All 9 listed Ayala firms recognized for exemplary governance

The Institute of Corporate Directors once again recognized the listed companies of the Ayala group for their exceptional corporate governance performance.

Ayala’s nine listed companies received the highly coveted “Golden Arrows” during ICD’s Golden Arrow Recognition Night last September 19. Globe received the highest distinction of 5 Golden Arrows, while Ayala Corporation, ACEN, Ayala Land, and AyalaLand Logistics Holdings Corporation each received 4 Golden Arrows. Meanwhile, Integrated Micro-electronics, Inc., BPI, and AREIT received 3 Golden Arrows. ENEX also received 1 Golden Arrow, and BPI-AIA received 3 Golden Arrows for the insurance category.

The 2023 results reflect an improvement in the scores of Ayala Corporation (3 Golden Arrows in 2022), AyalaLand Logistics Holdings Corporation (3 Golden Arrows in 2022), and AREIT (2 Golden Arrows in 2022).

Companies that received Golden Arrows were rated based on Asean Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS) for publicly listed firms and Corporate Governance Scorecard (CGS) for insurance firms. ACGS and CGS were composed of 184 questions based on publicly available information on the companies’ disclosures and websites.  A company may get 1 Golden Arrow (80 to 89 points) up to 5 Golden Arrows (120 to 130 points) depending on ACGS and CGS scores.

According to ICD, ACGS and CGS were used to rate the companies’ performance in the areas of “facilitating the rights and the equitable treatment of shareholders, how they relate to their different stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability through timely disclosure of material information, and how the board guides the company strategically, monitors the management, and ensures the accountability to the company and the shareholders.”

The Golden Arrows aim to elevate the corporate governance standards and practices of the country and make well-governed publicly listed companies attractive to investors. “We strive to have corporate governance that our various stakeholders can rely on.  Doing well and doing good go hand in hand,” said Cezar Consing, President & CEO of Ayala Corporation.

SM fosters MSME growth through SM Markets

SM continues to champion the growth of medium, small, and micro enterprises (MSMEs) currently engaging over 100,000 MSMEs across the group. 

In its retail business, SM Markets serves as a good platform for local businesses, forming strategic partnerships and providing community support to over 900 MSMEs across the country.

It provides an ideal marketplace for these enterprises, leveraging the foot traffic of four million daily visitors to its malls. This extensive reach allows MSMEs to showcase their products and services to a broad audience, supporting their growth in tandem with SM’s expansion.

“Our support for small businesses is comprehensive,” said Jojo Tagbo, President of SM Supermarket. “We host weekly bazaars where MSMEs can present their products without the burden of space rental fees. Instead, they contribute a percentage of their earnings to SM, providing them with an affordable avenue to connect with more customers.”

One of the successful collaborations is with  Under the Sea Products Marketing Corp. which has been supplying  seafood to SM Markets for 22 years. 

The company started as a small stall in the public market in  Cagayan de Oro and established is presence in SM Cagayan de Oro in 2002. Today, Under the Sea Products has expanded its reach, supplying to seven SM Markets branches across Cagayan de Oro, Davao, and Zamboanga.

BDO Life underscores traditional insurance value in unpredictable economy

The economy influences investment-linked life insurance plans, but traditional life insurance products provide stability and security for clients.

Renato Vergel De Dios, the president of BDO Life Assurance Company, Inc. , emphasizes the company’s strong belief in traditional life insurance. This belief has led BDO Life to promote the idea of having a “Plan B” for life.

“The gap between the projected GDP growth and the actual growth reveals the presence of uncertainty, whether in challenging times like the pandemic or favorable times like last year.

This uncertainty is why breadwinners need a Plan B to safeguard their family’s finances,” the industry veteran said.

Vergel De Dios added, “A family that has recently lost its breadwinner will face greater challenges during economically uncertain times unless adequate provisions for their financial protection have been made. This is what Plan B represents. Considering life’s uncertainties, life insurance protection is the financial instrument that can help mitigate the risks that families face.”

Filipinos can approach a BDO branch and consult a BDO Life Financial Advisor to initiate and plan their Plan B. For those interested in life insurance and who prefer managing their financial planning, BDO Life offers an online tool, 

PLDT, Smart empower MSMEs

PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. continue to empower small business owners all over the Philippines through various initiatives and partnerships under its eBizNovation program.

“Through eBizNovation, we provide access to technology and upskilling trainings for MSMEs, farmers, and cooperatives and help them onboard to e-commerce platforms, to enhance their market and financial access and help them grow their businesses and income. This is part of PLDT and Smart’s commitment toward nation-building,” said PLDT and Smart Stakeholder Management head Stephanie Orlino.

