THE SUPREME COURT has moved the oral argument for the April 16 petition for writ of kalikasan filed by fisherfolk in Palawan and Zambales and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) seeking to enjoin the government to protect the country’s shoals in the West Philippine Sea. In an advisory, the SC Public Information Office said the justices moved the oral argument from June 25 to July 2. The petitioners said the government has refused to take legal action against violators of environmental laws and thus sought the Court to compel it to protect Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal), Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) and Panganiban Reef (Mischief Reef). The respondents include Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol, and Philippine Coast Guard Admiral Elson E. Hermogino.
AS HE BID farewell to City Hall employees yesterday, outgoing Mayor Tomas Osmeña made a special mention of the Office of the City Civil Registrar, which secured for the city a certification for International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015. Osmeña considers the certification as one of the city’s achievements in the last three years with him as mayor because it is reportedly difficult for government offices to secure an ISO 9001: 2015 Quality Management System rating. — The Freeman
A POLICE OFFICER was wounded in an anti-illegal drug operation in Barangay Cansojong, Talisay City last Sunday night. Police Corporal Renante Academia sustained a gunshot wound to his chest after suspect Miler Batayola alias “Mylene” shot him.
AMID the protracted battle between Panay Electric Co. (PECO) and More Electric Power Corp. (MORE) over power distribution in Iloilo City, consumer group i-Konsumidor on June 13 filed a Complaint in Intervention before Regional Trial Court Branch 37 in Iloilo City. “In effect, we are informing the court of our petition which is a pending resolution sa ERC because of the fact that this an expropriation case and we believe that PECO should settle this because number one they don’t have franchise,” i-Konsumidor executive director Ted Aldwin E. Ong said. “The transition provision was embodied in RA 11212. Based on the provision, ERC should settle refundable amounts due to consumers of PECO. We want the ERC to act on it because we are estimating that the amount due to the consumers is much bigger compared to the amount being discussed on the expropriation case,” he added. “It has become incumbent on us to take a critical step in order to inform the court that PECO has outstanding liabilities to its consumers which require a priority for settlement considering the filing of a case for expropriation of its assets by MORE Power.” — Emme Rose Santiagudo
Government agencies monitoring responsible mining in the Philippines visit Taganito Mining Corp.(TMC) for a pilot project of the national government referred to as “Minerals Accounting.” the aim of which is to do an accounting of the country’s minerals resources in order for the government to draft a roadmap that will define the economic characteristics of the mining industry and other related industries. TMC, a subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC), with mining operations in Claver, Surigao del Norte, is the first company the group is engaging for relevant data for this project.
THE PESO rebounded to return to the P51-per-dollar level on Tuesday.
THE PESO recovered against the dollar on Tuesday to return to the P51 level as market participants took profit ahead of the policy meeting of the US central bank.
The local currency closed yesterday’s session at P51.99 versus the greenback, 15.5 centavos stronger than the P52.145-per-dollar finish on Monday.
The peso opened the session at its intraday low of P52.20 per dollar. However, it bounced back to close the session at its best showing for the day.
Dollars traded thinned to $763.91 million from the $995.73 million that changed hands the previous day.
Traders attributed the peso’s rebound to market players’ position taking ahead of the policy meeting of the US Federal Reserve.
“The market is not expecting a rate cut…,” a trader said in a phone interview. “The expectation is they will be dovish and will have two rate cuts for the year. The first one should be in July.”
The Fed’s policy-making Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is widely seen to keep benchmark rates steady during its June 18-19 meeting, although the central bank is seen to trim its interest rates sometime this year.
“The peso strengthened as market participants bet on some dovish shift from the US Federal Reserve meeting this week despite expectations of keeping US policy settings steady,” another trader said in an e-mail.
Meanwhile, the first trader said the peso strengthened 10 minutes before closing following comments from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno.
“The BSP Governor issued a statement that the Philippines has a lot of idle dollars due to hefty flows. We have a surplus of dollars, which means weaker dollar for the Philippines,” he said.
