Wednesday, July 31, 2019

DTI Eyes Stronger Collaboration with Cooperatives to Boost Programs for MSME Development

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MANDALUYONG – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez underscored the vital role of cooperatives in widening the reach of government programs for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), especially at the countryside.

“Cooperatives make a significant economic difference in the lives of its members while contributing to their overall well-being and their communities. They have been our ally in empowering our MSMEs, allowing DTI programs to be accessible in their respective areas such as our microfinance loans and shared service facilities,” said Sec. Lopez.

According to the trade chief, DTI and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) shall continue to harmonize policies as well as coordinate programs and activities that will help the cooperatives in strengthening and maximizing its role in empowering those at the grassroots level and sharing the prosperity to all Filipinos nationwide.

During a policy dialogue organized by the CDA, USAID, and United States Overseas Cooperative Development Council (OCDC) on 30 July 2019, Sec. Lopez shared DTI programs where cooperatives play an important role.

Cooperatives partner with DTI’s Small Business (SB) Corporation and become credit delivery partners for the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso (P3) microfinance loan program of the government. Members of cooperatives likewise get access of this low interest loan to set up their own businesses.

DTI also award shared service facilities (SSF) to cooperatives and associations to improve MSME competitiveness by providing them with machinery, equipment, tools, systems, skills and knowledge under a shared system.

DTI also eyes cooperatives to become a partner in its Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay, where MSME development programs are extended to the barangay and community levels.

DTI has helped many MSMEs and cooperatives through its programs, like when the City of Gapan Footwear Multi-purpose Cooperative in Nueva Ecija helped Rolando Pascual establish his own brand, the Bagong Likha Footwear, through the SSF awarded by DTI. Likewise, the SSF awarded to Santo Niño de Parish Multi-purpose Cooperative in Leyte allowed the local community to create their pandan and bariw products. Through the machineries and the mentoring as well as training programs in product development and marketing provided by DTI, the products are now being exported to the United States and Indonesia.

Residents of Marawi who were affected by the siege were also awarded with SSFs through various cooperatives such as Maranao Collectibles Services Cooperative that received langkit weaving equipment and Lower Bangon Marawi Consumer Cooperative that received palapa production machineries. The equipment aims to bring back the vibrant trading in Marawi and uplift the lives of many Maranaos.

Cebu People’s Multi-purpose Cooperative in Cebu City is one of SB Corporation’s credit delivery partners for the P3 program. The cooperative has assisted 1,076 MSMEs in their city, including market and carenderia vendors.

Meanwhile, key findings in the study undertaken by OCDC revealed that:

1. Coop members reported enjoying a better economic position, and are more likely not to be poor and more likely to be lower middle or better.

2. Coop members say their cooperatives are the reason why they have a better economic position. Members also report a sense of financial security and overall well-being. In addition, 74% of non-members state that cooperative activity positively affects the overall economic development of the community.

“Stronger collaboration between government, the cooperatives, and the private sector will boost the programs for our MSMEs. This will allow is to spread the delivery of basic services to the grassroots level even as we implement our poverty alleviation and inclusive growth programs,” Sec. Lopez concluded.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Eton City: The Gateway to the South


In the last few years, an increasing number of people are moving into the peripheries of Metro Manila to settle into a more peaceful and less stressful suburban life. More and more offices and commercial centers are setting up in major growth corridors such as Laguna, Cavite, and Pampanga. However, this rapid urbanization also exponentially increased vehicular traffic in these rising districts. Because of this, finding a neighborhood that is centrally located and easily accessible from major road networks makes a meaningful and wise investment for those looking to purchase a property in these areas.


In Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Eton City makes a strong case for people who want to enjoy the benefits of living in a suburban community, like having access to wide and serene natural spaces, but still want to be close enough to the urban comforts and conveniences that surround the area. Before getting into the inner business districts and residential areas in Sta. Rosa, Eton City welcomes you to the South with its own exit along the South Luzon Expressway. It still offers a faster and safer route going to Tagaytay. With this exclusive exit, the Alabang CBD is approximately 25 minutes away and the Makati CBD about 45 minutes away.


