Fujifilm Philippines Supports Campaign to End TB

Fujifilm Philippines, a global leader in imaging and healthcare technology, has expressed support for the Department of Health (DOH) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in their campaign to end tuberculosis (TB) in the country. 2022 data from the DOH show that around 106 Filipinos die every day from TB, a severe lung infection caused by bacteria.

Fujifilm Philippines is dedicated to the fight to end TB by introducing cutting-edge technologies and innovations. One of the critical contributions Fujifilm has made is providing FDR Xair, a portable X-ray system. This innovative device plays a crucial role in early TB detection by enabling healthcare professionals to conduct rapid and accurate screenings in diverse settings. By deploying portable X-ray systems in areas across the country, Fujifilm is helping bridge healthcare access gaps and improve diagnostic capabilities.

The FDR Xair, well-known for its portability and high image quality, plays a pivotal role in enhancing TB screening efforts, particularly in remote and underserved communities where access to healthcare infrastructure is limited. The FDR Xair, with its portable design and advanced imaging technology, revolutionizes TB screening in remote areas by providing reliable performance, ease of use, and data- driven approaches to TB control.

Fujifilm’s innovative solutions align with the efforts of USAID’s TB Innovations and Health Systems Strengthening project, implemented by FHI 360, to reach, cure, and prevent TB in the country using a whole-of-government approach.

Fujifilm Philippines conducted their first Medical Mission and TB screening using their x-ray systems (FDR nano and FDR Go PLUS) in Majayjay Laguna in 2023. The company plans to continue this program annually and utilize FDR Xair. By working closely with affected communities, local healthcare providers, and grassroots organizations, the company ensures that TB interventions are culturally sensitive, equitable, and sustainable.

In light of the global challenge posed by TB, Fujifilm recognizes the necessity of a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach. The company stands in solidarity with governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to tackle TB head-on, with the shared goal of building a healthier, TB-free future.

Fujifilm Philippines recognizes the urgent need to enhance TB detection capabilities as cases of this infecti
ous disease continue to surge across the country, according to the DOH.As of December 31, 2023, DOH recorded over 600,000 cases of TB, or 549 cases per 100,000 people. This figure is higher than that of 2022, with 439 cases per 100,000 people. Despite its lethality, TB can be cured through free medication provided at TB DOTS clinics nationwide, where patients undergo a six-month treatment regimen without interruption.

Hospital Management Asia 2023 Conference Returns to Embrace Change for more Efficient Healthcare

MANILA, PHILIPPINES—Hospital Management Asia (HMA) 2023 Conference, the premier event for hospital owners, C-level executives, directors, and healthcare leaders, returns on September 5 and 6 at the Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

Industry leaders and professionals from around the world, including Philippine-based speakers Stephen Tan, Hospital Administrator at University of Cebu Medical Center and Roxannie Alejo, Centre for Patient Experience Head at The Medical City, will be sharing their expertise and insights at the upcoming healthcare conference.

The conference will feature hospitals that have leveraged the latest digital and smart technologies, seen as pivotal in healthcare’s continued quest to improve quality of patient care and operational efficiencies. Healthtech companies and startups with innovative healthcare ideas and technologies will be providing valuable insights into the latest trends and advancements in the field.

Attendees can expect panel sessions showcasing how leading hospitals in Asia are utilising digital technology to create innovative solutions for critical issues - from the global nursing shortage to medication errors, patient falls and hospital-acquired infections. Topics that will be covered include automation of nursing tasks; the role of data mining and analytics in quality and patient experience improvement; developing integrated digital systems to enhance care access and patient-centricity; and adoption of cybersecurity measures to ensure resilience of digital systems against cyberthreats.

Dr. Anton Decker, President of International at Mayo Clinic, will deliver a keynote speech on the significance of using data, AI, and connectivity in healthcare. Other key speakers at the event include Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, Minister of Health of Malaysia, Stephanie Bayer, Senior Director Patient Experience at Cleveland Clinic in the US, Dr. Ben Widaja, President Director of Mandaya Hospital Group in Indonesia, Dr. Asawin Puwatanasan, Deputy Hospital Director at Bangkok International Hospital in Thailand, Benedict Tan, Group Digital Strategy Officer and Chief Data Officer at Singapore Health Services in Singapore, and Monojit Mitra, Facility and Biomedical Director at FV Hospital in Vietnam.

