Jollibee Group, Antipolo LGU Renews Partnership for Inclusive Employment Program

MANILA, Philippines. – A new batch of customer relations staff composed of senior citizens (SC) and persons with disabilities (PWD) will soon be serving customers again in select Jollibee Group-owned restaurants in Antipolo City as Jollibee Group and Antipolo City government signed a new agreement that provides jobs to qualified SCs and PWDs.

The initiative, which is part of Jollibee Group’s inclusive employment program, is a crucial step in the company’s thrust to foster diversity and inclusion in the workplace. 

“Jollibee Group is committed to supporting programs that enable SCs and PWDs to remain engaged and productive members of our society,” said Ruth Angeles, Jollibee Group Vice President, and HR Head for Philippines. “We are happy to once again collaborate with the Antipolo City government and provide qualified SCs and PWDs the opportunity to join us in our mission of spreading the joy of eating to everyone.”

Jollibee Group and Antipolo City government started this partnership in February 2020, benefitting over 40 senior citizens and PWDs from various communities in the city. The program was discontinued due to the pandemic. 

With this partnership renewal, some qualified 36 SCs and PWDs will be part of the first batch of beneficiaries and will be deployed in nine participating stores by the third week of August. The participating brands include Chowking branches in Unciano, Marcos Highway, and Oliveros; Burger King branches in Vermon and Antipolo; Greenwich branch in SM Masinag; and Jollibee branches in SM Masinag, New Lores Antipolo, and Antipolo Capitol. 

The nine participating stores will conduct a sensitivity workshop among its store teams on disability awareness and inclusion to allow them to properly and effectively communicate, interact, and work with SCs and PWDs. 

“This is an essential part of the program to ensure that everyone in the team can work in harmony and be able to leverage on one another’s strength,” Angeles added.

The signing of the memorandum of agreement was held last July 18, and was led by City Mayor Casimiro A. Ynares III; Maria Fe B. Iquin, Manager of Antipolo Public Employment Service Office; and Mary Ann Lim, Assistant Vice President and Greenwich HR Head.

Also joining them were Rizza Masupil, Greenwich Operations Director of Greenwich; Felmarie Jolo, Chowking Operations Director; Shelwin Hizon, Jollibee Operations Director; Lorlyn Cordero, Burger King Area Manager.

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About Jollibee Group 

Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC, also known as Jollibee Group) is one of the fastest-growing restaurant companies in the world. Its mission is to serve great-tasting food and bring the joy of eating to everyone through its 18 brands with over 6,500 stores across 34 countries including the Philippines, United States, Canada, the People's Republic of China, United Kingdom, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates, and Australia. 

The Jollibee Group has eight wholly owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger); four franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, and Yoshinoya in the Philippines, and Tim Ho Wan in certain territories in China); 80% ownership of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf; 60% ownership in the SuperFoods Group that owns Highlands Coffee; and 51% ownership of Milksha, a popular Taiwanese bubble tea brand. JFC also has a business venture with award-winning Chef Rick Bayless for Tortazo, a Mexican fast-casual restaurant business in the United States.

The Jollibee Group, through its subsidiary Jollibee Worldwide Pte. Ltd. (JWPL) owns 90% participating interest in Titan Dining LP, a private equity fund that owns the Tim Ho Wan brand. The Jollibee Group has a joint venture with the THW Group to open and operate THW restaurants in Mainland China. Recently, the Jollibee Group has signed an agreement to establish a joint venture company that will own and operate Tiong Bahru Bakery and Common Man Coffee Roasters in the Philippines. 

The Jollibee Group has launched its global sustainability agenda dubbed Joy for Tomorrow, which aims to strengthen the company’s commitment to sustainable business practices. The agenda centers on the key pillars of Food, People, and Planet, and consists of 10 focus areas namely: food safety, food quality, nutrition & transparency, employee welfare, farmers livelihood, community support, good governance, packaging & recycling, waste reduction, and energy & water efficiency. Each focus area sets goals and initiatives that contribute and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

The Jollibee Group was named the Philippines' most admired company by the Asian Wall Street Journal for ten years. It was also honored as one of Asia's Fab 50 Companies and among the World's Best Employers and World’s Top Female-Friendly Companies by Forbes. The company is also a two-time recipient of Gallup’s Exceptional Workplace Award, making it the only Philippine-based company to receive the distinction. 

