5 important steps in building an online business from home
Waiting for the right time to start an online business from home? Now would be the perfect time, with everyone at home, logged onto their social media accounts every single day. With the power of the Internet comes great opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs......»»
Why Creating a Community is Important for Your Business
In the ever-evolving landscape of business, creating a community has emerged as a powerful strategy. It’s more than just a group of people; it’s a dynamic ecosystem that fuels customer engagement and loyalty. That is why community-building that’s centered around your business is important. Here are more reasons to build a community: Gives Customers Something […].....»»
Having Work-Life Balance as an Entrepreneur
As burning passion fuels your first steps in the entrepreneurial world as a small business owner, it’s all too easy to get lost in the whirlwind of work. Many overly devoted entrepreneurs often find themselves hanging on the edge of overwork and exhaustion. They dedicate themselves to their craft, chasing dreams, and building something extraordinary. […].....»»
Beauty philosophy that surpasses time
Beauty, as it has evolved, goes beyond looks -- it discerns and does good. And for practicing such a philosophy, the Filipino brand Human Nature proves both timeliness and timelessness as it marks 15 years in the industry. Through a stylized gallery at Odd Cafe in Makati, the homegrown brand showcased its flagship beauty innovations, its newest limited-edition line and its recently launched breakthrough face care products. A new generation of influencers who embody the brand’s vision and are passionate about collaborating with authentic and purpose-driven brands graced the event. “Fifteen years ago, we started with a dream of introducing the promise of beauty that is kind to the skin, local communities and planet. Today, we are the pioneer local brand in the country to come up with a full range of natural and clean beauty and personal care innovations made by Filipinos for Filipinos. We are where we are today because of our fellow Filipinos who believe in us. So, in this milestone event, it’s you whom we celebrate!” Human Nature founder and president Anna Meloto-Wilk said. In celebration of its 15th-year milestone, Human Nature launched its thoughtfully made, limited edition design that embodies everything we believe in — the depth and diversity of the Filipina’s beauty that glows from within. Its design takes inspiration from the art style of Cubism, expressing women’s beauty in a multi-dimensional way through a play of elements. The brand also introduced its newest face care innovations for day-to-night natural glow. Start with the power hydrator Hyaluronic Acid Gel Day Moisturizer (P249.75) then give skin instant hydration on the go with the Hyaluronic Face Mist (P250). Lock in with Ceramide Skin-Renewing Night Cream (P299.75) moisture as you sleep and wake up with your dream skin. The Sunflower Beauty Oil with Bakuchiol (P299.75) will surely give that youthful glow from an expertly crafted concoction of new skincare superstar Bakuchiol. The well-loved Sunflower Beauty Oil is known to bring 25 beauty miracles. Get radiance beyond compare with Vitamin C + Hya Calamansi Radiance Serum (P495), which boasts of plant-based vitamin C and locally sourced calamansi. “Human Nature takes pride in crafting world-class local products that are all at least 95 percent natural, effective and free from harmful chemicals – allowing you to enjoy nurturing glow from head to toe. But there’s more to this glow than what meets the eye, just as how we believe that beauty is more than skin-deep,” Human Nature co-founder Camille Meloto-Rodriguez noted. Core advocacies Each product is expertly formulated by Filipino scientists and are 100 percent manufactured locally. Whenever possible, the brand uses locally grown ingredients no matter the cost to help homeland and local farmers thrive (Pro-Philippines). Going beyond profit, the brand dreams for the working poor to rise out of poverty and help create a new middle class. From day one, rank-and-file employees receive a living wage and stable employment through a no-firing policy. Putting people first is a sound business policy because not only does it increase productivity through trained and loyal employees, but it also creates a culture of empowerment and excellence (Pro-poor). The brand also takes care of the planet by creating natural, biodegradable product innovations that encourage users to #SwitchToGoodness for good. This commitment makes Human Nature the first brand in the Philippines with the widest range of plastic bottle-free formulations. As of September 2023, with the sustainability initiatives, Human Nature saved 37.2 tons of plastic waste from oceans and landfills. With every product, Human Nature seeks to advocate beauty that discards toxic trends; beauty that makes more meaningful, more compassionate and more sustainable choices; and beauty that inspires others to do the same. (Pro-environment). Human Nature stays committed to coming up with clean beauty innovations suitable for every Filipino’s needs. All in the hope of sustainably building a global company that will showcase the best of the Philippines and uplift people, especially the poor. As it moves forward, Human Nature will continue to advocate one goal: to be more than just beautiful, but kind. The post Beauty philosophy that surpasses time appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
2GO ready for holiday load
2GO, the Philippines’ largest transportation and logistics solutions provider and part of SM Investments Corporation, has strategically prepared major hubs outside Metro Manila to meet the rising holiday season demand for cargo and delivery movements. This strategic endeavor aligns with 2GO’s dedication to advancing local business and catalyzing industries while optimizing operational efficiency and service excellence for its clients. “As the country’s largest logistics service provider, we embrace the philosophy of readiness regardless of season. Anticipating the increase in logistics movement during this joyous time of year, we consistently invest in supply chain preparedness by establishing a foothold in our hubs and maintaining a capable workforce. We prioritize customer satisfaction and continue to deliver on our commitments to our customers and partners, ensuring success regardless of the season,” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, president and CEO of 2GO. 2GO is dedicated to fortifying its network of strategic hubs across key cities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The company’s logistical product portfolio was made to serve a purpose to a diverse client base. In addition to the service portfolio is the LCL shipside services, a tailored service representing an expedited Less than Container-Load offering. This pioneering solution is operational in its Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Zamboanga and Cagayan de Oro hubs. LCL services continue to be offered in 2GO’s network of 17 vital ports of call, which serve as pivotal gateways for both dry goods and temperature-controlled cargo. Its clientele includes top domestic and international FMCGs, manufacturers, distributors, industrials and agricultural businesses, covering a wide range of industries across the nation. With LCL, 2GO extends logistics support to MSMEs and entrepreneurs, ensuring that businesses of all sizes benefit from our comprehensive solutions. 