Makati City News November 2015

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Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

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Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.
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Monument of Ninoy Aquino

Anytime Fitness expands PH network

By Maricel Burgonio

US-based gym Anytime Fitness is expanding its network in the Philippines, targeting to open 45 branches until 2016, making the country one of its fastest growing markets in Asia.

In an interview, Maurice Levine, Anytime Fitness Master Franchisee said, that the company is eyeing to become the number one gym provider in the country within the next 12 months. Maurice Levine

Levine said that Anytime Fitness currently has 6 branches after it recently opened its Paseo Center branch in Makati, its 3,000th gym worldwide. Its first branch is in Pasig, which opened in September 2014.

He added the company will open 5 more branches in December and 19 more locations in the first quarter of 2016. It is targeting a total of 45 gyms by the end of 2016.

As its name suggests, Anytime Fitness’ provides gym services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with one key card access to its global branches.

“In Q1 next year, we will be the largest gym operator in the Philippines. And we can do that approximately in 12 months, he said.”

“No one can estimate the amount of interest of Filipinos. It is one of the best markets in Asia. We’re filling the gap, offering inflexible sizing. We’re going to community where people live,” Levine said.

He said the company is not worried about the competition as 98 percent of the Filipinos have no gym membership. This means, only 2 percent of Filipinos go to gym.

He cited that 800 Filipinos have signed for membership in the Paseo Center soft launch, reflecting a big demand for gym in the country.

“Our franchisees love that they can determine their own work schedules, never having to miss important family events. And our members like the fact that our gyms feature all of the equipment, programs, classes and support they need to achieve their fitness goals and enjoy healthier, happier lives,” Levine said.

“Asia is an important growth area for us. Our gyms are designed to help get people to a healthier lifestyle. We provide a welcoming environment where members are able to achieve their fitness goals.” Anytime Fitness President and co-founder Dave Mortensen, said during the Paseo Center soft launch.

In just the past few weeks, Anytime Fitness, LLC signed agreements with master franchisees to begin opening gyms in Sweden and Italy. The company now has franchise agreements in 29 different countries.

WWF's Night of Champions

(The Standard Lifestyle)

Global warming. Climate change. Forest denudation. Landslides. All of these issues are calling upon us to share the responsibility of taking care of the environment, and individuals, businesses and various organizations are banding together to seek solutions.

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Philippines) has long banked on partnerships to promote its science-based solutions, and earlier this month, WWF gave recognition to its allies via Partners’ Night at the Raffles & Fairmont Hotel in Makati City.

During the event, WWF-Philippines honored outgoing National Advisory Council chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala for his valuable support and outgoing WWF-Philippines Board of Trustees chairman Vincent Pérez for the latter’s leadership. Pérez turned over the chairmanship to WWF-Philippines board member and Far Eastern University Chairman Aurelio “Gigi” Montinola III.

“I am truly proud that here at home, WWF remains a reliable and credible environmental solutions-provider. You’ve helped us secure greater protection for critical areas that provide food and income for millions of Filipinos. You’ve helped us prepare more farmers and fishers for climate change. You’ve helped us place the environment at the center of public sector policy. You’ve helped us illuminate far-flung communities without access to electricity,” Perez said.

A highlight of the event was the recognition of Environmental Leadership Awardees Arthaland Corporation, BDO Unibank, Bank of the Philippine Islands and BPI Foundation, Cebu Pacific Air, Century Pacific Food, Costa Del Hamilo, Far Eastern University, Fox International Channels, Banana Peel, Philips Electronics And Lighting, Republic Cement Services Philippines, Samsung Electronics Philippines, Sun Life Financial Philippines Foundation, Yuchengco Group of Companies, Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, Grieg Foundation and Pascual Laboratories.

Individuals and groups which show decisive environmental action were also given recognition as the new Heroes of the Environment. Ingemar Macarine, dubbed as the Pinoy Aquaman for having swam the open waters of the Visayas and Mindanao to raise awareness about the need to protect Philippine seas. The indigenous Taw’buid Mangyan of Mindoro were also awarded for their unrelenting efforts to help conserve the Tamaraw, the world’s rarest buffalo species. Gerlie Menchie Alpajora, a fisheries champion, despite the danger, continues to bring illegal fishers to justice, allowing the local government to strengthen its initiatives to protect Bicol’s marine resources.

“Individually, we are but one drop. Collectively, we are an ocean. We need to work together to help transform the Philippines into a living space that our children will appreciate,” Gigi Montinola remarked.


MMDA, mall operators work together on easing traffic during holiday rush

By Clara Masinag (InterAksyon.com)

MANILA - Bracing for even heavier traffic during the holiday season, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and major mall operators signed Friday an agreement to cooperate closely on ways to improve traffic management.

MMDA Chairman Emerson Carlos and the 15 mall operators met at the MMDA main office in Makati City, and then signed a manifesto of support for, among others, adjusting mall operating hours in order to minimize traffic in Metro Manila during the holidays.

The malls agreed to operate their respective establishments from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., starting Dec. 1, 2015 until Jan. 3, 2016.

Carlos said the MMDA has had an annual agreement with the mall operators to focus on easing rush-hourt traffic in the areas where these establishments are located.

“This has been a yearly practice for us to sign this agreement in order to ease vehicular and pedestrian traffic during the holiday season,” Carlos said.

He thanked the mall operators for their cooperation.

Under the agreement, mall owners will be coordinating with the MMDA during special events like promotions, earthquake drills and sale.

One mall operator said that in instances like concerts and the perennial New Year’s Countdown, the malls will be closing beyond 11 p.m.

Carlos reminded the mall operators to provide MMDA with the schedule of these special events so the agency can accordingly tweak traffic management measures in affected areas.

Gov’t to sign loan for North-South commuter rail project

(PNA), FPV/ANP

MANILA, Nov. 27 (PNA) -- Top ranking officials from the Philippine and Japanese government on Friday are expected to sign the Php 93.46-billion loan agreement for the North-South Commuter Railway (Malolos-Tutuban) project.

The 36.7 km commuter railway, which will link Malolos, Bulacan to Tutuban, Manila is a project under the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

Expected signatories of the agreement are Department of Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative Noriaki Niwa.

It will be held at the mezzanine Floor Lobby of the Robinsons (JG) Summit Center, Ayala Avenue, Makati City.

To recall, Japan earlier vowed to cooperate in the project utilizing Japanese fund and technology.

Japan is one of the Philippines strategic partners.

Makati holds “Kasalang Bayan” 19 Makati couples to tie the knot

By Jerome R. Paunan (PIO/RJB/JCP/PIA-NCR)

MAKATI CITY, 26 Nov. (PIA) -- At least 19 couples are set to “tie the knot” at the Makati City Hall this coming December 18, as part of the “Kasalang Bayan” project spearheaded by the City Civil Registration Office (CCRO).

Acting Makati Mayor Romulo “Kid” Peña, Jr., who will lead the marriage ceremony, said that the project is a timely and relevant response to issues and concerns of unmarried couples in the city such as the rising cost of weddings these days.

“More than legitimizing their partnership, getting married would give these couples legal and domestic rights and privileges, and at the same time help them to be more responsible parents to their children, who will also become legitimate,” Peña said.

