PLDT/Smart, Tiktok, DTI team up for MSMEs digital upskilling in NegOr

DUMAGUETE CITY— PLDT Enterprise, Smart Communications Inc., Tiktok Shop Philippines teamed up with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-NegOr) for the digital upskilling of 50 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Negros Oriental and Siquijor on May 23 through the eBiznovation Buy Local Bazaar program to equip MSMEs with essential digital skills to thrive in the e-commerce landscape. 

“We are committed to empowering MSMEs with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the digital age.  By partnering with like-minded organizations like DTI Negros Oriental and TikTok Shop Philippines, we strive to equip these businesses with the skills to leverage e-commerce platforms effectively, ultimately driving economic growth and fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Jinky Francisco, Head of PLDT Enterprise SMBiz Visayas and Mindanao. 

 Marylou Gocotano, head of Stakeholder Management-Visayas Relations at PLDT and Smart noted that a key part of the much broader PLDT goal to elevate the quality of life of Filipinos is its drive to create livelihood opportunities through technology.

“This is what’s at the heart of our eBizNovation program, as it seeks to enable MSMEs to become digital merchants so they can actively participate in and benefit from e-commerce. The hands-on training session aimed to help MSMEs harness the power of social media and e-commerce to reach new customers and drive business growth,” Gocotano said.

Coverage of the upskilling program

According to Gocotano, the upskilling program covered diverse topics, including basic marketing and branding concepts, effective content creation, smartphone photography and videography, and internet safety tips to improve and protect their digital business assets. 

This initiative aims to empower MSMEs to leverage the popular e-commerce platform, TikTok Shop, to widen their business reach and unlock new livelihood streams. Video selling has become a key feature of TikTok Shop, allowing businesses to showcase their products in an engaging and interactive format, which can significantly enhance customer engagement and conversion rates, Gocotano shared.

Given the rise of TikTok Shop and the growing importance of e-commerce, PLDT Enterprise offers reliable connectivity solutions, such as the MSME FIBERBIZ plans, which are essential for businesses to succeed on this dynamic platform.

These digital solutions ensure seamless and uninterrupted online operations, enabling businesses to effectively reach and engage with their target audiences on TikTok Shop. With PLDT Enterprise's unmatched fiber connectivity, MSMEs can confidently create and stream high-quality video content, respond to customer inquiries in real time, and manage transactions efficiently, thus maximizing their potential on TikTok Shop.

TikTok Shop PH representatives also provided invaluable insights into effectively selling products through engaging short-form videos. They discussed various mechanics and techniques, including the do's and don'ts of selling on the platform.

Dumaguete City is the second stop of the eBiznovation Buy Local Bazaar in the Visayas region this year, underscoring the initiative's importance in promoting local products and supporting sustainable development. 

“On behalf of the MSMEs and DTI Negros Oriental, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank PLDT and Smart, as well as TikTok Shop and our other partners, for bringing this program to Dumaguete City, offering services and learnings on using different digital platforms to our growing MSMEs,” said Anton Gabila, Senior Trade-Industry Development Specialist of DTI Negros Oriental Provincial Office. 

PLDT Enterprise SMBiz Visayas and Mindanao Head, Jinky Francisco, explains how internet connectivity helps in building a strong brand, increasing profit, and reducing operational costs while One of Tiktok Shop PH's trainers, Klaude Mandaya, encourages participants to use e-commerce platforms to improve their business performance and reach untapped markets. (Photos: ePLDT-FB/Google Images)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aventus Medical Care offers high-quality service delivery, holistic clinic management

CEBU CITY— Aventus Medical Care Inc. offers clinic management services with its high-quality service delivery, operational efficiency, and a patient-centered approach, providing Aventus a strong edge in the industry of managed clinics.

“Clinic management services for companies are crucial for various reasons. These include regulatory compliance, employee health and safety, productivity and efficiency, risk management, employee satisfaction and retention, emergency preparedness, and cost saving,” bared Maria Angela Patricia Concepcion, senior manager for corporate services.

Aventus clinic management ensures compliance to the Philippine Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards yet cost-efficient to its corporate clientele. This principle is anchored to a holistic, patient-centered, and compassionate approach that personalizes the health management needs of the clients, Conception added.

