Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. has launched Coca-Cola Foodmarks Vigan held on December 10, 2024 at Cafe Evelyn in La Casa Blanca Vigan Hotel, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Region 1 (Ilocos Region), Philippines hosted by Ancher Cua, a freelance wedding and event host (emcee) in Ilocos Region and Metro Manila, Philippines.
Coca-Cola Foodmarks Vigan Launch was led by Mr. Josh Montales, Franchise Operations Manager for North Luzon of Coca-Cola Philippines, Mr. Maeverick Tan, Commercial Unit Director for North Luzon, Coca-Cola Team and Vigan LGU Team.
According to Mr. Mr. Maverick Tan, Commercial Unit Director for North Luzon Coca-Cola Philippines. they are in Vigan City to promote not only tourism but the local cuisines and delicacies of Vigan. This is not just putting bagnet or your favorite local delicacies in the mouth of the Philippines but in the entire world.
He also mentioned that this is us really making difference as we promote the culture authentic food tourism and everything. So, really have to be the partnership of the local government unit, the residences in the community and to uplift the livelihood and tourism in Vigan. And hoping that this is not just the first and the last, but the many collaboration we can do, according to Mr. Tan.
He also encouraged the guests in the event, to really enjoy, have a meal, not just get in with friends or the people together, but to make memories unleash the real magic of Coca-Cola and make this day extra especial. Lastly, he invited the guest and attendees of the Coca-Cola Foodmarks Vigan Launch, to go out, walk the entire streets and try the authentic food, especially for local restaurant owners in Vigan and enjoy it, and make it extra special with Ice-Cold Coca-Cola.
Coca-Cola Foodmarks has launched another historic and world class food capital in Vigan City. With the historic city, walk the cobblestones and step into Vigan’s rich heritage. Bite into the best of Vigan: Bagnet, Pakbet, and other Ilocano specialties great with Ice-Cold Coca-Cola. Mangan tayon! Coca-Cola Foodmarks Historic Streets Authentic Eats Ice-Cold Coca-Cola this day & beyond.
Media Contact:
Erica Atonito
Brand PR Director
REDTORCH COMMUNICATIONS
2nd Floor, The Strip at Circulo Verde, Calle Industria, Bagumbayan, Quezon City
First Eduspec Inc. advocates organizations to STEAM-STRONG for the future of diverse learners in the diverse communities, this day & beyond.
The results of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and other international standardized tests have brought attention to the poor performance of Filipino learners, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the quality of education in our country today. Filipino students are falling behind in critical areas, particularly math and science, ranking 77th among 81 countries in the 2022 PISA rankings released in December 2023.
For First Eduspec Inc. (FEI), this news presents a challenge and an opportunity to provide better support for learners by emphasizing their STEAM curriculum. With a purposive and well-designed STEAM curriculum, experiential tools to test and hone students’ skills, assessments to measure performance, and continuous professional development programs for teachers, Filipino learners can fully realize their potential and become more equipped and STEAM-strong. All these are offered by FEI, a multinational organization known for its innovative, technology-based educational solutions and services, and a sister company of Rex Education, a leading academic publisher in the country.
On October 11, FEI and REX underscored their commitment in a special program to address the challenges of providing better support for Filipino learners in STEAM education as they prepare to become future-ready citizens of a digital, technology-driven world.
Themed Armed and Equipped: Nurturing Future-Ready Citizens Through Leveled-Up STEAM Learning with First Eduspec Inc., the program featured keynotes from prominent STEAM stakeholders, including FEI General Manager Willard Paras and Dr. Alfons Jayson Pelgone of the Philippine Normal University. FEI and Rex Education also reaffirmed their commitment to actively support initiatives aimed at advancing the Philippine education system and further empowering Filipino learners.
“At FEI, we have made it our mission to come up with STEAM learning solutions that are relevant, needs-driven, and research- and evidence-based to respond to the ever-changing needs for innovative learning solutions,” Paras said, as he discussed the four pillars of FEI’s STEAM-STRONG programs:
STEAM curriculum designed to develop 21st-century skills.
Authentic assessment for evidence-based teaching, learning dynamics, and evaluation of students’ skills achievement.
Educational technology to help students and teachers familiarize themselves with the world of work.
Capacity building and professional development for institutions, and especially teachers, to effectively deliver these programs.
“We work closely with every partner and institution to ensure schools are ready to assist learners in their STEAM journey. We provide training and workshops to help empower teachers and instructors, enabling them to become competent STEAM enthusiasts who can, in turn, arm and equip our learners,” Paras added.
