DBP lends P1.4-B for 8.4MW Mindanao hydropower plant
State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has extended a P1.4-billion loan to a top renewable energy firm as partial funding to construct a 8.4-megawatt hydroelectric power plant in Bukidnon in line with the National Government’s efforts to expand new and sustainable energy sources, a top official said.
DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Michael O. de Jesus said the loan granted to INVESTCO BHPI, Inc. was made under the Bank’s Financing Utilities for Sustainable Energy Development (FUSED) Program, which seeks to help increase access to electricity services particularly in the countryside.
DBP is the ninth largest bank in the country in terms of assets and provides credit support to four strategic sectors of the economy — infrastructure and logistics; micro, small and medium enterprises; the environment; and social services and community development.
INVESTCO BHPI, Inc. is a stock corporation established in 2013 and is mainly involved in the development, operation and management of renewable energy with its proposed 8.4MW.
GSIS-JICA collaboration for protection of government assets, resilience against disasters
The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) partners with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to improve the protection of public properties and assets against disasters.
On the instruction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the GSIS is working with the Department of Finance in building up capacity in all the aspects of public insurance including underwriting, loss control and management, insurance procurement, and developing strategies and promotional materials to raise awareness and promote public insurance.
The project was launched on November 22 at the GSIS head office in Pasay by GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso and JICA Chief Representative Sakamoto Takema. Under the three-year partnership, JICA will support efforts of the GSIS in improving the protection of government insurable interests all around the nation.
Natural disasters are becoming more frequent and more severe due to climate change. The ”enhancement of GSIS’s ability to provide risk based insurance premium is critical and must be prioritized,” Sakamoto said.
The Philippines and Japan are both located in the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” which is the constant pathway of typhoons and earthquakes. Given its peculiar location, Japan has enhanced its coping mechanisms to earthquakes. Through cooperation projects, the Japanese government has set out to help its neighboring countries survive catastrophes.
During the event, Veloso also announced that the GSIS will launch a property inventory mobile application to make it easy and more convenient for government property officers to register their agency’s properties online.
Metro Retail Stores elevates partnerships for business growth
Metro Retail Stores Group Inc. (MRSGI), a prominent player in the retail sector, has unveiled its new and improved Mareng Ems Program. Tailored to enhance collaborations and to serve as a comprehensive support system for businesses, particularly within the dynamic Sari-sari Store (SSS) and hotel, restaurant, and catering (HoReCa) sectors, this initiative aims to nurture the company’s robust and mutually beneficial relationships with its business partners.
According to MRSGI, the Mareng Ems Program represents a multi-faceted approach to business development, offering not just points and rewards but an entire array of benefits geared towards paving the way for robust partner growth.
The Mareng Ems Program, accessible through the free Metro Business Club (MBC) membership, offers a range of benefits to empower businesses in these sectors. As a certified business owner, one becomes a Mareng Ems Member upon signing up for free. New members receive a Starter Gift Pack and a free P100 Gift Voucher upon purchasing at least P10,000 worth of Metro Groceries.
The program provides essential services to support the growth of MRSGI’s partners. These and other benefits form a comprehensive support system to meet the diverse and evolving needs of partners.
Robinsons Supermarket unleashes Holiday Shopping Extravaganza
Get ready to unwrap the magic of the season with Robinsons Supermarket’s Red Super Sale. Happening from November 30 to December 3, this 4-day grand sale promises to be the biggest sale of the year, and will be available at 55 Robinsons Supermarket stores across the country.
Over a thousand deals will be running during the promo period! Embrace the joy of savings with these unbelievable deals such as: Up to 70% off on select products, Buy 1 Take 1 , Flash Sale, Free Gift upon purchase and Additional Go Rewards.
Be a shopping superstar and be one of our top spenders to seize the chance to win either an iPhone 15 128GB or MacBook Air M1. So, get ready to shop, save, and sleigh your way through the most wonderful time of the year, only at Robinsons Supermarket’s Red Super Sale.
Helping corporates stem the plastic pollution crisis
The landmark Philippine Extended Producer’s Responsibility (EPR) law compels large corporations to recover or divert at least 20 percent of their plastic packaging footprint by the end of 2023; then 40 percent by next year, and then increasing by 10 percent every year until at least 80 percent is recovered or diverted by 2028.
