Manila recognizes Megaworld as among City’s top taxpayers in 2023
Recognized as a champion for innovation in business in the Philippines, property giant Megaworld was recently feted with a prestigious innovation award at the ASEAN Innovation Business Platform (AIBP) Enterprise Innovation Awards. Taking the spotlight were the company’s digital innovation efforts, particularly its “Accident Detection Program,” which is designed to detect road accidents in advance in Megaworld townships across the country to trigger a faster, more efficient incident response.
The initiative stood out from a pool of finalists from other major Philippine companies this year as it demonstrated how artificial intelligence can be utilized as a game-changer in today’s era of digital innovations.
In photo during the awarding ceremonies are, from left, Irza Suprapto, chief executive officer, AIBP; Atty. Adrian Jude G. Echaus, assistant bureau director, National ICT Planning, Policy, and Standards Bureau of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT); and Francis Adrian Viernes, chief data scientist and head of data analytics at Megaworld.
Sun Life Grepa partners with ExpressPay to reach underinsured population
Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (Sun Life Grepa), a major insurer in the country, has partnered with ExpressPay Inc., the leader in payment services franchising, with the objective of making insurance simpler and more accessible to the underinsured population in the Philippines.
Affordable Sun Life Grepa insurance plans will be made available across ExpressPay branches nationwide.
Sun Life Grepa president Richard S. Lim said “We believe that financial protection knows no bounds. This partnership helps break down barriers and empowers people with the protection they need. It truly supports our mission of providing lifetime financial security to Filipinos.”
“Financial inclusion has always been one of our key priorities,” ExpressPay president Anson T. Uy said. “As we continue to innovate, ExpressPay recognizes the need to provide its clients value-added service that will enable them to be ready for uncertainties and create a more financially secure future for their families.”
Formed in 2011, ExpressPay is a member of Safesoft Solutions, Inc. a leading provider of information technology solutions in the Philippines while Sun Life Grepa is a joint venture between Sun Life Philippines and the Yuchengco Group of Companies.
‘Kaya Mo Now’: Globe At Home launches GFiber prepaid
With the rising costs of basic necessities, many may think hindi kaya ang fast and reliable connectivity.
Globe At Home is poised to change that, as it delivers a game-changing innovation that will make Filipinos believe na “Kaya Mo Now.”
In line with its mission to champion the country’s digital transformation, Globe launched on Thursday, July 20, 2023, a new product that aims to empower more Filipinos and show them that they can go beyond their limits: GFiber Prepaid — an unlimited prepaid fiber WiFi for Filipino homes.
At the recent GFiber Prepaid “Kaya Mo Now” launch at The Globe Tower in BGC, attendees witnessed first-hand the power of fiber technology through a Fiber Lab Tour led by a group of experts.
GFiber Prepaid offers fiber-speed home internet with various affordable loading options that consumers can tailor according to their budget. To ensure that no Filipino family is left behind, Globe at Home offers No Lock Up, Unlimited Pay-Per-Use promos, and a ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ option in partnership with GCash via GCredit and GGives, making it easier for customers to secure their fiber connection.
Beyond expanding its product offerings to cater to more Filipinos, Globe At Home, through GFiber Prepaid, is reshaping the digital landscape as the Philippine’s first fully digital prepaid fiber experience from application to consumption, via the Globe One App. Customers can conveniently apply, schedule installation, track their order, and purchase their desired promos through the app.
Through GFiber Prepaid, Globe takes a step closer towards promoting digital inclusion and enablement, making the battlecry “Kaya Mo Now” come true for Filipinos.
More Metro Retail Stores win DTI Gold Bagwis Awards
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Cebu conferred the esteemed DTI Gold Bagwis Seals upon more branches of Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc. (MRSGI) in recognition of the company’s dedication to upholding consumer rights, practicing responsible business conduct, and delivering exceptional customer service.
Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc. received a total of eight DTI Gold Bagwis Awards presented to various store locations, including Metro Fresh ‘n Easy Punta, Metro Fresh ‘n Easy Tabok, Metro Fresh ‘n Easy Tabunok, Metro Danao, Metro Market Naga, and Metro Wholesalemart. Additionally, Super Metro Colon and Super Metro Mambaling were recognized for their continuous compliance, having been reassessed and renewed for their exceptional performance.
Metro Legazpi and Metro Baybay were also among the recognized awardees. Each received two DTI Gold Bagwis Awards – one for Supermarket and another for Department Store. This recognition further highlights MRSGI’s commitment to upholding excellence and responsible retail practices.