"Our conference is designed to connect healthcare leaders from across Asia and facilitate important discussions," said Pinky Fadullon, HMA Project Director. "With the theme 'Embracing Change for More Efficient Healthcare,' we aim to inspire hospitals to leverage digital technology that will improve patient outcomes.”

Registration for HMA 2023 is now open with early bird rates available until June 8. Attendees can register online through the HMA website. More details of the conference agenda is available for download online.

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About Hospital Management Asia 2023

Hospital Management Asia (HMA) is the annual regional platform for hospital owners, C-level executives, directors, and healthcare leaders to network, collaborate, and share insights on healthcare management best practices and solutions that shape the future of the industry in Asia. In its 22nd year, the event is expected to gather 70+ speakers and 1,500+ hospital owners, C-level executives, directors, clinicians, and healthcare leaders from Asia Pacific on 5-6 September in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Hospital Management Asia 2023 is co-hosted by the Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia and supported by 15 top hospitals associations in Asia. www.hospitalmanagementasia.com/hma-2023

About Clarion Events

Headquartered in London, Clarion is a truly international business, with a portfolio of events and media brands across a range of vertical markets. We have employees based in offices worldwide who specialise in delivering first class marketing, networking, and information solutions in high-value sectors, both in mature and emerging geographies.

We organise both live and digital events every year, attracting buyers with spending and decision-making power who are looking for solutions and innovations to help move their businesses forward. Putting them in contact with the providers of these solutions, and with each other, is our overriding objective, always. www.clarionevents.com

Supporting Strong Connectivity While Staying Home with Converge ICT

With most of the population working from home, the country’s workforce is relying on fast internet connection and efficient productivity tools. That is why fastest growing internet service provider Converge ICT is resuming their operations in Metro Manila and select areas in North Luzon to power hundreds of Filipino households relying on their broadband service.
To protect both their employees and consumers, installer personnel will be covered with protective masks and all paraphernalia and vehicles will be fully sanitized before being taken out for service.

On their part, employees are given temporary lodging near their office, sanitation kits with alcohol, gloves, and masks, and vitamins to boost their immune system. They are also provided with food to minimize their mobility and undergo daily temperature checks.
“We, at Converge, are a firm believer in acting together in these challenging times to provide the best service for Filipinos. As we all adapt into the new normal homes and select businesses should get the extensive resources and support to be online. We will do what we can to provide strong connectivity because more than ever now, we need to stay connected with loved ones, friends and colleagues that we can only see virtually,” said Dennis Uy, Founder of Converge ICT Solutions.

“The health and safety of our people is paramount, so we are implementing necessary measures to keep them from harm’s way. We know that through this we are able to extend outstanding service to our customers too,” he added.

The processing of applications for new users has already resumed and will operate during weekends to fast track the need for Converge’s service. In addition to the installation service, customer service and repair services will also resume. The services may take within 3 to 10 days in compliance with travel restrictions, checkpoints, and essential manpower that may restrict the operations.

As a company resolute in being one with the front-liners, Converge has also previously given more than a thousand units of personal protective equipment to Angeles City Hospital.
For inquiries and the list of open branches visit https://www.convergeict.com/

About Converge ICT Solutions

Converge ICT Solutions is the leading fiber internet and digital consumer-centric services provider in the country. It is the first to run a pure end-to-end fiber internet network, providing Filipinos simple, fast, and reliable internet connection. Converge ICT Solutions is ISO and CE2.0 Certified.

Converge ICT First to Complete Free WI-FI Infra Among Players

Converge ICT, the country’s premier pure end to end fiber Data and Internet service provider, recently announced the completion of the free Wi-Fi infrastructure for the list of areas the Department of Information and Technology (DICT) has contracted under the Free Public Internet Access Program – Free Wi-Fi for All.

