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From startup to scale-up: How RCBC’s Boz App supports digital entrepreneurs

Before the pandemic, only 2% of all Filipinos said that they had purchased food or services online according to the Philippine Institute of Developmental Studies. Now, the country’s digital economy is expected to grow by 13% from $22 billion in 2023 to more than $24 million in 2024. This drastic change in Filipino lifestyle has led to the proliferation of online businesses, which has resulted in the growth of Philippine e-commerce.

However, starting a business, whether online or not, can be difficult especially if prospective business owners do not understand the know-how of their industry. Entrepreneurs, aside from navigating the complexities of digital marketing and e-commerce platforms, must also face the challenge of making sure that their suppliers and employees get their due while keeping track of their goals and transactions.

To help online businesses and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with these problems, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) has introduced the RCBC Boz App, an all-in-one tool aimed to help small and new business owners manage their finances, level up their boss moves, and focus on business objectives.

Running a successful business venture can make it challenging to keep track of every transaction and order which is why the app is designed to reduce administrative burdens. This allows business owners to not sweat the small stuff and stay on top of everything while they focus on growing their businesses and achieving their goals.

Available to download for free from the App Store and Play Store, the RCBC Boz App offers a suite of elements that make it easier for businesses to manage their finances and plan for growth.

The app is equipped with various features that make managing a business much easier such as transaction tracking, automated payroll, e-invoices for easier collections, saving up for goals, and keeping track of performance with real-time reports.

Through the Boz App, entrepreneurs can easily create and manage invoices with just a few taps. In the platform’s invoice dashboard, MSMEs are able to issue, monitor, and follow up collections from their clients in the comfort of their phones. Conveniently, it also lets users set due dates as well as add orders or purchased items to the invoice.

RCBC’s all-in-one tool also ensures businesses get their employees paid on time, every time. The Boz App allows small business owners to pay their employees’ salaries with ease and automatically to bank accounts or mobile wallets. As added security, business owners have the option to add payroll confirmation prior to disbursement.

Payment of expenses can also be organized and scheduled through the Boz App. Entrepreneurs may create an expense budget, add expense types, set payment schedules, and even add suppliers.

Furthermore, the app helps business owners achieve their ambitions of expanding or opening new branches through the Business Goals feature. Users of the Boz App can start dreaming of scaling up their businesses by creating goals, determining how they plan to save up, and confirming their commitment.

Moreover, RCBC’s new app also gives entrepreneurs accurate weekly, monthly, or yearly summaries of their collections, expenses, and business earnings provided that they appropriately tag their transactions. This can help in better financial management, enabling users to make informed decisions, track their profitability, and plan for future growth more effectively.

Prospective users of the Boz App simply have to download the app, and sign up using any active retail RCBC checking or savings account with the peso as the currency. For those who have yet to open an account with RCBC may already do so through the app. Aside from having a password for the account, users may also enable biometrics to feel more secure.

Startup businesses and enterprises, no matter how small or big they are, contribute to the country’s growth and help their online and offline communities thrive making them indispensable to the nation’s economic fabric. With tools like RCBC’s Boz App, digital stores, services, and businesses across the country, even up to the most remote and underserved areas, are more empowered to scale up and prosper.

 


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Trump safe after new assassination attempt, suspect arrested

GAGE SKIDMORE- WIKIMEDIA.ORG

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was safe on Sunday after the Secret Service foiled what the FBI called an apparent assassination attempt while he was golfing on his course in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Secret Service agents spotted and fired on a gunman in bushes near the property line of the golf course, a few hundred yards from where Trump was playing, law enforcement officials said.

The suspect left an AK-47-style assault rifle and other items at the scene and fled in a vehicle but was later arrested.

The apparent attempt on Mr. Trump’s life came just two months after he was shot at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, sustaining a minor injury to his right ear.

Both incidents highlight the challenges of keeping presidential candidates safe in a hotly contested and polarized campaign with just over seven weeks to go before the Nov. 5 election.

It was not clear if or how the suspect knew Mr. Trump was playing golf at the time, but the attempted attack was sure to raise new questions about the level of protection he is given.

CNN, Fox News and The New York Times identified the suspect as Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, of Hawaii, citing unnamed law enforcement officials. The FBI declined to comment and Reuters could not independently verify his identity.

Reuters found profiles on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn for a Ryan Routh who appeared to be the man identified as the suspect by those news organizations.

