Multisectoral forum highlights PPPs in addressing PHL educational crisis
A LEADING conglomerate recently highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships (PPP) in tackling the current learning debacle in the country.
GroupM brings TV ad service to PHL
GROUPM, the media investment arm of British multinational WPP, has launched in the Philippines a first-to-market addressable television (TV) service that helps brands to still leverage on TV viewing being a constant favorite pastime of Filipinos.
Meta Capital opens new office in PHL
META Capital Inc., which has opened a new office in country, is bullish on its business prospects in the Philippines.
Muntinlupa intensifies vaccination-on-wheels program for fisherfolks
IN an effort to stamp out the Covid-19 crisis and reduce it to an endemic state, the city of Muntinlupa is beefing up the rollout of its mobile vaccination activities to bring protection to more of its constituents.
Leechiu names new project selling head
REAL estate brokerage company Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) has appointed Jose Ramil Gatmaitan as its director for project selling.
Legato Health Technologies rebrands
LEGATO Health Technologies Philippines, Inc. on Monday rebranded itself as Carelon Global Solutions Philippines Inc. in its bid to focus more on “solving the most complex problems of the healthcare system in the country.”
Rakuten adds features to Viber
RAKUTEN Group Inc. announced it launched two new features of its Viber product in a bid to develop the messaging app into a one-stop-shop platform this year.
Youth org: Arrest DepEd officials in laptop fiasco
A PROGRESSIVE youth movement applauded the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee for recommending last January 19 the filing of graft and perjury cases for violation of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, against several figures—including high-ranking officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) involved in the agency’s botched purchase of laptops in May 2021.
Groups urged to invest wisely
PHILANTHROPIC organizations are encouraged to have careful investment planning of their financial resources in order to sustain their respective causes or endeavors today and in the future.
CIMB Bank tweaks GSave
CIMB Bank Philippines Inc. announced it is offering users up to 8-percent interest rate per annum on the “GSave” feature of the GCash app of Globe Fintech Innovations Inc. until end of this month.
NOW Telecom to pilot 5G in NCR
NOW Telecom Co. Inc. said it hopes to finish the 5G pilot in Metro Manila by the third or fourth quarter, as it aims to become the first telco company to offer true 5G in the country by 2024.
USAID, DOH, local partners hold medical mission in Tondo
MORE than 5,000 residents of a slum area in Tondo were recently given primary health-care services by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and its local partners, such as the Department of Health (DOH), the City Government of Manila and other implementing organizations.
Japanese cloud-based solutions firm to open hub in PHL soon
THE year 2023 has ushered a new foreign investment into the country with the announcement of Sansan, a cloud-based solutions provider from Japan, about the scheduled opening of its new cutting-edge facility early this year as it seeks to accelerate the expansion of its offerings abroad.
Wilcon Depot beefs up connectivity partnership with Converge
CONSTRUCTION supplies and home improvement retailer Wilcon Depot has partnered with Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. in order to adapt to the working environment under the new normal and become a more innovative retailer amid the digitalization.
Filipinos’ interest in entrepreneurship grows amid Go Negosyo drive–study
AS micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) comprise as much as 99.9 percent of registered businesses in the Philippines, more and more Filipinos are interested to become one of them, according to a new study.
Foodpanda users mainly opt for delivery but still prefer dine-in, pick up services
FOODPANDA reported that food delivery was still in-demand among its users last year, as new trends like dine-in and pick-up services continue their growth trajectory on the back of the easing Covid-19 health protocols.
South African firm to ‘birth’ GoTyme ‘in cloud’
GOTYME Bank Corp. announced it has tapped Berlin, Germany-headquartered GmbH to scale its operations “efficiently.”
Singaporean diagnostics provider to elevate health-care industry in PHL
WITH the goal of providing Filipinos with access to quality health-care services and elevate the competencies of medical technologists (medtechs) in the country, Singapore Diagnostics (SGD) is building a new world-class facility in Metro Manila this year.
Tesda inks 667 local, foreign partnerships in bid to strengthen technical vocational education and training in PHL
THE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) reported that it ended 2022 with a total of 667 deals with local and international stakeholders to further strengthen the technical vocational education and training (TVET) in the Philippines.
Aboitiz Construction partners with SKILLS to support future Cebuano scaffolders
AWARE of the growing requirements for skilled workers in the construction industry, Aboitiz Construction Inc., through the Aboitiz Group of Companies’ corporate social responsibility arm Aboitiz Foundation, seeks to help address this concern as it officially forged a partnership with the School of Knowledge for Industrial Labor, Leadership, and Service (SKILLS) to sponsor the training of 50 qualified Cebuanos.
