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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......»»
Greenwich Inspires Filipinos to Create More Authentic Meaningful Connections, Launches ‘Sarap to Feel G’ Campaign
Greenwich, one of the country’s leading homegrown pizza and pasta makers, is embarking on a massive campaign this year to inspire millions of Filipinos to create more genuine, meaningful connections with each other. The campaign is anchored on having more experiences inspired by authenticity and real “feel-good” togetherness made possible by incredible, great-tasting food. This […].....»»
Golden Haven launches international campaign for OFWs
Golden Haven, the country’s leading memorial park developer, has launched its GO! International campaign, a groundbreaking initiative that aims to help overseas Filipino workers secure their financial future......»»
Time to Shine: Make Your Mark for Earth Hour at SM Malls
Small actions can make a big difference. This year, SM Supermalls invites everyone to #GiveAnHourForEarth by joining millions around the world in the annual Global Lights Switch Off on March 23 from 8:30pm to 9:30pm. This 2024, SM marks 16 years of commitment in supporting the annual campaign initiated by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).....»»
DOH launches intensified campaign vs measles
A renewed and intensified vaccination campaign against measles has been launched by the Department of Health......»»
Addressing the Philippines’ 2024 Threat Landscape: Kaspersky Launches KUMA Platform
To help Filipino businesses and organizations stay safe in cyberspace while embracing digitalization, Kaspersky announces today the launch of Kaspersky Unified Monitoring and Analysis Platform (KUMA), its integrated software solution that includes a set of functions for security information and event monitoring and management. The Philippines is expected to continue its double-digit growth towards $35B […].....»»
Approvals drop
Double-digit drops were seen in the trust and approval ratings of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, as published by Pulse Asia. These numbers may have been normal for certain officials of past administrations, but for Marcos and Duterte, these figures could be unsettling. We must be reminded that our top officials were elected by the majority of the voting public in a virtual landslide against their competition. Further, this steep decline was not realized by our previous populist president. Thus, this should be taken seriously by our leaders. President Marcos Jr. downplayed the decline, saying he was “not surprised” by it. He correctly pointed out that among the reasons for the drop would be the government’s failure to lower the price of rice — a campaign promise often repeated. Another reason could be his concurrent holding of the Agriculture Secretary position, which is a delicate Cabinet post since it relates directly to bringing food to the table of every Filipino. Rice matters in the Filipino household. The United States Department of Agriculture reported that the Philippines is now the world’s top rice importer, overtaking China. According to its report titled “Grain: World Markets and Trade,” the USDA projected that the Philippines would reach 3.8 million metric tons of rice imports for the marketing year 2023-2024, compared to China’s decreased projection of 3.5 million MT. This is a sad statistic, considering the Philippines used to be known as a leading rice producer, even the go-to country for our neighbors to learn about rice production. Our Banaue Rice Terraces is a heritage and tourist site that may very well belong in a museum since rice irrigation may be a thing of the past. Food security was a campaign promise that should be endeavored to be achieved. There is no rice crisis because of the incessant importation of rice by prominent businessmen, but it has become difficult to encourage other investors to put their capital into rice farming. The government should provide the answer by incentivizing farmers and businesses to invest in rice farming, but all this is easier said than done. As for our Vice President, her ratings drop should be related to the controversial confidential and intelligence funds she defended heavily in the budget hearings. I cannot fathom a worthy explanation for why the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education should have P650 million in these funds without proper accounting and explanation. As for the reported realignment of these funds by the House of Representatives to agencies tasked with the protection of our national sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, we are still waiting to see if this will happen after it hurdles the Senate and is later signed by the President. The ratings drop may be ignored, but it’s continuing cannot be risked. The ratings can be expected to rise, especially if the surveys are taken during the Christmas season when the Filipino nation becomes forgiving. The leadership should take concrete action on how to cause an uptick, such as by providing concrete solutions to the promises made during the campaign. If something can be learned from former President Rodrigo Duterte, it would help to be very visible locally to show your genuine and sincere compassion and empathy for your countrymen. But as I have written before, it is unfair to compare two leaders with varying styles. Let’s trust our President, and he has the privilege of time to make a huge turnaround. For comments, email him at darren.dejesus@gmail.com. The post Approvals drop appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos leads Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair launch in CamSur