Reuters was not able to confirm these were the suspect’s accounts and law enforcement agencies declined to comment, but public access to the Facebook and X profiles was removed hours after the shooting.

The three accounts bearing Mr. Routh’s name suggest he was an avid supporter of Ukraine in its war against Russia. In several of the posts, he appeared to be trying to help recruit soldiers for Ukraine’s war effort.

 

GUN BARREL IN BUSHES

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said Secret Service agents saw a rifle barrel poking out from bushes about 400 to 500 yards (365 to 460 meters) away from Trump as they cleared holes of potential threats ahead of his play.

The agents engaged the gunman, firing at least four rounds of ammunition around 1:30 p.m. (1730 GMT).

The gunman then dropped his rifle, and left behind two backpacks and other items, and fled in a black Nissan car. The sheriff said a witness saw the gunman and managed to take photos of his car and license plate before he escaped.

“The Secret Service did exactly what should have been done,” Mr. Bradshaw said, declining to identify the suspect or provide a possible motive.

After the suspect fled the scene, police sent out an alert to statewide agencies with the information on his vehicle, which led to sheriff’s deputies in neighboring Martin County apprehending the suspect on I-95 about 40 miles (65km) from the golf course.

Fox News presenter Sean Hannity said he’d spoken to both Mr. Trump and Steve Witkoff, a New York real estate investor and longtime Trump friend who was on the golf course with him on Sunday.

“They were on the fifth hole. And the way Steve described this, the way the president described it, they both had exactly the same story, which is that they heard pop pop, pop pop,” said Hannity. The Secret Service “pounced on the president, covered him”, he added.

Republican U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, in an interview with the New York Times, said he had spoken with Trump and the former president expressed gratitude for his Secret Service detail, adding that the president said, “These people are awesome.”

In response to a reporter’s question, officials acknowledged that because Trump is not in office, the full golf course was not cordoned off.

“If he was, we would have had the entire golf course surrounded,” Bradshaw said during Sunday’s briefing. “Because he’s not, security is limited to the areas that the Secret Service deems possible.”

Mr. Trump sent an email to supporters saying there were “gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumors start spiraling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!” according to an email seen by Reuters.

The White House said in a statement that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris had been briefed about the incident and were relieved to know that he was safe.

Mr. Biden later said he had directed his team to ensure the Secret Service has the resources it needs to ensure Trump’s safety, according to a statement released by the White House.

Mr. Trump is locked in a tight presidential election race with Harris, who has had a surge in the polls since replacing Biden as the Democratic Party’s candidate in July.

“Violence has no place in America,” Ms. Harris said in an X social media post.

On X in 2020, Routh expressed support for Democratic U.S. presidential candidate Bernie Sanders and mocked Biden as “sleepy Joe.”

Earlier this year, Mr. Routh tagged Mr. Biden in a post on X: “@POTUS Your campaign should be called something like KADAF. Keep America democratic and free. Trumps should be MASA …make Americans slaves again master. DEMOCRACY is on the ballot and we cannot lose.”

Mr. Trump’s running mate in the presidential election, U.S. Senator JD Vance, said he spoke to Trump after the shooting and that the former president was in good spirits.

Mr. Trump was grazed in the right ear and one rallygoer was killed in the gunfire at the Pennsylvania rally on July 13. The gunman, identified as a 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, was shot and killed by a Secret Service sniper.

That was the first shooting of a U.S. president or major party presidential candidate in more than four decades, and the glaring security lapse forced Kimberly Cheatle to resign as Secret Service director under bipartisan congressional pressure.

The Secret Service’s new acting director said in August that he was “ashamed” of the security lapse that led to the assassination attempt. – Reuters

First conviction under Hong Kong’s new national security law for wearing “seditious” T-shirt

 – A Hong Kong man on Monday pleaded guilty to sedition for wearing a T-shirt with a protest slogan, becoming the first person convicted under the city’s new national security law passed in March.

Chu Kai-pong, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of “doing with a seditious intention an act”.

Under the new security law, the maximum sentence for the offence has been expanded from two years to seven years in prison and could even go up to 10 years if “collusion with foreign forces” was found involved.

Mr. Chu was arrested on June 12 at a MTR station wearing a T-shirt with the slogan “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times” and a yellow mask printed with “FDNOL”- the shorthand of another slogan “five demands, not one less”.

