CCCI, PIVAC and Profood ink MOU for agri-biz collaboration

CEBU CITY—The Philippine Inno Ventures Agriculture Cooperative (PIVAC), Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and Profood International Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and partnership for more agri-business collaboration during the “Plant Propagation” Integrated Farming Learning Series and Workshop on May 30 at the Golden Prince Hotel and Suites hosted by PIVAC and CCCI.

“The abundance of fruits in the Philippines, particularly bananas, pineapples and mangoes should have made our country the best fruit exporters in the world but there are challenges we have to address, such as the need for financial resources, trainings and efficiency improvements to support the export of these fruits,” Joven Uy of Profood International Corporation bared.

Mango farming, exporting and other business initiatives are with a great competition in Southeast Asia, Uy added that competing with Thailand and Cambodia in the mango industry is the country’s biggest challenge despite having better quality fruit.

The MOU among CCCI, PIVAC and Profood served to bridge that challenge that needs potential solutions. According to the agreements, PIVAC shall engage farmers to encourage in planting fruit trees and crops as part of this agricultural endeavor.

The Chamber on the other hand agrees to facilitate avenues by creating platforms to provide market access and finance in the agricultural endeavor between Profood International Corporation and PIVAC.  Profood International Corporation, on its part, agrees to purchase all the produce from the farmers engaged by PIVAC at market price.

The signatories of the MOU were; Joven Uy of Profoods International Corporation; Rey Calooy, Vice-Chairman-Philippine Inno Ventures and Agriculture Cooperative (PIVAC) and Benny Que,Trustee, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).

 PIVAC initiates integrated farming learning series/workshop

The Plant Propagation lecture and workshop is the 2^nd of the Integrated Farming Learning Series initiatives of the Philippine Inno Ventures Agriculture Cooperative (PIVAC) in collaboration with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) that aims to educate and engage the youth and other plant enthusiasts the value of agriculture for food self-sufficiency and sustainability.

“We want to educate and engage our youth, especially those students taking agriculture courses to value and love farming, learn the myriad methods of plant propagation, soil health and preparation.  PIVAC advocates for anything and everything organic farming methods and to inspire households and families to engage in backyard gardening for self-sufficiency and healthy life, Rey Calooy, VP-PIVAC told this writer.

According to Calooy, some 60 participants attended the Plant Propagation learning workshop and these were agriculture students from Tuburan, farmers practitioners, Agripreneurs, retired farmers, some agriculturists and gardening enthusiasts who had the grandest time in interactive learning as the speakers showed and guided them during the practical applications.

The speakers were farming experts from the agriculture sector in Central Visayas and topics/subjects presented include Notes on Regenerative Agriculture by Roberto Bajenting, Plant Propagation Techniques by Cecilleper Caintic of the Dept. of Agriculture. 

(Photos: MBCNewman)

Aventus Medical Care highlights 15 years of healthcare services in PH

CEBU CITY— Aventus Medical Care Inc. celebrated 15 years of healthcare services in the Philippines and distributed Surehealth Cards to members of media, vloggers, bloggers, and content creators covering the press conference and clinic tours on May 23 at its clinic at Level 3, Robinsons Cybergate, Fuente Osmeña, Cebu City. 

Jennifer Malgapo, Aventus Marketing Head presented the clinic’s history and healthcare services with the motto to empower every individual to take control of their health.  With 21 Clinics around the Philippines and 2 in Cebu City, Aventus Medical Care, Inc is committed to providing quality health care services from laboratory services to vaccinations and medical consultations, Malgapo shared.

Aventus is fully equipped and well-staffed to take care of health concerns, including provide home health services as well as the TelAventusMD for online or medical consultations over the phone.  Dr. Sally Gaspar, Aventus Vice President noted Aventus’ healthcare priorities that include preventive care, patient-centered care, platform integration, and clinic management. 

“We emphasized the importance of empowering patients through personalized wellness programs and addressing chronic diseases, while also showcasing their expanded services in Manila,” Gaspar added.

Dr. Donabel Pineda, Aventus OIC - Medical Director bared that at Aventus, healthcare services, patient-centered care and technology integration are vital to provide affordable and accessible healthcare services.

“Patient-centered care committee ensures a seamless patient journey across four businesses, including physical clinics and mobile services.  We do follow up with patients who have used teleconsultation services to get feedback on their experience,” Pineda said.

Monica Dacumos, AVP-Client Relations also bared that Aventus schedules marketing campaigns to promote the teleconsultation platform for working individuals.  “We also Implement additional wellness programs tailored to specific patient populations.”

