mWell bridges gap in mind health care
Following the launch of the Mind Health Score and self-guided modules in May, mWell, the digital healthcare arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., now offers sessions with certified mind health coaches for as low as P499.
Called Mind Healthsavers, the exclusive package offers 30-minute video sessions with certified mind health coaches for as low as P499.
The collaboration allows coaches, who are located across the country speak various dialects to provide support and a listening ear without judgment in a fully confidential session. Mind health coaches can refer app users who require additional expertise to psychiatrists for specialized treatment.
As the only Philippine health and wellness app available globally, mWell provides mind health support to students, members of the workforce, and overseas Filipino workers.
“mWell aims to transcend geographic boundaries and provide holistic wellness to our countrymen. Mental wellness is an important part of this. It helps keep us productive and empowers us to make the most out of our lives. We look forward to helping even more Filipinos take control of their health wherever they may be,” said mWell chairman and MPIC chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan.
“Mind health is just as important as physical health. As an advocate of holistic health, mWell is here to help those who are on a journey toward enhancing emotional well-being through our Mind Health Score and self-guided modules. At the same time, we have made it affordable and accessible to be in a digital safe space with mind health experts. By becoming healthier in mind and in body, Filipinos can provide better for their family, help the economy, and contribute to uplifting the country and the world,” said mWell CEO and president and MPIC chief finance, risk, and sustainability officer Chaye Cabal- Revilla.
Bigger shopping, travelling rewards
Loyalty programs taking flight: SM’s loyalty program, SMAC, and PAL’s Mabuhay Miles recently renewed their partnership for the ‘Shop to Fly, Fly to Shop’ program, further expanding the perks and benefits of their respective loyalty programs. Present during the signing ceremony were: (from left to right) SM Retail Chief Finance Officer Jonathan Ng; SMAC Chief Operating Officer Kevin Hartigan Go; SM Retail Food Group Executive Director Hendrik Sy; PAL Holdings President and Chief Operating Officer Lucio Tan III; PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Capt. Stanley Ng, and PAL Senior Vice President and General Counsel Atty Carlos Luis Fernandez.
SM, through its SMAC (SM Advantage Card) loyalty program and Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) Mabuhay Miles, recently renewed their partnership to further strengthen their “Shop to Fly, Fly to Shop” campaign where members can enjoy more SMAC points and Mabuhay Miles as well as exclusive shopping and travelling perks.
Effective September 1, the conversion structure of SMAC Points to Mabuhay Miles and vice versa will be higher to allow the members to shop more and fly more.
Members of SMAC and Mabuhay Miles can conveniently convert their points online — for SMAC to Mabuhay miles through https://smac.ph/ and for Mabuhay Miles to SMAC through Mabuhay Miles Redemption (philippineairlines.com).
“We are grateful to have found a partner in PAL Mabuhay Miles that shares our values and dedication to providing the best services and fostering customer loyalty. Our partnership renewal marks the beginning of a new era of rewards. And today, we’re starting another chapter filled with greater opportunities to bring more benefits, convenience, and make our members’ experiences more rewarding than ever,” said Kevin Hartigan-Go, COO, SMAC.
“This partnership represents more than just a synergy between two esteemed brands; it signifies a commitment to enhancing the lives and experiences of our loyal customers, setting a new benchmark for the industry,” said Captain Stanley Ng, president and COO, PAL.
BDO secures updated SPO, expands Sustainable Finance Framework BDO Unibank Inc. received an updated Second Party Opinion (SPO) from MorningstarSustainalytics affirming that its Sustainable Finance Framework (SFF) is credible and impactful.
The SPO aligns with the 2021 Sustainability Bond Guidelines and Green Bond Principles. It is also in line with the 2023 Social Bond and Loan Principles, and Green and Social Loan Principles, as well as the 2018 Asean Sustainability, Social and Green Bond Standards.
BDO expanded its Board-approved SFF to include gender financing and 19 additional eligible categories under green, blue, orange and social financing that are aligned with international and local bond principles, guidelines and taxonomies, as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The expanded SFF will allow BDO to finance more projects with high economic, environmental and social benefits through its bond issuances, contributing to ecological sustainability, ocean, health, community development and women’s empowerment.