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday graced the simultaneous launch of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair in Nabua, Camarines Sur. The Bagong Pilipinas caravan involves the consolidation of programs and services by various government agencies in one venue to speed up their delivery to Filipinos. In his speech, Marcos noted that these government agencies and institutions were in “full force” to deliver medical, health, financial, livelihood, and education assistance to “give Filipinos “new hope and new beginnings.” “This program is just one of the first initiatives of the government to give Filipinos new hope and a new beginning. Our islands may be detached from one another, but we are united by one spirit and one dream – the new Philippines for the new Filipino),” Marcos said in vernacular. “We gathered various government agencies to deliver services that would improve your lives,” he added. The event featured the government’s flagship programs such as Kadiwa ng Pangulo, Passport on Wheels, Driver’s License registration/assistance, National I.D., Pag-IBIG Fund, National Bureau of Investigation and Police Clearance applications—wherein various government agencies have extended their respective assistance to farmers, fisherfolk, senior citizens, and sick Filipinos. Marcos said his administration would continue working to improve the government services to the people. “We have one goal – to promote a new Philippines that we can proudly pass on to our children and the future generations),” he said. The two-day caravan was also held simultaneously in Monkayo, Davao de Oro led by Vice President Sara Duterte; the Visayas State University in Tolosa, Leyte led by House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez; and the Mariano Marcos State University in Laoag, Ilocos Norte led by 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos III. In Camarines Sur, the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair hosts 75 programs and services from 29 government agencies, including social services, livelihood and educational services, and other regulatory functions that would benefit 120,000 residents. The Presidential Communications Office said the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair is intended to be replicated in every province to speed up the delivery of government services to the countryside. It is one of the targeted programs of the Marcos administration to promote the all-inclusive “Bagong Pilipinas” brand of governance and leadership campaign. The post Marcos leads Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair launch in CamSur appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Central banks in no rush to cut interest rates
Investors were hoping to hear central banks finally signal this week that they were close to being done raising interest rates in their battle against inflation. Instead, policymakers indicated that high rates are here for a while yet, with more hikes on the cards and few, if any, cuts in the near future. The US Federal Reserve set the tone on Wednesday when it paused its rate-hike campaign but caused a stir by leaving the door open to another increase before the end of the year. The central bank also unsettled investors by saying that only two cuts were expected next year instead of four as anticipated. The Fed has more room to keep its "hawkish" stance as the US economy has performed better than feared despite the rate increases. This firm position is shared by other central banks. Norway's rate hike Thursday was anticipated, but it also warned further tightening was "likely" in December, while ruling out any easing before next year. Growth or inflation This firm tone came "as a surprise to the markets," which have "decided that the peak" of rate hikes is "happening right now," HSBC economist Fabio Balboni told AFP, even though "central banks' communications leave the door open to the possibility to further hikes". It leaves "real uncertainty about the level of inflation next year", he said. Their decision "reflects a compromise between growth and inflation", he added. The rate hikes raise the cost of credit for businesses and consumers, which theoretically in turn reduces demand and inflationary pressures. But if demand slows too much, it runs the risk of triggering a recession. Faced with this dilemma, the European Central Bank (ECB) chose inflation-limiting measures, with a 10th consecutive rate hike. That took its benchmark rate to 4.0 percent, the highest since 1999. "We can't say we have peaked," ECB president Christine Lagarde said, although other officials indicated that the cycle of raising rates might be coming to a close. "Our future decisions will ensure that the key ECB interest rates will be set at sufficiently restrictive levels for as long as necessary," the bank's chief economist Philip Lane said Thursday in New York. Return to lower rates There are other signs, however, that rates are reaching their peak. The Bank of England on Thursday announced its first pause on raising rates since December 2021, following a slight decline in UK inflation in August. Switzerland and Japan -- like half of all central banks -- have also chosen to halt raising rates in the past 10 days. "We expect no more rate hikes in the future" for the US, England and Europe central banks, said Balboni. Jennifer McKeown of Capital Economics said she expected the last hikes to come in the fourth quarter, and that the easing cycle would take hold as 2024 approaches. "By this time next year, we anticipate that 21 out of the world's 30 major central banks will be cutting interest rates," she wrote. Although Balboni, taking a more measured stance, said "in the context of weak growth, it will be very complicated to reduce rates" while inflation remains "too high". Instead, he believes reductions to US rates won't be seen until the third quarter of 2024, while the rest of the world will have to wait until 2025 for rate relief. The post Central banks in no rush to cut interest rates appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tech trailblazer UnionBank is Asiamoney’s ‘BEST BANK FOR SMEs’
