DTI-TRANSUNION AGREEMENT TO IMPROVE COMPETITIVENESS RANKING, PROMOTE MSME ACCESS TO FINANCE

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and TransUnion Philippines signed a data sharing agreement on 29 January 2020 in which DTI will provide Publicly Available Data of business enterprises to TransUnion, the country’s largest credit bureau.

The data sharing agreement will allow TransUnion to develop a “firm bureau database” to expand distribution of its credit information to not only individuals but to firms as well. This criterion is measured by the World Bank in their Doing Business (DB) Report under its “depth of credit information index.”

“Today’s signing of the data-sharing agreement between DTI and TransUnion is part of the government’s continuing effort to improve our competitiveness ranking. This partnership signals greater collaboration between the government and the private sector in using data analytics to help us in policy making and program development,” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

Sec Lopez further said: “This initiative is hitting two birds with one stone. By working closely through information-sharing with TransUnion, we are confident that we will secure additional points under the Getting Credit Indicator. More importantly, the publicly available data we provide will be processed together with their rich database to be used in determining borrowers’ credit worthiness. In the end, this will contribute to increasing the bank’s efficiency in processing loan applications.”

Following the data protest filed by the Philippine government in 2018, the WB accepted the data correction request of the Philippine government when it confirmed that TransUnion is the largest credit bureau in the country with 8.47 million adult population in its database. This is 13.5% of the total adult population in the Philippines, exceeding the 5% WB threshold. The data correction request resulted in a 35-point increase in the Philippines’ score for Getting Credit and a significant +52 notches increase in the indicator ranking.

“At TransUnion, we use information to empower our lending partners in giving financial access to more consumers. In order to do this, we at TransUnion continually strive to bring in more extensive credit information from various sources into our database. The more diverse and extensive data that we have, the more efficient our business partners will be in making decisions to extend credit to both consumers and businesses,” said Ms. Pia Arellano, President and CEO of TransUnion Philippines.

The DB Report is an annual survey report released by the World Bank. In the DB 2020 report, the Philippines reached the Top 100 competitive countries when it recorded a +26-notch increase, which remains the highest recorded annual improvement of the country since 2010. From 124th place, the Philippines rose to 95th.

With the enactment of RA 11032, or the “Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act,” DTI has turned over to the Anti Red Tape Authority (ARTA) the reform initiatives for the succeeding cycles

For more details and event updates, please check DTI Philippines’ official social media websites (@DTIPhilippines on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter).

Honda PH unveils latest models during the Riders Convention in Cebu

Mandaue City, Cebu – January 25, 2020 – Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI,) the No. 1 motorcycle manufacturer in the Philippines, holds the Riders Convention at the Tent at Mandani Bay, F.E. Zuellig Avenue, Mandaue City, Cebu, where motorcycle riders and enthusiasts gathered to enjoy a day of fun-filled activities and celebrate the camaraderie and support of Honda riders to HPI. This is the first convention for 2020 and the third time the activity will be held in Cebu.

It is one of the many activities HPI holds under the ONE DREAM campaign, which imparts the accomplishment of the Filipino's dreams through their products along with the fun and excitement of being a Honda Rider.

The main highlight of the event is the launching of the All-New Honda Air Blade150, designed with “The Cutting Edge,” aimed to bring a new level of riding experience for young riders, looking for an AT Bike with a standout look, power and cutting-edge comfort in shared riding.

As “The Cutting Edge" built to be enjoyed by both driver and passenger, the All-New Honda Air Blade150 serves as an all-new motorcycle that is “Cutting-Edge” in features, bringing together advanced specs at a very reasonable price point. It boasts of its lightweight precision and a superb engine that delivers maximum power performance and fuel efficiency and a 4.4 Li-fuel tank capacity and can go up to 47km/Li-fuel consumption.

What’s more, the All-New Honda Air Blade150 is fitted with a powerful 150cc SOHC liquid-cooled engine for superior function in stop-and-go situations and prime acceleration without lag for hassle-free long rides. It is also equipped with other cutting-edge features, such as Smart Key, Power Socket for recharging devices and smartphones, and a front-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which helps determine and prevent wheels from locking up.

This AT Bike also offers a 22.7L U-Box that can accommodate full and half-face helmets and still have enough room for the rider’s personal belongings.

The All-New Honda Air Blade150 comes in three unique colors: Candy Caribbean Blue Sea, Matte Galaxy Black Metallic, and Candy Rosy Red. It will be available at all Honda’s dealerships this March 2020. Customers may now visit the nearest Honda dealer for reservations.

So, whether you are a young professional trying to beat the traffic or a millennial who enjoys riding around the city with your friends, this AT Bike is a must-have, as it serves to be cutting-edge in sporty design, advanced technology, easy handling, and buddy-riding with your riding pal.

The All-New Honda Air Blade150 is the latest motorcycle to join a growing list of the latest products of Honda such as the Honda Genio, the Honda ADV150, and the Honda Supra GTR150. All these new models feature the same exciting new designs and innovative features that aligns with the lifestyle of today’s Filipinos.

