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Category: Economics

  • 8 out of 10 SMEs in Philippines see Digital Technologies Improving Business Performance and Customer Experience

    8 out of 10 SMEs in Philippines see Digital Technologies Improving Business Performance and Customer Experience

    Epson survey highlights state of adoption, transformation focus for Filipino SMEs.

    According to a new survey commissioned by leading printing solutions provider Epson, more than eight out of 10 (86%) small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Philippines identified digital technology adoption as the way to improve business processes, especially customer experience. SMEs in the country shared this belief more than other respondents in the region, second only to Indonesia. Across the region, over half of respondents (55%) reported being at the very early stages of digital transformation.

    The survey titled, “SMEs striving for Digital Transformation amidst many hurdles,” captured the perspectives of more than 800 SME decision-makers in the six largest Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries by GDP, including 154 respondents in the Philippines. It captured respondents’ perspectives on technology adoption, the maturity stage of digital transformation efforts and the challenges facing these businesses. 

    “This survey highlights the tremendous interest that SMEs in the Philippines have in using technology to improve business functions, especially in areas impacting the customer,” said Eduardo Bonoan, Epson Philippines General Manager for Marketing. “Although SMEs in the country have generally begun to adopt digital technologies, more work is needed to help and encourage these companies to extend digital technologies further beyond customer-facing areas of the business.”

    Transformation initiatives focused on the customer

    Nearly three quarters (74%) of Filipino respondents have embarked on the digital transformation journey and have mainly focused these efforts in the marketing and sales as well as customer interaction and servicing portions of their businesses.

    In the retail sector specifically, 31 percent of Filipino SMEs in the retail, food and beverage (F&B) and hospitality sectors have deployed mobile projectors over interactive models, which can be used in malls and other environments to attract and deliver a superior customer experience.

    SMEs in the Philippines are also moving closer to tracking and making decisions based on information available in real time. More than half (56%) of respondents reported being able to do this in the Philippines while another 51 percent noted that their organisation can make quick decisions across departments and business processes on most occasions – outpacing their regional counterparts. 

    Impediments to technology deployment

    Despite this enthusiasm for digital transformation, respondents in the Philippines across industry sectors agreed that the upfront cost of new tools and technology, and the perception that replacing old processes and systems would be too difficult, were barriers to adopting new technologies.

    Overall, respondents indicated a preference for products that were more reliable, performed at a consistently high quality and connected seamlessly with back-end systems. However, about three out of four Filipino respondents (76%) also considered the environment when making printer purchases. This consideration was higher than the regional average of 69 percent.

    “In order for digital transformation to reach maturity in the Philippines, SMEs need greater awareness of the total cost of ownership beyond the initial investment,” Eduardo Bonoan, Epson Philippines General Manager for Marketing. “With access to information and industry support, SMEs can overcome the perception that deploying new technology is beyond them.”

    Environment to play a big part in technology adoption

    It is also notable that Filipino SMEs are sensitive to environmental issues. When choosing a printing solution, over two thirds (76%) consider the impact on the environment, and 78 percent are mindful of the effect of heat and dust particles on the health of their staff.

    “We are committed to sustainability and showcasing innovations that help customers reduce their impact on the environment, such as heat-free printing solutions, and support SMEs with solutions that meet their business and productivity needs,” Eduardo Bonoan, Epson Philippines General Manager for Marketing.

    Fostering digital transformation today requires more than the adoption of new technologies. It means creating environments where businesses can leverage innovation to deliver meaningful change that drives positive business outcomes. With SMEs at the heart of the economy, they need to be empowered with the right tools to tackle the next steps towards being a sustainable business.”

