Meralco Power Academy executive named Outstanding Energy Auditor
For his contributions in the promoting energy efficiency and conservation, Meralco Power Academy (MPA) Program Research and Development Director Engr. Eugenio F. Araullo was recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE) as the sole recipient of the Energy Efficiency Excellence (EEE) Award under the Certified Energy Auditor subcategory in this year’s EEE Awards.
The EEE Awards, held annually as part of the National Energy Consciousness Month, recognizes members of from the public and private sectors including institutions, buildings, and individuals who demonstrate outstanding energy management practices. Engr. Araullo, an electrical engineer with over 30 years of professional experience, has constantly demonstrated quality energy audit in various sectors here and abroad. His expertise spans various fields such as process excellence, supply chain, information technology, renewable energy, power economics, energy management, and people development.
Aboitiz Foundation embarks on new journey
The Aboitiz Foundation, guided by forward-thinking leaders, is headed toward an exciting new direction that will profoundly shape its future and the future of those it serves.
The Aboitiz Foundation announced the appointment of Ana Margarita “Ginggay” Hontiveros-Malvar as its new president concurrent with her existing role as the chief reputation and sustainability officer of Aboitiz Equity Ventures, while Maria Remedios Dominique “Mardi” Suplido assumes the role of Aboitiz Foundation’s chief operating officer (COO). These appointments signify a pivotal moment for the Foundation that reinforces its commitment to sustainable development and global community advancement.
Hontiveros-Malvar’s expanded role aligns with her extensive track record spanning over three decades in senior management across diverse corporations and organizations. Her expertise in project management and stakeholder engagement, notably her previous development work at RTR Foundation and the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship Foundation, strategically positions her to spearhead the Foundation’s next phase of growth and influence.
Concurrently, Suplido steps into the role of COO, bringing with her over three decades of leadership experience and an unwavering commitment to driving positive change. Her previous role as Chief Executive Officer at Habitat for Humanity Philippines showcased her ability to lead and foster growth through innovative and sustainable community development initiatives.
Hontiveros-Malvar and Suplido’s appointments mark a significant milestone for the Aboitiz Foundation, strengthening its dedication to sustainable development and its role as a catalyst for positive change both locally and globally.
Online pawnshop redefines pawning
As the needs and expectations of consumers continue to change, so do businesses need to evolve. Pawnshops are no exception, with some embracing technology and modernizing their business practices to serve customers better. PawnHero, the first online pawnshop in the Philippines, is a prime example of this evolution.
With PawnHero, Filipinos no longer need to leave the comfort of their homes to pawn items. They can simply upload a photo and description of their item on PawnHero’s website or app, receive an initial estimate, and have the item picked up for appraisal and storage. Customers also have the option to pay interest and extend loans online, making it more convenient than ever to use pawnshops as a financial solution.
With the stigma surrounding pawnshops slowly dissipating and the industry continuously evolving, it is safe to say this age-old institute is becoming a more accepted and practical financial solution. Whether for emergency cash needs or short-term financing, pawnshops are proving to be a convenient choice for individuals seeking financial stability. So the next time you need quick access to money, consider pawning — it may just be your smartest move yet.
MakatiMed broadens horizons through partnership with Asan Medical Center, South Korea
Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Asan Medical Center in Seoul, South Korea, in November of last year.
This collaborative initiative involves an Observership Program tailored for MakatiMed’s esteemed hepatologists, hepatobiliary surgeons, anesthesiologists, critical care physicians, and nurses at the renowned Asan Medical Center. The primary objective of this program is to enhance the competencies of MakatiMed’s medical professionals in preparation for the institution’s upcoming liver transplantation program.
Representing for Asan Medical Center is its president, Seung-Il Park, MD, joined by Saturnino P. Javier, MD, medical director and interim co-CEO/president for MakatiMed. MakatiMed was further represented by Arnold C. Ocampo, senior vice president for Finance and interim co-CEO/president of, and Catherine S.C. Teh, MD, section chief of Hepatobiliary Surgery.
The Observership and Mentoring Program established through this MOU symbolizes MakatiMed’s commitment to continuous learning, skills enhancement, and excellence in medical practice. This alliance is poised to foster a vibrant exchange of ideas and methodologies, ultimately benefiting patient care and medical advancements in the field of hepatology.