She pointed out that another key principle is the operational efficiency and effectivity through streamlined processes and efficient manpower allocation.

The organization also benchmarks current healthcare trends, news, and advisories from the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and integrates applicable innovations. An example of this adaptability is the transition from traditional paper-and-pen-record management to paperless record management when required by clients.

Aventus Medical Care has implemented several successful initiatives to enhance clinic management. One notable initiative is the organization of wellness days or fairs for clients. Additionally, on-site Annual Physical Examinations (APE) and flu vaccination activities are offered, providing clients with convenient access to essential health services at their workplaces.

Aventus Medical Care’s clinic management service shows commitment to upholding government compliance standards for its clientele, adaptability to industry trends, and continuous improvement strategies position them as a leader in the corporate healthcare service in the Philippines.

Aventus Medical Care’s Clinic Management is offered nationwide and boasts of its clientele in the NCR, Laguna, Clark, Baguio, Tarlac, Nueva Vizcaya, Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, Bicol and Davao.  For inquiries, drop email to inquiry @aventusmedical.com. (Photos: Aventus/Maureen Mauricio)

CONPC, Lilu Ads unite to promote affordable, quality housing solutions

CEBU CITY -- The Cebu Online News Press Corps (CONPC) and Lilu Advertising and Marketing Solutions, Inc. (Lilu Ads) inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to promote housing solutions amplifying the message of Habitat for Humanity International's Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter (TCIS)—to build better homes especially for low-income families.

“The strategic collaboration aims to promote affordable and quality housing solutions for low-income families in Cebu through the power of media and marketing. CONPC's network of journalists, bloggers, and influencers with Lilu Ads' marketing expertise, vital information are disseminated to raise awareness and connect underserved communities with valuable resources to secure decent housing,” Al Razon, Manager of Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Center lauded the partnership.

Reggie Barrientos, Marketing Systems Development Specialist, Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Center looks forward to this partnership to enhance more support from various sectors in the builders and construction industry to build better homes.

Barrientos noted that the partnership is a significant step forward in the mission to provide sustainable and scalable housing solutions, enhancing outreach and support to the communities that need it most.

The Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter, a unit of Habitat for Humanity International, provides support to private sector firms and other influential actors in the market to improve their ability to develop, market, and distribute housing-related products and services which meet the needs of low-income families.

“We work with actors throughout the housing ecosystem, including financial institutions, manufacturers and retailers, academic and vocational institutions; public sector agencies; civil society organizations; contractors and designers; and media companies,” Razon added.

In addition to publishing content that highlights affordable housing solutions, CONPC will cover related events and activities facilitated by Lilu Ads and TCIS to build a stronger community support network.  

Generating interest in building and construction will attract potential donors and volunteers, ensuring that crucial information reaches a diverse audience.  The partnership is good for one year starting in July this year until 2025. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

Private-public partnership to equip PDLs skills, work opportunities in Mindanao

CEBU CITY -- Aboitiz Construction, in partnership with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP-10), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)- Bukidnon and MACES Skills Training Institute, Inc. inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to provide skills and work opportunities for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in the Mindanao area.

“This signing of the memorandum of agreement reflects our commitment to helping our PDLs in the rehabilitation process. We thank Aboitiz Construction for its unwavering support in this endeavor. We hope for a fruitful partnership that will mainly benefit the PDLs,” Jail Chief Superintendent and BJMP Region 10 Director Cesar Langawin said at the signing event held in Malaybalay City District Jail Reformatory System on May 29 this year. 

By combining resources and expertise, this collaborative effort aims to address unemployment among PDLs and provide them with the necessary tools and opportunities for successful reintegration in their various communities.

Aboitiz Construction Senior Assistant Vice President for People and Corporate Shared Services Raizza Manuel said that the Aboitiz Construction is deeply committed to making a positive impact in the communities it serves.

According to Manuel, this signifies the company’s dedication to provide opportunities for PDLs and its belief in the transformative power of rehabilitation and reintegration. Part of the initiative is for the Aboitiz Construction to offer employment opportunities to PDLs who have successfully completed the skills training program and earned TESDA certificates. The target area of deployment is the firm’s project sites in Mindanao.