“We are happy to be here in support of our Honda Riders since they are the ones who drive us to innovate and evolve our products. This is in line with Honda Philippines’ vision of helping Filipinos realize that ONE DREAM of mobility and freedom,” said Susumu Mitsuishi, President, Honda Philippines, Inc., about the latest models launched during the convention. “These new products stand as a testament to our commitment to give only the best motorcycle products that the riding public deserve.”

As it is the custom of the event, the convention includes a test ride activity, Riders Skills Challenge, Motor Show, “Riders Got Talent” competition and the “Miss Honda Riders Con 2020” segment.

For more details about Honda products and promos, follow us at our Facebook page at Honda Philippines, Inc. and Instagram page @hondaph_mc.

JOSHUA PACIO AND ALEX SILVA FACE-OFF AHEAD OF ONE STRAWWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT IN MANILA

28 January 2020 – Manila, Philippines: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), today held the ONE: FIRE & FURY Official Open Workout in Pasay City. The world’s best martial arts talent came out to showcase their incredible skills in front of fans and media. In attendance was reigning ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio of the Philippines, who faced off with the challenger, former champion Alex “Little Rock” Silva of Brazil. Also at the open workout were top Filipino athletes Eduard “Landslide” Folayang, Danny “The King” Kingad, Lito “The Thunder Kid” Adiwang, Gina “Conviction” Iniong, and Jomary “The Zamboanginian Fighter” Torres. More information on ONE: FIRE & FURY is available at www.onefc.com. Joshua Pacio, ONE Strawweight World Champion, stated: “Last year was a great year for me. Despite losing my title, I was able to gain it back and also put in some great wins against tough opponents. I feel very comfortable fighting here at home in the Philippines. I’m unbeaten here, and it’s because of all the support from the fans. It’s a huge privilege to face such a great competitor in Alex Silva. He’s a former world champion and has excellent BJJ, so this will be a huge challenge for me. I’m ready to face it.” Alex Silva, former ONE Strawweight World Champion, stated: “First of all, I would like to say I really appreciate the support and respect the fans have given me here in the Philippines, even if I am going to face your hometown hero, Joshua Pacio. One thing you can expect from me is that I will put my whole heart into this match and give a good performance for all the Filipinos. It has been a long two year journey for me to get back into title contention, and I’m happy to be given another shot. For me, the harder the path the better because it helps me improve as a fighter. Joshua is a young and well-rounded athlete, and I have a lot of respect for him. But I believe this is my time now.” Eduard Folayang, 2-time ONE Lightweight World Champion, stated: “I want to start the year on a high note, with a statement-making victory. I’m hungrier than ever before to make another run at the world title. The last-minute change of opponent is fine, I’ve been in this situation before. It’s a good test for my adaptability, and I think this opponent is going to push me to my limits. I’m looking forward to this Friday night and I’m ready to give it my all for the Filipino fans." Danny Kingad, ONE Athlete, stated: “I learned a lot the past year, and I’ve grown so much as a martial artist and as a competitor in this sport. Joining the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix was a great experience, it really helped me a lot in terms of gaining the experience of competing against the best in the world. I feel like I’m more disciplined now as an athlete, and I am laser focused on getting better. I plan to showcase all the new skills I learned in this next fight.” Lito Adiwang, ONE Athlete, stated: “I am excited to perform in front of all the Filipino fans here in Manila. It has always been a dream of mine to compete on the biggest stage here in my home country. You don’t want to miss what’s going to happen on Friday night. The Thunder Kid is coming with a surprise for all the fans.” Gina Iniong, ONE Athlete, stated: “Asha Roka is as tough as they come. She proved that against a tough champion in Stamp Fairtex. I’m looking forward to giving my best this Friday night and meeting the challenge of this great martial artist.” Jomary Torres, ONE Athlete, stated: “All I can say is that I am excited to face Jenny Huang. She is a dangerous grappler, has decent striking, and is a former ONE World Title challenger, so she has that experience at the highest level. I’ll do my best to get the win.” Additional athlete quotes, interviews, and photos available upon request. For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

About ONE Championship™ ONE Championship (ONE) is the largest global sports media property in Asian history. Headquartered in Singapore, ONE is the world's largest martial arts organization, hosting bouts across all styles of martial arts such as Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Karate, Kung Fu, Silat, Sanda, Lethwei, Mixed Martial Arts, Tae Kwon Do, Submission Grappling, and more. ONE hosts the biggest sports entertainment events across Asia, featuring some of the world's best martial artists and world champions on the largest global media broadcast in Asia. ONE Esports, a subsidiary of ONE Championship, runs Asia's largest global esports Championship Series with some of the biggest blockbuster game titles in the world. With a focus on both martial arts and esports, ONE Championship is currently the largest producer of millennial live sports content in Asia. In addition to its digital platforms, ONE Championship broadcasts to over 2.6 billion potential viewers across 140+ countries with some of the largest global free-to-air and digital broadcasters, including Star Sports, Tencent, ABS-CBN, Astro, ClaroSports, Startimes, Fox Sports, Thairath TV, Turner Sports, Skynet, Mediacorp, Great Sports, Mediaset Italia, ProSiebenSat.1, Dubai Sports, and more.