Both slogans were frequently chanted in the huge, sometimes violent pro-democracy protests in 2019 and June 12 was a key kick-off day of the months-long unrests.

Mr. Chu told police that he wore the T-shirt to remind people of the protests, the court heard.

Chief Magistrate Victor So, handpicked by the city leader John Lee to hear national security cases, adjourned the case to Thursday for sentencing.

Hong Kong was returned from Britain to China in 1997 under Beijing’s promise of guaranteeing its freedoms, including freedom of speech, would be protected under a “one country, two systems” formula.

Beijing imposed a national security law in 2020 punishing secession, subversion, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison, after the months-long protests in the financial hub.

In March 2024, Hong Kong passed a second new security law — a home-grown ordinance also known as “Article 23” according to its parent provision in the city’s mini constitution, the Basic Law.

Critics, including the U.S. government have expressed concerns over the new security law and said the vaguely defined provisions regarding “sedition” could be used to curb dissent.

Hong Kong and Chinese officials have said it was necessary to plug “loopholes” in the national security regime. – Reuters

Rains lift Australian farm confidence, Rabobank survey shows

STOCK PHOTO | Image by Siggy Nowak from Pixabay

 – Improved rainfall across much of Australia has lifted farmers’ confidence in the future of the agricultural economy from low levels three months ago, a quarterly survey by Rabobank published on Monday showed.

Australia is one of the world’s biggest agricultural exports. Farm confidence plunged earlier in the year as unusually low rainfall in many regions threatened crop yields and pastures.

However, widespread rain has improved the crop outlook, and strong export demand has helped raise livestock prices.

“The patchy start to this year’s season has been corrected in many farming regions, especially in Western Australia where seasonal conditions looked dire last quarter but have really turned around,” said Rabobank executive Marcel van Doremaele.

“Livestock producers are more optimistic after improvements in cattle and sheep prices, and there are also positive signals for dairy production,” he said.

“Grain and cotton farmers, though, face more bearish conditions with global drivers putting downward pressure on prices.”

Rabobank’s survey of around 1,000 farmers found that 23% expected the agricultural economy to improve in the coming year, up from 15% three months ago.

Twenty-seven percent of respondents expected conditions to worsen, down from 36%, while 47% thought the situation would remain stable.

Drought remained the main worry for farmers but fewer were concerned than three months ago, and fear of rising input costs also lessened. – Reuters

Three years in a row: Robinsons Land wins Best Developer Philippines; RLC Residences takes home multiple awards from PropertyGuru Philippines

Team Robinsons Land celebrates as they accept the plaque and trophy for Best Developer Philippines at the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards.

Robinsons Land Corporation and its residential arm, RLC Residences, have once again demonstrated their leadership in the Philippine real estate industry with major wins at the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards 2024 last Sept. 6.

During the prestigious event held at Shangri-la The Fort, RLC claimed several top honors, including the Best Developer — Philippines and Best Developer — Luzon citations. This is the third consecutive year Robinsons Land has received the top award from PropertyGuru, solidifying its position as one of the country’s most trusted developers.

RLC Residences also had a strong showing, particularly with The Residences at The Westin Manila, which garnered three prestigious titles: Best Branded Residential Development, Best Wellness Residential Development, and Best Lifestyle Condo Development. These awards highlight the brand’s focus on providing a lifestyle that blends luxury, wellness, and convenience for its residents.

Chad Sotelo accepts the Best Developer (Luzon) award for Robinsons Land.

Chad Sotelo, Senior Vice-President and Business Unit General Manager of RLC Residences and Chief Marketing Officer of Robinsons Land, expressed pride in these achievements. “Receiving these achievements is truly an honor for us at RLC Residences and Robinsons Land as a whole. All these recognitions would not have been possible without the passionate, dedicated, and hardworking team players who are continuously bringing our vision to life. And we thank PropertyGuru for recognizing our efforts and affirming that we are creating spaces that resonate with the needs and desires of our customers.”

Other developments of RLC Residences also received citations, further showcasing the diversity and quality of their portfolio. Woodsville Crest was Highly Commended in the Best Condo Development (Luzon) category, Galleria Residences Cebu was recognized as Highly Commended for Best High-End Condo Development (Metro Cebu), while Sierra Valley Gardens was awarded Highly Commended for Best Smart Home Development. These recognitions affirm RLC Residences’ commitment to delivering excellent properties across various regions of the country.

