International Business Awards Name SM Investments Conglomerate of the Year
The International Business Awards (IBAs), one of the world’s premier business awards programs, have conferred SM Investments Corp. with distinguished accolades at the 21st Annual International Business Awards.
SM Investments received a Gold Stevie for Company of the Year in the Conglomerates category and a Silver Stevie for Best Annual Report.
The Gold Stevie highlighted SM Investments’ exceptional growth from a small shoe store in Manila to becoming one of the Philippines’ largest and most diversified conglomerates. This award underlined the company’s unwavering commitment to its customers across its expansive network in retail, property, banking, and investment sectors.
The judges commended SM Investments for its impressive growth and impact on the Philippine economy. “SM Investments’ impressive financial performance, strong commitment to sustainability and substantial contributions to social welfare and the economy underscore its status as a leading conglomerate in the Philippines,” said a judge from the Stevie Awards. Another judge also lauded SM for continuing to serve its customers and how it looks forward to serve more communities as it expands across the nation.
“This recognition inspires us more to deliver products and services that matter to our customers while positively impacting the communities we serve. We hope to continue growing together with our stakeholders and to contribute to a more sustainable future,” said Frederic DyBuncio, president and CEO of SM Investments.
SM’s contributions to the Philippine economy are substantial, supporting over 130,000 jobs and aiding more than 100,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises. The award also underpins the company’s commitment to sustainability through the SM Foundation, which has advanced education, healthcare, and community welfare, benefiting over 1 million Filipinos and supporting thousands of scholars.
Additionally, SM Investments’ Integrated Report 2023, with the theme “Committed to Our Customers,” was awarded a Silver Stevie for Best Annual Report. This recognition highlights the report’s clear and effective communication, showcasing SM Investments’ adherence to global reporting standards and dedication to transparency and customer satisfaction. Notably, the Integrated Report 2022 also earned a Bronze Stevie in the same category last year.
The Stevie Awards, renowned for celebrating global business excellence, received over 3,600 entries from organizations across 62 nations and territories for the 2024 awards.
Dragon Edge Group wins Best Place to Work
Dragon Edge Group (DEG), the company behind the popular Beach Hut Sunscreen and Cycles Laundry Detergent, once again received the Best Place to Work award for the second year in a row, recognizing its excellence in the workplace, making it one of the top companies in the Philippines.
This recognition by the world-renowned Best Places to Work, in partnership with Best Companies Group, honors companies with the highest standards of excellence in human resource (HR) practices and employee experience. The organization assesses employee culture and treatment in companies around the world, factoring in employee conditions, compensation and benefits, motivation, relationship, training, well-being, career development, leadership, and culture.
“We are truly blessed to have the opportunity to serve our customers and work alongside amazing teams. This award belongs to the DEGsters, who are passionate, hardworking individuals committed to our mission in spreading joy, excellence, and positivity through our products,” said Dennis Balajadia, Dragon Edge Group co-founder and CEO.
The back-to-back win is a testament of DEG’s commitment to excellence and sustaining a positive employee culture, which is beneficial to creating remarkable brands and products.
AmCham holds 7th Annual Energy Forum
The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham Philippines) is flipping the switch on its 7th Annual Energy Forum, transforming the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City into the heart of the nation’s energy conversation on August 29.
Industry leaders, policymakers, and visionaries will gather to explore the theme “Powering an Efficient and Progressive Future in the Philippine Energy Industry.”
Expect dynamic discussions on the latest updates to the Philippine Energy Plan, where regulations, policies, and investments will be dissected, debated, and reimagined. From the complexities of the energy mix supply, including non-renewable sources, to a special session on the potential of Nuclear Energy, every corner of the industry will be under the spotlight.
GCash for Business set to launch new innovative solutions
GCash is constantly innovating to meet a wider range of needs and challenges, and improve services that have proven essential to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Coming soon, retail and F&B businesses will be able to accept GCash payments with just a tap, cutting down long lines and the need for smaller enterprises to onboard additional manpower.
