Meat processors support DTI& rsquo;s proposal to increase capacity of businesses
The Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. said it fully supports the Department Trade and Industry’s proposal to allow more businesses to operate at their rated capacity to expedite economic recovery......»»
BusinessWorld sets forum on emerging business risks, prospects for 2024
In a world beset by economic uncertainty, businesses need more than ever to stay on top of and prepare for incoming risks, while looking out for and capitalizing on ripe opportunities. Success or failure hinges on one’s capacity to foresee and respond to changing circumstances, as well as seize new possibilities as they arise......»»
Manhunt for US shooter presses on, leaving small town in fear
Thousands of anxious small-town Maine residents began a second day under lockdown Friday as police waging a sprawling manhunt struggled to find a US Army reservist accused of killing 18 people in America’s deadliest mass shooting this year. Dozens of law enforcement agents surrounded the family home of the suspect, Robert Card, 40, but by mid-evening agents left the property in Bowdoin, near Lewiston, Maine, to hunt for him elsewhere. A wide area around Lewiston remained locked down Friday, more than 24 hours after Card allegedly went on a rampage in which 13 people were also wounded. People in Lewiston were on edge, buzzing with talk of Card and the massacre. "Uneasy," said resident Jeremy Hiltz, when asked how he felt. "It's a small community . When something like this happens, everybody knows somebody" affected." Authorities erected roadblocks, ordered schools and businesses closed, and told residents to stay indoors. Governor Janet Mills said the suspect was considered armed and dangerous. Card was seen in surveillance footage pointing a semi-automatic rifle as he walked into the Just-in-Time bowling alley on Wednesday. In early evening, law enforcement agents surrounded the Card family home in Bowdoin, bringing in armored vehicles, and sending up drones and a helicopter. State police warned "please come outside" and "we don't want anyone to get hurt" over a loudspeaker near the home, but later said the warnings were routine and not confirmation that Card was inside. One longtime neighbor, Dave Letarte, said news of the shooting "floored me." "I would have never expected that from him," he told AFP of Card. Joseph Walker, a manager at the Schemengees Bar & Grille, was among those killed Wednesday night, his father, Leroy Walker, told NBC News. Walker said his family was "suffering and dying in a nightmare we don't understand." "We were up all night. We didn't know where to go, who to turn to," he said. Terror at bowling alley One survivor told television reporters that he was 15 feet (5 meters) from the gunman when he opened fire at the bowling alley. He thought at first it was a balloon popping. "And as soon as I turned and saw it was not a balloon and he was holding a weapon, I just booked it down the lane and I slid basically into where the pins are and climbed up into the machine and was on top of the machines for about 10 minutes until the cops got there," he said. Card is a member of the US Army Reserve, but had not been deployed in any combat zone. US media reported that he had recently been sent for psychiatric treatment after he said he was hearing voices. Hundreds of police in military style camouflage gear, as well as FBI agents, flooded the search zone in what Lewiston police chief David St. Pierre called "an all-hands-on-deck approach." Republicans oppose new laws This latest shooting is one of the deadliest in the United States since 2017, when a gunman opened fire on a crowded music festival in Las Vegas, killing 60 people. Mass shootings are common in the United States, a country with more privately owned guns than people, and strong political opposition to even minor restrictions on access. The country has recorded at least 565 mass shootings this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, a nongovernmental organization that defines a mass shooting as four or more people wounded or killed. President Joe Biden called Maine's governor to offer federal support, and ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff at the White House and all government buildings. Biden added that the gun violence that plagues the United States "is not normal, and we cannot accept it," urging lawmakers to pass a bill banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. A Maine Democrat who holds a seat in the US House of Representatives, Jared Golden, flipped on this ban, saying that after the shooting in his state his previous opposition to such a restriction, which is supported by most in his party, was a mistake. "I have opposed efforts to ban deadly weapons of war, like the assault rifle used to carry out this crime," Golden said Thursday. "The time has now come for me to take responsibility for this failure," he added. But in a reminder that Congress will not be considering stronger gun ownership laws anytime soon, the newly installed Republican speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, told Fox News that the reason for so many mass shootings in the United States "is the human heart, not guns." The post Manhunt for US shooter presses on, leaving small town in fear appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hunt for ‘armed and dangerous’ US gunman who killed 18
