Cebuana Lhuillier. At Cebuana Lhuillier, employee appreciation is a top priority. The company demonstrates this commitment through comprehensive training programs, fostering a healthy company culture, and recognizing and celebrating exceptional employee contributions. This culture of appreciation, value, and nurturing is what sets Cebuana Lhuillier apart. The post Valuing Valuable Employees: The Cebuana Lhuillier Way appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A positive difference
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,” Mahatma Gandhi once said. Marian Wright Edelman states, “Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time.” Two memorable statements capture the essence of Attorney Kelvin Lester Lee, hailed by Dean Antonio La Viña of Ateneo School of Government as “one of the finest and most visionary individuals to have emerged from Ateneo Law School.” It’s no surprise that Atty. Lee became a Commissioner at the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2019. While his position may be formidable, those who have met him in person can attest to his kind-hearted nature and willingness to devote his time generously. When expressing his views, he displays a remarkable level of candor, always taking the time to carefully consider his words before speaking. Aside from his sense of humor, Lee possesses a remarkable ability to engage in meaningful conversations. When he speaks, he has a way of looking directly into your eyes, underscoring the significance of his words. Even in intense situations, he maintains a calm demeanor and is known to offer a comforting smile, lightening the atmosphere. In his role as Commissioner at the SEC, Atty. Lee assumes the responsibility of overseeing various crucial departments and divisions. These include the markets and securities regulation department, the information and communications technology department, the PhiliFintech innovation office dedicated to Philippine financial technology, and the international affairs and protocol division. Moreover, he holds authority over capital markets, sustainable finance, Fintech and information technology, and international affairs, ensuring their effective management and implementation. While the enormity of those tasks might induce vertigo in most individuals, Atty. Lee remains unfazed. “It is perhaps the best job I have ever had,” he admitted. “I enjoy making a positive change in the sector I am handling. I enjoy pushing innovations and encouraging improvements in the financial sector and capital markets.” With great responsibility, Lee adopts a heightened level of caution. Recognizing the potential impact of his words, he expressed the need to exercise carefulness in his public statements, as any statement he makes can influence the stock market. This awareness underscores his commitment to acting with prudence and considering the far-reaching implications of his words. Let’s delve into the life of Lee, who began his journey in the humble city of Davao, his birthplace. He embarked on his educational path at the Ateneo de Davao University for his grade school education, followed by his enrollment at Davao Central High School, then called Davao Chinese High School. After completing his schooling in Davao, he ventured to Beijing, China, where he pursued studies in the Chinese language and gained work experience with a foreign company. However, after two years, he returned to the Philippines and enrolled in Ateneo de Manila University to pursue a law degree. This journey showcases his diverse experiences and the foundation of his educational and cultural background. “The Ateneo de Manila entrance exam was the only one I could take that year when I came back from China,” he said, adding that he never dreamed of becoming a lawyer. “I just wanted to give it a try. And found I was a surprisingly good fit for it.” As a lawyer, he has five ideal lawyers. Only one is a foreigner: Sir Thomas Moore, an English lawyer, social philosopher, author, and statesman whom Roman Catholics venerated as Saint Thomas More. “He stood by his faith and principles,” he said. Fresh from hurdling the Bar exam, he worked at the Siguion-Reyna Montecillo and Ongsiako law firm, where he learned the importance of being enterprising and putting in a diligent effort to succeed. However, despite his professional growth, he decided to quit and return to his hometown of Davao, placing the deeply rooted value on family and prioritizing personal and familial responsibilities above career pursuits. As a father to two daughters, Atty. Lee expressed that fatherhood has had a profound impact on him, bringing about significant changes. He considers it one of the greatest blessings he could ever receive. According to him, the love that his children show him is genuine and unmatched. He believes that the love of young children is unparalleled. Experiencing this level of love is indescribable, knowing someone loves you unconditionally. This extraordinary bond makes fatherhood one of the most precious and fulfilling aspects of his life. “The love your kids show you is real,” he said. “You will never be as loved as you are by your young children. There is no feeling quite like it to know that someone loves you as much as that. That’s what makes it one of the best things.” Working in government “It is an