“Make It Happen in the Philippines”
The Philippine Board of Investments (BOI) has formally unveiled in a virtual event a new international investment promotion brand and campaign, “Make It Happen in the Philippines.” The campaign aims to attract investment to the Philippines by highlighting its potential as an ideal business destination in Asia.
The multi-sector, multi-market campaign, developed in partnership with the UK government’s Investment Promotion Programme, reinforces the country’s highly skilled and resilient human resource and “make-it-work” mindset, underlining its strength and adaptability even in times of adversity. Investors can connect with BOI’s investment specialists at www.philippines.business.
The virtual event for the international business community was hosted by Philippine Trade Minister Lopez, BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo, and British Ambassador to the Philippines Daniel Pruce.
TAIWAN EXCELLENCE HARDWARE SHOWCASE:
Innovative solutions from Taiwan
Six winners of the Taiwan Excellence Award unveiled their groundbreaking advancements for the hardware manufacturing industry at the Taiwan Excellence Hardware Showcase, a digital event held on recently in Taipei, Taiwan, and to industry professionals around the globe.
Hosted by TAITRA (Taiwan External Trade Development Council), this showcase is one of several online streamed conferences that introduced Taiwan’s innovationsto the growing international hardware market during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the one-hour event, more than 700 visitors tuned in for a closer look at Taiwan’s latest, and most show-stopping innovations. Taiwan continues to be a key global player in the hardware market that exported nearly $3.8 billion in 2019 that rankedthe country third in the world.
The presenting companies and their products exemplify the highest quality, most innovative, and highest-performing hardware and pneumatic tools in the industry. Included in the line-up of companies who presented and their products were: KUANI GEAR CO., LTD – Gearless Angle Impact Wrench simplifies automobile/motorcycle maintenance; TIEN-I INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD – New spinning impact extensions for the professional vehicle mechanic’s problem of losing their grip on traditional impact extension; SHUTER ENTERPRISE CO., LTD – RC High-Efficiency Work Station; WILLIAMS TOOLS CO., LTD – “Screen Slipping T-handle Torque Screwdriver”; FERRO-CARBON ENT. CO., LTDHeavy- Duty tile cutter designed to easily cut 800mm to 1200mm lengths of tile; MEDICAL INTUBATION TECHNOLOGY CORP. (MitCorp) – PRSL 300, an innovative pipe inspection videoscope system with a real-time display, providing a fool-proof inspection too. The full product brochure is available here.
PAGCOR sets P2 billion for multi-purpose evacuation centers
As part of the government’s long-term response to climate change, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has allocated P2 billion for the construction of multi-purpose evacuation centers (MPEC) in typhoon-prone provinces.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Andrea D. Domingo said that the state-run gaming agency has allocated such amount despite its significant revenue losses caused by the suspension of gaming operations and strict community quarantine measures to curb the COVID-19 pandemic.
The PAGCOR chief explained that as early as 2018, the state-run gaming agency has already conceptualized the MPEC project, spearheaded by PAGCOR’s President and COO Alfredo Lim, but they had to wait for completion of designs and costing.
Once all details of the project are finalized, PAGCOR will directly turn over the funding to beneficiary-LGUs for the establishment of MPECs, adopting three schemes of donation depending on the site and need of the province.
The first scheme, with a budget of P12.7 million includes provision of a basketball court which will serve as an alternative evacuation center.
The second scheme with a budget of P27.9 million includes provision of a covered court with bleachers and toilets.
Meanwhile, the third scheme, with P50 million budget includes a two-storey full scale multi-purpose evacuation center with complete facility, packed room for goods, and a badminton-type area on the second floor.
PAGCOR has initially approved 32 MPECs to be constructed in 31 sites. These areas include Albay, Aurora, Batangas, Camarines Sur, Capiz, Ilocos Sur, Laguna, Mountain Province, Marikina, Northern Samar, Oriental Mindoro, Pampanga, Quezon, Romblon, Rizal, Southern Leyte, Tarlac and Zamboanga del Sur.
CEB, GenSan to begin test before boarding
Cebu Pacific (CEB) has introduced Test Before Boarding (TBB) so passengers can undergo antigen testing conveniently at the airport just before their flight. This reduces the risk of infection between testing and boarding, finding infected passengers in a more timely manner.
Only passengers with negative antigen test results will be allowed to board.