In his keynote, REX CEO Don Timothy Buhain reflected on the Philippines’ low PISA ranking, calling it “a challenge for all of us” and prompting the audience to consider these vital questions: How are we teaching STEAM in our schools? Are we truly giving our learners all the tools and support they need to succeed in the real world?
“This is a conversation we need to have, and I am happy we are here as part of the solution. We will do more,” Buhain assured.
“With FEI’s guidance, our STEAM offerings have been significantly enhanced, enabling us to better meet the needs of our learners. For us at REX, FEI is family—an integral contributor to the symphony of learning solutions we have developed over the years. This relationship grows stronger every day as we approach our 75th year of nurturing Filipino learners,” Buhain said.
These needs have only increased in the 21st century, with the introduction of digital learning technologies fundamentally transforming how people learn and interact with information. This transformation underscores the importance of technology—a core component of STEAM—in ensuring young people’s successful participation in all spheres of life.
In line with this, PISA has introduced in its ninth cycle a new, innovative domain: Learning in a Digital World, which assesses students’ ability to learn and thrive in digital environments alongside its usual evaluations of core skills in math and science. FEI and Rex Education’s STEAM-STRONG initiative aims to help improve Filipino learners’ performance in PISA and prepare them for a digital, technology-driven future.
The special event also marked the launch of the Partnership Graduate Studies Program with First City Providential College, an institution granted autonomous status by the Commission on Higher Education. The program will offer advanced learning opportunities in STEAM and robotics education to further empower educators. Additionally, the event included the soft launch of the Federation of Robotics Schools in the Philippines, an organization dedicated to advancing coding, robotics, and STEAM learning nationwide through various programs and activities.
A total of 55 schools have signed up for FEI’s robotics program for SY 2024–2025, including St. Mary’s College (Quezon City), which showcased an agricultural robot prototype designed to help Filipino farmers cultivate their fields. This demonstration highlights both the far-reaching impact of robotics in various aspects of life and the exceptional talent of Filipino students in this high-tech field.
The QC Eco-Run: Run Green, Breathe Clean was held on November 24, 2024 at the Quezon Memorial Circle, a national park located in Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City, National Capital Region (NCR), Philippines.
Diverse runners, advocates and enthusiasts from the diverse communities were thrilled of the game-changing experience of the 10k Run, 5k Run, 2k Jog/Walk and Free Dance Fitness Marathon in Quezon City.
I participated the 2K Jog/Walk of the QC Eco-Run: Run Green, Breathe Clean and this successful event remind the participants of the importance of Eco-Environment Friendly, Healthy Lifestyle for Fitness and Eco-Tourism in the community to this day and beyond. QC Eco-Run: Run Green, Breathe Clean is relevant and related of the Clean Air Movement, Fitness and Eco-Tourism of the Government of Quezon City which creates a big impact on everyone’s every day living in the diverse community.
Over 6,000 active runners, lifestyle for fitness and run enthusiasts had enjoyed the “QC Eco-Run: Run Green, Breath Clean”, and came together to celebrate fitness and sustainability in the running community. The participants, volunteers, and organizers was united in supporting the advocacy of the QC Eco-Run, to a healthier, greener future in the diverse community, this day & beyond.
The QC Eco-Run is presented by Globe Telecoms, Major sponsors – Ayala Land Estates, Vertis North and Manila Water.
Event partners include Starbucks Philippines, Mc Donalds, Jollibee, Skeen Clinic, Gold Seas Tuna and GCash
In response to the devastating effects of the recent typhoon that struck Bicol, Iskaparate.com, the pioneering e-commerce platform for supporting local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), has launched a fundraising campaign to help affected families and communities.
Iskaparate.com has partnered with two trusted organizations with long histories of supporting Filipino communities in times of crisis, Angat Buhay Foundation and Simbag sa Pag-Asenso Inc., to provide an urgent and straightforward response to the critical needs of the situation.
Customers can easily send their contributions by purchasing gift checks of a certain amount directly on the platform. The total funds raised through these gift checks will be managed by Angat Buhay and Simbag sa Pag-Asenso, who will use the accumulated proceeds to deliver food, clothing, hygiene products, and other necessities, directly to relief centers in Bicol.
To kickstart the fundraising drive, Iskaparate.com made its own gift check purchase followed by its marketing arm, DTC Promos Inc.