Hundreds of police in the US state of Maine hunted Thursday for a fugitive gunman who killed 18 people at a bowling alley and a bar, as President Joe Biden mourned "yet another senseless and tragic mass shooting." The rampage in the small northeastern city of Lewiston also left 13 people wounded, three critically, in the deadliest shooting this year in America. A wide area around Lewiston was locked down during the tense search as authorities erected roadblocks, ordered schools and businesses closed, and told residents to stay indoors. Governor Janet Mills said the suspect was "considered armed and dangerous, and police advised that Maine people should not approach him under any circumstances." "This attack strikes at the very heart of who we are and the values we hold dear," Mills told a press conference. "This is a dark day for Maine." Police named the suspect as 40-year-old Robert Card -- seen in surveillance footage pointing a semi-automatic rifle as he walked into the Sparetime Recreation bowling alley. Police converged on the home of Card's father in nearby Bowdoin early Thursday evening, closing off roads. One longtime neighbor, Dave Letarte, said news of the shooting "floored me." "I would have never expected that from him," he told AFP of the younger Card. Joseph Walker, a manager at the Schemengees Bar & Grille, was among those killed the night before, his father Leroy Walker told NBC News. Walker said his family was "suffering and dying in a nightmare we don't understand. "We were up all night. We didn't know where to go, who to turn to," he said. Terror at bowling alley News outlets broadcast footage of people fleeing in terror from the Sparetime Recreation bowling alley after the shooting started Wednesday evening. One survivor told television reporters that he was 15 feet (5 meters) from the gunman when he opened fire. He thought at first it was a balloon popping. "And as soon as I turned and saw it was not a balloon and he was holding a weapon, I just booked it down the lane and I slid basically into where the pins are and climbed up into the machine and was on top of the machines for about 10 minutes until the cops got there," he said. Card is a member of the US Army Reserve. US media reported that he had recently been sent for psychiatric treatment after he said he was hearing voices. Hundreds of police in military-style camouflage gear and FBI agents flooded the search zone in what Lewiston police chief David St. Pierre called "an all-hands-on-deck approach." "We continue to work tirelessly in bringing the situation to an end," he told reporters, vowing "to locate and hold the person accountable." Biden called Maine's governor to offer federal support and ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff at the White House and all government buildings. "Once again, our nation is in mourning after yet another senseless and tragic mass shooting," he said. Biden added that the gun violence that plagues the United States "is not normal, and we cannot accept it," urging lawmakers to pass a bill banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Daily mass shootings Police and rescuers reportedly arrived at the Sparetime Recreation bowling alley at about 7:15 p.m. in response to an active shooter, and then received reports of another shooting at the Schemengees Bar & Grille. In surveillance images of Card at the bowling alley, he appeared calm and composed as he moved through the doorway with his rifle raised. Officers located a "vehicle of interest" -- a white sport utility vehicle -- in Lisbon, a town around eight miles (12 kilometers) from Lewiston. The shooting is one of the deadliest in the US since 2017, when a gunman opened fire on a crowded music festival in Las Vegas, killing 60 people. Mass shootings are alarmingly common in the United States, a country with more guns than people, and attempts to clamp down on their spread are always met with stiff resistance. The country has recorded at least 565 mass shootings this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, a nongovernmental organization that defines a mass shooting as four or more people wounded or killed. Efforts to tighten gun controls routinely run up against opposition from Republicans, staunch defenders of the constitutional right to bear arms. The political paralysis endures despite widespread outrage over recurring shootings. The post Hunt for ‘armed and dangerous’ US gunman who killed 18 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EU, Phl eyes creating digital gateway pack
The European Union or EU and the Philippines are crafting a digital development program, set for launch next year to help the boost Internet speed and reach, strengthen cybersecurity, and integrate more women into the digital economy. On Thursday, the Department of Finance said the two partners, along with other countries, are creating the Digital Connectivity Global Gateway Package. “The package has key elements on capacity building, regulatory or policy support, cybersecurity, and enhanced cable connectivity,” a DoF statement said. “The package, which is being considered for launch next year, will also help address the digital gender gap in the country by empowering women in the digital economy,” the DoF added. Connectivity partnership This global partnership on digital connectivity was recently sealed during the first Global Gateway Forum hosted by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen from 25 to 25 October in Brussels, Belgium. There were 40 government leaders who attended the forum, with Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno representing the Philippines. Global Gateway is the EU’s largest global investment program, with funding of up to 300 billion euros to be used by partner countries from 2021 to 2027 to improve their digital, energy, and transportation infrastructure, along with health and education systems. During the forum, the EU and the Philippines signed a 60 million euros financing agreement to help the latter realize projects for climate change mitigation and digital transformation. Under its digital program, the European Commission already committed in 2021 to provide all highly populated areas of the EU’s 27 member-states with faster Internet through 5G by 2030. Less than one-third of these areas benefited from that Internet technology two years ago. Expanding use of AI The commission also aims to expand the population of the EU’s small businesses using artificial intelligence and cloud from less than half to 75 percent, and those with basic technology skills from 75 percent to 100 percent over a decade. The Department of Information and Communications Technology, or DICT, on the other hand, is developing 500 to 1,000 digitalization programs. Information and Communications Technology Secretary Mon Gutierrez said the government is doubling its efforts to realize over 10 percent of its total number of digitalization programs through public-private partnerships. Also conducted by the DICT are digital literacy campaigns for government agencies, private firms and the public to spur technological innovations and better digital policies. The post EU, Phl eyes creating digital gateway pack 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......»»
