We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
LGUs urged to adopt eBOSS
The Anti-Red Tape Authority on Wednesday encouraged the local government units to comply with the Electronic Business One-Stop Shop or eBOSS to boost the ease of doing business in the Philippines. ARTA Director General Ernesto Perez said that the eBOSS is a program developed by ARTA in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology to provide LGUs with a digitalized and streamlined business processing and licensing system. "The eBOSS makes it easier and faster for businesses to register and obtain permits, which can help to attract more investors and create more jobs," Perez said in a public briefing. Perez added that ARTA is working with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to ensure that all LGUs comply with the eBOSS requirement. "We are providing LGUs with the necessary support and guidance to help them implement the eBOSS. We are also working with the DILG to monitor the compliance of LGUs," Perez said. As of September 2023, only eight out of 17 LGUs in Metro Manila have been verified by ARTA as compliant with eBOSS. Among them are Quezon City, Valenzuela, Marikina, Parañaque, Muntinlupa, and Quezon City, all of which have seen an increase in revenue collection and business registration. Outside Metro Manila, Lapu-Lapu, Cagayan de Oro, and Batangas City have also complied. "We urge all LGUs to comply with the eBOSS requirement. This is not only a legal requirement, but it is also in the best interest of our businesses and our economy," Perez said. ARTA's Partnership with the Civil Service Commission ARTA has also partnered with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government services. Under the partnership, ARTA and CSC will work together to develop and implement training programs for government employees on anti-red tape and ease of doing business. The partnership is also expected to promote the use of technology to improve government service delivery, Perez said. In addition, he said both ARTA and CSC will monitor and evaluate the performance of government agencies in terms of anti-red tape and ease of doing business. "We believe that this partnership with CSC will be instrumental in our efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government services," Perez said. "A more efficient and effective government will benefit both businesses and citizens. It will make it easier for businesses to operate and create jobs, and it will make it easier for citizens to access government services," Perez added. The post LGUs urged to adopt eBOSS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
GERI profits nearly P1B in H1 amid real estate boom
Buoyed by the robust performance of its real estate, rental, and hotel businesses, Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. or GERI, a subsidiary of Megaworld Corp., delivered a 17 percent growth in its first-half profits. In a stock exchange report on Tuesday, GERI disclosed that its net income during the first six months of the year reached P996 million—a significant improvement from last year’s P848 million. Likewise, net income attributable to owners during the period also increased by 13 percent to PP848-million from last year’s P748-million. Consolidated revenues, on the other hand, surged by 32 percent to P3.9 billion from P3 billion in the same period last year. According to GERI, its real estate arm, which accounted for 79 percent of its total revenues, led the entire company’s growth. From January to June, real estate sales climbed by 32 percent to P3.1 billion from last year’s P2.3 billion. Reservation sales also soared by 39 percent to P11.7 billion during the first half of the year. “Our focus on our tourism townships allowed our company to achieve remarkable growth through the first half of the year,” GERI president Monica T. Salomon said in the report. “The company’s core businesses, especially those in our destination estates, largely benefited from the increasing tourism in our country. This second half, we are determined to leverage our expertise and hope to continue capturing the increasing tourism opportunities in the sector.” Demand for GERI’s residential and commercial properties remained strong, particularly for its projects in Boracay Newcoast, Eastland Heights in Antipolo, Rizal, and Twin Lakes in Laurel, Batangas. Its newest project, the P817-million Ocean Garden Villas Cluster C in Boracay Newcoast, which was only launched earlier this year, is now 94 percent sold as of end-June. Hotel revenues, on the other hand, doubled to P308 million from last year’s P158 million due to higher occupancy and room rates as local tourism and travel recover. Leasing revenues, likewise, rose by 29 percent to P273 million from last year’s P211- million. The contribution of retail spaces to the company’s leasing income grew from the year-ago level as foot traffic and tenant sales already recovered from the slowdown. To date, GERI operates nine tourism estates and integrated lifestyle communities across the country covering more than 3,300 hectares of land. The post GERI profits nearly P1B in H1 amid real estate boom appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ARTA urged: Sanction non-EODB law compliant agencies — PCCI
