Permission to fly
Lilybeth Tan-Ng flies planes. Her father, Lucio Tan, one of the richest people in the Philippines, owns an entire airline.
What you need to know about liver cancer
The liver is a vital organ as it plays a key role in the body’s digestive system. It produces proteins and stores sugar, vitamins, and minerals. It also breaks down nutrients from food to produce energy.
Furthermore, the liver has the significant role of producing bile, a fluid which helps break down fat from food as well as absorbs vitamins. More importantly, it removes toxins in blood by getting rid of the harmful chemicals produced by the body.
As big as its function, however, a big danger looms when the liver itself suffers from the growth and spread of unhealthy cells within, causing liver cancer which is considered as one of the top killer cancers in the Philippines.
Medical authorities attribute this expansive presence of liver cancer in the country to several complications and habits: hepatitis B/hepatitis C infection, heavy alcohol consumption, and prolonged heavy intake of aflatoxin and other chemical carcinogens.
The most common risk factor responsible for most cases of liver cancer in the Philippines is chronic hepatitis B, a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). After the virus initiates acute Hepatitis B, chronic Hepatitis B likely occurs if the HBV remains for more than 6 months in the blood.
According to the Hepatological Society of the Philippines (HSP), hepatitis B is a major public health burden in the Philippines, with 1 out of 7 adult Filipinos having the complication. Adults 20 to 49 years of age, who make up a large part of the work force, are more likely to get the infection.
Hepatitis B can be acquired by direct contact with infected blood and body fluid, such as in contaminated needles and unprotected sex with an infected partner. But the more common cause is from childbirth, where an infected mother transmits the virus to her newborn. This is why all infants are recommended to get a hepatitis B vaccination.
Heavy alcohol intake, meanwhile, increases the risk of liver cancer, since alcohol is directly toxic to liver cells. A bulk amount of alcohol damages the liver through inflammation and scarring, more known as cirrhosis.
Aflatoxin is another risk factor for liver cancer among Filipinos. This toxic chemical is produced by certain species of molds that grow in contaminated food products such as corn, peanuts, and rice. Prevailing high temperature and relative humidity, coupled with improper handling of food, contribute to the production of aflatoxin above the acceptable level.
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2018, liver cancer is the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. In the Philippines, however, liver cancer is more widespread.
According to HSP, liver cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death. Moreover, the Philippine Cancer Society’s (PCS) most recent estimates back in 2015 indicate that liver cancer ranked 2nd among males and 6th among females.
The data from the PCS also noted that incidence rates in liver cancer start to rise at 35 years old among males, and 50 among females. In 2012, the estimated national incidents were 11.8 per 100,000 in both sexes, 17.1 among males, and 6.5 among females. Moreover, 2 out of 100 men and 1 out of 100 women “would have had a likelihood of getting liver cancer before age 75.”
In terms of mortality rates, estimated national standardized rates were 11.8 per 100,000 in both sexes, 17.4 among males, and 6.3 among females. It was revealed as well that 2 out of 100 men, and 1 out of 100 women would have died from liver cancer before reaching 75 years old.
The 5-year relative survival rate amounts to 8.5% in Metro Manila.
Liver cancer often shows up with no symptoms in its early stages. Upon diagnosis, it has generally reached an advanced stage. Worse, there is still no efficient early detection method for the cancer. Because of this, liver cancer has been regarded as a “silent epidemic”, given its prevalence in the country.
Warning signs may be noticed as liver cancer develops: abdominal pain, weight loss, weakness, and loss of appetite, and presence of HBV or cirrhosis.
The Department of Health suggests that the surgery can be curative for the patient with small liver cancer. However, for the majority of the cases, especially those diagnosed at an incurable stage, “judicious and cost-effective palliative care can provide an acceptable quality of life.”
Essential nutritional support helps in promoting as well as restoring the health of the liver. Essentiale Forte P® is a trusted brand which aids in the management of damaged liver due to chronic liver disease, liver cirrhosis, fatty liver, and intoxication by hepatoxic substances. It is the No.1 Doctor-Recommended Liver Remedy brand in the Philippines and in the world.
From McDo Manager in Pampanga to McDonald’s US National Field President: The inspiring Story of Myra Doria
Before assuming the role of National Field President of McDonald’s USA, Myra Doria worked doubly hard to build a career that began in the 80s, with grit, passion, and perseverance.
Doria started her professional career at McDonald’s in Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga, in 1985, or known as “Store 005.” 40 years later, her story is an inspiration — a testament to how a young woman from a small town in the Philippines can earn a seat at the table of one of the world’s biggest and most loved brands in the US.
“Standing up here today reminds me of why I got into this business in the first place, and all the incredible people I’ve met along the way. I’ve always wanted to come back to the place where I started. It also reminds me of how far I’ve come and how grateful I am to those who have made my career possible,” she said during her recent visit to the Philippines to speak at an operations leadership summit organized by McDonald’s Philippines — which was also a homecoming a long time in the making.
Humble Beginnings
“I was born and raised in Minalin, Pampanga. Ako po ang pinaka matanda sa anim na magkakapatid (I was the eldest in a brood of six), and early in life my parents instilled in me the importance of being the role model for my siblings. It is a huge responsibility that I carry with me still today,” Doria shared.
Working in the palengke (public market) not only honed her business acumen; it also developed her passion for shoes.
“I’ve come to see my shoes as a sort of metaphor for how I’ve approached my life and career. When I look at my shoes, I remember my days working at the flea market and my first days at McDonald’s. It may have been 40 years ago, but I remember the day vividly. I had just graduated from college when my mom treated me to a meal at McDonald’s. Without me knowing about it, she asked for a job application and, surprisingly, I was interviewed on the spot that day,” she shared.