Previously, the DICT engaged all telco players through public bidding, to provide free public Wi-Fi to Filipinos in an effort to make available “free, open and high-quality” Internet access to users. The free Wi-Fi must be accessible in places like health centers, hospitals, parks, and schools, among others. Converge ICT is the first to fulfill service requirements, overcoming challenges and fast-tracking completion ahead of other contracted DICT vendors.

DICT awarded 186 sites to Converge ICT including key areas like Manila, Pasay City, and Quezon City. "We are glad to have been able to fulfill the task the DICT has given us," said Ronald G. Brusola, Chief Technology Officer of Converge ICT. "We are one with the government in providing free high-quality Internet access to Filipinos, and we will use our broad and strong infrastructure to give users seamless Internet experience they deserve."

DICT mapped out public areas that will be provided with free broadband Internet access in all municipalities and cities nationwide, especially in far-flung areas. This service is available in public plazas and parks, public libraries, schools, colleges, and universities; rural health units and government hospitals; train stations, airports, and seaports; and national and local government offices.

As of June 30, 2019, the Philippines has 67 million internet users from a population of over 100 million (Based on Internet World States https://www.internetworldstats.com/stats3.htm ).

"Converge ICT believes that access to the Internet is a fundamental need, which drives us to further expand our network by forging partnerships and strengthening our infrastructure." said Jesus C. Romero, Chief Operating Officer of Converge ICT.

The Internet is now a tool to accelerate economic, social, and educational opportunities. Beyond casual browsing and research, it is an important component for organizations to move forward with digitalization, and for citizens to communicate and transact with the government. The opportunity to give free Internet access makes it feasible to advance socio-economic agenda that will lead to nation-building.

About Converge ICT Solutions

Converge ICT Solutions is the leading fiber internet and digital consumer-centric services provider in the country. It is the first to run a pure end-to-end fiber internet network, providing Filipinos simple, fast, and reliable internet connection. Converge ICT Solutions is ISO and CE2.0 Certified.

Converge ICT Inks Partnership with Pay & Go for Easier Payment Schemes

Manila, Philippines – As Converge ICT further ensures of a more convenient customer journey, the leading fiber internet and data solutions company aims to innovate their services and make it more accessible.

Thanks to a new partnership with leading self-service payment kiosk operator BTI Payments, Converge ICT’s customers can pay their bills in more than 500 self-service Pay & Go payment kiosks, with a number of them operating 24/7. For customers, this means more locations for paying bills, shorter queues, and an enhanced customer experience.

Since launching the country’s first pure end-to-end fiber internet network, Converge ICT has been offering Filipino consumers a speedier and more reliable internet connection. Last year, Converge ICT rolled out the country’s first 400Gbps backbone to augment existing domestic network capacity. As an extension of the company’s mantra to optimize customer experience, Converge ICT partnered with BTI. This endeavor intends to deliver an improved end-to-end customer experience that goes all the way to bills payment.

Innovative customer-centric programs as such has enabled Converge ICT to grow its base and allow more Filipinos to enjoy premium fiber internet experience. And for efforts such as this, the fiber internet organization has been cited by London-based International Finance Awards Group as the “Fastest Growing Fiber Internet Service Provider in the Philippines.”

“Converge ICT is about giving Filipino consumers the kind of connectivity that is simple, fast, and easy. As we grow our presence in the Philippines, we are turning to credible and capable partners who will help us deliver the kind of customer experience we promise. In terms of bills payment, Pay & Go has the expertise and nationwide presence that complement our goal of delivering that seamless experience,” said Dennis “J3” Uy, Converge ICT President & CEO.

“Our growing portfolio of kiosks is located nationwide and will be in more places relevant and synonymous to where paying customers are at. We want to seamlessly integrate it into their fast-paced lifestyles, making payments without a hassle – whether you are in the office, supermarket, pharmacy, mall or at home. As our service is real time, anytime – we ensure Converge transactions through Pay & Go will be no different from doing it at their stores or business offices,” said BTI Payments Country Head Dan Ibarra.