The acting mayor said that “Kasalang Bayan” will be participated in by 19 couples from the different barangays in the city, such as Barangays Olympia, Cembo, Sta. Cruz, Guadalupe Viejo and La Paz.

According to Cristina dela Cruz, officer-in-charge of CCRO, the wedding ceremony, dubbed as“Kasalang Bayan para sa Matatag na Pamilya 2015, will be held on December 18, 2015 at the Makati Session Hall from 2pm to 5 pm.

“Aside from free wedding ceremony and photo opportunity with the mayor and city officials, participating couples and their relatives and witnesses will be provided with free food and drinks during the wedding reception,” Dela Cruz said.

Under the project, CCRO has also waived fees for the certificate of no marriage (CENOMAR) costing P235 per head, and marriage license costing P300 per couple.

As a gift to the newly-weds, the mayor said that all the couples will be receiving a gift certificate amounting to P500 pesos from CCRO.

In previous years, CCRO merely provided the necessary licensing support to the couples that participated in the project, which used to be organized by the barangays, the Makati Cultural Affairs Office, Makati Tourism Office and Makati Social Welfare Department.

Rules for premium bus to CBDs announced

By Daphne J. Magturo

THE LAND Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has released the implementing guidelines for its plan to offer premium transport services on routes with large volumes, particularly those serving central business districts (CBDs).

Memorandum Circular 2015-027, which laid out the rules for Department Order No. 2015-018 on the opening of Premium Point-to-Point bus service, invited bus operators to submit legal, technical and financial qualification documents to qualify to operate any of three franchise packages along six routes, the agency said in a statement yesterday.

The first package covers Fairview to Makati CBD and Ortigas CBD to Makati CBD; the second, Katipunan to Makati CBD and Eastwood to Makati CBD; and the last, Alabang to Ortigas CBD and Alabang to Makati CBD.

“We want to alleviate the plight of daily commuters who had difficulty traveling during peak hours from specific routes due to insufficient number of bus services that need to transport a huge volume of passengers,” LTFRB Chairman Winston M. Ginez explained.

Interested bus operators must submit their qualification documents on Jan. 15. A prequalification conference will be held on Dec. 1.

The air-conditioned bus units must either be single or double deck with external color or branding rules to be specified by the LTFRB Board. Buses should comply with the Euro IV or better emission standard, or use clean alternative power sources like electric or hybrid engines with equivalent or better emissions. Low floors and space for one wheelchair passenger are also mandatory. Seats will be reclining with a maximum of four per row.

“Selected applicants to operate any of the packages must ensure that at least half of the allocated units per route be available within six months from the Notice of Selection and before being granted of Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC),” the agency said.

A selected applicant that fails to comply will be disqualified. The board will hold a public lottery to pick the replacement from a pool of previously qualified applicants.

The remaining half of the allocated units must be available within a year from the issuance of the CPC, or else the applicant’s franchise will be canceled.

Thai online firm opens shop in PH

By Maria Laura Angeles

Thai online marketplace, itruemart, a subsidiary of Ascend e-commerce group of companies, expects to be the second largest online shopping website in the Philippines, as it invests $4.5 million on its entry in the country.

Local bloggers have placed Lazada general online shopping store in the top spot.

“We already invested $4.5 million in the Philippines,” Punnamas Vichitkulwongsa, CEO of Ascend group of companies told reporters in a media roundtable in Makati on Monday.

Last week, itruemart joined the e-commerce industry in the Philippines, the first country the brand is expanding into, as itruemart.ph website went online.

“Our target is to be number two in e-commerce in the Philippines,” Vichitkulwongsa said. Vichitkulwongsa said the online firm is confident it can be at the number two spot in the field of e-commerce by the end of the year because of the team’s expertise.

“The team’s know-how and the team’s experience will be our edge,” said Vichitkulwongsa. “Even though we are new, the team is not new. We are very fortunate that we have a great team. We can be a strong player in the Philippines.”

“Our main focus is to offer the best price and give customers best end-to-end experience,” general manager Seubsakol Sakolsatayadorn added.

In Thailand, itruemart carries 700 brands and sells more than one million items on their online store.

In the Philippines, iTruemart initially carries products that fall under the mobile devices category, hoping to add more products like goods for mothers and infants, apparel, and appliances in a few months’ time.

Sakolsatayadorn said extending customer-friendly payment channels is among itrumart.ph’s priorities, as it expands in the Philippines.

He said itruemart would be offering payment methods that do not require credit cards, since credit card penetration in the Philippines is quite low.

Dean Krstevski, Ascend’s chief regional operating officer, further explained that for now, cash-on-delivery is the only payment method accepted in the Philippines.

“In the Philippines, we are putting more and more payment channels—cash on delivery, Dragon Pay, Bank transfers, credit card and debit cards,” Krstevski said.

itrumart.ph is currently available in Metro Manila and Luzon regions only.

DTI wants e-commerce at 25% of GDP by 2020

By Daphne J. Magturo

THE DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) will launch next month a five-year road map that is intended to help e-commerce make up a quarter of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2020.

The plan projects 100,000 micro, small and medium enterprises and 30% of the Philippine population engaged in online businesses by 2020, supported by an “effective” merchant and consumer protection mechanism.

“We’re finalizing the road map and hope to launch it next month. It should’ve been done years ago, but better late than never,” DTI Director Maria Lourdes A. Yaptinchay said during yesterday’s Pinoy E-commerce Forum in Makati City.

She said e-commerce is “not as a stand-alone plan,” as it will need support from other government initiatives like the National Broadband Plan that will be completed this year, led by the Information and Communications Technology Office.

“We hope that by 2020, e-commerce will be 25% of the country’s GDP,” Ms. Yaptinchay said.

She noted that one key hurdle is the current state of electronic payment, which was also noted in the same forum by Inanc Balci, co-founder and chief executive officer of online marketplace Lazada in the Philippines.

Mr. Balci pointed out that the Philippines is still a “cash-based economy.”

Still, e-commerce has a lot of untapped business potential, with 50 million Filipinos expected to go online in 2015, according to Google Philippines Head Kenneth Lingan. He said this is growing by six to eight million annually

“The next generation of Filipinos will be mobile-first, but many businesses are not yet pivoting to a mobile-first approach,” Mr. Lingan added in the same venue.

Shop and help with the Caritas Expo

(Business World Online)

CARITAS MANILA will hold the “Buy and Give Expo” at the Activity Center of the Glorietta Mall at the Ayala Center, Makati on Nov. 25 to 27.

The Expo serves to launch the Caritas Margins brand, which provides skills and training to urban poor communities and marginalized sectors, as well as honing them to become social entrepreneurs.

The three-day expo will showcase various Caritas Margins products from different marginalized community partners, including food, home and ladies accessories, personal care products, plus artwork from inmates of penal communities cared for by the Caritas Restorative Justice Ministry, and other gift items and decor.

There will also be Segunda Mana items on sale during the expo, with personal items donated by celebrities like Julius and Tintin Babao; Charo Santos-Concio, Cherie Gil, Richard Yap, Aiza Seguerra; Senators Nene and Koko Pimentel, Bam Aquino, Loren Legarda and Nancy Binay; Caritas Manila Youth ambassador Chris Tiu and his teammates in the Rain or Shine PBA team; celebrity couple Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes, and many more.