2GO visited Clark and Subic in Central Luzon, Cebu City in Central Visayas and Cagayan de Oro in Northern Mindanao, to strengthen main trade hubs across the country that serve as central points for consolidating and distributing goods. Building its presence in these strategic locations allows 2GO to move deliveries faster for industries, businesses and for personal deliveries. Faye Alonzo, business unit head for Express and Forwarding, shares that “2GO has embarked on a proactive initiative to collaborate with key stakeholders in important logistical regions across the Philippines. Reinforcing our presence in major gateways not only provides us with efficient forwarding and cargo services but helps our partners and clients increase market reach, find more opportunities, and bridge logistical requirements.” 2GO’s comprehensive logistics services include transport via cargo forwarding via air, land and sea to key strategic hubs nationwide to ensure efficient service coverage. Actively serving over 33,000 barangays, 2GO offers logistics solutions to a wide range of businesses and communities throughout the country. The post 2GO ready for holiday load appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SYNC, Sierra Valley Gardens hold groundbreaking ceremonies
RLC Residences has recently broken ground on the new buildings of its two new construction milestones, SYNC and Sierra Valley Gardens. Present during the ceremonial foundation stone laying activity were RLC Residences executives and key officials from the construction partners: Terp Asia Construction Corporation, Monocrete Construction Philippines, Arknet Inc., R.B. Sanchez and W.V. Coscolluella Associates. “We are very proud of these milestones and equally excited to start constructing these new buildings. Sierra Valley Gardens Buildings 3 and 4 and SYNC N-Tower are among the many projects we recently launched to the public, each with unique features tailored to the needs and lifestyle of condo-seekers. We can’t wait to see these unfold and welcome our future residents to the home that they envisioned,” John Richard Sotelo, RLC Residences senior vice president and business unit general manager, said. Located in Bagong Ilog, Pasig City, SYNC is a four-tower residential development and currently the only condominium in the area with direct access to C5 Road. N-Tower, the third building of the development, was launched last October 2022 and boasts efficiently designed units with smart home features and productivity upgrades, and more than 20 indoor and outdoor amenities exclusively available to residents. Sierra Valley Gardens, on the other hand, is the first smart suburban community in Cainta, Rizal. Located within the Sierra Valley destination estate, the condo project offers studio to two-bedroom units with balcony options, equipped with smart home features and home upgrades, resort-like amenities and facilities, plus direct access to the soon-to-rise mall and office buildings within the estate. The post SYNC, Sierra Valley Gardens hold groundbreaking ceremonies appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Beauty philosophythat surpasses time
Beauty, as it has evolved, goes beyond looks -- it discerns and does good. And for practicing such a philosophy, the Filipino brand Human Nature proves both timeliness and timelessness as it marks 15 years in the industry. Through a stylized gallery at Odd Cafe in Makati, the homegrown brand showcased its flagship beauty innovations, its newest limited-edition line and its recently launched breakthrough face care products. A new generation of influencers who embody the brand’s vision and are passionate about collaborating with authentic and purpose-driven brands graced the event. “Fifteen years ago, we started with a dream of introducing the promise of beauty that is kind to the skin, local communities and planet. Today, we are the pioneer local brand in the country to come up with a full range of natural and clean beauty and personal care innovations made by Filipinos for Filipinos. We are where we are today because of our fellow Filipinos who believe in us. So, in this milestone event, it’s you whom we celebrate!” Human Nature founder and president Anna Meloto-Wilk said. In celebration of its 15th-year milestone, Human Nature launched its thoughtfully made, limited edition design that embodies everything we believe in — the depth and diversity of the Filipina’s beauty that glows from within. Its design takes inspiration from the art style of Cubism, expressing women’s beauty in a multi-dimensional way through a play of elements. The brand also introduced its newest face care innovations for day-to-night natural glow. Start with the power hydrator Hyaluronic Acid Gel Day Moisturizer (P249.75) then give skin instant hydration on the go with the Hyaluronic Face Mist (P250). Lock in with Ceramide Skin-Renewing Night Cream (P299.75) moisture as you sleep and wake up with your dream skin. The Sunflower Beauty Oil with Bakuchiol (P299.75) will surely give that youthful glow from an expertly crafted concoction of new skincare superstar Bakuchiol. The well-loved Sunflower Beauty Oil is known to bring 25 beauty miracles. Get radiance beyond compare with Vitamin C + Hya Calamansi Radiance Serum (P495), which boasts of plant-based vitamin C and locally sourced calamansi. “Human Nature takes pride in crafting world-class local products that are all at least 95 percent natural, effective and free from harmful chemicals – allowing you to enjoy nurturing glow from head to toe. But there’s more to this glow than what meets the eye, just as how we believe that beauty is more than skin-deep,” Human Nature co-founder Camille Meloto-Rodriguez noted. Core advocacies Each product is expertly formulated by Filipino scientists and are 100 percent manufactured locally. Whenever possible, the brand uses locally grown ingredients no matter the cost to help homeland and local farmers thrive (Pro-Philippines). Going beyond profit, the brand dreams for the working poor to rise out of poverty and help create a new middle class. From day one, rank-and-file employees receive a living wage and stable employment through a no-firing policy. Putting people first is a sound business policy because not only does it increase productivity through trained and loyal employees, but it also creates a culture of empowerment and excellence (Pro-poor). The brand also takes care of the planet by creating natural, biodegradable product innovations that encourage users to #SwitchToGoodness for good. This commitment makes Human Nature the first brand in the Philippines with the widest range of plastic bottle-free formulations. As of September 2023, with the sustainability initiatives, Human Nature saved 37.2 tons of plastic waste from oceans and landfills. With every product, Human Nature seeks to advocate beauty that discards toxic trends; beauty that makes more meaningful, more compassionate and more sustainable choices; and beauty that inspires others to do the same. (Pro-environment). Human Nature stays committed to coming up with clean beauty innovations suitable for every Filipino’s needs. All in the hope of sustainably building a global company that will showcase the best of the Philippines and uplift people, especially the poor. As it moves forward, Human Nature will continue to advocate one goal: to be more than just beautiful, but kind. The post Beauty philosophythat surpasses time appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Anissa Heights: For discerning home seekers