Meanwhile, RLC Residences’ focus on innovation was highlighted with its Highly Commended award for Best Lifestyle Developer category, while Robinsons Land received the same citation for Best Sustainable Developer for its eco-friendly practices. These accolades reflect the brand and company’s forward-thinking approach, integrating smart home technology and green building principles into its developments. The brand recently affirmed its sustainability commitment via a pledge to deliver one million square meters of net-zero carbon and resilient condominiums by 2031, in partnership with International Finance Corp. (IFC).

“At RLC Residences, we are dedicated to creating homes that are future-ready, integrating both sustainability and smart home features to provide a more efficient and eco-friendly living experience. We are ultimately thankful to our consumers, who have been very helpful by providing us their insights when they look for a home that they can proudly call theirs,” adds Sotelo.

The PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards is one of the most prestigious real estate award-giving bodies in the country and across Asia. RLC’s success in 2024 is a reflection of its steadfast commitment to excellence, community building, and environmental responsibility.

Learn more about RLC Residences’ award-winning portfolio by visiting rlcresidences.com or following their official Facebook and Instagram pages.

 


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Macquarie Capital unit, Miescor to create Philippine independent telecoms tower firm

BW FILE PHOTO

SYDNEY/SINGAPORE – Macquarie Capital said on Monday its unit PhilTower Consortium Inc and Miescor Infrastructure Development Corp have completed a transaction that would create one of the largest independent telecommunications towers companies in the Philippines.

Macquarie Capital, part of top Australian investment bank Macquarie Group, did not provide financial details in the statement.

It said the new entity will command a portfolio of more than 3,300 operational towers, with a pipeline of more than 2,100 committed orders, and well positioned to meet the Philippines’ increased demand for connectivity and digital infrastructure.

The new entity is owned by a consortium including Macquarie Capital, Stonepeak, Manila Electric Company and Global Network Inc, according to the statement.

Macquarie Capital said it has been a shareholder in PhilTower since 2021.

The transaction has been approved by regulators in the Philippines, with all deal completion conditions completed, it added. – Reuters

Philippines to continue to deploy vessels in contested South China Sea shoal

Philippine Coast Guard personnel documents a Chinese Coast Guard vessel shadowing the Philippines’ resupply mission at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, March 5, 2024. — REUTERS

 – The Philippines will continuously deploy vessels in the contested Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea, its coast guard said on Monday after a Philippine ship returned to port after a five-month deployment there.

“We will sustain presence over these waters,” Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Spokesperson Jay Tarriela told a press conference.

The PCG’s vessel, Teresa Magbanua, was deployed to Sabina Shoal in April to monitor what Manila suspects to be China‘s small-scale land reclamation activities in the area. It returned to port on Sunday.

Mr. Tarriela said the ship’s return was not related to China‘s demand for Manila to withdraw its vessel, instead it was so it could be repaired and to attend to the crew’s medical needs.Sabina Shoal, which China refers to as Xianbin Reef and the Philippines as the Escoda Shoal, lies west of the Philippine province of Palawan, within the country’s exclusive economic zone.

“Regardless of what size of vessel, regardless of how many vessels, the main objective and the commitment of the (PCG)commandant… is to make sure that at any one time, there will be a coast guard presence in the shoal,” Mr. Tarriela said.

China‘s coast guard said on Sunday it would continue to carry out law enforcement activities in the waters under Beijing’s jurisdiction in accordance with the law and safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, overlapping into maritime zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

In 2016 the Hague arbitration tribunal voided China‘s expansive and historical claims, a decision Beijing rejects. – Reuters

Abacore Capital Holdings, Inc. to hold Special Stockholders’ Meeting on Oct. 17 via Zoom

 

 


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Three major wins for Filinvest Land at the Dot Property Philippines Awards 2024

Filinvest Land celebrates a triple triumph at the Dot Property Philippines Awards 2024, taking home the Best Developer Luzon, Best Developer Mindanao, and Special Recognition in CSR awards.

Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) strengthens its reputation as one of the Philippines’ leading full range real estate developers, clinching multiple prestigious awards at the Dot Property Philippines Awards 2024. The company was honored with the titles of Best Developer Luzon, Best Developer Mindanao, and a Special Recognition Award for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

These accolades build on the company’s prior achievements as Best Developer North Luzon in both 2021 and 2022. FLI also took home the Best Developer Mindanao title for the third time, having previously won in 2021 and 2022. 