The Bank’s previous Asean Sustainability Bond issuances have both set records as the largest issuance for any Philippine financial institution or company at P52.7 billion in 2022, and at P63.3 billion in January 2024.
Morningstar Sustainalytics, a global leader in analytical environmental, social and governance(ESG) research and ratings, provides high-quality data to the world’s leading institutional investors and corporations. Sustainalytics’ SPO signals that BDO is well-positioned for its sustainable bond issuances.
PSAC recognized with Bayaniyugan Gabay Award
PSAC, represented by Noel Tempongko and Kartini Lim of Century Pacific Food Inc., has received the Bayaniyugan Gabay Award from the Philippine Coconut Authority at the COINS Awards Night 2024 for its contributions to sustainable practices and the empowerment of coconut farmers.
The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) was honored with the prestigious Bayaniyugan Gabay Award by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) during the Coconut Industry Sustainability (COINS) Awards Night, the closing event of National Coconut Week 2024 last August 30.
This award recognizes PSAC’s unwavering support for sustainable practices, its efforts to empower coconut farmers, and its contributions to the growth of the coconut industry.
As a key advisory body to the President of the Philippines, PSAC has provided expert guidance and advocated for sustainable practices that significantly contribute to the achievement of the nation’s economic objectives, particularly in the coconut sector. Its collaborative efforts have empowered coconut farmers, strengthened the industry’s resilience, and ensured its continued growth and global competitiveness.
PSAC has been at the forefront of driving transformational change within the coconut sector. Through its collaborative approach, the Council has supported innovative policies and programs that promote sustainable farming practices, enhance the welfare of coconut farmers, and reinforce the sector’s resilience in the face of global challenges.
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines to give a glimpse of future mobility at the 9th PIMS
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) aims to highlight Mitsubishi Motors-ness and surprise the public with its product lineup –along with something unexpected– at the 9th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), happening from October 24 to 27, 2024, at the World Trade Center, Pasay City. MMPC will be among the seventeen brands showcasing their take on this year’s theme, “Dare. Drive. The Future Redefined.”
As a pioneer in the automotive industry with a legacy spanning over six decades, MMPC will be showcasing its latest cutting-edge technologies and diverse lineup of vehicles designed to meet the evolving needs of Filipinos.
Visitors to the Mitsubishi Motors Philippines’ booth will be treated to an immersive experience and opportunity to explore the brand’s full range of vehicles, offering something for every type of driver. The highlight will be its newest models, the All-New XFORCE and All-New Triton, which were launched this year. These bold and dynamic models are specifically engineered to appeal to the younger generation and young-at-heart driverswho are looking for an ultimate adventure buddy and reliable companion for everyday journey.
MMPC aims to showcase its vision for the future of mobility through Mitsubishi Motors-ness which means offering an all-in-one vehicle that combines unmatched capability, advanced safety, and exceptional comfort–ensuring a superior car experience. It has been Mitsubishi Motors’ commitment to create reliable vehicles that will give peace of mind to its owners all throughout its life span, so this goes far beyond the product itself and includes aftersales service as well.
“The fact that this year is by far the biggest PIMS with seventeen participating automotive brands makes us very excited to join the motor show” said Ritsu Imaeda, President & CEO of MMPC. He also added, “Our display lineup this year reflects our commitment to meeting the ever-changing needs of the Filipino market. We’re looking forward to demonstrating Mitsubishi Motors-ness thru our display and giving the public a glimpse of future mobility.”
AIA Ph bags two honors
AIA Philippines won two honors at the prestigious HR Asia Awards, the Best Companies to Work For Award and Sustainable Workplace Award, spotlighting the company’s commitment to employee well-being and workplace sustainability.
The HR Asia Best Companies to Work For recognizes organizations identified as one of the top employers in the region, with AIA Philippines employees having reported high work engagement and satisfaction. The insurer previously won the accolade in 2018 and 2020.
At AIA Philippines, People and Culture is among the key areas of the company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy, encompassing priorities such as development and career progression, diversity and inclusion, equal opportunities, and risk awareness.
Some concrete measures in achieving the goals include adding more women in the workplace and in leadership positions, increasing training for employees, institutionalizing a network of LGBTQIA+ members and allies, rewarding performance, and strengthening sanctions for workplace violations.
