UnionBank launches premier expert wealth management programs
Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) recently launched two new wealth programs, UnionBank Elite and UnionBank Access, as part of the Aboitiz-led bank’s commitment to provide an elevated wealth management experience for its valued clients.
UnionBank Elite, the new premier wealth segment, offers elevated wealth management service to customers with its top-notch propositions. Elite customers are not only guided by a team of wealth management experts with proven track record and experience in investment and financial planning, they are also able to get exclusive access to more local and international investment options to match their need for diversification. Curated experiences and benefits, as well as first dibs to new releases and exclusive events, also await Elite customers. To start the roster of exciting offers, new Elite customers can get up to P1 Million cash credits if they open an account until December 31.
UnionBank Access, which was also launched, targets the next generation of wealth builders. For the ultra-wealthy segment, UnionBank Private Banking continues to champion discretionary wealth management and succession planning for families.
Anthony Kruger, CAIA director, and APAC head of platform strategy at BlackRock, and Jason Lim, director of retail distribution (Southeast Asia) at Allianz Global Investors, led the two-day market event as speakers. BlackRock and Allianz Global Investors are among UFSI’s fund house partners.
Japanese lawmakers join PH-hosted 31st Asia-Pacific Parliamentarians Forum
On November 23 — 26, Japanese lawmakers joined about 300 delegates from 28 countries for the 31st Asia-Pacific Parliamentarians Forum (APPF31) held in Manila. The Japanese delegation composed of Hon. Hiraguchi Hiroshi (HoR), Hon. Ota Fusae (HoC), Hon. Shinohara Takashi (HoR), Hon. Kanke Ichiro (HoR), Hon. Ikeshita Taku (HoR), and Hon. Aoshima Kenta (HoC).
Hosted by the Philippines this year, the Forum was officially established in Tokyo in January 1993 with the participation of 15 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Based on the initiative of former Prime Minister Nakasone Yasuhiro and other Japanese Diet members. The APPF stands as a forum for dialogue on politics, security, regional cooperation, and other issues in the Asia-Pacific region. The Forum has since strengthened the relationship among the parliamentarians from 28 countries and promoted exchanges among them through frank and active dialogues.
Prior the Forum proper, the official delegation from Japan also paid a courtesy call on Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
COS presents festive gifts to keep beyond the Season
COS introduces a curated edit of gifts for the holiday season and beyond. From statement accessories to meaningful stocking fillers and cozy knitwear, each item, hand selected in celebration of the season, represents the brand’s commitment to enduring style and uncompromising quality.
The edit features an interplay of materiality and textures, embracing contrasts and winter layering. Seasonal red tones and metallic shine finishes blend seamlessly with winter neutrals and playful prints. Versatile styles transition effortlessly from day to evening, enhanced by draped silk scarves and sequin-embellished accessories. Soft leather quilted bags complement textured teddy surfaces, while jewelry made from recycled materials presents elevated styling opportunities.
Inspired by contemporary culture, the London-based fashion brand is known for iconic wardrobe pieces, elevated essentials, and innovative designs that are made to last.
Microchip PH receives Outstanding Community Project Award
One of Microchip Technology’s guiding values is ‘Professional Ethics and Social Responsibility Are Practiced.’ As such, Microchip and its global workforce of over 22,000 employees give back to the communities where they live and work.
Microchip Technology has announced that its Wafer Probe and Final Test facility in Calamba City, Philippines, is the recipient of the Outstanding Community Project Award by the Republic of the Philippines.
One of several community projects Microchip’s Philippines facility supports is with Laguerta Elementary School. Since 2019, Microchip’s involvement at the school has entailed mentoring students, providing school supplies and other essential items like health kits, as well as participating in beautification projects at the school.
Other community projects Microchip participates in to serve the community in the region include donations and support for disaster relief, tribal minority groups, blood drives, local schools and university relations.
Since 2004, Microchip has invested in the Philippines where it continues to have sites for R&D, Assembly, Wafer Probe and Final Test operations. Microchip Philippines’ social responsibility initiatives in the community aim to strengthen its partnership with the host country and bring about a more sustainable and lasting positive impact in the area.
Security Bank garners nods for best local and global employer
Security Bank Corporation has been ranked the second best employer in the Philippines and the 54th best employer globally on Forbes’ World’s Best Employers 2023 list.
The ranking was based on results from an extensive independent survey of over 170,000 employees across 55 countries by Forbes and market research company Statista. Respondents were asked to rate their willingness to recommend their own employers.