DTI pushes for AI research hub; P300-M for consumer protection programs
The Department of Trade and Industry is pushing for the establishment of the Center for Artificial Intelligence Research, however, it remains "unfunded” under the proposed 2024 National Expenditures Program. During the hearing of Senate Committee on Finance’s Subcommittee “M” on DTI’s proposed P7.909 billion budget for the fiscal year 2024 on Tuesday, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual emphasized the idea would help the country's Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises to effectively adopt “artificial intelligence in their business operations. “This is a research [and development] center. The model is the AStar of Singapore…It’s industry-oriented, it's not academic research. It’s a way to help MSMEs to adopt AI in their operations,” Pascual said, citing that large companies in the country “can take of themselves” to implement AI solutions in their businesses. “But this SMES would need assistance and this is the center that could do that plus the continuing research in the impact of AI on employment which jobs will be affected,” he said. The issue of AI ethics will also be addressed through CAIR, he added. “We are working this out, actually with some business groups that can donate…In fact, we have been offered already a place,” the DTI chief said. Pascual explained that the CAIR has been included in the DTI’s plan for revitalizing Philippine industries under the Philippine Development Plan. Meanwhile, DTI’s Competitiveness and Innovation Group, Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba said the agency has been requesting funds, amounting to P200 million, for the CAIR since two years ago. Aldana did not give further details as to why the Department of Budget and Management disapproved their requests. Stressing the importance of the AI program, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda lamented there must be a reason why the CAIR did not get a budget. Legarda asked Aldaba to further provide details on CAIR as the latter noted the DTI doesn’t have enough space in their existing building, “It’s a physical center and its goal is for us to become an AI center of excellence in the region in the near future. It’s going to house our data scientists, researchers, engineers who will be conducting AI [research and development] to support the needs of the industries, including MSMEs, start-ups, large companies, and multi-nationals,” Aldaba said. The CAIR is also eyed to provide capacity building and training and workshops on AI, she added “so that new products and services could come out from the idea. However, Legarda said DTI should not wait for the physical CAIR to be set up before it starts building the capacity of Filipinos concerning AI, adding that developing a physical infrastructure may take at least two years. “And knowing government, that’s so slow. That means all the resources on AI will not ensue until the structure is done,” Legarda lamented. “What I’m saying is that while the infrastructure is not yet set up, we should continue with AI capacity buildings and research.” Senator Mark Villar, who presided over the budget hearing, backed Legarda’s position, noting that DTI should ensure that AI benefits the country. “Other countries are very concerned also about what AI might mean for the labor industry and what the implications are. I think it’s important that we learn how we can leverage it to help our industries,” he said. On the other hand, Pascual appealed to the Senate for an additional P300 million in funding to strengthen the DTI’s consumer protection programs. “We want to reorganize our consumer protection activity by centralizing it because you cannot expect a junior person running after hoarders or profiteers in an area where there are a lot of people of influence that are operating in the region,” he said. “So the plan that we have done, this planning, after the budget submission, is to centralize the consumer protection activity in the head office and have a quick response task force,” said Pascual. “That would require a funding of P300 million to strengthen our consumer protection activities," he added. Villar supported the DTI’s plan citing its significance amid the ongoing inflation being experienced in the country “It is very relevant that the DTI takes a stronger role in monitoring these hoarders and manipulators,” he said. DTI Assistant Secretary Jean Pacheco said the P300 million would fund an inter-DTI strike team to increase their enforcement activities, consumer education and advocacy, complaints handling, and procurement of equipment for the certification and testing of vapes, among others. At least P130 million of the total request will be utilized for the procurement of equipment for DTI’s certification and testing of vape products, which is in line with their implementation of the law regulating e-cigarettes. The post DTI pushes for AI research hub; P300-M for consumer protection programs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl disaster preparedness gets P450-M assistance
The United States government is providing more than P450 million ($8 million) in additional funding to strengthen disaster preparedness and response in vulnerable communities in the Philippines. The new funding will primarily enhance typhoon preparedness and develop resilient livelihood strategies in the regions of Bicol, Caraga and Eastern Visayas. It will be facilitated through the US Agency for International Development, or USAID. Likewise, it will also fund partnerships with the private sector to help ensure the continuity of businesses and other critical services, such as energy and water, after disasters. The USAID assistance will also go to training personnel of the Office of Civil Defense, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and other relevant government agencies in setting up post-disaster logistics, emergency shelters and emergency telecommunications. Additionally, USAID said it will also work with local government units in Eastern Samar and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to set up referral systems for children’s welfare and protection during disasters. “Strong typhoons came earlier than expected this year, and we’re reminded of how vulnerable many Philippine communities are to the impacts of natural disasters,” said USAID Philippines Mission Director Ryan Washburn. “We are proud of our partnership with the Philippine government to help the Filipino people prepare for and respond to disasters,” he added. Since 2010, USAID has provided approximately P17 billion ($372 million) in disaster relief and recovery aid and boosted the disaster risk reduction capacity of over 100 cities and municipalities in the Philippines. The post Phl disaster preparedness gets P450-M assistance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US provides P450-M to boost disaster preparedness of vulnerable communities