Claremont, Pampanga

A testament to FLI’s strong presence in Luzon is Claremont, one of FLI’s flagship projects in Mabalacat, Pampanga, which offers quality homes and family-centric amenities in a strategic location. Similarly, in Mindanao, Centro Spatial in Davao City is a mid-rise condo community that dedicates 70% of the property to open spaces and modern amenities. Both projects reflect FLI’s commitment to providing residents with comfortable living spaces and accessible lifestyle conveniences.

The Best Developer awards underscore FLI’s unwavering dedication to pioneering developments in key cities across the country. FLI has made its mark by introducing the first condo community developments in areas such as Dagupan, Zamboanga, and General Santos City, elevating the living standards in these regions and providing residents with quality choices for a dynamic urban lifestyle.

Centro Spatial in Davao City

FLI also received a Special Recognition Award for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which highlights the company’s Pusong Filinvest program and its growing impact across the nation. Through various initiatives, including Water Filtration System donations and disaster relief efforts, the program has consistently demonstrated FLI’s heart for service, uplifting communities, and responding to the needs of those in crisis.

More than just awards, these accolades are reflective of Filinvest Land’s relentless pursuit of excellence and a deeply rooted commitment to enhance the lives of Filipinos by providing quality homes and sustainable communities.

With each endeavor, Filinvest Land remains steadfast in its mission to build a better, healthier future for generations to come.

 


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Robinsons Offices emerged victorious at the 12th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards

Robinsons Land has been recognized with the highest and most prestigious award as the Best Developer of the Year at the 12th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards. This gives the company a highly coveted three-peat distinction. Bannering this feat is its office development arm, Robinsons Offices, earning multiple accolades that showcase its excellence in premium and sustainable office development.

In reflecting on these victories, Jericho P. Go, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Robinsons Offices, expressed profound gratitude with a humble heart: “These awards are a testament to our unwavering commitment to the three key objectives that hallmark Robinsons Offices’ mission: job generation, keeping families together, and sustainability. We are incredibly honored to be recognized for our efforts, and we remain dedicated to creating world-class office spaces that foster equitable economic growth while contributing to the well-being of our communities and the environment.”

GBF Center 1: Winner of Best Office Architectural and Interior Design

RLC’s achievements, he noted, are a tribute to the hardworking women and men of Robinsons Land, whose dedication and vision continue to drive progress and inspire excellence. Go emphasized, “Becoming overall champion of the PropertyGuru Awards is a privilege, but more importantly, a responsibility. A true champion leads by example. The burden of excellence requires us to work tirelessly, not only for ourselves but for the greater good. Our goal is to create a lasting positive impact for future generations, as we build a better, brighter tomorrow for everyone.”

At the heart of Robinsons Offices’ success is its people-centered approach. Each development is not just a building but a catalyst for economic growth, a space that fosters community, and a reflection of the company’s deep respect for sustainability and inclusivity. Projects like GBF Center 1 in Bridgetowne Destination Estate, winner of both Best Office Architectural Design and Best Office Interior Design, and Cybergate Iloilo Tower 3 in Pavia Iloilo, winner of Best BPO Office Development, reflect the company’s commitment to innovation and environmental consciousness. These buildings’ modern design, eco-friendly systems, and luxurious interiors offer inspiring and sustainable work environments.

Sustainability is also integral to Robinsons Offices with developments like Cybergate Iloilo Towers 1 and 2, the first LEED-certified office buildings in Western Visayas and was highly commended as the Best Green Office Development award. These pioneering green towers exemplify sustainable construction, operational efficiency, and deep community connection. They reduce energy consumption, prioritize tenant well-being, and incorporate recycled materials, all while honoring the culture and customs of their host province.

Cybergate Iloilo Towers (L-R): Tower 3 wins Best BPO Office Development; Towers 1 and 2, the first LEED-certified operational project in Western Visayas, is also Highly Commended Best Green Office Development.

But beyond the architectural marvels and sustainability milestones, Robinsons Offices’ true success lies in its role as a nation-builder. Every development is an opportunity to create jobs, keep families together, and breathe life into underdeveloped areas. As Go said, “The ultimate goal is to win together as one nation… one world.”

