70 MSMEs in Iloilo City receive training to promote biz via ‘Tiktok’ platform

ILOILO CITY – Some 70 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Iloilo City received a comprehensive training in April this year via the #eBiznovation Buy Local Bazaar with Tiktok Shop Philippines, PLDT Enterprise and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to unlock new revenue streams and promote their products effectively on the popular social media platform--Tiktok.

Iloilo City marked the first stop in the Visayas region for the #eBiznovation Buy Local Bazaar in 2024, an initiative by PLDT and Smart to support local businesses in their digital transformation journey.

“We recognize the vital role that MSMEs play in driving economic growth and jobs creation. By empowering these local businesses with the tools and knowledge to thrive in the digital age, we are not only supporting their success but also contributing to the overall development of the Philippines,” Jinky Francisco, Head of PLDT Enterprise SMBiz Visayas said.

Francisco bared that the training aimed to equip local business owners with the necessary knowledge and skills to leverage Tiktok’s one-stop e-commerce solution, Tiktok Shop. Participants gained insights into basic content creation, smartphone photography and videography, content storyboarding, and internet safety basics.

Tiktok Shop PH representatives provided valuable insights into effectively selling products through engaging short-form videos, and discussed various mechanics and techniques, including the do's and don’ts of selling in the platform.

This hands-on training session help MSMEs leverage the power of social media and e-commerce to reach new customers and grow their business.

“We, at DTI, are truly elated with this partnership with PLDT Enterprise and Smart because, in a way, it addresses the need for upskilling of our MSMEs,” Ma. Dinda Tamayo, DTI-Iloilo Provincial Director said during the training.

With the #eBiznovation Buy Local Bazaar initiative, PLDT’s corporate business arm--PLDT Enterprise and Smart reaffirmed their commitment to leveraging technology and digital solutions to support the growth and success of local businesses. (Photos: PLDT/FB/Google Images)

 

 

DOH-CVCHD turns over new ambulances to LGUs of Bohol, NegOr

CEBU CITY- Department of Health Central Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-CVCHD) led by its regional director Jaime Bernadas with the local government representatives from Alicia and Garcia Hernandez, Bohol and Mabinay, Negros Oriental convened at DOH Central Visayas CHD, Cebu City on March 21 for the ceremonial turn-over of the brand new patient transport vehicle to local health facilities.

These vehicles are equipped with the minimum medical equipment required for Ambulance Type 1 Category. They are poised to improve response capacities swiftly during emergencies and transport patients to different levels of care within the healthcare provider network.

According to Bernadas, these vehicles ensure accessibility and affordability of health services for a mainstream and strengthened primary healthcare, aligning with DOH’s Action Agenda 1, known as “Bawat Pilipino, ramdam ang kalusugan.”

With the aim of bolstering emergency response capabilities and enhancing healthcare accessibility, the initiative marked a significant leap forward in providing timely and life-saving medical services to Boholanos and to the Negrenses, Bernadas said. (Photos: DOH7)

Aventus enhances executive health with tailored checkup programs

CEBU CITY -- Aventus Medical Care, Inc. has come up with programs tailored fit checkup for the executives, recognizing their health and well-being in a fast-paced corporate world where they play pivotal role in driving organizational success.

Recognizing this, Aventus Medical Care, Inc. pioneered its comprehensive executive health check-up (ECU) programs tailored to the specific needs of corporate clients and executives offering a win-win solution that benefit both the executives and their organizations.

“Preventive healthcare is the cornerstone of our approach to executive health check-up programs. By prioritizing these key areas, we allow the executives/patients to take control of their health, achieve optimal well-being and ultimately maintain high levels of productivity in their demanding roles,” Dr. Liz Oracion Ginete, Associate Medical Director of Aventus Medical Care Multi-Specialty Clinics said.

Dr. Ginete added that Aventus tailors its ECU programs and packages to meet the specific needs of its corporate clients and executives in several ways—firstly, by understanding the client.  She noted that the company’s industry and demographics are very crucial in identifying the specific health risks associated with the company’s industry.