“Actually, maraming idle na dollars kami ngayon. Hindi namin nagagastos (We have a lot of idle dollars we’re not spending),” Mr. Diokno said in a chance interview with reporters yesterday when asked if he’s willing to allow the peso to stay on its level.
“The inflow of tourists is very hefty also. Then FDIs (foreign direct investments) are also there. Walang problema ‘yan (There’s no problem),” he added.
Minutes ahead of Mr. Diokno’s comments, the trader said the peso was trading at P52.09 per dollar.
For today, the first trader expects the peso to trade between P51.90 and P52.20 versus the dollar, while the other gave a P51.90-P52.10 range.
“Market players will be on a wait and see stance ahead of the policy meeting. Most likely, we will see a quiet trading [today],” the first trader said.
Meanwhile, most emerging Asian currencies held in a narrow range on Tuesday, reflecting investors’ caution ahead of a US Federal Reserve meeting that is expected to lay the groundwork for a rate cut later this year.
“With scant data releases and no significant developments on the trade front, the mood in Asia will likely remain cautious with investors awaiting the FOMC meeting and possible adjustments to the dot plots before taking on substantial bets,” ING said a note.
Leading declines in the region, the Thai baht shed 0.2% against the greenback, while the Singapore dollar was largely unchanged.
Investor focus will also turn to a slew of regional central bank meetings later this week. — K.A.N. VidalwithReuters
THE MAIN INDEX firmed up on Tuesday despite moving sideways for most of the session as investors remained cautious ahead of several central bank meetings this week.
The 30-member Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) climbed 0.16% or 13.05 points to close at 7,922.04, snapping a two-day decline. The broader all- shares index likewise eked out gains of 0.05% or 2.78 points to 4,845.50.
“Our index managed to close slightly higher than [Monday]’s close as investors stay cautious by selling when the PSEi goes above 8,000 and hunt bargains when it pulls back,” Timson Securities, Inc. Equity Trader Jervin S. de Celis said in a mobile phone message.
“Market players will be watching the announcements of three central banks that will be released on Thursday (US Federal Reserve, Bank of Japan, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) and this could be the reason why the PSEi has been struggling to stay above the 8,000 level.”
The Federal Open Market Committee will conclude its two-day policy meeting on Wednesday, June 19, while the Bank of Japan is holding its own review on June 19-20.
Meanwhile, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) Monetary Board is also set to meet this Thursday, June 20. Six out of 10 economists in a BusinessWorld poll expect the Monetary Board to keep key interest rates steady, while the rest are projecting a 25-basis-point reduction.
“If the BSP cuts interest rates on Thursday, I guess that will bolster the risk appetite of investors in the local market and the PSEi may finally be able to break out of 8,100 level,” Mr. De Celis said.
Papa Securities Corp. Sales Associate Gabriel Jose F. Perez also attributed the market’s performance to the upcoming Fed and BSP central bank meetings.
“The index could still continue to consolidate until we get word from the two aforementioned central banks on what their decisions would be. Until then, support remains around 7,830 (May 22’s high and recent breakout point),” Mr. Perez said in an e-mail.
Sectoral indices were equally split between advancers and losers. Holding firms led those in positive territory after it jumped 0.75% or 56.74 points to 7,551.10. Industrials racked up 0.59% or 69.15 points to 11,661.09, while services added 0.48% or 8.10 points to 1,678.89.
In contrast, property slumped 0.74% or 31.99 points to 4,262.56. Financials dropped 0.5% or 8.75 points to 1,714.93, while mining and oil shed 0.19% or 14.20 points to 7,119.37.
Turnover stood at P7.96 billion after some 1.66 billion issues switched hands, higher than the previous session’s P5.02 billion.
Foreign investors turned net buyers on Tuesday with P173.55 million, compared to Monday’s net outflow of P587.43 million.
Philippine startup Gasmee Corporation Philippines launched today their on-demand fuel-delivery service, catering to customers in Rizal and Cebu, with plans for expansion later this year.
Announced during the 2019 PW Asia Conference, this service aims to streamline the refeuling needs of busy professionals, households, and fleet owners.