Digital banking leader Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) has recently been awarded by Asiamoney as the "Best Bank for SMEs. In a statement, Asiamoney lauds UnionBank's steadfast commitment to leveraging digital solutions to empower businesses of all sizes, which has earned it this esteemed recognition. The bank’s mission revolves around the belief that with the right digital tools, any enterprise can build a more competitive, efficient, and sustainable business. The bank embarked on its digital transformation journey well before the onset of the global pandemic. Its groundbreaking ‘Tech Up Pilipinas’ platform was already making significant impact with the primary goal of harnessing the power of digital technology to expedite financial inclusion and cascade the benefits of economic growth throughout the Philippines. Asiamoney highlighted the bank’s milestones in helping MSMEs including the first-of-its-kind MSME Business Banking mobile app, which was introduced in 2021, marking a pioneering step in digital banking for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). As a result, sole proprietors and entrepreneurs were provided with a versatile range of banking options, empowering them to navigate their financial needs with ease. In 2022, the Bank launched the ‘Power to Grow’ campaign or widely known as #WalangMaliitNaBusiness, to reinforce its commitment and support to MSMEs to help them with the means to take their business to the next level. UnionBank’s President and CEO, Edwin Bautista, emphasized the urgency of ensuring that no business, regardless of its size, gets left behind in today’s fast-paced digital environment. TheBank recognizes that digitally empowering MSMEs to innovate, optimize their operations, and scale up, will drive growth, not only for businesses, but for the national economy. It is a win-win for both businesses and the nation. The post Tech trailblazer UnionBank is Asiamoney’s ‘BEST BANK FOR SMEs’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Global protection for local designs
It’s interesting to see that in today’s aesthetic-driven consumer age, the success of a product can be influenced by its appearance or design. Think of that flashy pair of rubber shoes in a shop window or the familiar lines of a sports car cruising down the street that caught your eye. If you need some more examples of how design can make an impact, consider the iconic designs of the Volkswagen Beetle, the Coca-Cola bottle, and Apple iMac that are instantly recognizable. The importance of design has even generated not one but two presidential proclamations to remind us of its significance. One was in 1974 when the third week of September of every year was designated Design Consciousness Week (Proclamation 1259, s. 1974). Another was in 2011 when the third week of both March and October of every year were declared Design Week Philippines (Proclamation 277, s. 2011). With this in mind, it’s not surprising that industrial design, or ID, should be considered a valuable intellectual property, or IP, asset that business owners and designers need to protect if they want their products to stand out among their competitors. In the Philippines, ID is protected under the IP Code. Specifically, this protection gives designers and owners of a registered ID the right “to prevent third parties from making, selling or importing articles bearing or embodying a design which is a copy, or substantially a copy, of the protected design, when such acts are undertaken for commercial purposes.” But how do designers protect their designs once they step onto the global stage? Fortunately, there is now an easy way to do this. The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, or IPOPHL, held public consultations last August on The Hague System for International Registration of Industrial Designs as part of the preparations for the Philippines’ accession to The Hague Agreement by 2024. Under The Hague System, local designers can take advantage by registering and protecting their designs internationally in a simple and cost-effective way. Through an online mechanism for securing and managing design rights in multiple jurisdictions — including over 90 contracting parties — they only need to utilize a single application with minimal paper work in order to register their designs globally. This system will prove particularly advantageous for our small and medium enterprises who want to avail of the services of The Hague System and enjoy the benefits of reduced cost in filing fees. Aside from protecting our local designs, the Philippines’ accession to The Hague Agreement will also be beneficial to our economy as foreign applicants and designers can take advantage of The Hague System to facilitate technology transfers and commercialization of their designs in our country, which is considered one of the fastest growing economies in Asia. As the Philippines takes the next steps towards acceding to The Hague Agreement, the most important thing that our Filipino designers need to consider is that they should be aware that their designs can be protected separately from their businesses’ processes and brands. As such, they should go and register their designs. On the part of IPOPHL, we will be conducting an information campaign to spread the word about The Hague System at the ground level to inform the public. And of course, we held our consultation last month to ensure that IP stakeholders’ opinions are taken into consideration in forming the Philippines’ position in acceding to the treaty. We hope all of these efforts will lead to even greater breakthroughs for our Filipino designers in global markets, as well as sustain the development and promotion of the Philippines’ design capability. The post Global protection for local designs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Globe Business carries MSMEs past challenges
