Industry heavyweights share their expertise at 3-day MSME Fiesta Sulong Negosyante

Industry heavyweights share their expertise at 3-day MSME Fiesta Sulong Negosyante

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

ICSB & UnionBank-powered event focused on empowering entrepreneurs through knowledge-sharing

The International Council for Small Business Philippines (ICSB PH) and Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) recently held a three-day conference and expo for micro, small, and medium enterprises or MSMEs to empower the entrepreneurs and enable them to thrive in the digital economy. The event was held at the Resorts World Manila in celebration of the United Nations' (UN) International MSME Day, observed annually every 27th of June.

Prior to the fiesta, several experts from the public and private sectors as well as the academe gathered at The Sheraton Hotel for a panel discussion that tackled the most pressing issues concerning the MSME industry.

On day one, keynote speaker Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian stressed how important it was to hold activities such as the Sulong Negosyante giving attention and recognition to MSMEs. Being an entrepreneur himself, he shared valuable learning, “We need to keep on innovating. We need to keep on finding new products and new services. We need to adapt.”

Asian Institute of Management President and Dean Dr. Jikyeong Kang; Mansmith and Fielders Inc. Chief Marketing Strategist Josiah Go; and Wong + Bernstein Advisory Group Managing Director Prof. Enrique Soriano led the discussions on the importance of lifelong education and training for MSMEs.

Other presenters focused on digital and media, supply chain and delivery, research, as well as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and good governance.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary for American Affairs Jose Victor Chan Gonzaga talked about how they and other government organizations put in effort to promote Filipino MSMEs globally. Asian Consulting Group's Founding Chairman and Chief Tax Adviser Raymond Abrea highlighted the significance of practicing good tax management. 

UnionBank's SME and Micropreneurs Segment Head Jaypee Soliman touched on understanding the needs and challenges MSMEs face to be able to help them succeed. He pointed out the necessity for entrepreneurs to prioritize, “We need to identify the things that we have to continue doing and the things that we need to start doing. We have to stop thinking we are the solution, but start engaging MSMEs and collaborate on how we can be a solution for them.”

Philstar Media Group Executive Vice President Lucien DyTioco’s talk was on why Filipinos should support local businesses. For his part, Airspeed Express President Rick Cruzado explained the role of delivery and logistics in today's digital economy, while Hotbox Philippines Founder Romeo Joven shared about innovation using his company's self-heating box meal product as an example.

Synergy Market Research and Strategic Consultancy President Germaine Reyes discussed consumer behavior and its relation to sustainable businesses and products. To cap off the presentations, Avanza Inc. President Yayu Javier talked about sustainability and the need for MSMEs to consider aligning their goals with that of UN's 17 SDGs.

For day two, Department of Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Mary Jean Pacheco presented the current MSME landscape in the country. UnionBank's Head of Merchant Acquiring and Payment Gateway Gerry Austria focused on the various digital banking solutions offered by UnionBank to MSMEs, while Aboitiz Foundation's Program Manager for Enterprise Development Gero Torres outlined how the Aboitiz Group has been helping MSMEs become more digitally capable.

On day three, PLDT Enterprise Head of Small and Micro Business Armie Sason underscored the value of digital business tools and reliable business internet connectivity; Insular Life Head of Customer Relations Mia Gonzales shared the benefits of taking care of employees to improve business productivity; and UN Women's Consultant for Women's Empowerment Principles Jen Dingalan enlightened entrepreneurs with the need to build a business that works for women.

Continuing the discussions for day 3, Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines' Assistant Division Chief Emmelina Masanque gave an overview of the intellectual property system for MSMEs and startups; Globe Business ICT Portfolio Marketing Director Anne Leonardo touched on digital transformation for MSMEs through ICT solutions; and finally, UnionBank's Chief Information Security Officer Joey Rufo provided MSMEs tips on how they can stay #CyberSure.

“At UnionBank, we know how critical knowledge-sharing is to ensure that our MSMEs are able to thrive in the digital economy. This is one of the reasons we organized this event together with ICSB. We want our attendees to learn from the best, so they can be at their best in their businesses,” Soliman said. 