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com

Jollibee Group Partners with PBEd, USAID to Provide Jobs to Filipino Youth

MANILA, Philippines. – Unemployment remains an issue to many underprivileged Filipino youth, especially during a challenging economic climate. Most of them have lost their jobs or failed to secure stable jobs due to the impacts of the pandemic. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), youth unemployment rate in the Philippines as of May 2023 is at 10.6%.

To help address youth unemployment, the Jollibee Group, and its social development arm Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) recently partnered with the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) and Career Builder Skills Training and Assessment Center on the YouthWorks PH project.

Launched in 2018, YouthWorks PH is a private sector-led initiative which aims to increase access of unemployed and out-of-school Filipino youth to quality training and employment opportunities. This project is implemented by PBEd in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

PBEd is the business community's response to the need for sustained and strategic education reform in the Philippines. Career Builder Skills Training and Assessment Center is a TESDA accredited skills training and assessment center established in 2020 to help provide employment opportunities to unemployed Filipinos through skills training.

For its part, the Jollibee Group will co-develop the technical-vocational school-based curriculum with Career Builders, in coordination with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). JGF will also provide scholarship assistance to youth scholars and provide them with practicum training in select JFC stores. A pilot training program will be done this year to optimize the design and mechanics that can be used to scale to more youth trainees across the country beginning 2024.

“We are happy to partner with PBEd, USAID, TESDA, and Career Builder on providing the marginalized youth sector with the opportunity to empower themselves with technical and leadership skills. This initiative will enable them not only to find jobs, but also to unlock their potential so they can achieve a better life for themselves and their families,” said Jollibee Group Foundation President Gisela Tiongson.

 

Sustained program for youth employment

This is not the first time JGF has undertaken an initiative for the marginalized youth sector. In 2005, JGF launched the Access, Curriculum, and Employability or ACE Scholarship Program, which provides two types of educational support to underprivileged youth: college scholarships for degrees in Hotel and Restaurant Management or Business Management, and technical skills training scholarships, in partnership with Don Bosco Technical College.

In 2018, JGF partnered with the Anihan Technical School for the development of the Quick Service Restaurant Operations course, which includes both in-school and in-store training for scholars, improving not only their skills set, but also their employability in the food service industry.

Since the ACE Scholarship Program started in 2004, JGF has given scholarships to 2,397 students, which includes 1,117 students for agriculture and 139 for technical-vocational skills training.

“We continue to work towards reducing barriers to education for the marginalized Filipino youth. With new partners like PBEd and USAID, we are strengthening our ACE Scholarship Program even further and helping provide more young people with better chances at succeeding in life and improving their quality of life,” said Tiongson.

 

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About Jollibee Group

Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC, also known as Jollibee Group) is one of the fastest-growing restaurant companies in the world. Its mission is to serve great-tasting food and bring the joy of eating to everyone through its 18 brands with over 6,500 stores across 34 countries including the Philippines, United States, Canada, the People's Republic of China, United Kingdom, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates, and Australia.

The Jollibee Group has eight wholly owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger); four franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, and Yoshinoya in the Philippines, and Tim Ho Wan in certain territories in China); 80% ownership of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf; 60% ownership in the SuperFoods Group that owns Highlands Coffee; and 51% ownership of Milksha, a popular Taiwanese bubble tea brand. JFC also has a business venture with award-winning Chef Rick Bayless for Tortazo, a Mexican fast-casual restaurant business in the United States.

The Jollibee Group, through its subsidiary Jollibee Worldwide Pte. Ltd. (JWPL) owns 90% participating interest in Titan Dining LP, a private equity fund that owns the Tim Ho Wan brand. The Jollibee Group has a joint venture with the THW Group to open and operate THW restaurants in Mainland China. Recently, the Jollibee Group has signed an agreement to establish a joint venture company that will own and operate Tiong Bahru Bakery and Common Man Coffee Roasters in the Philippines.