The United States government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing more than P450 million ($8 million) in additional funding to strengthen disaster preparedness and response in vulnerable communities in the Philippines. The new funding will primarily enhance typhoon preparedness and develop resilient livelihood strategies in the regions of Bicol, CARAGA, and Eastern Visayas. It will also fund partnerships with the private sector to help ensure the continuity of businesses and other critical services, such as energy and water, after disasters. Additionally, USAID’s assistance will train personnel from the Office of Civil Defense, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and other relevant government agencies in setting up post-disaster logistics, emergency shelters, and emergency telecommunications. USAID will also work with local government units in Eastern Samar and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to set up referral systems for children’s welfare and protection during disasters. “Strong typhoons came earlier than expected this year, and we’re reminded of how vulnerable many Philippine communities are to the impacts of natural disasters,” said USAID Philippines Mission Director Ryan Washburn. “We are proud of our partnership with the Philippine government to help the Filipino people prepare for and respond to disasters,” The United States is a key partner of the Philippine government in preparing for and responding to disasters, as well as delivering life-saving humanitarian assistance. Since 2010, USAID has provided approximately P17 billion ($372 million) in disaster relief and recovery aid and boosted the disaster risk reduction capacity of over 100 cities and municipalities in the Philippines. The post US provides P450-M to boost disaster preparedness of vulnerable communities appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Vivant bullish on solar PV as viable RE source
Cebu-based Vivant Energy Corp., through its retail company COREnergy Inc., is banking on the potential of solar photovoltaic ventures to expand its renewable energy portfolio. Vivant Energy president and COO Emil Andre M. Garcia said in a press statement on Friday that there is a “particularly strong interest” in solar PV, a technology that can be a viable source of renewable energy in the country. “Interest in renewable energy sources has been increasing as more and more industries look for ways to future-proof their businesses. This is another step towards our goal to expand our RE portfolio by 30 percent by 2030,” Garcia said. RE development ventures announced This week, Vivant Energy announced two renewable energy development ventures — a 20-year power supply agreement with Samal Solar Renewable Energy Corp. or SSREC and a tripartite deal with Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. and Vena Energy to develop, build, and operate a 200-megawatt or MW wind project in the Visayas. According to Garcia, these developments will translate to better retail electricity services and solar and energy engineering solutions that will benefit consumers and business owners. COREnergy is a retail company that offers total energy solutions to commercial and industrial establishments. For this year, the company targets to add 18 MW of solar rooftop generation capacity. Last year, it contributed to the renewable energy target of the entire Vivant Group by growing its rooftop solar business from 2 MW to 6 MW. The post Vivant bullish on solar PV as viable RE source appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Vivant bullish on solar PV as viable renewable energy source
Cebu-based Vivant Energy Corp., through its retail company COREnergy Inc., is banking on the potential of solar photovoltaic ventures to expand its renewable energy portfolio. Vivant Energy President and COO Emil Andre M. Garcia said in a press statement on Friday that there is a "particularly strong interest" in solar PV, a technology that can be a viable source of renewable energy in the country. “Interest in renewable energy sources has been increasing as more and more industries look for ways to future-proof their businesses. This is another step towards our goal to expand our RE portfolio by 30 percent by 2030," Garcia said. This week, Vivant Energy announced two renewable energy development ventures — a 20-year power supply agreement with Samal Solar Renewable Energy Corp. or SSREC and a tripartite deal with Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. and Vena Energy to develop, build and operate a 200-megawatt or MW wind project in the Visayas. According to Garcia, these developments will translate to better retail electricity services and solar and energy engineering solutions that will benefit consumers and business owners. COREnergy is a retail company that offers total energy solutions to commercial and industrial establishments. For this year, the company targets to add 18MW of solar rooftop generation capacity. Last year, it contributed to the renewable energy target of the entire Vivant Group by growing its rooftop solar business from 2 MW to 6 MW. The post Vivant bullish on solar PV as viable renewable energy source appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mober unveils Pasay charging hub for EV fleet
Green logistics pioneer Mober unveiled its P2-million electric vehicle charging station in Pasay City on Wednesday. The 800-square-meter charging hub in Zamora Street has 30 charging units for Mober’s fleet of 60 electric delivery trucks. “This inauguration symbolizes not just a milestone but a beacon of our overarching blueprint for an environmentally conscious logistic framework. And, we’re just getting started,”€Dennis Ng, Mober’s chief executive officer, said. Ng said Mober will add more EV charging stations in Metro Manila and 60 in Laguna that will cater to its southern fleet in the first quarter of 2024. He also revealed plans to incorporate more potent 22-kilowatt chargers along with a selection of direct current chargers in Cavite and Bulacan, amplifying Mober’s commitment to versatility and adaptability in its green infrastructure. The charging stations will eventually be opened to the general public, he added. Fast charging Equipped with the latest open charge point protocol, 7 kilowatt chargers compatible with both type 2 and GB/T (gigabyte/terabyte) standards, each charging point guarantees brisk charging sessions, ensuring the efficiency of Mober’s EV fleet exclusively earmarked for one of its IKEA customers. “We strategically opted for this charging capacity as our EV fleet remains dormant during nighttime, allowing optimal charging without overwhelming the grid,” Ng said. Beyond infrastructure, Mober’s unique partnership model provides an unprecedented advantage to businesses by allowing them to transition to green delivery operations with zero upfront costs, effectively democratizing access to green logistics. This hassle-free collaboration is pivotal in encouraging more companies to embrace sustainable logistics, reinforcing Mober’s role as a game-changer in the sector. Aligning with the progressive mandates of the Electric Vehicles and Charging Systems Act, Mober’s initiatives underscore the Philippines’ assertive stance on eco-driven policies and endeavors. With Mober’s pioneering approach, businesses have a definitive roadmap to swiftly decarbonize their last and mid-mile delivery systems, heralding a new era in business sustainability. Mober started in 2015 and was initially designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises solve their on-demand logistical needs. Eight years later, it became a business-to-business platform, facilitating sustainable delivery for retail giants such as IKEA Philippines, SM Appliance Center, Nestle Philippines and Nespresso. The company aims to become the leading green logistics delivery provider in Southeast Asia by securing a mixed fleet of 100 electric vans and trucks by the end of 2023. The post Mober unveils Pasay charging hub for EV fleet appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Filinvest Land bonds earn top credit score, stable outlook from PhilRatings