Another GCash innovation in the pipeline is a more affordable terminal that makes use of audio QR codes, which immediately confirm payment through an audio notification. This will reduce the effort on the part of customers to present the e-receipt of their GCash payment for proof.
GCash is rolling out a new innovation that will be of great convenience to the service industry, especially for front-facing workers such as delivery drivers and gasoline station employees. The device, made especially for MSMEs, provides businesses with the convenience of an affordable, lightweight, and portable device.
In a bid to bring digital finance to more MSMEs, GCash is rolling out its DigiCities program in 27 cities.
DigiCities provides local government units with the tools to empower their businesses to go digital and to expand their business acumen, such as financial literacy workshops and GCash For Business hubs that allow easy onboarding to the platform. The program will also provide MSMEs with Masterclass sessions on how to use TikTok Shop, Canva, and other digital tools, boosting their digital marketing and branding capabilities to reach more customers.
MSMEs will also get access to mentorship from some of the most successful Pera Outlet businesses through the GCash Pera Outlet kapihan.
The pilot implementation of the DigiCities program aims to transform LGUs to become more digitally inclusive, not just within their business community but also with government services. GCash will be working with LGUs to enable convenience and accessibility in services like tax collection, revenue generation, public services, social welfare and financial aid.
Some of the cities that have already being empowered through DigiCities include Quezon City, Manila, Caloocan, Parañaque, Muntinlupa, Baguio, San Fernando, Bacoor, Sta. Rosa, Lipa, Iloilo, Bacolod, Tagbilaran, Victorias, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and General Santos City.
Isuzu Cabanatuan opens new IOS dealership
Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC), in partnership with long-time dealer partner BM Domingo Motor Sales, Inc. (BMD), opened recently the new Isuzu Cabanatuan IOS dealership.
(From left) IPC VP for sales Toshihiko Kojima, IPC EVP Shojiro Sakoda, IPC president Tetsuya Fujita, BMD Group EVP Dra. Zinnia Domingo-Perez, BMD Group VP for human resource / Isuzu Cabanatuan branch manager Benito Domingo Jr., BMD Group treasurer Ma. Rizalina Domingo-Mijares, BMD Group VP for sales & marketing Karlo Domingo.
The newly opened Isuzu Cabanatuan IOS dealership boasts a total land area of 6,500 square meters (sq.m.), including a 300-sq.m. showroom floor capable of displaying up to six vehicles, including trucks. In addition to the showroom, the dealership features a modern customer lounge with reclining chairs, offering a comfortable space for customers to relax while their vehicles are being serviced.
The service shop, located at the rear of the facility, is well-lit and ventilated, featuring 24 service bays, including five dedicated truck bays. This expansive service area allows Isuzu Cabanatuan to accommodate a wide range of vehicles, from light commercial vehicles to heavy-duty trucks
`MPH Heroes’ Campaign launched
Metro Pacific Health (MPH) launched its “MPH Heroes” campaign, a tribute to the doctors and nurses who embody the spirit of compassion and excellence in healthcare.
This campaign shares the inspiring stories of these healthcare professionals, highlighting their dedication, motivations, and unwavering commitment to patient care.
One of the stories highlighted in the campaign is that of nurse Ivy Melanie Paguia, a dedicated cancer care nurse in the oncology department at Cardinal Santos Medical Center. Paguia’s journey into nursing began in childhood, inspired by the compassionate care her father received during his illness. This experience ignited her passion for nursing and led her to pursue a career dedicated to helping others.
Another story featured in the campaign is that of Dr. Avelino “Jun” Aventura Jr., a cardiothoracic surgeon at De Los Santos Medical Center. Aventura’s path to becoming a doctor was inspired by his father’s impactful work in medicine. Today, he is committed to making a real difference in the lives of his patients, bringing relief and hope to those he treats.
Metro Pacific Health invites everyone to learn more about the “MPH Heroes” on https://www.metropacifichealth.com/.