The Jollibee Group has launched its global sustainability agenda dubbed Joy for Tomorrow, which aims to strengthen the company’s commitment to sustainable business practices. The agenda centers on the key pillars of Food, People, and Planet, and consists of 10 focus areas namely: food safety, food quality, nutrition & transparency, employee welfare, farmers livelihood, community support, good governance, packaging & recycling, waste reduction, and energy & water efficiency. Each focus area sets goals and initiatives that contribute and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

The Jollibee Group was named the Philippines' most admired company by the Asian Wall Street Journal for ten years. It was also honored as one of Asia's Fab 50 Companies and among the World's Best Employers and World’s Top Female-Friendly Companies by Forbes. The company is also a two-time recipient of Gallup’s Exceptional Workplace Award, making it the only Philippine-based company to receive the distinction.

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com

THE WONDERS OF CYCLING

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – While return to onsite work and easing of restrictions provide some semblance of post-pandemic normalcy, most still remain hypervigilant because of the sudden rise of cases. This means it is still important to not let down your guard, observe health and safety protocols, and make sure your immune system is in top shape through proper diet and exercise. 

One of the activities many started during the pandemic is cycling, encouraging people to get out of the house for fresh air and a change of environment. It is easy enough to do and perfect for those who just want to do it leisurely, and equally perfect for those looking for a higher intensity cardio workout. 

It’s also proven to have many benefits which contribute to improving one’s mental and physical wellbeing.

Cycling increases endurance and improves cardiovascular health on and off the bike. 

 

Biking for at least 30 minutes a day improves overall cardiovascular health and muscular endurance, research says. The key to building endurance is consistency--it allows you to increase your distance and level of intensity over time. With practice, you’ll soon notice you can pedal your way to longer and more challenging rides without feeling too tired.

 

Cycling is beginner-friendly.

 

The good thing about cycling is that it’s easy to learn. With basic skills and little effort, you can enjoy casual spins around your neighborhood. Pace yourself depending on what your body can handle and slowly adjust your mileage and intensity. What's more, cycling is a low-impact exercise suited for all ages!

 

Cycling improves your balance, posture and coordination. 

 

The first step in learning how to bike is finding your balance and figuring out how to stabilize your body. If you’re a beginner, don't be too hard on yourself! It may take a bit of time to get the hang of things, but with regular practice, you'll see significant improvement in your balance, posture, and coordination. 

Cycling supports weight loss. 

 

With limited opportunities to exercise in the last two years, you likely have gained a few unwanted pounds. Luckily, cycling helps you lose weight and build muscle in a safe way. It allows you to get your heart rate up with less wear and tear on your knees, ankles, and other joints. To maximize your calories burned, try to increase the intensity or duration of your bike workout.

 

Cycling boosts mental health and brain power.

 

It's tested and proven--cycling is one of the best ways to battle brain fog. Aside from lessening feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress, it also boosts brainpower leading to better focus and concentration. Plus, you get higher energy levels within the day because of your increased stamina!

Cycling helps you feel good.

 

Similar to runners, cyclists also get a “cycling high” and science has proven that it’s for real! After a ride, cyclists experience a spike in neuro-chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine and endorphins—otherwise known as happy hormones. At the same time, cycling is a great way to spend quality time with the family.

Get rewarded for being healthy with AIA Vitality

It's never too late to start new habits. Hop on your bike, get more active, and earn rewards from AIA Vitality, AIA Philippines’ wellness program that rewards you for knowing and improving your health. You can earn up to 100 AIA Vitality Points daily from cycling and get instant freebies for hitting your fitness targets two weeks in a row.

Beyond the protection, investment and savings benefits that AIA Philippines offers, AIA Vitality raises the bar and gives unprecedented living benefits that members can enjoy for being healthy. These include 70% off elite membership at Gold’s Gym, up to 30% off Samsung, Garmin, and Fitbit fitness devices, and 25% off at Toby’s Sports, Runnr and urbanAthletics. You can also enjoy exclusive insurance benefits of up to 50% additional coverage, 20% premium discount or 100% loyalty boost. 

Every cyclist has a story. Create yours today with AIA Vitality! 

Click here for more information about AIA Vitality and the Total Health Solution offered by AIA Philippines, or here to visit the AIA Philippines Facebook page, email customerservice.ph@aia.com or call (02) 8528-2000 to know more.

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About AIA Philippines

AIA Philippines (AIA Philippines Life and General Insurance Company, Inc.), formerly AIA Philam Life (The Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company), is the country’s premier life insurance company. Originally established on 21 June 1947 and became popularly known as Philam Life, AIA Philippines has earned the trust of customers for its financial strength, strong brand name, and ability to deliver on its promises.

