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BDO, Asia’s premier banks release new report to support climate transition

BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO), along with leading Asian banks, has published the Asia Transition Finance Annual Report 2024 to help Asian economies achieve a “just and orderly transition” toward a more sustainable future.

BDO is a member of The Asian Transition Finance (ATF) Study Group, a private-led initiative whose core participants are banks with operations in Asia. The ATF Study Group was set up in recognition of the important role that transition finance (TF) will play in helping Asian economies address challenges as they move toward net-zero emissions. Its goal is to create practical recommendations to supplement existing frameworks, including global standards and taxonomies, when financial institutions (FIs) consider and assess TF cases, as well as to understand challenges and explore potential enablers to transition finance. 

This year, the ATF Annual Report 2024 was created after months of discussion among the core members, composed primarily of commercial banks. Development banks, export credit agencies, public agencies, and finance associations joined as observers and knowledge contributors. Energy and industry players, insurance and guarantee providers, and advisors also participated as guest speakers to share their perspectives.

The ATF Annual Report 2024 describes how transition projects can become feasible and bankable by mitigating and allocating risks through public and private sector collaboration. This fundamental issue, identified during discussions in 2022 and 2023, is crucial for enabling FIs to engage in transition projects. The Study Group considers that understanding the main risks of transition projects and how each risk can be addressed by both public and private sectors would foster coherent collaboration among all stakeholders.

As a founding core member of the ATF Study Group since 2021, BDO, along with other Asian financial institutions, believes that its sustainability journey will be more gradual in pace compared to counterpart banks in Europe and the United States. But in collaborating with others, the Bank welcomes the opportunity to bring everyone towards the same direction and better manage the energy transition for Asian nations.

BDO will continue to expand its Sustainable Finance initiatives, in place since 2010, towards funding new and existing renewable energy projects to increase their capacity, and support the country’s avoidance of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The Asia Transition Finance Annual Report 2024 is available at https://www.atfsg.org/report/asia-transition-finance-study-group-atf-sg-annual-report-2024

Asia Transition Finance Study Group Website: https://www.atfsg.org/

 


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San Beda College of Law Class 2002 members release statement on the detention of Atty. Lopez

 

 


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McDonald’s ‘Night Classroom,’ ‘Ride the Arches’ prevail at PANATA Awards

McDonald’s Philippines was the big winner at the recent PANATA Brand Effectiveness Awards 2024, held at Seda Hotel Bonifacio Global City, securing multiple Gold Awards for its standout campaigns, “Night Classroom” and “Ride the Arches.” 

Presented by the Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA), the awards were judged by a distinguished panel of experts from the fields of advertising, media, and academia. The PANATA Brand Effectiveness Awards 2024 was not just a celebration of individual brand achievements but a recognition of the collective progress in the industry. Already on its 15th year, the award underscored brands’ resilience in a challenging economic climate, as it continued to push boundaries and set new standards for consumer engagement.

First launched in 2023 and sustained this year, “Night Classroom” won four Golds in the Corporate Sustainability and Trust category, Brand Effectiveness through Customer Experience, Disruptive Innovation, and Effective Use of Marketing Communication Channels (Single Medium-BTL). The initiative converted party areas of McDonald’s stores into dedicated spaces for both teachers and students for late-night study sessions, offering safe and convenient space for learning.

On the other hand, the QSR giant also garnered the Grand PANATA Award for “Ride the Arches,” the first campaign of its kind for McDonald’s, which had McDonald’s turn its stores into cyclist-friendly meeting places complete with refueling stations, encouraging cyclists to bike and dine along scenic routes across the country. “Ride the Arches” also likewise won Gold in Marketing Communication Channel — Single Medium BTL, Gold in Customer Experience, Bronze in Corporate Sustainability and Brand Trust, and Bronze in Disruptive Innovation.

Also, for “Ride the Arches, McDonald’s won the Brand Team of the Year with Barrameda bringing home the award for Rookie Brand Builder of the Year.

“We are truly honored by the recognition we received from this year’s PANATA Awards. Beyond the accolades, we are thankful to our customers and community partners for embracing and supporting our initiatives. And as McDonald’s continues to grow in the country, our commitment to making real and meaningful impact will also grow,” said Hernandez.