A high-ranking official of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry is urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to sharpen the tooth of the Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business Law, as more and more agencies continue to be bureaucratic about facilitating permits — the cause of delays in both local and foreign investments “In general, what we want to ask the President is that we’d like to haggle on the Ease of Doing Business. ARTA is doing very well but still, there are lots of agencies that are not on the ball when it comes to following the mandate of the law,” PCCI chairman emeritus Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr said during an interview with the Daily Tribune’s Straight Talk. Signed into law by then-President Rodrigo Duterte, RA 11032 aims to entice entrepreneurs to open up their businesses in the Philippines by expediting business and non-business transactions including the issuance of permits and licenses and holding government officials accountable for graft and corruption. Promotes ease of doing business During the anniversary of the Securities and Exchange Commission in June, Marcos told SEC officials to “use all your successes to further promote ease of doing business and to actively contribute to our overall goal of bringing a comfortable life to our people.” Meanwhile, Ortiz-Luis said in terms of realizing the objective of further improving the economy through export promotion and enticing foreign direct investments, Marcos Jr. should increase the budget of the Department of Trade and Industry. In an earlier interview, Ortiz Luis said the PCCI would like to see a P10-billion budget for DTI in 2024. Magna Carta for MSMEs “We would also like to see the passage of the Magna Carta for MSME. It’s already the third amendment but we cannot appreciate it because the funding still looks like a token for us. We are the most underbanked MSME in Asia,” he said. He said the Magna Carta for MSME is currently being deliberated at the House of Representatives “but we have not seen the needed push that we are looking for, as well as the right budget for it. We seek the President’s prioritization for it.” Notable features for the amendments of the Magna Carta for MSMEs being deliberated at the House of Representatives include limiting of the cost of permits and licenses to P500 per agency for registered microenterprises and P5,000 per agency for registered small enterprises; allocation of 20 percent of all their procurement opportunities for goods and services to eligible MSMEs; and the use of free spaces measuring at least one percent of the total space in government buildings and structures by authorized MSME stores free of charge, among others. Other requests of the PCCI leader to President Marcos Jr. include the passage of the Asin Law and the revitalization of the bamboo industry which he said the Philippines is rich in and could be of use in generating huge revenues for the country through exports. The post ARTA urged: Sanction non-EODB law compliant agencies — PCCI appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
QC cracks down on fraudulent PWD claims
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Thursday said her government is cracking down on fraudulent claims to get a Person with Disability identification card. “The improper use of PWD IDs to obtain discounts, by individuals who are not legitimate PWDs is completely unacceptable. To address this issue, we have implemented an automated registration system which makes the process more efficient and secure,” Belmonte said. To ensure that assistance and support reach those who genuinely need it, Belmonte bared that the city’s Persons with Disability Affairs Office has implemented rigorous verification processes to identify and eliminate individuals falsely claiming to have a disability to be included in the list of registered PWDs. The new PWD ID registration system uses the online portal QC E-Services, where applicants must submit necessary documents as proof of their disability. This automated process eliminated the need for in-person transactions, removing opportunities for patronage or the involvement of fixers. Prior to the pandemic, the number of PWD ID holders in the city stood at around 78,000. After the implementation of the automated system, it has been reduced to more than 52,000. Additionally, it has been discovered that out of the 7,000 rejected applications, many contained counterfeit medical certificates or were submitted by individuals who did not qualify as a PWD. Meanwhile, the city government is also prioritizing accessibility initiatives. Plans are underway to install more facilities, such as ramps on sidewalks and buildings like the City Hall, to enhance mobility for people with physical disabilities. Moreover, private establishments are being inspected to ensure compliance with the minimum requirements and standards mandated by the Accessibility