DOT XI launches Davao Adventure Challenge tourism campaign at Mindanao Tourism Expo


DOT XI launches Davao Adventure Challenge tourism campaign at Mindanao Tourism Expo

The Department of Tourism XI proudly announces the successful launch of the Davao Adventure Challenge at the Mindanao Tourism Expo held on April 28 in Cagayan de Oro City.

The Davao Adventure Challenge tourism campaign aims to promote the diverse and thrilling adventure activities that Davao Region has to offer. It also endeavors to attract adventure seekers from around the world and position the region as a premier adventure tourism destination in the Philippines.

“Together, we will rediscover Davao Region’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures and exciting adventure pursuits in this year-long tourism campaign,” said DOT Xl Regional Director Tanya Rabat Tan.

During the launch event, attendees were treated to a presentation showcasing the various adventure activities in Davao:

For Hiking Trails: Mount Apo, in Davao del Sur; Mount Hamiguitan, in San Isidro, Davao Oriental; and Mount Dinor in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. For Water Thrills: Water Tubing in Sibulan River, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur; White Water Rafting in Davao City; Skimboarding in Dahican Beach, Mati City; and Giant Clam Sanctuary Tour in Samal Island.

For Scuba and Freediving: Samal Island in Davao del Norte; Governor Generoso in Davao Oriental; and Pujada Bay Dive Sites in Mati City. For Extreme Adventurers: Canyoneering in Tagtugonan Falls, Kapalong, Davao del Norte; Spelunking in Su’bon Cave, Matanao, Davao del Sur, and Okbot Cave in Kapalong, Davao del Norte.

For Heights and Flights: Ultralight Plane Experience in Mati City, and Sky Adventure Rides in Eden Nature Park, Davao City.

The Department of Tourism XI is collaborating with local government units, DOT-accredited establishments, tour operators and guides in curating unique adventure packages that cater to different interests and skill levels. To join, interested participants can simply sign up via www. dotxievents. com.

Once registered, they can choose any, if not all, of the 15 initially available adventures for the entire year. Challengers can then scan the QR codes at the sites, and then post photos via social media. For every completed challenge, they can earn points, which would qualify them for e-badges and rewards.

“Beyond the thrills, it’s an opportunity to explore unfamiliar places, learn new cultures and sustainable practices, meet locals as well as your fellow adventurers, and create memories that will surely stand the test of time,” added Tan.

For more information about the Davao Adventure Challenge and to plan your next adrenaline-filled getaway, visit the Facebook page of the Department of Tourism – Davao Region for regular updates.

“YU KRAK ME AP”—JERICHO ROSALES LIKES MAJA’S NEW AD


“YU KRAK ME AP”—JERICHO ROSALES LIKES MAJA’S NEW AD

Maja Salvador is the new face of Keratin Plus, and her recent ad is just too funny not to share. Actor and celebrity Jericho Rosales didn’t hesitate to share the video because it was pure hilarious, with a distinctive Filipino humor, too. Maja, known for repeating words for emphasis is seen doing the exact same quirk in the video in “peak Pinoy humor” as they call it.

Jericho posted the commercial on his Instagram account with the caption “@maja yu krak me ap (laughing emoji)” and Maja responded by reposting the same material on her account doing her signature quirk, and captions it as she says it: “Kaya mu ku favorite! Favoriiitteee?! (funny emoji)” (PR)

Watch the trending video here.

Chinabank Reaffirms its Customer Focus with New Campaign


Chinabank Reaffirms its Customer Focus with New Campaign

Chinabank has launched a brand refresh program and digital campaign to evolve the 103-year old bank’s brand and image, making it more resonant and engaging to a new generation of customers.

The bank replaced the signages of its head office and branches in an ongoing rollout, released on social media its new ad and new jingle “Focused on You”, and placed billboard ads in EDSA-Magallanes and SM MOA Globe featuring its first ever brand ambassador, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, a third-generation member of Chinabank’s founding family.