honor to serve. Very few people get an opportunity to help the country and serve the president and the people,” said Lee, who is a former assistant secretary at the Office of the Executive Secretary in Malacañang, where he was also designated to sit on the Board of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. Atty. Lee’s dedication to public service earned him well-deserved recognition in his field. In March this year, he received two international accolades for his role in driving the advancement of financial technology in the Philippine business sector, highlighting his visionary thinking and influential impact solidifying his reputation as a trailblazer in the field. In the 10th annual Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, Lee was bestowed the Gold Stevie award for his outstanding contributions as a Thought Leader of the Year. These awards celebrate workplace innovation across all 29 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. From a vast pool of over 800 regional nominations, winners were selected in various categories, including the Award for Excellence in Innovation in Products & Services, the Award for Innovative Management, and the Award for Innovation in Corporate Websites, among others. “It feels great. It’s always wonderful to be recognized for all the hard work and changes you pursue at a government agency. And I was quite surprised to get the Gold Stevie Award, the highest level of the award for thought leadership. I feel so honored!” In the next decade, Atty. Lee, now 44, envisions continuing his career in law, possibly incorporating elements of technology, and hopes to stay actively involved in government work and make a significant impact by fostering meaningful transformation. “Working in government can be quite fulfilling. I encourage young lawyers and professionals to enter the arena and work in government to try and make a positive difference.” The post A positive difference appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rice sufficiency a pipe dream?
An Indian agricultural economist advised the government to secure investments in rice farmland abroad as it believes the Philippines’ goal of rice self-sufficiency through domestic production is impossible. Dr. Samarendu Mohanty, former principal scientist at the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines, said the country has smaller arable land to grow enough rice to satisfy consumer demand for the commodity amid its expanding population. “In other countries, they have arable land. The Philippines doesn’t have it because the country is an island nation,” he said during the recent 6th International Rice Congress in Pasay City. “You can take all the measures to expand productivity here, like having certified seeds and fertilizer, but I don’t think you’ll be self-sufficient with the population you have,” Mohanty added. The agricultural economist said the solution is to invest in farmland abroad under a backward linkage method. This distributes inputs from the farm sector to the non-farm sector, which includes agrochemicals, processing, and trading. “You need to find a country where this can be done legally and where there is land and water. Many African countries — Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar — have bigger land the Philippines can invest in and get back the supply to the country,” Mohanty explained. “There’s an Indian company producing rice in Africa and exporting it somewhere else. The Philippines cannot invest in land in India because of land restrictions,” he added. ‘Out of luck’ According to the World Economic Forum, India is the world’s second-top rice producer after China. However, India and other countries recently announced they would limit their rice exports as consumer demand and commodity prices have risen in their local markets. “If you have to address it through imports and the exporting countries have food restrictions, then you’re out of luck. But if you have backward linkages, you can be assured that your rice was produced in Vietnam or another country. Nobody can take that away because that’s your investment,” Mohanty said. He said the government must create policies and conduct discussions with its foreign counterpart and business community abroad to negotiate investments in external rice production. “The government has to facilitate that. The private sector will enter if there’s assurance from the government that they can bring back rice to the country,” Mohanty explained. He said India will resume rice exportations in May next year, with the country’s total production of at least 135 million tons. A portion amounting to 25 million tons is usually left as surplus. The Indian embassy in Manila said on 18 October that India allocated 295,000 metric tons of rice to the Philippines, the biggest share of its non-basmati white rice export, following its bilateral talks with the Marcos administration in August. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Mercedita Sombilla said the two governments and the private sector will still discuss the rice imports’ price terms. She, however, was optimistic that the rice imports would help stabilize the prices of the commodity in the domestic market. Mohanty said India will likely export more rice in the future. “There’s a green revolution happening in the eastern part now. I expect India to have more than 30 million tons of surplus,” he said. The post Rice sufficiency a pipe dream? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mano po, Tatang