Mass will be held daily during the expo. There will be entertainment care of special performing artists and the Caritas Manila Youth Servant Leadership and Education Program (YSLEP) scholars.

The Expo not only supports the livelihood of micro-entrepreneurs, it also helps send youth to college through Caritas Manila’s flagship program, YSLEP. Caritas Manila supports over 900 micro-entrepreneurs and more than 5,000 scholars nationwide.

For details, visit www.caritasmanila.org.ph.

Hong Kong office manager expands to Makati and BGC

By Roderick T. dela Cruz

Compass Offices, a global serviced office provider that started in Hong Kong six years ago, has recently opened a 14,600-square-meter business center in Makati City and plans to open another one in Fort Bonifacio in the first quarter next year.

“We have just opened our first center at Tower 6789 in Ayala Avenue in Makati City and will open our next center in BGC [Bonifacio Global City] in first quarter of 2106. We anticipate opening several more centers in Metro Manila in 2016 as we develop a network of centers,” says Paul Gregory, the marketing director of Compass Offices.

Tower 6789 in Makati has an LEED pre-certified gold rating for its sustainable design, cleaner air circulation, improved natural lighting and temperature control. LEED or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices.

Gregory says the strong economic growth in the Philippines, at 5.6 percent in the second quarter, convinced the company to establish its presence here. He says the new Compass Office in Makati has over 235 workstations to support the requirements of all sizes of businesses.

Hong Kong entrepreneur Andrew Chung, chief executive of Compass Offices, founded the company in 2009, with the first business center located at Silver Fortune Plaza in Hong Kong. Today, it has 40 centers in 15 cities across 12 countries, providing flexible office solutions to more than 6,000 people.

“The name is based on a compass, which as you know, has been used by travelers for many centuries to find the right direction,” says Gregory.

“Compass Offices was founded by our CEO Andrew Chung as a result of his experiences of poor service and many hidden costs when using different serviced office providers for his businesses. He felt that this could be improved upon, hence he established Compass Offices as a new direction in serviced offices,” he says.

Gregory says Compass Offices offers flexible workspace solutions, “ranging from serviced private offices which can be rented on short, medium and flexible terms with a fixed monthly charge to virtual offices which can also be rented on a monthly basis to meeting and conference rooms which can be booked by the hour.”

Gregory says Compass Offices came to the Philippines, as the entrepreneurial rise in the Asean region shows a growing trend to leverage serviced office providers to manage the cost of commercial rent. He also cites the strong GDP growth in the country currently standing at 5.6 percent and the continuous rapid development of the business process outsourcing sector.

“With the opening of more business centers in the Philippines, we will add to the demand for space in the major business districts of Metro Manila,” says Gregory.

He says the company invested “hundreds of thousands of US dollars” in the first business center in Makati. “Compass Office business centers are equipped with high speed broadband and Wi-Fi Internet connections, excellent IT infrastructure, shared common areas, contemporary furnishings and fittings and are supported by our front desk staff and modern meeting rooms equipped for business meetings, with high definition video conferencing,” he says.

Gregory says Compass Offices has its own niche in the market, as it focuses on serving the needs of clients. “We are committed to being innovative, transparent and focused on client relationships. Our growth is a direct result of our unique offering that’s set a new direction in the industry.”

He says Compass Offices is the “first serviced office provider to offer superior customer service, a collaborative and transparent approach with absolutely no hidden costs. We also offer an unbranded presence for our client’s business. The offices are for our clients and the center supports the growth of their businesses.”

Gregory is optimistic about the growth opportunities in the Philippine real estate market. “We continue to see significant growth opportunities in the market for flexible work spaces which continue to drive strong demand for our products and services. Our expansion program is driven by these levels of demand – the larger our network, the more closely we support our clients and the more innovative we are, the more attractive our customer offering becomes.”

He says in the Philippines, Compass Offices is actively evaluating new opportunities in several new business districts in Metro Manila. “We are always pleased to discuss new commercial opportunities with building owners and landlords,” he says.

Raffy T. Napay’s “See and Silence Exhibition” at the Ayala Museum on Nov. 21-Dec. 3

(PNA), JMC/LOR

MANILA (PNA) -- Aside from the Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) that rivets the eyes of the world, there is an artistic work that deserves local and international attention.

Visual artist Raffy T. Napay, who studied Fine Arts from the Eulogio Amang Rodriguez of Science and Technology (EARIST), rose to fame in 2013 when he won Grand Prize in the Ateneo Art Awards that enabled him to receive a grant for art residencies at the Artesan Gallery in Singapore and the Liverpool Hope University in UK.

Earlier this year, Napay joined the Florence Biennale in Italy and bagged 2nd Premio Lorenzo il Magnifico (2nd Prize Lorenzo the Magnificent)and now his art works will be shown for free at on Nov. 21 to Dec. 3 at the Ayala Museum of bustling Makati Ave of Makati City for free from Nov. 21 to Dec. 3.

Napay frequently exhibits his works locally and abroad.

This time, Napay’s exhibit "See and Silence" is organized by Art Verité Gallery.

A joke had just come around, "T.Napay" is a sweet bread that is enjoyable to chew. That’s actually how his works look like; they are feast to the eyes and food to the work-weary mind.

It features large-scale works that bring the viewer to a stark confrontation with the sea and the human heart.

The more you look at his works, the deeper each one of them diffuse some kind of feeling--peace and tranquility for some and beauty and breathtaking thoughts for others.

Fresh from his success at the Florence Biennale of Italy, Napay further masters his trademark use of thread.

He has taken it to unchartered heights, imbuing it with a transformative presence.

Ayala Museum brings “Season’s Symphonies” starting Dec. 1

By Lily O Ramos [(PNA), CTB/LOR]

MANILA, Nov. 19 (PNA) --The Ayala Museum at the Makati Avenue Cor. De La Rosa Street, Greenbelt Park, Makati City and the Ayala Land Premier present “Season’s Symphonies” for its annual fundraising holiday concerts at the Annual Fundraising Holiday Concerts next month with blockbuster performers.

On Dec. 1, the well-known Manila Symphony Orchestra will perform, followed by the UP Guitar Orchestra on Dec. 10 and the world-renowned Madrigal Singers on Dec. 17.

Launched in 2013, “Season’s Symphonies” ushers in the Yuletide cheer by bringing together seasoned instrumentalists and choirs in the Philippines to perform Christmastime classics in the museum.

The concert series is an initiative to raise public awareness and support for Ayala Museum's outreach programs, namely traveling exhibitions, public free days, and museum admissions to children/the youth from low-income families.

All concerts will be held at 6:30 p.m. sharp.

Tickets are priced as Php500 for regular, Php400 for discounted rate and Php360 for senior citizens.

Tickets are available for sale at the Ayala Museum ticket counter, open during museum hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Discount applies to Members, Ayala Rewards Circle, and AGC Employees.

Temporarily closed from Nov. 15 to 19, for APEC, regular operations resume on Nov. 20.