Additionally, participants were prompted to evaluate other employers from their respective industries.
While the top spot in the Philippines went to San Miguel Corporation, Security Bank bested Metrobank (#3), Ayala Corporation (#4), Alliance Global Group (#5), and LandBank (#6).
Security Bank’s ranking on Forbes’ World’s Best Employers 2023 list comes on the heels of many accolades received for its Human Capital Management (HCM). Earlier this year, the Bank introduced its Employee Value Proposition (EVP) “You Matter” with industry-leading programs around employee care and experience, enablement, flexibility, listening, purpose, rewards and recognition.
For 2023, Security Bank also won the Workplace Wellness Program Award — Philippines at the ESG Business Awards; inclusion on the Philippines’ Best Employers 2024 list by Statista; Excellence in Workplace Wellbeing — Silver, HR Leader of the Year (Berba), and HR Manager of the Year (Eileen Reyes, FVP and SBC Academy Head) at the HR Excellence Awards; Diversity Champion and Talent Insights Pioneer by LinkedIn; and Excellence in Employee Engagement by Retail Banker International.
Aboitiz Group’s sustainability efforts earn public recognition
Underscoring her pivotal role in driving sustainable practices within the private sector, Aboitiz Group’s first vice president and chief reputation and sustainability officer Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar was awarded the Private Sector Sustainability Champion at the 2nd Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Gender and Development Awards last November 24.
The award also acknowledges the comprehensive sustainability initiatives led by the Aboitiz Group. These initiatives encompass the continuous investment in the progress and well-being of communities, the expansion of the group’s renewable energy portfolio, its conscientious efforts to reduce its environmental footprint, and the formulation of sustainable solutions facilitating the transition towards lower carbon business operations.
The SEC’s Gender and Development Awards highlight women leaders in the private sector who champion gender equality and sustainable progress. As one of the Philippines’ biggest conglomerates, the Aboitiz Group’s sustainability efforts led by the Aboitiz Group Sustainability Council has set an example for private sector commitment and action.
The Aboitiz Group places utmost importance on championing sustainability initiatives through innovation, sustainable strategies, and community empowerment. Sustainability has become an integral part of the Aboitiz Group’s identity as evidenced by its diverse ESG initiatives that underscore the group’s dedication to creating positive impact for both society and the environment.
ICCP’s Ocampo cited for contributions to the development of PH capital markets
The Securities and Exchange C0mmission (SEC) recognized Jesus Mariano P. Ocampo, executive vice president and senior managing director of Investment & Capital Corporation of the Philippines (ICCP), for his invaluable support for the Philippine capital markets becoming among the best in Southeast Asia.
The honor was presented during the Commission’s 87th Anniversary and Appreciation Ceremony held recently at the SEC Headquarters in Makati City.
Ocampo is a regular resource speaker of the SEC, the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), and other professional organizations on equity capital market transactions, particularly on taking companies public and REITs.
At ICCP, he manages the company’s equity capital markets portfolio and is responsible for the oversight and supervision of debt capital markets and the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) practice of the company.
Ocampo has over 30 years of expertise in investment banking, with a focus on equity capital market operations in the Philippines. He has managed over 30 public equity offering transactions. He is currently a director and corporate secretary of the Investment House Association of the Philippines (IHAP).
The annual ceremony awards individuals and organizations from the public and private sectors who have shared their voices in promoting the SEC’s mission to improve ease of doing business, capital market development, investor protection, good governance, and organizational development.
NTC bags FOI Award for 6th straight year
In a recent 2023 Freedom of Information (FOI) Awards ceremony, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), through the Freedom of Information – Project Management Office (FOI-PMO), recognized the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) as a Top Requested and Performing Agency in the eFOI Portal with 500 to 999 requests and with at least 90% closed transactions. This is the sixth straight year the NTC has been recognized by the PCO for its FOI Program effort.
Receiving the award on behalf of the NTC were deputy commissioner Alvin Bernard Blanco and FOI officer, Ms. Divina N. Daquioag.
Upon accepting the award, deputy commissioner Blanco said that the Commission, through its FOI officers’ daily intervention in the FOI portal and standard platform, will continue to abide by the principles of the FOI Program as well as activities as the NTC constantly strives to render transparent, fast and reliable public service to the Filipino people.
The FOI Awards is an annual celebration dedicated to FOI partners, program implementers, and stakeholders who have contributed to the FOI Program’s implementation and advancement.