Reasons to go ‘live shopping’
Study: Social commerce seen to fuel e-commerce growth in PHL, Asean
Group urges solons to cancel students’ military training
STUDENT Leaders Against Mandatory (SLAM) ROTC, a newly launched coalition of high-school learners, appealed to members of the Senate to halt a measure for the two-year mandatory National Citizens Service Training (NCST) program, and a non-compulsory four-year Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) course.
RCBC’s app scores YouTube award
THE Yuchengco-owned Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) has won “The Challenger” accolade for 2022 at the highly-coveted YouTube Works Awards, making it the very first Philippine bank to ever receive this recognition.
Starbucks, partners build AquaTower to bring safe drinking water, handwashing stations to communities
THE local subsidiary of American coffee store chain Starbucks and its corporate social responsibility arm have banded together again with a nonprofit organization for the establishment of their third AquaTower in the country located in Talao-Talao Elementary School in Lucena, Quezon.
Partnership with Israel fortified with MPIC, LR Group linkage
BOOSTING the strong ties between the Philippines and Israel, two firms from both countries have activated their joint venture (JV) in dairy farming.
‘High-impact’ PHL entrepreneurs launch multiplier map to boost biz environment
ENDEAVOR, the leading global community of, by, and for high-impact entrepreneurs, launched the Philippine Multiplier Map to show how they have reshaped the local business environment and uplifted the enterprising spirit of Filipinos.
Byaheng Digiskarte aids agripreneurs adapt and thrive in future digital space
AGRIPRENEURS are among those impacted by the ensuing health crisis due to economic and food losses as well as challenges in logistics due to restrictions on movement of goods during the lockdown periods.
SAP, UNICEF, ‘GenU’ fortify ties for Filipino youths’ employability
YOUNG Filipinos have the chance to gain needed skills to make them employable, as SAP continues its partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in support of Generation Unlimited (GenU) for an additional three years in helping prepare the youths for the labor force.
Converge pins high hopes for new year
CAPPING its banner year with a bang—thanks to a slew of major connectivity breakthroughs, partnerships and awards—Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is pinning high hopes to keep on growing and provide quality service to customers in 2023, according to its top ranking officials.
Property market rebound to continue till 2023–study
PROSPECTS on the country’s real estate industry is upbeat this year on the back of improved market conditions and performances across property segments, according to a top executive of a diversified professional services and investment management company.
Grab ties up with local charities
Grab has tied up with Tahanang Walang Hagdanan Inc., SOS Children’s Villages, and Caritas Manila for its initiative, “Paskumpleto Para Sa Lahat: Give Back Through GrabExpress.”
CIC online store opens lifestyle hub
ConcepStore, a fully-stocked online appliance store managed by Concepcion Industrial Corp. (CIC), has opened its lifestyle hub with a variety of modern home appliances.
Govt urged to partner with private hospitals for bivalent vaccine purchase, administration
THE national government is encouraged to engage with private hospitals in the procurement and administration of Covid-19 vaccines, as well as in raising awareness on the dangers of a long coronavirus infection.
GCash offers shopping protection amid report on online scam surge
CHRISTMAS is over but the holiday spirit continues with various sales promos available both online and offline. As more local consumers still prefer to purchase on the web to avoid traffic jams and mall queues, swindlers on the internet are also on the rise.
ALDC to develop low-cost housing for soldiers, cops
AQUIRA Land Development Corp. (ALDC) is partnering with the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Retirement and Separation Benefits System (AFP-RSBS) for a new 57-hectare low-cost housing project in Mexico, Pampanga.
Wheels of joy mark celebration of Intl Day of PWDs
PERSONS with Disabilities (PWDs) have special needs, and who better can understand them than their physically challenged fellows.
Empowering employees’ mental health tops energy firm’s priorities
IN ADDITION to worrying about contracting the virus, Covid-19 also leads to anxiety and depression, especially for those who are not mentally strong to handle such a situation.
Construction biz heir builds own promising food service empire
ESTABLISHED family businesses are typically passed on from one generation to the next. In a very tight-knit Filipino setup, stories on descendants of well-known business clans who became successful in their own rights are very rare. Ryan Jay Dimapilis, chef and president of Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center, is among these rarities.
SHDA backs confirmation of Acuzar’s appointment as housing chief
SUBDIVISION and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) has expressed its full support to the confirmation of the appointment of Jose “Jerry” L. Rizalino Acuzar as Secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).