The business solutions arm of telecom giant Globe Telecom Inc., Globe Business Enterprise, will continue to develop solutions to challenges being faced by most micro, small, and medium enterprises. Globe’s senior director Ann David said they are brainstorming for new ideas to prop up MSMEs, at Daily Tribune’s 2nd Asian Innovation Forum or AIF at the Bellevue Hotel in Muntinlupa City. “The usual problems of MSMEs are how to get new customers, logistics, digitization of business processes, and, lastly, how to keep their teams. The answer to those challenges is actually digitization,” David said. “We know that digitization efforts pose additional burdens on some MSMEs. But, indeed, the power of technology is an automatic return on investment,” she noted. Globe Business recently launched SMS Blaster or m360, a web-based, multi-channel message blaster that allows businesses to send branded messages straight to their customers. Another breakthrough that Globe Business has launched is ChatGenie, an e-commerce solution that helps businesses sell to more customers through apps they are already using. ChatGenie lets businesses manage all transactions across different channels on one platform. “There are a lot of solutions now for MSME’s challenges. These can be resolved by talking to the right partners to try out services that are free,” she pointed out. David said Globe Business offers free seminars to MSMEs, bringing in business experts and futurists who can impart solutions to the burdens of today’s business owners. “During these webinars, we showcase digital solutions that are already available and can be utilized by MSMEs. Yearly, Globe Business launches the Gift Local campaign that provides a platform for enterprises to reach a bigger market,” she said. Gift Local aims to encourage Filipino consumers to purchase gifts for family and friends from local small businesses, she added. Daily Tribune’s Asian Innovation Forum is a convergence of stakeholders that aims to help improve small businesses, introduce new ideas, open dialogues, and foster cooperation. Ultimately, AIF aims to ensure greater access and inclusion in the financial technology sector, and for Filipino entrepreneurs to gain a foothold in a wider market. The AIF’s second series last 29 August is themed “Convergence of Fintech and E-Commerce: Ease in Credit on Time.” The post Globe Business carries MSMEs past challenges appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Credit card literacy revs up as use rises
The Credit Information Corporation continues its campaign for wise and safe use of credit cards as more Filipinos shift to cashless payments. CIC, along with the Credit Card Association of the Philippines, or CCAP, will hold the “Swipesmart” free webinar on 31 August on their Facebook page from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. CIC on its website announced the webinar will discuss the responsible use of credit cards to build a good credit rating for easier access to loans and cybersecurity for prevention of financial theft. CCAP executive director Alex Ilagan said cases of credit card fraud have risen by 21 percent in 2021 amid the pandemic as interactions were conducted through remote technology. During this period, Visa Philippines said more Filipinos or 52 percent preferred online credit card payments while 44 percent chose card payments at physical stores. Rise in cards use inevitable CCAP expects more Filipinos to use credit cards as the Philippine Statistics Authority projected more income earners in the country with a 1.52 percent population growth each year and more businesses both online and physical open post-pandemic. Currently, 64 percent of the population own credit cards, CCAP reported. “As the economy continues to reopen and becomes more robust, pent-up demand for consumer goods and services will persist, feeding into the growth of the e-commerce, retail and services, travel and tourism, automotive, and housing sectors, among others,” Ilagan said. “A credit card is one way to extend your purchasing power,” he continued. Credit cards are used for small to medium purchases. For long-term and bigger purchases, banks strictly evaluate borrowers’ credit card histories submitted by the CIC as required by law. CIC shared it has obtained credit data of 41.8 million individuals as of 30 June 2023. Visit www.creditinfo.gov.ph for the registration link to the webinar. The post Credit card literacy revs up as use rises appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
8 Taguig employers owe P9M to SSS