Law or Batas Pambansa Blg 344. Non-compliant establishments will be given warnings and penalized if necessary. As part of Quezon City’s celebration of National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Awareness Week, Belmonte encourages PWD residents to take advantage of the city’s services designed to assist and empower them. Among these services is the Pangkabuhayang QC program, which offers up to P20,000 in financial capital and comprehensive support to PWDs who aspire to start their own businesses. Additionally, the Tindahan ni Ate Joy program has been established to prioritize solo parents, including those in the PWD sector. Through this, eligible individuals receive a sari-sari store package, enabling them to start their own businesses and establish a sustainable source of income. The post QC cracks down on fraudulent PWD claims appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Belmonte cracks down on PWD fraudulent claims
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Thursday said her government is cracking down on fraudulent claims to get a Persons with Disability (PWD) identification card. “The improper use of PWD IDs to obtain discounts, by individuals who are not legitimate PWDs is completely unacceptable. To address this issue, we have implemented an automated registration system which makes the process more efficient and secure,” Belmonte said. To ensure that assistance and support reach those who genuinely need it, Belmonte bared that the city’s Persons with Disability Affairs Office (QC PDAO) has implemented rigorous verification processes to identify and eliminate individuals falsely claiming to have a disability to be included in the list of registered PWDs. The new PWD ID registration system uses the online portal QC E-Services, where applicants must submit necessary documents as proof of their disability. This automated process eliminates the need for in-person transactions, removing opportunities for patronage or the involvement of fixers. Prior to the pandemic, the number of PWD ID holders in the city stood at around 78,000. After the implementation of the automated system, it has been reduced to more than 52,000. Additionally, it was discovered that out of the 7,000 rejected applications, many contained counterfeit medical certificates or were submitted by individuals who did not qualify as PWD. Meanwhile, the city government is also prioritizing accessibility initiatives. Plans are underway to install more facilities, such as ramps on sidewalks and buildings like the City Hall, to enhance mobility for people with physical disabilities. Moreover, private establishments are being inspected to ensure compliance with the minimum requirements and standards mandated by the Accessibility Law or Batas Pambansa Blg 344. Non-compliant establishments will be given warnings and penalized if necessary. As part of Quezon City’s celebration of National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Awareness Week, Belmonte encourages PWD residents to take advantage of the city’s services designed to assist and empower them. Among these services is the Pangkabuhayang QC program, which offers up to P20,000 in financial capital and comprehensive support to PWDs who aspire to start their own businesses. Additionally, the Tindahan ni Ate Joy program has been established to prioritize solo parents, including those in the PWD sector. Through this, eligible individuals receive a sari-sari store package, enabling them to start their own businesses and establish a sustainable source of income. This year the city launched its Social Welfare Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities who have not yet received any form of social service assistance from the national government. It provides a monthly stipend of P500 to be distributed every quarter. The city government is also promoting inclusivity in the workforce by offering incentives to establishments that would actively employ PWDs. Through collaborations with businesses and organizations, Quezon City aims to create equal employment opportunities. To enhance accessibility and empower PWDs to lead independent lives, a comprehensive program has been launched for the distribution of assistive devices. This includes wheelchairs, hearing aids, and walking aids. Furthermore, the QC Kabahagi Center provides free rehabilitation services, including specialized therapy interventions for children with disabilities and their families. By employing a multidisciplinary approach, the center maximizes the children’s potential and facilitates their seamless integration into society. “Quezon City joins the nation in commemorating this year’s 45th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Awareness Week, and we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to inclusivity and the empowerment of our PWD community,” Belmonte said. The post Belmonte cracks down on PWD fraudulent claims appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DBP funds Iloilo modern jeeps