ICSB PH and UnionBank target to pursue the Negosyante MSME Fiesta events on an annual basis. Stay tuned for the next leg of events!

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Fly Better with Emirates First Class now available in the Philippines

Fly Better with Emirates First Class now available in the Philippines

 

Emirates takes the country’s luxury air travel to a higher level with launch of pioneer cabin offering

Emirates recently achieved another major milestone in the Philippines with the launch of the country’s first-ever daily First Class service from Manila. 

Experience luxury air travel like never before with a number of amenities designed to make your journey one you'll never forget. Sit back, unwind, and make lasting memories as you travel in style in Emirates’ Boeing 777 First Class.

When you fly Emirates First Class, you'll get to travel in privacy with your own private suite, featuring soft leather seating, sleek interior design, a personal bar and meticulous attention to detail, bringing a new level of luxury on board.

Catch up on the latest movies or enjoy your favorite shows with Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment, ice, featuring thousands of movies, TV shows, and songs that you can play on demand.

To make your viewing experience on ice even more immersive, each suite is equipped with a set of Bowers & Wilkins Active Noise Cancelling E1 headphones created exclusively for Emirates, providing an unparalleled entertainment experience with its unique hybrid noise cancellation technology optimized for Emirates First Class cabins.

You'll also get to dine in the privacy of your suite, and our cabin crew will prepare your meals for you whenever the fancy takes you. This is on top of having access to regionally inspired menu options that are made exclusively for Emirates First Class.

Pamper yourself as each suite is also fitted with a skincare collection from European luxury brand Byredo, made exclusively for Emirates First Class. The luxury kit comes with a premium face towel, a facial toner, an eye cream, and a sleep oil roll-on, as well as a pillow mist so you can create a more calming atmosphere for your well-earned rest.

In addition to the kit, you will also get complimentary sleepwear from Emirates. Have a good night's sleep with a special set of reusable pajamas made with Hydra Active Microcapsule Technology, designed to keep your skin hydrated during the flight. Each suite also includes matching slippers and an eye mask, which all come in a stylish felt pouch.

Each suite also comes with a premium leather notebook and pen set to help you keep track and for jotting down your stories, ideas, and memories as you fly.

Aside from the excellent First Class service, you'll also get exclusive perks such as complimentary chauffeur-drive to and from the airport in select destinations, as well as access to Emirates' premium airport lounges.

Fly Emirates First Class and see for yourself why it was named the World's Best First Class 2020 by TripAdvisor, voted for by air travel customers from all over the world.

Emirates currently operates 25 weekly flights from Manila, Cebu, and Clark to Dubai connecting passengers to hundreds of destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. For more information about Emirates, please visit www.emirates.com.

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Well-loved tocino brand Mekeni now available in the US market

Well-loved tocino brand Mekeni now available in the US market

 

Another Mekeni food product will be available in the US market soon as Mekeni Food Corporation announced that they are bringing their well-loved tocino through Island Pacific Supermarket.

Mekeni President Prudencio Garcia said that this new development in their world-market journey is a testament to their commitment to uplift the lives of Filipinos and bring pride to the country.

“This is another step for us to introduce our own Timplang Atin to the rest of the world. When we introduced our first batch of Mekeni-branded products to the US, we want Filipinos abroad and foreigners alike to have access to the world-class quality and taste we offer,” said Garcia.

Last January, Mekeni made their Kikiam and Fish Balls available on the West Coast also through its partnership with Island Pacific Supermarket, one of the area's biggest Asian/Filipino supermarkets.

The products were widely accepted by the Filipino community on the West Coast. Stocks immediately ran low just a few days after the new products were announced by Island Pacific on their Facebook page.

“We received a lot of positive feedback from families, friends, and friends of friends in the US. Some even asked us to bring more Mekeni products, said Marilou Uy, Mekeni AVP for Export. This inspired Mekeni to speed up its efforts to bring its tocino to the US.

“This is a major feat for a brand like Mekeni that started as a backyard business of a simple family. This milestone is a celebration of the efforts of the whole Mekeni family through the years,” Garcia said.