“We aim to support the growing Philippine market with decades of experience in payments solutions. We are looking forward to collaborate with Converge and BTI Payments PH to enhance processes that will provide better customer service,” said Peter Blackett General Manager, Strategic Development & Asia of BANKTECH, and Director of BTI Payments Philippines.

BTI payments is a wholly owned subsidiary of BANKTECH, a top provider of ATM and payment technology in Australia and Asia for the past 25 years.

About Converge ICT Solutions

Converge ICT Solutions is the leading fiber internet and digital consumer-centric services provider in the country. It is the first to run a pure end-to-end fiber internet network, providing Filipinos simple, fast, and reliable internet connection. Converge ICT Solutions is ISO and CE2.0 Certified.

About BTI Payments

BTI Payments is a leading self-service payments kiosk certified by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. With its expertise in delivering innovative solutions to the market, it enables financial institutions, telecommunication companies, utilities, and merchants more access points in serving their respective markets.

Converge ICT cited as Philippines' Fastest Growing Fiber Internet Service Provider

Converge ICT Solutions, the broadband services provider behind the country’s first pure end-to-end fiber internet network, has been cited as the ‘Fastest Growing Fibre Internet Service Provider’ by the International Finance Awards.

The recognition comes from London-based global business and finance magazine, International Finance. According to the publication, Converge ICT is recognized to be true to its mission to upgrade the overall digital experience of the country. International Finance also lauded the company’s growth from the grassroots to become a budding powerhouse provider of pure end-to-end fiber internet.

Since the launch of Converge ICT’s fiber packages, the Philippines saw a steady and noticeable internet speed improvement. According to the world-renowned digital delivery network Akamai, the Philippines’ average internet speed in the third quarter of 2016 was only at 4.2Mbps. By the first quarter of 2016, the average download speed in the Philippines has increased by 135.90 percent to 18.66Mbps, Akamai reported.

One of the most recent milestones of Converge ICT is the introduction of the country’s first 400Gbps backbone to augment existing domestic network capacity. This allows 400G per channel at 64 channels or the equivalent of 25.6Tbps at capacity.

The backbone is considered a boost to major businesses and institutions such as business process outsourcing companies and financial institutions, which require high capacity connectivity or bandwidth. The rollout also allowed individual subscribers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to enjoy faster connection without any data cap for high bandwidth capacity.

Converge ICT has received the award last January 31, 2020 at Waldorf Astoria, Bangkok, Thailand.

About Converge ICT Solutions

Converge ICT Solutions is the leading fiber internet and digital consumer-centric services provider in the country. It is the first to run a pure end-to-end fiber internet network, providing Filipinos simple, fast, and reliable internet connection. Converge ICT Solutions is ISO and CE2.0 Certified.

Converge ICT Donates to Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital

Converge ICT Solutions Inc, the country’s premiere provider of pure end-to-end fiber connectivity, has always been committed to empowering the Filipino nation to “Experience Better.”

In line with the advocacy to uplift people’s quality of life via upgrading their online experience, the company has been upscaling their efforts to contribute in nation-building from more than just the digital aspect. As part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, the company adopted a Surgical Ward with the intention to uplift the healthcare services of the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital in Calapan City. With this donation, the hospital can procure needed equipment to aid in the improvement of their operations.

Private sector-initiated efforts like this enables public institutions like the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital to improve surgical healthcare service and take better care of their patients.

As Converge ICT expands its services south of the country, its efforts to upgrade experiences, both online and offline will surely be felt by more Filipinos.

Running Tips from Coach Rio

Is it your first time running? Are you worried about sustaining injuries or running out of breath even before you can reach the finish line?

Fear not as international marathoner and RUNRIO, Inc. president Rio de la Cruz shares his expertise with beginner runners in preparation for Maxicare MAXIFEST: Live Your Best Life, Maxicare’s biggest health and wellness event.

Whether you are a rookie runner or a seasoned health enthusiast, here are some pointers from Coach Rio that can help you gear up for the race:

Remember to warm-up. Aside from increasing your heart rate, a good warm-up is important because it makes your muscles flexible and gives enough oxygen to endure the physical activities you'll be doing. This will prevent your body from feeling stiff and sore after running. You can get ready by jogging or walking briskly for 20 to 30 minutes before the actual run.