DMCI Homes’ upcoming project in Pasay City reaffirms the property developer’s commitment to providing quality housing options for a diverse range of home seekers. “Anissa Heights exemplifies DMCI Homes’ dedication to delivering housing solutions that adapt to the market’s evolving needs,” DMCI vice president for Project Development Dennis Yap said. The soon-to-launch Anissa Heights is a residential condominium located in P. Zamora, Pasay City, that aims to cater to a broader audience of individuals and families, offering the opportunity to own a home in a prime urban location. It provides easy access to key areas, including the Bay City, and convenient connections to Makati City through EDSA and other major road networks. Future residents will also appreciate the convenience of a transit-oriented development with the nearby MRT-3 Taft Avenue and LRT-1 EDSA stations. ANISSA Heights Its 1,390 units range from a studio type (16 sqm-26sqm) to one bedroom (27.5 sqm), ideal for rental business (short-term or long-term). This one-tower, 34-storey modern development influenced by the concept of urban living also features a wide array of amenities, such as a swimming pool, fitness gym, multi-purpose court, open sky lounge, entertainment room, play area and landscaped gardens, providing a complete resort-like experience. “This new project stands as a testament to DMCI Homes’ vision to redefine urban living, making it accessible to a diverse range of individuals and families,” Yap added. DMCI Homes is the Philippines’ first Quadruple A real estate developer known for building quality resort-inspired communities in Mega Manila, Baguio, Boracay and Davao City. It has more than 60 properties in its portfolio since its launch in 1999. The post Anissa Heights: For discerning home seekers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pilmico on World Bread Day: Bread’s transformative impact on communities
Every year on 16 October, the world celebrates “World Bread Day” to honor all kinds of bread around the world. A dietary staple in people’s lives for centuries, bread plays a much more significant role in the lives of those who bake bread as their primary source of livelihood. Pilmico has been a steadfast partner of bakers since 1962. It has given out 108 bakery kits nationwide since it started distributing livelihood kits in 2016. In honor of the “World Bread Day,” Pilmico reflects on how it has helped change the lives of several people through bread. Feeding the future Pilmico’s “Kutitap Feeding Program” was launched as a sustainable initiative to address malnutrition in public schools while at the same time supporting local bakeries. The program was made possible through the help of its partner bakeries, who went through technical training and received equipment from Pilmico. They provided bread to public schools within their communities. The Kutitap Feeding Program started in Iligan City in 2015 and in Tarlac in 2018. Since then, the program has progressively evolved through the years. Due to pandemic restrictions, it was turned into the “Kutitap Care Package,” where students received baked goods and eggs through its partner bakery, Aguila Bakeshop. Now, the program has also started incorporating meats in the meals served to the daycare students in Bamban, Tarlac. Aside from feeding students with nutritional bread, this initiative also contributed to the success of some partner bakeries such as C&G Bakery from Iligan City. Marlon C. Gecale, owner of C&G Bakery, has devoted his life to baking — from when he was a teen working as a baker to an adult owning his bakery. In between, he worked as an OFW and his passion for baking grew stronger, prompting him to have his own bakery. After buying an oven with his first salary, Gecale and his wife spent the next five years building their small bakery while he worked abroad. In 2017, they applied to become a bakery partner for Pilmico’s “Kutitap Feeding Program.” They were determined to prove that their small bakery could fulfill the demands of the program despite their new and small bakery. By partnering with Pilmico for the Kutitap Feeding Program, C&G Bakery, owned by Marlon Gecale, was able to expand to three more branches in Mindanao. Gecale underwent a month-long training with Pilmico where he earned new technical skills in baking and new recipes, which he still uses in his bakery. Since then, their bakery has grown and has been a reliable partner of Pilmico in various programs including the Iligan Community Pantry. Today, C&G Bakery has expanded to three branches in Iligan City, Misamis Oriental and Zamboanga del Sur. 'Tinapay Ti Uno' program Aside from Pilmico’s own initiatives, it has partnered with local government units such as the Department of Agrarian Reform Tarlac for the “Tinapay Ti Uno” program in partnership with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry and the Office of Congressman Jaime Cojuangco from the 1st District of Tarlac province. This program aims to create healthy buns using locally sourced ingredients from Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations and provide them to public school students in the 1st district of Tarlac. A total of 11 ARBOs participated in a bun and special bread competition where the winners will be responsible for the distribution of buns to the students. In the competition held last 24 2023, three ARBOs were hailed as the grand winners: Cabayaoasan Farmer Agriculture Cooperative from Paniqui, Tarlac; Bacabac Farmers Producers Cooperative from Brgy. Bacabac, Camiling, Tarlac; and Sinulatan 1st Agriculture Cooperative from Brgy. Sinulatan 1st, Camiling, Tarlac. Each winner received a bakery livelihood package from Pilmico that included an oven, stainless steel table, bread rack, bread showcase, proofer with cover, spiral mixer and 10 Pilmico flour sacks. In addition to the equipment, the winners were to receive technical assistance and bakery management training from Pilmico as they set up their bakery business. During the winners’ onsite bakery training in Camiling, Tarlac last 3 October, it was revealed that two out of the three ARBOs have already opened their bakeries within their communities. In celebration of “World Bread Day,” Pilmico emphasizes its unwavering commitment to providing high-quality flour that helps create nutritional bread products. “We believe in the transformative power that a simple loaf of bread can bring to people’s lives, especially those who rely on it as their main source of livelihood. Pilmico is dedicated to delivering the finest flour for the community’s bread making needs,” said Ma. Katrina Bayog, Pilmico Corporate Social Responsibility manager. The post Pilmico on World Bread Day: Bread’s transformative impact on communities appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
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......»»