The PANATA Brand Effectiveness Awards truly highlighted McDonald’s Philippines’ exceptional marketing prowess, with several other campaigns striking gold.

“Better Chicken McDo” earned Gold for Brand Effectiveness through Business Growth, showcasing its success in driving tangible results. Campaigns such as “Best Me at McDo,” “Our Best Everrrr Burgers,” “Lovin’ All,” and “Kami Naman, Ma” all clinched Gold awards for their effective use of marketing communication channels, highlighting the brand’s ability to connect with its audience through various media. Notably, “Kami Naman, Ma” was specifically recognized for its excellence in the Single Medium-Digital category.

These additional wins underscored McDonald’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and creating meaningful connections with its customers through a diverse range of impactful campaigns.

 

Asia Pacific Tambuli Awards 2024

  • McDonald’s Philippines named “Advertiser of the Year”
  • “Night Classroom”
    • Grand Prix Award in the Champions for Humanity Category
    • Silver in the Builders of Society Category
  • “Ride the Arches”
    • Silver in the Champions for Humanity Category
    • Bronze for Advocacy
  • “I’m Lovin’ Me” campaign
    • Bronze award
  • “Unlocking 60,000 Filipinos’ Best Selves” campaign
    • Silver
  • “Lovin’ All” campaign
    • Bronze

 

2024 Kidlat Awards

  • “Lovin’ All” by TBWA\ SMP
    • Gold in Creativity in Engagement — PR
    • Gold in Creativity in Engagement — Social
  • “Night Classroom” by Leo Burnett Group Manila
    • Gold in Creativity in Experience
    • Gold in Creative Commerce
    • Gold in Creative Effectiveness
    • Gold in Creative Strategy
  • “Lovin’ All” film:
    • Silver in Classic Creativity — Film category
  • “Lovin Her” series by FilmPabrika, Inc.
    • Silver in Film Craft — Direction, Casting, Low Budget Film
  • “Ride the Arches” campaign
    • Silver for Creativity in Experience
  • “Night Classroom”
    • Silver for Creativity for Good — Corporate Social Responsibility

 


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Four poems by Cirilo F. Bautista

MOVE IT holds first-ever passenger feedback forum, deepens safety commitment

MOVE IT General Manager Wayne Jacinto [R] personally led the passenger feedback forum, connecting with a diverse group of commuters.

Homegrown motorcycle taxi provider MOVE IT held its first-ever passenger feedback forum as it intensifies its safety commitment and program on the platform.

The inaugural forum served as an avenue for MOVE IT to garner insights from a diverse base of regular passengers about moto-taxi safety mechanisms, while also allowing the company to share updates on its current thrusts on safety and service reliability.

MOVE IT General Manager Wayne Jacinto spearheaded the forum, leading the deliberation and sharing of various strategies the platform is currently undertaking to ensure safety. Among the pivotal topics discussed were the expansion of skills training for riders, activation of advanced safety features, constant upgrading of safety gears, and the fortification of emergency response programs.

Itong ating passenger forum ay isa sa ating mga initiatives upang mas mapaganda ang ating serbisyo at mas mapaigting ang ating mga hakbangin patungkol sa kaligtasan. Ating pinapahalagahan ang bawat komento, ideya at mungkahi ng mga komyuter na ating pinagsisilbihan sapagkat dahil sa mga ito, mas nakikita natin kung saang aspeto tayo dapat magsumikap pa at magtuon ng pansin. Marami man kaming nailunsad na programa patungkol sa kaligtasan at pagiging maasahan na platform ng MOVE IT, alam namin na dapat walang tigil ang pagpapabuti ng platform. At sa tulong ng ating mga mahal na pasahero at rider, lalo nating masisiguro ang tagumpay nito,” MOVE IT General Manager Wayne Jacinto said.

The first-ever face-to-face passenger feedback forum complements MOVE IT’s existing in-app feedback mechanisms, such as the post-ride rating system, activity tab, and report-an-issue feature.

Passengers hailing from various backgrounds engaged with MOVE IT leaders in a series of forums, discussing safety mechanisms within the moto-taxi industry.

Intensifying Safety on MOVE IT

Building on the productive discussions with commuter groups and the feedback shared in-app about MOVE IT, the motorcycle taxi platform has swiftly implemented new safety measures and technologies, further solidifying its commitment to road safety.

