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.
Did you know that the Jollibee Group named as one of the “World’s Best Companies” of 2024?
The Jollibee Group named as one of the “World’s Best Companies” for two consecutive years by the prestigious TIME Magazine.
The Jollibee Group continues to strengthen its global standing after being included in TIME Magazine’s prestigious “World’s Best Companies” list for two consecutive years.
“We are incredibly honored to be recognized once again on TIME’s World’s Best Companies List. This reaffirms our commitment to creating a workplace that fosters excellence and growing the business sustainably,” said Jollibee Group Global President and CEO Ernesto Tanmantiong. “This recognition belongs to our people who work hard to achieve our dreams. Together, we will continue to work with passion and purpose to bring the joy of eating to everyone. We also share this recognition with our franchisees and partners who have supported us through the years.”
Key dimensions of the ranking
According to the global data and business intelligence platform Statista, companies were assessed based on three key dimensions, namely employee satisfaction, revenue growth, and sustainability transparency or Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). The scores of all three dimensions were added on an equal percentage basis to form the final ranking score of a maximum of 100 points. The 1,000 companies with the highest score were awarded as the World’s Best Companies of 2024.
The Jollibee Group received a score of 84.81 or “very high” mark for revenue growth. The Company’s net income rose 16% to PHP8.8 billion in 2023, while total revenues marked a 15.2% increase to PHP244.1 billion. Its systemwide sales hit PHP343.32 billion, an all-time high record with a 16.3% increase.
The Jollibee Group’s strengthened People Agenda was key to its record business performance, which was characterized by back-to-back best-ever years in 2022 and 2023. The Company remains committed to fostering a workplace that prioritizes not only employee satisfaction and safety but also their development and well-being. Through its dedicated People Agenda, the Company ensures engagement at multiple levels, from personal to people around them and to the company and community.
In 2023, the Jollibee Group launched its global sustainability agenda, Joy for Tomorrow, anchored on three key pillars: Food, People, and Planet. Under the People pillar, Employee Welfare stands as a key priority, with a focus on enhancing lives through initiatives such as Learning & Development, Employee Engagement, and Diversity & Inclusion. These efforts are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), underscoring the Group’s broader mission to create positive and lasting change.
Earlier this year, the Jollibee Group earned the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award for the third time, recognizing its high employee engagement and strong corporate culture. Notably, the Jollibee Group remains the only Philippine-based company to receive this prestigious distinction.
Who else wants to join the QC Eco-Run: Run Green, Breathe Clean? Runners, Fitness and Eco-Tourism advocates are thrilled to participate of the upcoming QC Eco-Run 2024.
Runners get ready! Quezon City is changing the game with its upcoming 10k, 5k and 2k QC Eco Run! Be one of the lucky runners who will get to be part of a premium race experience while doing your part to help preserve the environment.
Get the opportunity to experience running thru the Iconic Edsa-Quezon Ave Underpass whilst setting a new personal record along the straight road of Quezon Avenue. Partake the Clean Air Movement by planting the complimentary home garden seeds included in the race kit.
For your 10k run entry, get a premium event shirt, timing chip, race bib, finisher medal plus amazing giveaways and a chance to win raffle prizes! Experience this premiere Eco event for another game changing reg fee of only P550 for the 10km Run , P350 for the 5km and just P250 for 2km event! Level up the fun with the FREE Dance Fitness Marathon!
By uniting Fitness and Eco-Tourism initiatives, the QC Government creates a big impact in everyone’s day to day living. The QC Eco-Run sets the stage for a more active lifestyle for both fitness and run enthusiasts.
Happening on November 24, 2024 at the Quezon Memorial Circle, The QC Eco-Run highlights many first in the running community.
The ceremonial tree planting activity will be celebrated at the La Mesa Ecopark on November 17, 2024, a week prior the QC Run to highlight this ecotourism campaign and initiative.
To further encourage everyone to contribute environmentally, the complimentary home garden seeds can be used to start your very own Home Garden and contribute to a cleaner air.
Furthermore, to abide by this environmental campaign, the use of reusable cups in lieu if disposable ones, will be implemented by our hydration partner.
Following protocol, all promotional collaterals such as banners will also be recycled as Eco bags, in alignment with the QC Tarpcycling Program.
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 GCashTo register, visit: https://sites.google.com/view/qcecorun
Who else wants to join the NIVEA’s 10 Out of 10 Care Celebration for a chance to win amazing prizes?
Did you know that your trusted skin care partner, NIVEA, recently marked a significant milestone in its commitment to skin health and well-being by hosting a nationwide raffle? This initiative went beyond simply offering prizes; it was a celebration of care, connection, and the expert solutions NIVEA provides to help you feel your best.
As a global leader in skincare, NIVEA is dedicated to delivering advanced skin solutions that empower individuals to embrace their own glow. With a focus on fostering community and well-being, NIVEA encourages you to connect with others and enjoy life to the fullest.