The Social Security System yesterday reported that it has issued Notices of Violations against eight employers in Taguig City for incurring P5.37 million worth of unpaid contributions and P3.93 million of penalties. In a statement, SSS said its NCR South Division reported that those who were served with notice of violations were delinquent employers from Barangay Bonifacio, Upper Bicutan and Western Bicutan in Taguig City thereby incurring a total obligation of P9.30 million. The violators were traced from SSS Run After Contribution Evaders campaign conducted to ensure employers are complying with their obligation as stipulated in Republic Act 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018. Two of the eight employers are involved in operating a school while the others are into real estate, management consultancy activities, bookbinding, motor works, water transportation, and residential building construction businesses. Some 182 employees are affected by the failure of the erring employers to remit their monthly contributions, highest of which is P2.1 million broken down into P922,000 unpaid workers’ contributions and P1.08 million penalties. Based on SSS records, the establishment failed to remit the Social Security contributions of 17 of its employees from June 2000 to July 2023. The post 8 Taguig employers owe P9M to SSS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
8 employers in Taguig owe over P9M — SSS
The Social Security System reported that it has issued Notices of Violations against eight employers in Taguig City for incurring P5.37 million worth of unpaid contributions and P3.93 million of penalties. In a statement, the SSS said it's the NCR South Division reported that those who were served with notice of violations were delinquent employers from Barangay Bonifacio, Upper Bicutan and Western Bicutan in Taguig City, incurring a total obligation of P9.30 million. The violators were traced from the SSS Run After Contribution Evaders campaign conducted to ensure employers are complying with their obligation as stipulated in Republic Act No.11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018. Two of the eight employers are involved in operating a school while the others are into real estate, management consultancy activities, bookbinding, motor works, water transportation and residential building construction businesses. Affected employees from erring employers are 182 employees for not remitting their monthly contributions, the highest of which is P2.1 million, with a breakdown of P922,000 unpaid workers' contributions and P1.08 million penalties. Based on SSS records, the establishment failed to remit the Social Security contributions of 17 of its employees from June 2000 to July 2023. The post 8 employers in Taguig owe over P9M — SSS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hiding in plain sight
Yes, who does not want the serenity of a gated community and the security that comes with living in such a neighborhood isolated from the outside world, with its tidy rows of well-kept lawns and picket fences protecting the dreams within? But a magician’s hat can just be as deceptive as appearances, like the production of a rabbit seemingly from thin air. Just ask the people who live in an upscale neighborhood in a city neighboring the Villars’ turf, Las Piñas. A collective gasp recently emanated from its residents as they were forced to confront the harsh reality of their amiable community starting to crumble, of their haven seemingly being overtaken by a long procession of undesirables skillfully hiding in plain sight. One particular house in the enclave of the perfumed set, said to be predominantly painted red (hmmm, what a choice of color), had been at the center of activities of rowdy and loud Chinese nationals who, residents surmised, may belong to the group of their compatriots recently arrested. They were referring to the recent burst of activity by the Philippine National Police, during which elements of its Anti-Cybercrime Group raided a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator or POGO facility in Las Piñas City. Here, we couldn’t help but chuckle at the irony of those (illegal?) POGO workers, supposedly the very masters of the virtual world, being implicated and charged with allegedly running a network of human trafficking and money laundering, being caught with their digital underwear down. Kudos to the PNP-ACG, even if Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla took issue with the group for purportedly failing to coordinate their actions with government prosecutors, something which the cops denied, with the best civility they could muster as they were talking to Remulla. The Chinese nationals who were detained were doubtless wondering how their cyber-castle fell apart so spectacularly. It’s a classic case of wolves in sheep’s clothing being stripped of the wool covering them. But there’s no passing judgment as of yet. While some applaud this crackdown as a triumphant illustration of quick justice, others may wag their fingers at the seeming outrage that seemed out of proportion. After all, was such a bold use of force necessary to expel a den of criminals? It’s a question that brings to mind the delicate balancing act that Philippine authorities have been trying to master: how to crush criminal underbellies without impeding businesses’ rightful objectives. And in the case of posh subdivisions serving as the hideaways of criminals, cops cannot just barge in. The flip side of going after dubious characters in such places is that residents may object to their privacy being invaded by sleuths in their midst. Watching the government walk the fine line between righteousness and rationality is definitely a narrative twist. One only needs to look at the Duterte government’s campaign against illegal drugs to see how difficult police work can be. And perhaps it’s only fitting that we struggle with the fuzziness of the lines between crime and repression, digital delinquency, and moral vigilance in a world increasingly ruled by the ones and zeros of technology. In the greater story of Philippine law enforcement’s tango with the shadows, this POGO raid is but one chapter. The government’s efforts to combat crime should not just be limited to the rough streets; they should also permeate communities that thought they had built barriers immune to such unrest. It should be kept in mind that security isn’t just about walls and gates; it’s about the steadfast resolve of everyone to be vigilant to bring to light even the darkest corners of our neighborhoods, literally and figuratively. Crimes hit the hardest when they stop being statistics of something bad happening to other people. Fighting criminality is the shared responsibility of all peace-loving people, whether in the slums or the enclaves of the haves. The post Hiding in plain sight appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM admin prioritizing help for MSMEs