State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines has granted a P367.72-million credit assistance to an Iloilo-based transport cooperative for the acquisition of 148 brand new modern Public Utility Jeepneys as part of efforts to promote a safer, greener and more efficient public transportation system in the province. DBP president and chief executive officer Michael O. de Jesus said the credit support to Metro Iloilo Transport Service Cooperative under the bank’s Program Assistance to Support Alternative Driving Approaches would finance the acquisition of EURO-compliant PUJs to be deployed to seven routes in Iloilo City. “DBP’s credit assistance to MITS Coop reflects our firm resolve to support the implementation of the National Government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program,” De Jesus said. “This undertaking further fortifies DBP’s commitment to stimulate local businesses in the automobile industry and to contribute to the overall development of the transportation sector in the country.” DBP is the eighth largest bank in the country in terms of assets and provides credit support to four strategic sectors of the economy — infrastructure and logistics; micro, small and medium enterprises; environment; social services and community development. MITS Coop is registered with the Cooperative Development Authority and was organized in line with the national government’s jeepney modernization program. It has 627 members, composed mainly of drivers, jeepney operators and allied workers from various municipalities in Iloilo. De Jesus said the PASADA Program is DBP’s flagship program for the modernization of the country’s transportation system and offers flexible and competitive financing options tailored to the unique needs of transport corporations and cooperatives accredited by the Office of the Transport Cooperatives. He said the modern PUJs financed by DBP will serve the transportation needs of an estimated 33,000 commuters, following the issuance of a transport route plan that includes seven routes situated mostly in highly populated areas of Iloilo City. “As a development financing institution, DBP will continue to pursue partnerships that would bring far-reaching benefits to the lives of commuters, local businesses, and the environment at large,” De Jesus said. DBP senior vice president and head of Development and Resiliency Sector Carolyn I. Olfindo said MITS Coop initially partnered with DBP in 2020 for the acquisition of 27 modernized jeepney units, adding that “…its acquisition of 148 additional modern PUJs will provide employment opportunities to over 500 individuals in the province.” As of end June 2023, DBP has approved 104 accounts under the PASADA program with a total loan amount of P8.57 billion, serving as the bank’s tangible contribution to ongoing efforts to hasten the modernization of the country’s transport sector. “The joint undertaking with MITS Coop is a strong and decisive step for DBP in terms of assisting transportation cooperatives to take the big leap in public sector transport modernization, which would be a boon for a bustling and progressive city such as Iloilo,” Olfindo said. The post DBP funds Iloilo modern jeeps appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Beyond slogans
The talk of the town remains to be the DoT fiasco where a lackluster slogan, “Love the Philippines”, was unveiled and which appeared to be a safe bet since it brought up similarities to previous slogans, i.e. “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” and “Wow Philippines.” What made things worse for the anticipated, and expensive, commercial was its use of stock footage that featured tourist sites that were not found in the Philippines. We can all admit that this was indeed a shortcoming on the part of the DoT, and Secretary Cristina Frasco has acknowledged this. Certain senators were talking at length about this, even suggesting that the new slogan be scrapped. Secretary Frasco took the high road and stood firm on the “Love the Philippines” slogan, signifying the need to move on from this fiasco, onward to more important matters, such as the implementation of tourism projects and legislation to bring in more tourists. If we compare the tourism revenues of the Philippines to our neighboring countries, we are clearly lagging behind. I was able to visit Thailand recently. From the moment you set foot at the airport, you could see that we are decades behind. The service accorded tourists is topnotch – you have a sense that the locals would not rip you off just because you are a tourist. Instead, you feel that you are a guest in their country, and guests are accorded respect in Thailand. How can the DoT address this? The DoT can identify tourism hotspots and educate the service industry on how to properly treat guests. This is a grassroots-level approach to help improve tourism, instead of an expensive and grandiose advertising campaign that is bound to be changed by the next administration in 2028. Another way the DoT can help is through national and local legislation. By offering incentives to businesses in the tourism sector, more companies would be keen to invest in Philippine tourism and set up businesses in