Aboitiz, AIM inaugurate ‘classroom of the future’
THE Asian Institute of Management (AIM) recently unveiled the Aboitiz Tech Space, the first and largest “smart” audiovisual caseroom of the school.
Have Big Sky Nation, travel or work anywhere worldwide
MINDFUL that people who are always on the go, whether for work, leisure or both, need a fast and dependable Internet connection, Big Sky Nation, the No. 1 travel Wi-Fi provider and trusted by top brands and corporations in the Philippines, is all geared to cater to customers who will avail its services.
Pag-IBIG collects ₧66.66B, fetes property developers
THE Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF), or Pag-IBIG Fund, reported collecting P66.66 billion in savings from its current 14.91 million active members.
USAID honors private hospitals, labs for affordable TB testing
TOP performing hospitals and laboratories were feted by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for having the highest number of clients tested for tuberculosis (TB) using the GeneXpert machine recommended by the World Health Organization.
Former diplomat is new Citem executive director
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has named Edward L. Fereira as the new executive director of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (Citem).
PCAB’s licensing for construction sector now ISO certified
FOLLOWING its full migration to end-to-end virtual licensing last September, the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) has gained accreditation from the International Standards Organization (ISO) for its management systems and processes that have passed global standards and quality assurance.
Tesda-Canada govt link up to boost TVET training for Filipino workers
FILIPINOS aspiring to work in Canada stand to benefit from the partnership between the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) and the Canadian government aimed at upskilling and providing employment opportunities.
PHL yields $655-M export sales in China trade fair
THE Philippines posted a record-high $655.15 million in sales from its generated export transactions in November with the Chinese market.
Employee health care, sustainability, robust business top priorities of Pilipinas Shell
STILL confronted by the ensuing pandemic and external factors such as the lingering climate change issue and oil crisis brought about by the ongoing Ukraine-Russian war, Pilipinas Shell Corp. has managed to cope with these challenges through key strategies, from enabling employee adaptability of the remote work setup under the new normal to cutting its carbon emissions while tapping renewable energy (RE) sources and providing customer-centered products that drive community growth and prosperity.
TikTok app opens innovative solutions for entrepreneurs and businesses to flourish
SHORT mobile video platform TikTok leverages on its broad reach to offer commerce solutions that help brands create and launch campaigns that can maximize their market engagement, gain more customers and generate favorable returns.
Greenfield sparkles in star-studded 1st anniversary ‘Car Boot Sale’ event
MARKING the first anniversary of its Food Truck Fest, Greenfield Development Corp. (GDC) recently held a “Car Boot Sale,” featuring entrepreneurial showbiz and social-media personalities that brought cheers to everyone this Holiday Season to sample and shop for pre-loved items and other goods they offered at affordable prices.
Casa Infini eyes to earn ₧1.3 billion from upcoming wellness condo in Baguio
CASA Infini Properties and Development Corp., the real-estate arm of Ray-Casa Group of Companies, has launched the Saleng Spa and Wellness Towers, it’s first luxurious residential condominium in Baguio City, which is expected to generate a total income of up to P1.3 billion for five years once completed by 2025.
‘Consider new approaches in regulating tech industry’
Food delivery service platform foodpanda said it supports government policies and regulations that further promote industry growth and development.
The birth of a new city-in-the-making
CALAX opens way for Silang, Cavite’s cityhood
Bukas’ student loans hit ₧500 million mark
OPENING opportunities for learners with meager means to pursue their studies, technology-enabled education financing platform “Bukas” revealed that it has funded more than P500 million in tuition fees for Filipino students.
11.11 generates big sales for Lazada
BEAUTY items, baby essentials, sports wear and gadgets were the most sought-after products in the recently concluded 11.11 Lazada’s Biggest Sale.
Washington keen on tie up with NowTel for 5G rollout in PHL
The United States, through the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), wants to work with homegrown firm NOW Telecom Co. Inc. (NowTel) for the deployment of 5G technologies in the Philippines.
Power companies join forces to bring medical services to Cavite ecozone
JOINING the national effort to address the ensuing health crisis, Aboitiz Power Corp. (AboitizPower) and Manila Electric Company (Meralco) combined their energy to mount a medical mission, benefiting more than 200 employees and their dependents at the Cavite Economic Zone (CEZ).
SG fintech pioneers open source license for banking-as-a-service
OPEN-Finance technology provider Brankas Pte. Ltd. announced it has developed a first-of-its-kind publicly accessible license for next-generation Banking-as-a-Service software and Open Finance software.