For inquiries and reservations,call 759 82 88.

Makati City Hall employees receive early Christmas bonuses

By Mike Frialde (philstar.com)

MANILA, Philippines - Some 8,000 employees of the Makati City Hall have now started receiving their Christmas bonuses after acting city mayor Romulo “Kid” Peña recently ordered the release of the yearend bonuses amounting to P343.7 million.

Peña said the early release of bonuses is aimed to give city employees ample time to do their shopping for the holidays early to avoid the Christmas rush.

“It would be more convenient and also economical for the employees as they can still avail themselves of great discounts and bargain sales at this time,” he said.

The acting mayor also said city government employees can look forward to just compensation for their services as well as more incentives, including non-monetary benefits such as universal health insurance package.

“Under my administration, our city employees can expect fair treatment. Those who are deserving will be granted promotion and security of tenure as soon as possible,” Peña said.

Year-end bonuses received by Makati employees each year include the 13th month pay, fringe benefit which is almost equivalent to a month’s salary, cash gift of P5,000 and P6,000 as incentive allowance.

Based on the records of the Human Resource Development Office (HRDO) of Makati, the lowest ranking casual employees with Salary Grade 1 will receive P27,942.84 each, while the lowest ranking regular employees will receive P24,300 each. Regular employees had earlier received half of their 13th month pay last May, in time for the enrolment period.

The total year-end bonuses of city employees of Makati this year amounts to P343,725,836.17 broken down as follows: 13th month, P134.5 million; 14th/fringe benefit, P127.7 million; cash gift, P39.7 million; and incentive, P41.6 million.

Last October, the city employees received their Performance Enhancement Incentive (PEI) bonus, equivalent to a month’s salary, after the City Council finally gave in to Peña’s appeals and approved the corresponding appropriation.

Meanwhile, Peña reiterated his appeal to the City Council to approve his pending proposal to increase the allowances of senior citizens given every June and December.

“The city government has enough resources to implement the increase. It would be a fitting Christmas present to our elderly residents if my proposal were approved before the year ends,” he said.

APEC ministers' spouses visit Ayala Museum to visualize PHL history and culture

By Filane Mikee Z. Cervantes [(PNA), RMA/FMC]

MANILA, Nov. 17 (PNA) -- While the ministers attended the closing session of the Asia-Pacific Economic Ministerial Meeting (AMM), their spouses participated in a separate program on Tuesday to experience the food and culture of the Philippines.

The ministers' spouses had a tour around Ayala Museum in Makati City to discover and appreciate the rich gems of the Philippines' culture and history.

They were welcomed by Gretchen del Rosario, the wife of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, and Rowena Domingo, wife of Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo.

The tour began at the fourth floor where they explored the Crossroads of Civilizations exhibition--showcasing Chinese and Southeast Asian trade wares found in the Philippines, pre-colonial gold from 10th to 13th centuries, and 18th to 20th century Christianized and indigenous textiles.

They also viewed masterpieces by renowned Filipino artists such as Fernando Amorsolo, Juan Luna, and Fernando Zobel at the third floor.

The final stop of the museum tour was at the second floor's "Diorama Experience" offering a comprehensive visual story of Philippine history from ancient to contemporary times.

After the tour, the spouses were treated to a luncheon of local dishes hosted by Mrs. del Rosario and Mrs. Domingo.

Complementing the luncheon was a short cultural presentation which provided the guests and spouses with Triple Fret's and Kontra Gapi's accompanying music.

In addition to the cultural program, there was also a fashion show featuring four Kultura Filipino's local collections: tribal, floral, black and white, and traditional.

Afterwards, the spouses headed to SM Aura in Taguig City to visit the Kultura Filipino store where they were welcomed with the Filipino folk dance called "maglalatik".

Century Properties, Mitsubishi Corp. sign PhP2.2-B loan facility with BPI

(PNA), LGI/LDV/PR

MANILA, Nov. 16 (PNA) -- Listed property company Century Properties Group, Inc., through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Century City Development II Corporation and partner, global business enterprise Mitsubishi Corporation, has signed a PhP2.2-billion loan facility with Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) as lender.

Proceeds from the 10-year PhP2.2 billion senior loan facility will be used to partly finance the PhP4.5 billion Forbes Media Tower.

The balance of PhP2.3 billion will be funded through equity contributions of 60 percent from Century Properties and 40 percent from Mitsubishi Corporation.

“The signing of the facility marks an important step for Century Properties. Along with our partner, Mitsubishi Corporation, we are particularly proud of the level of support that we have received from BPI. The facility also helps provide Century Properties with the flexibility to move forward on the diversification of its portfolio,” said Century Properties Managing Director Jose Marco Antonio.

Primiero Partners acted as financial advisor to Century and Mitsubishi.

The approval of the facility indicates the level of confidence of BPI on demand for office space in the country, as well as Century Properties’ and Mitsubishi Corporation’s solid foundation.

In September, Century Properties and Mitsubishi Corporation announced their partnership to develop, lease out, and maintain the world’s first Forbes-branded commercial building through a joint venture agreement.

The Forbes Media Tower will be located in Century Properties’ flagship Century City in Makati City. It will to have a total gross floor area of about 95,000 square meters and will feature a wide range of premium amenities for businesses. Expected completion is 2019.

Century Properties is currently in the process of diversifying into allied real estate segments. Its investment portfolio currently includes Century City Mall, the Pacific Star Building Low-rise Towe and Centuria Medical Makati.

Aside from the Forbes Media Tower, it is also developing the Asian Century Center in Bonifacio Global City and Acqua 6 at the Acqua Private Residences in Mandaluyong City.

By 2019, these projects are projected to yield a total gross floor area of about 295,000 square meters.

Aside from investment properties, Century Properties plans to have projects in leisure and tourism and economic housing segments.

Ayala Land bullish, to spend P90b in ’16

By Jenniffer B. Austria

Ayala Land Inc., the second-biggest property developer, said it plans to spend between P85 billion and P90 billion next year, heavily investing across all business lines.

Ayala Land chief finance officer Jaime Ysmael said the company’s spending plan would be consistent with its positive outlook on the domestic retail market.

Ayala Land invested P60 billion in capital expenditures in the first nine months of the year, but said full-year capital spending would likely be below the original target of P100 billion.

Ayala Land president and chief executive Bernard Vincent Dy also expects the domestic real estate market to remain robust based on current economic indicators.

“If you look at various indicators it reman supportive of our various business lines,” Dy said.

“The GDP [gross domestic product] continuous to be quite healthy and [migrant workers’] remittances, although there has been a slo down, continue to grow. Business process outsourcing is still growing, tourism continues to be strong interest rates remain at historic lows. Overall, those indicators bode well for our different business lines,” he added.

Ayala Land’s net income in the first nine months of the year increased 19 percent to P12.8 billion from P10.79 billion year-on-year, as the company accelerated growth through acquisitions and new project launches.

Consolidated revenues in the nine-month period reached P75.1 billion, up 10 percent from P68.3 billion posted in the same period a year ago.

Ayala Land in the first the first three quarters of the year launched three estates, namely Cloverleaf in Quezon City, Capitol Central in Bacolod City, and the 700-hectare Vermosa in Cavite province.