AIA Philippines’ core focus of health and wellness has also been crucial in instilling a work-life balance for its employees.
“AIA Philippines is guided by the philosophy of ‘Doing the Right Thing, in the Right Way, with the Right People…and the Right Results will come,’” said AIA Philippines chief human resource officer Ellen Imasa.
Cutting-edge innovations
International students from Chosun University in South Korea tried their hands on upcoming cutting-edge technologies at the PLDT & Smart Technolab in Makati.
The students are part of an exchange program with De La Salle Araneta University’s (DLSAU) Lasallian Language Center in Malabon, Metro Manila.
Located at the Smart Tower in Makati, the PLDT&Smart Technolab acts as a sandbox environment where the PLDT Group tests game-changing telco solutions that can further improve customer experience and make its network most cost efficient.
The visitors from South Korea learned about Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN), Network Disaggregation, and Extended Reality that the PLDT Group is testing. The students also experienced innovations like Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality.
Jal Yoga sets up new studio in Alabang
Jal Yoga expanded its footprint to the country with the recent opening of a new studio in Muntinlupa.
Established in 2018 in Singapore, Jal Yoga has since opened six studios there, three in Malaysia, one each in Indonesia and Dubai, and the most recent at the ground floor of One Trium Tower in Alabang.
Jal Yoga founders Pardeep Fogat and Jasmine Loh were present at the studio opening recently and are currently staying in the Philippines to train its teachers and instructors.
The studio in Alabang has state-of-the-art infrared heat panels for comfortable temperature to conduct the various Yoga, Pilates, and Barre classes.
Lalamove celebrates Cebuano partner drivers
Lalamove launched a sports-themed event to honor Cebuano partner drivers for their hard work and notable contributions to the community.
Through the Liga ng mga Bossing Basket Tournament, Cebuano partner drivers gained a newfound community and passion on the court.
The first leg of Liga ng Mga Bossing Basketball Tournament was held at Ananias G. Ouano Sports Complex in Cebu City on August 26. It will also be held in Manila and Pampanga on September 8 and September 15, 2024 respectively.
Champions of teamwork and camarade
Aside from the basketball tournament, Lalamove also recognized and awarded the Top Drivers who had an excellent performance from April to June this year.
Attendees also received treats and freebies from sponsors including Prestone, Maxxis, Delkor, CST Tires, Castrol, Arisun Tires, Invested, Supermiler, Sting, Gatorade, Seaoil, Rejuviant, Oishi, Puregold, MemoXpress, and TNT.
EastWest Ageas bags HR Excellence award
EastWest Ageas president and CEO Sjoerd Smeets (second to the right) and chief people and culture officer Lois Dalida (center, holding the trophy) receive the Excellence in Learning and Development trophy at the 2024 HR Excellence Awards.
EastWest Ageas adds another feather to its cap as it was recently recognized as one of the Excellence in Learning and Development category winners at the HR Excellence Awards. The recognition identifies the best people development programs in the industry as judged by a panel of HR experts.
EastWest Ageas’ winning Elevate employment program is anchored on three core programs: Arise, Attain, and Aspire, through which employees are empowered to build their core and leadership skills and grow their careers. Employees who have participated in the program gave it a high satisfaction rating of 3.83 out of 4.
National PR Congress
The 31st National Public Relations (PR)) Congress, one of the biggest and most anticipated events in the local public relations industry, is set to take place this September 26 and 27 at the Manila Hotel Tent City.
The PR Congress, organized by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), will focus on VUCA—volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity—and how the practice and the world we live in have constantly been undergoing disruption because of these factors.
This year’s theme is “Into the Unknown: Communication in the Time of VUCA”.
The main topics are Profiling Today’s Stakeholders, Courageous Conversations and Taming Wild Tech.
Groundbreaking partnership
foodpanda Philippines announced an unprecedented partnership with Antom, MobaPay, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB). Facilitated by Antom, this strategic alliance marks the first time these industry giants have come together to offer unparalleled benefits to Filipino consumers within A+ Rewards via Gcash.
