For a healthier future
J&J Philippines has always put patients at the core of its business by harnessing the power of technology and breakthrough innovation to elevate new standards of care, especially in an increasingly digital world.
“Our goal at J&J Philippines is to advance health for every Filipino family by offering our patients cutting-edge healthcare and life-enhancing innovation. The MedTech division keeps improving its knowledge of healthcare and strengthening our expertise in medical technologies to reimagine the healthcare experience of our people,” said Dino Alejandro, commercial lead, Ethicon Philippines for J&J MedTech Philippines.
One of J&J Philippines’ key pillars is its partnership with those on the frontline whom they consider as ‘Drivers of Innovation.’
J&J also invests in professional education programs with doctors and nurses who use the items to share about their experiences, areas of expertise, and product utilization.
MVP looks to agri, healthcare, PPP
Business leader Manuel V. Pangilinan expressed the commitment of his group of companies to strengthen public-private partnerships (PPP), enabling economic progress in the new normal.
“Agriculture should certainly get more attention and investments for a number of reasons–because it’s out there in the hinterlands where most of our underserved people are located, and because we are focused on providing jobs,” said Pangilinan at the first ever hybrid National PR Congress held recently.
Pangilinan expressed satisfaction over the growth of digital services and digital banking, which continue to pave the way for the identification of the needs of customers–including credit and lifeline credit. Pangilinan chairs PLDT and Smart, and fintech company Voyager Innovations, the unit behind Maya and Maya Bank.
He also disclosed the efforts of his hospital group to help improve the country’s healthcare system. These include the roll-out of clinics designed to provide curative care, and the development of affordable health insurance products for those who need it most.
Start ‘Em Young in entrepreneurship education
To help mold Filipinos to become successful entrepreneurs, Deputy Speaker and Las Pinas Rep. Camille Villar wants to introduce young students to entrepreneurial concepts and deeper insights and help create new companies in the future.
Villar has filed House Bill 3099 which seeks to mandate the inclusion of entrepreneurship as a separate subject in the junior and senior year curricula in both public and private secondary schools nationwide. Under the current setup, entrepreneurship is being offered for Grades 11 and 12 senior high school students based on the Education department’s K-12 curriculum.
“Entrepreneurship education is a lifelong process, starting as early as elementary school and progressing through all levels of education, including adult education,” Villar said.
According to the House leader, small businesses make up more than 90% of the economy, and contribute greatly to employment opportunities for Filipinos, thus, starting entrepreneurship education at an early age would pave the way for more startups that will help shape brighter prospects for the country.
“Entrepreneurship education aids students from all socioeconomic backgrounds to think outside the box and nurture unconventional talents and skills. It creates opportunities, ensures social justice, instills confidence and stimulates the economy,” said Villar, noting the indispensable role of entrepreneurs in driving societal change and offering solutions to the simplest – and even complex problems.
American accreditation
Singapore Diagnostics (SGD) has been re-accredited by the prestigious College of American Pathologists (CAP). Less than 500 international laboratories have received this accreditation.
“We are honored to receive the College of American Pathologists accreditation as a testament to the high quality of service of Singapore Diagnostics and the work of our well-trained clinicians. This recognition will inspire us to continue to offer world-class healthcare services that Filipinos can afford,” said Ritche Evidente, Singapore Diagnostics president and CEO.
Since its establishment in late 2013 in the Philippines, SGD has been processing laboratory requirements for over 500 hospitals, clinic, labs and healthcare institutions in the country. Serving up to 50,000 patients every month and running up to 2.5 million laboratory examinations a year.
New digital investment platform
ATRAM recently launched ATRAM Prime, a new digital and premium investment solution, to provide Filipino investors access to local and global investment opportunities.
Available via app download, ATRAM Prime allows investors to browse and choose from some of the country’s top-performing funds, manage their portfolio in just a few taps, and access exclusive articles and insights to assist them in their investment journey.
ATRAM Prime is a new, next-level, and fully digital investment platform, making investing smarter and easier for Filipino investors seeking new ways to secure their future.
The ATRAM Prime App provides investors with expertly managed products, client-centric service, and the right tools with cutting-edge technology to take their investments to the next level–all available through one mobile app optimized for convenience and focused on delivering best-in-class financial service.
