Cash, food assistance
San Miguel Corp. (SMC) has rolled out its P500-million Handog Tulong Pinansyal Para sa Mangingisda financial assistance program for fisherfolk families residing in Rosario, Tanza, Naic, and Ternate in Cavite as part of its commitment to managing its social and environmental impacts following strict performance standards set by the International Finance Corp. (IIFC) for its New Manila International Airport (NMIA) project.
The initiative, launched by its San Miguel Aerocity Inc. (SMAI), will benefit some 5,000 fisherfolk families, that will each receive a monthly financial assistance of P5,000 until the company’s operation in the area is completed by 2024.
Eligible fisherfolk were identified based on both third-party surveys and a selection and validation process by local officials and leaders of local fishermen’s groups.
MOA complex as the Ultimate Happy Place
This year, World of Happiness at MOA is packed with bigger treats and surprises that will absolutely bring a smile to every mallgoer at MOA. Maybe even get them doing a little happy dance as they shop, dine, and play around the complex.
SM Mall of Asia is the ultimate happy place this March because of its immersive installations and creative spaces that make content creation, self-expression, and bonding more enjoyable and memorable for family, friends, and even fur-babies. Plus, there are a lot of special deals, promos and discounts up for grabs this March.
Experience a world of happiness at SM Mall of Asia with exciting activities al lined up to celebrate the International Day of Happiness at MOA’s Happiness Playground and Happiness Selfie Studio, with the Happiness Squad, Happiness deals & promos, and the iconic MOA Happiness Globe.
Todo Sa Sulit with Dito SIM starter packs
DITO Telecommunity now offers its DITO SIM Starter Pack with up to 25GB all-access data for only Php 39. New subscribers can also enjoy a bonus 30-day Amazon Prime Video mobile subscription for every purchase of any DITO Level-Up Pack.
In light of the new SIM Registration Act (SRA) as well, Dito is adding another 2GB bonus data for all DITOzens. New subscribers who activate their DITO SIM Starter Packs are eligible to enjoy this TODO SA SULIT bonus data promo. New DITOzens can get their maximum free data allocation by following these easy steps:
Step 1- Activate the DITO SIM Starter Pack by registering your SIM card and enjoy 3GB bonus data. Subscribers within 5G covered areas are also eligible to enjoy another bonus 3GB data.
Step 2– Download the DITO APP and update the customer profile to enjoy 4GB bonus data.
Step 3- Purchase or subscribe to any Level-Up Pack on the same day of SIM activation and get another 3GB bonus data. Subscribers will also receive 1GB bonus data for 7 days for each of the first 12 Level Up Pack subscriptions- total of 12GB bonus data.
Aside from the 25GB bonus all-access data, new subscribers can also enjoy unlimited texts to all networks, unlimited DITO-to-DITO calls and 100 minutes of calls to other networks valid for 15 days.
“As the new year comes in, we want to encourage more Filipinos to try out DITO and of course register your SIMS. From Php 49, we lowered our SIM Starter Packs to Php 39 with increased bonus data offering to enable interested subscribers to discover DITO and experience our high-speed connectivity and value-for-money products,” said DITO chief commercial officer Evelyn Jimenez.
Leveraging AI in supply chain
Machine learning and AI (artificial intelligence) technology, like the technology used by global supply chain leader RELEX Solutions, can provide insights to diminish disruptions to business operations.
RELEX in a statement said retailers should leverage automation and artificial intelligence-driven insights to cut down operational costs and lower the cost of goods and services. AI helps predict the impact of demand drivers such as promotions, prices, product displays, and weather data to accurately forecast demand and optimize replenishment. For retail operations, this means that they can better allocate their manpower and avoid losses.
While retailers are expected to have an increase in foot traffic, online channels will continue to be prevalent due to the convenience and savings they offer through digital promotions, RELEX said.
Accurate, real-time reporting to adequately manage customer expectations makes it essential for retail brands to integrate solutions powered by AI. The right tools ensure fulfillment of online orders from stores, customer backorders, and online orders are correctly accounted for in forecasting and inventory planning, even as products are redirected from one fulfillment center to another.
A recent study by RELEX Solutions found that close to 50 percent of retailers don’t know how much stock they have in each store, revealing a gap in the strategic approach to accurate and effective store ordering among these companies.
AI and machine learning technology help brands keep the right amount of inventory, forecast changes in demand, and adjust replenishment orders, driving improvements to service, sales, and customer satisfaction.
New substation
Meralco recently commissioned its new North Caloocan 115 kilovolts (kV)—34.5 kV Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS) Substation on Quirino Highway, Novaliches, Quezon City which unloads the forecasted critical load of Novaliches and Camarin power transformer banks.