The brand refresh builds on Chinabank’s solid foundation as a trusted bank with a keen understanding of its clients’ needs in an evolving landscape. The bank’s new tagline “Focused on You,” which is also the title of its new jingle and digital campaign, reflects its firm commitment to serving its customers and putting their best interests in mind. For the last 103 years, the bank has helped tycoons when they were just newbies, billionaires when they only had a billion to one shot. To this day, the bank gives the same focus and attention to all its customers, not caring whether they are big or small, but only seeing the size of their dreams. The new logo, with its stylized “CBC” monogram, a symbol that embodies stability and simplicity, gives Chinabank a younger, more agile, and dynamic look.

“Chinabank has been growing and transforming through the years, in step with the times and more importantly, in line with the changing needs and perceptions of our customers,” Chinabank Investor & Corporate Relations Group Head Gerald Florentino said. “We believe this brand refresh will develop the Chinabank brand in the right way and enable us to deepen existing relationships and connect with a broader market.”

Established in 1920, Chinabank has been known as a businessman’s bank with a strong affiliation with the Chinese Filipino community. While maintaining its deep ties with this niche market, Chinabank has grown into a strong and stable universal bank—now the country’s fourth largest private domestic bank—offering a full suite of banking products and services for corporate, commercial, and retail customers. As it pursues its growth plans, embarking on a digital transformation, the bank’s board and management also saw the need to revitalize Chinabank’s brand and image.

“How you take the brand forward is vital to any company’s future success. Even if you’re already well established, you have to find fresh approaches to re-engage your loyal customers and build connections with new ones,” Chinabank Marketing Communications Department Head Aileen Vallesteros said. “Our ‘Focused on You’ campaign reinforces the brand’s strengths and makes Chinabank more relatable to the new generation of customers.”

The whole brand refresh process went smoothly, Vallesteros noted, because the bank’s Chairman Hans Sy and President & CEO Romy Uyan were on board and hands on, from the choice of the brand ambassador to the messaging and design. With the leaders’ buy-in, everyone in the bank embraced the change./PR

Hold 9th Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Expo in Davao City this May


Hold 9th Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Expo in Davao City this May

The Universal Islamic Center (UIC), the institutional partner of Davao City Halal Industry Development Council (DCHIDC) will be organizing the 9th Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Expo (PHTTE), with a theme: “Global Halal Market: Tourism, Trade and Investment Opportunities.”

According to PHTTE president Marilou Ampuan, the Expo will be held on May 23-25, 2024 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang, Davao City, Philippines.

This year’s PHTTE will have three main components: an exhibit, a plenary, and business-to-business and business-to-customers sessions. There will also be ancillary activities showcasing Mindanao’s culture, food, and modest fashion and three other Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) member countries.

The global halal market is a $7.2 Trillion economy worldwide, and PHTTE 2024 provides a platform for exhibitors and other participants to access and be part of this unstoppable bandwagon.

The plenary will bring together the tourism academe, entrepreneurs, and experts to present and discuss the latest trends in the Halal industry. The learning sessions will equip and empower individuals and enterprises of Halal and Halal potential food, manufacturing products, agriculture, tourism, e-commerce, and allied services to address challenges in doing halal business in the Philippines.

To take the first step to secure your booth, complete your reservation form via link https://forms.gle/eLj4azLArA69TbVq5

Nine Research Ethics Committees in Davao Region Earn Accreditation from PHREB


Nine Research Ethics Committees in Davao Region Earn Accreditation from PHREB

The Department of Science and Technoloy in Region XI (DOST-XI) that nine Institutional Research Ethics Committees (RECs) in Southern Mindanao received accreditation from the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB), marking a significant milestone in upholding ethical standards in health research within the region.

The recognition was bestowed by PHREB, the national policy-making body in health research ethics in the Philippines, after the RECs adhered to the national and international guidelines governing health research.

These RECs have fulfilled all the necessary requirements set forth by PHREB which underscores their dedication to ensuring the quality ethical review of health research projects.

The Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS), in collaboration with the PHREB and the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD).