areas that have yet to be capitalized. If you visit Boracay or Cebu, you would see a saturated tourism area, but in places like Siargao Island and San Vicente, Palawan, there may be a need for government to further support the economic development of these high-potential tourist areas. DoT can highlight activities and experiences unique to the Philippines that can be found in almost every corner. Rep. Joey Salceda was correct in pointing out that Mayon Volcano, one of the most picturesque volcanos in the entire world, was not even shown in the advertising campaign of the DoT. I have visited Mayon and it was a treat to walk around it and ride an ATV in the surrounding beautiful landscape. The Philippines can boast of its surfing and dive spots to a global audience. We can offer packages to bring in more surfers and divers who would spend months in the Philippines, longer than the ordinary tourist. As a passionate (not talented) golfer, we can promote golf tourism just like Vietnam and Thailand. Clark, by far, is the best place to promote golf with the presence of an international airport and world-class golfers just minutes away. Tourist areas such as Boracay, Palawan, Siargao and Bohol, would be riddled with golf tourists with spending power, if there were three to four golf courses in these areas. All in all, tourism is more than a slogan. It is the by-product of an entire government policy and ethos to make Filipinos more proactive in bringing in tourists. Perhaps, this is what the DoT and the Filipino public should focus on. *** For comments, email him at darren.dejesus@gmail.com The post Beyond slogans appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Committed to equity, sustainability, opportunity
As the Philippines looks forward to hosting the ABAC 3 (Asean Business Advisory Council) meeting in Cebu, the Aboitiz group acts as a key driver in advancing the shared goals of equity, sustainability and opportunity. The invaluable expertise of Aboitiz president and CEO and ABAC PH member Sabin Aboitiz contribute significantly to the Aboitiz Group’s endeavors and enhance the alignment between ABAC's vision and strategies. Sabin Aboitiz demonstrates the Aboitiz Group's unwavering commitment to sustainability. The focus on exploring the viability of nuclear energy via small modular reactors highlights the Group's interest in advancing clean and efficient energy sources to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change. Additionally, the integration of climate risk scenarios underscores the Group's proactive approach to understanding and addressing the potential risks and challenges posed by climate change. "At Aboitiz, we believe that businesses have a crucial role to play in promoting equity, sustainability and opportunity," Sabin Aboitiz said. "Through our collective efforts, we are committed to making a positive impact on society and fostering a better future for all." Apart from being the pioneer of renewable energy in the Philippines with 1249.17MW of total net sellable renewable energy capacity, AboitizPower, the energy arm of the Aboitiz Group, has shown commitment in promoting equity and inclusion within the company. Testament to that is the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging program, which aims to push the envelope further in creating a safe and welcoming workplace for all. The DEIB program includes the establishment of resource networks for LGBT+, women at work, and “special life” team members, which include single parents and differently-abled workers. [caption id="attachment_149059" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Aboitiz Group drives Philippine development through inclusive growth. In Cebu City, reliable power empowers the town, improving lives and supporting economic growth and trade among APEC economies. Union Bank of the Philippines, led by Aboitiz, promotes financial inclusion through digital banking nationwide.[/caption] Group wide, Aboitiz also implements several initiatives that further celebrate diversity and maintain an inclusive workplace. Among these are information sessions and people stories for Women’s Month, Pride Month and Mental Health Month. The company also boasts a balanced representation of male and female team members, fostering an environment that values gender equality and provides equal opportunities for all. Aboitiz Equity Ventures, AboitizPower and Aboitiz InfraCapital are proud member companies of the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment, a nonprofit organization advocating workplace gender equality. Aboitiz understands that the overall success of the company also depends on the individual success of the team members. And by creating a culture where everyone feels valued, respected and included, the Aboitiz group makes sure that no one is left behind in the journey toward progress. The Aboitiz-led UnionBank of the Philippines plays an important role in the group’s digitalization path, driven by its dedication to “Tech-Up Pilipinas” and fostering widespread economic growth. Environmental stewardship also lies at the core of Aboitiz’s efforts, as