Robinsons Land’s triumph at the PropertyGuru Awards is not just about accolades; it’s about the human story behind every project — the people whose lives are impacted by the spaces created, the communities that flourish because of these developments, and the employees who strive every day to build a better future. Go concluded with humility and hope: “We are inspired by this distinction, but our work is never finished. To be a champion means never being content. It means helping others to be the best version of themselves, lifting each other up so that we can all emerge victorious, together.”

For Robinsons Offices, excellence is not just a goal but a continuous journey, one that is driven by a strong sense of responsibility to people, community, and the environment. With each project, they are laying the foundation for a future where success is shared, and where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam — for the greater glory of God.

 


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Robinsons Land is Highly-Commended as Best Sustainable Developer

Mantawi Residences is the first condominium in Cebu to receive the prestigious EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) preliminary certification.

Sustainability and resilience beyond infrastructure

By Mhicole A. Moral

A significant portion of the population in the Philippines currently resides in cities. Projection from the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, also known as UN-Habitat, indicate that approximately 84% of the population will live in urban areas by 2050. The country is also frequently devastated by natural disasters, resulting in billions of dollars in damages and the displacement of millions of people, particularly in urban areas.

As climate change and rapid urbanization increasingly concern the Philippines, addressing these challenges requires comprehensive and sustainable strategies to ensure that rapid urban growth benefits the population as a whole. Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC), which was highly commended as Best Sustainable Developer recently at the 12th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards, is among those companies taking the lead in crafting and implementing such strategies through developments that pave the way for sustainable communities.

In his presentation during the latest edition of BusinessWorld Insights forum, held last July 31, RLC’s Chief Strategist Ramon Rivero emphasized that real estate developments should not only focus on constructing buildings but also on creating sustainable and resilient environments that can thrive in the face of environmental and societal challenges.

“As we stand at the crossroads of rapid urbanization and environmental stewardship, the real estate in the Philippines holds a unique position of influence and responsibility. The choices we make today will shape the landscapes, economies, and quality of life for generations to come,” Mr. Rivero said.

He further noted that the fast-growing cities in the Philippines demand housing, commercial spaces, and infrastructure. However, these developments must integrate sustainability, ensuring that environmental integrity is preserved.

Cybergate Iloilo Towers 1 & 2 is Western Visayas’ first LEED-certified operational project.

For Robinsons Land, sustainability is integrated into every facet of its operations. From commercial properties and hotels to residential condominiums, logistics centers, and warehouses, the company remains committed to using eco-friendly materials, installing energy-efficient systems, and developing properties with minimal environmental impact.

Among the most notable examples is the installation of solar panels in 24 RLC malls, which generate a total of 31 megawatts of clean energy. In turn, this results in 182 million kilowatt-hours of clean energy and avoided 129,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide.

Meanwhile, sustainability also encompasses the need for resilient infrastructure, especially in a country as vulnerable to natural disasters as the Philippines. Typhoons have wreaked havoc on Filipino communities, destroying homes, crippling infrastructure, and upending lives. The cost is staggering, both in human and economic terms.

Robinsons Land’s approach to sustainability is its focus on building resilient infrastructure. Mr. Rivero noted that buildings and communities must be designed to withstand the increasing intensity of natural disasters. This method requires adhering to rigorous construction standards, integrating flood defenses, and incorporating adaptive features that ensure long-term durability. To date, 16 properties of RLC have earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) certifications.

Holistic urban planning

Robinsons Malls and Shell Pilipinas Corporation have launched the Shell Recharge EV Charging Station at Opus Mall, Bridgetowne Estate, Quezon City.

Sustainability is not just limited to individual buildings but extends to the overall layout of cities. RLC focuses on creating communities that promote sustainable living through integrated public transportation, green spaces, and walkable neighborhoods.

One notable example is RLC’s mixed-use development, Bridgetowne in Pasig City. This flagship project integrates residential, commercial, and recreational spaces while prioritizing environmental responsibility by encouraging walking, cycling, and public transportation.

Beyond brick and mortar, sustainability in real estate is about people. The chief strategist of RLC emphasized the importance of involving local communities in the planning and development process. By ensuring that the needs and voices of the people are heard, RLC aims to create spaces that not only promote environmental sustainability but also foster inclusivity.

Sustainability as a business imperative

R Gift of Health is RLove’s Medical Mission Program that provides medical services to communities that need them the most.