To address the unique needs of corporate clients and executives, Aventus Medical Care takes a personalized approach to designing its executive health check-up packages. Its proactive strategy contributes significantly to the clients’ overall wellness and productivity which includes early disease detection, personalized risk management, lifestyle coaching, reduced healthcare costs, and improved patient productivity, Ginete explained.

 “Executives in high-stress industries like finance might benefit from additional mental health screenings, while those in physically demanding industries like construction might need musculoskeletal assessments. Tailoring packages based on age demographics within the company can be beneficial,” she bared.

Younger executives might need a focus on fertility or preventative screenings, while older executives might prioritize cancer screenings or routine cardiac tests and ultrasound scans, Dr. Ginete pointed out.

Aventus also highlights corporate wellness goals since many companies have specific wellness goals they would want to address. Partnering and collaborating with the company's HR department or wellness coordinator for Avenutus to understand their priorities.

Aventus doctors and clinic staff offer packages and programs emphasizing cardiovascular health screening and lifestyle coaching to a company whose executives struggle with high blood pressure. These same doctors are experts on executive health and are focused on preventative medicine.

Aventus offers online scheduling, same-day appointments, and on-site or mobile testing services for the convenience and efficiency of its clients.   All these are done to tailor the executive health programs to provide valuable service that promotes better health outcomes and a more productive workforce.

The clinic’s executive health check-up programs offer specific tests and screenings depending on the needs of its clients. Its comprehensive range of services includes general health assessments, laboratory tests, imaging tests, cardiac tests, additional screenings, outpatient/elective surgeries, and pulmonary function tests.

Aventus Medical Care Inc.'s executive health check-up programs are a testament to its commitment to promoting health, well-being, and productivity in the corporate world. With tailored solutions, advanced technology, and a proactive approach to preventive healthcare, Aventus Medical Care stands as a trusted partner in executive wellness.

It’s a silver year for Cebu Orthopaedic Institute, celebrates it with Run+Bike Event

CEBU CITY— The Cebu Orthopaedic Institute (COI) is gearing up to celebrate its Silver Anniversary in June with a special Run+Bike event scheduled on June 2 and the bike ride set for June 8 this year. 

Dr. Jose Flordelis, Chairman/Managing Director of COI, in a press conference on April 25, told members of the Cebu Online News Press Corps (CONPC) that the event is a tribute to its dedication to promoting health and wellness and the Silver Anniversary Run+Bike event invites participants of different age group to join the two events.

Flordelis bared that for both events, there are several age group categories to include 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, and 70 and up to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate and compete alongside their peers.

For the registration fee, COI offers an Early Bird Promo until May 15, 2024, allowing participants to save up to P100 on registration fees. 

Registration fees for the run vary according to distance, with options including a 16K route at P900, 12K route at P800, 6K route at P700, and a beginner-friendly 3K route at P600. Except for the 3K run, each registration package includes a race shirt, a race bib, snacks, a medal, and a timing chip.

The starter kit for the participants of the 3K run includes a race shirt, a race bib, snacks, and a medal.  Meanwhile, the registration for the Fun Bike segment is at P500. Participants will get a shirt, a race bib, snacks, and a medal.

For more information on where to register, please check out the COI Facebook account at https://www.facebook.com/cebuorthopaedic. 

“Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a weekend warrior, this celebration could bring an unforgettable experience filled with fun, fitness, and fond memories.  Lace up your running shoes, dust off your bike helmet, and join us as we come together to celebrate 25 years of healing, health, and happiness with Cebu Orthopaedic Institute," Flordelis concluded.  (Photos: MBCNewman)

Nearly 2,000 people join the Angels’ Walk for Autism-OK Philippines, inclusion in Cebu

CEBU CITY – Nearly 2,000 individuals, families, groups, organizations, partners and special educators and the government sector joined the 40th “Angels’ Walk for Autism” and inclusion advocacy on April 21 at SM-Seaside City Cebu as a united show of support for the autism community and a call to build an Autism-OK Philippines.

The Angels’ Walk for Autism in Cebu was its second year and simultaneous with that at the MOA Arena Manila and in Davao.  More walks were also happening at later dates in Iloilo, Bacolod, and Lucena. The Walk is an initiative of the Autism Society of the Philippines in partnership with SM Cares.