In line with the platform’s founding mission of providing support to entrepreneurial mothers and local businesses, Iskaparate.com aims to make this campaign not only a critical relief operation but also an opportunity for locals to come together during hardships. This initiative isn’t only to rally local support but for Filipinos abroad who wish to give back and lend a hand despite the distance.
If you wish to donate, simply visit the website and order a gift check.
Art lovers were thrilled of the launch of Pinay Collection at Klaypel Store!
Klaypel Store—A Tribute to the Filipina Spirit. Rommel Rico, a renowned artist who captures the soul of the Filipina in his art, unveiled his latest masterpiece, the Pinay Collection, at the Klaypel Store on November 23, 2024. This highly anticipated launch marks a significant milestone as his Pinaydesigns are now made accessible to every artist-at-heart through Klaypel kits.
The Pinay Collection offers a striking and deeply personal interpretation of the Filipino woman—resilient, capable, and determined. Rommel’s art shines a spotlight on the unsung heroines of the nation who work tirelessly for their families. “My inspiration for this collection comes from the women who shaped my life,” shared Rommel during the event. “I grew up in a matriarchal family; my grandmother raised me and I witnessed my mother’s relentless dedication to provide for us. This collection is my homage to them and to every Filipina who carries her family on her shoulders with love and perseverance.”
V Models showcased their creativity by crafting Pinay Klaypel artworks. Despite their primary careers in modeling, the participants revealed their surprising affinity for art, sharing that they had joined art contests during their school days. Both male and female models brought unique perspectives to their pieces, showing how the essence of the Filipina can inspire varying yet equally captivating visions. The room was alive with the most unique synergy of beauty.
Rommel’s designs coming to life through the hands of these talented individuals shows how art allows everyone to express their own vision, and how life-giving it is to share stories and ideas with one another. The Pinay Collection is a celebration of the Filipino woman’s power, and seeing others interpret it through their own lens adds new layers of meaning. It reminds us that art truly is for everyone.
Rommel concluded, “The Pinay Collection is a celebration of who we are as a people, rooted in the sacrifices and triumphs of the Filipina. I hope it inspires others to find beauty in their stories and express them through art.”
Klaypel is also a woman-led enterprise and Rommel’s advocacy deeply resonates with us. The Pinay Collection is now available exclusively at the Klaypel Store and online. Immerse yourself in Rommel’s artistry and honor the indomitable spirit of the Filipina.
The Department of Trade and Industry E-Commerce Group, in partnership with the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) and Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP), has organized the 2024 Wholesale and Retail Trade (WRT) Forum that will be held on December 2, 2024, at the AIM Convention Center, Makati City.
The significance of the wholesale/retail trade sector cannot be ignored. Based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Section G of the Philippine Standard Industrial Classification (PSIC), referring to “wholesale and retail trade” accounted for 18% of the country’s total GDP in 2023, amounting to Php 4 trillion, and 23% of total employment, equivalent to 10.3 million employed in the sector.
The WRT Forum is a follow-through from the series of Focused Group Discussions (FGD) held last October 8 and 9, 2024, aimed at engaging the ecosystem in formulating the sector’s roadmap. Dubbed as Section G: Job Blueprint for the Wholesale and Retail Trade, the job blueprint is a sectoral roadmap that seeks to identify key strategies to increase competitiveness of the wholesale and retail trade sector, future proofing the sector to maximize the opportunities under a digital economy by addressing issues and concerns identified by the stakeholders themselves. The collaboration between manufacturers, logistics providers and wholesaler/retailers including sari-sari stores in the roadmapping initiative ensure a comprehensive plan.
Building on previous FGDs, this forum will spotlight key themes critical to the sector’s future growth and competitiveness in the digital economy. We will delve into these spotlight issues:
Labor Policy, Skills, and Workforce Development: DOLE x TESDA
Ease of Doing Business: ARTA
FDA policy for restaurants, groceries, drugstores: FDA
Trade Facilitation and Taxation: DOF, BOC, BIR
Consumer Protection and Intellectual Property Protection: DTI x IPOPHL
Innovation and Digitalization: Private Sector
These segments include an interactive Q&A session, offering a valuable opportunity to engage with industry leaders and share insights into the sector’s growth.
The participated of the participants would not only contribute significantly to wholesale and retail sector initiatives but also expand your professional network and uncover new business opportunities. This forum will underscore how public-private partnerships can shape a sustainable future for the industry.
Reference:
Mary Jean T. Pacheco, CESO II Undersecretary, DTI E-Commerce Group
DTI Office of Supply Chain and Logistics E-Commerce Group / Bagong Pilipinas
Renewed partnership launches programs supporting girls’ mental health and career development.
