Category: Feature

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Innovation For Good: From Malls to School Halls

Just a few short years after the first SM mall opened its doors, its founder Mr. Henry Sy Sr’s vision extended beyond one establishment. The chain of malls would come later. When SM City North EDSA opened in 1985, the vision was clear: people’s access to products is important but Filipinos’ access to quality education is priceless.

In 1991, Mr. Sy turned his vision into a reality through a milestone partnership between SM Foundation, Inc. and IBM Philippines. This collaboration led to the establishment of Asia Pacific College (APC), embodying the timeless adage: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

“Right from the start, the vision was very clear—it was inclusivity, said APC President Dr. Teresita ‘Tata’ Medado.” “Quality education should be available to all and this was APC’s way of helping the youth to be competitive IT professionals for the industry.”

The SM group emphasized this commitment to inclusivity when the company insisted that APC operate as a non-profit and non-stock institution.

It was the ‘90s, and the boom of the information technology (IT) sector was in full swing. Countless theorizing and key innovators have alluded to interconnectivity beyond anyone’s imagination. Encapsulated in APC’s core values of industry, integrity and innovation, it became the College’s mission to educate students to become world-class with a strong IT-based foundation.

Today, APC continues its legacy of providing quality education, earning a perfect QS 5-star rating in four categories: inclusivity through a wide array of scholarships; online learning via Hyflex (Hybrid-Flexible), which emphasizes empathy, equity, and engagement; flexible teaching methods; and, employability, with 92.8% of graduates securing key positions in the industry. QS Stars is a world university rating system which was developed to give educational institutions an opportunity to showcase their strengths.

The institution has upheld its legacy of inclusivity, supporting 9,300 scholars: 7,000 from public schools, 1,000 from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP), and over 1,300 from SM Foundation. Overall, APC provides scholarship support to 80% of its students, with PHP 9 million awarded in 2023 and a total of PHP 700 million in scholarships over the last 18 years.

What started with only a handful of around 15 students, today, APC has over 7,221 graduates.

Beyond SM’s scholarship program through its corporate foundation, its advocacy to promote quality education through APC also allows any accepted public-school student to pay only half of the posted tuition fee.

APC’s world-class students

Among these graduates is Mr. Rey Buyco, a former SM Scholar and cum laude graduate back in 2017. Mr. Buyco recalled that his journey, albeit tough, did not deter him from giving up on achieving his dream.

Looking back, Mr. Buyco shared how his mother and he had to sleep on a cardboard box along the streets of Manila when their home burned down (due to an accident near the firecracker store they used to own).

He also remembers when Mr. Sy used to attend APC’s general assembly.

“It was very inspiring for him to do that,” he added. “It goes to show that SM really wants to help us and ignited our passion to continue our studies.”

Mr. Buyco is currently based in London, England, as a senior qualified auditor for Ernst & Young.

APC’s excellence and impact to the IT industry marked another milestone with one of its alumni, Mr. Rom Gapuz, whose path to success was also supported by SM and APC. A couple of months ago, Mr. Gapuz achieved the feat of becoming the first Filipino to earn all 15 Amazon Web Services (AWS) certifications, including 3 already retired ones.

Mr. Gapuz and Mr. Buyco are only two of the many successful graduates of APC. In fact, from the graduating classes in 2020–2022, the employability rate of APC’s students is at 92.8% within 24 months from graduation.

“We are immensely proud of Rom and Rey,” said Dr. Medado. “Their journeys echo our core values of industry, integrity and innovation. Successes like these, with the likes of Rey and Rom, serve as inspirations not only to our students but also to us, their teachers.”

Championing education

With over 20 million enrollees this past school year (2023-2024) and classroom deficits reaching the thousands, the SM group continued its support to the educational facilities and capabilities of the country to address these challenges.

SM Foundation and SM Prime Holdings, Inc., together with the Department of Education (DepEd), partnered and have built 108 school buildings to date. With over 366 classrooms within these walls, the SM group has been able to serve 18,300 public school learners in single shift classes.

These initiatives helped close the gap between students and access to quality education, one school building at a time. As of end of 2023, the program was able to improve the average classroom-student ratio to 1:49 in schools where SM has built new buildings.

“APC was created 30-plus years ago to empower students with accessible, affordable, and quality education. Our mission stays the same today as we help more students realize their dreams,” Dr. Medado added.

Motivated by APC’s positive impacts on the education sector, Mr. Henry Sy Sr. was driven to further build on this advocacy of SM in championing education.