Outstanding young entrepreneurs recognized at PHINMA’s RVR Siklab Awards 2023
Young and brilliant entrepreneurs were celebrated and honored at the Ramon V. del Rosario Siklab Awards, a joint initiative organized by PHINMA and the De La Salle University (DLSU) RVR College of Business. The awarding ceremony was held on July 25, at The Fifth at Rockwell in Makati City.
The honorees of this year’s RVR Siklab Awards came from diverse fields. The list includes Ralph Ray Chua, the Chairman of Immuni Global Inc.; Stephen Co, co-founder and CEO of Worth The Health Foods; and Anya Lim, co-founder of ANTHILL Fabric Gallery.
Attendees at the awarding ceremony were Maria Teresa Zeller, director of PHINMA, Inc., Victor del Rosario, director of PHINMA Corp., Jose Mari del Rosario, president and CEO of PHINMA Microtel Hotels, Inc. and PHINMA Hospitality, Inc., Miguel del Rosario, president and CEO of Toon City Manila, and Br. Bernard Oca, FSC, president of DLSU and co-chair of the RVR Siklab Awards Board of Judges.
Also present were recipients of the Ramon V. del Rosario Award for Nation Building Ambassador Jesus Tambunting and Senen Bacani, and 2019 Siklab awardees Melissa Yeung-Yap, JB Tan, and Gary Ayuste.
The RVR Siklab Awards was launched in 2018 to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of the late Ambassador and PHINMA founder Ramon V. del Rosario, as well as the PHINMA Group’s 60th anniversary celebration.
The RVR Siklab Awards recognizes young entrepreneurs between the ages of 25 to 40 who embody the ideals of its namesake and have proven to be exceptional leaders in their fields.
Introducing the world of Newport World Resorts to AFPMBAI scholars
Scholars from the GRAnts for DEpendents (GRADE) scholarship program of the Armed Forces & Police Mutual Benefit Association, Inc. (AFPMBAI) visited the premier integrated resort for a familiarization tour last July 21 to 23. More than taking in magnificent views, culinary excellence, and world-class entertainment options, the young scholars took home valuable insights on shaping a future career in the world of hospitality and sustainable tourism.
Throughout the tour, the scholars were treated to an epic guest experience at Holiday Inn Express Manila – Newport City, combined with a spectacular showcase of Filipino talent as they witnessed Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical staged at the award-winning Newport Performing Arts Theater. Another tour highlight was an exclusive visit to the I Love Earth Urban Farm, giving them a first-hand glimpse into one of the sustainability initiatives growing within the property. Chief Human Resources officer Terri Llamas introduced the students to the wide range of career options awaiting them at the integrated resort to further expand the youngsters’ newfound appreciation for the industry.
SPPI admin operations go solar
Industrial parks operator Science Park of the Philippines, Inc. (SPPI) is tapping renewal energy for its backroom operations as it installs solar panel systems to provide electricity for the administration buildings within its industrial complexes.
A member of the ICCP Group, SPPI shares the commitment of the group of companies to sustainability and the protection of the environment. Notable undertakings of SPPI involve masterplan designs considering the impact of climate change.
These include generous and green open spaces, efficient operations towards resource conservation, pollution prevention and waste minimization, the adoption of smart technologies, and the use of renewable energy.
Solar panel systems have been installed in SPPI’s buildings at the Light Industry and Science Park I (LISP I) in Laguna, LISP IV in Malvar, Batangas, and Hermosa Ecozone Industrial Park (HEIP) in Bataan.
Combined, the three systems contributed up to 40% savings in the offices’ electricity consumption. The solar panels provide electricity for lights, air conditioning, and office equipment.
With the solar panel systems, the three buildings avoid a total of over 2,200 kilograms of CO2 per year from fossil fuel-sourced power. The amount is equivalent to planting and growing 100 trees.
SPPI owns, develops, and operates private economic zone estates in Cabuyao and Calamba in Laguna, Santo Tomas and Malvar in Batangas, Hermosa in Bataan, and Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu. SPPI is one of the largest private ecozone developers with almost 1,000 hectares of aggregate area.
The ecozone developer’s list of locators includes companies from diverse nationalities and business sectors. Most of the companies are Japanese, Taiwanese, Korean, American, Australian, and European, including major multinational companies and Fortune 1000 and Forbes Global 2000 companies.