Before the US, Mekeni exported food products to international markets such as Dubai, Bahrain, Brunei, Qatar, Australia, Canada, and the UK. It is also the first company accredited by the Japanese government to export cooked products to the country.

For over 30 years, it has been known for its world-class manufacturing capabilities. Mekeni is the first in Asia and the second in the world to receive the certificate of compliance with ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System standard. In 2012 and 2013, Mekeni received the Century International Quality ERA Award (Gold Category) in Switzerland and The International Arch of Europe Platinum Award in Germany, respectively, which further cemented its commitment to food safety and quality. 

For more information about their products, visit Mekeni’s official Facebook page.

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Shaping Future Filipino Tech Leaders with Shopee's Global Leaders Program

Shaping Future Filipino Tech Leaders with Shopee's Global Leaders Program

Thursday, July 21, 2022

Over the last decade, the rapid growth and development of the tech industry calls for a new way of molding future tech leaders. In order to keep up with the fast-paced industry, there is a need to equip future leaders with a global perspective and a constant desire to learn. Part of equipping them with such skills includes expanding their scope of work to gain new competencies and exposure to different peers, colleagues, business functions, teams, markets, and more—all of which are crucial in training future tech leaders.

This is exactly how Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, develops young leaders in tech. The Global Leaders Program (GLP) is Shopee’s 2-year flagship graduate program open to final year students and young professionals with up to two years of work experience. The program consists of 4 rotations among Shopee’s different departments, 2 of which are overseas. Throughout the duration of the training, participants are given a chance to receive mentorship from senior management, work on the end-to-end processes of highly impactful projects, and gain exposure from the various departments of both local and international Shopee markets.

Recently, Shopee Philippines welcomed its newest and biggest batch of GLP associates through a casual mixer to get to know one another, meet their senior management mentors, and heed advice from GLP alumni. The event introduced participants to the vibrant and collaborative culture at Shopee and gave them a better understanding of what to expect as they begin their journey.

Karen Perez, Head of People at Shopee PH, shared “We are thrilled to welcome our largest batch of Global Leaders Program associates to date. As they embark on their journey at Shopee, it is our privilege to provide them with mentorship, a dynamic work environment, and meaningful work experiences. We are deeply committed to honing local talent's skills and look forward to delivering even more opportunities to help young Filipino professionals reach their full potential.”

This year’s batch of GLP associates is a diverse mix of fresh university graduates as well as previous Shopee Apprentices and interns. Included in the batch is Graciel, a GLP associate currently assigned to Shopee Xpress. She was a 2021 graduate of the Apprentice Program, Shopee’s flagship internship program. As an Apprentice, she worked under the Seller Operations and SeaMoney Credit team. Likewise, Neal and Lovella, were participants of Shopee’s year-round internship program under the Marketing and Consumer Insights teams, respectively. A year later, they are now GLP associates and will begin their first rotation under Business Development. On the other hand, Alyana had extensive internship experience in the fields of e-commerce and marketing. She was able to successfully channel her knowledge and skills to begin her journey as a GLP associate under the Marketing team.

Alyana, one of this year’s GLP associates currently completing her first rotation under the Marketing department, shared “There is no better place for me to build my career in tech than at Shopee. As an avid app user, I am excited to gain a new perspective on e-commerce through this experience. I am confident that the collaborative work environment and mentorship I receive from industry leaders will help me grow as a professional and further my career in tech.”

For Luca, another associate who started the first part of his GLP journey under the platform’s integrated mobile wallet ShopeePay, the overseas rotation aspect of the program appealed to him the most. He shared “The GLP offers participants such a unique learning experience. I look forward to completing my rotations abroad and gaining regional exposure from the different Shopee markets at such an early stage in my career. I believe there’s so much that I can learn from immersing myself in different cultures and working under different departments and hopefully apply in our local context.”

Meanwhile, Graciel, previously a Shopee Apprentice, begins her GLP journey with Shopee Xpress. “With the many processes and initiatives we take on as GLP associates, it’s important to remember that it’s okay to ask for help. I’m grateful that Shopee fosters such a strong culture of collaboration and teamwork because I learn a great deal from asking questions and seeking advice from my mentors,” she shared on her experience navigating the workspace.