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2GO Opens Hubs Expanding Forwarding Operations in Mindanao

2GO continues its expansion in Mindanao by recently launching its shipside services in General Santos City and Davao, marking the sixth and seventh ports to offer this service after Manila, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, and Zamboanga.

2GO, the country’s largest end-to-end logistics, transportation, and distribution solutions provider, strengthens its presence in Southern Mindanao. Seizing the economic growth opportunities in Davao and General Santos, 2GO opens its logistic hubs in these cities’ major ports to support businesses and communities.

The shipside service optimizes the efficiency of the Container Load (LCL) or shared cargo service, providing shippers with shortened lead times and the flexibility to accommodate last-minute cargoes, with acceptance of up to 18 hours before vessel departure. This service is an ideal solution for urgent shipments, particularly for transporting vegetables, fruits, and other fresh produce.

“We are excited to expand our shipside services to Davao and General Santos, enhancing our capability to support the local economy and meet the needs of our customers,” said Faye Alonzo, 2GO Forwarding Business Unit Head. “These new hubs will enable MSMEs in Davao, GenSan, and neighboring municipalities to ship their products widely, ensuring that fresh produce and other time-sensitive goods reach their destinations swiftly and efficiently.”

The LCL service offers significant advantages for inter-regional shipments, allowing businesses to ship smaller quantities without the need to fill an entire container. This not only reduces costs but also improves inventory management and supply chain efficiency, making it an ideal choice for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and businesses with diverse shipping needs.

2GO’s extensive shipping routes from Manila to Davao, General Santos City, and Iloilo facilitate both travel and shipment, creating a reliable and efficient logistics network. These routes are particularly advantageous for businesses in Mindanao, providing them with consistent and cost-effective access to major markets, thus supporting their growth and expansion.

The launch events in Davao and General Santos were attended by Faye Alonzo and Sea Operations Head Elizier Santiago. The events were also graced by representatives from the Philippine Ports Authority of Davao and General Santos, GlobalPort Terminals, Inc., South Cotabato Integrated Port Services, Inc. (SCIPSI), PHILEXPORT Region 12, various fruit and vegetable traders and shippers, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII), and partner agents.

The event showcased a trial shipment of 65 crates of tomatoes from Davao bound for Iloilo, demonstrating the efficiency and reliability of 2GO’s new shipside service.

For more information about 2GO LCL services, please visit www.2go.com.ph.

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2GO and FedEx Honor a Decade of Effortless Global Parcel Delivery from the Philippines

2GO uses FedEx’s global delivery network to send packages from the Philippines to over 220 countries.

In a cooperation that has lasted for ten years, 2GO, the leading logistics solutions provider in the country, and FedEx Philippines have linked Filipino packages to destinations all over the globe.

Mrs. Julie Santos, a 62-year-old mother from Bacolod, was to send a crucial document to her daughter in New York. These were necessary for her daughter’s employment record update; she is a nurse in a distant nation. In Bacolod, Julie dropped off her item at the SM Business Center, knowing that 2GO offers dependable international parcel delivery services through FedEx. I wanted a reliable, trustworthy, and easily-locatable courier, so I went with 2GO. I was even able to incorporate a fortunate charm bracelet that her sister had made. Mrs. Santos confirmed that her daughter’s apartment was the safe destination of the shipment within four days.

The archipelago now has easy access to FedEx services thanks to 2GO’s vast retail network, which includes nearly 3,000 outlets, including SM Business Centers, Alfamart, Waltermart, Fax Parcel and Print, and Savemore. This allows for the safe and quick delivery of important packages to loved ones abroad.

Thanks to 2GO and FedEx’s extensive global network of 220 countries, approximately 10,000 parcels are sent every month. This allows for the smooth transfer of goods and documents, guaranteeing delivery from the Philippines to countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, and Japan.

According to 2GO Group, Inc. President and CEO Frederic DyBuncio, “2GO Group values our collaboration with FedEx, which empowers Filipinos to expand their horizons.” This statement is in reference to the long-term partnership between the partners. We aren’t merely sending packages; we are offering chances by bridging the gap for local parcels, whether they are personal or business-related, across boundaries.

“Our goal is to create excellent experiences for our clients by making it easier and more convenient for them,” stated Maribeth Espinosa, Managing Director of FedEx Philippines. To help e-tailers, SMEs, and solopreneurs stay competitive in the face of the expected expansion of e-commerce in the Asia Pacific region, it is essential to increase their entry points. As we commemorate our 40th anniversary in the Philippines, our partnership with 2GO serves as a prime example of how FedEx bridges gaps between individuals and opportunities.