Together with Maya, the group extended support to the 1st Biñan City Sari-Sari Store Congress organized by the city government and the Department of Trade and Industry Region 4A, held recently at Alonte Sports Arena.  The event aimed to help sari-sari store owners in Biñan City  grow their businesses through digital innovations, connectivity, financial solutions, and enhanced collaboration with suppliers and various stakeholders.

PLDT and Smart also joined the Sustainable MSME Caravan organized by the UN Global Compact Network Philippines. Held recently at SM City Baguio, the event enabled PLDT and Smart representatives to share valuable insights on increasing the market access of MSMEs, through digitalization.

DHL Express  price adjustments

DHL Express  announced price adjustments  that will take effect on Jan. 1, 2025. 

The average increase in the Philippines will be 5.9 percent.

Nigel Lockett, country manager, DHL Express Philippines, said with the annual price adjustment, the company can continue to invest in its network to enhance its resilience and adaptability, ensuring consistent support for our customers’ businesses regardless of external circumstances.

Prices are adjusted on an annual basis by DHL Express, taking into consideration inflation and currency dynamics as well as administrative costs related to regulatory and security measures. 

Ampverse Pulse launched

Ampverse Group, a leading gaming and entertainment ecosystem, announced the launch of its new full-service, next generation marketing agency, Ampverse Pulse. 

Ampverse Pulse will expand on the group’s current marketing solutions offering to provide a fully integrated solution for brands and game publishers spanning gaming influencer strategy and activations, gaming and entertainment IP partnerships, in-game advertising, user acquisition, media planning, gaming commerce partnerships and white-labelled tournaments and events. Ampverse Pulse will benefit from Ampverse Group’s ecosystem that includes a growing portfolio of owned and operated gaming and entertainment media assets, access to insights from 600 million followers from the Ampverse Group’s media assets and greater network including next gen behaviors and purchase patterns derived from its commerce products, and a team of seasoned professionals with proven track record delivering strategic planning and activations for over 300 clients targeting gamers.

Metro Retail earns First Golden Arrow

Metro Retail Group Inc. (MRSGI) has received its first Golden Arrow from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

The award is based on the results of the Asean Corporate Governance Scorecard  and Corporate Governance Scorecard  assessments, which evaluate corporate performance in key areas such as transparency, accountability, shareholder rights, and stakeholder relations.

MRSGI earned a score that well qualifies for a one-arrow distinction. This recognition highlights MRSGI’s strong governance practices and alignment with globally established standards, and places the Cebu-based company alongside larger publicly listed companies.

This recognition puts MRSGI among the top publicly listed companies in the Philippines acknowledged for governance excellence. It also emphasizes the company’s ongoing efforts to ensure ethical leadership, sustainability and alignment with international best practices.

TinBo upgrades OWWA Seafarers’ Hub

TinBo (Tindahan ni Bossing)  affirms its support for the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) as it installs a charging station at the OWWA Seafarers’ Hub in Ermita, Manila, for the convenience of seafarers transacting at the hub.

The OWWA Seafarers’ Hub functions as a dedicated space for Filipino seafarers, where they can access several services and facilities for their needs. With the addition of the TinBo charging station, they can conveniently charge their gadgets while transacting at the hub. 

This is the third charging station provided by TinBo to help ensure the convenience of OFWs, following initiatives at the Department of Migrant Workers headquarters in Mandaluyong City, and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1.

TinBo is the one-stop online marketplace that enables Filipinos living overseas to buy load, pay bills, send food vouchers, e-gifts, and purchase healthcare, gaming, and entertainment vouchers for their families in the Philippines. TinBo also provides overseas Filipinos access to a convenient and secured online bills payment platform for their Philippine utilities, and other digital services while outside the Philippines.

Eaton appoints VSTECS as authorized distributor 

Eaton recently announced the appointment of VSTECS Phils. Inc. as the authorized distributor of its uninterruptible power supply (UPS) solutions in the Philippines. 

Since its inception in 1998, VSTECS has become one of the Philippines’ leading providers of information technology solutions, offering a comprehensive range of IT products and services designed to meet the needs of businesses in the country.

Eaton, through VSTECS, offers the Philippine market a range of both single-phase and three-phase UPS products that ensure operational continuity, protect critical infrastructure, and allow precise monitoring and control to optimize performance and efficiency.

Together, Eaton and VSTECS are set to support businesses in maintaining their operations seamlessly, even in the face of power challenges. 

The partnership enables VSTECS’ channel partners to offer tailored, cost-effective power management solutions, enhancing their value proposition and competitive edge in the market.

VSTECS, as the authorized distributor, will leverage its extensive network and expertise to ensure that Eaton’s power management solutions are readily available and accessible to the Philippine market.