  • Focusing on Road Safety Skills: MOVE IT prioritizes rider skills and a positive mindset for a safer riding experience. It expanded its skills development and assessment program by adding mandatory quarterly training sessions. These sessions refresh rider-partners on driver guidelines and safety protocols; and update them on techniques to navigate various road challenges safely and effectively. Additionally, MOVE IT has introduced new face-to-face values and behavior seminars, further promoting a professional and courteous rider community.
  • Activating New Technologies: MOVE IT stays at the forefront of safety with its cutting-edge technology. Recognizing that optimal speed is crucial, it now leverages real-time data analytics to monitor rider-partner speed. This allows for immediate “Overspeeding Alerts,” prompting riders to adjust their pace accordingly.
  • Elevating Emergency Response: MOVE IT also strengthens its emergency response as it grows its on-ground Emergency Response Team, adding more personnel and resources to the program across Metro Manila, Cebu and Cagayan De Oro. Capitalizing on the bayanihan among MOVE IT riders, the platform is introducing incentives for proactive accident reports. This encourages riders to look out for each other and contribute to a safer riding environment. These measures allow MOVE IT to attend to any untoward incident on the road in less than 30 minutes.
  • Prioritizing Gear Quality: Lastly, MOVE IT has implemented a stricter and more regular cadence of gear quality inspection. In line with this, the platform also pledged to continually provide incentives-based gear, such as new helmets, to ensure that rider-partners are equipped with top-tier protective equipment for both them and their passengers.
Participants of the forum take a quick tour of the MOVE IT safety facility.

Moving forward, MOVE IT will continue to engage more deeply with the communities it serves to offer a safer and more convenient motorcycle ride-hailing experience for Filipino commuters. The moto-taxi provider also encourages its passengers and drivers to proactively share feedback via channels such as Passenger and Driver Feedback Features, In-App Ratings, and the MOVE IT Hotline. This will significantly help the platform to quickly evolve and enhance its safety and reliability as a provider of two-wheel transportation.

 

 


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Fulfilling home building and transformation dreams with Wilcon

Like all long-running businesses, Wilcon, one of the most respected names in the Philippine home improvement industry with a 46-year history, recognizes the need to consistently put the shopping experiences of its customers first and foremost.

This year, the company has embarked on a mission to provide premium product lines and convenience to even more Filipinos with the “Do it with Wilcon” campaign, aiming to further upscale convenience and excellence in its service and products.

The campaign highlights Wilcon’s commitment to empowering customers and home builders alike in the realm of home improvement. Through championing customers’ aspirations with premium building products and services, Wilcon seeks to help Filipinos realize their dreams for a sustainable and comfortable life.

The essence of “Do it with Wilcon” lies in strategic collaboration and accessibility. With a nationwide network of 93 stores, Wilcon ensures that its premium products and services are within easy reach of customers across the Philippines. Wherever they are, whatever they need, no matter their vision, Wilcon aims to be there to provide Filipinos the tools necessary to achieve their goals.

This is proven with Wilcon’s meticulous selection of the best products in the market and its keen focus on personalized service. Wilcon enables customers to explore new experiences and transform their living spaces in alignment with their visions.

Beyond its extensive product offerings and nationwide accessibility, Wilcon continuously evolves to stay relevant in an ever-changing industry landscape. The company embraces digital initiatives to enhance the shopping experience, whether in-store or online, and remains aligned with industry trends to provide customers with the latest innovations.

“This is what we mean by doing it with Wilcon. Realizing dreams is always a product of strategic collaboration. Part of this process is expanding the retail giant’s nationwide reach so that Wilcon’s products and services are always within reach of the clients. There is hardly a major province in the Philippines that does not have a Wilcon facility in its midst. From the modest first store in Quezon Avenue, Wilcon stores have sprouted from end to end of the country,” Wilcon said in a statement.

As the company expands its reach, Wilcon also amplifies its commitment to minimizing environmental impact. Customers not only have access to top-tier products; they also have the opportunity to contribute to environmental conservation through Wilcon’s sustainability initiatives.

Wilcon’s message to customers is clear: dream, plan, build, and do it with Wilcon. By providing exceptional products, services, and support, Wilcon empowers individuals to embark on their journey of transforming dreams into reality.