Property developer Ayala Land Inc. said Wednesday it will invest P70 billion to develop Vermosa, a 700-hectare master planned integrated community in the cities of Imus and Dasmariñas in Cavite province.

The huge Cavite property, which the company acquired from an unlisted property firm three years ago, would be its fourth biggest estate development after Nuvali in Alabang, Alviera in Pampanga and Makati central business district.

Vermosa is a mixed-use project that will be developed over the next 12 to 15 years that will include a 124-hectare central business district housing various office and commercial developments, hotels and entertainment complex.

It will also offer institutional developments, such as schools and residential projects to be built by Ayala’s three residential units including Avida, Alveo and Ayala Land Premier.

Ayala Land in August won the government’s contract to build and operate the Integrated Transport System South Terminal project adjacent to its fast-rising residential and business district, Arca South.

The 35-year concession agreement for the infrastructure project includes the operation of commercial leasing facilities within the 5.57-hectare property.

It recently agreed to subscribe to 2.5 million common shares, equivalent to a 51.6-percent interest, in Prime Orion Philippines Inc., upon completing due diligence. POPI operates the highly commercial Tutuban complex in Manila.

ABAC opens concluding meeting for 2015 in Manila

(PNA), LDV/KMC

MANILA, Nov. 14 (PNA) -- The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Advisory Council (ABAC) kicked-off its fourth and concluding meeting for 2015 here on Saturday.

ABAC Chair Doris Magsaysay-Ho, during the meeting’s opening session at Fairmont Hotel in Makati City, said ABAC members will wrap up discussions of their 2015 work program and identify issues that will be carried over to the 2016 agenda.

ABAC is the voice of the business community in APEC and has a seat at the forum’s table.

Since its last meeting in Melbourne, Australia in August, ABAC attended meetings at ministerial and high policy dialogue level of sectors such as structural reform, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), transportation, energy and women and the economy in APEC.

ABAC had its first meeting for this year in Hong Kong in January and its second meeting in Mexico City in April.

Ho said ABAC’s initiatives and activities for APEC were well-received and supported in this year’s summit.

ABAC is also set to meet and present its 2015 report to APEC economic leaders next week.

The private sector arm of APEC pushes initiatives for APEC to adopt, particularly in areas of micro and small businesses, access to finance, use of new technology, innovation, food security, and women’s participation in the economy.

It was also in Manila when ABAC and APEC leaders held its inaugural meeting and dialogue 17 years ago.

APEC to get 8.5Gbps PLDT connection

By MARIA LAURA ANGELES

TELECOMMUNICATIONS and digital services provider Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) is boosting internet connectivity for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit which will be held in Manila next week.

PLDT has installed facilities to provide up to 8.5 Gbps of internet connectivity and voice solutions needed in major conference venues and host hotels for the 8,000 delegates expected to attend the APEC meetings.

The telecommunications giant provisioned the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Complex where the important meetings will be hosted with 3Gbps of fiber connectivity and 100 units of carrier-grade access points to provide seamless delivery of Wi-Fi connectivity for all guests.

The World Trade Center, which serves as the press center for local and international media, has also been connected with an I-Gate service that will serve the connection requirements of the different organizations covering the different conferences.

“We are one with the government in ensuring the success of these important dialogues, and in demonstrating the country’s readiness to host a major conference like the APEC.

We have ensured that our facilities in the APEC venues will support the connectivity requirements of the conference delegates,” said PLDT president and CEO Napoleon Nazareno.

Aside from the major venues, PLDT has also boosted the Wi-Fi services in major hotels in Makati — where most of the APEC delegates, heads of state and economic leaders are staying — to speeds of up to 100 Mbps.

These include the Makati Shangri-La, Fairmont, New World Hotel, Intercontinental Hotel, The Peninsula Manila, Dusit Thani, and Raffles Makati.

Other hotels in Manila that will be enjoying boosted Wi-Fi services include EDSA Shangri-La, Diamond Hotel, Manila Hotel, Sofitel, Century Park Hotel, and New World Manila Bay, as well as Solaire Resort and Casino and the Marriott Hotel in Pasay.

Metro Manila will host several high-level meetings this November including the Concluding Senior Official’s meeting on the 13th and 14th, and the APEC Ministerial Meeting on the 16th and 17th.

The APEC Summit will culminate on November 18 and 19 at the PICC for the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting, with US President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping having confirmed their attendance.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is sending Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev to represent him, while Indonesian President Joko Widodo will be represented by his trade minister.

Health experts, patients and pharmaceutical company join hands in promoting fight vs. pneumonia

By Leilani S. Junio [(PNA, SCS/LSJ]

MANILA, Nov. 12 (PNA) -- To highlight the country's observance of World Pneumonia Day every Nov. 12, a number of health experts and patients and officials of a pharmaceutical company gathered on Thursday to discuss the importance of promoting awareness about the disease, its implications among children and adults and the ways it can be prevented.

In an intimate media discussion held at the New World Premier Hotel in Makati City, spearheaded by Pfizer Inc., a leading research-based bio-pharmaceutical company, and experts dealing with infant and adult pneumococcal illnesses, the essence of vaccination was given emphasis.

They were joined by a group of patients and their families who have experienced the burden of pneumonia and believe that boosting the awareness on the essence of vaccination to fight it is highly needed so that other people can be aware on how they can protect themselves and their loved ones from it.

Among the experts who shared their inputs were Dr. Rontgene Solante, chairman of the Adult Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Section of San Lazaro Hospital in Manila; and Dr. Maria Katrina Florcruz of the Medical City Lifestyle and Wellness Center.

In her presentation, Dr. Florcruz said that based on the data of the World Health Organization (WHO), pneumonia accounts for about 1.6 million annual deaths worldwide among adults and children.

“In the Philippines, it is the 4th leading cause of deaths… and 2nd leading cause of morbidity,” Florcruz added.

According to her, there is higher risk of pneumonia among those belonging in the extreme ages like the very young (0-5 years old) and the elderly (55 years old and above).

The health expert said that also at risk of it are those suffering from other medical conditions like diabetes, heart diseases, lung disease, kidney disease and others.

She also mentioned that the presence of pollution in the environment also increases the risk of developing pneumonia.

Dr. Florcruz said that also at risk are those in crowded environment and engaging in smoking habits.

She added that while treatment can be made through antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the disease, still she cautioned about the danger in giving antibiotics in the process.

She noted that utmost care must be exercised because there is a tendency to develop antibiotic resistance among patients in the long run and if there is mismanagement of antibiotics or not followed as prescribed by physicians.

As a “prescription” to help in the prevention of pneumonia, she said that parents should be aware of the use of pneumonia vaccines among infants.

She stressed that ideally, infants should be receiving pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) during the ages of two months, four months and six months, and boosted when the child reaches 12 to 15 months old.

She said that such vaccines are available at the health centers as part of the program of the government through the Department of Health (DOH).

According to Dr. Solante, adults must be aware that there are two vaccines that are needed by adults to be protected from pneumococcal diseases -- polysaccharide vaccines (PCV23) and conjugated vaccines (PCV13).