Low-Density Residential Villages

Developed by Eton Properties Philippines, Inc., the real estate arm of the Lucio Tan Group, each village in Eton City takes inspiration from various architectural influences, creating premium-themed communities that give way to elegant living.

Combining unique homes, verdant surroundings, and open spaces in distinguished village concepts, Eton City is envisioned to be a vibrant and accessible community. Strategically located with easy access to education, business, and lifestyle hubs, the themed residences and premium amenities of West Wing Residences, TierraBela, Riverbend, and South Lake Village will be investments that grow as individuals, families, and communities do.

Free Pizza Upgrade from LBC and Shakey's


LBC, the leading courier company in the Philippines, partners with Shakey's in offering free pizza upgrade to its loyal customers.

Customers who claim their international remittance from any LBC branch will receive a promo code through SMS. When ordering pizza from any Shakey's outlet, just present the promo code to upgrade your Manager's Choice Thin Crust from large to party size. Promo is available for dine-in, carry-out and delivery transactions. Customers must delete the code upon availing themselves of the promo.

Take note that the upgrade is only for the Manager's Choice Thin Crust Pizza variant.

Shakey's SuperCard holders cannot use their 10% discount along with the LBC promo. The free pizza upgrade cannot also be used in conjunction with any other promo offerings. Senior citizens can have a choice of using their mandatory discount or this promotional discount by LBC and Shakey's.

The promo code can be used once only before November 1, 2019 at any Shakey's Branch or via online at shakeyspizza.ph.

For more information, visit https://promo.lbcexpress.com/shakeys/ or any LBC branch near you.

*Per DTI-FTEB Permit No. 10244 Series of 2019. Promo runs from July 1 to August 31, 2019.


ABOUT LBC

LBC is the Philippines’ market leader in retail and corporate courier & cargo, money remittance, and logistics services. With a growing network of over 6,400 branches, hubs & warehouses, partners, and agents in over 30 countries, LBC is committed to moving lives, businesses, and communities and delivering smiles around the world. Listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange through LBC Express Holdings, Inc., LBC aims to deliver value to all of its stakeholders, as it has for over 60 years.  Founded in 1945 as a brokerage and air cargo agent, LBC pioneered time-sensitive cargo delivery and 24-hour door-to-door delivery in the Philippines. Today, it is the most trusted logistics brand of the Global Filipino. LBC can move it for you: visit www.LBCexpress.com, or call telephone +632 8585 999 (Metro Manila), 1 800 10 8585 999 (Provincial), +632 9086 522 (Solutions) and follow LBCExpress (Facebook and Twitter).

Monday, July 29, 2019

Landlite Sponsors Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) General Monthly Meeting


For PIID’s general monthly meeting for the month of June, Landlite Philippines Corporation (LPC) sponsored and organized a “Mamma Mia”-themed event hosted by its brand ambassador, Marc Nelson. Interior designers gathered at Lux Décor showroom in BGC where they had a tour on the latest line of products that Landlite has to offer. Faro Barcelona decorative lightings and Uozu Italian minimalist downlights were the highlights of the showroom tour. During the night, 3 lucky raffle winners took home Lux Decor gift certificates worth Php 10,000 while other attendees received Landlite LED bulbs and other Landlite products for the games and survey. During the event, LPC was named Premier Sponsor of PIID. Present during the event were (L-R) PIID national president Lilia de Jesus, Landlite Philippines Corporation CEO Jocelyn Li, brand ambassador Marc Nelson, and PIID vice president for internal affairs Marcelo Alonzo.