‘OFWs again keen on real estate’
Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are again keen on using their hard-earned money to lease a house or purchase a permanent dwelling for their families back home, according to a study.
Converge bolsters Internet speed for residential customers
CONVERGE ICT Solutions Inc. has upgraded anew its FiberX plans to enable its residential subscribers have a faster and better digital experience.
Kenny Rogers Roasters to open more stores
Kenny Rogers Roasters said it aims to reach undeserved areas in the country by expanding its store network, according to an official of the restaurant chain.
Zuellig Pharma supports vaccination, accessible health-care programs of government
HEALTH-CARE service multinational Zuellig Pharma has thrown its support behind the government by committing to provide quality and affordable health-care access for all Filipinos.
Best-value offer top of consumers’ choice
DUE to inflationary issues, more Filipinos are turning to brands and retailers that offer value for money, convenience and product assortment when it comes to their fast moving consumer good (FMCG) needs, a top executive of Kantar said on Tuesday.
Start-ups mentored on how to build a standout online brand from rivals
IN a highly saturated online trade, being different is the name of the game. Creating a one-of-a-kind brand amid a highly crowded marketplace, therefore, is not that easy, especially for a new entity.
McDonald’s starts Yule campaign
GOLDEN Arches Development Corp. (GADC) has launched its “Share the Light” campaign to entice more customers to its stores as the Yuletide Season goes into full gear next month.
Tesda maps out construction training to help storm survivors rebuild homes
THE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) will further aid survivors of the recent howler via skills training on construction-related programs.
Tala launches new digital loan in PHL
ONLINE lending platform provider Tala has launched a new digital credit option meant to address the concerns of many Filipinos on how to handle well their financial obligations.
Etiqa PHL allows planholders greater access to products via upgraded app
ETIQA Life & General Assurance Philippines Inc. announced it has re-launched an upgraded version of its insurance application to give plan holders more access to information and services for both health and life insurance products.
Campaign to raise awareness on mental health wins YouTube Works Awards
A campaign aimed at raising awareness on the importance of listening to people going through mental health issues emerged as the top winner in the recently concluded YouTube Works Awards.
Logistics firm backs e-commerce bill
A TOP executive of the local operator of the foodpanda brand said the Delivery Hero Logistics Philippines Inc. (Dhlpi) supports the e-commerce bill pending in Congress.
LRA portal digitizes land title transactions
WITH the ensuing Covid-19 crisis, the Land Registration Authority (LRA) has digitized the processing of certified true copies (CTC) of documents and titles with its Land Titling Computerization Project (LTCP) via the eSerbisyo portal.
Fortinet donates to Manila schools 1,400 books on cyber security
HELPING raise online-protection awareness among the youth, Fortinet Phils. has donated 1,400 complimentary copies of the children’s book Cyber Safe: A Dog’s Guide to Internet Security to chosen schools in the City of Manila.
Digital-only banking platform launched to serve unbanked, underserved Pinoys
PER estimate, more than 41 million Filipinos still do not have formal bank accounts and are missing out on economic opportunities and financial security. Now, UNO Digital Bank has launched its platform that solely operates online, bringing a convenient alternative financial service to both the unbanked and underserved markets.
Taiwan-backed school-on-wheels for learners launched in Manila
MORE than 1,000 learners stand to benefit this school year with the launch on Wednesday of a rolling school program initiated by Taiwan’s government with support from its Philippine counterpart and business community.
Pinoy MSMEs shine in 2022 Asean Business Awards
THREE Filipino-owned enterprises bested their contemporaries from other member-countries of Asean for their exemplary businesses in their respective fields.
Sarabia affirms eye-care legacy with launch of new store
FAMILY-OWNED enterprise Sarabia Optical has continued its vision care heritage as it launched a new brand catering to Filipino households who are in need of eyewear products and services suitable for their lifestyle.
Holiday cheers welcome visitors at Greenfield District
HOLIDAY cheers are now up at the Greenfield District in Mandaluyong with the launch of Greenfield Development Corp.’s (GDC) annual Yuletide festivities dubbed “A Christmas for Generations.”
Magna Prime relaunches Sinclair paint solutions
Magna Prime Chemical Technologies Inc. said it is bringing back the paint brand Sinclair amid the boom in the construction sector due to the reopening of the economy.
AboitizPower unit builds day-care center in Cebu
AFTER more than a decade that some preschoolers in Cebu had no permanent place to learn, Aboitiz Group’s subsidiary and corporate social responsibility arm have now provided them a permanent structure for studying.