Solante said that consultation is needed for the administration of the vaccine and his fellow doctors dealing with the curing of other health conditions at risk with pneumonia should also be giving advice to their patients on its importance.

He said that ideally, the PCV13 vaccine should be first given before it will be followed after two months by PCV23.

If in case the PCV23 is first given, he said that PCV13 can still be given after a period of one year.

He added that the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) recommends influenza and pneumococcal vaccines among those diagnosed with chronic and heart failure.

He said that vaccination can help in creating herd immunity among the population wherein others are also given the protection against the spread of illnesses that can be costly and even deadly.

During the discussion, it was also emphasized that investing on vaccination and letting the vaccine works and be administered is an effective health investment which can minimize the cost of treatment and in preventing hurting and damaging effects.

They also emphasized that it is important that everyone, especially parents, is aware of the need to be vaccinated to minimize the burden of pneumonia which can lead to confinement in hospital, loss of income, absences from work, loss of productivity, loss time for the quality time spent with family and many other related consequences.

APEC to hold first SME Summit in PHL

By Kris M. Crismundo [(PNA), CTB/KMC]

MANILA (PNA) -- The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) has partnered with APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) to hold the first Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Summit on November 17 in Makati City.

To be held during the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week (AELW), the APEC SME Summit will have the theme of “Innovation and Big Ideas: Pushing Boundaries” and aims to challenge the traditional framework and mindset of micro and SMEs to further innovate their businesses.

About 1,500 delegates including MSMEs across Asia Pacific, government officials, ABAC, business organizations, and business students are expected to participate in the event.

The APEC SME Summit will have exhibits and featured talks from leaders of successful enterprises in the region, particularly those with innovative and disruptive business models.

Among APEC region’s business leaders that will share innovation insights, experiences, and inspiring stories are AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes, Care.com Founder and CEO Sheila Marcelo, and Xurpas, Inc. President and CEO Nix Nolledo among many others.

President Benigno S. Aquino III will also grace the APEC SME Summit as keynote speaker.

Target outcomes of the APEC SME Summit are innovation partnerships between and among SMEs and innovators, network of APEC SME entrepreneurs and practitioners in the innovation space, and documentation of inspiring stories and recognition of successful SME innovators with transformative solutions and ideas.

The APEC SME Summit is part of the forum’s initiative to increase the participation of MSMEs in the global value chain.

The sector is the engine of growth and innovation in APEC. It comprises over 97 percent of enterprises in the region; over half of the total workforce in APEC member economies; 20 to 50 percent share to GDP; and contributes up to 35 percent of direct exports.

Ayala Museum’s most popular exhibits of Botong Francisco and Ramon Magsaysay extended to Nov. 23

(PNA), FPV/LOR

MANILA, Nov. 10 (PNA)-- Art lovers will continue to be treated to an awesome display of famous painter Botong Francisco's work at the imposing Ayala Museum’s that partnered with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in presenting “Botong Francisco:A Nation Imagined" travelling exhibit until Nov. 14.

The well- received and reviewed paintings were first displayed on Oct. 7 to Nov.7 but requests for viewing has forced Ayala Museum to extend until Nov. 23 to accommodate local and foreign visitors.

Avant garde movie director Peque Gallaga’s documentary film accompanies the beautiful, realistic and smooth paintings up to the end of this week.

Due to the APEC advisory and the MMDA traffic advisory within the Makati Central Business District during the APEC week, the Ayala Museum will be closed to the public on Nov. 15 (Sunday) to Nov. 19 (Thursday).

Meanwhile, the Museo ni Ramon Magsaysay, the country’s most loved President who died in a plane crash at Mt. Manunggal in Cebu in 1957, will also continue to be opened in Castillejos, Zambales until Nov. 23, said Museo curator Noel Gaton.

Gaton is encouraging everybody to see Magsaysay’s Museo in his home province Zambales to reminisce the late President’s life as the country's Chief Executive for a short period.

Ayala Land 9-month profit hits Php12.8-B

(PNA), FPV/LDV

MANILA, Nov. 9 (PNA) -- Property giant Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) booked a 19-percent surge in profit in the first nine months of 2015 on the back of sustained stable performance of property development, commercial leasing and services businesses.

Its net income reached Php12.8 billion in January to September from Php10.8 billion during the same period last year.

ALI said its consolidated revenues increased 9.96 percent to Php68.3 billion to Php75.1 billion.

“Our nine-month earnings affirm the consistent and balanced performance of our key business lines which we plan to expand at a steady pace,” said Bernard Vincent O. Dy, ALI President and Chief Executive Officer.

“Our priority is still the continuous development of our integrated mixed-use estates all over the country. Through the company’s more established estates, such as Makati, Bonifacio Global City, Cebu Park District, and in recent years, Nuvali, we have seen these developments contribute positively to the local economy," he said.

Revenues from property development, which include the sale of residential lots and units, and office spaces, as well as commercial and industrial lots, also surged 9 percent to Php46.9 billion in the same nine-month period.

Moreover, revenues from commercial leasing, which cover the operation of shopping centers, offices, and hotels and resorts, totaled Php17.2 billion, 12 percent higher than the Php15.4 billion recorded in 2014.

Revenues from the residential and office for sale segment reached Php40 billion, 10 percent higher year-on-year, driven by sustained bookings and project completion across all residential brands.

Revenues from shopping centers reached Php9.2 billion, 12 percent higher year-on-year from Php8.3 billion, due to the increasing contributions of Fairview Terraces and UP Town Center, as well as the higher occupancy and average rental rates of existing malls.

Revenues from office leasing reached Php3.7 billion, 18 percent higher year-on-year from Php3.1 billion due to the contribution of new offices and the higher occupancy and average rental rates of existing offices.

The company has so far spent a total of Php60.3 billion in capital expenditures. It launched residential and leasing projects worth Php97.9 billion in the first nine months of 2015.

‘Make It Makati’ campaign offers hotel discounts

By Feliciano Rodriguez III (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

The brand campaign “Make It Makati” and MasterCard are teaming up again to bring staycation offers this holiday season.

“For three years, Make it Makati and MasterCard, together with Raffles and Fairmont Makati, InterContinental Manila and Holiday Inn & Suites Makati, have been giving the public more reasons to stay in Makati,” says Manny Blas, Ayala Land vice president and project development head of Makati.

From November to December this year, MasterCard cardholders can avail of Raffles and Fairmont Makati rooms at 50-percent discount on best available rates on Friday-Sunday (except Nov. 13-19, and Dec. 31). Spend your holiday lunch and dinner socials with one free buffet for every four diners at Spectrum. The hotel’s Willow Stream Spa is also offering a 50-percent off promo on weekdays, Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., on all a la carte massage treatments.

More discounts

At the InterContinental Manila and Holiday Inn & Suites Makati hotels, MasterCard offers 50-percent discount at Café Jeepney and Flavors, respectively.

This is applicable to a minimum of two diners and a maximum of 10 for every visit.

In addition, for every three diners at InterCon’s Prince Albert, the fourth eats for free.

Book your Makati getaway and also avail of 50-percent off on both InterContinental Manila and Holiday Inn and Suites Makati’s room rates on weekends. Pamper and reward yourself with a soothing massage and get 20-percent discount on treatments at the InterContinental Spa and Holiday Inn & Suites Spa.