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reiterated the government’s resolve to prioritize assistance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in the country. In his speech during the distribution of various government assistance in Northern Samar last Friday, Marcos said the government wants to invigorate and revive the MSME sector and assured cooperatives of government aid. “We are here to ensure that those who slumped because there are a lot who were hit hard, their savings were exhausted, their businesses closed, those who find it hard to recover, those are what we are looking for to help because they are the roots of our economy, the small businesses, the MSMEs),” the President speaking in vernacular. Serving as the concurrent Agriculture Secretary, Marcos previously led the distribution of assistance from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Department of Labor and Employment. During the event, Marcos graced the turnover of two four-wheel drive tractors, three multi-cultivators, four pump irrigation systems, a cacao processing facility, various agricultural livelihood projects, four units of hand tractors, four rice thrashers, and four rice cutters to beneficiaries. Some 1,220 farmer-beneficiaries in Northern Samar received around 21,480 bags of certified rice seeds, 300 bags of hybrid rice seeds, fertilizer discount vouchers, and PHP5,000 each of financial assistance. Marcos likewise supervised the distribution of assistance from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources including the 16 deep sea fish aggregating devices (payao), three high-density polyethylene cages, 150 sets of seaweed farm implement and fingerlings, and feeds for tilapia production in ponds. Some 20 units of 30-foot and five 22-foot fiberglass boats, mangrove crablets, and formulated feeds were also provided to fishermen. The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority, meanwhile, donated two hectares of abaca mother block nursery to local government units while four infrastructure projects were handed over to the provincial government. Eight distressed overseas Filipino workers also received financial assistance amounting to P150,000 and scholarship assistance worth PHP10,000 each to two dependents under the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program. Marcos also led the distribution of medical assistance worth P30,000 for two beneficiaries under the Welfare Assistance Program and financial assistance worth P20,000 to a bereaved OFW family. The President also graced the “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” in Catarman, held at the provincial capitol-covered court. The event was participated in by 39 sellers from four farmer associations, 15 DTI "Diskwento (Discount) Caravan" exhibitors, DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations, and LGU exhibitors. To date, the government has already launched 7,283 Kadiwa stores nationwide, generating P697.87 million in sales and benefiting 1.84 million households and 3,017 farmers' cooperatives and associations and agri-fishery enterprises. The post PBBM admin prioritizing help for MSMEs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AirAsia extends reach into new businesses
By Kathryn Jose and Ma. Pamela DJ. Pascual Kuala Lumpur-based AirAsia hinted at launching its food service in the Philippines soon through its Super App as the company diversifies beyond airline services. “Something related to food might be introduced very soon here in the Philippines. We’re also excited to launch that partnership here. That’s happening very soon, probably in a month or two,” Triciah Terada, AirAsia’s Super App communications and public relations manager, said at the launch of the company’s travel campaign in the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. This was part of the company’s response to questions from the media about the availability of dine-in reservation feature on its Super App for the Philippine-based restaurants. Currently, this is offered in the airline’s partner restaurants in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Panda tie-up “For the dine-in reservation feature, we can’t say for now when it’s going to be available in the Philippines,” Terada said. AirAsia had also announced that it tapped foodpanda, an app-based food delivery provider, to serve consumers in the overseas markets. In the Philippines, however, AirAsia Super App currently only allows bookings for flights, hotels and bus and ferry rides to various tourist destinations in the country, along with the distribution of rewards and a shopping feature. “AirAsia transport lets you book ferry bus rides, especially during peak seasons. With the Super App, you can select a schedule and your preferred bus company for air and sea transport,” Terada explained. Aside from these, AirAsia said it is also looking forward to bringing its app’s ride-hailing service. “We look at it as a growth area for our Super App and we’ve been talking with the government to get our license. Hopefully in due time, we will bring it here in the Philippines,” Ray Berja, Super App’s managing director, said. These app-based services are part of AirAsia Group’s rebranding into Capital A, a holdings company that aims to extend its carrier services into other lifestyle activities. The post AirAsia extends reach into new businesses appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sun Life’s new face