Maureen Mauricio -Licyayo, Aventus Manager, Visayas Marketing, awarded the Aventus Surehealth Card to members of the media and explained that the card provides one-year coverage with unlimited consultations, a fixed fee for medical specialists, 15% discounts on laboratory and diagnostic procedures, and a FREE ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAM.

“The Aventus Surehealth Elite Card is at PHP 999 annually and for the Aventus Surehalth Prime for Senior Citizens is PHP 1,450 that includes an executive checkup package,” Licyayo bared.

Aventus officials, Dr. Sally Gaspar, Aventus Vice President, Dr. Donabel Pineda, Aventus OIC - Medical Director, and Ms. Monica Dacumos, AVP-Client Relations graced the press conference.

For inquiries, Please Like and Follow https://www.facebook.com/AventusMedicalCare (Photos: MBCNewman)

CCCI prexy pushes biz sector to make Cebu an investment gateway in Asia-Pacific

CEBU CITY—Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) president, Jay Yuvallos pushed the business sector here to charge ahead and make Cebu an investment hub in Asia-Pacific, highlighting the importance of creating an environment that fosters growth and innovation in various industries, including eSports, creative entertainment, and BPM to attract investors that create job opportunities in Cebu.

Yuvallos, in his opening message during the kick off opening salvo of the Cebu Business Month 2024 at the Ayala Terraces on May 25 with the theme “Padayon Cebu” also stressed the need to serve with passion and purpose, highlighting the importance of investing time and energy in serving others, particularly smaller entities and expanding their businesses.

“Padayon means to continue which embodies the resilience and forward momentum that defines the unique “can-do” attitude of every Cebuano business leader which sets the tone for CBM 2024. “Padayon Cebu” deeply resonates with us, signifying our deep-rooted commitment to continue pushing forward, no matter the challenges. This spirit of resilience and determination is what drives our community and fuels our progress,” Yuvallos added.

He also expressed his gratitude to the dedicated CBM 2024 team noting the importance of synergy between the private sector and government agencies in driving Cebu’s progress and highlighted the enduring legacy of CBM, which has been a cornerstone of Cebu’s socio-economic prosperity since its inception in 1996.

Yuvallos underscored the achievements of CBM as a flagship project over the past 28 years and reaffirmed the Chamber’s mission to inspire, promote, and foster sustainable growth through strategic entrepreneurship, innovation, and collaboration.

CBM 2024 Overall Chairman Regan Rex King echoed these sentiments, outlining the goals and aspirations for this year’s celebration as he introduced the CBM 2024 Working Team whose collective efforts have been instrumental in bringing the event to life.

“Our theme for this year, Padayon Cebu, captures the spirit of resilience and forward momentum that defines our community.  We have crafted a series of events designed to inspire, promote, and grow Cebu businesses, propelling them toward a future of sustainable growth and innovation,” King bred.

Events, happenings and activities for CBM 2024

Throughout June, CBM 2024 will host various activities strengthening entrepreneurship, encouraging innovation, and driving digital transformation with the brand message-- "Invest in Cebu, Prosper in Paradise"

The GOOD DESIGN.GOOD BUSINESS Summit on June 14, is
a multi-disciplinary and cross-sectoral approach that will discuss how good design will improve business and customer experience. Design is a driver in various approaches not only creating foundations or structures but also crucial in business operations and brand awareness.

The summit will discuss city making in the hospitality and food and beverage sectors where invited speakers come from diverse backgrounds from architecture, interior design, infrastructure, brand and digital strategy as well as business owners providing a holistic mode for businesses.

“PADAYON CEBU: Enabling Cebu’s competitiveness through Digital Transformation and Innovation Forum” on June 20 delves into the transformative potential of digitalization in streamlining business operations and building future-proof infrastructure.

“Captains of Industry: A CEO Networking Night” on June 26 gathers Cebu's top CEOs for fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange in a dynamic setting.

“PADAYON CEBU: A SUMMIT TO INSPIRE, PROMOTE & GROW MSMEs” on June 25-26, is designed to inspire, promote, and grow MSMEs by addressing their unique challenges through insights, success stories and innovative solutions coming from industry leaders, startups and experts and policy makers.

July shines a spotlight on Cebu's prowess in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions sector with its MICE Forum. It is designed for industry leaders to converge and explore opportunities that set the stage for enhanced economic growth and development. CBM continues to champion Cebu and position it as an investment gateway in Asia Pacific.

The solutions expo for growth set on August 16-17, “Empowering Cebu’s MSMEs”, will provide MSMEs with access to essential resources and solutions tailored to their needs, ensuring inclusive growth and prosperity for all.