Listen to your body. Push but don't force – that is what your mindset should be when running. If you are just a beginner, it is okay if you won't be able to run as far or as fast as other runners. When you feel your feet or the side of your torso hurting, take time to stop or slow down.

Learn proper running footstrike. According to Coach Rio, the way you plant your feet on the ground makes all the difference. There are three common running footstrikes: heel style, where your heel hits the ground first; the forefoot style, where you run on the ball of your foot; and the midfoot style, where most of your foot hits the ground at once – this is the most neutral running footstrike because it balances out your weight.

Try out some functional exercises. Functional training is a way to strengthen the body by doing exercises that mimic everyday movements just like lifting groceries or walking up the stairs. These exercises play a crucial role in boosting endurance, improving balance and posture, and enhancing strength and agility.

For this year’s MAXIFEST, the country’s leading HMO has partnered with RUNRIO, Inc., one of the premiere race organizers in the country, for the Maxicare MAXIFEST run which features different running courses and distances for all sorts of runners. There will also be a Maxicare Market, a one-stop shop for ready-to-eat plant-based alternatives.

The highlight of Maxicare MAXIFEST 2019 will be the attempt to set a new Guinness World Record that aims to help support the children of Kythe Foundation, the beneficiary of the event. Kythe Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit, non-stock organization aimed towards improving the quality of life among hospitalized children with cancer and other chronic illness.

Registration to Maxicare MAXIFEST is ongoing. Simply visit https://www.runrio.com/race/registration/maxifest-2019. For more info, log on to https://www.maxicare.com.ph or https://www.facebook.com/maxicarehealthcarecorp/.


Maxicare Healthcare Corporation: One of the pioneers in the health maintenance organization (HMO) industry was established in 1987 by an esteemed group of doctors and businessmen with the vision to deliver a better healthcare system. Three decades later, Maxicare has progressed into becoming the No. 1 HMO* in the country, continuously providing comprehensive healthcare programs via its wide network of medical providers and strengthened customer support.

Maxicare has more than 1.2 Million Members, more than 56,000 affiliated Doctors, more than 1,000 affiliated Hospitals and Clinics, 3,800 Dental providers, 8 Primary Care Centers and 13 Helpdesks, 9 Satellite Offices, 5 Exclusive Wings.

Maxicare Inks Partnership with Manulife

Maxicare Healthcare Corporation, the country’s leading healthcare provider, recently formed a 2-year partnership with Manulife Philippines, the largest insurance company in the country, to help make lives of Filipinos better through easy access to financial and health products. The partnership allows for cross-training of over 3,000 Maxicare agents who can now sell Manulife products and of over 9,000 Manulife Philippines financial advisors who can now include Maxicare healthcare products in their portfolio. Photo shows (L-R) Maxicare chief consumer officer Rodelee Uy, Manulife Philippines SVP and chief distribution officer Stephen Ong, Maxicare president and CEO Christian Argos, Manulife Philippines president and CEO Ryan Charland, and Maxicare chief operating officer Nelissa Badal.

For more information, visit www.maxicare.com.ph.

Maxicare Forges Ties with Lalamove

Maxicare, the country’s leading healthcare provider, recently partnered with Lalamove, the leading delivery app, to make quality healthcare more accessible to Lalamove partner drivers. Through the partnership, over 25,000 Lalamove partner drivers can avail of discounted healthcare cards such as MyMaxicare Lite, Maxicare PRIMA, and Maxicare E-Ready. Partner drivers may avail of discounted Maxicare healthcare cards at Lalamove offices in Makati, Alabang, Quezon City, and Cebu. Photo shows (L-R) Lalamove strategic partnerships manager Akiko Sumulong, managing director Dannah Majarocon, together with Maxicare president and CEO Christian Argos, and chief consumer officer Rodelee Uy.

For more information, visit www.maxicare.com.ph.

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.