Shopee is always on the lookout for local talent keen on becoming drivers of growth. Those looking to challenge themselves and build a career in tech may visit https://careers.shopee.ph/.

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Meralco recognized for ESG excellence, now a FTSE4Good constituent

Meralco recognized for ESG excellence, now a FTSE4Good constituent

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has been recognized as one of the most socially and environmentally responsible companies globally.

UK-based FTSE Russell, a global sustainability index provider, announced Meralco’s inclusionin the FTSE4Good Index Series—specifically in the FTSE4Good Emerging Index and in theFTSE4Good ASEAN 5 Index.

Meralco is the second power company in the Philippines recognized by FTSE Russell for outstanding sustainability performance.

The FTSE4Good Index Series is a set of global sustainability indices that measure theperformance of companies in key environmental, social, and governance (ESG) areas suchas climate change, labor standards, and anti-corruption. It was designed to help marketparticipants assess sustainable investment products, to research environmentally and sociallysustainable firms, and to provide a transparent and evolving global ESG standard against which businesses could benchmark their performance.

To be included in the FTSE4Good Index, a company in an emerging market must achieve anoverall ESG rating of 2.9 or higher.

In FTSE Russell’s latest assessment, Meralco garnered and ESG rating of 3.2 – topping the Philippines’ and the global energy sector’s averages.

“We are very honored and grateful for this distinctive recognition of our sustainability strategyand initiatives. This confirms that we are indeed progressing in the right direction. Ourinclusion in the FTSE4Good Index inspires us to heighten our sustainability agenda and to continue creating a positive and transforming difference for all we serve—truly, powering thegood life,” said Meralco First Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer Raymond B.Ravelo, who also serves as the President and CEO of eSakay, Meralco’s electric vehiclesubsidiary. 

Meralco’s sustainability agenda called “Powering the Good Life” is deeply rooted in and promotesthe United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

The company’s key sustainability initiatives include sourcing 1,500 megawatts (MW) of its power requirements from clean energy in the next five years while building 1,500 MW ofrenewable energy capacity through 2027; electrifying 25% of its vehicle fleet by 2030; plantingand nurturing five million trees by 2025 to help protect and preserve Philippine forests andwatersheds; and achieving 40% women representation in its workforce by the end of thisdecade.

“We, in Meralco, will continue to advance our drive towards sustainability not only by intensifyingour efforts to keep the lights on for our customers and communities but also by heightening ourinitiatives to protect and preserve the planet,” said Meralco President and Chief ExecutiveOfficer Atty. Ray C. Espinosa.

“As we forge ahead, we are committed to accelerating our sustainability transformation while meeting the needs of our recovering nation. We likewise set our vision towards co-creating a society with all the hallmarks of enduring and meaningful progress as we provide and powermore life to sustain the Filipino,” he concluded.

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McDonald’s wins big in APAC Tambuli Awards, bags Corporate Purpose recognition

McDonald’s wins big in APAC Tambuli Awards, bags Corporate Purpose recognition

“Our core commitment at McDonald’s has always been about creating meaningful, feel-good moments for our customers and employees, and making a difference in the community,” said McDonald’s Philippines President & CEO Kenneth Yang. As majority owner and master franchise holder, Mr. Yang, together with his father, Chairman and Founder Dr. George Yang, has always been passionate about driving positive experiences, not only through its products and services, but in how the brand communicates and engages with its customers. 

Through the years, these efforts have not only touched Filipinos’ hearts but have also translated to growth in the brand and business even during challenging times like the pandemic. Coming into 2022, McDonald’s has remained resilient and sustained its recovery momentum in the first half of the year as it remained a trusted part of everyday Filipino life and culture with its safe, quality food, innovative services, support for its employees and communities in need, and being a partner of the government in navigating through and beyond the pandemic.