TESDA Bukidnon and Maces Skills Training Institute, Inc. play a pivotal role in the partnership with Aboitiz Construction.  MACES Skills Training Institute shall provide technical skills training, to equip the PDL/ participants with the expertise required for various job roles.

TESDA's involvement in the partnership ensures the provision of guidance, policies, and a streamlined certification process, facilitating the seamless transition of PDLs into the workforce, and to offer free certification processes to further support the initiative.

The initiative showed Aboitiz Construction's dedication to fostering a more inclusive and supportive community but also signifies a collective commitment to empowering individuals for a better future. (Photos: Aboitiz Construction/@Rafael Antonio)

GT Capital, Aboitiz Group Co-Host CarbonPH 7th Meeting

CEBU CITY— GT Capital Holdings, Inc. (GT Capital), in collaboration with Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) hosted the 7^th meeting/session of the CarbonPH Education Series titled "Greening the Economy: Opportunities and Challenges of Transition Finance" that brought together industry leaders and sustainability champions to discuss the pivotal role of transition finance in advancing a low-carbon economy. 

"The increasing impacts of climate change to our economy highlight the need to transition to a low-carbon economy. With this session, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of transition finance, as it covers strategies, instruments, and policies to facilitate the flow of capital toward sustainable projects," Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, AEV Chief Reputation and Sustainability Officer and Aboitiz Foundation President opened the session.

Malvar thanked the event organizers particularly the GT Capital team led by Joyce Baldueza-de Leon, Chief Risk Officer and Head of Sustainability, and the Aboitiz Group team led by May Perez, AVP for Sustainability.

Baldueza-de Leon welcomed representatives from the private sector during the CarbonPH meeting and her address highlighted the crucial role of corporate stakeholders in advancing sustainability initiatives and tackling climate change.

The 7^th CarboPH meeting gathered private sector representatives connecting virtually with onsite attendees, discussing the meeting’s purpose-driven value to collaborate on advancing carbon management and sustainability initiatives.

Participants explored opportunities and challenges associated with financing sustainable initiatives at both national and industry levels, seeking to identify barriers and innovative solutions.

Keynote speaker provides insights into the significance of transition finance

The keynote speaker, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) Director of the Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Hamza Ali Malik, provided invaluable insights into the significance of transition finance in achieving sustainable development goals.

His guidance helped participants understand the broader landscape of transition finance. Malik provided insights into the role of transition finance in achieving sustainable development goals, helping participants understand its broader landscape to CarbonPH coalition.

Key recommendations from the event included establishing carbon mitigation and carbon reduction plans and strategies; engaging in partnerships with policymakers and regulators; investing in building the organizational capacity and systems; facilitating regular meetings between project developers and financial institutions; and encouraging real economy borrowers and clients to implement the net zero transition.

 

Participants gained practical knowledge in understanding the concepts and impacts of transition finance, its contributions to national policy development, and what would be the actionable strategies to overcome the barriers and how each industry can drive sustainable finance at scale. 

GT Capital and the Aboitiz Group remained committed to fostering collaboration and innovation in sustainability efforts, with outcomes from this event contributing significantly to creating a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable low-carbon economy.

Ongoing discussions between private industries and NGOs on transition finance revealed both opportunities and challenges. Sectors like banking, manufacturing, and property development are identifying their transition needs, focusing on sustainable finance and energy shifts.

Key challenges on CarbonPH issue

Key challenges include legal and regulatory risks, financing difficulties, and the need for clear government policies.  For NGOs, they advocate concrete climate actions and rely heavily on external grants and more funding.

There's a shared agreement on the importance of incentives like tax benefits and transparent ESG reporting to ease the transition. Overall, these conversations highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration to overcome barriers and promote sustainability.

Through strategic collaboration among leading private sector companies, CarbonPH significantly enhances the scale and effectiveness of nature-based solutions, leveraging extensive experience in sustainability initiatives.  Its mission is to address climate change through practical solutions and strategic policy advocacy, guided by a shared dedication to sustainable development.

