MAPíšA and Healthway forge partnership to bolster the local healthcare industry

Two of the country’s most esteemed organizations, MAPíšA University and Healthway Medical Network (HMN), have joined forces to hone globally competent Filipino healthcare workers. A formal partnership was signed enabling Mapúan Health Sciences students to take advantage of Healthway’s wide network by training in its clinics and outpatient centers as part of their nursing and medical technology curriculum.
The MAPíšA University School of Health Sciences is also in collaboration with Arizona State University (ASU), the no. 1 “most innovative school” in the U.S. by the U.S. News & World Report.
For HMN, partnering with MAPíšA is another step further in their nation-building efforts.
Following its various efforts to bolster worker retention in the medical field, HMN is pleased to tap the youth and offer them training initiatives, scholarship programs, and job opportunities within its network.
The MAPíšA University and Healthway Medical Network partnership marks a significant milestone for both institutions to improve healthcare for all Filipinos. With MAPíšA’s world-class talent and “practice-ready” approach, innovative healthcare solutions, and integration of clinics and HMN’s network and ecosystem, both companies position themselves to deliver high-quality care to Filipinos across the country.
Koronadal-based NDMU mark long-time PLDT Group partnership with TechnoLab visit
PLDT and Smart welcomed South Cotabato-based Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) to its innovation hub Technolab, underscoring the Group’s commitment to innovation and digital inclusion, and assisting in the government’s key digitalization efforts. The PLDT Group is a founding member of the Digital Infrastructure pillar of the presidential Private Sector Advisory Council or PSAC.
Based in Koronadal City, NDMU has been one of the PLDT Group’s long-time partner schools in Mindanao under its Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP).
Students and faculty from the College of Engineering at NDMU were rewarded with an insightful overview of the innovation and technology PLDT and Smart’s Technolab has to offer during their tour.
Some of the topics highlighted during the tour were the future of 5G technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Extended Reality.
The first and longest-running industry-academe linkage, SWEEP has promoted innovation and excellence among its network of colleges and universities since 2003. This is also aligned with the UNSDG #4: Quality Education.
Pagcor photo contest draws 5,400+ Entries; winners known Sept. 13
State gaming regulator Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) today announced that final judging for its photography contest for this year, which attracted 5,407 entries, has been concluded and that the winners will be made public on September 13.
Mr. Tengco said that the photo contest, which was divided into the conventional digital camera and mobile camera categories, required that entries feature hidden or untapped tourist destinations around the country as part of PAGCOR’s thrust to promote tourism.
The PAGCOR chief said more than 13,000 people expressed interest in joining the contest when it was first announced online last February 15. Out of the initial number, a total of 8,771 people registered to join while 5,407 entries were submitted.
All the entries were initially judged by region, with five finalists from each category selected during the judging for Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and Metro Manila. The overall winners were selected from the 40 regional finalists.
The 12 winners in the conventional photo category will receive Php80,000 in cash prizes each while the 12 winners in the mobile category will take home Php35,000 each. The non-winning finalists will also receive consolation prizes.
Among the judges in the final judging are prominent professional photographers like Mr. Bobot Go, Ms Lauren Malcampo, and Mr. Wig Tysmans along with columnist and editor Mr. Pepper Teehankee.
etaily appoints auditor
TPA Operations Corp. (etaily), a leading B2B eCommerce enabler, has appointed auditing firm KPMG R.G. Manabat & Co. for statutory audits. The engagement took effect at the end of July 2023.
During the recent 6.6 campaign in June, etaily experienced a remarkable 20 percent growth versus the previous campaign in March, solidifying its position as the preferred partner for numerous leading brands across the country and Southeast Asia. Clients such as Anta, Century Pacific, Crocs, Enfagrow, Goodest, Lactum, Landmark, Levi’s, Motoworld, and Sustagen have all entrusted their eCommerce endeavors to etaily’s comprehensive suite of solutions. The company’s offerings empower businesses to thrive in the digital marketplace, with a strong focus on technology, operations, brand development, and data analytics.
With the engagement of KPMG R.G. Manabat & Co. as its independent auditor, etaily takes a significant step towards reinforcing its commitment to the highest standards of financial reporting and compliance.
As the new official auditor, KPMG R.G. Manabat & Co. brings its global reputation and expertise in auditing to assist etaily in meeting annual regulatory requirements. The beneficial engagement signifies etaily’s dedication to strong governance, transparency, and credibility.
No Brand Korea biggest sale
No Brand Korea’s Shangri-la Plaza branch is holding its first and biggest sale to date until September 8. For one whole week, No Brand promises its customers irresistible price-offs, buy one, take one deals and lots of chances to win free gifts.
The exclusive sale will be held at the mall’s Grand Atrium at Level 2.
This serves as an advance celebration of the branch’s upcoming first anniversary in October.
P&G recognized at 2023 MIMS Excellence Awards