At the Centerstage at SM-Seaside City Cebu, talented musicians with autism entertained the audience with a mini concert performed by the Spectrum Band, a group of self-taught young individuals with autism who are musically gifted in singing, drums, guitar, piano and some flair for theatre.

(Department of Health (DOH-7) donated nine boxes composed of a wheelchair, crutches and other equipment for PWDs)

The main ASP Angels Walk for Autism was first launched in 2000 and was first held at the SM MOA in 2009 before finding a home at the MOA Arena in 2015. The advocacy event continues to resonate with the autism community and its allies, even finding supporters in the Filipino diaspora in North America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

In the Philippines, the Autism Society Philippines has grown to an astonishing 13,000 members across 103 chapters. The ASP Angels Walk for Autism is a powerful platform for the celebration of Filipinos on the autism spectrum and the call for acceptance, accommodation, and appreciation — impactful action beyond awareness.

This year, the ASP honors those who have played an important role in disability-inclusive economic empowerment with the battle cry “Kakaiba, Kasali, Katrabaho!” The Hans T. Sy Leadership Award 2024 goes to Michelle Dee, Miss Philippines Universe 2023 an ASP Goodwill Ambassador and a progressive voice for disability inclusion.

DSWD 7 joins Autism-OK advocacy, support more ‘Angels’ for people in spectrum

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Field Office 7 continues to support the ASP-Angels’ Walk for Autism as an advocacy for Autism-OK campaign where acceptance, appreciation, and accommodation of people on the autism spectrum are strengthened.

The DSWD-7 delegation was composed of the staff and clients of the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center (AVRC) II, a non-residential facility for vocational rehabilitation of Persons with Disability (PWDs).

The annual Walk is a solid commitment of ASP to the growing advocacy and a call to action for raising public awareness, private involvement and inclusion of the autism agenda in government social development initiatives.

This kind of autism-inclusive advocacy needs a multi-sectoral approach; thus, care for and responsiveness to the maturing population of Filipinos on the spectrum must be felt not only in their homes but in all places of society.

“While so much work still needs to be done, we hope to see a society with genuine concern for the sector’s welfare. DSWD-7 remains committed to push for an agenda of inclusion for persons with autism (PWAs),” DSWD7 regional director, Shalaine Marie Lucero said.

Lucero bared that in the regular quarterly meetings of the Regional Committee on Disability Affairs (RCDA), ASP always expresses its concerns on how the body can collectively respond to the needs of PWAs and RCDA also constantly advocates for the anti-bullying law that protects PWAs against discrimination, equal employment opportunity through vocational rehabilitation in our center.

The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) is a national, non-profit organization working towards an environment that empowers persons on the autism spectrum to become the best of their potential -- self-reliant, independent, productive, and socially-accepted members of an Autism-OK Philippines.

ASP labors to establish institutional mechanisms to support neurodiverse persons and their families, visit http://www.autismsocietyphilippines.org/ to learn more.  ASP partners with SM Cares, that promotes sustainability and development in the community, including programs for Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Senior Citizens, and Children and Youth, as well as the Bike-Friendly SM initiative, in addition to its Programs on the Environment. To learn more about these programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

Be an advocate for the planet, own a Honda car and enjoy top-tier services

CEBU CITY – Owning a Honda Car, whether it is the standard, hybrid or electric, means you are one with the company as an advocate for environmental stewardship, worry-free and top-tier after sales services and more personalized and interactive assistance with free extended warranty under its ACMobility branding.

“One of the benefits of owning a Honda car is its top-tier after sales service firsthand with personalized and interactive assistance from our service technician or advisor dubbed as Open Workshop by ACMobility,” Honda Cars VisMin/Cebu branch manager, Carl Bryan Enerio told members of the Cebu Online Press Corps (CONPC), in partnership briefing in March this year.

Enerio said that this ACMobility-Honda Cars is described as ‘Swift’ repair implementation through on-site approval and with exclusive diagnostic tools reserved for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) brands to ensure all Honda vehicles receive the best care possible.

Enerio explained that Honda Cars ACMobility is the first Honda Car dealership in the country that was established in 1991.  It positioned Honda Cars ACMobility as an aggressive and dynamic player in the automotive dealership industry, setting competition to a higher gear.