With 895 2GO branches and partner sites across the country, clients may receive FedEx services with unprecedented ease and accessibility.

Call (02) 8528-7000 or visit 2GO.com.ph to learn more about 2GO’s extensive range of services.

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Education: A Path Away from Difficulty

Fritz Mendez, an SM Foundation alumnus, has an opportunity to pursue his dream of attending college and launching a prosperous career through the scholarship program.

Since 1993, the SM Foundation, SM’s social good arm, has given college scholarships to deserving students from underprivileged communities. This demonstrates how education and perseverance may lead to a life free of poverty.

Education, according to SM founder Henry Sy, is the greatest weapon against poverty. A college education, in his view, is one of the most powerful tools for social change, and the ripple effect it has on a graduate’s ability to improve not only his own life but also that of his loved ones, his employer, and the world at large.

The scholarship program has helped more than 4,200 students so far this year, and it is also assisting in the fight against the generational transmission of poverty through its emphasis on youth education, the construction of schools, and the provision of classrooms around the country.

Fritz Mendez finds this path to be far from simple. Because he was a member of a defenseless group, staying alive was his top priority.

Tragically, the war in Lebanon cut short his mother’s career as a domestic worker. He felt that getting out of poverty was an unachievable dream due to these and other family problems, so he stopped going to school.

Due to the widespread poverty in our neighborhood, it is almost anticipated that you do not have a bachelor’s degree or higher. A college degree was always a goal of his, but he wished to prove to his loved ones and neighbors that it was possible. The SM Scholarship has granted me my prayer: the chance to realize this ambition. After mustering up all my bravery, I applied, and the SM Foundation granted me a chance.

Realizing the hitherto unimaginable goal

Fritz, a graduate of the SM Scholarship Program, now has the opportunity to mentor the next crop of scholarship recipients.

Fritz began college at the tender age of nineteen, but he wasted no time gaining knowledge and making the most of his opportunities despite being older than his classmates.

He overcame adversity by actively participating in church activities and the scholarship program, both of which provided him with a supportive atmosphere. Through his involvement in numerous extracurricular activities at church and school, he developed his leadership abilities, his extroverted personality, and his love for writing and performing.

Important for Fritz’s well-being and performance in college and beyond, he honed practical skills such as time management and budgeting. He gained self-assurance and new perspectives as a result of these events.

My newfound confidence is all because to the scholarship. My sense of duty, discipline, and respect for the worth of work and money were all honed by the simple act of contemplating my own existence. This development was most pronounced when I was a summer intern with the SM Scholarship and learned how to manage my money wisely. I managed to take care of our household expenses and put up enough money for my stipend next semester.

 

Indulging in my passion

A person’s family is everything to them. Fritz promotes the idea of spreading social good among his coworkers at work.

His one and only job after graduating from Accounting Technology in 2014 was with BDO Unibank.

Now a senior teller and the BDO Employees Association’s Regional Director for the Visayas area, he has risen the corporate ladder. He encourages his coworkers, leads well, and suggests creative welfare measures for his colleagues, all while handling important accounts in his area.

One thing I’ve learned from the SM Group is the importance of family. They taught me the value of family through their unwavering support and encouragement while I was an SM scholar. He was able to learn and show how to care for his family while working at BDO Unibank.

Thanks to his mother, who believed in his ability to provide a better life for his family, Fritz is now able to provide them a good home and meet their basic necessities.

Beyond this, as a high school student who could have accepted his destiny, the SM Scholarship offered me hope. Not only did the SM Scholarship allow me to become the sole graduate in my fractured family, but it also gave me the chance to dream of a better, more hopeful future. It showed that there is hope for students like me who are looking to start over and create our own opportunities.

 

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The Philippine Finest Business Awards & Outstanding Achievers 2024: A Night of Unparalleled Business Brilliance!

The most talked-about event in business is returning on September 8, 2024, and it’s going to be much bigger than before! The esteemed Hexagon Events Place in Quezon City will host the 2024 Philippine Finest Business Awards Outstanding Achievers, a production of La Visual Corporation and SIRBISU Channel.

The awards event this year is shaping up to be the most memorable celebration of innovation, success, and greatness in the Philippine industry yet. From long-standing giants in their areas to up-and-coming luminaries, we will be recognizing the exceptional individuals who have made a lasting impression.