AIA Philippines has PHP276.73 billion in total assets and PHP72.21 billion in net worth as of 31 December 2021 while serving almost 800,000 individual policyholders and nearly 800,000 insured group members.

AIA Philippines understands the needs of its customers and provides holistic solutions that include life protection, health insurance, savings, education, retirement, investment, group, and credit life insurance. It also offers bancassurance through its subsidiary, BPI AIA Life Assurance Corporation (formerly BPI-Philam Life Assurance Corporation).

Based on the Insurance Commission results as of 31 December 2021, the combined total premium income of AIA Philippines and BPI AIA was at PHP33.91 billion.

AIA Philippines is a member of AIA Group Limited, the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group.

About AIA

AIA Group Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively “AIA” or the “Group”) comprise the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group. It has a presence in 18 markets – wholly-owned branches and subsidiaries in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (China), Vietnam, Brunei and Macau SAR, and a 49 per cent joint venture in India.

The business that is now AIA was first established in Shanghai more than a century ago in 1919. It is a market leader in Asia (ex-Japan) based on life insurance premiums and holds leading positions across the majority of its markets. It had total assets of US$340 billion as of 31 December 2021.

AIA meets the long-term savings and protection needs of individuals by offering a range of products and services including life insurance, accident and health insurance and savings plans. The Group also provides employee benefits, credit life and pension services to corporate clients. Through an extensive network of agents, partners and employees across Asia, AIA serves the holders of more than 39 million individual policies and over 16 million participating members of group insurance schemes.

AIA Group Limited is listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the stock code “1299” with American Depositary Receipts (Level 1) traded on the over-the-counter market (ticker symbol: “AAGIY”).

AIA PHILIPPINES OFFERS SAME-SEX BENEFICIARY INCLUSION

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The future is uncertain, and one must be prepared for anything. To make protection more inclusive, the country’s premier life insurance company, AIA Philippines, allows customers to enlist their same-sex partners as beneficiaries, as aligned with the Insurance Commission’s position on the matter. 

With this update, AIA Philippines customers can enlist their partners as beneficiaries of their existing and future policies, regardless of their marital status. If the customer and beneficiary are married, they would need to submit a marriage certificate or other proof of marriage to be enlisted as a policy beneficiary.

“Everyone should have the means to protect their loved ones from life’s many risks, and expressing love and responsibility to those we care about should not be limited by how we identify as people. Our promise of helping people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives is for all,” Kelvin Ang, AIA Philippines CEO said. “With these adjustments in place, our LGBTQ+ customers can protect their loved ones through AIA Philippines’ innovative offerings.”

If the couple is not yet married, same-sex partners may still be approved as beneficiaries if declared together with family members. Those who wish their partners to be sole beneficiaries may still be allowed on a case-to-case basis, requiring documents that show proof of their relationship. Customers may inquire with their AIA Philippines financial advisor for more details.

This inclusion pertains to active policies and products to be procured by customers in the future. Hence, whether you’re a current AIA PH customer or if you’re looking to invest in the future, you can enlist your same-sex partner as a beneficiary upon submission of the requirements. With this update, protection from life’s many uncertainties is no longer limited to heterosexual partners. 

This update is in line with the Insurance Commission’s affirmation that any individual, regardless of gender identity, may designate any individual as a beneficiary, subject only to certain exceptions under the Civil Code.

Life is unpredictable, and no one knows what tomorrow may bring. And AIA Philippines is committed to ensuring that a healthier, longer and better life is available to all its customers no matter what. 

Click here for more information about AIA Philippines, or here to visit the AIA Philippines Facebook page, email customerservice.ph@aia.com or call (02) 8528-2000 to know more.

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About AIA Philippines

AIA Philippines (AIA Philippines Life and General Insurance Company, Inc.), formerly AIA Philam Life (The Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company), is the country’s premier life insurance company. Originally established on 21 June 1947 as Philam Life, AIA Philippines has earned the trust of customers for its financial strength, strong brand name, and ability to deliver on its promises.

AIA Philippines has PHP276.73 billion in total assets and PHP72.21 billion in net worth as of 31 December 2021 while serving almost 800,000 individual policyholders and nearly 800,000 insured group members.