Eleven interviews later, she received a start date for her management training.
From PH to US
From management trainee in 1985, Doria worked very hard to rise through the ranks, eventually becoming a successful restaurant manager, committed to the growth of her team and her restaurant–an empowered woman who also believed in empowering the people around her.
When she got married, her priorities evolved. Her husband was serving with the United States Navy stationed in Guam, and she was getting ready to embark on a new life. She said: “Moving to an entirely new country like the United States was the greatest change I had ever experienced. The culture was completely new and foreign to me. In the Philippines, I was called ‘Ma’am Myra.’ In the States, it was just ‘Myra — do this… Myra — do that!’ ”
In the US, she started building a career at McDonald’s, and although at first she didn’t see a lot of people who looked or talked like her, she grew as a professional and eventually as a leader. She said: “I learned to have the courage to be assertive and create my own seat at the table and bring my own voice — including my accent.” She steadily advanced through the ranks, taking on increasingly prominent roles. Starting as a business consultant, she progressed to field vice president, then zone president. In 2023, she was appointed National Field President of McDonald’s USA, playing a critical role in overseeing 14,000 restaurants all over the US and over $56 billion in annual sales, and empowering more than 1,800 franchisees and 500 company employees.
A Culture of Empowerment
McDonald’s takes pride in having a culture of empowering its people, particularly women. In the Philippines with a McDonald’s workforce of over 65,000, women comprise over 51% of key segments of the workforce, from crew members (50.6%) to store managers (57%), all the way up to the leadership team (53%). Among McDonald’s Developmental Licensee markets, the Philippines has the highest percentage of female sub-franchisees (53%), followed by Hungary (38%) and China (35%). It reinforces McDonald’s long-standing commitment of focusing on what their employees can do.
In Doria’s experience, while she learned to constantly show what she was capable of doing, she also acknowledged that she couldn’t have done it alone and is grateful for the people who believed and supported her on her journey to becoming US National Field President.
Doria is also grateful for the opportunity that McDonald’s Philippines Chairman and Founder Dr. George T. Yang has given her, and how he opened the doors for a life-long career with the Golden Arches.
“George gave me my first opportunity as a manager trainee 40 years ago. If not for him, who knows where I’d be today,” she said.
When asked how he feels about hearing about Myra’s success, Yang simply said, “I am very proud of her.”
The empowering leadership Doria encountered throughout her career has motivated her to empower others as well. In fact, she is known for honing leaders at McDonald’s — people say, “You work for Myra, you will be supported, and you will develop into a better leader.”
Many of the people she trained excelled in their careers — rising through the ranks to become supervisors and even national and international leaders. In fact, Doria mentored talents who ended up becoming the Chief Restaurant Officer (CRO) in McDonald’s Australia and the CRO in the McDonald’s United Kingdom. The UK CRO is a woman — proof that McDonald’s recognizes the great power women hold, and how this power can accelerate action.
A Multifaceted Woman
Doria is a multifaceted woman. Aside from being a successful leader at McDonald’s, she is also committed to her family, the way her family has supported her throughout her career.
“Working at McDonald’s is just one of my jobs. I’m also a wife, a mother, and now a lola for the very first time. Cora (her granddaughter) is a year old and she’s the love of our lives. I can’t thank my family enough for their unconditional love and support. They also do a great job of grounding me,” Doria said.
She emphasized that remembering where you came from and what you value most in life should guide your future decisions, whether personal or at work.
“No matter how your career started, always remember where you came from. As I say, lead with empathy and don’t let your title or responsibilities get in the way,” she said.
“#IMPower”
Asked what other advice she could give to women who also want a seat at the table, Doria underlined the importance of taking risks.
“My advice to everyone is don’t be afraid. Take risks. Actually, the higher the risks, the more is the gain of that risk. Risk is so important in leadership. Progressive companies like McDonald’s always take risks,” she said.
She also highlighted the importance of making an impact on people’s lives. In fact, she would like this to be her legacy. “The most fulfilling thing about my career is when I see people achieve their aspirations, [when] they get better and achieve their dreams,” she explained.
As the world celebrates International Women’s Month, McDonald’s emphasizes that it is an environment where women say “I M Power.” They are empowered to be their best selves, and they are empowered to bring out the best in others. As a woman, Doria was “#MPowered” to succeed as National Field President and a member of the McDonald’s US Senior Leadership Team.
And women have the opportunity to “#MPower,” be “#MPowered,” and be their best selves at McDonald’s, just like Doria. Learn more about the #MPowered women at McDonald’s (McDonald’s Philippines (Golden Arches Development Corporation): Overview | LinkedIn).
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No cash? No problem, with Scan to Pay feature of BDO Pay
Cashless payments for groceries and other essentials have never been easier and quicker with the Scan to Pay feature of BDO Pay. It can be linked to your BDO savings account or credit card so there’s no need to load the app or e-wallet, just start shopping!
To use the Scan to Pay feature when making cashless in-store purchases, BDO Pay users just simply need to scan the merchant’s quick response (QR) Code, input the amount, and they’re done.
With Scan to Pay, purchases are completed in seconds, offering convenience to shoppers who may be short on cash, and even offsetting the need to carry it for future in-store purchases.
What’s more, BDO Pay is accepted at numerous merchants nationwide with the adoption of the QR Ph, the standardized QR code system in the Philippines. With purchases now completed a lot faster with the app, shoppers will have more time to bond with their family or friends at SM malls, or wherever they may choose to shop.
For more information on BDO and the BDO Pay app, visit https://www.bdo.com.ph/. Download the BDO Pay app for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.
Join us on Viber at https://bit.ly/3hv6bLA to get more updates and subscribe to BusinessWorld’s titles and get exclusive content through www.bworld-x.com.