    About the Epson SME Digital Transformation in ASEAN survey

    The Epson-commissioned survey was administered by Intuit Research. It collected the perspectives of 864 respondents operating small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the six largest Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) economies by Gross Domestic Product (GDP). More than 80 percent of the respondents were either business owners, key decision-makers, decision influencers or senior managers within their respective organisations, which spanned the manufacturing, corporate, retail, food and beverage (F&B) and hospitality, engineering, architecture and textile sectors.  To download the full report, visit: https://.epson.com.ph/digital-transformation

    About Epson

    Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to becoming indispensable to society by connecting people, things and information with its original efficient, compact and precision technologies. The company is focused on driving innovations and exceeding customer expectations in inkjet, visual communications, wearables and robotics. Epson is proud of its contributions to realizing a sustainable society and its ongoing efforts to realizing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

    Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of more than US$10 billion.  

    global.epson.com

    About Epson Singapore

    Since 1982, Epson has developed a strong presence across major markets in Southeast Asia and South Asia. Led by the regional headquarters Epson Singapore, Epson’s business in Southeast Asia spans an extensive network of 11 countries with a comprehensive infrastructure of close to 500 service outlets, 7 Epson solution centres and 7 manufacturing facilities.

    http://www.epson.com.sg

    About Epson Philippines

    Epson’s corporate presence in the Philippines commenced in 1998. It grew rapidly into a billion-peso company in a span of a few years from its establishment due to its client-oriented approach in its business management style by its dedicated and innovative staff members and officers.  Epson Philippines has an extensive network of 77 Authorized Service Centers nationwide with more than 200 dealers and more than 800 shops across the Country. For more details, please visit our website (www.epson.com.ph) or our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/EpsonPhilippines).

    For product inquiries and technical support, please contact Epson Customer Care at: Metro Manila: (02) 8441-9030; Toll Free: 1-800-1069-37766 (PLDT), 1-800-3-0037766 (DIGITEL) or visit the Epson Customer Care website: http://epson.com.ph/contact.

    Reference & Media Enquiries:

    Media Contacts   For Epson Philippines: Camille S. Intal PR Specialist Email: camillei@epc.epson.com.ph      For PRC, Inc.:
    Alvin Marayan Media Relations Director Email: alvin.marayan@teamprcinc.com.ph  
  • Robinsons Bank’s Advisories for the COVID-19 Enhanced Community Quarantine Period

    Robinsons Bank’s Advisories for the COVID-19 Enhanced Community Quarantine Period

    Bank Branch Schedule

    Starting March 19, 2020, select RBank Branches in Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will be open to serve you. Check the link for the complete list here: http://bit.ly/391Wr3T

    For added safety, Robinsons Bank is encouraging its customers to enroll their accounts in RBank Digital (Online Banking). This facility can handle various transactions such as Bills Payment, Fund Transfers, Balance Inquiry, and more.

    Loan Payment Grace Period

    For due dates of March 16 to April 15, 2020

    Robinsons Bank is aware of the challenges you have encountered in settling your payments for Housing Loan, Auto Loan, Personal Loan, Motorcycle Loan, and Credit loan. They are providing a grace period of 30 days for payments due from March 16 to April 15, 2020 for customers with good credit standing.

    Customers may continue to settle their loans via RBank Digital (online banking) where they can pay their bills, transfer funds, and more.

    Trust Banking Advisory

    The Bankers Association of the Philippines and the Philippines Stock Exchange have issued a memo dated March 17, 2020, allowing the Foreign Exchange/Fixed Income Markets and Stock Trading & Settlements to resume operations on March 18, 2020 and March 19, 2020 respectively.

    Robinsons Bank advises that:

    Beginning March 18, 2020, RBank Trust & Investment Group (TIG) will be accepting subscriptions and redemptions for the Money Market Fund up to trading cut-off time 11:00AM, subject to existing guidelines on settlements.

    Beginning March 19, 2020, RBank TIG will be accepting subscriptions and redemptions for the Balanced Fund and the Tax-Exempt Retirements Balanced UITF up to trading cut-off time 11:00AM, subject to existing guidelines on settlement.