Procter & Gamble (P&G) Philippines, the multinational company behind the trusted personal healthcare brands such as Vicks, Neurobion, Dolo-Neurobion, and Sangobion, was recognized for its product and marketing superiority in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors at the recent 2023 Monthly Index of Medical Specialties (MIMS) Excellence Awards.
The MIMS Excellence Awards honors the most innovative and effective brands, products, and initiatives in the Philippine healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. The awards cover a wide range of achievements and excellence in areas ranging from brand management, marketing, publications, campaigns, online and in-person events, drug listings, and more.
GCash partners with Philippine Coffee Board to strengthen local coffee industry
GCash, the Philippines’ no. 1 finance super app, partners with The Philippine Coffee Board Inc. (PCBI) to employ a science-based approach to plant 200,000 coffee trees across the country through GForest, its digital tree-planting movement.
GCash and PCBI aim to educate and encourage Filipinos to support local products and at the same time provide opportunities for women, which compose 50% of the farmers.
This project will provide much-needed long-term support to local farmers in Cavite, Benguet, Iloilo, Davao, and Basilan, enabling them to start their own backyard farms. This program will also educate them on how to plant local coffee seedlings, learn the science of natural coffee farming, and experience local brewing.
By the end of 2023, PCBI, on behalf of GCash, will begin planting 50,000 seedlings in identified areas such as Cavite and Benguet. In the next two years, the project will expand to meet the goal of planting over 200,000 coffee trees.
This collaborative project is part of GCash’s GForest initiative, the biggest digital tree-planting movement in the country, which allows GCash users to plant a tree for free by collecting “green energy points” earned from using the app’s various services. These points will be used to plant a virtual tree, and in turn, GCash, together with its local and international partners, will plant an actual tree.
Since its launch in 2019, 14 million users have already joined GForest and planted three million virtual trees. To date, GCash has already planted a total of 2.5 million actual trees on their behalf.
LausGroup champions tech-vocational education in Northern Luzon

Staying true to their mission of promoting inclusive education in the Philippines, the LausGroup of Companies (LGC) provided vocational scholarship grants to 25 Grade 12 students hailing from Northern Luzon.
The Automotive Technician Education and Skills Development Program is LausGroup’s pilot automotive internship program, conducted with the support of LGC Ford Group. The program was originally conceived to support classroom learning, and allows students to exercise their practical skills and knowledge in a complementary space. According to LausGroup CEO Lisset Laus-Velasco, the scholarship programs affirm their long-term mission for countryside development as envisioned by their late founder Levy P. Laus.
Following their graduation earlier this June, 21 technician interns and 4 non-technician interns were deployed at different LausGroup dealerships in Northern Luzon.
Motivated by the success of this pilot program in Northern Luzon, LGC is expanding the Automotive Technician Education and Skills Development Program by partnering with more dealerships and technical-vocational institutions.
Reaffirming its commitment to educational inclusivity, LGC is also actively spearheading a partnership with Don Bosco Academy in Mabalacat, Pampanga. Scholars are given the opportunity to further their education through internship and apprenticeship programs that help refine their skills that would advance their chances at good employment opportunities.
With strong educational initiatives designed to foster brilliance in young Filipino minds, LGC is poised to be an integral pillar in the continued development of Central and Northern Luzon.
Astara Philippines Announces Leadership Appointments

As Astara Philippines positions itself for further expansion and market leadership, the company announced significant changes to its executive team effective September 1.
Astara Philippines has appointed Franz Decloedt as new brand head of GAC Motor and welcomes Timmy Naval-de Leon as marketing director for all brands under Astara Philippines.
In his new role, Decloedt will oversee GAC Motor’s strategic sales and marketing initiatives, and oversee sales and marketing directions for Peugeot until a new brand head is appointed. Decloedt has more than 20 years of marketing leadership experience in the automotive and FMCG industries.
Naval-de Leon, motoring industry veteran with over 20 years of experience in marketing and corporate communications, is poised to drive strategic marketing direction and brand-building efforts for all automotive brands distributed by Astara Philippines.
The company remains committed to delivering top-notch vehicles and services to the market, and these strategic appointments reflect its dedication to be the partner of choice of leading automotive brands.