Users will be able to order and pay for their fuel all from Gasmee’s mobile app. CEO Christian Jon Rillera and Managing Partner Michael Martens see individuals benefitting from the convenience of their on-demand service, while business operators in the transportation field can better streamline their workflows, and their bottom lines, with Gasmee.
According to Rillera, Gasmee offers competitive pricing, subscription benefits, smart metering, and efficient demand-based order management. Its mobile app is currently available on the Google Play Store for Android devices, with an iOS app currently in development.
Young professionals these days seem to be in a constant state of flux, pursuing jobs and careers that give them personal satisfaction and fulfillment over those that solely provide competitive salaries and benefits. TELUS International Philippines, one of the leading providers of contact center, business process, and digital solutions in the country, understands that job seekers and team members are looking to secure a competitive compensation plan but, at the same time, being part of an organization that provides fulfilling roles and development opportunities is even more important. By meeting and exceeding team member’s expectation for personal and professional growth, TELUS International Philippines is achieving results with one of the lowest attrition rates in the industry.
TELUS International Philippines has also received a record-breaking engagement score of 90 percent according to an annual employee survey conducted by global HR solutions provider Aon. So what is it doing right?
Creating an environment of support and opportunity where employees can see their medium- and long-term opportunities within the company is a good place to start, according to Vice-President for Brand, Marketing and Culture, Warren Tait. “Team members can envision their future as a valued part of our organization,” he said.
But what exactly are the opportunities that employees should look for? Long-time TELUS International Philippines team members Darrell Laxamana, Jovi Ann Enriquez-Sagubo, and Ivette Ramos propose three things those planning their careers should look for.
1. Personal and professional development
Good companies will not squeeze the talent out of their employees. Rather, employees are hired based on their talent and potential and then they are inspired and supported to grow and develop through enrichment programs within the company. The first exposure of Darrell, Jovi Ann, and Ivette to their jobs was a recruitment process that evaluate their potential and an onboarded program including skills training to prepare them for success in their respective roles.
“I entered the corporate environment later than most people would, but I took a gamble because I wanted to send my children to good schools,” said Ivette, who started as an agent and is now a corporate social responsibility officer at TELUS International Philippines. “The coaching and training I received upon joining TELUS International Philippines prepared me for the tasks ahead. It also gave me a boost in confidence and reassured me that I had the potential to advance professionally in a new field.”
For Darrell, the initial training he received as new call center agent fed his competitive nature and motivated him to strive for leadership roles.
“Being new to the call center environment, we spent the first three months in training. We needed to immerse ourselves in the accounts we were to handle, best practices in customer service, basic troubleshooting, and other skills to be successful in our new roles. Exposing us to these things from day one gave us a better understanding of the path ahead and what we needed to accomplish to grow our careers,” said Darrell.
2.Career growth
Opportunities and growth can make a difference between staying or leaving for many career-minded individuals. At some point, employees will want a change, a new role, a new team or to rise in the ranks. TELUS International Philippines employees can experience career moves that play to their strengths and passions.
Jovi Ann thought being an undergraduate would limit her chances of having a rewarding career. “I had to put my passion on hold when I left college to work and provide for my family. I was worried that not having a degree would limit my options and I was lucky to find a company that not only opened doors for me, but also gave me the chance to explore new roles.”
Ivette, appreciates the change in her career when she became CSR officer, where she has since excelled markedly. “Corporate social responsibility gave me a better sense of purpose,” said Ivette. “With the work that I do and the impact we create in our communities, I know I’m making a difference in the lives of many people. From the moment CSR was entrusted to me, I knew it was the track I wanted to take.”
3. Co-workers who motivate you to succeed
Darrell, Jovi Ann, and Ivette have experienced first-hand how healthy relationships in the workplace help one succeed.
Darrell says, “Our friendship started as we all began our careers at the company at the same time. We made different choices as our careers progressed but we were there for each other along the way. Our individual achievements became each other’s motivation to push forward.”