DHL Express price adjustments
DHL Express has announced price adjustments taking effect on Jan. 1, 2023. The average increase in Philippines will be 7.9 percent compared to 2022.
“With the annual price adjustment, we can invest in our infrastructure and technology to ensure resilient, sustainable, and world-class customer solutions. This includes state-of-the-art aircraft and vehicles, hubs and gateways expansion to meet increasing customer demand, and investments in green and more sustainable solutions, such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel and electric vehicles,” said Nigel Lockett, country manager of DHL Express Philippines.
Prices are adjusted on an annual basis by DHL Express, taking into consideration inflation and currency dynamics as well as administrative costs related to regulatory and security measures. These measures are being regularly updated by national and international authorities in each of the more than 220 countries and territories that DHL Express serves. Depending on local conditions, price adjustments will vary from country to country, and will apply to all customers where contracts allow.
UnionBank enters The Sandbox
Union Bank of the Philippines is entering The Sandbox, one of the world’s leading metaverse platforms.
The goal is to promote innovation by engaging and empowering the Filipino Web 3.0 community and artists through activities in the metaverse.
The Sandbox is a community-driven metaverse platform where creators and artists can monetize voxel assets and gaming experiences on the blockchain. It provides a digital environment that is very conducive to creativity and innovation, allowing users to also purchase land and create their own games and events in the metaverse.
Honda Cars soon to open its 40th dealership in Marikina City
Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) recently held the groundbreaking ceremony of its 40th full-service dealership in the country, Honda Cars Marikina City (HCMC).
HCMC in Sumulong Highway, Marikina City will be erected in a lot area of 3,700 square meters, and will feature a five vehicle display showrooms, a sales releasing area, and 10 working bays.
HCMC will be the 12th Honda Cars dealer in the National Capital Region, and it is set to be inaugurated in January 2024.
EZ Shop accelerates growth of online shopping
As customers continue to head online and grow their appetite for e-commerce, EZ Shop, the popular online and home TV shopping network in the Philippines, revs up its digital adoption with Globe Business’ ChatGenie and Direct Internet to support its expansion as Filipinos continue to “add to cart.”
“Our partnership with Globe Business helped us realize that digital transformation is critical to MSMEs like us. With the right knowledge, technology, digital tools and partners, we can improve our influence and engagements with our customers,” said Princess Silva, EZ Shop general manager.
EZ Shop has subscribed to ChatGenie to connect and sell to their customers through platforms that they are already using.
ChatGenie is a multi-channel commerce platform that helps businesses sell inside the world’s biggest apps.
Shopee backs PinasLakas
Shopee has partnered with the Department of Health (DOH) for the Bakunahang Bayan: PinasLakas Special Vaccination Days campaign from September 26 to 30, to facilitate the rapid mobilization of COVID-19 vaccination among all eligible populations.
As part of the campaign, a dedicated page will be accessible in-app to educate users on the benefits and importance of vaccination from September 26 to 30.
Local government units (LGUs) across the country are likewise encouraged to include vaccination sites such as schools, malls, plazas, and places of worship.
This campaign is one of the multiple initiatives that Shopee has launched to support Filipinos in their pre to post vaccination journey.
Special tourism honor
The 31st Annual TTG Travel Awards has recognized the Philippines as 2022’s Destination of the Year during the awarding ceremony on September 22 held in Bangkok, Thailand.
This special honor, received by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines on behalf of the country, is presented to the most outstanding destination for taking proactive steps and initiatives for the development and promotion of the travel industry.
WTCMM promotes local artists
WORLD Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) has collaborated with a renowned artists’ group as it ventures into cross-border promotion of culture and the arts.
WTCMM is hosting a contemporary art exhibition featuring artworks by members of Artists for Peace at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City from August 24 to October 24. Artists for Peace is an organization of distinguished senior artists who advocate social issues and aims to create a new platform, inspire creativity and friendship among contemporary artists.
“Promoting culture and arts is yet another milestone for WTCMM, made possible through this collaboration bringing together Filipino talents such as Nemi Miranda, Juno Galang and August Santiago,” said WTCMM Chairman and CEO Pamela D. Pascual during the opening ceremonies of the exhibit.
With its mandate to promote global trade, WTCMM hopes to be of assistance to Artists for Peace as they plan to embark on an art exchange to India in the coming months. With this, WTCMM is looking into endorsing the project to its counterpart WTCs in key cities of India.