Isuzu Ph hosts D-MAX Customer Camp-Out

Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) concluded an exciting two-day adventure with D-MAX customers and car club members from across the country at their latest Isuzu D-MAX Camp-Out, held on September 14 to 15, 2024. 

The event, which combined eco-driving, overlanding activities, and family fun, highlighted the Isuzu D-MAX’s off-road prowess and fuel efficiency in a stunning beachside setting at Crystal Beach, Zambales.

After an afternoon of off-road fun, the event shifted gears with family-friendly activities, including a hotdog and hamburger eating contest. 

Included with a dinner program, where IPC announced the winners of the eco-drive challenge. Topping the list was Van Vince Leano, who achieved an impressive fuel efficiency rating of 18.70 km/l.

Reforestation initiative

GCash has partnered with Silliman University for a reforestation project in South Negros. 

The SU-GCash Reforestation in South Negros Project, is part of a larger environmental initiative in Negros Oriental.

The partnership between the two organizations began in May 2023, marking a joint commitment to plant 500,000 trees in the province to fight climate change and support biodiversity conservation.

The project involved 16 partner people’s organizations, three from the municipality of Zamboanguita, four from the municipality of Siaton, five from the municipality of Sta Catalina, one from Bayawan City and three from the municipality of Basay.  Four of these POs have members that are all women.

The tree planting initiative spans 13 barangays from Zamboanguita to Basay. This widespread effort aims to restore mangrove and beach forest ecosystems, which are crucial for environmental sustainability and local livelihood.

This project marks the fruitful start to the GCash-Silliman University partnership, with both organizations committing to plant half a million mangrove and beach forest species across five municipalities in South Negros.

CIC joins hotel, food service show

Concepcion Industrial Corp. (CIC)  participated at  the 2024 Hotel & Foodservice Suppliers Show, showcasing innovative technologies made to elevate the hospitality and tourism experience.

The show, which  took place from September 19 to 21 at the SMX Convention Center,  connected CIC with industry professionals from hotels, restaurants, and leisure establishments.

CIC also shared its expertise through insightful presentations, speeches, and panel discussions. Merril Yu, CIC COO, opened day two of the event with a speech on the 2025 Philippine Hospitality Outlook, emphasizing the importance of anticipating future trends and the evolving needs of travelers. 

Phillip Trapaga, president of Concepcion-Carrier Air Conditioning Company, a subsidiary of CIC, presented on an “Insider’s Guidance to Winning Air Conditioning Management,” providing attendees with practical strategies to optimize HVAC systems for enhanced guest comfort, consumer preferences, and energy efficiency.

The CIC event booth highlighted a range of products designed to address the specific needs of the hospitality, foodservice, and tourism fields from several of the group’s leading brands: Carrier, Condura, and Shark Ninja. 

Bossjob introduces AI-powered recruitment solutions 

Bossjob, the chat-first career platform for professional hiring in Southeast Asia, showcased its innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven solutions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) at the National Retail Conference Expo (NRCE) 2024.

During the two-day event, Bossjob offered a free subscription to its platform, allowing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and retailers to experience advanced AI-driven tools for talent discovery and hiring at no initial cost. With direct chat and AI-matching capabilities, Bossjob connects employers with ideal candidates efficiently, reducing information asymmetry and accelerating recruitment.

Bossjob offers SMEs a modern recruitment platform as legacy hiring websites become outdated and fail to meet the current demand for cost-effective hiring solutions.

By incorporating AI, Bossjob aims to optimize the hiring process, enabling SMEs to efficiently find top talent with affordable pricing and a user-friendly app interface.

WTCMM showcases  ‘Fusions of the World’

World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) recently held “Fusions of the World: Palate & Precision in the Modern World,” another flagship event highlighting the excellence of WTCMM’s accredited partner vendors, including top-tier caterers, booth contractors, freight forwarders, and audio, video, and lighting (AVL) providers.

Attended by WTCMM’s clients, trade associations, WTC Club members, and key industry stakeholders, the event offered a firsthand experience of the high-caliber services available at WTCMM. It also provided a platform for suppliers to network with potential clients, showcasing their ability to deliver world-class event solutions. For clients, it was an opportunity to engage with suppliers that could enhance the success of their future events.

Some of the country’s top caterers were featured, each tasked with preparing their signature dishes in an Enchanted Space-themed setting. The lineup included Alba, Albergus, Aristocrat, Bizu, The Creamery Event Shaker, Hizon’s, Ilustrado, Josiah’s, Juan Carlo, Kitchen City, Le Chef, and Tjioe.

The event showcased booth contractors like Centrex, Cityneon, ES Connection, Ideal Works, and MSD Godspeed, along with freight forwarders All Transport Network, CEI Cargo, DSV Global Transport, and Pak-Prime Logistics.