Back-to-back win for ACE Hardware
ACE Hardware Philippines bagged two category wins at the recently held Retail Asia Awards for the success of its “We Can Help” campaign and its sustainability initiatives.
In recognition of its commitment to fulfilling its mission of being helpful, ACE Hardware was awarded Hardware Retailer of the Year – Philippines. ACE first won the Hardware Retailer of the Year in 2022 for its innovations during the pandemic.
ACE Hardware was also recognized as the winner of the ESG Initiative of the Year – Philippines. ACE implemented SM Retail’s “Green Finds” initiative to promote sustainable living and highlight eco-friendly products.
ACE Hardware Philippines has 240 stores and is part of SM Retail, the retail arm of SM Investments Corp.
MPTC appointment
Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) announced a transition in its leadership with the retirement of its chief executive officer and president Rodrigo Franco and the introduction of his successor Rogelio ‘Babes’ Singson.
Before joining MPTC, Singson served as the president and CEO of Metro Pacific Water Investments Corpo. From 2010 to 2016, he served as the secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways. He had also overseen some companies under the MVP Group such as Maynilad, Light Rail Manila Corp. and MERALCO Powergen Corp.
Kenny Rogers’ Farmvocacy
To help uplift the livelihood of farmers, Kenny Rogers Roasters has initiated the Farmvocacy program where every purchase of a selected menu offering provides support to local farmers.
This campaign strengthens the brand’s goal of offering delicious and healthy meals while recognizing the importance of farmers in the food industry.
Now in its second year, Kenny Rogers Roasters’ Farmvocacy is supporting local mango farmers in Zambales — the main provider of mangoes in the country — through Kenny Rogers Roasters’ Mango Habanero. With this initiative, customers can enjoy a food experience with a cause in every purchase of Mango Habanero Solo Plate; the roast chicken restaurant chain will donate P1 to local mango farmers.
The Mango Habanero Farmvocacy will provide support to its partner, Samahang Magmamanga ng Zambales (SMZ), to better achieve its goals by promoting and producing high quality mangoes that are worthy of export and local market distribution, as well as having a common label and packaging for its local mangoes. Through this initiative, it will help the federation manage the supply of their mangoes, and to continually improve mango production by sharing best practices among its members and affiliates.
Pride Month with Closeup
Closeup celebrated Pride Month with #FreeToLove heart installation at the Fort Strip, BGC on Jun 16 to 17 and Metro Manila Pride March on June 24.
A QR code on the installation directed people to a link featuring the stories of couples who got closer with pride.
Closeup also partnered with Colourette Cosmetics for a bundle promo available on Unilever’s official Shopee and Lazada.
Petron introduces Fiesta Gas refillable LPG cylinder in Luzon
Following its successful launch in the Visayas last year, the new Fiesta Gas 170-gram in refillable cylinders, the latest innovation from industry leader Petron Corp. in the LPG category, will now be available in Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon.
Designed to be compatible with LPG-rated portable stoves and grillers, the Fiesta Gas 170- gram in refillable cylinders is safe and reliable, as the packaging is made of seamless aluminum alloy that can withstand high pressure, in compliance with Philippine National Standards (PNS).
The new product will make LPG more accessible to homes that still rely on charcoal or firewood or worse, illegally refilled butane canisters for cooking. This reduces exposure to health and safety hazards, while offering a more convenient and budget-friendly cooking fuel option.
In addition to home use, portable stoves and grillers are becoming increasingly popular among outdoor enthusiasts as well as restaurants and food outlets due to their portability and convenience. With a trusted brand like Fiesta Gas offering a safe, refillable cylinder, more users can confidently use the product without fear of gas leaks and fire hazards.
Aside from being a safer and more affordable cooking product, the Fiesta Gas 170-gram in refillable cylinders is environment-friendly, given its reusable nature. Users only need to pay for the refill after initial purchase. Empty alloy refillable cylinders can be exchanged for filled ones at authorized Fiesta Gas dealers and retailers. This ensures that consumers are getting the right product quantity and quality each time.
Life-saving cause
SAFC, one of the leading and fastest-growing finance companies in the Philippines, in collaboration with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and with the support of the Pasig LGU, organized its second bloodletting event last June 13 in honor of the World Blood Donor Day, at the SAFC Head Office in Ortigas Center, Pasig.
The event, themed “Be a Blood Donor, #BeaLIFEHERO,” witnessed an overwhelming response from the community.