Demonstrating how its campaigns and initiatives have become a force for good, McDonald’s Philippines recently won several awards at the recently concluded APAC Tambuli Awards. Organized from Manila by the School of Communication of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) in collaboration with local and international industry partners, the Tambuli Awards focus on mainstream brand campaigns that celebrate humanity, inspire purpose, and deliver results.

Committed to uplift the poor and marginalized sectors, McDonald’s launched a corporate campaign “Serving communities with good food and kindness” to highlight how the QSR giant leveraged its scale, operations and employees to gather support from the government, stakeholders, and partners to help those communities in need. 

This campaign won in the Corporate Purpose category, Hunger and Poverty, a new award category that highlights the reason for why a business exists, as reflected in its mission, vision, goals, strategic direction, culture, and practices, for the common good of its employees, other stakeholders, and the communities they serve.

Reflecting McDonald’s commitment to promoting nation-building while developing a sense of responsibility among Filipinos, the Voter Registration Countdown took the Bronze in the Humanity and Culture Category for Responsible Citizenship. This campaign encouraged citizens to exercise their right to vote by offering a generous discount voucher on McDonald’s meals as an incentive for registering.

Also recognized was the Share the Light campaign, McDonald’s omnibus holiday campaign, which took customers on a Ride-Thru Christmas Lights Show experience; brought community cheer through Share-A-Meal; and delighted customers with holiday desserts and Coke aluminum cup collectibles. The campaign garnered a Bronze in the Media category - Brand Experience and Activation for the Drive-Thru Light show and was a finalist for the digital, social, and e-commerce category.

On the other hand, McDonald’s tribute to mothers on Mother’s Day, in the form of a touching video 'A Mother's Slumber' that enjoined Filipinos to reciprocate their moms’ efforts by giving her a day of rest, melted many hearts and eventually became a Finalist in the Creative Category for Brand Storytelling.

“We are honored to have our initiatives well received by industry experts both here and abroad just as they have resonated well with our customers. This recognition by the APAC Tambuli serves as an inspiration for us to continue delivering feel-good moments and uplifting brand experiences for our customers, employees, and the community through good and bad times,” Mr. Yang shared.

Another feat for the company was to have McDonald's Marketing Manager Ashley Santillan, the master orchestrator behind the brand’s major launches in 2021 and a strong advocate of inclusivity, to be named as one of the two Young Marketing Leaders of the Year. Even before diversity, inclusion, and equality became buzzwords, Ashley had already been working on bringing these values to life in her campaigns, such as the 2019 McDonald’s Mother’s Day thematic video ‘Story of Us’ which welcomed all kinds of families— including single mothers; and ‘McDeliverBack’, a campaign that gave recognition and showed appreciation to the underrepresented delivery riders. Her pursuit for creative excellence and passion for purpose has resulted in consistent delivery of results for the business, the brand, and McDonald’s customers.

All these would not be possible through the support and synergy of McDonald’s partner agencies namely Leo Burnett Manila, TBWA\Santiago Magada Puno, and Wunderman Thompson for creatives; Greenbulb Communications for public relations; and OMD Philippines for media.

The synergy between the McDonald’s team, its partner agencies, and everyone involved in the campaigns was a key driver in producing not just award-winning campaigns, but sustainable initiatives that are reflective of the brand’s values and purpose.

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SM Supermalls joins the Metaverse with an AweSM SuperKids Zone in Roblox!

SM Supermalls joins the Metaverse with an AweSM SuperKids Zone in Roblox!

Monday, July 18, 2022

Get ready for an aweSM summer as SM Supermalls gives kids a glimpse into the future with a brand-new virtual entertainment zone in the Metaverse where they can immerse themselves in the biggest gaming and social experience platform for kids, Roblox!

This new aweSM space by SM Supermalls is now open for super kids to safely explore, play, and meet with friends.

With restrictions easing up, SM Supermalls wanted to bring the excitement of going back to the malls

online through a virtual space in the metaverse gaming platform, Roblox – the most popular gaming

app for Filipino children. Roblox serves as an avenue for kids to express themselves through custom

avatars, while also serving as a safe place for kids to reconnect with their friends digitally in over 4 million different worlds!