Maxicare Forges Alliance with Alorica


Maxicare Healthcare Corporation, the country’s leading healthcare provider, recently partnered with Alorica, the largest provider of customer experience solutions to the U.S. market, to provide its employees with accessible, superior, and quality healthcare.  Maxicare unveiled its newest health pod at the Alorica Makati office to provide employees fast and convenient access to healthcare services. The latest health pod is a fully automated system that manages patient-queuing, and makes gathering of initial vital signs quick, accurate, and hassle-free. With the new health pod, BPO employees have a convenient and time-saving way to get their LOA (letter of authorization). Other services include taking one’s blood pressure, temperature, and BMI (Body Mass Index). It is located at 2310 Chino Roces Ave, Makati, Metro Manila. In photo (L-R): Maxicare AVP for corporate sales Cecilia David, SAVP for corporate sales Fiona Lava, Lockton Benefits Group VO head Rhea Ablan, Maxicare VP for operations Roberto Herrera, director for compensation Blessilda Miguel, HR senior manager Raymond Alejandrino, benefits manager for employee experience benefits delivery Leslie Marie Petines, compensation manager Marvin Hernandez, client services manager Princess Gabuya, and Lockton Benefits Group AVP head for medical support services Dr. Mark Malanay.

Innovative Startup Act to provide Incentives for Startups and Enablers


MAKATI – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is one of the lead agencies in implementing the recently signed Republic Act 11337 or the Innovative Startup Act. The new law will help startups and startup enablers by providing incentives like travel grants, access to a Startup Venture Fund, and assistance in getting visas and business permits.

“The Innovative Startup Act is part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s vision of a comfortable life for all Filipinos. DTI commits to implement the law to foster an environment conducive to smarter entrepreneurs,” said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

Aside from the DTI, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) are the host agencies to implement the Philippine Startup Development Program, composed of programs, benefits and incentives for the startup community.

"There is so much entrepreneurial potential, talent, motivation, and optimism of our young population. With the current strong momentum for collaboration between and among government, academe, and industry and the comprehensive fiscal and non-fiscal support of RA 11337, we will be able to grow and develop our startup ecosystem and catch up with our neighbors especially in creating billion-dollar startups,” said DTI Undersecretary for Competitiveness and Innovation Rafaelita Aldaba.

To avail of these incentives, startups and startup enablers have to pass an application and selection process
 to be determined in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). The first meeting to craft the IRR was held on 22 July at the University of the Philippines Diliman. Present at the meeting were  DTI Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba, DOST Undersecretary Rowena Guevara and DICT Dir. Emmy Lou Delfin, as well as other officials and representatives from each agency.

Business registration assistance

Selected startups and enablers will get subsidies for business registration fees. The host agencies will also endorse their applications to be prioritized or expedited. The three agencies will also provide subsidies for use of office spaces, facilities, equipment, services, and repurposed government spaces.

Travel assistance, startup visas

For startups and enablers participating in local and international events, DTI, DOST, and DICT can help expedite travel documents and provide subsidies for airfare, baggage, per diem allowance, and other travel expenses.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will create startup visas for owners, employees, and investors valid for five years and renewed with three-year validity. Startup visa holders will be exempted from getting an Alien Employment Permit issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)

Meanwhile, Filipino startup executives will be eligible to apply for an APEC Business Travel Card which streamlines the entry process for APEC-member countries for short business trips.

Venture assistance

The host agencies will set up a startup grant fund to provide grants-in-aid for research and development, training, and expansion plans. DTI and the National Development Company (NDC) will also create a Startup Venture Fund to invest in startups based in the Philippines.

Startup Philippines website, education programs

The DICT will launch a Startup Philippines website, where beneficiaries can inquire about the progress of all incentives awarded under the law. The website will also contain a database of startups and enablers as well as relevant statistics, reports, and studies.

Under the new law, the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) are also directed to integrate entrepreneurship in their curricula and provide grants and incentives to academic institutions.

Hospitality Startup RedDoorz Raises US$45 Million to Cement Its Leadership Position in Southeast Asia


Singapore, 29 July 2019 – RedDoorz, Southeast Asia’s largest and fastest-growing hotel management and booking platform, announced today the successful fundraise of US$45 million in a Series B round. The Singapore-based startup has operations across more than 80 cities in four countries in Southeast Asia, namely Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam and operates more than 1,200 budget hotels and properties.