Holcim recognized for strong ties with employees
Leading building solutions provider Holcim Philippines was recognized by the government for positive union relations that are driving business performance and positive impact.
The company’s plant in Bacnotan, La Union was among the 17 finalists in the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) Search for Outstanding Labor-Management Cooperation and Grievance Machinery for Industrial Peace in November.
Holcim La Union was commended for its strong Employee Relations Engagement Program wherein union representatives co-lead programs for safety, productivity, and corporate social accountability. The plant also has programs for learning and development, recognition, environmental stewardship, volunteerism and diversity and inclusion to foster strong ties with employees. The union and management enjoy open communications that help maintain positive relations.
A biennial competition, the NCMB’s Search for Outstanding Labor-Management Cooperation and Grievance Machinery for Industrial Peace recognizes companies for successful productivity improvement programs and practices. The contest measures business excellence, employee engagement, and corporate social responsibility.
In a related development, the company signed in November a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the 94 members of the Davao Holcim Employees and Workers Union that will last until March 2025. This follows the company’s renewal of its CBA with the Holcim Davao Supervisory Independent Union in July.
Fujitsu Philippines redefines shopping experiences with modern retail solutions
In the whirlwind of retail hustle and bustle, brands and retailers are no strangers to the chaos that peak seasons bring.
The question is, what can merchants do to streamline customer experience across different channels?
Fujitsu Philippines recently hosted the “ActivateNow Southeast Asia” event at the New World Hotel in Makati City, offering customers a glimpse into the future of retail. The event showcased innovative technologies designed to enhance the customers’ shopping experience, with a focus on reducing friction and improving efficiency for both merchants and buyers.
Attendees were taken on an experiential journey through the Fujitsu Christmas Village, a showcase of cutting-edge retail solutions. Guests had the opportunity to shop for Fujitsu merchandise items for up to P500.
Every bag handed to customers was equipped with a corresponding RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification). Shoppers simply had to place their bags at the self-checkout counter and the system automatically computed the total bill, creating a shopping experience that was both seamless and efficient.
Meanwhile at the Fujitsu Café Fujitsu introduced an independent vibe that many have not seen before: a no-barista cafe.
Integrating Assisted Reality (AR), the Fujitsu Cafe had customers wear a Virtual Reality (VR) headset through which they saw step-by-step instructions of how they can make their preferred coffee. Among others, this innovative technology showcases the evolving dynamics of modern workplaces.
Fujitsu’s ActivateNow event is a reminder that embracing technological innovation is key for merchants aiming to thrive in all seasons.
Security Bank Foundation expands advocacy to Butuan City with two-story classroom building
Security Bank Foundation donated a two-story, eight-classroom school building to Ampayon Central Elementary School in Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte as part of its “Build a School, Build a Nation” initiative. The school is strategically located along the national highway that connects Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Norte cities and municipalities, serving as a prominent landmark to visitors of Butuan City.
The donation to Butuan City marks SBFI’s 741st classroom across 131 schools in 75 cities and municipalities nationwide. After construction, SBFI also provides repair for buildings suffering from natural wear and tear, or damages brought by natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons.
Besides receiving the school building, the school’s principal and teachers are provided the opportunity to participate in the sustainable 3-year training program of SBFI made in collaboration with educational stalwarts Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle Philippines entitled “Mentoring Future Leaders for Nation-Building.” Participants will be trained in transformational leadership, lesson plan development, engagement of stakeholders, and more.
Pru Life UK announces new chief executive officer
Pru Life UK has announced the appointment of Sanjay Chakrabarty as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1 February 2024, subject to regulatory approval.
Mr. Chakrabarty has deep knowledge of the banking and insurance sectors, having worked across multiple Asian markets for the past 26 years.
He has been with Prudential since 2014 and is currently the CEO of Prudential Cambodia as well as Prudential’s Cambodia-Laos-Myanmar Hub. In these roles, he has successfully led a cross-markets team, implementing several strategic initiatives with material impact in all three markets. Driving innovation and growth, Mr. Chakrabarty reinstated Prudential’s Cambodia business to #1 position in the market. He is deeply committed to driving a customer-centric approach, and to creating a culture of excellence that attracts and retains the best talent.
Pru Life UK is one of the leading life insurance companies in the Philippines with the largest agency network in the market.
Mr. Chakrabarty will succeed the current CEO, Eng Teng Wong, who is moving back to Malaysia.