A skilled workforce — a critical component of Phl energy transition
Amid the Philippine energy transition, Aboitiz Power Corporation recognized the growing scarcity of skilled power industry workers and, hence, the necessity of developing a workforce that can adapt and willingly carry the important task of ensuring energy security, affordability, and sustainability for today’s and tomorrow’s Filipinos. “There has to be a workforce now and in the future that will keep our energy system functioning and serve the needs of our country,” said AboitizPower chief people officer MaLu Inofre. “However, among our most difficult challenges is building a skilled talent pipeline that can effectively adjust and work with the fast-paced transformation within the industry's energy mix, digital systems and regulations.” “It has become exceedingly vital to ensure that workforce skills align with the changes of the times,” she further explained. “In the same way, attracting talent in a competitive global market is crucial to a sustainable, efficient, and innovative Philippine power sector that meets our country’s growing energy demands and sustainability objectives.” Inofre made her remarks during the first Philippine Power Industry HR Forum at Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig City. The event was presented by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. in partnership with AboitizPower. Young academic and professional achievers were recruited and trained by AboitizPower to operate, monitor, and control the company’s National Operations Control Center, which oversees over 20 renewable energy facilities spread across the country all from one central location. In the Philippines, the Department of Labor and Employment said that an estimated one million skilled workers in engineering, architecture and construction are lacking. They cited “Power Plant Maintenance Engineer” and “Maintenance/Powerplant Engineers” as among the hard-to-fill occupations in the country. This can be due to a lack of qualified applicants or brain drain (or when better opportunities abroad are taken advantage of by skilled locals). “Between 2016 and 2021, the employment in the power industry declined by 15,444 individuals,” said DOLE Bureau of Local Employment Director Patrick P. Patriwirawan Jr. during the same event. “The Philippines saw an increase in the employment in the renewable energy industry last year but could have employed more if not for the delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic on various project developments in the sector.” Inofre added that a major factor influencing the labor shortage is the shift in the type of skills sought by employers, especially as the sector tries to balance the entry of renewable energy whilst maintaining traditional energy systems. “Knowing this, upskilling will be key to facilitating a just transition for those who will be affected by the transition to a greener economy, as well as the new generation of workers. It is imperative that we successfully cultivate both thermal and renewable energy, so that we can ensure reliable and affordable energy supply for the country,” she said. Meralco Power Academy Program management director Engineer Marc Lester Malibiran explained that, on top of upskilling the workforce, the industry should also help develop interest for the sector, especially in the youth. In a panel discussion, AboitizPower Chief People Officer MaLu Inofre (2nd from right) said that the energy industry must come together to craft and implement programs that strengthen the talent pipeline for the Philippine power industry. “The Philippines boasts a young and vibrant population brimming with innovative potential. By investing in talent development, we tap into this dynamic workforce, harnessing their fresh ideas and energy,” he said. “Unfortunately, we are seeing a decline in both take-up and completion of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), averaging only a 21 percent completion [rate].” “Young Filipinos avoid STEM as it is seen to be an intimidating course of study. This is important to know as this signals us to develop programs that remove this preconceived notion,” he added. The Philippine Power Industry HR Forum served as an avenue for human resources professionals in the Philippine power industry to connect, collaborate and communicate ideas, knowledge and best practices. Sentiments from the breakout sessions revealed that skills and competency gaps or mismatch, a limited external talent pool and difficulty in retaining talent due to global and local competition are the most cited challenges in the human resources field of the Philippine energy sector. A panel discussion moderated by Atty. Jose Layug Jr. of Divina Law saw Michael Page regional director and country head Albert Perez, Meralco chief HR officer Edgardo “Egay” Carasig, Philippine Independent Power Producers Association, Inc. president Atty. Anne Estorco Montelibano and ACEN chief HR officer John Philip Orbeta discuss the need to calibrate existing government programs to be more in sync with the needs of the energy industry. This includes building competencies within communities to turn locals into more competitive applicants. Meanwhile, another panel discussion moderated by AmCham Human Capital & Resources Committee co-chair Ernie Cecilia had Global Business Power Corporation VP-Human Resources Maria Luz Blanco-Uriarte, One Renewable Energy Enterprise, Inc. founder and president Erel Narida and AboitizPower’s Inofre talk about how retaining workers involves investing on their skills, ensuring talent mobility opportunities and giving them a sense of purpose. “The energy industry must create an acceptable, progressive plan to resolve the talent crisis. AboitizPower, for one, makes an effort to resolve the shortage of estimated skilled workers in our industry by maintaining academic-industry linkages with universities in the country, providing long-term scholarships [and] establishing programs with TESDA that help promote electrical engineering skills at the grassroots level, among other initiatives,” Inofre said. “Through similar initiatives, I believe we can successfully empower a community of like-minded individuals who work towards implementing human resource programs that strengthen the talent pipeline for the Philippine power industry,” she concluded. The post A skilled workforce — a critical component of Phl energy transition appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aboitiz Construction kicks off expansion works for Monde Nissin’s bakery plant in Davao City