CarbonPH firmly believes in the power of synergy within the private sector that promotes environmental protection and stewardship, actionable and realistic climate commitment, and promotes mechanisms that can raise the capacity of developing countries in working towards our sustainability goals.

Impact of CarbonPH initiative

CarbonPH is a pioneering initiative marking a historic milestone for the Philippines, driving the nation's journey towards a sustainable and environmentally conscious future. By strategically collaborating with leading private sector companies, it enhances the scale and effectiveness of nature-based solutions, leveraging extensive experience in sustainability initiatives.

Its mission is to address climate change through practical solutions and strategic policy advocacy, guided by a shared dedication to sustainable development. It believes in the power of synergy within the private sector to create an enabling environment.

Its member companies contribute essential resources, expertise, and innovation to support the country's transition to a lower carbon economy. Through investments in nature-based solutions, capacity building, and policy development, CarbonPH sets a powerful precedent for corporate responsibility, collaboration, and the pursuit of a greener economy in the Philippines and beyond.

Silliman University officially opens the 62nd Nat’l Writers Workshop

Silliman University officially opens the 62^nd Nat’l Writers Workshop

DUMAGUETE CITY --The longest-running creative writing workshop in the country and Asia is back, gathering 12 writing fellows across different genres from the different regions in the country to the 62nd Silliman University National Writers Workshop (SUNWW) which kickstarted on June 24 at the Multipurpose Room (MPR), Silliman University and is now in full swing until July 5, 2024.

The SUNWW is a flagship program of the English and Literature Department and the Edilberto and Edith Tiempo Creative Writing Center.  The two-week workshop is currently headed by newly installed workshop director-in-residence and longtime SUNWW regular panelist Danilo Francisco “D.M.” M. Reyes.

More than 50 entries were submitted this year but only twelve made the cut. Workshop screeners D.M. Reyes, Jose Wendell Capili, and Marjorie Evasco narrowed down the list of accepted fellows, officially filling out the roster of emerging writers of this generation to take part in this year’s edition.

They are Margarita A. Labrador, Quezon City; Andrea Ingrid M. Lopez, Taytay, Rizal; and John Dave B. Pacheco, General Santos City for poetry, Jevin O. Astillero, Misamis Occidental for Sugilanon; Kyrios Hafid T. Concordia, Quezon City; Trisha Marie Matabalan, Maribojoc, Bohol; John Ray A. Pucay, Baguio City; and Alyana Marie D. Aguja, General Santos City for fiction; Larraine Franchesca L. Lopez, Parañaque City; Sabrina Victoria M. Dayao, Malate, Manila; and Maria Suson, Cebu City for creative nonfiction; and Andrea Therese Nazareno, Dumaguete City for drama.

This year’s SUNWW Coordinator is Kaycee Melon. Joining her is the Workshop Secretariat, namely John Edgar Rubio, Deo Mar Suasin, Maria Hellene Grace Piñero, Honey Grace  Tiongco, and Aaron James Jalalon. They also hold the Edilberto and Edith Tiempo Creative Writing Center (CWC) Secretariat roles under CWC Coordinator and English and Literature Department Chair Dr. Lady Flor Partosa-Koenig.

At the Opening Ceremony on June 24, D.M. Reyes stressed the importance of putting together a team who understands the vision of the workshop.

“When we come together and assemble the workshop team, it is not enough that we just bring in anybody who’s willing and interested to take part in it. It takes vision. It takes experience. It takes exposure so that people who will be coming in as part of the team are really literary professionals,” Reyes said in his opening message. 

He added that they have ongoing experiences in the teaching of literature so they are affiliated with Silliman University either as new professors or aspiring professors of the English Department and the Senior High School Department.  Added to this is the fact that over the years many of them have been apprenticing in the workshop.

Dr. Earl Jude Paul Cleope, officer-in-charge of the Office of the President and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research, welcome the fellows and panelists alike to Silliman University.

“All of us are happy at Silliman because for the 62nd time, we have the Silliman University National Writers Workshop… I hope and pray that in the next few years, the members of the 62nd batch will also be in the limelight as literary icons of Philippine literature,” Cleope said.