The new round of funding was led by Chinese venture capital firm Qiming Venture Partners alongside Jungle Ventures and its network of limited partners. The round also includes new investors MNC Group (the leading media company in Indonesia) and saw continued support from Susquehanna International Group, Hendale Capital, International Finance Corporation and others. The company intends to use the new amounts to aggressively pursue growth strategies and further increase its lead in the region’s hospitality segment.

In the Philippines RedDoorz garnered over 150 properties in over 10 cities within just one year of operation. Besides Metro Manila, Cebu, Pampanga, Tagaytay and Davao, new areas have been opened up in Bacolod, Iloilo, Palawan and Baguio, with over 3 million customers served.

Amit Saberwal, founder and CEO of RedDoorz, said: “Our growth in 2018-2019 has been exponential. It has been such an important period for us as we were able to set the pace and establish new industry benchmarks in the affordable hospitality segment in Southeast Asia. We are still deeply committed to our vision of empowering the local hospitality owners and connecting them with a growing base of customers who are using our platform to discover new destinations and travel more. The journey is just beginning for us and we are very excited about becoming the go-to-choice for quality, predictable and standardised accommodations in the region”.

Helen Wong, a partner with Qiming Venture Partners, said of the new investment, “We have seen the trend of budget hotel chains in China about 15 years ago, and believe that standardized accommodation at affordable prices will appeal to consumers and business travelers in SE Asia too. As online penetration of the travel industry grows, RedDoorz will be a key beneficiary with the most extensive network of hotels in the region. The company has executed well to become number 1, delivering strong value to hotel owners in user acquisition, technology and customer service. We look forward to working together with them and sharing our learnings from the China market”.

Commenting on the new strategic partnership and investment with RedDoorz, MNC Group President Director David Fernando Audy said, “MNC is delighted to have the opportunity to participate in this funding round. We believe the company’s track record in the online accommodation booking and hotel management is a brilliant solution for the independent hotel owners across Indonesia and provides great value for mass market nationwide customers. RedDoorz has a scalable business model and a practical solution for the fast-growing online travel booking Industry, especially in South East Asia. We will support RedDoorz to grow the brand in Indonesia and overseas."

Anurag Srivastava, co-founder and managing partner of Jungle Ventures, said of the series B raise: “We are proud to reiterate our support for RedDoorz, on its mission to deliver quality accommodations for Southeast Asia. RedDoorz has consistently outcompeted its rivals and over-delivered on the expectations of all stakeholders, in building this business. We look forward to RedDoorz's continued success and value-creation for the region.”

RedDoorz has also recently announced that it is on track to achieve one million occupied room nights per month by year-end. As of July 2019, RedDoorz is growing five times year-on-year and it has already reached 500,000 occupied room nights, an industry-first in Southeast Asia’s travel and hospitality category.


About RedDoorz

RedDoorz is Southeast Asia’s largest and fastest-growing, technology-driven hotel management company offering affordable accommodations for everyone. With a vision to enable people to travel more and provide an affordable reliable stay in all major cities and destinations across the region, RedDoorz is disrupting the hospitality industry by transforming the fragmented supply inventory into branded, standardised accommodations and leveraging its mobile app and digital channels to drive strong consumer demand.

The company was founded in 2015 by a team of senior executives with deep experience in the online travel and hospitality industry and has grown into a regional powerhouse with operations in Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines and Vietnam. The firm has been growing by five times year-on-year.

As part of the RedDoorz brand network, hotel owners are able to grow their businesses and increase revenues while streamlining their operations. RedDoorz’s solutions help partners manage distribution, pricing, marketing, customer experience and technology solutions – offering an end-to-end platform powered by an advanced technology infrastructure. For more information, please visit www.reddoorz.com.

A Thrilling Turn Around Result in Round 3 of Honda Pilipinas Dream Cup


July 29: Clark International Speedway, Clark Pampanga ­An exciting Round 3 for the Honda Pilipinas Dream Cup 2019 and  an unexpected turnout and twist blazed for the podium finishers of Race 1 and Race 2. 