Win a Trip for Two to Boracay, Cebu, or Hong Kong with AXA’s Auto-Pay Feature

Pay your insurance premium through AXA Philippines’ auto-pay for a chance to win a trip for two (2) to Boracay, Cebu, or even Hong Kong!

The auto-pay feature of one of the country’s leading insurers allows you to pay your premium automatically and conveniently through your preferred bank account or credit card.

Joining is easy. Simply visit the promo page www.axa.com.ph/autopayfaq and download the auto debit or credit card form. After you have filled it out, submit it to your AXA financial advisor or any AXA branch. You may also get the form from any AXA branch. Submit the filled-out form to that branch.

A successful application for auto-pay automatically entitles you to one (1) raffle entry per policy. If for example you enroll three (3) policies, then you get three raffle entries.

Three lucky policyholders will each win a three-day, two-night trip for two (2) to Boracay or Cebu with hotel accommodation, roundtrip tickets,and airport transfers. One grand winner gets a three-day, two-night trip for two (2) to Hong Kong with hotel accommodation, roundtrip tickets,and airport transfers.

The promo is open to AXA policyholders who are at least 18 years old with a policy issued before May 27, 2019. Promo period is until July 27, 2019. Automatic debit or credit card payment arrangement must be submitted within the promo period and approved by August 29, 2019.

Enroll your policy now with AXA Philippines’ premium auto-pay service.

To know more, visit www.axa.com.ph/autopayfaq.

Maxicare Makes Healthcare More Accessible to Ilonggos

Healthcare Corporation, the country’s leading healthcare provider, recently established its newest health pod in Startek Philippines, Inc., a call center and BPO in Iloilo, to ensure better access to healthcare services for its employees. 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. It offers convenient and time-saving way for employees to get their LOA (letter of authorization). The latest Maxicare health pod is located at Two Global Center, Megaworld Blvd, Mandurriao, Iloilo City. In photo (L-R): Maxicare senior assistant vice president and group head of corporate sales Fiona Lava-Victoria, chief operating officer Nelissa Badal, president and CEO Christian Argos, Startek global COO Peter Martino, Startek Philippines COO Parikshat Nagpal, and Startek Philippines human resource vice president Ana Maria Magsaysay.

For more information, visit www.maxicare.com.ph.

Hong Kong Disneyland Trip for Shop and Fly Promo Winners

Philippines, one of the country‘s leading insurers, in partnership with The SM Store, awarded an all-expense paid trip for two to Hong Kong Disneyland to lucky e-raffle winners of the recent Shop and Fly Promo. The winners, including Jeremy Albert Na Diego (in photo), also received AXA Philippines Personal Accident Insurance coverage worth P50,000. Among the stores that participated in the Shop and Fly promo, which was exclusive to SM Advantage Card holders, were The SM Store Pampanga, Clark (Pampanga), Baguio, Megacenter Cabanatuan (Nueva Ecija), Cauayan (Isabela), Rosales and Urdaneta (Pangasinan), Tarlac, Olongapo (Zambales), Marilao and Baliwag (Bulacan), Telabastagan, San Fernando (Pampanga), and Valenzuela. With Diego and his companion in photo are (L-R) The SM Store Megacenter assistant branch manager Nelson D. Lutero, Jr., AXA Philippines financial partner Jessel Ladrillono, and AXA Philippines financial partner Michael Alamag.

Travel Easy with AXA’s TravelWise

When planning for a trip, many travelers put a lot of focus in perfecting their itinerary. What they don't realize is that a trip can never be perfect without the peace of mind that comes with having travel insurance.

Good travel insurance, like TravelWise1, from leading global insurer AXA in partnership with HSBC, offers up to five million pesos (P5 million) in worldwide coverage.  It includes a wide range of benefits such as personal accident coverage and 24-hour medical and emergency assistance.

Apart from medical and emergency benefits, it also offers refunds for travel inconveniences such as flight cancellation, postponement, alteration, and delay; and covers the loss or damage of personal belongings and travel documents. For added security, it also includes coverage in case of hijacking, kidnapping or hostage-taking overseas, as well as in case of legal liabilities that arise while abroad.