SM Supermalls partnered with SVEN The Digital 1st Agency, as its metaverse partner, to become the first mall chain in the Philippines to enter the metaverse. With this simulated digital reality, kids can reimagine the mall experience in a way that they will appreciate and enjoy – a safe but free-to-play space with no rules and no limits:

Splash into the AweSM Super Pool!

Bump it out with the SuperKids with the AweSM Bumper Cars!

Get the best aerial views onboard the AweSM Ferris Wheel!

Have a ball and jump into the colorful AweSM Glowing Ball Pit!

Climb up the AweSM Rainbow Obby (obstacle course) and discover a secret maze on the rooftop – our

favorite!

And there’s so much more! SuperKids of all ages are welcome to explore and do their own thing in the same fashion as a real-life mall experience, only this time it’s virtual and made especially for them.

What are you waiting for? Check it out and get your kids to play the AweSM SuperKids Zone at Roblox today! Roblox is available online or via the app that you can download for free through the App Store or Google Play.

For more information on the AweSM SuperKids Zone in Roblox, visit www.smsupermalls.com or like and follow @smsupermalls on all social media platforms.

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The Relentless Rizaly: From SM Foundation Scholar to SM Prime Accounting Manager

The Relentless Rizaly: From SM Foundation Scholar to SM Prime Accounting Manager

Twenty years ago, high school student Rizaly Lim and her four siblings would watch in awe every time they pass by the construction of the first SM City in her hometown Sta. Rosa, Laguna. All five children, packed in the tricycle their father rides for a living, were all excitedly looking forward to happy family weekends they would be spending at the huge mall.

Today, after graduating Summa Cum Laude through a scholarship from SM Foundation, Rizaly is now a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) working as Accounting Manager for the head office of SM Prime Holdings, a leading property developer in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

From SM Foundation scholar to SM Prime accounting manager

At a young age, Rizaly was headstrong about getting her family out of poverty. She shares, “My father was the only one who worked for our family, and because we were a large family, his daily earnings as a tricycle driver were never enough.”

Rizaly finished high school at the Balibago National High School as class valedictorian in 2005 and was already sending applications for other college scholarships when her teacher asked the top 10 students to go to SM City Sta. Rosa for an interview with SM Foundation.

“Sa umpisa, hindi po ako naniwala kasi bago pa lang sa amin noon ang SM City Sta. Rosa,” she recalls. She proceeded of course, driven by the one goal of finishing college and helping her family. “Gusto ko rin po makapag-aral at makapagtapos noon. Maka-work at makatulong sa family.”

A few exams and interviews later, SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI) went to visit her and her family at home to inform them that she will be receiving a full scholarship with monthly allowance until she finishes her course.

In 2010, Rizaly graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accountancy. She went on to pass the Philippine CPA Board Exams on first try in October 2010. The assistance of SMFI, she said, went beyond tuition and allowances. “With full scholarship grants and monthly allowances, as well as the opportunity to work at SM Store during our summer and Christmas vacations, the SMFI scholarship has enabled me to help my family financially.”

“I am the master of my fate”

While other parents were buying their college kids the latest Nokia phone back in the summers of 2000’s, Rizaly’s father gave her and her siblings weekly assignments to accomplish during the summer vacation. “Our late father instilled in us the love of reading and the value of studying,” she shared. “During summer, he would assign us English words and their meanings to memorize and asked us to recite these to him.“

Then there's the memorization of motivational poems and speeches, one of which stuck with her for life: “It matters not how strait the gate, how charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” She shared that this last stanza of “Invictus” by W.E. Henley had kept her motivated to look past the limitations of her circumstances and focus on her personal goals.

Career at SM

SM Foundation was established in 1983 by Henry Sy, Sr. and Felicidad T. Sy as the heart of the SM group. It has established programs that are focused on nurturing and caring for underserved communities where SM is present. It supports and empowers host communities through education, healthcare, shelter, disaster response, sustainable agriculture, and care for persons with special needs.

To date, SM Foundation has assisted more than 8,000 college and technical/vocational students, and has donated over 100 school buildings with a total of 334 classrooms built across the country.