For further information about Wilcon and its offerings, visit www.wilcon.com.ph or connect with them on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Alternatively, stay updated and engaged by subscribing to their Viber Community, LinkedIn, and YouTube channels, or contact the Wilcon Depot Hotline at 88-WILCON (88-945266) for inquiries.

 


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What it takes to be the country’s most awarded internet service provider

(From left) Converge Chief Operations Officer Jesus C. Romero, Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy, Converge President and Co-Founder Maria Grace Y. Uy, Ookla President Stephen Bye, and Converge Chief Commercial Officer Benjamin Azada

Coming off from a quadruple win at Ookla’s Speedtest Awards in February and taking its place as the Fastest Internet Provider in the Philippines, Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. shares the secret to how this feat came together: design a resilient, scalable, and future-ready network then let it work for the people.

Top Converge executives, media, and the CEO of Ookla gathered in a thanksgiving and ceremonial hand-over of the awards, underlining the merit of network excellence and readiness of Converge that led to its multiple triumphs.

From the discussion, it emerged that the winning formula for the victory was a combination of foresight, technology expertise, innovation, and the good ol’ daring ‘first-mover’ spirit. 

“We’ve designed the network from day one not only to deliver the experience you have today but to be able to sustain it over time. Some of the metrics that Ookla mentioned that we did particularly well in were latency, jitter, and packet loss. We have one of the lowest latency networks in the country today, and that’s only possible since we designed it that way from the start. We always bought the latest and the greatest technology,” said SEVP and Chief Operations Officer Jesus C. Romero, expounding on Converge being the first provider to deploy 400G then 800G data transmission capacity on its metro backbone, boosting the fiber network’s capacity to push huge amounts of data throughout the length of the cable, in anticipation of the use of next-generation, hyperscale capacity applications.

Converge pulled off the quadruple win by investing early and heavy in its network technology, deploying first a 400G, and then subsequently an 800G metro backbone transmission capacity.

This commitment to invest in the latest network technology is also key for preparing for the next slate of technologies that are now on the horizon including the AI and the metaverse.

“The technology we built is GPON (gigabit ethernet passive optical network) to the home. This means it’s fiber all the way to the home and there are no active components in the network. So that means when a particular technology comes, you will only need a software tweak,” explained Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy during the event.

“This is how fast we can evolve because the time will come when there will be applications demanding bigger bandwidth like AI and VR, and all of this amazing tech that will come into our lives. This is in preparation for that,” he added.

With the network designed for maximum performance and equipped with the latest backbone technology, it was only a matter of time before users of its network themselves experienced the capabilities of a Converge connection.

According to Stephen Bye, Ookla CEO, the Converge network is put literally to the test via the thousands of Ookla speed tests taken by its users every day. The vast amount of data generated from the tests paint a picture of a network that delivers the lowest median latency, and the best upload and download speeds among the ISPs.

“We have a robust statistical model where we look at what the median is, what the variance is, what the distributions are, and then based on the data we collect, we compare that to every operator in the market. We compare on multiple different dimensions and then we look for a statistically significant difference. Where that difference exists, we grant that to the winner,” said Stephen.

Converge is the only ISP in the country with an end-to-end pure fiber network, meaning its flexibility and scalability in terms of technological upgrades is second to none, said Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy.

“And very clearly having a great network underneath that is very important, so if you have a great speed that’s one thing but to win on multiple dimensions actually takes other aspects in terms of the operations and design of the network,” he added, underlining that a multitude of factors, including customer service, contributed to the wins.

“In some countries for instance, you have two networks that are very, very close but you cannot discriminate between the winners. Here [in the Philippines], it’s very clear and we can see that in the data. To win in four dimensions is really, really tough,” Bye stressed.

How does Converge leverage its formidable network to respond to the needs of ordinary Filipinos? Converge Chief Commercial Officer Benjamin Azada responds, “it’s all about tailoring the product, which is the network, to their needs. We have done that very well.”

The full suite of Converge products not only responds but anticipates the needs of customers: FiberX, GameChanger, Time of Day, Homebase, BIDA, S2S — the variety of offerings target specific needs of Filipinos depending on their digitally-enabled lifestyle. The Converge GameChanger is a product specifically for gamers, HomeBase is for home businesses, BIDA is for postpaid customers with a regular income but has a moderate budget, and so on.