From different team building activities, employee clubs, fun facilities and other employee engagement programs, TELUS International Philippines has always been proactive in cultivating caring relationships within their work environment.
“When there are office gatherings, I am still able to indulge my passion for drawing and painting. There are art contests that I can join and proudly represent my team. There is pride for me in being able to do that,” said Jovi Ann.
For Ivette, it is her exposure to company-led outreach programs that changed things for her. “Initially, having these activities was a way for me and my friends to bond. It also aided me to meet more people and expand my network in the office. Ten years later, I am still enjoying myself and it doesn’t feel like work for me anymore.”
Everyone needs a sense of purpose to keep them going through life’s challenges. Generation Z, today’s incoming generation of workers and consumers, seems to have a grasp of its importance. According to a study by Acumen Strategy Consultants, these young professionals feel a sense of responsibility to promote and cause positive change. But rather than pursuing change as a side hustle, Gen Z makes it core to their career.
This was especially apparent during this year’s graduation ceremony of the Student Entrepreneurs Incubator (SEI), a program of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Philippines — the local chapter of the global business leader network. SEI’s culminating activity, held last June 3 at Romulo Cafe Makati, was as much a celebration of purpose as it was of achievement.
A display of commitment
SEI was borne out of a need to go beyond the call of duty. While the global EO network was already recognizing young entrepreneurs through their (GSEA), some members of the local chapter felt that it wasn’t enough to celebrate young entrepreneurs. They wanted to inspire and nurture them too.
Over the course of six months, nine student entrepreneurs from all over the Philippines were mentored by an EO Philippines member, all seasoned professionals in their respective industries. The mentees themselves took the lead, organizing their monthly meetings instead of the other way around, inculcating initiative and commitment.
“We recruited student entrepreneurs that we thought are serious about their business and not just doing it for a thesis,” said Jenny Co-Yang, SEI Committee Chair. “Because the mentorship is serious business, right? We’re going to take EO members away from their executive time to mentor.”
Valuable lessons
During the ceremony, some of the student entrepreneurs shared the most valuable insights that they picked up from the program.
Kyla Cubio, owner of organic makeup brand Lè Vres and Business Administration student in the Lyceum of the Philippines Batangas, learned about the value of resilience. “I have learned that it’s okay to fail, as long as you use that failure as a sword in your battle to be successful.”
Paul Medina, owner of green footwear brand Green Rubber (GRub), cited the importance of finding an entrepreneurial mentor and adopting an attitude of gratitude as his biggest takeaways. By applying these lessons to improve his business, he is able to further empower his employees, members of his local PWD community.
“My vision is to create inclusive opportunities and economic empowerment for my PWD community,” said Medina. “And EO has helped me redefine the way we think about the business, our process design, and target market, and how our PWD artisans are at the [fore]front of becoming the new wave of entrepreneurs.”
Finding one’s “why”
This cuts to the heart of what SEI and EO Philippines believe are at the heart of purposeful entrepreneurship: providing jobs that improve employees’ quality of life. Tal de Guzman, owner of shoe brand collaborative Stride Collective and 2013 GSEA Philippines winner, shared how the rocky journey for a conscientious enterprise was so worth it.
“I actually have a lot of what-ifs,” she said. “What if I didn’t decide to involve underserved communities in the business model? Would I have been more profitable, or would I be reaching greater heights? I probably would have. But I wouldn’t really have this fire and drive that I have right now and the love for the communities that I have if I didn’t go through this route.”
“I’m really just thankful to EO and GSEA for leading me to this path,” she said. “It’s really not the direct path, but no [new] roads form if nobody starts walking an unbeaten path. I’m happy that back in 2013, I joined this competition that led me to find my ‘why’ in life.”
After six months of rehabilitation in 2018, the Philippines’ most famous tourist destination is once again open to the world. The pristine beauty of the white sands and crystal-clear waters of Boracay Island has been restored, and now the area is expected to reclaim its throne as the country’s most popular summer getaway.