Aboitiz Construction sealed another project for Monde Nissin Corporation (MNC) which involves the construction of nine ancillary structures and external works for the food company’s expanded bakery plant in Brgy. Ilang, Davao City. This project is poised to improve MNC’s facilities, strengthening their commitment to enhancing food security in the region and providing local job opportunities. For completion next year, Aboitiz Construction will spearhead a wide array of tasks, encompassing earthworks, structural, and architectural works to build the ancillary structures. Simultaneously, the external works include civil works, site development, and the building of roads and drainages. The establishment of the new facilities will help strengthen MNC’s sustainability commitment to making eco-efficiency possible and making better food accessible to their consumers. Integral to this project is Aboitiz Construction's ongoing involvement with MNC in site and foundation works, a contract secured in June 2023. This phase includes various site development activities covering an expansive area of over 18,000 square meters, preparing the ground for the bakery plant's expansion. “We are very thrilled to start a new construction project with Monde Nissin Corporation, one of our valued repeat clients. This collaboration stands as a testament to the trust and confidence they have in our capabilities. As we embark on this journey, we will ensure to bring our expertise, dedication, and teamwork to the forefront once again,” said Aboitiz Construction Vice President for Business Development Construction Levi Agoncillo. True to its commitment to providing jobs for many Filipinos, the team plans to hire nearly 100 skilled workers, with an emphasis on employing local talents. Aboitiz Construction has been enhancing its expertise in light industries. Currently, the company is actively engaged in a land development project for LIMA Estate, covering 72.2 hectares in Batangas, showcasing its commitment to excellence and growth in the construction sector. The post Aboitiz Construction kicks off expansion works for Monde Nissin’s bakery plant in Davao City 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......»»
Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar: Scaling the realms of social responsibility
There is something quite riveting about Ana Margarita “Ginggay” Hontiveros-Malvar. Her gaze direct, her rhetoric fluid, she shares stories of immersing in conflict areas, of being in Leyte post-“Yolanda” and in Marawi post-violence, and within the same conversation, of her corporate hat within the “power, banking, food, land and infrastructure sectors.” Not so much as a vein mars her refined features. If not for those eyes, which reveal a depth of thought and feeling, hers would likely be a face some might take as just another classic beauty. Then again, her relationship with similarly strong-minded women cannot be discounted. She says, from the get-go, that she would rather not talk about herself or her sisters (Risa, the senator, and Pia, the broadcast news personality). Unlike them, she took the private route, but now unwittingly finds herself in the limelight. The Aboitiz Group, for which she handles a vital role, has many exciting things to share, Ginggay says. Smiling, she proceeds to rattle off some of these pillars — in education (“to create future leaders” who are solutions-oriented), in climate action and in enterprise and jobs. “For over 35 years, we’ve delivered probably over 5,000 CSR (corporate social responsibility) projects, spread over all the business units all over the Philippines. We’ve partnered with something like 600,000 individuals and organizations and we’ve invested the amount of P5.1 billion in all these different programs. We’re trying now to reevaluate what it is that’s next for Aboitiz Foundation, and then how we can serve our stakeholders better, and what are some of the things that we want to scale. Maybe to create a bigger impact in the country, help the country more, I think is what we want to do.” In the pipeline toward this goal of creating a bigger impact on development, Aboitiz Foundation is seeking more collaboration — “more conversations between organizations that are doing a lot of work already here in the country, and probably having a stronger voice and then putting that voice out there,” she enthuses. Clearly, Ginggay is in her element in the world she inhabits — at the heart of an “old legacy conglomerate,” her words, that now sees the need to transform along with the climactic times. “I lead a department called Reputation Management. We cover brands, media, corporate communications, sustainability — the ESG (environmental, social and governance) journey for the Aboitiz Group. We provide strategy, direction, governance and then very recently, just this year, we have our CSR arm which is called Aboitiz Foundation. It was recently also placed under us. Because at the end of the day, Aboitiz Foundation is like the big ‘S’ in our ESG — it’s really all about the social impact, the social good that we want to continue,” Ginggay tells the DAILY TRIBUNE in an interview on Pairfect. Ginggay is currently vice president for Reputation Management and Sustainability at Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., a holding company of the Aboitiz Group. For the Aboitiz Foundation, meanwhile, she works to help “scale its impactful programs for systemic change.” The mother of two is also communications lead for the Philippines’ Private Sector Advisory Council and team leader for APEC Business Advisory Council, which are areas where the visionary leader, Aboitiz Group chief executive officer Sabin Aboitiz, holds key roles. Grateful her children are adults now, Ginggay keeps her nurturing side on overdrive with her current responsibilities. “Aboitiz is a group,” she emphasizes. “And as a family of organizations, our priority has always been about people. That’s always been our passion, whether it’s the well-being of our own employees or the well-being of communities where we have our businesses. It’s really always been about people. “We don’t feel it’s right that a business does well and then the community that it’s in doesn’t. It cannot be like that — it has to go hand in hand. So, we’ve always been like that. Very people-centric. I think what we’re trying to change now in our transformation or evolution is to see how can we use more of technology and innovation and balance it with our people-centric approach. So maybe we can be a little bit faster, be better, be more data-driven in the kinds of things that we’re doing,” she says. And has her heart always been in this kind of work — one she freely admits is demanding and sometimes even emotion-driven? “My dad was pretty laidback. And he usually let us do what we want to do as long as you know, like, please do well in school, and things like that,” Ginggay recalls. “My mom was very attentive to us and she just wanted to make sure that aside from doing well in studies, you also had to do well in something else. And then, very ingrained, I think, in our DNA, I think as a family also, is that aspect of service, whether it’s public service, or you know, just service in general — whether it’s to your community or to your family, or your immediate set of, I suppose, stakeholders. So, it’s almost been like part of my DNA or something like that, or probably my character as well.” With so much on her plate, and a daily grind that consists of steering various teams to ensure the conglomerate is moving toward its goals smoothly, Ginggay makes sure she takes time — even just 30 minutes a day, she says — disconnecting from it all and connecting with herself. “Our days are very fast — they are jam-packed with schedules, meetings, a lot of stakeholder engagement activities,” she says. “There’s a lot