Choose from three plan types depending on your need and budget, including an option for Shengen visa applications. You can opt for a single trip cover or the recommended annual cover for frequent travelers. Enjoy your vacation and travel with complete peace of mind. Avail of AXA’s TravelWise, exclusively available to HSBC credit card and debit card holders, now. Visit www.hsbc.com.ph/insurance/ for more details.

AXA Philippines Renews Licenses to Operate Its Life and General Insurance Businesses

The Insurance Commission (IC) recently renewed the business licenses of AXA Philippines, one of the leading insurance companies in the country, and its wholly owned subsidiary, Charter Ping An Insurance Corp. The renewal signifies that AXA Philippines’ life and general insurance businesses are in good standing with the IC and that the companies can continue offering their superior life and general insurance products to their customers, thereby helping them to live better and more empowered lives. Photo shows AXA Philippines chief customer officer, Amor Balagtas with insurance commissioner Hon. Dennis Funa.

AXA Philippines and Lockheed Group-Medocare Health Systems Forge agreement

One of the country’s leading insurance companies, AXA Philippines, signed a collaboration agreement with Lockheed Group-Medocare Health Systems, Inc., a unit of the EU Group of Companies that provides managed healthcare services that are affordable and responsive. Through this undertaking, Medocare will provide their customers expanded benefits, powered by AXA’s suite of superior life and non-life insurance products and services, including life insurance and group personal accident insurance. Photo shows AXA chief of commercial business Nicasio F. Rollan III (2nd from left) and Lockheed Group-Medocare chairman and CEO Ret. Col. Esteban B. Uy, Jr. (3rd from left), along with AXA head of commercial distribution Gerard S. Arga (leftmost) and Lockheed Group-Medocare acting president Atty. Dahn Greigor S. Uy (rightmost).

AXA Philippines Posts Record Premium Income Growth

AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance companies, posted a growth in Total Premium Income (TPI) of 22%, ending 2017 with more than P26 billion.

Based on data from the Insurance Commission, AXA Philippines' TPI growth is double the average industry growth of 11%. It also exceeded the combined growth of the top four insurance companies in the Philippines.

“AXA’s impressive growth is very much a result of the continuous expansion of our distribution network across the country and the constant introduction of new solutions to address the evolving needs of our customers,” says Rahul Hora, AXA Philippines CEO. “We beefed up our suite of products to serve very specific markets: launching new ones like MyAmbition, Retire Smart, and Smart Traveller; and improving existing ones like Global Health Access and HealthMax. This year, we expect to ride on this robust growth trajectory as we move towards achieving market leadership.”

Hora also attributes AXA’s success to the company’s commitment towards customer centricity and leveraging on technology to aid its distributors in reaching out to more customers. He says the overall improved economy also contributed to the rise in its 2017 figures.

Its general insurance arm, Charter Ping An, outpaced the market growth rate of 17%, moving up to number three in the rankings from last year’s number four spot. AXA acquired Charter Ping An in 2016 and now offers products such as motor, business, and home protection, becoming the only insurance company in the country’s top five to provide both life and non-life coverage.

In 2017, AXA Philippines introduced MyAmbition, the first single premium variable life plan for young professionals that can be completely availed online; Retire Smart, a regular premium variable life plan intended for disciplined fund build-up paid until retirement date; and Smart Traveller, the travel insurance that offers personal accident and medical coverage plus 24/7 helpline anywhere in the world. It also widened the scope of cover of Global Health Access to include hypertension and high cholesterol, and presented a more convenient way to pay for HealthMax via HealthMax 10-Pay.

AXA entered into a partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA) to become its official insurance partner in the country. The strategic partnership highlights both companies’ shared principles of teamwork, integrity, courage, and innovation; and allows AXA to reach a broader audience.

In order to empower more people to live the life they choose, AXA also launched its Financial Needs Analysis (FNA) platform in 2017, a service and tool that an AXA financial coach uses to explain to the customer in easy terms why life protection is important, especially in cases of unforeseen setbacks and emergencies.