    For IMA/ Trust accounts, RBank TIG will accept new placements and regular withdrawals up to trading cut-off time 11:00AM. Any unscheduled withdrawals will require pre-termination/ divestment of securities will be serviced subject to existing guidelines, prevailing market prices and applicable charges, If any.

    This will remain effective until further notice.

    For any queries or concerns, please email TrustGroup@robinsonsbank.com.ph

    PISO-FEE for Instapay and PesoNet transactions

    In line with social distancing measures and home quarantine practices, RBank is making it easier for you to transfer funds to your loved ones.

    From March 19 until May 31, RBank is lowering the service fee for Instapay and PesoNet transactions from Php 25 to only 1 peso.

    24R Hub

    Robinsons Bank’s 24R Hubs continue to be available anytime for customers’ immediate banking needs.

    This anytime banking facility allows customers to withdraw funds, deposit cash, pay bills and transfer funds via RBank Digital, and even open their accounts online.

    Visit the 24R Hub locations at:

    • Robinsons Place Manila, Adriatico, Manila
    • Udenna Tower, Rizal Drive corner 4th Ave, Bonifacio Global City
    • Cyberscape Gamma, Ruby St., Ortigas Center, Pasig

    In an effort to help contain the COVID – 19 virus, Robinsons Bank will be operating with limited services and a skeletal workforce. 

    Rbank maintains its promise of commitment to service and strives to ease the burden of its customers during this challenging time. It will continue to implement precautionary measures to ensure the safety and welfare of its customers and employees alike.

    For inquiries and concerns, you may reach Robinsons Bank through its Customer Care Center at (02) 8637-CARE (2273) or domestic toll-free 1-800-10-637-CARE (2273); or visit its website at www.robinsonsbank.com.ph. Like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/robinsonsbank/ and follow them on Twitter @RBankCorp for the latest updates

    Robinsons Bank is the financial services arm of the JG Summit Group of Companies, one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines. It currently ranks 18th among universal and commercial banks in the country in terms of assets amounting to Php 110.555 Bn as of September 2019.

    REFERENCE:

    Catherine Llanes

    Media Relations Manager

    T. +63 2-332-10-31 loc. 103

    M.+63 919 005 2173

    M2COMMS | M2SOCIAL | M2LIVE | PROI

  • BDO posts P44.2 billion net income in 2019

    BDO posts P44.2 billion net income in 2019

    Do you consider to continue investing, buying and doing transactions related to the products and services of BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) in your daily activities as part of its success in the community?

    BDO recorded a net income of P44.2 billion in 2019 from P32.7 billion in 2018 on the strong performance of its core recurring income sources. The results exceeded the Bank’s P38.5 billion guidance and translate to a Return on Common Equity (ROCE) of 12.8 per cent from 10.7 per cent the year before. The news was announced last February 27, 2020.

    Net interest income went up to P119.9 billion from P98.3 billion. Net Interest Margin (NIM) improved on continued CASA growth and improving loan mix in favor of consumer and middle market customers. Customer loans rose by nine (9) per cent to P2.2 trillion on broad-based growth across market segments. Total deposits grew by three (3) per cent to P2.5 trillion, bolstered by the eight (8) per cent increase in low-cost Current Account/Savings Account (CASA) deposits that comprised 73 per cent of total deposits.

    Non-interest income reached P60.6 billion, led by fee-based income with P35.3 billion and insurance premiums with P14.8 billion. Trading and forex gains settled at P5.7 billion. Overall, gross operating income went up to P180.5 billion.

    Operating expenses amounted to P115.2 billion, in line with the Bank’s continuing business and network expansion, as well as higher volume-related expenses (specifically, taxes and licenses and policy reserves at BDO Life). The Bank maintained its conservative credit and provisioning policies, setting aside P6.2 billion in provisions, even as gross non-performing loan (NPL) ratio was steady at 1.2 per cent and NPL cover remained high at 164.7 per cent.