Qualifying Round -  Rider #01 Jakob Sablaya broke away from the other riders with a speed of 3.755s over Rider #09 Marco Ventinilla,  the latter was at   0.063s over rider #05 Trahvys Paralejas, who can be noted from previous rounds that positioned in 6thPlace.

Race 1 - Wet race transpired during the competition, however a different twist came out as rider#02 Andrej Ondillo was able to get the 3rd Place though he slides and overshoot in Lap 2 as rider#06 Chino Hung came back and reigned again as the second 2nd placer. However, rider#01 Jakob Sablaya was still at the  number 1 position compared with the rest of  riders. Meanwhile, rider#05 Trahvys Paralejas who notched  3rd in the qualifying round got his motorcycle changed, as he did experience motorcycle electrical failure because of the intense rain fall and were in 8th position during this race.

Race 2 - Riders became more  competitive, giving the audience a thrilling and exciting round. Jakob Sablaya once again broke  away from his competitors. The battle began for the 2nd and 3rd place as rider #05 Travhys Parelejas was able to come back and compete in a head to head battle against rider #08 Kurt Villanueva and rider #06 Chino Hung.

Final result of the competition has come and the result was unexpectedly satisfying for the winners ­ 1st Place for Rider #01 Jakob Sablaya,  Rider #05 Travhys Paralejas at 2ndplace and 3rd place winner Rider #08 Kurt Villanueva.


The continuous improvement of the Honda Pilipinas Dream Cup Riders was undeniably observed as the they  become faster  and well- skilled to compete again with each other in Round 4.

Below are the riders result and overall standing:


QUALIFYING ROUND





POS.
RIDER NO.
NAME
BEST TIME
2ND BEST
1
1
Jakob Sablaya
2:24.467
2:24.787
2
9
Marco Ventinilla
2:28.222
2:28.721
3
5
Trahvys Paralejas
2:28.285
2:28.806
4
7
Kokoy Mangibin
2:28.360
2:29.306
5
6
Chino Hung
2:28.612
2:28.978
6
8
Kurt Villanueva
2:29.459
2:30.465
7
2
Andrej Ondillo
2:33.445
2:33.820
8
3
Chad Mangulabnan
2:35.243
2:35.505
9
4
Michael Nicol Lee
-
-
RACE 1






POS.
RIDER NO.
NAME
TOTAL TIME
BEST TIME
DIFF.
1
1
Jakob Sablaya
14:08.889
2:46.971
-
2
6
Chino Hung
14:39.223
2:52.857
30.334
3
2
Andrej Ondillo
14:57.023
2:52.366
0.212
4
8
Kurt Villanueva
14:56.811
2:56.702
47.922
5
7
Kokoy Mangibin
14:31.563
2:49.361
22.674
6
3
Chad Mangulabnan
14:59.435
2:53.086
50.546
7
9
Marco Ventinilla
14:24.226
2:50.354
15.337
8
5
Trahvys Paralejas
14:30.579
2:49.270
21.690
9
4
Michael Nicol Lee
-
-
-
RACE 2





POS.
RIDER NO.
NAME
TOTAL TIME
BEST TIME
DIFF.
1
1
Jakob Sablaya
16:50.418
2:24.192
-
2
5
Trahvys Paralejas
17:14.061
2:27.408
23.643
3
8
Kurt Villanueva
17:14.186
2:27.521
23.768
4
6
Chino Hung
17:14.721
2:27.461
23.404
5
7
Kokoy Mangibin
17:20.720
2:28.081
30.302
6
9
Marco Ventinilla
17:22.207
2:28.634
31.789
7
2
Andrej Ondillo
17:49.794
2:32.292
59.376
8
3
Chad Mangulabnan
18:08.917
2:35.254
1:18.499
9
4
Michael Nicol Lee
-
-
-
OVERALL STANDING

The Sponsors continuously support this Program: Idemitsu, KTC Kyoto Tools, NGK Spark Plugs, NHK Helmet, Racing Boy, RK Takasago Chain, Threebond, Pirelli Tires, ARacer, Speedtek and Zero to Podium Racing