Among the awardees for Level 1 were as follows :

Cor Jesu College, Inc. Research Ethics Committee

University of the Philippines Mindanao Research Ethics Committee

Davao del Norte State College Research Ethics Committee

Jose Maria College Foundation, Inc. Research Ethics Committee

Regional Health R&D Consortium XI Research Ethics Committee

These Level 1 awardees have been granted provisional accreditation, allowing them to review all types of research except clinical trials required for FDA registration of new drugs within the provisional one-year accreditation period.

Level 2 Awardees:

University of the Immaculate Conception Research Ethics Committee

St. Mary’s College of Tagum, Inc. Research Ethics Committee

Davao Medical School Foundation Hospital Research Ethics Committee

Under the Level 2 accreditation, these institutions enables them to review all types of research except clinical trials required for FDA registration of new drugs. RECs that have demonstrated satisfactory performance as Level 1 RECs may apply for Level 2 accreditation.

Level 3 Awardee:

San Pedro Hospital Institutional Ethics Review Committee

San Pedro Hospital Institutional Ethics Review Committee achieved Level 3 accreditation which allows them to review all types of research, including studies required for applications for marketing authorization of food, drugs, and devices by regulatory agencies such as the FDA.

Ethical research clearance plays a pivotal role in ensuring the protection of human participants in any health research. It also enhances researchers’ ability to publish in reputable academic journals.

With the accreditation of these RECs, the Davao Region is poised to make significant strides in health research, fostering a culture of ethical conduct and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field of healthcare. (with reports from Vener Zygmond Rebuelta)

New Sustainable Banking and Finance Network Research Reveals Rapid Policy Reforms as Catalyst for Expanding Sustainable Finance in Emerging Markets


New Sustainable Banking and Finance Network Research Reveals Rapid Policy Reforms as Catalyst for Expanding Sustainable Finance in Emerging Markets

WASHINGTON D.C., April 24, 2024 – The IFC-facilitated Sustainable Banking and Finance Network (SBFN) has unveiled its 2024 Global Progress Brief and launched the innovative SBFN Data Portal, offering the most comprehensive benchmarking of sustainable finance trends and initiatives across sixty-six Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs).

The 2024 Global Progress Brief highlights key achievements, challenges, and opportunities within the SBFN community across three pillars of sustainable finance defined in the SBFN Measurement Framework developed by members: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Integration, Climate and Nature-Related Risk Management, and Financing Sustainability. This year’s assessment included emerging priorities such as nature-related risk, inclusive finance, and new indicators on climate risk aligned with international good practices and standards.

Since the 2021 SBFN Global Progress Report, all SBFN countries have made swift efforts to introduce climate- and nature-related risk management frameworks, reflecting the translation of commitments made under the Paris Agreement into regulatory action. ESG Integration has also emerged as a cornerstone of sustainable finance, with thirty-nine countries implementing frameworks to manage Environmental and Social (E&S) risks in investment decision-making in line with international standards such as IFC’s Performance Standards, while leveraging them as tools to prevent greenwashing in sustainable finance instruments.

“The record growth of the network and tremendous member progress in shaping policy and influencing markets over the past three years signal the immense power of collaboration, partnerships, and knowledge sharing to steer financial systems toward sustainability,” said Alfonso Garcia Mora, Chair of SBFN Secretariat and IFC Vice President for Europe and Latin America & Caribbean. “SBFN members are demonstrating the importance of recognizing climate and environmental risks as contributors to financial system vulnerabilities, while also highlighting the potential to transform these challenges into opportunities for developing new markets in sustainable finance.”

Furthermore, the surge in the adoption of sustainable finance taxonomies and thematic bond guidelines in SBFN countries is mobilizing financial flows towards activities that support global and national sustainable development goals. Notably, an impressive US$759 billion of thematic bonds have been issued across forty-five SBFN countries.

SBFN comprises ninety-one financial sector regulators, ministries, and industry associations representing seventy countries, and $68 trillion (92 percent) of total banking assets in EMDEs. Moreover, member countries have launched over 400 policies, marking a remarkable 107 percent increase compared to the 2021 report.