InterCon closing

InterContinental Manila is closing its doors permanently by the yearend. The property will be transformed into a mixed-used development complex—with two new hotels, two office buildings, a convention tower and an intermodal transport hub.

“In the next five years, P125 billion will be spent to revitalize the city,” says Blas. “The major component of the development around the original InterCon area is the intermodal transport hub. It will look like the predeparture area of an airport. We’re all very excited.”

The InterCon will have one last New Year’s Eve celebration on Dec. 31.

“The coming holiday season will be a momentous occasion for InterContinental Manila,” says the hotel’s GM, Christian Pirodon. “This year, we say goodbye to our dear friends, patrons, employees and everyone who have been part of the hotel’s 46 years of existence. The celebration will be bittersweet as we recall happy memories… because we were once part of many people’s milestones.”

Bidding adieu after 46 years of existence is not an easy task, but Pirodon says, “We look forward to spending the remaining weeks with our treasured customers. I invite everyone to celebrate the holidays and revel in nostalgia. Ring in the New Year and join us…”

Availing of the Makati staycation package is very convenient. Reservations can be made at www.makeitmakati.com, or by contacting the reservation desks of the participating hotels.

If you book your staycation at any of the participating hotels, you can enjoy a Circuit Makati Bundle that includes two Circuit Bazaar tickets, two Karl Edwards Bazaar tickets, two Solar Mad Fest tickets, and a food voucher for every Power Mac Center Spotlight ticket purchase.

European Higher Education Fair opens academic pathways to Filipino students

By Filane Mikee Z. Cervantes [(PNA), RMA/FMC]

MANILA, Nov 7 (PNA) -- The delegation of the European Union (EU) to the Philippines hosted the European Higher Education Fair (EHEF) 2015 Saturday to provide countless opportunities for Filipino students aspiring to pursue undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate studies in Europe.

”The European Higher Education Fair 2015 is an opportunity for Filipinos to pursue their higher education programs in the European Union which is one of the best higher education destinations in the world today,” said Mattias Lentz, Chargé f’ Affaires a.i. of the EU Delegation to the Philippines, during the inauguration ceremony of the fair proper.

For a broader array and diverse mix of options, 27 European higher education institutions (HEIs) from 12 EU member states have participated in the fair on Saturday at Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City.

In fact, most of the participating HEIs ranked very high on any global ranking for universities and HEIs, according to the EU official.

”It is a platform for the (Filipino) students to come here to understand better what it means to study in Europe and what requirements are needed if they want to go there,” said Lentz to the Philippine News Agency.

The fair served as a venue for Filipino students to find out more about the various academic opportunities offered by European universities, since representatives have traveled all the way from Europe to provide immediate and direct answers to their queries.

Another important aspect of the fair was for the Philippine and European HEIs to have a network of exchange of best practices and expansion of partnerships.

”We want Philippine (higher education) institutions to meet European institutions and see what can be done in terms of expanding corporations and deepening their contacts,” Lentz argued.

”It is a collective effort that tries to promote cooperation between universities of Europe and the Philippines. We share common needs in terms of higher education, so this is a way of fostering this collaboration which is going to be crucial for the future of the countries,” said Luis Calvo, Ambassador of Spain.

The EU of the Philippines were joined by Commission on Higher Education (CHED) commissioner Dr. Minella Alarcon, European ambassadors Jan Top Christensen (Denmark), Luis Calvo (Spain), Marion Derckx (Netherlands), and other diplomats and officials during the inauguration and ribbon cutting ceremony of EHEF.

”Go with an open mind. Go and be ready to absorb every kind of knowledge and experiences. Go with the will to know,” the Spanish ambassador advised to Filipino students aspiring to pursue further studies in abroad.

According to Danish ambassador Christensen, language would not really be considered a massive barrier because most faculty members, especially in Denmark, have studied the English language to engage with international students.

Furthermore, five biggest EU cultural institutes—Goethe Institut Philippinen, Alliance Française de Manille, Instituto Cervantes de Manila, Istituto Dante Alighieri, and the Philippine Italian Association—have booths at the fair to offer a language proficiency boost for the students.

There were also presentations on study and mobility from the European Commission, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and United Kingdom during the fair.

Inclusive business model to engage low-income communities in supply chain

By Kris M. Crismundo [(PNA), RMA/KMC/RSM]

MANILA, Nov. 6 (PNA) -- The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) promotes the participation of low-income communities in the supply chain through inclusive business (IB) model.

To further boost cooperation in IB, leaders from public and private sectors will convene in APEC High-Level Dialogue on IB on Nov. 12 in Makati City.

“Inclusive Business models allow companies to engage poor and low-income communities as partners, customers, suppliers, and employees in their supply chains,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Adrian S. Cristobal Jr. said.

Promoting IB model in APEC can reduce poverty in the region and push for inclusive growth.

In IB model, low-income communities can be the supplier of products and services to companies; thus, providing them livelihood activities and engaging them to participate in the supply chain.

In the Asia-Pacific region, more than 700 million people live below the US$ 1.25 per day poverty line.

"In our experience, these models result in spreading the benefits of growth to the poor and we aim to promote them in APEC,” Cristobal added.

One of the successful IB models in the Philippines is Kennemer Foods’ Cacao Growership Program. This allows smallholder farmers to supply cacao beans to the company and has realized a seven-fold increase in annual income, from Php 25,000 per year to Php 175,000 per year. This also helps strengthen Kennemer’s supply chain for cacao beans, with farmers seeing a four-fold increase in yield once they became part of the program.

The country's Board of Investments is also giving incentives to companies using IB model as this is now part of the Investment Priorities Plan.

MMDA to give free ferry rides on its 40th anniversary Friday

(PNA), FFC/BNB/CLTC

MANILA, Nov. 5 (PNA) -- The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will offer free rides to the public at the Pasig River Ferry service on Friday, in line with its celebration of its 40th founding anniversary.

The free ferry boat rides will start around 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., accommodating commuters in its 11 stations – Pinagbuhatan, and San Joaquin in Pasig City; Guadalupe and Valenzuela in Makati City; Hulo in Mandaluyong City; PUP Sta. Mesa, Sta. Ana, Lambingan, Lawton, Escolta, and Plaza Mexico in Manila.

MMDA Chairman Emerson Carlos said the free boat rides is one way of giving back to the public for its support to the ferry service since the revival of its operation last year.

“This will also attract more commuters to patronize the ferry boat service along the historical Pasig River, especially with current concerns about vehicular traffic along EDSA. The ferry boat service is a convenient and fast alternative mode of transport for those going to Manila City from eastern Metro Manila,” Carlos said.

Aside from the free boat rides, the MMDA will also launch two new units of ferry boats on Friday afternoon, bringing to a total of 11 units now plying the stretch of the river.

Ferry boats will be arriving at the stations to pick up and unload passengers every 30 minutes.

Makati conducts crackdown on illegal power taps

By Jerome R. Paunan (PIO/RJB/JCP/PIA-NCR)

MAKATI CITY, Nov. 4 (PIA) -- Acting Makati Mayor Romulo V. Peña, Jr. has ordered the immediate investigation of all power connections in the area of Brgy. Palanan, following a fire that broke out early Sunday morning.