Blueleaf Energy PH firm launches environmental initiative
Around 200 elementary pupils have recently participated in Blueleaf Energy Philippines and NKS Solar One’s Eco-Brigada program.
Eco-Brigada is a corporate social responsibility program that aims to build a community of eco-champions and support local environmental initiatives advancing sustainability.
To launch the environmental program, Blueleaf Energy Philippines, together with its floating solar project NKS Solar One, is doing a school caravan in its host communities in Cavinti, Kalayaan, and Lumban, Laguna. A total of 800 pupils are targeted to benefit from the program this school year.
Employee volunteers and local partners provided a short talk on recycling and solid waste management followed by a fun game identifying common recyclable wastes.
As culmination activity, pupils were asked to bring recyclable materials in exchange for their Balik- Eskwela kits. The Balik- Eskwela kits include books, learning materials, and school supplies.
“As a renewable energy company that values sustainability, we believe in instilling the value of environmental stewardship to young people in a fun and engaging way. Supporting the schools is also our way of empowering the communities,” said Jason Gavina, head of Community Relations and Marketing.
LBC innovations in courier, logistics solutions
With the rise of electronic commerce, LBC has seamlessly integrated logistics solutions tailored for online platforms.
Recognizing the needs of online retailers, LBC offers buyers and sellers a variety of e-commerce payment solutions, providing the flexibility to suit their needs. LBC streamlined its merchant payment processing and services to be as easy and convenient as possible.
The company recently introduced LBC’s COD service to protect business from bogus buyers. This method adds a layer of security for sellers, ensuring that transactions are completed successfully before the package changes hands.
LBC has also introduced Cash on Pick Up (COP) to make transactions more secure for buyers and sellers by allowing payment when the package is picked up from any of LBC branches.
Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and enterprise companies can use any LBC’s branches as collecting stations for client payments.
LBC’s advanced tracking system offers customers the ability to see exactly where their parcel is at any given moment. The LBC Express mobile app allows customers to book deliveries, track shipments, and access customer support from their smartphones.
The company has implemented enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to manage its logistics network efficiently. These systems provide real-time data on inventory levels, shipment statuses, and operational performance, enabling LBC to make informed decisions and respond quickly to any issues that arise.
LBC continuously innovates to provide customized logistics solutions that meet precise business needs, ensuring efficient warehousing, cross-border shipping, NVOCC services, and cross-docking. Their warehousing facilities cater to businesses of all sizes, while cross-border shipping leverages a fleet of land, sea, and air vessels for secure and timely deliveries. LBC’s robust logistics network supports reliable import and export services, and their cross-docking services minimize inventory costs. Additionally, specialized logistics solutions are tailored to address unique business demands, enhancing overall performance and efficiency.
PLDT, Smart help future-proof MSMEs
More than 5,000 participants, composed of representatives of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), farmers, cooperatives, government agencies, and non-government organizations learned more about artificial intelligence (AI) and how to harness its potential to enhance businesses.
Hosted by PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc , the webinar was conducted in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology and Philippines Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture.
The webinar featured a talk led by Bonnie Factor, author of “Team Human + AI: Curiosity as the Ultimate Collaboration Tool” and founder, Leading with Success & CuriosityGenAI, LLC.
Highlighting the transformative power of AI, the webinar delved into sample AI tools and its practical application for MSMEs as well as different strategies to incorporate AI into their business processes. The participants also learned how to effectively harness AI’s capabilities through practical demonstrations, including strategies for prompt engineering and maximizing AI’s potential for innovation.
Under the direction of the current administration, AI and digital technologies will be embedded in the Philippine MSME Development Plan to fortify their capabilities, helping them to comply with and excel within the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
The activity is part of PLDT and Smart’s eBizNovation, which provides access to technology and upskilling trainings, and helps MSMEs, farmers, and cooperatives onboard to e-commerce platforms. PLDT and Smart have previously partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture, local chambers of commerce, and various e-commerce platforms for this program.
Pru Life UK wins at International Business Awards
Pru Life UK took home three prestigious awards from the 21st annual International Business Awards also known as Stevie Awards and the world’s premier business awards.
Pru Life UK won Gold in the category of Communications or PR Campaign of the Year – Sport for PRURide Philippines 2023, a cycling festival that celebrates life with Filipino families for better health and wellness.
For Climate Change PR Campaign of the Year, Pru Life UK’s Climate and Health Education sessions, support communities in addressing health challenges and financial security resulting from climate change, took a Gold award.
For Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Community Relations, Pru Life UK bagged a Silver Stevie® Awards for PRUBabies, the company’s free insurance coverage against select infectious diseases such as dengue, typhoid, measles, and malaria for 175,000 newborns.
Work & Study Program
Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC) together with Concentrix, a leading global provider of customer experience solutions and technology, are collaborating for an exciting Work & Study Program that aims to address the Filipino labor market’s problems on unemployment, improve quality of education and work-life balance most especially for working students, and produce more skilled professionals.
MMDC and Concentrix will work together to provide part-time jobs and part-time college education programs to Filipinos who are ready to commit to a brighter future through its Work and Study Program. The program caters to those who are interested in upskilling and developing soft and hard skills that will support their growth and become more qualified professionals. It was designed to make sure that non-graduate workers will be able to work and earn enough income to be able to go back to school and complete their degrees.
The Work & Study Program is open to incoming new employees of Concentrix who will enroll in relevant degree programs in MMDC. Qualified applicants are offered part-time jobs and given a 60 to 75 percent working time or 20-30 hours a week and 3-4 subjects per term at MMDC to allow them to manage their time effectively at work, school, and at home. Concentrix will also offer a Salary Deduction Program and offer to pay the matriculation fees per term to eligible part-time employees. The Work & Study Program also includes a load limit program, 3 to 4 units per term, and a mentorship program to help students succeed in their chosen program and career path.
FWD Life Insurance- Save The Children tie-up
FWD Life Insurance (FWD Philippines) partnered with non-government organization (NGO), Save the Children Philippines, to support young Filipinos affected by natural disasters.
FWD Philippines will leverage its 2-in-1 supercharged app, Omne by FWD, to enhance disaster preparedness and provide immediate relief to children in vulnerable communities.
From now until August 31, FWD will donate up to P50 to Save the Children’s Emergency Fund for each policyholder who uses Omne by FWD for the first time. FWD donates P25 when a policyholder downloads and links their policy to Omne by FWD. Another P25 will be donated when they make their first transaction using the app.
As policyholders participate in a good cause benefitting young Filipinos, Omne by FWD allows policyholders to manage their insurance quickly and easily, enabling them to update their accounts, make premium payments, file claims, and manage funds.
Transcending wealth to the next level
UnionBank Wealth Management and UnionBank Financial Services and Insurance Brokerage Inc. (UFSI) recently held their 2024 midyear market outlook to provide their high valued clients with the latest global and local market outlook and strategy. At the bi-annual business forum, the thought leaders in expert wealth management also shared updates about the program’s exciting perks and wealth solutions.
Therese Chan, UnionBank Wealth Management Head and UFSI Board Director, welcomed the guests to the event with the theme “TRANSCEND: Taking Wealth to the Next Level”. In her keynote remarks, Chan elaborated on the vision and thrust of UnionBank as part of the larger Aboitiz conglomerate and its mission of taking wealth management to new heights.
UFSI’s product partners BlackRock, JP Morgan Asset Management, and Lombard Odier facilitated relevant discussions to delve deep into various global investment themes. Attendees gained invaluable insights on relevant topics such as the resilience of the global economy, expected path of central bank monetary policy, and impact of geopolitical tensions to financial markets.
UnionBank Wealth Management also showcased new and enhanced benefits that clients can take advantage of. They also previewed the Qualified Buyers Program which allows top wealth clients to have exclusive access to unique strategies from leading global fund houses and a curation of international bonds. They also gave a virtual tour of the newly opened, state-of-the-art, and premium Wealth Center at The Ark by UnionBank in Makati City.