In tandem with the Global Progress Brief, SBFN introduced its groundbreaking Data Portal, a dynamic tool designed to track sustainable finance initiatives across member countries on an ongoing basis. Providing detailed insights into SBFN members’ actions, this innovative platform enables regular and consistent monitoring of progress, facilitating multi-dimensional benchmarking across countries, regions, and indicators. The Data Portal will serve as a catalyst for peer-to-peer learning, knowledge sharing, and experience exchange among SBFN members.

“The launch of the SBFN Data Portal represents a significant milestone in our collective efforts to drive sustainable finance forward,” said Nezha Hayat, Chairperson and CEO of the Moroccan Capital Market Authority (AMMC), and Co-Chair of the SBFN Measurement Working Group. “This innovative platform will empower our members to track progress, identify best practices, and foster cross-learning, ultimately accelerating our journey toward a sustainable future.” (PR)

For more information on the 2024 Global Progress Brief and Data Portal, visit https://www.sbfnetwork.org/.

About IFC

IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2023, IFC committed a record $43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

Stay connected with IFC on social media

About SBFN

Established in 2012, the Sustainable Banking and Finance Network (SBFN) is a voluntary community of financial sector regulators, central banks, ministries of finance, ministries of environment, and industry associations from emerging markets committed to advancing sustainable finance. The first global network of its kind focused on sustainable finance at market level, SBFN comprises 91 member institutions representing 70 countries and at least US$68 trillion (92 percent) of the total banking assets in emerging markets, as of April 2024. SBFN members are committed to moving their financial sectors toward sustainability, with the twin goals of improved environmental and social risk management (including disclosure of climate risks) and increased capital flows to activities with positive climate, environmental, and social impact. IFC, part of the World Bank Group, is SBFN’s Secretariat and knowledge partner, assisting members to share knowledge and access capacity building to support the design and implementation of national sustainable finance initiatives. For more information, visit https://www.sbfnetwork.org/

SM Foundation, DSWD Region XI to strengthen partnership for disaster relief


SM Foundation, DSWD Region XI to strengthen partnership for disaster relief

SM Foundation and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office in Region XI recently held a ceremonial MOA signing to strengthen their partnership in providing assistance to communities affected by calamities and disasters.

Joining the ceremonial signing of MOA are SMFI asst. vice president for livelihood and outreach programs Cristie Angeles and DSWD XI regional director Atty. Vanessa Goc-Ong.

The MOA is set to pave the way for the strengthened distribution of aid to affected areas during times of crisis and calamities in the region.

SM Group, through SM Foundation and SM Supermalls, activated the OPTE at Brgy. Pagsabangan, Tagum City, providing about 1,000 Kalinga Packs to families affected by flood.

OPTE is a social good program of the SM Foundation, in collaboration with SM Supermalls and SM Markets, which is dedicated to providing timely assistance to communities in times of calamities and crises. To date, the program has distributed over 800,000 Kalinga Packs to various locations in the Philippines. (PR)

NGCP energizes its Cebu-Negros-Panay Link, calls for more power generation projects to avoid outages in Visayas


NGCP energizes its Cebu-Negros-Panay Link, calls for more power generation projects to avoid outages in Visayas

As part of efforts to improve power transmission services in Cebu, Negros, and Panay, NGCP successfully energized the Cebu-Negros-Panay 230-kiloVolt (kV) Backbone Project Stage 3 (CNP3), increasing the transfer of power capacity from Panay to Negros to Cebu, and vice versa.

The remaining components of the multi-island interconnection project were energized at 10:01AM of 27 March 2024, strengthening the transfer of power from Panay to Negros to Cebu, and vice versa.

The new line, with a carrying capacity of 400MW, is the 3rd stage in the Cebu-NegrosPanay backbone. his upgrades the existing Amlan-Samboan submarine cable which currently connects Cebu and Negros islands. The first stage of the CNP Project added a new 230kV transmission line from Bacolod to E.B Magalona, while the 2nd stage upgraded the Cebu Substation into 230kV level.