of collaboration also that goes on between our team and the rest of the business units in the Aboitiz Group, and then a lot of meetings as well with the board just to check in on directions and things like that. It’s very fast-paced. It’s very demanding. It takes a lot of time and I think a lot of commitment… and this is what I see from all our team leaders and team members — people are really passionate about what they do. I think that’s important.” For Ginggay, certainly, such passion is necessary to lead the company toward its goals including “delivering on communications and brand that are integral to the transformation of the group into the Philippines’ first techglomerate.” Techglomerate, she explains, “is a dream in Aboitiz Group, something that we have really been working hard on for the past few years. We kind of coined the term from ‘technology’ and ‘conglomerate,’ putting it together — and it is really about trying to be more technologically advanced but we also want to incubate exciting businesses which are more in the techspace or, say, data science. To incubate all these new companies and hopefully lead in certain industries… and I think at the end of the day we realized we have a much greater responsibility to the country.” And what’s next? “We realized that to stay ahead, we also need to transform… and I suppose that transformation should happen first and foremost at the level of the person. We’re also really focused on building a new kind of culture for the Aboitiz Group, still very much rooted in our core values of responsibility, innovation, teamwork, integrity. But now, probably trying to imbibe more of the behaviors like being more entrepreneurial, trying to be more articulate, being better storytellers, being more open to new things, being more data-driven in our decisions, you know, and a lot of other things that we’re trying to do in terms of helping to develop this new culture.” In her capacity as first vice president at Aboitiz, as well as in her other roles — senior adviser for Agripreneurship at Go Negosyo, for example — Ginggay keeps her “eye on the prize” no matter what challenges come along. This “multi-disciplined, results-oriented and multi-awarded leader,” as she is described in the Women of the Future, may prefer to keep herself below the radar, but Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar will certainly not stay unnoticed. The post Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar: Scaling the realms of social responsibility appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Neri Miranda is new face of BPI
Celebrity mom and entrepreneur Neri Miranda joins BPI AIA as their newest brand ambassador. Known for her savvy business acumen and entrepreneurial pursuits, she represents the new breed of Filipinas who strive to work hard and constantly look for ways to provide more for their family. Together with her husband and Parokya ni Edgar frontman, Chito Miranda, who is currently a BPI AIA ambassador himself, the couple continues to inspire many Filipinos because of their shared values, love for their family, and advocacy of spreading financial literacy and securing the future of Filipino families. In a vlog published on the BPI AIA YouTube Channel and Facebook Page, Chito and Neri shared their story and journey of love, and how BPI AIA has been a part of their lives, especially in building their family and business. “We are pleased to have Neri join us as our newest brand ambassador. Together with her husband, they both share the same principles, values, and vision of BPI AIA to help Filipinos live healthier, longer, and better lives,” said Karen Custodia, BPI AIA CEO. “As part of the AIA Philippines Group, we at BPI AIA continue to strengthen our commitment to empower individuals and growing families like theirs through our financial solutions fit for any life stage.” The launch of the partnership is part of BPI AIA’s latest campaign, “Love is Better Said” which emphasizes that protecting your family’s future through financial security is a great way to express one’s love. BPI AIA encourages everyone to take the step towards a more secure future through proper financial planning. This way, we are able to show how much we love our families because love is better said with BPI AIA. The post Neri Miranda is new face of BPI appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Balanced role as watchdog
Dear Editor, It is not for naught that the media carries power that can equal the world’s most powerful person and entity. Hence, the media should partner with the government to uplift its own country, not devils or wolves, crocs and vultures in politics and “public service,” and private corporations. You may criticize the government but don’t consider or cause its downfall unless the one on top of it is a devil. BBM is far from being one, different from past unrepentant evil rulers in history who committed crimes against humanity. Be fair and on track in trying to serve the country by criticizing. Should you fail in being the right media (in character) and playing your task/role as a watchdog for the government, you only have yourself to blame and criticize first, bitterly and unforgivingly. The best support we, the media, can give any president of our own country is an upright, apolitical, and courageous soul to stand on the truth by fighting for the truth and giving voice to the voiceless boldly. “Fearless reporting delivered to the people” is not only reporting the truth. It reports the truth from an upright heart to enlighten people and crush evils. Stop being carried away and hoodwinked by “awards,” popularity surveys, and mass viewership or readership. Cease mouthing empty slogans. Do right, not lip service. Editorials and opinions must be crafted with the forcefulness of mission, courage, and clarity of what they are and where they are coming from — untainted convictions that are free from politics and personal, vested interests — to fight for and uphold justice, equity, and righteousness — and to beat corruption, deceits, criminalities and all sorts of malefactions and transgressions, perpetrated by authorities no less, in connivance with the avaricious in society. Such is the only way for the media to “balance” its role as a watchdog to bless its citizenry and be helpful in nation-building. Don’t cower. Don’t cover. The government is already inherently powerful. Thus, it behooves the media to exercise its equally intrinsic sovereign rights and authority that can and should equal those of the crooks, thugs, or anybody in the halls of power — for the good of all. “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-ending stream.” — Amos 5:24 In the electricity system, there is what we call ACDC, which, when spelled out, means Alternating Current (by Nicola Tesla and George Westinghouse) and Direct Current (by Thomas Edison). The media, for its part, has its own ACDC — Attack and Collect, Defend and Collect. This is not an understatement, nor a sweeping one, for I refer only to those who are members of the media’s elite club - likewise called ACDC (Anti-Christ, Devil-Cohorts). Alas! Crusading media. If you are not a part of it, you have no business being a part of the media. Face it. Reni M. Valenzuela renivalenzuelaletters@yahoo.com The post Balanced role as watchdog appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