During the promotional period, customers can enjoy an extraordinary total of P20 million worth of discounts on foodpanda delivery orders. Gaming enthusiasts will also benefit from this partnership with an additional P15 million worth of in-game skins and diamonds for MLBB players.
To enjoy these perks, customers can recharge on MobaPay to receive a discount code that gives them P100 off when spending P499 or more on foodpanda orders. After placing an order on foodpanda, they can instantly enter the MLBB limited-time draw for a chance to win skins or diamonds.
This collaboration aims to enrich the lives of Filipinos by merging their love for food and gaming into one seamless experience, together celebrating ber-month spirit.
TCS Pace Studio launches in Ph
(From left) His Excellency Sri. Harsh Kumar Jain, ambassador-designate of India to the Philippines; Girish Ramachandra, president, Growth Markets, TCS and; Shiju Varghese, country Head, TCS Philippines.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, has launched a state-of-the-art TCS Pace Studio in Manila, Philippines. This cutting-edge facility is designed for TCS to co-innovate with customers to develop tailored solutions for their unique business needs, boosting digital innovation in the Asia Pacific region.
Located within TCS’ Panorama Tower office, TCS Pace Studio will showcase TCS’ innovative platforms like TCS AI WisdomNext, TCS TwinX, and TCS Zero Carbon Platform, leveraging emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics.
TCS Pace Studio in Manila, the fifth of its kind globally, is part of an extensive innovation ecosystem of TCS Pace spanning major global cities.
The newly established TCS Pace Studio in the Philippines will deliver a wide range of innovation services, including consulting, design, and implementation, facilitating clients in exploring new ideas, creating demonstrations, and refining their strategies.
Pueblo de Oro celebrates the value of hard work
PDO operations manager Alvin Clerigo (left), PDO marketing supervisor Laica Triza Cruz (second from right), and IGFI CSR officer Deo Esmabe (right) together with the successful home business owners from Pampanga.
Pueblo de Oro Development Corp. (PDO) recently recognized the value of hard work by extending additional livelihood assistance to dedicated residents of Pampanga who have shown perseverance in sustaining their micro-businesses.
The beneficiaries are graduates of the “Kabalikat sa Negosyo” livelihood training program, in collaboration with the ICCP Group Foundation, Inc. (IGFI), the social development arm of PDO for its host communities in Barangay Del Carmen, San Fernando. Kabalikat sa Negosyo is an ongoing training program that started in 2021 and to date has helped around 120 individuals who are mostly women in Sto. Tomas and Malvar, Batangas, and San Fernando, Pampanga.
Operating home-based eateries, these beneficiaries have demonstrated commendable work ethic, resilience, and aptitude, as observed during IGFI’s regular monitoring visits. Their efforts have allowed them to maintain their small businesses, providing a steady source of income for their families.
ViewSonic partners with Techtron Systems
ViewSonic, a leading global visual solutions provider, has recently announced its partnership with Techtron Systems Corp., a prominent IT distributor in the Philippines.
This collaboration aims to leverage Techtron’s extensive distribution network to deliver the innovative commercial products of ViewSonic across the country.
During the event, ViewSonic highlighted its high-performance projectors and interactive flat panel displays.
Attendees witnessed live demonstrations of the products, experiencing firsthand the exceptional clarity, brightness and versatility they offer.
HR Asia recognizes EY GDS Ph
EY officials (from left) Raymond Garret Go, Girish Menon, Ronne Rochelle Retumban, Linda Wang, Andrea Catte, Pamela Repotente and Dench Decino.
EY Global Delivery Services (EY GDS) Philippines has been recognized as one of the HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2024.
This accolade is awarded to companies that exemplify outstanding HR practices, demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and foster excellent workplace cultures.
EY GDS Philippines has consistently outperformed market averages across various categories, particularly in culture and ethics, active initiatives as well as in diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I).
EY GDS places a significant emphasis on cultivating a work culture grounded in ethical practices and shared values. The company offers various flexible work arrangements, including remote work options and adaptable schedules, aimed at supporting work-life balance.
Additionally, the survey found that employees have shown greater appreciation for the organization’s active initiatives to foster a healthy work environment through encouraging employee activity clubs, platforms for feedback and recognizing employee contributions.