To help raise awareness, educate stakeholders and boost compliance with the EPR law, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) teamed up with the Philippine Stock Exchange and PCX, a leading plastic responsibility platform, to host an ‘ask me anything’ webinar for listed companies. Executives from numerous publicly listed companies attended the event, which is part of an ongoing series of information and education programs conducted by DENR.
The DENR information sessions include strategies that could be implemented within the EPR program, spanning from plastic footprint reduction to recovery and diversion, such as guidelines for retailers who want to set up product refilling systems for everything from groceries to soap and shampoo.
The DENR-EMB clarified that the law applies to all ‘obliged enterprises’, which are defined as companies who are brand owners or product manufacturers or importers who generate plastic packaging waste, with total assets of over Php 100 million, excluding land. This means that even companies in special economic zones have to comply with the law.
Globe reprises BGC GLocal Passionfest, spotlights G Creator Hub
Globe joined forces with the Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation (FBDC) to power the much-awaited return of the BGC GLocal Passionfest on November 25 and 26.
Celebrating the theme “Color and Culture Festival,” the event showcased a dynamic blend of Filipino food, active lifestyle, sustainability, music, arts and crafts, and communities. It offered a platform for people to express themselves and indulge in diverse festivities, fostering a creative and innovative environment.
This year’s festival played a significant part in Globe’s G Creator Series, aimed at inspiring and empowering every individual as a creator. Attendees immersed themselves in the G Creator Hub, located on 5th Avenue in BGC. This interactive zone featured a variety of activities that can be availed with one Globe Rewards Point on the GlobeOne App.
Experience, Exchange, Explore
The Commission on Higher Education in cooperation with Asia Pacific College proudly presents ‘CHEDx 2023 | Experience, Exchange, Explore’. This IT summit was held on November 23-24 at SM Megatrade Halls 2 & 3, SM Megamall B, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila.
CHEDx 2023 was envisioned to bring the IT and IT-BPM sector together with the academe, to strengthen the collaborative efforts towards work readiness and skill-backed employability. The summit aimed to enhance the spirit of collaboration, open dialogue and forward thinking to equip delegates and industry with the knowledge, tools, and network to navigate this new workplace with confidence and purpose. The invitation was extended to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the country, with the hopes that they would send graduating IT students, faculty, and administrators to attend the event.
CHEDx 2023 featured a distinguished lineup of experts and thought leaders who shared their insights and experiences, guiding us through the intricacies of this technological revolution. The summit opened with Opening Remarks from Atty. Cinderella Filipina Jaro, and the Keynote Speech was delivered by CHED Chairman J. Prospero De Vera.
CHEDx 2023 was the first step towards bringing together the academe, industry, and government for more responsive curricula, better development of graduates, and collaborative efforts to generate a vibrant and skilled workforce. Hopefully, this will just be the first of many summits in the years to come, as our country and the world at large continues to evolve with technology.
Packworks, Kindred, Taxumo win top prize at Inaugural KMC Startup Awards
KMC Solutions, a leading provider of flexible office space solutions, celebrated the excellence in innovation and entrepreneurial brilliance of the Philippines’ startup ecosystem as it recognized innovative entrepreneurs and groundbreaking startups at the inaugural KMC Startup Awards.
The KMC Startup Awards provides a platform to inspire innovation and recognize outstanding startups and visionary entrepreneurs reshaping the business and technology landscapes in the Philippines. It is co-presented by Bossjob, in collaboration with Philippine Starup Week, QBO Innovation Hub, Kaya Founders, the Sinigang Valley Association, and Uniquecorn Strategies, and in partnership with 917Ventures and Amazon Web Services. Meanwhile, esteemed media outlets BusinessWorld, Rappler, The Business Manual, The Manila Times, and WhenInManila.com served as the event’s media partners.
Over 200 submissions were received for consideration, and from these, 30 entries were shortlisted to be named as gold, silver, and bronze winners across 10 categories, including the top prize, the Startup of the Year award.
KMC Solutions, a pioneer in offering flexible and affordable office solutions, has been a steadfast supporter of the Philippine startup community. Their commitment to nurturing startups and fostering growth through innovative facilities and events has been unwavering. The launch of the KMC Startup Awards is a testament to their dedication to strengthening the startup ecosystem in the Philippines.
The awards offer emerging businesses a unique opportunity to gain exposure, credibility, and access to valuable business development opportunities.