Visa-Brankas tie-up amplifies digital banking with new Open Finance products
VISA has tapped Brankas as its first partner in Southeast Asia to offer live access to its Open Data products which, in turn, could help increase financial inclusion in the region.
Freelancing in demand among marketers in Asia Pacific–study
AS businesses learn how to embrace the new normal due to the ensuing health crisis, marketers who are forced by today’s global economic downturn to bring positive outcomes and generate more sales now tap the gig economy to fit in to structural changes post-pandemic, revealed a new study.
Singaporean financial services provider inks sales partnership with insurtech
MITI Ventures Asia (MVA) Pte. Ltd., the Singaporean operator of the yufin brand of financial services in Asia, announced it partnered with the local operator of Singapore-headquartered insurtech Gigacover Pte. Ltd. to sell insurance in the Philippines.
Globe restores services in areas hit by ‘Paeng’
Globe Telecom has normalized its operations in the National Capital Region and brought back its services in regional areas struck by tropical storm Paeng.
Visa, Brankas team up for open data products
Visa Inc. said it has tapped Brankas Digital Technologies Inc. as its first partner in Southeast Asia to offer live access to its “open data” products that could help increase financial inclusion in the region.
Lazada PHL expects ‘11.11’ sales ‘bigger’
Lazada E-Services Philippines Inc. expects sales from its buying-binge brand of “11.11” would be bigger.
Happy Holi-dates!
An online dating app poll bares a good number of pandemic-weary single Pinoys long to find love in this season of cheer
Israel boosts local learning, spruces up Taguig school
THE Embassy of Israel took an active part in the Brigada Eskwela program of the Education Department by helping redecorate local schools for full face-to-face learning.
Office market still buoyant despite POGO exodus—study
THE office market should let go of the online gambling firm tenants that operate in the country even if most of them have fled the country, a top executive of Colliers Philippines said on Thursday.
Firms pump ₧2B in new PHL insurance company
HEALTH and maintenance organization (HMO) Maxicare has tied up with Pin-An Holdings Corp. and JE Holdings to launch MaxiLife, the newest life insurance company with a net worth of P2 billion.
DTI and partners launch 2nd in-line Go Lokal! store at UP Town Center
TIMELY to the economy’s reopening with the easing pandemic curbs in the country, the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Go Lokal! program has opened its second in-line store at Ayala Malls UP Town Center in Quezon City.
Cotabato Light electrifies 1.5K rural households within franchise areas
COTABATO Light and Power Company (Cotabato Light) has so far energized over 1,500 households within its franchise area through the Sitio Electrification Program (SEP).
Bulacan govt cites Holcim
Cement maker Holcim Philippines Inc.’s plant in Norzagaray will be feted again as one of the biggest taxpayers in Bulacan on November 18.
Tesda, Accenture reactivate career-development training linkage
TECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) and Accenture Phils. have renewed their partnership for the “Skills to Succeed Academy (S2S Academy)” program aimed at further improving skills of Filipino workers while advancing their global competence.
Airbnb: Domestic travel picks up amid reopening of global tourism
LOCAL tourism continues to surge in the Philippines even if various travel spots abroad now accept visitors with the easing global pandemic situation, according to a top executive of an online marketplace provider for short-term homestays and experiences.
Carousell to hold property show
SEVERAL prizes and big discounts await homebuyers and investors looking to acquire a property as the local business of classified-ads platform provider Carousell Pte. Ltd. will bring back its property expo from November 7 to 18, with a hybrid set-up to accommodate more participants for on-ground and virtual activities lined up.
Tech of NOW Corp. tapped by Unionbank
UNION Bank of the Philippines (Unionbank) has tapped NOW Corp. to provide cutting-edge fixed wireless broadband solutions to its innovation hub as it pushes the country’s banking industry towards digitization.
Fight against child malnutrition to benefit children in BARMM
ABOUT 500 children in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) initially stand to benefit from #BatangMatatag, a movement that aims to extend health, nutrition, sanitation and education access to conflict-affected areas in the country.
KMC all set to open new Makati site in November
FLEXIBLE workspace provider KMC Solutions (KMC) is further expanding its footprint in the Philippines, with the opening next month of its new multi-story site in Makati City.
Aboitiz Land eyes P1.82B in sales
THE real estate arm of Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. said it expects to generate P1.82 billion in sales revenues from 171 units of the third residential development by Aboitiz Land Inc. at Lipa, Batangas.
DTI debunks group’s claims on its planned e-commerce portal for MSMEs
THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has clarified the assertions made by an organization of digital advocates that its proposal to put up a marketplace for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is inessential and does not meet their actual needs.