Every day is Earth Day at SM Supermalls
SM Supermalls, in collaboration with its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), local government units and partner schools and organizations joined the rest of the world in celebrating Earth Day at SM malls nationwide last April 22.
With the theme “Invest In Our Planet, Invest In Our Youth,” SM Supermalls and SM Cares lined up various activities that aimed to raise awareness among children and their families about the importance of coming together across various sectors to take care of the environment. SM malls nationwide simultaneously held relevant and impactful celebrations with activities such as Children’s Storytelling, Coloring, and Sustainability Tours, gathering 1700 children and 350 employee volunteers. These activities aimed to encourage everyone in the family, particularly the young ones, to protect and respect Mother Earth.
Japan honors David Carter and Josue Sim Zuniega
On April 21, Ambassador KOSHIKAWA Kazuhiko, on behalf of the Government of Japan, presented decorations at a conferment ceremony held in his official residence. Former Philippine Judo Federation President David Carter and Attorney Josue Sim Zuniega were respectively conferred the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays and the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays for their notable contributions in strengthening the bilateral ties between Japan and the Philippines.
David Carter is a member of the Kodokan Judo Institute in Japan and has been a Japan Foundation Sports Fellow since 2001. Currently, he serves as the Sports Director of the Asian Judo Federation and a member of the International Judo Federation. His dedication to judo has paved the way for Japan-Philippines relations to further deepen and broaden, especially in the area of sports cooperation.
Atty. Josue Sim Zuniega is a legal advisor at the Manila office of the Philippine Nikkeijin Legal Support Center (PNLSC), a non-profit organization, where he has collected information on more than 3,800 Filipinos of Japanese descent, or Nikkeijin, since 2008. He has been tirelessly involved in restoring the Japanese citizenship of approximately 1,500 Filipino Nikkeijin. Atty. Zuniega was decorated for his significant efforts in building mutual understanding between Japan and the Philippines as an advocate of the Philippine Nikkei community.
In his speech, Ambassador KOSHIKAWA conveyed his deepest gratitude and congratulations to Mr. Carter and Atty. Zuniega, and expressed hope that they will continue to take active roles in advancing Japan-Philippines relations.
BDO wins Best Advance in Sustainability Practices
BDO Unibank Inc. received the Best Advance in Sustainability Practices Award at the 14th Annual Retail Banker International Asia Trailblazer Awards 2023 in Singapore.
BDO’s institutional approach to sustainability, pioneering sustainable finance of renewable energy projects, green buildings and initiatives anchored on United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals were the Bank’s key differentiators that led to this recognition.
BDO’s announcement of its Energy Transition Finance Statement last year reinforced the Bank’s commitment to financing the transition to a low-carbon, environmentally responsible and socially inclusive economy. This was in support of the 2015 Paris Accord and the Philippines’ nationally determined contribution of a 70 per cent reduction in and avoidance of greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
The prestigious award ceremony recognizes the innovative strategies and excellent performance of leading retail banks and consumer finance companies in the Asia-Pacific region.
‘Hot Summer’ promo
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) expects to generate 30 percent higher business volume for auto and housing through its Hot Summer Promo that will enable Filipino families own their dream cars and homes.
BPI is an exciting all-in offer of low rates, free insurance, waived bank fees and a chance to win an all-expense paid trip for clients and partner brokers/dealer agents.
Winners will be rewarded with an all-expense paid trip to a domestic or international destination.
The auto and housing loan promo offers will run from April 24 to May 31 for online, branch, and dealer/developer-referred accounts.
It is open to all individual and corporate clients whose applications are received within the promo period and booked on or before June 30, 2023 for auto loans, and on or before July 31, 2023 for housing loans.
PAL head joins SKAL board
Largest global network of tourism professionals, SKAL International Makati recently inaugurated Philippine Airlines president and COO Capt. Stanley Ng as a new member of the board.
The induction, held at a general membership meeting and fellowship of the board at PAL Inflight Center in Pasay City, recently, was led by SKAL International Makati president Shoucair together with SKAL International board members on behalf of the Department of Transportation secretary and SKAL International Makati chairman Jaime Bautista.
JLL named #1 investment broker
Real Capital Analytics (RCA) named JLL Philippines as the number one investment broker in the country for 2022. JLL Philippines manages over $96 million in transactions, representing 80 percent of the market in 2022.
This marks the second time for JLL to be ranked first.
Aside from the Philippines, other counties in Asia-Pacific performed well per RCA’s 2022 results.
“We are deeply honored to be recognized once again by Real Capital Analytics. Our team remains steadfast in our commitment to raise investment volume in the Philippines,” states P. Ryan Isip, JLL Philippines head of Capital Markets.
Rabies awareness
Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines, through their Animal Health arm, collaborated with the government in observing March as Rabies Awareness Month (RAM).
To encourage public participation, Boehringer Ingelheim launched a RAM photo wall at NAIA Terminal 2 where pet owners can capture and share their photos on social media.
Dr. Apple Nagera, head of business segment – Pets for Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Philippines, Inc. emphasized the significance of raising awareness about rabies and the importance of vaccination for both pets and their owners. “Our RAM photo wall is an excellent opportunity for pet owners to showcase their love for their furry companions and to spread the word about this serious health issue. By using the hashtags #RabiesFreePHand #FunWithPetsAwaitWhenWeVaccinate, pet owners can help raise awareness about the importance of vaccination and show their support for our mission to make the Philippines rabies-free.”
To join the campaign, participants can have their photo(s) taken with the RAM Photo Wall as the backdrop. Post it on their Facebook (FB) Wall with a caption on how they can help make the Philippines Rabies Free.
Oh May Glow challenge
In line with the launch of Safeguard Lemon Fresh, the brand is holding the #SafeguardOhMayGlow Challenge on TikTok giving participants a chance to meet Safeguard ambassador Belle Mariano.
Mariano’s beauty regimen includes the use of Safeguard Lemon Fresh, which is infused with Vitamin C, a skincare ingredient known for its antioxidant properties. Safeguard removes 99.9% of germs and reduces the re-growth of common disease-causing bacteria for up to 24 hours.
Using the official Oh May Glow audio, TikTok challengers can upload their video up to May 31.
Emergency loan for more oil spill affected areas in Mindoro
State pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) opened its emergency loan in five more areas in Oriental Mindoro affected by the oil spill from MT Princess Empress, which capsized on February 28.
“We have allocated PhP193.92 million in emergency loans for our 7,714 active members and old-age and disability pensioners in Calapan City as well as the municipalities of Baco, San Teodoro, Soccoro and Victoria. They may now apply for the loan until May 17,” President and General Manager Wick Veloso said.
Qualified to apply are members in active service and not on leave of absence without pay; have at least three months of paid premiums within the last six months prior to application; have no pending administrative or criminal case; have no due and demandable loan; and have a net take-home pay of not lower than P5,000 after all required monthly obligations have been deducted.
Old-age and disability pensioners are also qualified to apply if their resulting net monthly take-home pension after loan availment is at least 25% of their basic monthly pension.
Members with existing emergency loan balance may borrow up to P40,000 to pay off their previous emergency loan balance and still receive a maximum net amount of P20,000. Meanwhile, pensioners and those without existing emergency loan may apply for a P20,000 loan.
The loan is payable in three (3) years or 36 equal monthly installments at an interest rate of 6% per annum.