While the energization of the line will definitely improve transmission services and the reliability of the grid, NGCP stressed the need for the implementation of strategic developments in the generation side to fully optimize the benefits of the strengthened interconnection.

“The project’s completion was touted by some parties as the primary solution to the recent spate of power outages in Negros and Panay. But CNP3 is not the sole or primary solution to the woes of Panay consumers. Transmission and power generation go hand in hand. Sufficient power generation development supported by reliable transmission is the formula for optimized energy development. This will support the country’s push towards economic recovery,” NGCP explained.

“We have long advocated for a holistic approach to energy industry development. Generation and transmission must be developed together. One cannot be made to bear the whole burden of keeping the industry stable,” NGCP stressed.

The CNP3 is the last of the three critical projects the transmission service provider delivered amidst mounting calls for completion of projects, and despite experiencing numerous challenges beyond its control. Difficulties in securing right-of-way, slow progress of expropriation cases, and permitting issues with several local government units have hampered the completion of the project’s critical components. The project was completed by NGCP in less than seven years, below the average of 7-10 years of project completion in first world countries.

“This is a big step towards improving power transmission services in the Visayas grid as its energization will allow the delivery of power to support Panay’s needs from Cebu or elsewhere from the grid, provided that there is an availability of excess power generation.

While the line will help improve the delivery of power, more baseload plants in Negros and more in-island generation in Panay are needed to prevent the occurrence of power outages,” NGCP said. “The energization of the CNP is a testament to NGCP’s commitment to complete this, and all its other projects,” the company added.

The CNP3 is comprised of 544 transmission towers spanning 354 circuit kilometers of overhead lines, 58 circuit kilometers of submarine cables, and 10 substations.

The project was filed for approval with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) in 2016 with a project cost of PhP43.41 Billion. However, the ERC granted a provisional approval in 2017 for only one year’s worth of capital expenditure amounting to PhP176.75 Million. NGCP has yet to receive the ERC’s final approval.

“Despite awaiting the ERC’s final approval of the project and the corresponding budget for its construction, NGCP continued to pursue the completion of the CNP3 due to the critical operational need to strengthen the transmission backbone in the area,” said NGCP.

Aside from the CNP3, NGCP also recently energized the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection, which fully links Mindanao to Luzon and Visayas, for the more efficient operation of a single Philippine grid. Last year, one circuit line of the Hermosa-San Jose 500kV Transmission Line (HSJ), critical to Luzon, was also energized. ###

SM Prime marks 30th anniversary with record-breaking income, PHP 100 billion investment for 2024


SM Prime marks 30th anniversary with record-breaking income, PHP 100 billion investment for 2024

Manila, Philippines – SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPH), the leading integrated property developer in the Philippines, marks its 30th anniversary as a publicly listed company with the announcement of its highest-ever recorded income and a ₱100 billion investment for its partners, stakeholders, and communities they operate in. With eyes set on the future, SM Prime reaffirms its position as a catalyst for economic development and community advancement.

SM Prime’s (L-R): Assistant Corporate Secretary Arthur Sy, Corporate Secretary Atty. Elmer Serrano, Chief Finance Officer and Chief Compliance Officer John Nai Peng Ong, President Jeffrey Lim, Independent Director Atty.  Darlene Marie Berberabe, Chairman of the Board Henry Sy Jr., Vice Chairman and Lead Independent Director Amando Tetangco Jr., Non-Executive Director Herbert Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, and Non-Executive Director Jorge Mendiola

Record-Breaking Performance

During the Annual Stockholders Meeting held on April 23, 2024, SM Prime announced its highest-ever recorded income, reaching PHP40 billion in consolidated net income, marking a 33% increase from 2022. Additionally, the company’s revenues surged by 21%, soaring to PHP128.1 billion, a notable growth from the previous year. The consolidated operating income also saw significant growth, rising by 24% to PHP61.3 billion.