The proposed bond issuance of full-range developer Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI) has been assigned the highest issue credit ratings and stable outlooks by the Philippine Rating Services Corporation (PhilRatings). FLI’s proposed bonds, amounting to P10 billion with a P2 billion oversubscription option, were assigned an issue credit rating of PRS Aaa. The same PRS Aaa rating was also assigned to FLI’s outstanding bonds, totaling P35.4 billion. Proceeds from these bonds will be used for capital expenditures and debt refinancing. "We are delighted to receive a PRS Aaa rating from PhilRatings for our proposed bond issuance. This rating reflects our healthy fundamentals and underscores our constant focus on growth and financial sustainability. We are grateful for PhilRatings’ trust and confidence in Filinvest Land and aim to continue building the Filipino dream through our various property developments,” said Tristan Las Marias, FLI president and chief executive officer. Obligations rated PRS Aaa (the highest rating assigned by PhilRatings) are of the highest quality with minimal credit risk. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment to the obligation is extremely strong. Each of the ratings was also assigned an Outlook of Stable. An Outlook is an indication as to the possible direction of any rating change within a one-year period and serves as a further refinement to the assigned credit rating for the guidance of investors, regulators, and the general public. A "stable outlook" means the rating will likely be unchanged in the next 12 months. According to PhilRatings, the assigned credit ratings "take into account the following key considerations: (1) FLI’s established brand name and track record, with geographically diverse real estate products and substantial land bank for future expansion; (2) its sound growth strategies; (3) its improved revenues and operating cash flow, supported by more than satisfactory liquidity and interest coverage,” among other factors. For 2023, FLI will launch condominium and housing developments in Antipolo City, Taytay, Angono, Calamba City, Tanauan City, Trece Martires City, Bacoor City, Dumaguete City, and the Island Garden City of Samal. FLI will also accelerate the development of its township projects in East Town in Cainta, Rizal; Timberland Heights in San Mateo, Rizal; Ciudad de Calamba in Calamba City, Laguna, The Wood Estates in Trece Martires City, Cavite, and Palm Estates in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. These FLI townships will include residential, commercial, transportation, and school components to create a self-sufficient environment that considers the needs of residents and customers in mind. For malls, FLI is currently constructing Marina Town in Dumaguete City which will open by end-2023, and new malls in Filinvest Mimosa+ Leisure City and Activa Cubao which will open by end-2024. These will expand FLI’s retail portfolio by about 55,000 square meters in gross leasable area (GLA), bringing FLI’s nationwide retail GLA to 300,000 square meters. FLI is also present in the industrial park and ready-built factory leasing businesses with its Filinvest Innovation Parks in New Clark City, Tarlac, and Calamba City, Laguna. Last 19 August, FLI broke ground on the 25-hectare Filinvest Innovation Park Ciudad de Calamba, an expansion of the 50-hectare Filinvest Technology Park in Ciudad de Calamba. FIP-CDC is envisioned to become a stage for new and relevant products that will catalyze progress in the local community. The post Filinvest Land bonds earn top credit score, stable outlook from PhilRatings appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AboitizPower buys back shares amid PSE slump
Aboitiz Power Corp., or AboitizPower, purchased 11.407 million of its shares as part of its buy-back program as of the 19 September closing. The company said the move was needed to “create further shareholder value” as its current share price range fails to reflect the value of the company. As the shares are undervalued due to the poor state of the market, the buyback is expected to inspire investors to look at the real value of the shares. “Even with this stock buy-back program, there is no intention to delist from the PSE, but merely to reward our existing shareholders with a larger share of a brighter future,” the company said. The Philippine Stock Exchange or PSE, however, announced AboitizPower, the listed investment arm of the Aboitiz Group for energy-related ventures, will be dropped from the index of bellwether shares by next week. In a memorandum dated 20 September, PSE president Ramon Monzon confirmed AboitizPower’s removal from the index will be effective starting 26 September. This developed even after AboitizPower committed not to exit the index amid speculations that the company may opt to delist after its public float fell below the required threshold. Based on the new rules governing the PSE, all companies in the local bourse indices are required to maintain a minimum public float level of 20 percent. AboitizPower chief executive officer Emmanuel Rubio also conveyed that the company, which accounts for one out of every five megawatts or MW of installed capacity in the Philippines, is still in a strong position to create long-term shareholder value. “With a pipeline of about 1,000 MW of new renewable energy capacity, we are well on our way to contributing an additional 3,700 MW of clean electricity,” Rubio said. During the first half of the year, the company reported that it logged a P17.8-billion net income, 79 percent higher than the P10 billion recorded in the same period a year ago. During the second quarter alone, the company’s net income reached P10.3 billion, 46 percent higher than last year’s P7 billion. AboitizPower’s generation and retail supply businesses recorded earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization or EBITDA of P30.2 billion during the first six months. The EBITDA, used to measure a company’s financial health and ability to generate cash, was 31 percent higher than the P23.1 billion recorded in the same period last year due to “fresh contributions” from GNPower Dinginin. From the start of the year until the end of June, AboitizPower said its capacity sold increased by 25 percent to 4,718 MW from 3,785 MW a year ago. The post AboitizPower buys back shares amid PSE slump appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Maharlika’s questions linger (1)