Girls hold the power to shape a brighter, more inclusive future—but far too many are held back by enduring biases and barriers that silence their voices, leave them isolated, and restrict their ability to realize their full potential. As the world celebrates the international Day of the Girl (IDG), there is a rousing call to action to create a world where girls are supported, included, and empowered to dream beyond limits.
Heeding this call, Beiersdorf Philippines, Watsons, and Plan International Pilipinas reaffirmed their partnership to intensify initiatives toward the upliftment of girls in the country.
Working side by side for two years now, the tripartite collaboration unites the members’ respective focus into a joint agenda charged to accelerate social change for young women. From last year’s programs and discussions about girl’s rights, gender equality, equitable and quality health services and economic resilience, the partnership expands their programs to include pressing concerns on understanding the disempowering impact of social isolation among girls, promoting mental health and wellbeing, as well as creating pathways for career development.
As a brand that cares beyond skin, NIVEA of Beiersdorf, advocates for an inclusive society and aims to foster social cohesion through its global social mission, NIVEA CONNECT. Addressing the rise of social isolation among young women is critical because loneliness and lack of social connection increase their vulnerability to social injustices and hinder their overall development.
Beauty retailer Watsons, on the other hand, aims to inspire holistic wellbeing, positivity and acts of care and kindness towards people, communities, and the planet. Part of its Sustainability goals under the People Pillar are their efforts to provide scholarships and career opportunities for the youth.
Meanwhile, Plan International Pilipinas, a development, humanitarian, child and youth-girl-centered organization working in the Philippines has been at the forefront of advancing children’s rights and equality for girls since 1961. According to Plan International Pilipinas, girls’ mental health is one of the core foundations for their success and well-being. By prioritizing self-care and seeking support, they empower themselves to thrive in both their careers and personal lives. Moreover, advocating for girls’ overall wellness is part of its agenda for girls’ rights and empowerment. It encourages them to exercise their rights, prioritize their overall health, and shape their futures.
For their IDG celebration, the three organizations mounted an event entitled “From Isolation to Inclusion: Empowering Girls, Shaping Futures,” that brought various stakeholders delivering learning modules on financial literacy, digital literacy, and career guidance to help girls from Punlaan School prepare for the future of work and navigate livelihood opportunities and professional empowerment.
Beiersdorf Philippines Country Manager Nimisha Jain in her opening remarks said, “NIVEA’s CARE BEYOND SKIN Sustainability Agenda is guiding all our actions across three critical areas: consumer, society and environment, forming a holistic approach. We want to “Care beyond Skin” by empowering women so that they can thrive. She also shared findings from a NIVEA global study on social isolation which revealed that young people between 16-24 (38%), hybrid workers (52%), and heavy social media users (34%) feel the most isolated in society. She explained that breaking the cycle of social isolation entails building connections, fostering community, and having access to mental health resources, which are key components of NIVEA CONNECT.
“This partnership today is a perfect example of all three elements coming together. I am confident that with our willing & committed partners, we can make a meaningful impact to empowering young women and transition them from Isolation to Inclusion”
For the panel discussion, Beiersdorf Philippines Sales Director Jacques Baisa, Watsons SAVP for Marketing Communications, PR and Sustainability, Sharon Decapia, and Plan International Pilipinas Portfolio Manager for Gender Equality and Inclusion Twyla David dived deep into social isolation – how it has disadvantaged girls for centuries, interventions and solutions needed to stop the stigma, and how communities can create a support system for those in need.
The event culminated with the turnover of the Php 1 million donation from Beiersdorf Philippines for the continuation of Watsons and Punlaan School Apprenticeship Program where students are trained with a TESDA certified curriculum to gain skills needed to succeed in the health and beauty retail space. Participants are also assured of a permanent job as Pharmacy Assistants in Watsons after they successfully complete the program.
Lastly, the tripartite partnership was renewed in a MOA signing and formal declaration of support, reinforcing the institutions’ continued collaborative efforts.
Watsons SAVP Sharon Decapia pointed out, “At Watsons, we understand that our responsibilities go beyond helping people care for their health and bring out their innate beauty. For us to be able to help girls become the best version of themselves, we have to open up avenues for learning and understanding what the future will be like, and what issues can affect them. This is what we have been doing with our partners – we are preparing them to be capable leaders of their families and communities.”