the company actively pursues environmentally responsible practices and solutions that meet the sustainable development goals set by the United Nations. Aboitiz Equity Ventures, the holding company of the Aboitiz Group, has placed sustainability at the forefront of its business strategy. The Aboitiz Cleanergy Park, located at the tip coast of Punta Dumalag, Matina Aplaya, Davao City, is a huge part of Aboitiz's sustainability efforts. The eight-hectare biodiversity park serves as a haven for migratory and local birds, various mangrove species, a pawikan rescue center facility and a nesting ground for critically endangered sea turtles. By partnering with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Aboitiz continues to live out its sustainability efforts by also spearheading the protection and rehabilitation of Boracay Wetland No.4. As a linear urban park, the Boracay Wetland will offer a range of recreational activities that incorporate eco-friendly tourism designs, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Apart from biodiversity conservation, Aboitiz InfraCapital, the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, advocates better water resource management via corporations like Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. and LIMA Water Corporation. Apo Agua is building one of the Philippines’ largest private bulk water supply facilities in Davao City, which harnesses sustainable water sources and provides reliable water supply to the growing population of Davao City. The project not only ensures access to clean water but also supports the local economy and promotes environmental stewardship. The post Committed to equity, sustainability, opportunity appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Manila Water pushes expansion program
Manila Water Company Inc., led by tycoon Enrique K. Razon Jr., will expand the local and international footprint of its business and services through partnerships and acquisitions. In an interview with reporters on Thursday, Manila Water chief administrative officer and head for international business Roberto Jose Locsin reiterated that the company “is on the right track” on its planned expansions. “There is a deliberate approach for expansion both domestically and abroad. In the Philippines, we would like to focus on highly-dense populations or the secondary and tertiary cities,” Locsin said. “We have conversations with LGUs (local government units) all across the country. I can’t mention anything specific because a lot of this is still under discussion,” he said. Locsin noted that Manila Water is particularly interested in pouring money into local water districts large enough to also promise good investment returns. The company pursues expansions through its subsidiary Manila Water Philippine Ventures, which has water services units serving Laguna, Boracay Island, Clark, Cebu, Zamboanga City and Tagum City. As for international expansion, Locsin said Manila Water aims to have a presence in areas where Razon’s International Container Services Inc. ports are located. Overseas foray next goal Overseas, Manila Water will focus on concession-based businesses under build-operate-own, build-operate-transfer, or public-private partnership bulk water supply schemes. “We have a very strong capability in industrial through our estate water business in the Philippines. Replicating that and consolidating that allows us to talk to a lot of people,” Locsin added. Manila Water is the East Zone concessionaire that provides water distribution and sewerage services in the East Zone which spans the cities of Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Pateros, San Juan, Taguig, Marikina, most parts of Quezon City, portions of Manila; as well as the towns of Angono, Antipolo, Baras, Binangonan, Cainta, Cardona, Jala-Jala, Morong, Pililia, Rodriguez, San Mateo, Tanay, Taytay, and Teresa in Rizal province. The post Manila Water pushes expansion program appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DTI seizes P4.5-M uncertified vape
Roughly P4.5 million of uncertified vapes were confiscated by the Department of Trade and Industry- Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau as of 1 June 2023. In connection, Trade and Industry Secretary Fred Pascual has ordered the implementation of tighter monitoring of vape shops across the National Capital Region to ensure that restrictions on the sale of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products, as established by Republic Act 11900 also known as “Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act” are being implemented. “As of 1 June, our monitoring teams have already monitored 583 physical stores and 28,584 online stores, which totals 29,167 firms monitored. The DTI, through our Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau will continue to implement tighter monitoring of these firms. We aim to balance the interest of both businesses/manufacturers and also protect our youth from these harmful substances,” Pascual said. Out of the 583 physical stores monitored, 229 were found compliant to the prohibitions and