QC gov’t to help strengthen BPO community
A leading U.S.-based business process outsourcing (BPO) company - Afni unveiled a new floor at its Fairview office over the weekend, as it scales operations in the Philippines. A ceremonial function was held on-site and attended by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, who reiterated her support for further developing the BPO industry in the city. “The city’s economy continues to grow thanks to the close partnerships we have with local businesses. Our commitment to developing the local BPO scene remains through the city government’s various efforts, including improved ease of doing business. BPOs are a key player in the city’s social development strategy through employment generation for Quezon City residents,” Belmonte, who joined Afni executives in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at SMT4. The Quezon City Government welcomed the growth and expansion of the BPO industry in the city as it provides thousands of job opportunities for QCitizens. It has also supported the training and seminars of Quezon City residents such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and new graduates. “Afni has more than 8,000 employees in the Philippines, most of whom are in Quezon City. The company’s goal is to generate more jobs that are close to people’s homes—in view of our commitment to investing especially in Quezon City and the country’s economy. Afni is celebrating ten years in Quezon City, and this is with much thanks to Mayor Joy Belmonte, whose support for BPOs allowed Afni to invest more in our operations in the city," Khalid Khursheed, Afni Vice President for Operations and Philippine Country Manager. Afni’s site at SM City Fairview Tower 4 (SMT4) is the company’s second site in Quezon City while its Philippine headquarters is located along Commonwealth Avenue. Afni started operations in Fairview in 2020 and opened its current SMT4 office two years later as the company celebrated its tenth anniversary in the country. Scaling operations in the Philippines comes after steady demand from its clients for customer engagement support services. The expanded SMT4 site covers over 100,000 square feet across five floors and currently houses more than 4,000 employees. The new floor will allow a thousand more future employees to be accommodated in the building. The office is designed with employee wellness in mind with dedicated game rooms, arcade areas, and an open-air common area—all these on top of direct access to the mall’s amenities. “Solidifying and expanding the business in the Philippines is part of the company’s growth strategy as we support our clients and employees. Afni considers the Philippines, given Filipinos’ commendable work ethic, as the company’s stronghold for sustainable growth in the global BPO landscape,” Khursheed said. With a history of over 80 years, Afni partners with some of the world’s leading names in insurance, financial services, telecommunications, healthcare, fitness, and media. Over 10,000 Afni employees globally support new and existing clients across the full customer lifecycle. From the U.S., Afni established its Philippine presence in 2012. Its flagship site in the country is along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. The company added a site in Fairview in 2020 and another will be opening in Santa Rosa, Laguna, in 2024. In 2023, Afni ventured into Mexico, opening a site in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon. The post QC gov’t to help strengthen BPO community appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Invest in MIF, PBBM urges Saudi bizmen
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his economic managers portrayed a healthy and robust Philippine economy as he encouraged Saudi Arabian businessmen to participate in the nation’s recently established sovereign wealth fund, Malacañang said on Friday. In a statement, the Palace said Marcos pitched the Maharlika Investment Fund to Saudi business executives, hoping to gain from their investments and wealth of financial management know-how. “At the forefront of these opportunities is the recently launched Maharlika Investment Fund, the Philippines’ first-ever sovereign investment fund designed to drive long-term economic development through increased investments in high-impact sectors,” Marcos said. “We look forward to benefiting not just from Saudi investments but also from the Kingdom’s extensive experience in managing such funds,” he added. In response, Saudi Ministry of Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih said Saudi investors are keen to learn from the Philippines’ financial sector. Al-Falih said the MIF was of particular relevance to the Saudi business community. “We want to connect you to key Saudi investors with impressive success stories to share and with the desire to continue building our international presence by investing with partners across the globe, the Philippines being a key one,” Al-Falih said. He added: I am pleased that we are joined today by leaders of the sector from Saudi Arabia who are eager to learn more about one of ASEAN’s most exciting markets and about the Maharlika Investment Fund that you have launched under your administration.” The Saudi government, he said, may provide information about their “extremely successful banking sector.” He applauded the Philippine government’s efforts to have a cashless society, one that uses mobile money as well, by 2030. The post Invest in MIF, PBBM urges Saudi bizmen appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The importance of cyber security
Cyberattacks are on the rise! In the past, we associated this terrifying incident with online banks and payment platforms. However, even government websites, not known as financial institutions, from which money may be stolen, or unauthorized payments are also targets. Last Sunday, 15 October, the website of the House of Representatives was vandalized before noon by a group calling itself “3MUSKETEERZ.” A face with a mocking meme with the phrases “You’ve been hacked” and “Have a nice day” appeared on the website. Below the face was the message, “Happy April Fullz Kahit October palang (even if it’s still)! Fix your website.” A few minutes later, the website went down and became inaccessible. Shortly after, the House of Representatives issued a statement assuring the public that the House had already taken action and coordinated with the government agencies concerned to deal with the matter. “While we work to restore the website fully, we ask for patience and understanding. We are committed to ensure the security and integrity of our digital platforms, and we will implement additional measures to prevent such incidents in the future,” the statement said. Relatedly, also recall that on 22 September, a system of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation was similarly attacked, preventing access for a week. Reports stated the data breach affected employees’ workstations, application servers, and users’ data, including names, addresses, dates