Tourism in the Philippines was recorded at a six-year high in 2018, with tourism’s direct gross value added (TDGVA) accounting for 12.7% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2018, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. This is bigger than the sector’s 12.2% share in 2017. Last year, the combined economic contribution of tourism activities was also recorded at P2.2 trillion at current prices, up 14.3% from 2017.
The reopening of Boracay Island will undoubtedly contribute further to Philippine tourism. With government supervision and to maintain its status, the area has now become home to only the most responsible and eco-friendly establishments, among which is the new Belmont Hotel Boracay, an up-and-coming five-story hotel well-suited to the demands of the area.
“Boracay Island has been a top destination among foreign and local travelers. They would always go back here to feel the beauty of paradise and the exuding warm nature that surrounds you. Every traveler would always want to make their trip worthwhile and truly memorable,” Marie Jehan Balbanero, Area Head of Marketing and Communications at Belmont Hotel Boracay, said.
“Our hotel is designed to let the guests feel the continuity of a unique and exclusive nature experience in Boracay. This is where you get to feel the warmth and beauty of paradise. We would want our guests to experience that perfect and memorable moment in their trip,” added Ms. Balbanero.
Opening this July 2019, Belmont Hotel Boracay is situated in the perfect location at Boracay Newcoast with views of the golden tropical island stretch of white powdery sand and pristine crystal-clear waters of Newcoast Beach, as well as the nearby golf course. The luxurious accommodations include three clusters that offers 245 deluxe twin rooms, 130 deluxe queen rooms, 49 premiere deluxe rooms, 12 executive suites, and six specially-abled rooms with a total of 442 well-appointed rooms.
Striving to become a unique haven with a stunning vision of nature, beauty of paradise and majestic sunsets, Belmont Hotel Boracay has complete facilities for guests to enjoy. The establishment offers a swimming pool with pool bar, fitness center, spa, restaurant, meeting rooms, function rooms and the trellis garden. There is a promenade beside the hotel where rows of restaurants and retail outlets are slated to open, where guests can walk down to the Newcoast station and enjoy their time leisurely down at the beach.
All of which, of course, are built with preserving Boracay’s newfound beauty in mind. Belmont Hotel Boracay, in line with the government’s program in promoting sustainability tourism, take part in the use of green initiatives such as the use of LED lighting fixtures, use of e-carts and solar shuttles, use of paper for operating supplies such as paper straws and paper box for take-away containers, and the use of dispensers for bathroom amenities.
Belmont Café
The establishment also has an all-day dining, available through its Belmont Café. Belmont Hotel Boracay aims to offer the warmth and comfort of a sophisticated hotel combined with the relaxing tranquility of a secluded getaway.
“In Belmont Hotel Boracay, we live up to the tagline, ‘Savor the moment’,” Adie Gallares, Area General Manager, said, noting that at Belmont, guests are encouraged to retreat from the outside world and embrace the feeling of paradise within.
“We do not remember days, we remember moments. We have to taste, feel and experience the great things in life in order to savor that ‘perfect moment’,” Mr. Gallares added.
Belmont Hotel Boracay’s special location in Boracay Newcoast also offers local and foreign tourists the choice of enjoying a new and different scenery with views of the ocean and mountains.
The Boracay Newcoast is envisioned as a township, replete with rows of restaurants, retail stores and hotels in the surrounding area. The township is expected to soon develop a community of its own where guests don’t have to go far to attend to their needs. Currently, the area’s flagship hotel, Savoy Hotel Boracay, where guests can enjoy the facilities of the party pool and dine in Savoy Café, is within easy reach from across the Belmont Hotel.
This year, Belmont and Savoy are both celebrating their first New Year’s Eve countdown together, one of the biggest events in Boracay Newcoast. It will be a joint celebration for both hotels where more than 1,000 guests are expected to take part.
Belmont Hotel Boracay is located at Newcoast Drive, Boracay Newcoast, Brgy. Yapak, Boracay Island, 5608, Malay, Aklan. For more information, contact (02) 720-1878 to 79 or visit www.belmonthotelboracay.com and check Belmont Hotel Boracay in Facebook.