    Total capital base increased to P370.6 billion, with Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio at 14.2 per cent and 12.7 per cent, respectively, both comfortably above regulatory levels.

    Moving forward, BDO’s robust business franchise, extensive distribution network, solid balance sheet and focused growth strategy place the Bank in an advantageous position to tap growth opportunities and development thrusts in line with government priorities while remaining resilient to domestic and external challenges.

    About BDO

    BDO is a full-service universal bank which provides a wide range of corporate and retail banking services. These services include traditional loan and deposit products, as well as treasury, trust banking, investment banking, private banking, rural banking, cash management, leasing and finance, remittance, insurance, retail cash cards and credit card services.

    BDO has the country’s largest distribution network, with over 1,400 consolidated operating branches and more than 4,400 ATMs nationwide. It also has 22 overseas remittance and representative offices (including full-service branches in Hong Kong and Singapore) in Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East.

    BDO ranked as the largest bank in terms of total assets, loans, deposits and trust funds under management based on published statements of condition as of December 31, 2019. For more information, please visit www.bdo.com.ph.

    REFERENCE:

    Chesca Ortega
    PR and Events Specialist
    Roar Agile Communicators Corp
    roar.ph chesca.roar@gmail.com

  • Philhealth Contribution Table for Year 2019 to 2025

    Philhealth Contribution Table for Year 2019 to 2025

    I agree of the policy of the State to adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social services available to all the people at affordable cost and to provide free medical care to paupers. [Section 11, Article XVII on Social Justice and Human Rights of the Constitution and typified in Article 1 of Republic Act (R. A.) No. 7875, as amended by R. A. No. 10606, and R. A. No. 11223 otherwise known as the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act of 2019].

    In relation with, Philhealth Circular No. 2019-009 was issued to operationalize the “Individual-based health services” for all Direct Contributors of the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) by providing set of rules and guidelines on the payment mechanism pursuant to R. A. No. 78775, as amended by the Universal Health Care Act.

    The Circular also stated of the Premium Contribution Table for Direct Contributors and the monthly premium contributions shall be in accordance with the premium rates and monthly income/basic salary floor and ceiling prescribed in the said Act, as follows:

    Please refer https://www.philhealth.gov.ph/circulars/2019/circ2019-0009.pdf of the full text of Philhealth Circular No. 2019-009.

  • BDO is the Philippines’ Strongest Bank for 2nd straight year

    BDO is the Philippines’ Strongest Bank for 2nd straight year

    BDO Unibank, Inc. keeps its #1 position in the local banking industry after The Asian Banker named it 2019’s Strongest Bank by Balance Sheet in the Philippines for the second straight year.

    The Asian Banker Strongest Banks by Balance Sheet is “the most comprehensive annual evaluation that captures the quality and sustainability of the balance sheets of the banks in the Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa regions.” Banks are rated on a scale of 0-5 and ranked based on the following performance indicators: scale, balance sheet growth, risk profile, profitability, asset quality, and liquidity.

    The Asian Banker underscored BDO’s healthy balance sheet and profit as well as its low non-performing loan (NPL) ratio and high loan loss reserves to gross NPLs ratio.

    BDO recently reported growth in third quarter earnings at P32.1 billion from the previous level of P21.5 billion in the same period last year. The bank attributes its net income to the expansion of its recurring core revenues, complemented by the sustained increase in fee incomes and life insurance premiums. It translates to a Return on Common Equity (ROCE) of 12.5%, compared to 9.5% in 9M18.

    While its nine-month net income brings it closer to its full-year earnings guidance of P38.5 billion, the bank remains steadfast in capitalizing on the country’s solid economic pace and growth opportunities in underserved and emerging markets, leveraging its focused growth strategy, strong business franchise, solid balance sheet, and extensive geographic reach.