of birth, gender, phone numbers and PhilHealth identification numbers. On 31 August, the Department of Science and Technology’s OneExpert portal was also subjected to a cyberattack. In a statement on 13 October, the DoST assured the general public that the virtual assault compromised no personal data. In all the above instances, whether personal data or sensitive information were stolen, it causes alarm to us Filipinos. The call to government agencies and ordinary Filipinos to be vigilant and careful with our online information and accounts has become louder than ever. The same holds true for institutions and businesses, which, by the nature of their activities, are entrusted with and tasked to safeguard large amounts of personal information and are responsible for keeping this trust by whatever means appropriate. I now want to stress the importance of cyber security not just for individuals and juridical entities but for the entire nation holistically. Protection against cyber threats: In today’s digital age, cyber threats like hacking, data breaches, and identity theft are becoming more prevalent. Implementing robust cyber security measures helps protect us from these threats. Safeguarding sensitive information: Cyber security also helps protect sensitive information such as personal data, financial details and intellectual property. This is crucial for maintaining privacy and preventing unauthorized access or misuse of information. Maintaining trust, reputation, and credibility: Cyber security is essential for building trust with customers, clients, and partners. Organizations can maintain a positive reputation and avoid potential legal and financial consequences by committing to protecting their data and privacy. Compliance with regulations: Many industries have specific regulations and standards regarding data protection and privacy. Compliance with these regulations is not only important for avoiding penalties but also for ensuring ethical practices and responsible handling of data. Business continuity: Cyber attacks can disrupt operations, leading to financial losses, reputational damage, and even business closure. Implementing effective cyber security measures helps minimize these risks and ensures business continuity. Finally, I want to end by being deliberately redundant in stating that cyber security is crucial for protecting individuals, organizations, and society from the growing threat landscape in the digital world. Cyber attackers are on the prowl; we must be alert to the possibility of attack, ready even now to implement measures to effectively counter-act or prevent the same. The post The importance of cyber security appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl, Saudi ink $4.26-B investment agreements
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Malacañang on Friday said that business delegations from the Philippines and Saudi business leaders inked investment agreements worth $4.26 billion. In a statement, Marcos was said to be present at the agreements' signing earlier this week, which took place on the fringes of a conference of Gulf and Southeast Asian countries in Saudi Arabia. Malacañang said that EEI Corp. of the Philippines and Samsung Engineering of Saudi Arabia have reached a deal for the export of construction services valued at $120 million. Al-Jeer Human Resources Company (ARCO) also inked a $3.7 billion human resource services contract with the Association of Philippine Licensed Agencies for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Palace added. A $191 million agreement for human resource services was also inked by Maharah Human Resources Co. of Saudi Arabia, Staffhouse International Resources of the Philippines, and E-GMP International Corp. of the Philippines. President Marcos acknowledged the valuable contributions of the companies that took part in the effort to strengthen the bilateral ties between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia, which served as home to over one million Filipino migrant workers. “To our current and future business partners, I hope that this meeting has served as an excellent platform for building greater and closer partnerships between the Philippines and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” President Marcos said. President Marcos also assured the business community that the Philippines will remain steadfast in its commitment to continuously support current and prospective Saudi investors as he emphasized that the Philippine government has amended existing laws to further open its economy to foreign investments. The post Phl, Saudi ink $4.26-B investment agreements appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl, Saudi agreements will benefit 15,000 Filipinos — Marcos
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday said that several agreements worth more than $120 million between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines will benefit more than 15,000 Filipinos soon. During a roundtable meeting with Saudi business leaders here, Marcos said the agreements represent a significant step in strengthening the cooperation between the two countries. The agreements were signed during Marcos' first official visit to Saudi Arabia since assuming the Presidency in June 2022. The agreements cover a wide range of professions in the construction industry, including engineering, architecture, and healthcare. "This meeting happens at such an opportune time as the Philippine economy continues its high growth trajectory," the President said. "To our current and future business partners, I hope this meeting has served as an excellent platform for building greater and closer partnerships between the Philippines and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," he added. He then thanked to the Saudi Ministry of Investment and the Saudi business leaders for their support and confidence in the Philippines and the Filipino people. Marcos Jr. assured that the Philippine government is steadfast in its commitment to continuously supporting current and prospective Saudi investors. He also urged the Saudi business leaders present at the meeting to "further make it happen in the Philippines." Marcos also thanked the Saudi government for its support to the Philippines. He said the two countries have a long history of friendship and partnership, and he is confident that this relationship will continue to grow in the years to come. The signing of the agreements is part of the Philippine government's efforts to expand job opportunities for the Filipinos. The government has also been working to improve the working conditions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). In recent years, Saudi Arabia has become one of the most popular destinations for OFWs. There are currently over one million Filipinos living and working in the country. The President's visit to Saudi Arabia is part of his efforts to strengthen economic ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The Philippines is a member of the ASEAN-GCC Summit, which the Kingdom is currently hosting. The post Phl, Saudi agreements will benefit 15,000 Filipinos — Marcos appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»