“We have the largest service network of highly trained, award-winning certified technicians and service advisors nationwide to provide professional service tailored to your vehicle needs,” he bared.

Honda Cars ACMobility has Free Extended Warranty for worry-free ownership elevating the clients’ peace of mind beyond the ordinary.  Enerio assured its clients that their car investments with Honda are safeguarded with unmatched coverage and support.

Enerio enjoins its Honda Cars AC Mobility dealers, partners and clients to participate in its planting a tree for every Honda vehicle sold under its “ACRE Movement: A Gift of Tree” program.   

Join Honda Cars ACMobility in driving towards a sustainable future.  Honda Cars-ACMobility of the Ayala Corporation embarked on a carbon-neutral, eco-friendly “ACRE Movement: A Gift of Tree” program in July 2023 to provide solutions to climate change and sustainability being a player in the automotive distribution and in power generation in the Philippines.

Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, in a media interview posted on the company’s Facebook page acknowledged that the transport sector has been among the major contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, and that Ayala Corp needs to do something concrete to address this.

Thus, “ACRE Movement: A Gift of Tree” program.  The principle behind the program is that one tree is planted for every Honda vehicle sold from any of the 10 dealerships nationwide making every buying customer a participant of the program as an environmental advocate to lessen air pollution and contribute to climate change solution and mitigation.

Enerio said that “ACRE Movement: A Gift of Tree” program aimed to plant 7,500 endemic and endangered trees like Narra, Kamagong, Kalumpang, Banaba, Hauili, and Tagpong-gubat by the end of 2023 at the Ayala Land Carbon Forest in Alaminos, Laguna and at the Kan-Irag Nature Park in Cebu.

“Total goal for 2024 is to plant 10,000 of these kinds of trees.  As of March 31, 2024, Honda has planted 8,013 trees with 6,280 trees in Metro Manila and 1,733 trees in the Visayas/Mindanao area,” Enerio added.

The innovative campaign, ‘1 Car Sold = 1 Tree Planted’, has already gained so much support from Honda clients here in Cebu.  Enerio added that Honda Cebu as of March 31 this year has already planted 306 more trees equivalent to the cars sold during that period within the Visayas-Mindanao regions.

According to Enerio, when it comes to environmental stewardship, it’s about eliminating the carbon (CO2) in the air and help in the global campaign of environmental sustainability, specifically on the quality of air on the road.

“We have released our Honda-CRV hybrid car and eventually going towards full electric cars in the future.  We’re now in the middle of the hybrid model, starting with battery operated and when we go past that, it translates towards the use of electricity,” he added.

To entice clients to join the company in its “ACRE Movement” program, ACMobility Honda Cars-Cebu hold promotional campaigns such open house for big discounts, interactive workshops with topics on motoring and the like.

Honda Cars Cebu has an ongoing fire sale open house up to the end of April 2024 at its showroom at A.Soriano Avenue, NRA, Cebu City where huge promotional discounts are available for the CITY and BRV models.

“Honda Cars-Cebu is giving up to P130,000 cash discount or zero down payment for the CITY model and for the BRV, Honda is giving up to P180,000 discounts. I hope everybody can visit our showroom to avail of our special packages for our clients,” Honda Cars-Cebu general sales manager Nickson Garcia shared.

Garcia calls on everyone and those who want to have a test drive, to visit Honda Cars Cebu at A. Soriano Ave., NRA, Cebu City.  “We're willing to let you experience all our Demo units, particularly CITY and BRV,” Garcia added.

The Honda BRV and CITY models are fitting for all daily drives. The fire sale open house at Honda Cars is to empower and further mobilize Cebuanos through these safe and efficient vehicle models.  Beyond the upfront costs--car ownership is about safety, utility, efficiency, and the real price of owning a car, Enerio said. (Photos: Honda Cars-Cebu/FB)

Honda Cars-Cebu holds fire sale open house, leads environmental accountability

CEBU CITY –To entice and encourage clients to join the company in its “ACRE Movement” program, ACMobility Honda Cars-Cebu goes on a fire sale open house up to the end of April 2024 at its showroom at A.Soriano Avenue, NRA, Cebu City where huge promotional discounts are available for the CITY and BRV models.