AIA Philippines understands the needs of its customers and provides holistic solutions that include life protection, health insurance, savings, education, retirement, investment, group, and credit life insurance. It also offers bancassurance through its subsidiary, BPI AIA Life Assurance Corporation (formerly BPI-Philam Life Assurance Corporation).

Based on the Insurance Commission results as of 31 December 2021, the combined total premium income of AIA Philippines and BPI AIA was at PHP33.91 billion.

AIA Philippines is a member of AIA Group Limited, the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group.

About AIA

AIA Group Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively “AIA” or the “Group”) comprise the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group. It has a presence in 18 markets – wholly-owned branches and subsidiaries in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (China), Vietnam, Brunei and Macau SAR, and a 49 per cent joint venture in India.

The business that is now AIA was first established in Shanghai more than a century ago in 1919. It is a market leader in Asia (ex-Japan) based on life insurance premiums and holds leading positions across the majority of its markets. It had total assets of US$340 billion as of 31 December 2021.

AIA meets the long-term savings and protection needs of individuals by offering a range of products and services including life insurance, accident and health insurance and savings plans. The Group also provides employee benefits, credit life and pension services to corporate clients. Through an extensive network of agents, partners and employees across Asia, AIA serves the holders of more than 39 million individual policies and over 16 million participating members of group insurance schemes.

AIA Group Limited is listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the stock code “1299” with American Depositary Receipts (Level 1) traded on the over-the-counter market (ticker symbol: “AAGIY”).

Here’s Why Relationships are Key for Your Wellbeing

Whether you consider yourself a social butterfly or someone who prefers one-on-one interactions, the quality of your personal relationships affects not only your level of happiness but also your overall health and well-being. According to clinical research by the US National Academy of Sciences, individuals who have better social connectedness have lower risks of physiological stress and tend to be happier and live longer than people who are isolated. 

AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, is a financial institution that helps Filipinos protect their health while securing a better future for their loved ones. The company shares these tips and insights on why relationships are vital for one’s physical and mental health: 

 

You become physically healthier. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), your health is connected to how you bond with your friends and partners, and even the dynamics of your marriage and family.  A study found that connecting with others helps relieve harmful levels of stress, and, in turn, decreases negative complications of the coronary arteries, improves gut function, insulin regulation, and strengthens the immune system. If you’re looking to build more social connections for better health, spending time with others can be a great place to start. 

 

It improves your mental wellbeing. The WHO defines depression as a result of a complex interaction of social, psychological, and biological factors that can lead to stress and dysfunction. When you’re depressed, the tendency is to withdraw and isolate to the point that connecting to even close family and friends can be tough. According to the AXA 2022 Mind Health and Wellbeing study, which covered 11 markets in Europe and Asia, social connectedness tends to promote health in all ages. Connectedness is also one of the 10 skills needed to be in the state of ‘flourishing,’ or being at the peak of mental health. You can help manage the onset feelings of depression by surrounding yourself with supportive people who remind you that you are not alone and that you are loved.

 

It boosts your self-confidence and sense of belonging. No matter what unites you with your group of friends or your partner, feeling like you belong to a group can be highly beneficial. Research published by the American Psychological Association concluded that a person’s social relationships influence their self-esteem development and vice versa. A sense of belonging also fulfills an important emotional health need and helps reduce feelings of depression and hopelessness, especially during times like the pandemic when most people are isolated from their loved ones. To improve your sense of belonging, put in the effort to join activities and groups of people with whom you share common interests like volunteering in a social group that supports a worthy cause or a hobby you enjoy.

 

Human relationships are indeed crucial as they provide a nurturing environment that can help prevent health issues and chronic illnesses. To further help protect your health and wellbeing, AXA Philippines offers Health Care Access, a comprehensive and affordable health care plan for hospitalization and medical needs. This package can also come with a Critical Illness Booster for additional cash benefit for the treatment of 56 critical illnesses, a Longevity Health Fund that you can tap for medical needs at age 76 and up, as well as life and accident coverage up to P500,000. Moreover, you can personalize your plan by adding outpatient care, optical care, or dental care benefits to the plan.

 

To know more about AXA Health Care Access, visit https://www.axa.com.ph/health-protection/health-care-access. 

Nurturing a Safe and Inclusive Working Environment for PWDs

Based on the 2010 Census of Population and Housing covering the 92.1 million household population in the country, there are 1.44 million persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the Philippines, with numbers increasing dramatically worldwide. As recognized by law, this segment of the population is made up of valuable members of the workforce who contribute to economic growth and thus, need to be in an inclusive work environment so they can maximize their talents and abilities.