Together with the local government of General Santos, and in coordination with the Philippine Airport Diagnostic Laboratory, CEB is set to pilot TBB on December 3 for a two-week trial period. Passengers must fill out an electronic passenger information form (E-PIF) through https://www.padlab.ph/DLS/ePIF and pre-register via http://tapat.gensantos.gov.h/tapatsystem/registration/#details at least 24 hours before their flight.
Honda promo offers
Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) is offering a special financing discount, along with other exciting deals in partnership with BPI Family Savings Bank under BPI Family Auto Loan Exclusive Partner Offers.
From November 26 to December 31 all customers of the Honda BR-V and the All-New City who will be approved of a BPI Family Auto Loan application are entitled to an additional P5,000 promo discount, on top of the regular promo discounts and other exciting offerings.
Customers may enjoy Step Up Pay Plan amortization rates with the suggested retail prices, including an additional treat of the Introductory Suggested Retail Prices of the All-New City until December 31.
Alongside with the BR-V, the All-New City is now available with 20 percent down payment for a fixed 5-year loan term, Step Up Pay Plan, exclusively with BPI Family Savings Bank. This features a flexible financing option that provides the lowest monthly amortization from the first year of loan term with a progressive increase in the succeeding years. Until December 31, all current Honda owners who will refer a BR-V and All-New City buyer will receive P5,000 worth of e-gift certificates upon every successful referral.
Klook launches ‘Pilipinas, You’re Worth the Wait’ campaign
Klook is giving Filipinos more ways to re-discover the beauty of their home country with its “Pilipinas, You’re Worth the Wait” campaign.
Tourists can enjoy up to 50 percent off on their hotel bookings from the country’s top hotels like Shangri-La Hotels, Anya Resort Tagaytay, and Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, and more. The staycation products include offers bundled with food and beverage credits, free messages, tours, and day passes.
Klook is also offering activities in relaxing destinations such as Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa in Antipolo or Nurture Wellness Spa in Tagaytay and theme parks Enchanted Kingdom, Inflatable Island, or Zoobic Safari.
All featured activities comply with enhanced safety and cleanliness protocols such as body temperature checks, personal protective equipment for staff, and regular sanitation so customers can comfortably enjoy their visit.
Klook has also launched its own Klook-powered Contact Tracing System for local attractions to use for free and to give customers a worry-free experience.
Globe myBusiness Shop online sale helped SMEs
Globe myBusiness held the final day of the Gift Love, Gift Local Online sale which ran from March to November.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through the Globe myBusiness Shop availed of marked down mobile plans starting at ThePLAN Plus 999, made available at a discounted rate of P799. New broadband subscriptions also came with at least P1,000 cash back via GCash.
The Globe myBusiness Shop provided the right business essentials to kick start every SMEs’ business dreams.
The digital shop housed different plans specifically designed for the varying needs of SMEs, which included different mobile and broadband options to help them grow their businesses online.
Eastern Communications named Telco of the Year
Eastern Communications was awarded Telco of the Year at the recently concluded Asia Leaders Awards in Makati Shangrila Hotel.
The Telco of the Year seeks to identify and celebrate innovative telecommunication companies and their inspiring leaders who have excelled in the field of network technologies, operations, new implementations, innovative products, apps, services, and initiatives in Asia.
Asia Leaders Awards aims to promote the Philippines as a premier business hub and destination in Asia and acknowledge the leaders that do innovative works and help those in need.
In recent months, Eastern Communications rolled out different initiatives to support Filipinos during the pandemic, including its holistic COVID-19 response entitled “Safe and Strong at Home” which mainly aims in helping front liners, employees, clients, and individuals be safe and informed. Featured were relevant products like Eastern Cloud, Office 365, and its recently introduced Eastern Home, a reliable home internet fit for work from home operations.
Eastern Communications showcased internal initiatives to empower employees during this time, which also gave them the Best Employer Brand Award at the recent Philippines Best Employer Brand Awards 2020.
Natular DT launched
UPL Philippines Inc. over the weekend launched Natular DT, a mosquito larvicide crucial in the fight against dengue, yellow fever and chikungunya diseases.
UPL said Natular DT is a naturally derived active ingredient: Spinosad which is derived from naturally occurring soil bacterium classified as Group 5 insecticide by the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee and the only active ingredient classified in Group 5 used for mosquito control.
Natular tablet is placed in containers or places where there is stagnant water. One Natular DT tablet is effective for up to 200 liters of water and can last up to 60 days, UPL Philippines said.
Visible effects are seen within hours of application. Optimal control is reached within 24 to 72 hours, sustained at very uniform levels for 60 days.