Plan International Pilipinas Executive Director Ana Maria Locsin said, “Today, we stand united with Beiersdorf and Watsons in our shared commitment to transforming the lives of Filipino girls and young women. The theme of this year’s partnership event on social isolation resonates deeply with our mission of advancing children’s rights and equality for girls in the country.”
“Gender equality and inclusion serve as powerful tools for understanding the barriers that prevent girls from accessing quality education, livelihood opportunities, and meaningful participation in decision-making. We firmly believe that when girls are empowered and included, they envision brighter futures for themselves and become catalysts for change, helping shape a world where we are all equal.”
Executives from Beiersdorf Philippines, Watsons and Plan International renewed their partnership and signed a declaration of support as a continuing commitment to the agenda of accelerating social change for young women. In photo from left to right: Watsons Group Senior Category Manager, Zyra Tino Obias Plan International Portfolio Manager for Gender Equality and Inclusion, Twyla David Watsons Director for People Innovations Projects, Jose Arriola Beiersdorf Sales Director, Jacques Baisa Watsons SAVP for Marketing Communications, PR & Sustainability, Sharon Decapia Plan International Executive Director, Ana Maria Locsin Beiersdorf Country Manager, Nimisha Jain Plan International Program Director, Cathy Seco Beirsdorf Head of Route to Markets, Josefa Manese
For NIVEA, the fight against social isolation goes beyond the Philippines as it looks to set up local NIVEA CONNECT projects with partners in forty countries by 2026. All its efforts are in service of Beiersdorf’s long-term commitment to champion a more inclusive society.
Today’s learners face considerable challenges; their learning journey was set back several years by the global pandemic that halted face-to-face classes from March 2020 (the first implementation of community quarantines) to November 2022 (when the Department of Education, or DepEd, ordered a full return to school-based learning). According to UNICEF, Filipino learners missed more learning opportunities compared to their global counterparts, as the Philippines was among the last countries to reopen in-person classes—effectively putting Filipino learners at a significant disadvantage.
This situation is concerning, with Filipino learners collectively ranking 77th among 81 countries in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 rankings released in December 2023—an indication that many have been left behind. However, this disheartening situation of the Filipino learner also presents an opportunity for education stakeholders—parents, teachers, school leaders, and academic publishers—the whole learning community, to unite and give the country’s millions of learners (18,370,310 in the public school system alone, according to DepEd’s data for school year 2024–2025) the support they need to overcome this disadvantage and so they can thrive and succeed.
Rex Education, the country’s leading academic publisher for over seven decades and a vital stakeholder in the education sector, takes the challenge. REX has championed the Filipino learner since its founding in the 1950s, initially selling—and then publishing—textbooks and other scholastic materials that have long been staples in every classroom nationwide. These are all available at Rex E-Store (https://estore.rex.com.ph/), the company’s one-stop online store for quality learning solutions.
As the digital age emerged, ushering in distance learning, Rex Education responded accordingly by launching Schoology in 2015, one of the Philippines’ very first learning management systems (LMS). Rex Education’s Schoology represents the classroom of the future—fully digital and rich with innovative features that make learning easy, accessible, fun, and challenging.
“Technology cannot be an add-on; it’s a necessity,” Rex Education stated in a media release announcing the launch of Schoology. “Flexible learning is not a privilege or an advantage; it’s a necessity. Certainly, future-proofing our classrooms, although it cannot be perfected, is an imperative.”
That press release proved prescient 5 years later, as digital classrooms like Rex Education’s Schoology became integral to advancing education during a time when traditional classes were closed indefinitely. Moreover, Rex Education expanded Schoology, making it accessible to more learners nationwide, adding additional resources to the platform, and introducing new features and capabilities.
Now, with the pandemic in the rearview, Schoology remains an educational powerhouse, advocating for the Filipino learner in this age of hybrid education by enhancing traditional learning environments and providing 21st-century learning experiences. With traditional modalities infused with digital tools, today’s learners can embark on the challenging journey of making up for lost years while also preparing for a technology-focused future.
However, Filipino learners still have significant ground to cover, particularly in math and science, where they ranked near the bottom in the same PISA 2022 rankings. Rex Education, through First Eduspec Inc. (FEI), helps address this gap by offering a comprehensive ICT and robotics curriculum that can enrich the learning opportunities and experiences of today’s learners and prepare them for the challenges of tomorrow.
While today’s Filipino learners may be disadvantaged, they can achieve more and reach their full potential with the right support. This is a challenge to all the sector’s stakeholders—an urgent call to action—and Rex Education continues to rise to the occasion, para sa bata, para sa mamamayan, para sa bayan.