Leading insurance company AXA strives to consistently provide equal opportunities for PWDs. Inclusion and diversity are closely linked to the company’s values and its culture of respect for employees, customers, and communities. The company collectively works on creating an environment where everyone feels that they belong, are included, and can thrive. AXA also believes that different ways of thinking and varied experiences will be key for the company’s success in the long run. A diverse workforce also helps attract the best talent, because they know they can flourish at AXA and reach their full potential.

Across its different markets worldwide, AXA commemorated the International Day of Persons with disabilities via special activities, including the ‘Together we thrive’ Inclusion Conference. The webinar served as a platform for AXA employees and external experts on inclusion and diversity to discuss disability equality in the workplace. To further strengthen its thrust for diversity and inclusion, AXA Philippines also celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities through Inclusion Fridays, a series of online and offline activities that promote an inclusive work environment for its employees.

“Experts say having a routine is important for PWDs, but the pandemic has disrupted that for many of them, especially those in the workforce. With our commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and our annual inclusion event, we wanted to support the PWDs and empower them in the new normal. We hope that these activities will be an avenue to raise awareness on the importance and unique contributions our PWDs can bring to the company and the community at large,” said Rahul Hora, AXA Philippines president and CEO.

The event opened with online sessions on Inclusion Days with able@axa, AXA’s PWD employee resource group. It was followed by a deaf awareness education activity on how to communicate with the deaf using sign language, conducted by Raymond Manding of De La Salle College of St. Benilde of Deaf Education and Applied Studies department. The online session ended with a sensitivity training by Michelle Aventajado of Best Buddies Philippines, a non-profit organization with a mission of bringing friendship and inclusion to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

AXA Philippines also reached out to one of its partner organizations, Arko Pilipinas, a home for persons with and without intellectual disabilities, for their insights on the importance of commemorating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. According to Arko Pilipinas, inclusion and immersion experiences are very important as they pave the way to raise awareness of the presence of the core members, and provide an opportunity for people to see the gifts, talents and skills of the PWDs.

In line with raising awareness via experiences, an on-site event also took place at AXA Philippines’ head office titled “Silent Shout Out for Inclusivity” featured a sign language photo session, Braille experience, and experiential booth for employees. Employees working from home were also encouraged participate in the event by sending their selfies while doing sign language. The selfies will be included in the ensuing photo exhibit.

An online disability sensitivity training was also organized by AXA Philippines’ partner, Project Inclusion, a non-profit organization that connects PWDs to opportunities and helps and teaches companies to be more inclusive. The training was facilitated by Patricia Carolino, Work Access Coordinator at Project Inclusion, and aimed to define disability, as well as teach practical techniques in communicating and interacting with persons with disability.

To know more about Diversity and Inclusion in AXA Philippines, visit  https://www.axa.com.ph/multimedia/videos/diversity-and-inclusion-in-axa-philippines. 

BingoPlus, One Race For Filipino Services aid seniors, families in Odette-stricken Bohol and Cebu

BingoPlus, an online entertainment platform of the Leisure & Resorts World Corporation (LWRC) mobilized its work force in the Visayas to bring aid and provide shelter to the most affected sectors in Typhoon Odette-stricken Cebu and Bohol provinces.

Working with One Race For Filipino Services, Inc., a non-profit organization that specializes in rapid response to communities and individuals in need of urgent assistance, BingoPlus volunteers in Cebu embarked on a mission to Sitio Mar Beach, Barangay Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu City in early January to deliver care packages to families that had not yet received aid or relief since the storm.

Rice, canned goods, noodles, coffee, milk, water, vitamins, noodles and pasta sauce, as well as notebooks and crayons for children were delivered to over 800 families in Lapu-Lapu City. BingoPlus also supported One Race For Filipinos in distributing goods and building shelters for communities that still had no electricity or running water in Ubay, Bohol.

One Race For Filipino Services, Inc., which prioritizes assistance towards PWDs, senior citizens, pregnant women and single mothers, singled out senior citizens in the areas by providing them with building materials and helping them put up viable shelters for the coming days.

The group is raising more funds to increase the number of beneficiaries in the area..