The ink of BBM’s signature on the law creating the Maharlika Investment Corporation, or MIC, is now dry, and the Implementing Rules and Regulations have been issued. But still, the criticisms continue unabated from Pinoy kibitzers, i.e., management experts, private economic think tanks, to the top echelons of leading business organizations. Over the weekend, as the MIC’s partial start-up capital was remitted to the National Treasury, a leading periodical (not DAILY TRIBUNE) headlined the claim of the leadership of DBP, Michael de Jesus, that “gains from MIC’s trailblazing activities” will surely be forthcoming by the end of BBM’s term. Yet beneath the headline of the same broadsheet was a reference to well-regarded businessman George Barcelon, PCCI president and an esteemed fellow member of the Rotary Club of Makati, who said the MIC should have first finalized its board and management line-ups before DBP and Landbank made any contributions. Further, during the Institute of Corporate Directors-sponsored talk on the MIC of Dr. Bernardo Villegas last week, several ICD fellow members raised questions to Doc Bernie and the panel composed of yours truly and fellow governance advocate Francisco del Rosario. Not only that, several friends in my Upsilon Sigma Phi and AIM chat groups, who count among them several well-informed, leading management and business lights of our country, had concerns and comments about the MIC. Given this apparent continuing widespread interest from people whom I have great respect for and who certainly have only the best interest of the country in mind in voicing their observations, I would like to give it a shot and share what I believe are the key issues that are perennially raised and my own reactions to these comments. Do we need another GOCC when other agencies and GOCCs are in place? There is a frequent reference to NDC, a GOCC under the DTI with a long history of hits and misses. It has historically ventured into businesses that the private sector would generally not be interested in but nevertheless deemed important for the country’s economic development. However, saddled with relatively modest capital and some under- and non-performing assets on its balance sheet, NDC has never really figured in any blockbuster transactions or has high-potential assets that could catch the interest of multilateral or global venture funds. The bottom line, surely prospective foreign investors would rather partner with a GOCC that has a clean balance sheet, significant capital, is manned by leading management and investment experts, and is supported by a board composed of the highest economic agencies in the country. Mandating LandBank and DBP to invest P75 billion in the MIC will deprive other borrowers needing credit, such as farmers and MSMEs. Indeed, it will theoretically reduce their loanable funds to this extent. However, a cursory look at LandBank’s latest published financial statements will indicate that loans and receivables are only at about 30 percent of total assets, suggesting that they are underlending relative to their lending capacity. In fact, during the Senate hearings on MIC, I recall the bank officials disclosing that almost 90 percent of their liquidity is invested in government securities. Why this is so is another story. Furthermore, other than BSP regulatory constraints, these GFIs are not geared, philosophically and organizationally, to be investing in equity, particularly of long-term duration, i.e., non-allied undertakings such as infrastructure or the agriculture sector, which are expected to be the MIC’s target investee industries. MIC will bypass the budget and appropriations process, reducing the government’s resources that could otherwise have been made available for the country’s other needs. Yes, MIC will bypass the budget and appropriation process because perhaps that was the whole intention. But as noted by Dr. Villegas in his ICD talk, with our current deficit, the national budget is intended for the country’s pressing operating needs. In contrast, the long-term capital funding required for infra and the like is precisely the funding gap that MIC could fill through joint ventures with foreign investors. Until next week… OBF! *** For comments, email bing_matoto@yahoo.com. (To be continued) The post Maharlika’s questions linger (1) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Stable, reliable power for ARCA South Taguig
The Manila Electric Company has energized a new smart substation in Taguig City to ensure the provision of stable and reliable power for Ayala Land Inc.’s Arca South development and the adjacent communities in the area. Entailing a capital investment of P597 million, the new 115 kV-34.5 kV gas-insulated switchgear substation was commissioned with an initial capacity of 83 megavolt amperes but will ultimately house three transformer banks with a combined capacity of 249 MVA that will support the existing and future energy requirements of the Arca South development, a new business and lifestyle district in Taguig City. [caption id="attachment_182269" align="aligncenter" width="1167"] Meralco senior vice president and chief revenue officer Ferdinand O. Geluz. Ayala Land senior vice president and group head Robert S. Lao, Taguig City District 2 Councilor Alexander S. Penolio, Meralco chairman and chief executive officer Manuel V. Pangilinan and Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer Ronnie L. Aperocho.[/caption] Aside from catering to the growing energy needs of the Ayala estate, the Arca South substation will also improve voltage regulation in parts of Taguig City, provide operational switching flexibility during contingencies and contribute to system loss reduction in the area. Some of the communities and establishments that will benefit from the new substation include AC Health’s Healthway Cancer Care Hospital, Ayala Malls Arca South, Alveo Veranda, Avida Towers Vireo, Landers Superstore Arca South, Maharlika Village, Puregold FTI Taguig, Sunshine Mall Plaza, Taguig Pateros Hospital and Technological University of the Philippines-Taguig. “As we continue to build upon the foundations of Arca South, we are ensuring that the energy needs of this community are met with efficiency and resilience. This substation represents more than just a physical structure; it represents our dedication to sustainable urban development. It is a cornerstone of progress, enabling us to power homes, businesses and innovations that will drive Arca South's growth and development,” Robert Lao, Ayala Land senior vice president and group head for Ayala Land Estates, said. Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer Ronnie L. Aperocho, for his part, said the development of the Arca South substation forms part of Meralco’s unceasing support to commercial customers like Ayala Land that play a vital role in the country’s economic growth and development. “The opportunity to participate in the master planning of Ayala estates has allowed Meralco to serve more customers and further cement our commitment to keep the lights on. As a testament to that, this newly energized smart substation in Arca South Taguig will provide safe, adequate and reliable capacity to serve the existing and future power requirements of this particular Ayala Land development, and the adjacent communities in the area,” Aperocho said during the inauguration of the project. The Arca South project is the latest development in Meralco’s longstanding partnership with Ayala Land. Over the past several years, Meralco has energized nearly a hundred projects of Ayala Land and its subsidiary, Makati Development Corporation, including One Ayala and Seda Manila Bay. In addition, Ayala Land consistently provides a substation lot provision for its estate developments. Meralco has been investing heavily on projects that will not just improve its electricity distribution system, but also contribute to ensuring that the infrastructure to support the government’s nation-building efforts are in place. “We share a common goal, which is to uplift the lives of our people and we encourage the active participation and engagement of the private sector in the present economic programs,” Meralco chairman and chief executive officer Manuel V. Pangilinan said during the inauguration. The post Stable, reliable power for ARCA South Taguig appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
An eBiz bazaar
PLDT and its wireless subsidiary Smart, together with TikTok Philippines, recently joined the Provincial Government of Laguna, Laguna Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Department of Trade and Industry Provincial Office of Laguna, and Enchanted Kingdom in the first-ever province-wide summit for MSMEs. This platform has enabled attendees and partners to collaborate and to access learning opportunities on market reach, e-commerce, and financial technology. The PLDT Group showcased its “eBiz Buy Local Bazaar” on TikTok Shop initiative, a digital upskilling-to-e-commerce program designed to equip local business owners with the right digital tools to enhance their online business expansion. Laguna-based MSMEs sign up for the eBiz Bazaar on TikTok Shop Speaking before an audience of over 500 local entrepreneurs at Laguna MSME Summit, Euan Rex Toralballa, Customer Relationship Management Head for SMBiz at PLDT Enterprise, underscored the commitment of PLDT and Smart to boost livelihood opportunities through technology. “Part of the PLDT Group’s thrust is digital inclusion and we want to help as many local businesses as possible thrive through technology. With our joint efforts with TikTok Philippines and our partners from the public and private sector, we will continue to find avenues to uplift local MSMEs through livelihood opportunities,” he said. “We at PLDT and Smart continuously explore inclusive and sustainable tech-enabled tools. We believe that technology can help boost efficiency and productivity that can expand livelihood opportunities for MSMEs,” added Stephanie Orlino, AVP and head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart. “Our partnership with the government and private sector including PLDT, Smart, and TiKTok Shop can help Laguna MSMEs grow their business and expand their market reach. With the advent of technology, the possibilities are limitless. Through capacity development, we can assist local enterprises take advantage of the digital tools available so they can quickly get their products out there,” said Atty. Rose-Lyn Coloma, LCCI president. The post An eBiz bazaar appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DSWD can give small rice retailers up to P15K financial aid amid ceiling order
The Department of Social Welfare and Development on Tuesday said they are ready to provide cash assistance to small rice retailers who may incur losses due to the Malacanang-mandated price ceiling on rice which became effective yesterday 5 September. DSWD Secretary Gatchalian said he was directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to use the department’s Sustainable Livelihood Program to help small rice retailers recover their would-be losses from the temporary price cap. "We discussed with the President that we will use the DSWD's Sustainable Livelihood Program once again so that our small retailers affected by this temporary price cap on rice can be assisted," Gatchalian said. Under Executive Order No. 39 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on 31 August, the mandated price ceiling for regular milled rice is P41 per kilo while the mandated price cap for well-milled rice is P45 per kilo. The DSWD chief said the SLP currently has a P5.5 billion budget which can be immediately used to help cushion the impact of the price cap on rice particularly among small rice retailers who have a very small inventory. The SLP is a capacity-building program that provides start-up capital for those who wish to start a small business, capital build for cases similar to the effects of the EO 39 to small businesses, and employment grants. Gatchalian said the Department is just waiting for the list of qualified small rice retailers, which will be provided by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Agriculture. “Hopefully, by next week, we can conduct a payout for the sustainable livelihood grant to our affected rice retailers," Gatchalian said. To date, the DTI and the DA are currently coming up with a list of affected rice traders and rice retailers who will receive the government’s assistance. Gatchalian pointed out that the DSWD is ready to begin the nationwide payout to the qualified recipients of financial aid amounting to a maximum of Php15,000. “Bagamat kino-compute pa ng DTI at DA ang dapat matanggap ng bawat tatamaang rice retailers, ang maximum na ibinibigay ng programang SLP ay P15,000. One time big time,” the DSWD chief pointed out. Last Monday, the DSWD chief said he had a meeting with Speaker Martin Romualdez who vowed to raise P2 billion to help augment the SLP budget for the benefit of more small rice traders and retailers. “I told Speaker Romualdez that the SLP’s P5.5 billion is enough to help the distressed small rice retailers. But I also welcome the additional budget as this would mean more Filipinos will be given assistance under the SLP,” Gatchalian said. The post DSWD can give small rice retailers up to P15K financial aid amid ceiling order appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Meralco’s P597-M substation energizes Ayala’s Arca South