Nurturing the graduates extends beyond the classroom as SM Foundation also provides job opportunities across the different companies of the SM group. The foundation organizes a Career Fair specifically designed for its scholars.

From the Career Fair organized by SM Foundation, Rizaly was able to get job offers from three companies – among which was SM Prime Holdings, one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia that offers innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities with the development of malls, residences, offices, hotels and convention centers. It is also the largest, in terms of asset, in the Philippines.

I still want to level up

“I haven't accomplished much yet, but I value what I have already accomplished and received so far,” said Rizaly, referring to the highest honors she has received in high school and college, becoming a CPA, and being promoted to manager in within only a few years of her work at SM Prime. “These are just a few of the accomplishments for which I will be eternally grateful. I'm also proud of my daily achievements at work, such as fulfilling particular duties assigned to me. They make me happy and proud of myself, and they inspire me to do better.”

“Ang mga dating pinapangarap ko lang, nagagawa ko na ngayon,” Rizaly said as she related how she has been able to travel to Taiwan for vacation and do the tri-city tour of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. But her biggest dreams, she said, remain centered on her family: to provide better for her family by sharing with them what she has now. “Nothing is simple. Nothing is easy. Hindi ko naman to straight line lang na na-achieve. Life is full of challenges. Just stay strong, keep the faith and always give your best effort.”

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Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex: A sterling landmark of disaster resilience

Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex: A sterling landmark of disaster resilience

We all know that the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) is a popular destination for unforgettable gastronomic and recreational experiences, but did you know that the 67-hectare Mall of Asia Complex where MOA stands is engineered to withstand disasters caused by natural hazards?

The foundation of the Mall of Asia Complex was built to be safe and secure because SM Prime Holdings, Inc., one of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated property developers incorporates disaster resiliency measures in every project, with the MOA Complex as one of its biggest investments.

SM Prime collaborated with a team of local and international experts to ensure the feasibility of both water and land before the MOA complex was built and once finalized, Belgium’s renowned coastal development construction company, Jan de Nul, developed it from the ground up.

The reputable Jan de Nul made sure the terrain was stable and the complex’s roads were made resistant to earthquakes and erosion, in accordance with the National Structural Code of the Philippines and approved by both the Philippine Reclamation Authority and the National Government.

Three important disaster resiliency features were used in protecting the Complex and the coastal community of Pasay from tides and waves: One, a three-kilometer seawall built to stand against liquefaction; two, a meter-high inverted wave return to serve as defense against high waves; and three, a drainage channel to prevent floods during storm surges. This was put to test when Typhoon Pedring hit in 2011, and the Mall of Asia Complex was spared from destructive waves and flooding that submerged many other surrounding establishments.

As an added feature, both the Complex’s main road and all its structures are elevated 4 meters above the parameters set by the National Building Code. Pilings strengthened its foundation and greatly improved its soil bearing capacity.

Family fun, leisure and entertainment are the objectives behind the awe-inspiring grandeur of SM Mall of Asia, but this vision is founded on a commitment to safety and a secure foundation throughout the Complex. This is a firm philosophy of SM Prime Chairman of the Executive Committee Mr. Hans T. Sy, a champion for disaster resilience, who continuously invests in DRR and in allocating 10% of the company’s expenditure for DRR in all of SM’s infrastructures throughout the country.

“Today, disasters have become more frequent and severe. The government and the private sector must work together to find solutions for greater resiliency. SM prime as a responsible property developer places Disaster Risk Reduction as one of its core strategies. It simply makes good business sense.” emphasizes Mr Hans Sy. He believes that not only is DRR an effective way to grow the business but it protects the communities where SM is located amid the increasing risks of climate change.

Today, the MOA Complex is a bustling realization of Mr. Henry Sy Sr.’s grand vision for it to become both a premiere integrated leisure destination with a complimentary business and lifestyle district – one of the country’s truly revolutionary mixed-use developments, and a thriving example of disaster risk reduction at work.

