PLDT, Smart support food security
PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications have begun providing planting kits to communities in the National Capital Region, supporting thousands more families amid the pandemic.
Helping ensure communities are food secure and that the community pantry movement carries on, PLDT and Smart have distributed 2,000 #PlantSmart kits, encouraging individuals and communities to set up their own edible home or community gardens. The planting kits are composed of three types of veggie seeds, loam soil with organic mix, and two types of fertilizers.
Recipients needing guidance in setting up their own community plant-ries can view the 10-episode ‘Kalye Mabunga’ web series, that teaches the basics of setting up an edible garden, whether at home or in communal spaces.
One of the recipient-communities was the FARMERS 1 TIBAI Community Pantry in Barangay Tumana, Marikina, which received 100 planting kits for their communityplant-ry organized by urban gardening advocates. Since April 25, Barangay Tumana has been supporting 150 indigent families through its community effort.
Other community pantries in Metro Manila that received the #PlantSmart kits include the GSIS Road Community Pantry in Pasig, which received a sack containing 20 planting kits.
FHFI, Security Bank celebrate heritage month
Security Bank Corporation, in partnership with the Filipino Heritage Festival Inc. (FHFI), celebrates the National Heritage Month with the theme “Victory and Humanity: Upholding Filipino Heritage and Identity.”
This year’s theme commemorates the 500th anniversary the victory at Mactan and the first circumnavigation of the world.
The Philippine Postal Corporation with FHFI recently released stamps and souvenir sheets featuring various Philippine indigenous boats, to celebrate the events.
This year’s national heritage festival features online competitions, virtual presentations, webinars and performances hosted by various institutions. Security Bank co-sponsored a Youth Essay-Writing contest and an online trivia game which ran until May 31.
A virtual dance concert titled “Of Balanghai and Galleons: Journey Towards Nationhood” by Floy Quintos presented on May 28 via YouTube and FHFI’s Facebook page, will be presented again on June 26 at the SM Cinema Drive-In, SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds Block 16.
A virtual tour presented by the Ayala Museum on their YouTube channel is available to the public until August 31.
NHMFC maintains ISO 9001:2015 Certification
with zero non-conformities
The National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC) successfully maintained its ISO 9001:2015 Certification with zero non-conformities for the Securitization of Housing Loan Portfolios (Purchase of Housing Receivables, Collection of Amortization, Securitization, and Post Issuance of Bonds) and Borrower’s Services amidst the alternative work arrangements in the NHMFC head office and its seven (7) regional/satellite offices.
TíœV SíœD PSB Philippines, Inc. (TUV SUD), NHMFC’s third party certifying body, conducted a 100% remote surveillance audit on all sites last May 24- 28. TUV SUD auditors Reyshelle Manalo and Brenda Estonanto concluded the 5-day audit with a recommendation of Certificate Maintenance. No major or minor non-conformities were observed by the auditors. This is a first time for NHMFC since it obtained its ISO 9001 certification in 2013. TUV SUD suggested only two opportunities for improvement (OFI) and only one requires action from the corporation.
The success of this remote ISO audit is another milestone made possible through the convenient use of ICT tools invested in by the corporation.
NHMFC is one of the government’s key shelter agencies under the supervision of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) headed by Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario. It is uniquely mandated to provide liquidity to the housing sector through its securitization program.
DOE taps Amber Kinetics
The Department of Energy (DOE) recently engaged Silicon Valley-based energy storage company, Amber Kinetics, to learn more about its breakthrough flywheel technology. DOE previously rolled out policies to reinforce energy storage technology in the country.
Bringing its technology to the Philippines, Amber Kinetics believes applications of energy storage solutions make headway with integration of renewables in the Philippines.
During the meeting with DOE, the energy storage company pointed out several indicators, including the country’s potential due to its geographic location, agility towards innovations, and the current recommendations of the government for this emerging market.
Amber Kinetics said its flywheel technology can withstand harsh weather conditions and makes for a more environmentally friendly solution as it does not make use of rare earth materials. This type of energy storage has a long discharge duration and wide operating temperature.
Shopee holds mid-year TV special
Shopee has reaffirmed its position as the platform of choice at its 5.5 sale where it recorded a 30-fold increase in orders for brands.
Shopee is poised to hold its biggest to-date on June 6 to kick-off a month-long sale.
At the Shopee 6.6-7.7 Mid-Year Sale TV Special, Filipinos can watch the fiesta themed-celebration, broadcast live from Araneta Coliseum, by tuning in to GMA-7 and Shopee Live on June 6 at 2 -3 p.m. Until July 7, users can also enjoy free shipping, daily P1 deals, up to 20 percent cashback.
During the TV special, Shopee said over P15 million of prizes are up for grab including a BMW X3 and a P1 million jackpot prize. Viewers can claim over P7 million worth of vouchers. Shopee brand ambassador Willie Revillame will be hosting the show;
Avon Care’s new line
Avon Care has launched in the market a line of personal care products that address the five factors that consumers consider in choosing such products for their family: value for price, overall benefits, vitamin-enrich formulations, multi-use and brand.
These factors were considered in developing the Antibacterial Hand and Body Lotion which provides germ-protection and moisture lock technology, and Avon Care Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo which is suitable for sensitive skin.
According to Avon, 80 percent of Filipinos would rather buy new products from familiar brands than switch to a new one.
As a trusted brand, Avon said it continues to tap new product innovations knowing these are more likely to be purchased as consumers are more reliant on their positive experience with the brand’s existing products.
Discover the Outdoors
Shangri-La Plaza is mounting the Discover the Outdoors until June 6 at the Grand Atrium. The fair promotes camping fun by introducing outdoor gear and activities to try, while showing mall guests the local destinations they can visit after months of staying put.
Discover the Outdoors is organized like a campsite featuring the latest tent models, camping equipment, and outdoor wear as brands like Columbia, The North Face, Quicksilver, The Travel Club, and True Value give mall guests a taste of the luxurious outdoor experience.
Designed with a trailhead as its main feature, Discover the Outdoors showcases glamping vignettes by the featured brands and includes travel booths where mall guests can inquire about the latest domestic attractions and updated travel protocols.
BPI-Philam remains top bancassurance firm
Bancassurance leader BPI-Philam once again emerged as the country’s top bancassurance firm in terms of premium income, retaining the spot for the eighth consecutive year according to the Insurance Commission (IC).
BPI-Philam recoded a total premium income of P16.30 billion. It also ranked first among bancassurance firms in terms of New Business Annual Premium Equivalent (NBAPE) with P2.83 billion.
BPI-Philam strengthened its iPad-based iPoS (interactive point-of-sale) platform to accommodate completely digital transactions for consumers applying from home. Together with its parent company AIA Philam Life, the bancassurance firm launched the Coffee Closing project, a three-step process that allows customers to get insurance protection within just 20 minutes.
The company has upgraded its self-service online platforms such as the ePlan online customer portal, ePolicy Kit and virtual assistant Bessie.
Republic Cement supports CDO relocation program
Republic Cement donated cement to the local government of Cagayan De Oro (CDO) in support of the city’s Informal Settlers Program.
The CDO local government has partnered with Republic Cement to provide housing assistance to the city’s identified informal settlers who have little to no resources to build homes at the relocation site provided by the city. Eleven families received support by way of bags of cement to aid in the construction of their homes.
“Republic Cement is proud to do its part in providing support to communities in need especially during these challenging times,” said Republic Cement CEO Nabil Francis. “Through this initiative, we remain true to our commitment as a partner in nation-building for a safer and stronger Republic.”
Epson partners with Save the Children
Epson Philippines has partnered with Save the Children, the world’s leading independent children’s organization, for a donation initiative to support blended learning in its partner communities.
Epson hopes to help ease the situation by providing eco-friendly inkjet printers that will help the Save the Children Philippines’ Kapit Bahay Aralan (KBA), an alternative, neighborhood-based learning program for children residing in urban settlements or in far-flung areas.
Through the donation initiative, Save the Children Philippines received EcoTank L15160 inkjet printers, ink refills and paper supplies to support the remote learning of more than 900 KBA students across six barangays in Caloocan.