    Strongest Bank in the Philippines. BDO is named by The Asian Banker as 2019’s Strongest Bank by Balance Sheet in the Philippines for the second straight year. BDO’s Walter Wassmer (2nd from left), senior executive vice president and head of institutional banking group, received the award from The Asian Banker’s (from left to right) Foo Boon Ping, managing director; Faith Masekesa, senior research; and Wilson Chia, international resource director on October 10 at the Shangri-La at the Fort.

    The Asian Banker evaluates strength “based on a belief that a strong bank demonstrates long-term profitability from its core businesses.” Through its yearly Strongest Banks by Balance Sheet, the Singapore-based publication provides financial intelligence by assessing banks and financial holding companies in emerging and mature markets with a substantial amount of activity in commercial banking.

    About BDO Unibank, Inc.

    BDO is a full-service universal bank which provides a wide range of corporate and retail banking services. These services include traditional loan and deposit products, as well as treasury, trust and investments, investment banking, private banking, rural banking, cash management, leasing and finance, remittance, insurance, retail cash cards, credit card services, and stock brokerage services.

    BDO has one of the largest distribution networks, with more than 1,300 operating branches and over 4,400 ATMs nationwide. It also has full-service branches in Hong Kong and Singapore as well as 21 overseas remittance and representative offices in Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

    BDO ranked as the largest bank in terms of total assets, loans, deposits, and trust funds under management based on published statements of condition as of June 30, 2019. For more information, please visit www.bdo.com.ph.

    BDO Unibank, Inc.
    BDO Corporate Center
    7899 Makati Avenue
    Makati City 0726, Philippines
    Tel +63(2) 8840-7000
    www.bdo.com.ph

    Reference:

    Chesca Ortega
    PR and Events Specialist
    Roar Agile Communicators Corp
    roar.ph chesca.roar@gmail.com

  • Asia Leaders Forum: Millionaires Mindset

    Asia Leaders Forum: Millionaires Mindset

    Aren’t you get intrigued about the mindset of millionaires this day and beyond with regards on how they acquires and manages of their richest and wealth to their families and in the community?

    In fact, I’m with eager and get intrigue to witness the persons with brilliant minds of ideas related to this topic in general even only in an organized forum or event in a particular place. I was invited by Ms. Pauline Manalo of Tag Media Group headed by Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas of the Asia Leaders Forum: Millionare’s Mindset held last Sept. 03, 2019 at Makati Shangrila Hotel.

    For me, it was a right decision to attend the forum not just to listen and meet the speakers but especially to grasp the ideas, tips, lessons and techniques of the great speakers on how they started their career and businesses from their humble beginnings to their peak of success.

    The Asia Leaders Forum event was started with welcome remarks headed by Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, President, Asia Leaders Forum and Awards and Micheal Hatchkell, Board Member, American Association of the Philippines.

    Engr. Grace Bondad-Nicolas
    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2Iev-mHxPH/

    The Panel Discussions of the ASIA Leaders Forum was composed of the following:

    1. The Titans: Joey Garcia, Christian Leynes and Pocholo De Leon Gonzales
    The Titans: Pocholo De Leon Gonzales, Christian Leynes and Joey Garcia

    2. The Taipans: Dr. Elton See Tan (Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers and Industries); Robert Laurel Yupangco (Philippine Korean Council); Deputy Ambassador Rizany Irwan and Arch. Kaydee Velasco (VI Group of Companies)

    Aside from that, Chinkee Tan also presented and shared his ideas about the “Millionaires Mindset”. He also conducted Book Signing and Photo Ops with the attendees, entrepreneurs and leaders.

    Chinkee Tan

    The event was indeed successful and I think the Billionaires, Titans and Taipans has encouraged the attendees to become a successful entrepreneur, too. It was a successful event attended by professionals, entrepreneurs, leaders and other business owners.

  • BDO wins ACES Industry Champion of the Year Award

    BDO wins ACES Industry Champion of the Year Award

    BDO Unibank, Inc. was named a “worthy captain” of the Philippine banking industry after receiving the prestigious Industry Champion of the Year award during the 2019 Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) Awards.