The next time you visit the MOA Complex – whether it is to visit the world’s largest IKEA, or to view the sunset from the top of the MOA Eye, or to simply shop and dine with your loved ones – it will be good to know that SM Prime has ensured your safety and security from the time the development was conceptualized and opened in 2006.. to today and tomorrow.

SM Prime Holdings Inc., one of the leading property developers in Southeast Asia, is committed to providing safe and sustainable spaces for its stakeholders. Its development strategy is anchored on the responsible use of resources. In the communities it serves, it is able to promote resource conservation, environmental protection, and disaster resiliency by implementing solutions for water, waste, and energy management.

SM Prime is a key player in the SM Green Movement that aims to improve the quality of life of communities through sustainable solutions to promote a green planet, green living and a green culture.

Find out more about SM Prime and the SM Green Movement-- visit www.smprime.com and www.sminvestments.com/sustainability/sm-for-the-community/sm-green-movement/

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Cha-Ching Money Adventures game and SAFE STEPS Kids Stress Busters launched!

Cha-Ching Money Adventures game and SAFE STEPS Kids Stress Busters launched!

Pru Life UK and Prudence Foundation introduce new financial literacy online game and health awareness program for kids

Leading life insurer Pru Life UK and Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential Plc, have launched their newest financial literacy and health and safety awareness initiatives, Cha-Ching Money Adventures game and SAFE STEPS Kids Stress Busters with interactive on-ground activities for children in Alabang Town Center.

From July 10 until August 7, parents can bring their kids aged 7 to 12 to try out the newly launched web-based learning game, Cha-Ching Money Adventures, to experience fun learning about key money management concepts. They can also acquire important life-saving health and safety skills from the SAFE STEPS Kids Stress Busters interactive tasks, videos, and educational materials focusing on first aid, disaster and road safety, and mental health.

“The Cha-Ching Money Adventures Game and SAFE STEPS Kids Stress Busters bring enjoyment and encourage participation. We aim to educate and protect as many Filipinos as possible and help them get the most out of life. Raising a generation of financially literate and health-conscious kids will help us achieve this goal in the long run. This is our We DO Commitment,” said Pru Life UK President and Chief Executive Officer Eng Teng Wong.

“Cha-Ching and SAFE STEPS Kids are two core programmes of Prudence Foundation that aim to bring safety and protection to communities across Asia and Africa, through sustainable, long-term initiatives focused on education, health and safety. Given the unprecedented changes brought by the global pandemic in the rise of e-learning as well as the challenges and stress faced by many families across the world, we hope to make a positive contribution to the lives of children and their families with the launch of Cha-Ching Money Adventures and SAFE STEPS Kids Stress Busters,” said Nicole Ngeow Director, Prudence Foundation.

Filipino kids can try the Cha-Ching Money Adventures game with the installed mobile devices in the play zone and are guided by booth facilitators for a better playing experience. This activity helps improve their money decision-making skills with the fundamental concepts of Earn, Save, Spend and Donate within a compelling narrative adventure. Along with the Cha-Ching band characters, they can better engage with the money activities in the booth.

SAFE STEPS Kids Stress Busters encourages kids to take part in its six Stress Busters setups on how to take care of their health, and features a mental health video clip. This also teaches kids essential life skills, such as first aid, disaster, and road safety.

Cha-Ching and SAFE STEPS are Prudence Foundation’s notable award-winning initiatives. Cha-Ching provides kids with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions. Cha-Ching Money Adventures is the latest addition to the Cha-Ching ecosystem created in 2011, in cooperation with Cartoon Network, the leading children’s television channel in the Asia Pacific. SAFE STEPS Kids, on the other hand, is a multi-platform educational and awareness-building programme on life-saving techniques for natural disasters, road safety, and first aid. The programme partners with Cartoon Network and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

The Cha-Ching Money Adventures online game will be made available on the official Cha-Ching website, www.cha-ching.com, and SAFE STEPS Kids Stress Busters mental health video can be viewed on the SAFE STEPS Kids website at www.safestepskids.com.

To know more about Pru Life UK and Prudence Foundation, please visit www.prulifeuk.com.ph.

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