Johans Juruena was only nine years old when he had a chance encounter with SM founder Henry Sy Sr. That brief encounter profoundly impacted his life. It was 1978, and Juruena was looking forward to his yearly summer visit to Manila. Summers, for many youngsters, were spent hanging around at what was then Shoemart along Carriedo Street in Quiapo, Manila, Jaruena’s mother, Erlinda, worked as a sales clerk for the growing store. He still vividly remembered what the shoe store looked like. “It sold shoes for men, ladies, and children. There was a glass display in the middle where several shoes were showcased.” During that same summer, Juruena bumped into store owner Henry Sy, whom SM employees fondly called “Tatang.” [caption id="attachment_201003" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] ‘Tatang’ Henry Sy has one unbeatable formula in his business: ‘Know customers’ needs.’[/caption] Father to all Juruena shared that his mother told him to pay his respects to Sy through pagmamano, the traditional gesture of respect toward the elderly by touching one’s forehead to the back of an elder’s hand as an act of “blessing.” “When Tatang visited the store along Carriedo Street to check the display and its merchandise, it just so happened that I was there. I was lucky enough to approach him and pay my respects,” he recalled. “He was smiling. He even held out his hand for me to ‘bless.’” While observing the store owner, Juruena overheard how Tatang constantly quizzed his employees about what the customers needed. “What are customers looking for that we don’t have?” Tatang would ask. “What do our customers need that we don’t have?” During that brief encounter, the youngster became an admirer of Tatang — for his attention to what customers needed most, which also strengthened his determination to be an employee of the company just like his mother. Working for SM It was 1990, when Juruena, fresh out of college, became part of SM. He first worked as a sales utility clerk, facing customers, day in and day out, that honed his skills as a salesman. “North EDSA is the first Supermall of SM. During our time, customers would line up as soon as the mall opened before 10 a.m. The foot traffic at North EDSA was something else,” he recalled. His next encounter with Tatang happened while handling the Men’s Shoes section at the SM Store North EDSA. “I saw him visit. I was already a Men’s Shoes Department supervisor, that was then 1996 or 1997. My manager wasn’t around that day; he had the day off. Usually, Tatang would drop by the Men’s Shoes section first. We were all ready.” Tatang reminded Juruena and the other employees to keep “the sandals and other footwear clean. That way, he said, “the customers could appreciate their products better. It was a simple but important lesson that Juruego would carry with him throughout his life.” Salute to a continuing legacy Fast forward to 2023. Many things have changed, but some things have remained constant. SM is celebrating its 65th year in the industry. Juruena’s experience working at SM is a testament to the company’s decades-long commitment to top-notch customer service and Tatang’s enduring legacy. He is now a manager at SM Store Quiapo and now shares to the new employees what Tatang imparted to him. The post Mano po, Tatang appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Caregiver scarred, scared by Hamas attack
An overseas Filipino worker, one of 18 who flew home from Israel on Friday, said he remained unsure whether to return to the country should its conflict with Hamas subside or be resolved peacefully. Elmer Puno, a 43-year-old caregiver from Pampanga, said his employer in Israel called him up before he left for the Philippines, urging him to return when things settle down. Puno said his experience during the attack by Hamas militants on Israel on 7 October had left him emotionally scarred and traumatized. “My employer called me and said that when the situation goes back to normal, if I still want to come back, I can. But I said to myself that I cannot decide yet because of what I encountered in Israel,” Puno said. He said he still has two years left of his four-year contract but decided to resign for his safety and his family’s concerns. “My salary is pretty good. In our currency, that is P70,000 a month, tax-free,” he said. “When I heard the sirens, I ran to a bomb shelter. I was talking to my wife, who also heard the sirens and bombing.” “She was so scared. She asked me to urgently go home. My children said that I should go home, so when there was an opportunity for repatriation, I didn’t think twice about asking the government to repatriate us,” he said. Of the 18 repatriates from Israel, one was left behind in Abu Dhabi due to elevated blood pressure. Puno and his fellow OFWs arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Etihad Airlines flight EY 424. The 18 OFWs received P105,000 each in direct financial assistance from various government agencies, and they are entitled to livelihood training to start a business. The post Caregiver scarred, scared by Hamas attack appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»