“Having an excellent network is one thing, but how do you experience your connection at home? Or at your business? These digital experiences and lifestyles are encapsulated by these Ookla metrics and we’re glad to have surpassed competition in giving these rich digital experiences to Filipinos,” added Azada.

 


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Favorite Things | Dancing Queen

A girl who dreamed of working in a bank and ended up becoming Miss Universe.


INTERVIEW POLA ESGUERRA DEL MONTE |
PHOTO KAREN KHO

Margie Moran-Floirendo, who has yet to pass the Miss Universe crown to another Philippine hopeful, was a dancer before she was a beauty queen. Prior to her 1973 pageant victory, she had already appeared in The Best of Broadway production mounted by the Cultural Center of the Philippines, performing in excerpts of My Fair LadyHello, Dolly!, and Camelot.

The most challenging dance in Ms. Moran-Floirendo’s repertoire is her presidency of Ballet Philippines, which requires her to raise enough funds—around Php30 million annually—to keep the company going. The steps are complicated, but she’s taken on yet another “partner”: Habitat for Humanity, where she is an ambassador.

When she turned 60 this September, Ms. Moran-Floirendo put on her dancing shoes and did the tango. She prefers Comme Il Faut, a luxury brand hailing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, the birthplace of Argentine tango, the type of tango she dances. The brand is known for its daring use of color, its incorporation of novel textures, and the studied care given to proportion. Each design is produced in limited quantities, making every customer the owner of an exclusive item. Since she started buying Comme Il Faut shoes two years ago, Ms. Moran-Floirendo has already rounded up “a usable collection” of 10 pairs. “It’s a very sexy shoe,” she said.

HL : When did you start dancing the tango?

MMF : I’ve been dancing tango for the last two years. Argentine tango. I was dancing international tango for so many years. At one point, I got busy with other exercises like yoga and Pilates. Now that Argentine tango is back in fashion, I’ve started dancing it again. I have an instructor here and I also go to Argentina. There are also Argentine maestros who come here so I also take lessons from them.

HL : Do you have a favorite pair of shoes?

MMF : I have several pairs. The newest I bought in June, particularly for my birthday. I like it because of the colors: it’s fuchsia and pink. I like fuchsia, oranges and reds this year. I just matched the dress to go with it.

HL : What do you think about tango shoes?

MMF : I think it’s a very sexy shoe because of the way it’s built. I’m a shoe person. I like shoes and I have nice feet. The tango shoe, because it has a particular arch and a nice heel, gives my foot a nice look. In tango, the focus is the feet. You can tell a good dancer by her feet. So it’s not just the look of the shoe, it’s how the dancer uses her shoe to dance tango.

HL : You’ve worn so many ‘shoes’ in your life, so to speak—that of a humanitarian, beauty queen, dancer, wife, and mother. Which role is dearest to you?

MMF : A mother, of course. It gives you the best satisfaction if you know that your child is already growing up, probably ready to have another family. And you know, my kids went to study abroad at a very young age and I’m satisfied that they’ve already done well. And as a mother, it never ends.

HL : If you could be in another person’s shoes, whose shoes would they be?

MMF : Before, when I was young, I wanted to work in a bank. When I was already settled in life, I thought of being a politician as well. I don’t think of that anymore, but I did have that ambition to be a public servant. Now, I think, I should just wear my shoes.

HL : Shoes can take you places. Are there any other places you want to go to?

MMF : I love to travel. I like to go to different places I’ve never been to and explore. If I could just be a backpacker and wear trekking shoes, I’d do that.

HL : How about stages?

MMF : No, no more. I dance because I enjoy dancing. My birthday was something special and nobody would complain over the dancing. But no, I just enjoy dancing with friends. It’s like another stage.

HL: So now, it’s something more personal?

MMF : Yes. It’s personal. I dance to enjoy. That’s it.