SThe project involved the commissioning of a new 83-Megavolt ampere (MVA) power transformer, one 115-kV GIS, one 34-kV GIS, four new distribution feeders, and other substation equipment.
The new substation will serve the growing demand in the areas of Quezon City, Caloocan City North, and portions of San Jose del Monte in Bulacan, including the expected power requirement of the MRT-7 once operational.
Franchise Asia launch
The Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) on March 15 held the media launch of the Franchise Asia Philippines 2023 Conference and Expo.
Themed “Fun. Friendship. Franchising,” Franchise Asia Philippines has four components: The International Conference on June 7 and 8; the International Franchise Expo — recognized as Asia’s grandest — from October 27 to 29; the two-day Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) Program on June 5 and 6; and seminars and other learning sessions for aspiring franchisors and franchisees and entrepreneurs. Photo shows PFA chairman emeritus Samie Lim (left), leading the conference with (from left) Franchise Asia Philippines 2023 Conference chair Joey Garcia, Franchise Asia Philippines 2023 overall chair Joseph Tanbuntiong, PFA chairman Sherill Quintana, PFA president Chris Lim, Franchise Asia Philippines 2023 overall co-chair Richard Sanz, Franchise Asia Philippines 2023 Expo chair Steve Benitez, and PFA vice chair Ma. Alegria Sibal Limjoco at Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila.
Agency of the year
Besting other PR agencies, Coms360 won the coveted Agency of the Year (AOY) Award during the Gabi ng Parangal of the 58th ANVIL Awards of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP).
The ANVIL Agency of the Year award is given to a PR Agency that garners the highest number of accumulated points based on the value of each Anvil trophy that their client received for work done on behalf of the client.
Coms360 won more than 20 trophies for its clients and its own socially relevant and digital campaigns. The agency, part of the PAGEONE Group, is primarily focused on helping manage the corporate reputation of local and multinational companies in the Philippines.
Some of the Coms360 clients that won include Nestle Philippines, STI Education Services Group (STI ESG), GSK Philippines, and the Department of Tourism.
The agency also won awards for some of its home-grown PR campaigns. Among others, Coms360 received accolades on its campaign about generating awareness on the achievements of Filipinos around the world through its “Great Filipino Story” campaign, providing platforms for bloggers through its WildFyre network and through its Reach Project.
The agency also won an award for its sought-after training program for senior executives on how to manage risks and crises.
Acer promo
Until March 31, Acer and Predator laptops Acer Aspire 3, Aspire 5, Aspire Vero, Acer Nitro, and Predator notebook comes with a corresponding free 8GB or 16GB memory upgrade depending on the model.
To avail of this upgrade, the customer must present the official receipt of purchase to a certified Acer Sales Representative.
The customer must also register the Acer or Predator notebook for warranty at acer.com.ph upon purchase.
Only purchases from Acer Concept Stores and authorized Acer resellers can quality for the RAM upgrade.
The promo is for end-users only and is not convertible to cash and cannot be used to lower the cost of the unit should the customer decide not to avail of the RAM upgrade.
1st eco-tourism travel mart
The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is set to participate in the first edition of the International Ecotourism Travel Mart (IETM) at the ISST Building, James Yen Center in Silang, Cavite from March 29 to April 2.
Under its Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX) program, CITEM will feature a total of 12 companies from the food, home, and lifestyle industries that offer products and services that are sustainable or have a strong ecotourism component.
Under the theme “Embracing Authentic Ecotourism: An Ecotourism Festival,” the first International Ecotourism Travel Mart will feature local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) engaged in sustainable practices and production.
Accountancy Centenary Award for Excellence
Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) President and CEO, member of the University of the Philippines Board of Regents, and Bulacan Provincial Government’s 2022 Dangal ng Lipi Awardee for Health Raul C. Pagdanganan (center) was recently honored with the Accountancy Centenary Award for Excellence by the Professional Regulatory Board of Accountancy (BOA).
The conferment was held at the Manila Hotel recently in celebration of 100 years of the Accountancy Act of 1923 in the Philippines. Following the theme “Celebrating the Past, Transforming the Present, Shaping the Future,” the Accountancy Centenary Award was given to 100 of the most excellent certified public accountants (CPA) in the country who ‘demonstrated untarnished integrity and reputation’ and ‘have contributed immensely in the advancement of accountancy profession and national development’.
It also marked the culmination of the year-long celebration of the Centenary Year of the Accountancy Profession in the Philippines. Also, in photo (from left) are BOA vice chairman Samuel Padilla, member Gloria Baysa, chairman Noe Quinanola, members Thelma Cuidadano, Maria Teresita Dimaculangan, and Cervacio Piator.