Sun Life Philippines has revealed that popstar royalty Sarah Geronimo is joining its roster of brand ambassadors. Sarah is at the forefront of Sun Life’s latest campaign, Partner for Life, with her husband Matteo Guidicelli, a long-time Sun Life brand ambassador himself. The campaign emphasizes the importance of having someone who will help us achieve our financial goals, live a healthier life, and be the best version of ourselves. “Sarah’s journey to becoming an empowered woman taking control of her career, businesses, health, finances, and advocacies inspires us. Her eagerness to continuously learn and find support from the people she loves makes her a perfect ally of Sun Life in encouraging more Filipinos to pursue their own version of a brighter life,” Sun Life chief client experience and marketing officer Carla Gonzalez-Chong said. As part of the campaign, Sarah and Matteo are starring in a thematic video, which highlights Sun Life’s promise of being a partner for life. The post Sun Life’s new face appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US economy adds 209,000 new jobs as hiring slows
Hiring in the United States slowed in June, the Labor Department said Friday, providing a much-needed signal that the American economy is cooling ahead of another interest rate decision later this month. The figures came in below analysts' expectations, providing some respite for the US Federal Reserve as it mulls a return to interest rate hikes later this month to tackle inflation still well above its long-term target of two percent. The world's biggest economy added 209,000 jobs last month, down from a revised figure of 306,000 in May, the Labor Department said. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate edged down to 3.6 percent, remaining close to historic lows, underscoring the enduring strength of the labor market. The hiring figure came in below the median expectation of 240,000 new jobs in a survey of economists conducted by MarketWatch, while the unemployment rate was in line with predictions. All three major US stock indexes on Wall Street finished the day in the red amid growing expectations of additional interest rate hikes this year "It's a step in the right direction, but we're not near the level that we would need to see to be convinced that the labor market is significantly cooling down," Oxford Economics' lead US economist Oren Klachkin told AFP. Even with job growth easing, average hourly earnings ticked up by 0.4 percent month-over-month, rising by 4.4 percent on an annual basis. "The labor market is still very strong, wages are still rising at a very strong pace, unemployment is still very low, and nonfarm payrolls rose at a pace that is way above what the Fed wants," Klachkin said. Bidenomics in action US President Joe Biden hailed Friday's jobs report as evidence of "Bidenomics in action." "Our economy added more than 200,000 jobs last month -- for a total of 13.2 million jobs since I took office," he said in a White House statement. "That's more jobs added in two and a half years than any president has ever created in a four-year term," he added. June's new jobs came mainly from increases in employment in government, health care, social assistance, and construction, the Labor Department said. "The economy has proven remarkably resilient, with smaller businesses absorbing layoffs at larger firms," KPMG chief economist Diane Swonk wrote in a note to clients. July hike pretty certain Minutes published earlier this week of the Fed's last meeting showed that several members of its rate-setting committee supported another hike in June to tackle high inflation. Ultimately, the Federal Open Market Committee voted to pause the Fed's campaign of 10 consecutive rate increases, indicating that two additional increases would likely be needed before the end of the year to bring inflation back down. Speaking shortly after the jobs report was released on Friday morning, Chicago Fed president Austan Goolsbee suggested the US central bank had more work to do to tame inflation. "Overall the job market is outstanding, and is getting back to a well-balanced, sustainable level," he told CNBC. "The consensus of almost all the FOMC in the statement of projections is that, over this year, we will have one or two more hikes. I haven't seen anything that says that's wrong," he said. Friday's labor data underscores the likelihood the Fed will return to its campaign of interest rate hikes later this month, according to Oxford Economics' Klachkin. "Given where the data stand right now I think that a hike this month is pretty certain, and I would say that there are even risks of more hikes in the second half," he said. "The Fed is expected to raise rates at least another half percent before it pauses," KPMG's Swonk said, adding that a hike in July was "all but a done deal" at this point. Futures traders now assign a probability of more than 90 percent that the Fed will raise its base rate by a quarter percentage point at its next meeting on July 25-26, according to data from CME Group. The post US economy adds 209,000 new jobs as hiring slows appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»