This, after a report by arson investigators from the Makati Fire Department pointing to illegal power connections as the cause of the fire that started in an apartment unit along Araro Street of the said barangay.

The blaze, which spread to 20 houses, claimed the lives of four members of a family and rendered over 30 families homeless.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy that has claimed the lives of a mother, her two young children and baby grandson who were living in the unit where the fire reportedly originated. We appeal to our residents to take extra precautions in keeping their homes safe and fire-proof, especially this coming holiday season,” Peña said.

The acting mayor reminded residents to carefully check Christmas lights and other electronic decors for the appropriate DTI seal of quality before purchasing them to avoid fires. He likewise warned them against using illegal power connections and improper use of outlets and extensions, since these pose grave danger to their homes and families.

The Makati police identified the fatalities as Annie Duran, 44, her daughters Britney May, 14 years old, and Nicole, eight, and her two-month old grandson, Rodrigo Nathaniel. Three other members of the family, Rodrigo, 44, their children Rodney, 11 and Ann Teacia, 16 were brought to the Philippine General Hospital for treatment after sustaining third-degree burns.

As of Sunday night, some 34 families have already received relief assistance from the Makati Social Welfare Department.

Makati sets up help desks in OsMak

By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan [(PNA), RMA/CLTC]

MANILA, Nov. 3 (PNA) -- In a bid to establish faster and more efficient medical services in the city-run Ospital ng Makati, Acting Mayor Kid Peña on Tuesday ordered the immediate installation of a help desk within the facility to cater to the needs of patients seeking medical treatment and respond to relevant concerns of their relatives.

Peña said people go to the hospital to seek medical relief, therefore, it is not proper to add to their burden by letting them wait in long queues.

“I have ordered the set-up of a help desk at OSMAK to facilitate the provision of speedy and efficient medical services to our constituents,” Peña said.

The help desk will be manned by eight newly-hired nurses who will work 24/7 in rotation.

This move was initiated by Peña after his office received a number of complaints about the slow processes in the hospital, such as procedures in doing triage as well as in getting patients’ information, which have contributed to congestion in areas like the Emergency Department and Outpatient Department.

“Through the help desk, we hope to achieve tangible improvement in the quality of services being provided by the hospital, particularly its outpatient, in-patient and emergency medical services,” the mayor added.

The tertiary hospital provides outpatient, emergency and in-patient care in the fields of surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, internal medicine, ENT, ophthalmology, dermatology and orthopedics.

OSMAK caters to an average of more than 500 patients daily at the Outpatient Department. To date, it has over 270 in-patients confined at the hospital and 15 patients undergoing treatment in the ER.

Currently, the OSMAK medical team is composed of 317 personnel under clinical services; 236, administrative services; 539, nursing services; and 155, ancillary services.

MMDA celebrates 40th anniversary with week-long activities

(PNA), FPV/CLTC

MANILA, Nov. 2 (PNA) – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has lined up a series of activities this week, to mark its 40th founding anniversary with the theme ‘“LIFE Beyond 40.”

Activities of MMDA’s five-day long anniversary celebration will begin with a fun run on November 3, Wednesday, in and around Guadalupe Nuevo in Makati, where the agency’s office building is situated.

On November 4, Thursday, movie buffs and fanatics will be treated to a free, all-day film showing at the agency’s theater. The marathon film showing will feature award-winning movies of the Metro Manila Film Fest.

MMDA will offer free boat rides to the public at the Pasig River Ferry service on November 6, Friday.

The free ferry boat rides will start around 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., accommodating commuters in its 11 stations – from Barangay Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City up to Escolta in Manila.

MMDA Chairman Emerson Carlos said the free boat rides is one way of giving back to the public for its support to the ferry service since the revival of its operation by the agency last year.

“This will also attract more commuters to patronize the ferry boat service along the historical Pasig River, especially with current concerns about vehicular traffic along EDSA. The ferry boat service is a convenient and fast alternative mode of transport for those going to Manila City from eastern Metro Manila,” Carlos said.

Aside from the free boat rides, the MMDA will also launch two new units of ferry boats in the afternoon, bringing to a total of 11 units now plying the stretch of the river.

Ferry boats will be arriving at the stations to pick up and unload passengers every 30 minutes.

The celebration will culminate with the morning parade and review on November 7, Saturday, by different MMDA operating units at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila where personnel will showcase their respective offices’ equipment and specialized vehicles.

Metro Manila chief executives and former MMDA chairpersons, including former First Lady Imelda Marcos, are expected to grace the event that will start around 7 a.m.

President Ferdinand Marcos established the then Metro Manila Council (MMC) on February 27, 1975 under Presidential Decree No. 824. MMC was then vested with all legislative and regulatory functions concerning the new Metro Manila area, where First Lady Imelda Marcos served as the first governor.

On January 9, 1990, President Cory Aquino renamed the MMC to Metro Manila Authority (MMA) through Executive Order No. 392. Former Makati mayor and now Vice President Jejomar Binay served as its first chairman. It was also at this time that MMA transferred its office from Timog Avenue, Quezon City to Guadalupe, Makati.

Congress then enacted Republic Act 7924 creating the present MMDA on March 1, 1995.

MMDA expects to collect increase truckloads of trash during Undas

By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan [(PNA), CTB/CLTC]

MANILA, Nov. 1 (PNA) --The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Sunday said it expects to collect more truckloads of garbage from various cemeteries in Metro Manila during this year’s All Saints Day and All Souls Day commemoration.

In an interview, MMDA Metro Parkway Clearing Group Chief Francis Martinez said that the agency assisting the different LGUs since Oct. 26 up to Nov. 1 have collected 142 truckloads of trash which isequivalent to 419 metric tons of waste have been collected in 26 cemeteries in metropolis.

”Expected namin mas marami kami makuha (basura), hanggang Nov. 3 but sa tingin ko hindi malalampasan yung last year na collected 314 truckloads equivalent to 1,884 tons,” he said.

He noted the garbage collected composed of styro, papers, plastic cups, basket for flowers, dried flowers, among others.

Martinez said that the bulk of the garbage was collected from the Manila North Cemetery, the metropolis’ largest cemetery, followed by the Manila South Cemetery in Makati, and Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque.

Earlier, Emerson Carlos, newly appointed MMDA Chairman said that more than 2,000 MMDA workforce are still on the road to ensure the safe and hassle free travel of the people from their provinces going back to Metro Manila.

Carlos said the agency will not be lifting its Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVV RP) or the number coding scheme on November 2, which falls on a Monday, a regular working day.

The UVVRP is a road space rationing program to reduce traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours in Metro Manila, by restricting the types of vehicles that can use major public roads based on the final digit of the vehicle's license plate.

Carlos added that provincial buses would be exempted from the number coding scheme on November 2 in anticipation of the large number of people returning to Metro Manila.

Under the number coding scheme, motorists are barred from Metro Manila's major roads from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., depending on the last number of their license plates.

For Mondays, those covered by the coding scheme are motorists with plate numbers ending in 1 and 2.

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