The outstanding performance can be attributed to SM Prime’s mall business, driving 56% of consolidated revenues and a 30% growth to PHP71.9 billion in 2023. This growth was bolstered by a 24% increase in mall rental income, amounting to PHP61.3 billion. Moreover, the opening of four new malls in 2023 expanded SM’s retail presence to 85 malls in the Philippines and 8 malls in China.

Meanwhile, SM Prime’s residential business group, led by SM Development Corporation (SMDC), recorded an 8% growth in revenues to PHP43.1 billion in 2023. The residential group’s gross profit rose by 15% to PHP25.4 billion, with reservation sales standing at PHP102 billion.

In addition to its mall and residential businesses, SM Prime’s other key segments, comprising offices, hotels, and convention centers, contributed 10% of consolidated revenues, reported PHP13.1 billion in revenues in 2023, marking a remarkable 26% increase from the previous year.

Commitment to Shared Growth

At the core of SM Prime’s success is its unwavering commitment to shared prosperity in every city where they are present. With a strategic ₱100 billion investment capital expenditure in 2024, SM Prime aims to reinvest in its partners, stakeholders, and communities.

SM Prime aims to continuously expand and develop new places for every Filipino to enjoy. Sixty percent (60%) will be dedicated to enhancing its malls, development of new residential properties under SMDC, and construction of new hotels and convention centers. Forty percent (40%) will be directed towards acquiring new properties and coastal developments to pave the way for modern, eco-friendly urbanization.

Commitment to Environmental Sustainability and Disaster Resilience

SM Prime has always been committed towards creating a sustainable future. SM Prime continues to work towards its goal of achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040, aligning with the Department of Energy’s target of reaching a 35% renewable energy share by 2030.  Through partnerships with renewable energy suppliers and organizations like the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), SM Prime endeavors to reduce its environmental footprint and advocate for sustainable practices in all areas of its operations.

SM Supermalls’ SM Cares and SMDC’s The Good Guys also remain actively engaged in various community initiatives, such as conducting community disaster preparedness programs, providing support programs for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, and promoting job generation and entrepreneurship through nationwide job fairs and MSME programs. Other initiatives include coastal clean-ups, the donation of school buildings and fire trucks, and the organization of eco-camps for youth.

Jeffrey C. Lim, President of SM Prime Holdings shared, “At SM Prime, we’re not just building spaces; we’re cultivating lifetimes of progress and shared growth. Our commitment lies in empowering Filipinos to thrive within their neighborhoods, whether through convenient shopping experiences at SM Supermalls, quality living in SMDC homes, or fulfilling work environments in our office properties. We believe that individual success fuels community prosperity, creating opportunities, and driving the nation’s growth for many years to come.”

SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. For more information, visit http://www.smprime.com. ###

GREAT SAVINGS FROM OUR HOME DAVAO 3-DAY SALE  


GREAT SAVINGS FROM OUR HOME DAVAO 3-DAY SALE  

Planning for a home refresh this summer?   As temperature rises, so do the savings at OUR HOME Davao on its 3-Day Sale from April 19-21!

Now is the best time to shop for the home refresh that you’ve been wanting to do with OUR HOME’s great selections of home furniture, decor and accessories.   Visit us and get inspirations for your living room, bedroom and dining room.  

Check out OUR HOME Davao’s great offers:   

Save up to 80% off on great finds for your living room, bedroom and dining room. 

Get extra 10% off with SMAC and SMAC Prestige cards. 

And here’s more.  Get another extra 5% off when you pay straight or extra 10% off when you avail of our Buy Now Pay Later installment offer using qualified BDO Credit cards with a minimum purchase required. T&Cs apply.     

We assemble for free and we also offer free interior design advice to help you out with your home styling.  Visit us to know more of our great offers.   

OUR HOME has something for everyone.  So, what are you waiting for?  Head on to OUR HOME Davao located at the Ground Level Annex Bldg. of SM City Davao where you can find great designs at great prices.   Call a personal shopper at 0977-8052231 or check out  www.ourhome.ph