The Manila Electric Company, or Meralco, the country’s largest power distributor, has powered up a P597-million smart substation that energizes Ayala Land Inc.’s Arca South development and the nearby communities in Taguig City. The new 115 kV-34.5 kV gas-insulated switchgear substation was commissioned with an initial capacity of 83 megavolt amperes but will ultimately house three transformer banks with a combined capacity of 249 MVA. “As we continue to build upon the foundations of Arca South, we are ensuring that the energy needs of this community are met with efficiency and resilience,” Robert Lao, Ayala Land senior vice president and group head for Ayala Land Estates, said. “This substation represents more than just a physical structure; it represents our dedication to sustainable urban development. It is a cornerstone of progress, enabling us to power homes, businesses, and innovations that will drive Arca South’s growth and development,” he added. Support to commercial customers Meanwhile, Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer Ronnie L. Aperocho said the development of the Arca South substation forms part of Meralco’s support to commercial customers. “The opportunity to participate in the master planning of Ayala estates has allowed Meralco to serve more customers and further cement our commitment to keep the lights on,” he said. As a testament to that, this newly energized smart substation in Arca South Taguig will provide safe, adequate, and reliable capacity to serve the existing and future power requirements of this particular Ayala Land development, and the adjacent communities in the area,” Aperocho added during the recent inauguration of the project. The post Meralco’s P597-M substation energizes Ayala’s Arca South appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AboitizPower launches EV fleet program
Aboitiz Power Corporation recently launched its corporate electric vehicle fleet transformation program with the presentation of new plug-in EVs in an event held at the Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan in Quezon City. The launch kickstarts its support of Republic Act 11697, the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act, as part of its contribution to greener and cleaner mobility in the country. The EVIDA mandates that at least 5 percent of industrial and commercial companies’ fleets are electronic vehicles, to bolster the use and development of EVs and reduce the local transport sector’s dependence on imported fossil fuels. “As a leader in the energy industry, we want to incorporate innovations that will improve the efficiency and sustainability of our operations. The world is facing developments in climate change, global connectivity, population growth, urbanization and digitalization, and these changes demand that businesses like ours transform to remain relevant,” said AboitizPower president and CEO Manny Rubio. “The mobility sector has always had a history of being the highest energy-consuming sector in the country. In fact, the sector accounts for 31.3 percent of total final energy consumption with over 11 million tons of oil equivalent. Globally, it is a major contributor to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions,“ he added. “With an ever-growing demand for powered mobility, we recognize that deeper electrification of mobility is a key enabler in achieving a cleaner and more sustainable world energy system. After all, a broad range of mobility applications can be powered with electricity from cleaner or zero-emission sources.” The EVs were manufactured by Build Your Dreams and will soon be deployed to the three key cities of AboitizPower distribution utilities, namely Visayan Electric, Davao Light and Cotabato Light. “Bound to be deployed in the franchise areas we serve in Visayas and Mindanao, with land areas more than six times the size of Metro Manila, these vehicles are geared to prove their efficiency and reliability in this new age of electric mobility,” said AboitizPower Distribution Utilities COO Anton Perdices. “We aim to achieve 30 percent electrification for our four-wheeled vehicles and motorbikes by 2030 and finally transform and electrify 100 percent of the AboitizPower DU fleet by 2040.” The EV fleet transformation program reinforces the demand for cleaner energy sources and aligns with AboitizPower’s growth strategy of adding 3,700 megawatts of renewable energy — like solar, wind and geothermal — to its generation portfolio in the next 10 years. Overall, this complements the Philippines’ aspiration to reduce its heavy reliance on fossil fuel importation for transportation and electricity generation via the harnessing of cleaner and indigenous sources. Aside from reduction of emissions, it also contributes to the company’s bottom line in terms of improved energy efficiency and transportation economics, as the cost per kilometer traveled of a unit is at least half compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. “Electrifying our fleet will help us further reduce carbon emissions, lower operating costs and contribute to cleaner air in the cities where we operate. This way, we are also helping empower the evolution of the cities we serve,” Perdices said. Together with its partners, AboitizPower currently has the largest and most diversified renewable energy platform in the Philippines in terms of installed capacity under its operational control. Currently, close to 1,000 megawatts of renewable energy projects — including wind and solar farms and more geothermal capacities — are in the pipeline. The post AboitizPower launches EV fleet program appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ninja Van expands ops
Tech-enabled logistics company Ninja Van Philippines continues to enhance its operational capabilities to address the needs of businesses of all sizes. Most recently, the company opened its newest Fulfillment hub in Cabuyao, Laguna, to support SMEs that may be challenged by manpower, warehousing, and inventory management limitations. The 3,700-square-meter warehouse, which can be expanded through a racking system, boasts of a 2,400 pallet storage capacity and is able to process around 15,000 orders a day. In the hub, client’s products will be received in bulk, inventoried, and stored securely until orders are made and delivered to customers. Fulfillment services covered by the new facility include the standard inbound, storage, outbound, and return processes, as well as customized warehouse management solutions. Ninja Fulfillment is also fully integrated into Ninja Van’s last-mile services, which results in faster parcel handling and delivery. “We serve businesses of various sizes and recognize that their needs greatly differ from one another. For many businesses, fulfillment and warehousing may still be costly or too time-consuming. With our new fulfillment facility, we are better equipped to provide an all-in-one storage, order and inventory management solution that our clients can also customize to fit their unique needs,” said Vin Perez, country head, Ninja Van Philippines. Items received from fulfillment clients are barcoded for accurate tracking of inventory movement. All items received in the fulfillment facility are barcoded and follow a “first in, first out” system. A dedicated team also handles quality assurance which includes expiry date management and quarterly mandatory stock taking. Understanding the shippers’ need for flexibility, Ninja fulfillment services are able to seamlessly integrate with clients’ preferred last-mile delivery partners — not just Ninja Van. Ninja Fulfillment already supports fast-growing lifestyle brands, such as Dermtropics, KJM Cosmetics, and Orijin Global Brands, as well as aggregators from other Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam. Going beyond last-mile delivery, Ninja Van Philippines looks to become a total supply chain solutions provider to help shippers grow and thrive in the fast-evolving e-commerce landscape. The post Ninja Van expands ops appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»