The much-anticipated nationwide raffle is still ongoing, providing you with the opportunity to win exciting prizes! As NIVEA continues its mission to reward and celebrate loyal customers, each winner exemplifies the confidence that comes from caring for one’s skin.
Join in for your chance to be one of the lucky winners! From October 10 to December 10, 2024, spend ₱500 on NIVEA products for your chance to win a dream trip to South Korea for two (2)!
Unlock More Opportunities to Win with NIVEA
NIVEA has even more thrilling opportunities for you to showcase your skincare passion and potentially score exclusive goodies—just share your NIVEA love on social media and you could be the next lucky winner.
To enter, visit NIVEA’s official Instagram @nivea_ph and find the “Add Yours” template in the 10/10 IG story highlight. Click the “Add Yours” button to create a 30-second video showcasing your favorite NIVEA product and why it deserves a 10 out of 10. Tag NIVEA in your post and include the hashtag #10outof10fromNIVEA.
By participating, you’ll have a chance to win exclusive NIVEA goodies like the NIVEA Intensive Moisture Body Milk, NIVEA Body Extra Bright Radiant & Smooth Lotion, NIVEA Extra Bright Super 10 Body Serum, and more.
The NIVEA Pop-up Booth
NIVEA recently brought its expert skincare advice with its exciting pop-up booths! Visitors enjoyed personalized skin consultations, product demonstrations, and exclusive offers. If you missed the event at SM Mall of Asia and SM North Edsa, you can still experience NIVEA’s 10 out of 10 care through online exclusive offers. A perfect chance to pamper your skin and discover your new favorite products!
Join the NIVEA Squad
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the NIVEA family, this is your chance to experience 10 out of 10 care and win amazing prizes. Follow NIVEA on social media and visit their website to learn more about upcoming promos and the latest in skincare innovations. Let NIVEA’s expert care continue to be a part of your daily routine and your special moments.
Together, let’s celebrate the power of feeling cared for!
October 28, 2024 – Meralco crews and personnel worked round the clock to restore service to over 566,000 customers that were affected by power interruptions amidst the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. As another weather disturbance enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility, Meralco assures its customers that it is monitoring the situation and is ready to respond 24/7 to service concerns that may arise from Tropical Storm Leon.
For inquiries or concerns, Meralco is ready to serve you 24/7 via our online channels:
The much-anticipated PBA Governors’ Cup Finals between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and TNT Tropang Giga kicked off with a bang, drawing a massive crowd to the Ynares Center in Antipolo City. A total of 11,021 fans attended Game One of between Barangay Ginebra and TNT – the largest PBA crowd in the venue.
The game, which saw TNT dominate Ginebra 104-88, was a testament to the league’s enduring popularity.
PACKED TO THE RAFTERS
The Ynares Center was filled to capacity, with fans from both teams creating a vibrant and electric atmosphere. The passionate crowd cheered on their respective teams, adding to the intensity of the game. The huge turnout underscored the intense rivalry between Ginebra and TNT, two of the most popular teams in the PBA.
BARANGAY GINEBRA AND TNT TROBANG GIGA RIVALRY
The high attendance for Game 1 is a promising sign for the rest of the series. With both teams boasting talented rosters and passionate fan bases, the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals is expected to be one of the most exciting and competitive series in recent years.
The crowd attendance surpassed the previous high of 10,952 set on December 21, 2011 during a quarterfinal doubleheader between Barangay Ginebra and Rain or Shine, and Petron and Meralco during the 2011-12 Philippine Cup.
Long time PBA fan Marlon Estrada who came with his wife Eloisa enjoyed the action-packed Game 1 even if his PBA team San Miguel Beer is not playing for contention. “Thankful ako kasi yung finals ng PBA nandito sa Ynares Center. Malapit sa amin sa Teresa and tamang-tama, Sunday ngayon kaya parang date na din namin. Masaya akong nakitang enjoy ang asawa ko kasi first time din nyang nakanood ng PBA” shared Estrada.
Rizalenyos and PBA fans from nearby provinces and even cities braved the traffic going to the venue. The PBA Game 1 tickets between Barangay Ginebra and TNT Tropang Giga were selling like hot cakes and PBA fans can be seen entering the Ynares Center even after the start of the game.
Incidentally, Game One was also for a cause as the PBA Board announced during a press conference in Taguig City that all Game 1 earnings will go to the calamity victims.
Board chair Ricky Vargas of Meralco said all Game 1 earnings will be coursed by the PBA through the Alagang Kapatid Foundation Inc., the corporate social responsibility organization of TV5 Network Inc.
The 49th Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governor’s Cup Finals Game 1 between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and TNT Tropang Giga was held on October 25 2024 at Ynares Center, Antipolo City.