Luminaries in contemporary Philippine literature will sit as panelists for the next two weeks at the MPR, including Exie Abola, John O. Labella, and Ian Rosales Casocot for the first week, followed by Susan Lara, Marjorie Evasco, and Ritchel Dorotan for the second week.

Meanwhile, Dumaguete poet, novelist, educator, and SUNWW resident panelist Cesar Ruiz Aquino will participate remotely during the workshop.

The 62nd Silliman University National Writers Workshop is supported by longtime sponsors and friends of the Silliman community, including Macrina and Sande Fuentes of Hayahay, Maripaz Gonzales Montaño of Wuthering Heights Bed and Breakfast, Xenia Denise Bandivas of InPeace Foundation, Jansen Tan of Adorno Café, National Museum of the Philippines – Dumaguete, and the Silliman University Anthropology Museum.

Present at the Opening Ceremony were CWC Advisory Board members Dr. Mae Brigitt Bernadel  Vilordon, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) dean; Dr. Alana Leilani C. Narciso, CAS associate dean; Dr. Lady Flor Partosa-Koenig, English and Literature Department chair and CWC coordinator; faculty members of the Filipino and Foreign Languages Department; Moses Joshua B. Atega, International Students Office head; faculty members of the English and Literature Department; F Jordan Carnice, National Museum of the Philippines – Dumaguete researcher and former SUNWW fellow; and friends of the Silliman community. (Photos: SUNWW-FB/)

Mandaue City-PDO presents housing, other future projects to CREBA

CEBU CITY – The Mandaue Planning and Development Office (MCPDO) briefed members of the Chamber of Real Estate Builders Association (CREBA)-Cebu chapter of its projects and future developments highlighting housing project opportunities for real estate developers, in a general membership meeting on June 27 at Casino Espanol de Cebu. 

“For real estate and developers, we want to promote housing sector programs and collaborate with developers and real estate companies. In our earlier presentation, Building-2 is in collaboration with Cebu Landmaster Inc. (CLI) which is part of our housing compliance efforts. We are having discussions with other developers like Priland Development Corp., Arn Builders, and WT Construction Inc. for other housing projects,” MCPDO head, Arch/EnP Marlou Ocleasa shared in an interview with the media.

Ocleasa bared that Mandaue City currently faces a housing backlog of approximately 14,000 units and has been chosen as the pilot area for an inclusive green housing micro-finance program targeting low-income families.

The city has a socialized housing project in Barangay Tipolo categorized as a green project.  He also mentioned that the City has identified several locations in Mandaue City for socialized housing projects, including the barangays of Subangdaku, Guizo, Cambaro, Opao, and Looc.

The Mandaue City Council, in 2023 passed an ordinance providing tax incentives for buildings that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimize health and environmental impacts.

Some highlights and action items on the MCPDO presentations, discussions

Meanwhile, CREBA-Cebu President Catherine Cusi said that CREBA invited the MCPDO to brief the real estate sector on potential projects that can offer a glimpse into the city's future developments.  She emphasized CREBA's goal of addressing the country’s housing backlog by providing livable, accessible, and decent housing units.

“The housing units should be accessible for families and dwellers and at the same time they should be self-sufficient and able to afford their housing units without depending on the government,” Cusi said.

Most of the conversation with the PCPDO centered around the importance of providing shelter and social transformation for beneficiaries, emphasizing the need for a timeline and funding and stressed on the phase-by-phase component of its plans. 

The challenge, according to the MCPDO officials is changing the mindset of beneficiaries from horizontal to vertical living but stressed on the importance of prioritizing plans and projects and the role of the local government units for the need of a comprehensive and well-funded plan to address the issue of homelessness.

Ocleasa also outlined the vision for resilient city, including housing compliance and social transformation; to collaborate between stakeholders, including Japan, to build socialized housing in the city and discussed housing project with partners, including a joint venture with the future Global Mandaue Reclamation project and plans for a heritage cultural site and a museum library near the church.

Ocleasa’s presentation outlines four action items: To proceed with design phase for joint reclamation project with Global Mandaue; finalize budget details and subsidy amounts for new socialized housing projects; continue stakeholder consultations and ensure buy-in for long-term development plans and to explore partnership opportunities with real estate companies to identify additional housing projects. (Photos: MBCNewman)