The following media outlets have graciously agreed to help us showcase the winners’ outstanding accomplishments: Malaya Business Insight, Business Mirror, Business World, Pilipino Mirror, The Market Monitor, Light TV, Light Radio, Balitang A2Z, Zoe TV, Media House Express, The Metropolista, Hataw Tabloid, Consumer Asia Magazine, DWIZ-AM, 97.9 Home Radio, Aliw Channel 23, Cook Magazine, Pinoy OFW, Daily Tribune, and Amazing Manila Journal.

Honoring CEOs, entrepreneurs, public servants, artists, and celebrities who have made remarkable contributions to their industries, the Philippine Finest Business Awards & Outstanding Achievers 2024 honor exceptional individuals. Bhinky Reyes was named this year’s Trusted and Excellent Female Entrepreneur, among other honors. Golden Achiever Salvacion Paparon was named the year’s Most Outstanding Business Leader. The year’s Outstanding Performing Artist is Lae Manego, also known as Golden Achiever. The Outstanding Female Veteran Radio Host, played by Annabelle Surara, a Golden Achiever. Award for Outstanding Male News Anchor of Mata ng Agila goes to Wej Cudiamat. The position of Trusted Accountant in the Philippines held by Shirley B. Belangel, CPA, MBA (Golden Achiever). The year’s Outstanding Radio Host award went to Dennis Antennor Jr., a Golden Achiever. As the Most Inspiring Female Recording Artist, Carmela Betonio has been honored. Exuding Confidence as a Reliable FM Radio Personality (Achiever, Golden). Winner of the Golden Achiever Award for Best Philippine Event Director goes to Miller Daniolco. Nominated by Jamin Lim for Best Event Photographer. This is Bhinky Reyes, the Reliable and Outstanding Female Entrepreneur. Exconde Bon Jheo is the Best Filipino Photographer. The year’s Most Trusted CEO honor goes to Janice Delima. The Incredible Presiding Judge of the Philippines, Judge Tarcelo Sabarre Jr., a Golden Achiever. Jeffrey Dy has been recognized as an exceptional achiever in the fields of the performing arts and the beauty industry. Boobay crowned the Philippines’ Most Outstanding Comedian. Nominated for Best Female Dance Performance was Julie Anne San Jose. The Best Male Dance Performer went to Rayver Cruz. Rita Daniella triumphed as the most exceptional female dancer. Mr. Anthony Rosaldo for Best Male Dancer. Ruru Madrid has been named the Philippines’ Most Outstanding Actor. To Bianca Umali, the Philippines’ Most Outstanding Actress. Miguel Tanfelix as the Philippines’ Most Outstanding Actor. Presented by Barbie Forteza, the Philippines’ Most Outstanding Actress. This is Ken Chan, the Superb Entrepreneur and Actor. The Philippines’ Most Potential Love Couple: Ashley Sarmiento and Marco Masa. No. 1 Philippine Love Team: Allen Ansay and Sofia Pablo. Nominee for Outstanding Radyo Agila Host/Reporter: Earlo Bringas…. Dr. Elva Evasco-Auza, the Philippines’ Most Respected Medical Professional. Topping the list of promising male artists is Dylan Menor. Ranked highest among male hosts and anchors was Audrey Gorriceta. Award for Best Mommy Vlogger, Influencer, and Radio DJ Went to DJ Mama Colleen. Papa Marky is the top Filipino FM radio DJ. In the Philippines, DJ Kuya Machete was named the top male win radio DJ. Sarah Luningning Medina has been recognized as the Philippines’ Most Outstanding Business Owner. An exceptional Filipino musical group, the Flippers (3rd Gen). The usec. When it comes to Philippine teleradio talk shows, Robert Rivera is the man to watch. Ennisa E. Nerlisa Franciso Rivera as the Outstanding Filipina Teleradio Talk Show Host. Introducing George Sison-Tagle: the Philippines’ Most Impressive Singer! and Merjohn Lagaya as the Philippines’ Most Impressive Musician.

Recognized as leaders in their domains, the verified recipients hail from a variety of corporate sectors. These include The Voice Academy of the Philippines Inc., The Hexagon Events Place (Golden Awardee), JP Catering Services (Golden Awardee), Sheanne Roll Up Door Construction Services (Golden Awardee), Intele Builders and Development Corporation, Lucky GHL Advertising (Golden Awardee), JFBV (Golden Awardee), 97.9 Home Radio(Golden Awardee), Aliw Channel 23(Golden Awardee), DWIZ-AM(Golden Awardee), Wella Rose Garden, Myeongdong Corner, Lagniappe Printshop(Golden Awardee), Eyeleen Hair and Make up by: Aileen Sebua(Golden Awardee), Gown and Events Management by Touting(Golden Awardee), Media House Express(Golden Awardee), Studio45k(Golden Awardee), Jam Lim Enterprises, Cave Beach Resort(Golden Awardee), Alegre de Pilipinas, The Metropolista, Rise and Shine Pilipinas(Golden Awardee) & Light TV ( Iconiec Skin Essentials Corporation, Sparkle GMA Artist, TAGM Marketing Solution Inc., Win Radio, RTU Himig Rizalia (Golden Awardee), and JL Photoworks.