 

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Stockholders’ meeting guide

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the annual meeting of stockholders of GLOBE TELECOM, INC. will be conducted virtually via https://www.globe.com.ph/asm2022 on Tuesday, APRIL 26, 2022 at 9:00 o’clock in the morning with the following

AGENDA

1. Call to Order
2. Notice of Meeting, Determination of Quorum and Rules of Conduct and Procedures
3. Approval of Minutes of the Stockholders’ Meeting held on April 20, 2021
4. Annual Report of Officers and Audited Financial Statements
5. Ratification of All Acts and Resolutions of the Board of Directors and Management
Adopted During the Preceding Year
6. Approval of the Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation:
Seventh Article – To increase the Authorized Capital Stock
7. Election of Directors (Including the Independent Directors)
8. Election of Independent Auditors and Fixing of their Remuneration
9. Consideration of Such Other Business as May Properly Come Before the Meeting
10. Adjournment
Only stockholders of record as of March 11, 2022 are entitled to notice of, and vote at, this meeting.
Given the current circumstances and pursuant to our By-Laws, our Board resolved on February 8, 2022 that our Annual Stockholders’ Meeting (ASM) be held in a virtual format, hence, stockholders may only attend the meeting by remote communication, by voting in absentia or by appointing the Chairman of the meeting as proxy1.
Duly accomplished proxies shall be submitted on or before April 13, 2022 to the Office of the Corporate Secretary at 4/F Tower One and Exchange Plaza, Ayala Triangle, Ayala Avenue, Makati City or by e-mail to corporatesecretary@globe.com.ph. Validation of proxies is set for April 19, 2022, 9:00 a.m. at the Office of the Corporate Secretary. Stockholders intending to participate by remote communication should notify the Corporation by e-mail to corporatesecretary@globe.com.ph on or before April 13, 2022.
Stockholders may vote through remote communication, or in absentia subject to validation procedures. The procedures for participating in the meeting through remote communication and for casting their votes remotely or in absentia are set forth in the Information Statement.

Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Philippines.

February 23, 2022.

EXPLANATION OF AGENDA ITEMS

1. CALL TO ORDER. The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, will call the meeting to order.

2. NOTICE OF MEETING, DETERMINATION OF QUORUM AND RULES OF CONDUCT AND PROCEDURES. The Corporate Secretary will certify on the date when written notice of the time, date, place and purpose of the meeting was sent to all stockholders of record as of March 11, 2022 and the date of publication of the notice in the newspapers of general circulation.

The Corporate Secretary will further certify the presence of a quorum. The holders of record for the time being of a majority of the stock of the Company then issued and outstanding and entitled to vote, represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

Pursuant to Sections 57 and 23 of the Revised Corporation Code which allow voting in absentia by the stockholders, the Company has set up a designated online web address (uniform resource locator or URL), which may be accessed by the stockholders to register and vote in absentia on the matters for resolution at the meeting. A stockholder who votes in absentia as well as a stockholder who participates by remote communication shall be deemed present for purposes of quorum.

Unless otherwise amended, the following, are the rules of conduct and procedures at the meeting:

(i) Stockholders may attend the meeting by remote communication through the URL provided. Questions and remarks may be sent via e-mail prior to or during the meeting to corporatesecretary@globe.com.ph, and shall be limited to the items in the Agenda of the meeting.

(ii) Stockholders must notify the Company of their intention to participate in the meeting by remote communication through corporatesecretary@globe.com.ph to be included in the determination of quorum, together with the stockholders who voted in absentia and by proxy.

(iii) In the event that physical attendance will be allowed at the meeting –

  1. Anyone who wishes to make a remark shall identify himself after being acknowledged by the Chairman and shall limit his remarks to the item in the Agenda under consideration;
  2. Stockholders present at the meeting may opt for manual or electronic voting. For manual voting, each stockholder will be given, upon registration, a ballot where he can write his vote on every item in the Agenda or proposed resolution. For electronic voting, there will be computer stations near the registration table where stockholders may cast their votes electronically using a digital version of the ballot.

(iv) Each of the proposed resolutions will be shown on the screen during the livestreaming as the same is taken up at the meeting.

(v) Voting shall only be allowed for stockholders registered in the Company’s Voting in Absentia & Shareholder (VIASH) System or through the Chairman of the meeting as proxy. Detailed requirements and instructions pertaining to the VIASH System and the use thereof are provided in the Information Statement.

(vi) Stockholders voting in absentia, who have previously registered in the VIASH System, may cast their votes electronically at any time using the VIASH System prior to or during the meeting.