regulations established by RA 11900, while 214 were found non-compliant. Meanwhile, out of 28,584 online stores, only 175 were found to be compliant after physical validation while 28,409 were non-compliant. Physical validation As of date, 26,986 online stores are still undergoing physical validation. As a result of this monitoring, FTEB has issued a Notice of Violation/Show Cause Order to 72 firms and confiscated 13,784 products from non-compliant stores. The majority of the firms that have received the notices violated the following: (1) Rule IV-Requirements on product packaging; (2) Rule V-Sale of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products, their devices, or novel tobacco products; (3) Rule VI - Restrictions on product communication, advertisements, and sponsorships; and (4) Rule VIII - Prohibition on the use of nicotine and non-nicotine products in public places. The post DTI seizes P4.5-M uncertified vape appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Globe Group, Aklan LGU push for responsible tourism in Boracay
Globe recently partnered with the local government of Malay, Aklan in its move to encourage sustainable tourism with the return of Love Boracay (formerly known as LaBoracay) held on 28 April to 1 May 2023. Globe has been supportive of Boracay’s environmental conservation efforts by conducting offshore clean-up drives, coral reef rehabilitation, community support for prevention of untreated effluents from entering the sea and raising awareness among the youth and the community on how they can contribute to environmental conservation. "Globe fully supports the local government of Malay, Aklan in its efforts to advance responsible tourism in Boracay. At this year’s Love Boracay, we carried out activities to encourage customers to adopt sustainable practices. We hope that this event raises awareness for responsible tourism throughout our country," said Pia Gonzalez-Colby, Globe chief marketing officer. To encourage Boracay visitors to “Go Lang Nang Go” and discover how they can responsibly enjoy the island’s beauty, Globe held various activities at the Globe Eco Station located at the picturesque beachfront of Boracay’s Station one. Plastics for a prize. Tourists got the chance to spin and win prizes by turning over single-use plastic bottles, plastic cups, cans or plastic bags and presenting their GlobeOne app and proof of SIM card registration. They also got a shot at the prize by donating at least P10 to the Save Philippine Seas group via the GlobeOne app or GCash. GForest signup. A GCash booth allowed customers to sign up to GForest, where actual trees are planted through points collected via activities such as walks tracked on health apps or transactions within the e-wallet, from bills payment and bank transfers to buying load. Globe At Home cash giveaway. Globe At Home gave away P5,000 in GCash credits to customers who took a photo at the Globe At Home photo wall and shared it on social media. The photo with the most likes and shares got the prize. Customers also received P50 GCash credits for turning over plastic bottles at the Globe At Home booth. Globe and KonsultaMD essentials. Globe also had booths at D’Mall and Lake Town where customers got the chance to win beach kit essentials by downloading the GlobeOne app, registering their SIM or registering to Go+99 via GCash. KonsultaMD also offered medicine vouchers, vitamin packs and other freebies to those who registered and downloaded the app. At the GCash booth, customers also got a kit with beach essentials for every proof of payment with GCash at partner establishments. For sports fans, the Globe Boracay Sportsfest proved to be a treat. The event held tennis, ultimate frisbee, volleyball and soccer competitions at the Station 1 beachfront from Estacio Uno to Ambassador on 29-30 April. The awarding ceremony was held at the sunset session featuring a local DJ, with Globe and GCash providing cash prizes for the games. Globe also brought top DJs and bands at the Globe Love Boracay Musicfest in Lake Town. [caption id="attachment_135104" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Globe held various activities at the Globe Eco Station located at the picturesque beachfront of Boracay’s Station 1.[/caption] “GCash has been powering the Globe Group's goal of promoting a digital ecosystem in the country. For example in Boracay, you can now pay for your e-trike rides, food trip, activities and other local shopping via the GCash app. This is our way of not only promoting local tourism but also making sure that businesses in Boracay benefit from the growing digital economy," said Neil Trinidad, GCash Chief Marketing Officer. To learn more about Globe’s sustainability initiatives, visit www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability. The post Globe Group, Aklan LGU push for responsible tourism in Boracay appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Foreign tourists in Boracay pushed for optional insurance – Malay councilor
Businesses complain that some tourists are compelled to get the insurance when they book their accommodations online.....»»