According to Enerio, when it comes to environmental stewardship, it’s about eliminating the carbon (CO2) in the air and help in the global campaign of environmental sustainability, specifically on the quality of air on the road. 

“We have released our Honda-CRV hybrid car and eventually going towards full electric cars in the future.  We’re now in the middle of the hybrid model, starting with battery operated and when we go past that, it translates towards the use of electricity,” he added.

“Honda Cars-Cebu is giving up to P130,000 cash discount or zero down payment for the CITY model and for the BRV, Honda is giving up to P180,000 discounts. I hope everybody can visit our showroom to avail of our special packages for our clients,” Honda Cars-Cebu general sales manager Nickson Garcia shared.

Garcia calls on everyone and those who want to have a test drive, to visit Honda Cars Cebu at A. Soriano Ave., NRA, Cebu City.  “We're willing to let you experience all our Demo units, particularly CITY and BRV,” Garcia added.

“The Honda BRV and CITY models are fitting for all daily drives. The fire sale open house at Honda Cars is to empower and further mobilize Cebuanos through these safe and efficient vehicle models.  Beyond the upfront costs--car ownership is about safety, utility, efficiency, and the real price of owning a car,” Enerio said.

Benefits of owning Honda Cars

According to Enerio, one of the benefits of owning a Honda car is its top-tier after sales service firsthand with personalized and interactive assistance from our service technician or advisor dubbed as Open Workshop by ACMobility.

Swift repair implementation through on-site approval and exclusive diagnostic tools reserved for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) brands. Honda Cars-Cebu ensures vehicle receives the best care possible.

Enerio explained that Honda Cars ACMobility is the first Honda Car dealership in the country that was established in 1991.  It positioned Honda Cars ACMobility as an aggressive and dynamic player in the automotive dealership industry; setting competition to a higher gear.

“We have the largest service network of highly trained, award-winning certified technicians and service advisors nationwide to provide professional service tailored to your vehicle needs,” Enerio said.

Honda Cars ACMobility has Free Extended Warranty for worry-free ownership elevating the clients’ peace of mind beyond the ordinary, Enerio assured its clients that their car investment with Honda is safeguarded with unmatched coverage and support.

Honda Cars AC Mobility also enjoins its dealers, partners and clients participate in its planting a tree for every Honda vehicle sold under its “ACRE Movement: A Gift of Tree” program. Join Honda Cars ACMobility in driving towards a sustainable future. 

 Honda's "ACRE Movement: A Gift of Tree" program

Honda Cars Cebu of the Ayala Corporation embarked on a carbon-neutral, eco-friendly “ACRE Movement: A Gift of Tree” program to provide solutions to climate change and sustainability being a player in the automotive distribution and in power generation in the Philippines.

Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, in a media interview posted on the company’s Facebook page acknowledged that the transport sector has been among the major contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, and that Ayala Corp needs to do something concrete to address this.

Thus, “ACRE Movement: A Gift of Tree” program.  The principle behind the program is that one tree is planted for every Honda vehicle sold from any of the 10 dealerships nationwide making every buying customer a participant of the program.

Honda Cars-VisMin/Cebu branch manager, Carl Bryan Enerio told this writer that “ACRE Movement: A Gift of Tree” program began in July 2023 that aimed to plant 7,500 endemic and endangered trees like Narra, Kamagong, Kalumpang, Banaba, Hauili, and Tagpong-gubat by the end of 2023 at the Ayala Land Carbon Forest in Alaminos, Laguna and at the Kan-Irag Nature Park in Cebu.

“Total goal for 2024 is to plant 10,000 of these kinds of trees.  As of March 31, 2024, Honda has planted 8,013 trees with 6,280 trees in Metro Manila and 1,733 trees in the Visayas/Mindanao area,” Enerio said.

The innovative campaign, ‘1 Car Sold = 1 Tree Planted’, has already gained so much support from Honda clients here in Cebu.  Enerio added that ACMobility Honda Cebu, as of March 31 this year has planted 306 more trees equivalent to the cars sold during that period within the Visayas-Mindanao regions. (Photos: Honda Cars-Cebu/MBCNewman)