(vii) All the items in the Agenda requiring approval by the stockholders will need the affirmative vote of stockholders representing at least a majority of the issued and outstanding voting stock present at the meeting, unless the law requires otherwise.

(viii) Election of directors will be by plurality of votes and every stockholder will be entitled to cumulate his votes. Each outstanding share of stock entitles the registered stockholder to one vote.

(ix) The Office of the Corporate Secretary will tabulate all votes received and a firm selected for this purpose will validate the results. The Corporate Secretary shall report the results of voting during the meeting.

(x) The meeting proceedings shall be recorded in audio and video format.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING HELD ON APRIL 20, 2021. Copies of the minutes of the stockholders’ meeting held on April 20, 2021 will be made available to the stockholders before the meeting. Likewise, the minutes of the meeting are available at the Company website, www.globe.com.ph.

4. ANNUAL REPORT OF OFFICERS AND AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. The Chairman, Mr. Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, and the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Ernest L. Cu, will deliver a report to the stockholders on the highlights of the Y2021 Company performance as reflected in the audited financial statements (AFS 2021), and the outlook for Y2022. The AFS as of December 31, 2021 will be included in the Information Statement to be sent to the stockholders at least 28 days prior to the meeting. The AFS 2021 will be released by the Company at least 60 days from the financial year end and available at the Company website, www.globe.com.ph.

A resolution noting the annual report and approving the AFS 2021 will be presented to the stockholders for approval by the affirmative vote of the stockholders representing at least a majority of the outstanding voting stock present at the meeting. Likewise, the stockholders will be given an opportunity to ask questions prior to submitting the AFS 2021 for their approval. Copies of the Information Statement and AFS 2021 will be made available to the stockholders before the meeting.

5. RATIFICATION OF ALL ACTS AND RESOLUTIONS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND MANAGEMENT ADOPTED DURING THE PRECEDING YEAR. Ratification by the stockholders will be sought for all the acts and resolutions of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and other Board Committees and all acts of Management of the Company taken or adopted since the ASM on April 20, 2021 until April 26, 2022. The acts and resolutions of the Board and its Committees were reflected in the minutes of the meetings including approval of contracts and agreements, projects and investments, treasury matters and acts and resolutions covered by disclosures to the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Philippine Stock Exchange and applicable regulatory agencies. The acts of Management were those taken to implement the resolutions of the Board or its Committees or taken in the general conduct of business.

6. APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENTS TO THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE THE AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK. Management will obtain approval of the Board on the proposed increase of Authorized Capital Stock (ACS) on or before April 25, 2022. In accordance with the Revised Corporation Code2, approval by the stockholders representing at least two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding capital stock will be sought to increase the Corporation’s ACS from Ten Billion Two Hundred Forty-Six Million Seven Hundred Eighteen Thousand Six Hundred Fifty Pesos (Php 10,246,718,650.00) consisting of One Hundred Forty-Eight Million Nine Hundred Thirty-Four Thousand Three Hundred Seventy-Three (148,934,373) Common Shares with a par value of Fifty Pesos (Php 50.00) per share, One Hundred Sixty Million (160,000,000) Voting Preferred Shares with a par value of Five Pesos (Php 5.00) per share, and Forty Million (40,000,000) Non-Voting Preferred Shares with a par value of Fifty Pesos (Php 50.00) per share to Eleven Billion Two Hundred Forty-Six Million Seven Hundred Eighteen Thousand Six Hundred Fifty Pesos (Php 11,246,718,650.00) divided into One Hundred Sixty-Eight Million Nine Hundred Thirty-Four Thousand Three Hundred Seventy-Three (168,934,373) Common Shares with a par value of Fifty Pesos (Php 50.00) per share, One Hundred Sixty Million (160,000,000) Voting Preferred Shares with a par value of Five Pesos (Php 5.00) per share, and Forty Million (40,000,000) Non-Voting Preferred Shares with a par value of Fifty Pesos (Php 50.00) per share.

7. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS (INCLUDING THE INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS). In accordance with the By-Laws of the Company, the Manual of Corporate Governance as revised, and the SEC Rules, any stockholder including minority stockholders, may submit to the Nomination and Governance Committee the names of nominees to the Board of Directors. The Nomination and Governance Committee, in the exercise of its assigned task, will determine whether the nominees for the Board of Directors including the independent directors, have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications to sit as members of the Board of Directors of the Company before submitting the nominees for election by the stockholders of the 11 members of the Board of Directors including the 3 independent directors. Copies of the curriculum vitae and profiles of the nominees to the Board of Directors will be provided in the Information Statement and on the Company website for examination by the stockholders.

8. ELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS AND FIXING OF THEIR REMUNERATION. The Audit and Related Party Transactions (ARPT) Committee will endorse to the stockholders the appointment of the Independent Auditor for the ensuing year as well as the proposed remuneration of the Independent Auditor. The profile of the Independent Auditor will be provided in the Information Statement and on the Company website for examination by the stockholders.

9. CONSIDERATION OF SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING.  The Chairman will open the floor for comments and questions by the stockholders, and take up items included on the agenda received from stockholders in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission3.

10. ADJOURNMENT. Upon determination by the Corporate Secretary that there are no other matters to be considered, and on motion by a stockholder duly seconded, the Chairman shall declare the meeting adjourned.


1 The Corporation shall hold a physical meeting if so requested by stockholders holding at least 10% of our outstanding capital stock and provided that the same is allowed by government regulations and issuances. Stockholders have until 22 February 2022 to submit their requests to corporatesecretary@globe.com.ph.

2 Sections 6 and 15 of the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines or Republic Act No. 11232.

3 SEC Memorandum Circular No. 14, series of 2020 or “Shareholders’ Right to Put items on the Agenda for Regular/Special Stockholders’ Meetings”: https://www.sec.gov.ph/mc-2020/mc-no-14-s-2020shareholders-right-to-put-items-on-the-agenda-for-regular-special-stockholders-meetings/

 
 


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Putting money to work: Initial options for investments

Among the positive things that the pandemic has brought seems to be a newfound interest among Filipinos to participate in the stock market. Latest data from the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) showed that the average daily number of trades in 2020 soared 33.7%, while retail participation surged by 47.8%. This follows an increase in online accounts by 19.7% to 936,000, while non-online accounts grew by 3.3% to 460,553.

Ruben Zamora, Metrobank’s First Vice-President and Head of the Institutional Investors Coverage Division

In this B-Side episode, Ruben Zamora, Metrobank’s First Vice-President and Head of the Institutional Investors Coverage Division, discusses with BusinessWorld why more Filipinos are more willing to “let their money work for them,” as well as how the beginner investor can sift through their options to start their financial journey.

TAKEAWAYS

You can be doing more with your savings.

“Putting your money to work is really about making your savings earn more and do a bit more work to build and accumulate wealth through investing,” Mr. Zamora said. “The days of earning interest from a simple savings account, those days are long gone. And that goes for everyone in the world, not just here in the Philippines.”

Investing is [not] a rich man’s game.

Whether with P10,000 or P100,000, there are good options to choose from for beginner investors.

“The good news here to those who are just starting out: You don’t need a big pot of money anymore to start the investing journey,” Mr. Zamora said. “Now more than ever, there are so many investment options for you to choose from. If you want a little bit more return and you’ve done your homework, and feel like you can tolerate and accept a bit more risk with your investments, start with an index tracker fund on the whole market that you know.”

Your participation matters.

Investing is not zero-sum game. More local investors in the market can help its general health in the long run.

“This is something healthy, something that we would welcome for our local capital markets. And the reason is that with the base of retail investors broadening out, more local investors participating, it means that we are not as reliant as we used to be on foreign investors or foreign capital flows,” Mr. Zamora said. “These flows can get pretty cold very quickly and we’ve seen that in this crisis, with foreigners exiting both the stock market and the fixed-income market.”

Do your homework. Especially if it’s about cryptocurrency.

“As a beginner investor, you don’t really want to invest in something you don’t understand well enough. You need to do a lot more homework, especially as you move up the risk ladder. And risk ladder-wise, I would put cryptocurrency right at the top,” Mr. Zamora said.

Listen to this B-Side episode on Spotify or right through this link: [insert link here].

 


Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by enabling them to publish their stories directly on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

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Petron Corporation announces schedule of virtual stockholders’ meeting