DILG to Cebu City: Issue safety seal to compliant businesses
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Cebu City has asked the city government to issue a safety seal certificate to businesses that comply with minimum public health standards. Cresencio Antolin Aseniero, DILG Cebu City’s Local Government Operations Officer (LGOO), said that while the need for a safety […] The post DILG to Cebu City: Issue safety seal to compliant businesses appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
DOLE-7 urges businesses to get Safety Seal Certificates
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Business establishments in Central Visayas are urged to apply for the Safety Seal Certificate to ensure compliance with the prevailing minimum health standards. The Department of Labor and Employment in Central Visayas (DOLE -7), in a recent press release, announced they would be issuing the Safety Seal Certificates to compliant establishments […] The post DOLE-7 urges businesses to get Safety Seal Certificates appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Taguig businesses get safety seal
Taguig City has awarded special citations to at least 100 business establishments that were found to be compliant with minimum public health standards amid the COVID-19 pandemic......»»
GERI reports 37% profit fall, improving sales
Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. (GERI), Megaworld’s integrated tourism and leisure unit, reported lower earnings in the first half of the year although sales have started to recover in the second quarter. In a statement, GERI said that, excluding non-recurring gains, the company’s net income for the first half of the year reached P728 million, down 9 percent from P801 million during the same period last year. Attributable net income dropped 37 percent to P544.8 million in the first half of 2020 from P865.13 million in the same period last year. Consolidated revenues for the first half of 2020 registered at P2.9 billion, reflecting a 29 percent decline from P4.1 billion during the comparable period last year. On the other hand, rental income weakened by only 8 percent from P377 million last year to P347 million in the first half of 2020 even if mall operations were affected by the Taal eruption in the first quarter, and the strict quarantine measures in the second quarter. Hotel operations declined by 67 percent from P484 million last year to P162 million for the first six months of 2020 due to the quarantine restrictions during the period. However, the decline in revenues from the company’s core businesses was offset by the 30 percent reduction in costs and expenses, from P3.1 billion in the first half of 2019 to P2.2 billion this year. “Boracay was closed to tourists during the second quarter but as soon as the quarantine measures were relaxed in June, we saw a steep climb on the sales of our commercial and village lots in Boracay Newcoast. Buyers now prefer residential and leisure products in nature-rich settings outside of Metro Manila,” explained GERI President Monica T.Salomon. GERI’s reservation sales of residential projects during the second quarter of the year rose to P3.6 billion from P2.2 billion in the first quarter. The firm noted that the growth was achieved even as the country was placed on strict lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. It did not provide comparative figures for 2019. Residential projects in Boracay Newcoast in Aklan, Arden Botanical Estate in Cavite, Eastland Heights in Antipolo, Rizal, and Hamptons Caliraya in Laguna comprised the bulk of sales during the first half of the year, which reached P5.8 billion. “When the news of a possible lockdown came out in mid-March, we had already braced for a conservative outlook for our residential segment,” said Salomon. She added that, “But, while the country was placed on strict quarantine, we saw aggressive take-ups of our provincial projects. In fact, on the average, our second quarter sales are 61 percent of what we have booked for the entire first half of 2020. And we still have enough inventory to address the demand for residential projects in these areas.”.....»»
Numerous Individuals and Businesses Profit from Trump Media Stock
Former President Donald J. Trump’s social media company, Truth Social, had a successful first official trading session on the Nasdaq, with shares surging and approaching.....»»
Boracay, Palawan named among ‘Best Islands in Asia-Pacific’
Two island destinations in the Philippines were included in the 10 “Best Islands in Asia-Pacific” by a foreign travel magazine......»»
Ati tribe fenced off in Boracay
Tension has sparked in Boracay after security guards allegedly fenced off parcels of land owned by members of the Ati tribe......»»
Lalamove empowers aspiring women entrepreneurs to start their small businesses in PangNegosyo program
Lalamove, a leading on-demand delivery platform, has launched the Panalong PangNegosyo program for its thousands of women partner drivers to give out a business-starter package to three lady riders or drivers......»»