    The Industry Champion of the Year is presented to companies that “have a distinct competitive edge, set the industry trends, and have commendable best practices in place. Winners in this category have shown the ability to evolve the focus of their enterprises along with the dynamic changes of the industries they serve.”

    A milestone 1st ACES Award for the multi-awarded bank, BDO was also recognized for its leadership position across different business segments, robust balance sheet, expansive market reach, scope of innovative products and services, and sustainable growth.

    The ACES Awards is organized annually by the MORS Group, an organization committed to assisting companies, corporate leaders, and eminent industrialists share a platform to exhibit leadership and sustainability excellence.

    Innovation and Reach

    Driven by its “We Find Ways” philosophy, BDO leverages its intrinsic understanding of the Filipino to keep innovating its wide range of products and services. This allows the bank to meet its clients’ ever-changing needs.

    BDO has the largest distribution network with more than 1,300 branches and over 4,000 ATMs nationwide. To serve those who are unavailable during regular banking hours, it pioneered the implementation of longer banking hours and weekend banking.

    Outside the Philippines, the bank has full-service branches in Hong Kong and Singapore as well as 23 remittance and representative offices in Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

    Easy Access and Sustainability

    BDO embraces financial technologies to stay within its clients’ reach. It enables easy and 24/7 access to bank accounts and payments through its online and mobile banking channels. A financial inclusion advocate, it partners with local micro-entrepreneurs who are based in remote areas and provides a point-of-sale (POS) terminal that allows cash withdrawals using an ATM card.

    The bank also integrates sustainability into its undertakings. In 2017, the bank made history when it issued a $150-million green bond—a first-of-its-kind in the Philippines. The International Finance Corp. (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank, was the sole investor in the bond. More recently, BDO hosted the country’s first Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Sustainability Summit in 2018, which gathered the captains of Philippine businesses to discuss how sustainability can be interwoven with their corporate agenda. The bank also published the maiden issue of its sustainability report.

    Captain of the Philippine Banking Industry. BDO was given the Industry Champion of the Year award during the 2019 Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) Awards. Representing the bank was Luis Reyes Jr. (center), Executive Vice President and Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Planning Group. Reyes received the award from (left to right) Luis Bueno Nieto, Jury of ACES Awards; Shanggari Balakrishnan, CEO of MORS Group; Jayanthi Desan, Jury of ACES Awards; and Hemant Batra, Chairman of ACES Awards.

    These strategic efforts propelled the bank to achieve a record year-end income of P32.7 billion and become the first Philippine bank to surpass the P3 trillion mark in total assets at the end of 2018. This year, the bank sustained its growth momentum by posting its half-year earnings of P20.2 billion, and remaining the largest bank in terms of total assets, loans, deposits, and trust funds as of the second quarter.

    About BDO Unibank, Inc.

    BDO is a full-service universal bank which provides a wide range of corporate and retail banking services. These services include traditional loan and deposit products, as well as treasury, trust banking, investment banking, private banking, rural banking, cash management, leasing and finance, remittance, insurance, retail cash cards, credit card services, and stock brokerage services.

    BDO has one of the largest distribution networks, with more than 1,300 operating branches and over 4,000 ATMs nationwide. It also has a full-service branches in Hong Kong and Singapore as well as 23 overseas remittance and representative offices in Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

    BDO ranked as the largest bank in terms of total assets, loans, deposits, and trust funds under management based on published statements of condition as of March 31, 2019. For more information, please visit www.bdo.com.ph.

    BDO Unibank, Inc.

    BDO Corporate Center

    7899 Makati Avenue

    Makati City 0726, Philippines

    Tel +63(2) 840-7000

    www.bdo.com.ph

    Nancy May Francisco-LugatimanPR Manager ROAR Agile Communicators Corporationm: +639177920519w: roar.ph  e: nancy@roar.ph