Sponsors for this year’s event include Intele Builders and Development Corporation, Lucky GHL Advertising, Salvacion Paparon (Golden Achiever), Sheanne Roll Up Door Construction Services (Golden Awardee), and JFBV. Golden Award Recipient JP Catering Services and Bhinky Reyes served as Minor Sponsors. Additional major sponsors include the Voice Academy of the Philippines and the Hexagon Events Place, which was honored with a golden award. Your unwavering support in honoring corporate greatness is much appreciated.

We will keep you posted when additional information about the event’s special guests and highlights becomes available. It’s time to honor the top performers in Philippine industry, celebrate their achievements, and spark new ideas!

Experience the pinnacle of excellence at the 2024 Philippine Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achievers — don’t miss it!

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Top Payment Provider Signs Accord With Various Partners, Vows To Push Progress In The Payment Services Sector Through Collaboration And Innovation

PAYMENT Innovation, Inc., also known as PayCools, recently signed an agreement with several stakeholders, including government regulatory agencies, state-owned financial institutions, and industry leaders, highlighting the critical role that innovation and collaboration play in driving progress in the payment services sector.

 

PayCools, which operates in major Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines and provides top-notch finance, payment, and business solutions, has entered into a collaborative partnership with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), Bureau of the Treasury (BTr), including industry stalwarts JNT and Allbank, to help streamline government regulatory processes and make it easier to put up

“Our relationship with the SEC and Landbank is critical to PayCools’ purpose. We intend to collaborate closely with these institutions to improve regulatory processes, increase access to financial services, and encourage digital innovation. This includes looking into ways to support initiatives that promote financial literacy and inclusion among Filipino entrepreneurs, ultimately creating a more conducive environment for business growth and economic development,” PayCools Global CEO Eamon Dan stated during the agreement’s signing ceremony.

He stated that, while PayCools’ goal to expand across the ASEAN region may provide hurdles due to legislative differences, Dan hopes to see them as chances to engage for greater innovation and collaboration. “Our plan includes collaborating closely with local regulatory organizations and financial institutions, such as the SEC and Landbank in the Philippines, to effectively negotiate these differences while developing a strong cross-border settlement payment network system. Our goal is to ease cross-border transactions and contribute to regional economic development through collaborations and digital payment expertise.

 

Dan underlined that its relationship with JNT has played an important role in changing cash management for couriers. “By integrating our payment systems, JNT has dramatically reduced the volume of cash transactions handled by its couriers, resulting in increased operational efficiency and safety precautions. This collaboration not only matches with our aim of moving toward a cashless society, but it also highlights the concrete impact of innovative payment solutions on logistics and delivery operations,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dan noted that the use of QRPh technology is a huge step forward in transaction interfaces since it provides seamless, convenient, and secure payment experiences for both consumers and business owners. “Through our collaboration with Allbank, we are committed to promoting the adoption of QRPH technology, which simplifies payment processes and reduces transaction costs,” Dan stated.

This technology, he noted, not only improves convenience but also complies with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) requirements for interoperable payment systems, ensuring increased accessibility and interoperability across several platforms.

Dan also emphasized its commitment to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the Philippines, which account for the vast majority of the country’s economy. He explained that their effort, “Swifood,” a digital software application aimed at empowering SMEs who cannot afford to set up their own IT team, provides a user-friendly platform for establishing online shops and even doing cost-effective social media marketing.

“Swifood helps SMEs develop an online presence quickly and efficiently by providing access to simple tools and services. Furthermore, our continued efforts to improve accessibility and usability ensure that Swifood remains available to a diverse spectrum of entrepreneurs, democratizing access to digital commerce opportunities,” Dan stated.

SEC Chairman Emilio Benito Aquino, LBP President Lynette Ortiz, BTr Deputy Treasurer Eduard Anthony Mario III, JNT CEO Dean Lei, and Allbank CEO Jesus Vicente Garcia all signed the agreement at the SEC headquarters in Makati City.