SAFC will continue organizing regular blood donation drives every three months, ensuring a sustainable and ample blood supply at the blood centers operated by the PRC.
Digital training for the visually-impaired
PLDT and Smart Communications Inc. are helping open opportunities for visually impaired persons through learning sessions on digital innovations that maximize their smartphone use.
Conducted by ATRIEV, the prime ICT specialist non-profit organization that empowers visually impaired persons through technology-enabled assistive programs, the 10-day free online Android accessibility training focused on operating Android devices with the help of a TalkBack screen reader. The application provides text-to-speech feedback that allows visually impaired persons to use smartphones independently.
After learning basic smartphone navigation, participants also practiced angle gestures or two-part swipes that allow users to open or close menus, switch between pages, and many other processes. They were also acquainted with the onscreen keyboard.
Participants also practiced downloading and installing applications. The trainers, who are themselves visually impaired, also suggested other accessible applications that can enrich their smartphone experience.
Access to InLife information now easier
Insular Life (InLife) has implemented changes in the interface and design of its chatbot and website to improve user experience, making it easier for visitors to access information on its products and services.
Ella, the InLife chatbot, now has a more user-friendly interface. Its menu of services has been updated to include buttons for InLife Products, Policy Payments, Policy Claims, and InLife Branches. They may be found alongside the Customer Portal, My InLife Policy, Schedule Appointment, and Application status buttons.
Those who want to know more about protection, savings, investments, health insurance, etc. may click on the InLife Products button. Employers who want to provide the best benefits for their employees through group life and health insurance may do so through Ella.
Customers who click on the Customer Portal will be directed to buttons that will help them unlock their account, reset their password, or sign up for a Customer Portal account. They may also avail of partial withdrawals, apply for a policy loan, switch funds or access the download link to the InLife App via the Apple Store or Google Play. The InLife App makes it more convenient to get information about their policies.
The InLife website has also been redesigned so that customers can access most-searched information more easily.
Provenir partners with Investree
Provenir, a global leader in data and AI-powered risk decisioning software for fintechs and financial services providers, announced its partnership with Investree Philippines, the country’s first crowdfunding intermediary and funding platform.
This partnership will allow Investree to integrate Provenir’s data, decisioning and AI capabilities to provide accessible and inclusive financing to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Provenir’s platform provides Investree Philippines with the capability to access, evaluate, and process a wide range of data sources to create accurate risk models, improving the quality of risk assessments and decisioning for financing applicants. Through the Provenir Marketplace, users can integrate with multiple data sources, such as credit bureaus, fraud detection providers, and social media activity through a single API to provide a comprehensive view of the applicant’s creditworthiness and financial standing.
Investree Philippines’ innovative crowdfunding model utilises this data and technology to connect SMEs with institutional investors, providing access to financing that may not be available through traditional funding sources.
Takeda Healthcare recognized as a Great Place to Work
Leading biopharmaceutical company Takeda Healthcare Philippines has been recognized as a Great Place to Work® for the second year in a row.
Based on the Trust Index survey, 100 percent of Takeda employees believe that the company is an excellent place to work, surpassing the average of 53 percent for global companies.
In addition, 100 percent of employees at Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc. have collectively expressed that they see management as honest and ethical in their business practices, they feel good about the ways they contribute to the community, and they are proud to be part of the company.
To promote a healthy and holistic working environment, Takeda Philippines offers various initiatives for its employees ranging from non-work related activities that fosters mutual trust and friendship, to trainings, mentoring programs and workshops to promote employee growth and holistic development.
The company has also adopted a hybrid work arrangement for their employees and a strict “no-meeting Fridays.”
Pilmico receives 500 Egg Club Award, first in Asia
Pilmico Animal Nutrition Corp. makes history as its hens produce 500 eggs each at the age of Week 100, as recognized by Hendrix Genetics.
Pilmico is the first in the Philippines and Asia to accomplish this achievement.
Pilmico AVP Serge Tan said the company achieved this milestone through having the right layer genetics and equipment, proper farm management and systems, and most importantly the high-quality feeds of Pilmico designed for precise nutrition to express optimal growth and productivity of hens.
Prior to achieving this milestone, Pilmico Farms only produced 470 to 492 eggs per hen in Week 100. Meanwhile, the industry average in the Philippines is 400 to 450 eggs per hen.