Robinsons Land also prioritizes social sustainability through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Projects under the RLove program address key areas such as education, health, and environmental stewardship. Furthermore, the chief strategist said that the effects of climate change and rapid urbanization are too significant to ignore, but environmental stewardship and economic prosperity can go hand in hand. With this in mind, the real estate industry has the opportunity to drive positive environmental change while achieving long-term economic prosperity for all stakeholders.

RLC, like many other forward-thinking companies, recognizes that the journey toward sustainability will not be without challenges. Nonetheless, as it believes that sustainability is about enhancing the lives of Filipinos, Robinsons Land and its parent company, the Gokongwei Group, remain committed to integrating sustainable practices across operations.

“We believe that our core purpose is to enhance the lives of Filipinos by providing high quality products and services that all stakeholders can be proud of. And by doing so, we believe that we do not only drive the company’s long-term success, but we also contribute to the broader socioeconomic development of the Philippines,” Mr. Rivero concluded.

 


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July debt service bill jumps by 26%

BW FILE PHOTO

By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Reporter

THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT’S (NG) debt payments jumped in July as interest payments on local borrowings increased, the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) said.

The latest BTr data showed that the debt service bill went up 26.13% to P81.17 billion in July from P64.36 billion in the same month a year ago.

Month on month, debt payments also rose by 22.85% from P66.08 billion in June.

The debt service bill refers to payments made by the government on its domestic and foreign borrowings.

Interest payments comprised 97.85% of the debt service bill for the month.

In July, interest payments increased by 24.99% to P79.43 billion from P63.55 billion in the same month in 2023.

Broken down, interest paid on domestic obligations soared by 41.84% to P55.32 billion in July from P39 billion last year.

This consisted of P47.03 billion for fixed-rate Treasury bonds, P3.58 billion for retail Treasury bonds, P2.9 billion for Treasury bills (T-bills), and others (P1.81 billion).

Interest payments made on external debt dipped by 1.78% to P24.11 billion in July from P24.55 billion last year.

On the other hand, principal payments more than doubled to P1.74 billion in July from P808 million a year earlier.

Principal payments on external debt surged by 113.58% to P1.56 billion in July from P729 million in the same month last year.

Amortization on domestic debt soared by 134.18% to P185 million in July from P79 million a year prior.

In the first seven months of the year, NG debt payments jumped 40.28% to P1.36 trillion from P972.29 billion a year ago.

Principal payments accounted for 66.52% of debt servicing as of end-July.

Amortization payments jumped by 44.87% to P907.3 billion during the January-to-July period from P626.28 billion a year ago. Principal payments on domestic debt stood at P757.62 billion, while amortization payments on external debt amounted to P149.68 billion.

In the January-July period, interest payments rose by 31.98% to P456.66 billion from P346 billion last year.

Domestic interest payments as of end-July amounted to P323.36 billion, while external interest payments stood at P133.3 billion.

During the period, interest payments on local borrowings comprised P217.53 billion for fixed-rate Treasury bonds, P78.24 billion for retail Treasury bonds, P18.68 billion for T-bills, and others (P8.91 billion).

“Rising interest rates and maturing obligations are driving up the government’s debt service bill. However, strong revenue collection and external financing are helping to manage the burden,” Security Bank Corp. Chief Economist Robert Dan J. Roces said in a Viber message.

Elevated interest rates here and abroad continued to drive up interest payments on debt, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said.

“The stronger peso exchange rate recently could reduce the peso equivalent of foreign debt principal and interest payments,” Mr. Ricafort said in a Viber message.

The local unit closed at P55.995 on Friday, 20.5 centavos stronger than its P56.2 finish on Thursday.

A potential rate cut by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the US Federal Reserve could help reduce the NG’s interest payments, Mr. Ricafort added.

At its Aug. 15 meeting, the Monetary Board cut the policy rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 6.25% from the over 17-year high of 6.5% previously.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. earlier said the Monetary Board may cut interest rates by another 25 bps in the fourth quarter. Only two meetings are left this year — Oct. 17 and Dec. 19.

For its part, the Fed is widely expected to begin its easing cycle this week.

The National Government (NG) plans to borrow P630 billion from the domestic market in the third quarter. Broken down, it is looking to raise P260 billion from T-bills and P370 billion via T-bonds in the period.

The NG’s debt stock climbed to a record-high P15.69 trillion as of end-July from P15.48 trillion as of end-June.

This year’s debt service program is set at P2.03 trillion, according to the latest Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing.