SM, Pasay LGU build one of PH’s biggest vaccination centers
Preparations are underway for the mega vaccination hub at the Galeon in MOA Complex, Pasay City
SM, together with National University, and the local government of Pasay City have partnered for “Vacc to the Future” program to build one of the biggest vaccination centers in the country which will accommodate around 2,000 individuals per day.
SM Supermalls president Steven Tan said the vaccine center will greatly help in doubling efforts to hasten the vaccination of community members, especially the medical frontliners, the elderly, and those who have comorbidities.
The facility is also fitted with an air-conditioning system and will soon feature a drive-through section for vaccination.
SM, in partnership with various LGUs, has rolled out multi-mall vaccination program with over 30 SM malls nationwide which were identified as partner vaccination sites. SM has ongoing vaccination activities in over 10 malls but will activate more and resume others once vaccines in some areas have arrived and become available.
Since the start of the pandemic, SM Supermalls has been at the forefront of helping Filipinos. Many SM malls have served as COVID-19 testing sites in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross.
The company has also donated beds, linens, and pillows to schools, such as Ateneo de Manila, University of the Philippines, and other institutions who turned some of the classrooms and dormitories into COVID-19 facility wards.
PhilHealth reiterates warning against health insurance fraud
State health insurer, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) strongly advises health care providers not to engage in unethical acts such as upcasing of claims.
The Agency received various reports relating to health care providers colluding with patients to declare minor respiratory symptoms as COVID-19 case for higher benefit reimbursements.
In view of the increase in reports of claims manipulation, state health insurer urges patients and their families to directly report such illegal acts to PhilHealth.
The Agency is likewise calling on the public to be vigilant of such acts and fully cooperate with PhilHealth by providing proofs to support the investigation.
“We call on the public to cooperate with us to immediately curtail these wrongdoings. We should protect the National Health Insurance Fund, because it is a public fund, it is your money,” PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Dante A. Gierran said.
PhilHealth assures whistleblowers that complete confidentiality of reports as well as their protection will be given as provided by law.
To further strengthen its campaign against unlawful acts, PhilHealth has earlier initiated collaborations with the National Bureau of Investigation to detect, deter, and prosecute fraud committed by hospitals and professionals.
The state health insurance chief stressed that he will not tolerate deceitful practices made by some providers in order to take advantage of the uncertainties brought about by the pandemic.
The public may send their reports pertaining to these fraudulent acts through email at whistleblower@philhealth.gov.ph; actioncenter@philhealth.gov.ph; and opceo@philhealth.gov.ph or by mail addressed to the Office of the Corporate Secretary, Room 1711, 17th Floor Citystate Centre, 709 Shaw Blvd., Pasig City.
Globe: Sari-sari stores essential in keeping Pinoys connected
Sari-sari stores play an important role in connecting people. These neighborhood stores ensure that vital communication services are easily accessible to everyone.
For over two decades now, Globe has been partnering with sari-sari stores and has a total of 1.1-M retailers across the country selling Globe Prepaid load to the public but the pandemic further pushed the demand for these products and services.
The growing need for prepaid load also helps retailers cope through the toughest of times.
Since the Philippines is one of the countries that incurred the highest economic damage caused by disasters, Globe’s loading business has also helped sari-sari store owners affected by past typhoons. In January alone, Globe, through its Community Development Program, provided at least 280 retailers in provinces devastated by super typhoons Rolly and Ulysses with livelihood opportunities through a retailer package that included an LTE
FWD Insurance soars to top 4
FWD Insurance is the top four insurer in the country based on New Business Annualized Premium Equivalent (NBAPE), the unaudited Insurance Commission financial report indicates.
It was a big leap from the previous eighth position in 2019, with the insurer posting a 43 percent increase in premiums to over P13 billion, and 39 percent growth in assets to almost P20 billion from 2019 to 2020.
The company attributed this performance to its digital advantage, innovative products, and strong distribution.
The Insurer became one of the first in the industry to offer remote selling through the FWD online shop and e-commerce outlet Lazada.
Other digital innovations intended to enhance customer experience include the award-winning mobile app FWD Tapp, the AI Talkbot Frankie, and the FWD Affiliates Program. Last year. FWD launched online versions of Set for Health and Set for Tomorrow, and made their online starter plans KanMend, KanLive and KanGuard available for companies. Quick innovations like COVID-19 Ready and COVID-19 Assist made FWD Insurance one of the first insurers to respond swiftly to the needs of their current customers diagnosed with coronavirus illness.
Aboitiz Group launches start-up
The Aboitiz Group is breaking into the data science and artificial intelligence (DSAI) space with the launch of its new subsidiary, Aboitiz Data Innovation or ADI.
ADI will consolidate the DSAI operating model across the Group and promote a data-driven culture across the organization. Its chief responsibility is to transform data into business outcomes, exploit information to make better decisions, reinvent business models, and develop high-value solutions to create new processes, products, and services.
In 2021, Aboitiz introduced data science, AI, and machine learning courses to its group wide learning and development curriculum with the goal of helping its people across all its strategic business units (SBUs) gain better understanding of how DSAI can move them closer to achieving set goals.
The next phase in ADI’s development is to serve as a single contracting entity for DSAI collaborations with local and Singapore-based counterparts and, over the long-term, handle external DSAI products and services. For now, the company will take the lead in building the Group’s capacity in DSAI through demonstration, awareness, enablement, and ecosystem partnership.
EDC launches overseas internship program for scholars
Energy Development Corp. (EDC) is taking the next step for its scholars’ regenerative future by commencing its career internship program abroad in partnership with the Counselors for Immigration and International Studies (CIS).
SIKAT is EDC’s flagship education program that supports underprivileged but deserving students in the company’s host communities through financial assistance and mentoring.
CIS, the country’s leading trusted group of educational consultants, partners with host schools and educational sponsors in the USA, Canada, Australia, Germany and New Zealand to make the path towards a brighter future for the students.
Under the agreement, CIS will sponsor a qualified SIKAT scholar graduate for the pilot internship program abroad and will support the scholar’s cost of living.
EDC will be responsible for screening the applications of its SIKAT scholar graduates and for the submission of the qualified candidate’s documents to CIS for processing. EDC will also be providing financial provisions for the pre-departure expenses of the candidate.
PAFMI inducts new officers
The Philippine Association of Feed Millers Inc. (PAFMI) held its induction and oath-taking of officers and board members for the year 2021-2022 last April 22.
The newly installed leadership: Edwin Mapanao, president; Roderick Ramirez, vice president; Secretary: Maria Fatima Cipriano, secretary; Irma Aguila, treasurer; Teodoro Deocares, auditor; Philip Ocampo, Cesar Go, Romuel Tan, Stephanie Nicole Garcia, Christopher Ian Tingzon and Norman Ramos, board members.
Mapanao reiterated PAFMI’s commitment to developing strategies for food security and safety in the country, hence the theme of this year’s induction ceremony.
With Play Something, Netflix Does All The Work For You
Netflix has introduced the Play Something feature that offers a unique and exciting way to discover new titles based on what subscribers watched in the past.
This was announced in a blog by Cameron Johnson, director of Product Innovation at Netflix.
By hitting the Play Something button, a viewer is instantly met with a series or film which he might enjoy love based on he has watched before.
For members that use screen-readers, Play Something fully supports Text-to-Speech.
Honda genuine Modulo accessories now available for City Hatchback
Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) has introduced the genuine Modulo accessory lineup for the all-new Honda City Hatchback.
These accessories would allow customers to personalize and enhance their vehicles to complement their diverse needs based on their active lifestyles. Accessories such as front, side and rear under spoilers, and door visors are available which would further enhance the all-new City Hatchback’s exterior giving it a much sportier exterior appearance. In terms of functionality, a rear cargo tray is also available which provides improved functionality and protection for the rear cargo area.
Modulo accessories for the All-New City Hatchback are now available at all 38 Honda Cars dealerships