Yuvallos and the CBM 2024 team are united to pursue and develop an ecosystem for creativity and innovation in Cebu through partnerships and engagements with different business sectors to create programs that meaningfully engage and impact the small business community and other sectors beyond the Chamber's membership walls.

According to Yuvallos, this year’s goal is to meet with more of the different business segments in Cebu like the eSports, creative entertainment industries and the BPM. 

“Investing in Cebu, Philippines with the focus on developing an ecosystem for creativity and innovation. Investors described this ecosystem as a fast-moving train, requiring preparation and positioning for success in Cebu,” Yuvallos concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

17 SM Malls nationwide host 2024 Global Youth Summit

CEBU CITY— The 2024 Global Youth Summit (GYS), held annually by SM Cares and Global Peace Foundation (GPF) to highlight the 17 UN SDGs, is hosted in 17 different locations across the country including SM City Cebu on May 28 at SM Cinema to inspire the youth as catalysts of change.

The GYS is an annual event that provides the youth with an avenue where they can share ideas and work together to create long-term and sustainable solutions to the most pressing problems and challenges affecting them today.

Every year, thousands of students and youth leaders from all over the country and even from overseas join the GYS to be part of numerous activities, seminars, and workshops designed to educate and empower them, explores a wide range of topics including technology, sustainable development, health, education, economic growth, and public policy.

To ensure that each event offers the best experience for the attendees, GYS invites experts and key opinion leaders from the private and public sectors and the academe, sharing their knowledge to inspire the youth into action.

Registration for #GYS2024 became easier using SM Malls Online. Youth Leaders can search via app or by clicking this link: https://bit.ly/GYSRegistration

The GYS is one of SM Cares' numerous Programs on Children and Youth, supporting all 17 UN SDGs. Others include The Book Nook, a free library and community hub where parents and children can bond over books, workshops and activities; and supporting UNICEF’s Programs for Education of Children.

Aside from its Programs on Children and Youth, SM Cares also has programs on the environment, women and breastfeeding mothers, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. (Photos: GYS/SM)

 

ATGA launches the Australian table grape export season in PH

CEBU CITY – The Australian Table Grape Association (ATGA) launched the Australian table grape export season in the Philippines with a lunch session and promotional program in Cebu with some members of the media and content creators, May 25 at the Anzani Restaurant in Nivil Hills, Cebu City.

"We are incredibly excited to launch the Australian table grape season here in the Philippines. Our growers have worked tirelessly to produce the highest quality grapes, and we are proud to share them with the Philippines consumers,” Jeff Scott, CEO of the Australian Table Grape Association shared his excitement about the new season and promotional efforts in the Philippines.

He added, this promotional program is a significant investment in connecting with our Filipino consumers and retailers, ensuring that the excellence of Australian table grapes is recognized and enjoyed across the market.  The official launch was also complemented by an exciting promotional program across selected retailers throughout the country and this is funded by Hort Innovation through grower levies.

This initiative brings the finest Australian table grapes to the Philippines consumers, showcasing the unparalleled quality and taste that Australian grapes are celebrated for. The promotional program  aims to solidify the presence of Australian table grapes in the Philippines market.

Through this campaign, consumers will have the chance to sample a diverse range of grape varieties from Australia, including popular favorites and new, innovative breeds that offer a unique taste experience, Scott said, in a video presentation.

The promotional campaign featured in-store tastings, educational materials about the benefits and varieties of Australian table grapes and special promotions to celebrate the launch.  Select retail partners across the country like Landers, Metro Supermarket, Robinsons Supermarket, S&R, Shopwise, The Marketplace as well as Dizon Farms participated in this program making it easier for consumers to access and enjoy these exquisite fruits.

ATGA also invited some members of Cebu media and content creators to a lunch at Anzani Restaurant where its Executive Chef, Ynan del Rosario prepared special dishes with “grape infusions” to hype ATGA’s promotional program here.

Scott said that through this promotional program ATGA aims to build lasting relationships with Filipino retailers and consumers alike, further cementing Australia's position as a leading provider of premium table grapes.

"We believe the Philippines market holds great potential for Australian table grapes, and we are committed to providing our consumers with not only superior quality produce but also an exceptional eating experience,” Scott added.

Philippines represented almost seven per cent of Australian table grape exports for the 2022-23 season and is currently the fourth largest export market for the 2023-24 season.  ATGA looks forward to more engagements and opportunities to celebrate the shared passion for table grapes between Australia and the Philippines.

For more information about the Australian table grape season in the Philippines and the promotional program, please visit http://www.AustralianGrapes.com.au. (Photos: MBCNewman/ATGA/@Cris Jose)