AXA Philippines is a joint venture of Paris-based AXA Group and Metrobank, one of the largest financial conglomerates in the country. To date, it has around 4,000 financial advisors serving one million customers nationwide.

AXA PH Expects Digital Innovations to Drive Growth

Keeping up with the digital age and adapting to the latest technologies is a major part of the growth strategy of AXA Philippines, one of the leading insurance companies in the country.

This was revealed by Denis Duverne, AXA Group chairman, during his recent visit to the Philippines.  “We do use new technologies in all parts of our businesses,” Duverne says. He adds that the Philippine entity is in fact quite advanced in the use of digital tools, accelerating its strategy to move from being a payer to becoming an encouraging partner.

“We are also constantly forging digital partnerships with new economy companies to help keep us up to date,” Duverne says.

AXA Asia CEO Gordon Watson who was also in town stressed the importance of data in their business. “Insurance is about data, so we use data analysis for better underwriting and to better respond to our customers,” Watson says.

“Our aim is to innovate our business model,” says AXA Philippines president and CEO Rahul Hora, “This is to enable our distributors to be better, by providing them tools, such as calculators for their tablets or laptops, which results in better quality transactions with their prospects.”

AXA is proud to have its e-Financial Needs Analysis platform that helps customers learn about their insurance protection gaps in relation to their financial goals so they can act accordingly. A ‘light’ version through the chat bot “Coach Finn” can also be accessed on the AXA website.

Other innovative solutions that AXA has rolled out in country include MyAmbition, an affordable investment and life insurance plan that was the first in the country to be made available online, powered by their proprietary e-commerce platform AXA Ion. Its travel insurance Smart Traveller is also available for purchase online.

For health plan holders, a medical teleconsultation service is made available to them. It enables customers to schedule and have a virtual medical checkup with a doctor over the phone for simple health concerns.

Auto security policyholders also benefit from the AXA Assist app’s red button emergency feature, which at one tap can respond to the caller’s roadside needs.

With further convenience in mind for its customers, AXA has also developed the e-policy. E-policy is an electronic copy of their customers’ insurance policy that they can print, save on their personal storage, and even e-mail to their beneficiaries.

MyAXA app for desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile gives customers the power to check their account value, remember due dates, pay for their premiums, or contact their adviser right from their device.

For more information, visit www.axa.com.ph.

Love Life Plagued by Money Problems? Heed These Tips

Strong and healthy relationships are built on love and mutual respect, but sometimes even the strongest ones can get rocky, especially when faced with rifts about money.

AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance companies, offers some tips on how to avoid money problems that can ruin relationships:

Establish accountability. Agree on who will be responsible for what. Who will cover monthly bills and day-to-day expenses and who will handle long-term savings? It is important that the system you come up with works for and has been agreed on by the both of you.

Know your priorities. Think about the future and identify what matters to you most. For married couples with children, the kids’ needs must be given priority. For new couples, identify assets that you both want to have someday. Invest a part of your savings so you have funds to spend for these priorities. AXA’s Asset Master, a single-pay, investment-linked insurance plan, allows you to build a diversified investment portfolio of local and global investments.

Live within your means. Whatever financial management strategy you follow, living within your means should guide your decisions. Spending recklessly might cause a strain on your relationship especially when you have set a financial goal, like making an investment or buying a house and lot or a car. Be open with each other about income and finances.

Protect your assets and worry less. Insure what you worked hard for, such as your home or your car, to lessen your financial worries. Prepare to deal with damages and losses caused by road and vehicular accidents with AXA Auto Security. Safeguard your home from natural and unexpected disasters like fire, flood, earthquake, storms and volcanic eruptions with AXA Property Insurance.

Set aside a “fun fund.” Couples who have fun together become closer and stronger. When creating a budget, make provisions for things that will give you joy as a couple—like traveling together. Feel more secure and safe when you travel with AXA Smart Traveller, which comes with a wide range of benefits including 24-hour medical assistance, personal accident coverage, liability and personal safety coverage, as well as refunds for travel inconveniences.

For more information, visit www.axa.com.ph