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Central health repository to increase data accessibility in healthcare

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A CENTRAL health repository will ensure “seamless” data accessibility for healthcare providers in the Philippines, according to a local healthcare technology company.

“Data is significant in healthcare,” Advanced Abilities Chief Executive Officer Angelo Antonio “AA” Buendia said in a statement on Friday.

“We will be able to have a system where patient information will be easily accessible to healthcare professionals for more efficient treatment, tracking, and analytics,” he added.

According to Einstein C. Rojas, a board member of the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations, electronic medical records (EMR) in the Philippines have a significant value in the medical field.

Mr. Rojas noted that one of the challenges for patients in the country is repeatedly stating their information to different hospitals.

Artificial intelligence (AI), as stated by the World Health Organization (WHO), can address global health challenges like access to health records.

“WHO envisions a future where AI serves as a powerful force for innovation, equity, and ethical integrity in healthcare,” it said.

“We must do what we can to promote universal access to these innovations and prevent them from becoming another driver for inequity,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus added.

Through partnering with HiPaaS, an American healthcare technology company that utilizes AI-driven products, Advanced Abilities aims to create a unified data repository housing a comprehensive database and store and manage healthcare information.

“Through this collaboration, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing healthcare accessibility by delivering innovative, high-quality tech solutions,” Mr. Buendia said. — Almira Louise S. Martinez

DoST pushes circular economy to address plastic pollution 

STOCK PHOTO | Image by flockine from Pixabay

THE PHILIPPINES, identified as a major contributor to plastic pollution in waterways, should transition to a circular economy to address its plastic problem, the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) said.

“It advocates for the reuse, repurpose, and recycling of materials to reduce waste and extend the lifecycle of resources,” Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. said during his speech on the 2nd day of National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW) on Thursday.

Despite other countries having larger populations and producing the same number of plastics, the Philippines remains one of the top contributors to plastic pollution, Mr. Solidum said.

Citing figures from the United Nations Environment Programmer and the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia, he said it is estimated that around 0.28 to 0.78 million tons of plastics per year are entering the oceans and coastal areas from Manila Bay alone.

Mr. Solidum said that the country’s current linear economic model has contributed to the worsening plastic problem.

“For too long, our economic model has followed a linear trajectory of ‘take, make, and dispose’,” Mr. Solidum said.

The Secretary shared DoST’s plans and strategies through Science Technology and Innovation (STI) for Circular Economy (STI4CE). This roadmap aims to integrate STI to gear country into a more circular, green, and sustainable economy.

DoST has already supported 53 circular economy research and development initiatives aimed at managing plastic waste, Mr. Solidum said.

STI4CE is organized into four categories — Think Green, Make Green, Turn Green, and Keep Green — addressing key sectors such as education, health, food, agriculture, among others.

Mr. Solidum said that the STI4CE roadmap has a total investment of P1.3 billion and will span from 2025 to 2029.

Jose Manuel F. Alba, Congressman of Bukidnon’s first legislative district, said at the press conference that while bills on the circular economy are progressing, improvements in public information dissemination are needed for greater awareness. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

3 dead, 31 sick after eating cooked sea turtle in Maguindanao

COTABATO CITY — Three ethnic Tedurays died while 31 others got sick after feasting on sea turtle meat cooked with coconut cream in Barangay Linao in the seaside Datu Blah Sinsuat town in Maguindanao del Norte on Friday.

Datu Blah Sinsuat Mayor Marshall I. Sinsuat told reporters on Sunday that they have extended initial assistance to the families of his three constituents who died from food poisoning, buried immediately by their relatives.

Some of the 31 other villagers in Barangay Linao who suffered from nausea and painful abdominal spasms after ingesting the cooked sea turtle meat are Teduray children, now confined in a hospital.

The physicians Mohammad Ariff A. Baguindali and Kadil M. Sinolinding, Jr., chief of the Integrated Provincial Health Office-Maguindanao and Bangsamoro regional health secretary separately said that they have dispatched epidemiology experts to investigate on the incident.

Mr. Sinsuat, chairperson of the Datu Blah Sinsuat Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, said he has directed all 13 barangay chairpersons in the municipality to ban catching of sea turtles for food in seawaters that are under their jurisdiction.

“Our local government unit has a standing policy against that in support of the government’s sea turtle conservation program. This food poisoning incident will never happen again,” Mr. Sinsuat said. — John Felix M. Unson

Integrating ESG into risk management

IN BRIEF:

• Integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) into risk management is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity.

• As companies are increasingly required to outline their ESG policies and positions, it is crucial to evaluate how these commitments are being assessed and judged.

• There is a growing consensus that sustainability risk is also a financial risk, and corporate strategies need to reflect this broader perspective.

Integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) into risk management is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity. As businesses navigate a landscape where ESG considerations significantly impact operations and reputation, integrating ESG into risk management becomes crucial.

This article explores how companies can integrate ESG into risk management to build resilient, sustainable, and ethically grounded business practices.

ESG IN RISK MANAGEMENT
As companies are increasingly required to outline their ESG policies and positions, it is crucial to evaluate how these commitments are being assessed and judged. Most companies release an annual ESG report, which customers and other key stakeholders review to ensure alignment with their values, and which investors use to support their investment decisions.

Companies that pursue management system certification (e.g., ISO Management Standards, Environmental and Energy certifications, etc.) can integrate ESG goals from the initial planning stage of the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle. The check phase allows them to evaluate the effectiveness of their policies and processes in meeting their commitments and take appropriate action. This approach also helps proactively address potential risks, build resilience against ESG-related shocks, and comply with regulatory requirements.

Enhancing existing risk management practices is vital because negative ESG incidents are increasingly damaging and costly. Research by international ratings firm Morningstar Sustainalytics indicates that companies experiencing significant ESG incidents lost an average of 6% of their market capitalization. Additionally, incorporating ESG into risk management is not just about avoiding negative outcomes; it also involves seizing opportunities to create value and drive innovation. Companies that effectively manage their ESG risks are well-positioned to succeed.

According to the 2025 Asia Pacific Risk in Focus study, a survey conducted by the Institute of Internal Auditors, organizations consider climate change or environmental risk to be in their top 10 risk expectations this year but consider it to be in their top five in the next three years, highlighting its increasing significance and the need to address it sooner than later.

Companies with effective ESG practices are less likely to encounter harmful controversies and are better equipped to respond when incidents occur. Medium and smaller firms may not face the same level of stakeholder scrutiny or regulatory requirements, but they are equally at risk from ESG incidents, which can be even more damaging. Without the support of major investors, smaller companies may struggle to recover from adverse events. In essence, ESG risk is a material risk, and failing to address it promptly and appropriately can lead to severe consequences.

INTEGRATING ESG IN THE ERM PROCESS
According to the 2023 EY Global Board Risk Survey, highly resilient boards are more aware of the potential of ESG governance to create long term value as well as more aware of the sustainability risks their organization may face.

Integrating ESG factors into enterprise risk management (ERM) process is crucial for enhancing executive management’s understanding of risk, encouraging a collaborative relationship with risk owners and risk management units, ensuring regulatory compliance, protecting reputation, mitigating risks, and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Boards can accomplish this by incorporating ESG risk assessments into regular risk identification processes and exploring how climate change impacts the business model. Companies should adopt a comprehensive approach encompassing internal and external factors, identifying financially material ESG risk exposures through a materiality assessment. In addition, create strategies to mitigate any identified ESG risks, and regularly monitor these and report progress to stakeholders.

THE CURRENT REGULATORY LANDSCAPE
In recent years, government regulators have introduced various ESG-related regulations, primarily focusing on reporting and disclosure requirements. However, laws and regulations that mandate a more proactive approach towards ESG were deemed essential. Two significant steps in this direction are the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022 and the proposed Local Carbon Economy Law.

The EPR Act of 2022 addresses the Philippines’ plastic pollution problem by requiring large enterprises to establish programs for the effective recovery of plastic waste. Companies must meet target recovery rates, starting at 40% in 2024 and increasing by 10% annually until 2028. This act aims to ensure that producers take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products, particularly in managing post-consumer waste.

The proposed Local Carbon Economy Law seeks to create a framework for reducing carbon emissions at the local level, promoting sustainable practices, and encouraging the development of a low-carbon economy. This law aims to align local initiatives with national and international climate goals, fostering a more sustainable and resilient economy.

Over the years, the Philippines has made significant strides in promoting ESG practices. In 2019, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued Memorandum Circular No. 04, requiring publicly listed companies (PLCs) to submit sustainability reports. These reports assess and manage non-financial performance across economic, environmental, and social aspects, enabling PLCs to measure and monitor their contributions towards achieving universal sustainability targets and national policies.

The government is actively working to enhance its ESG regulatory framework. The country has expressed its intention to adopt the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards, demonstrating a commitment to align with international best practices. In October 2021, the Sustainable Finance Taxonomy Guidelines (SFTG) for the Philippines were developed through cooperative efforts between the SEC, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), and the Insurance Commission (IC). These guidelines, drawing on the ASEAN Taxonomy’s Foundation Framework, initially focus on climate change mitigation and adaptation, with plans to include ecosystems, biodiversity, circular economy, and potential social objectives in future iterations. Additionally, the SEC plans to fully implement the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Sustainable and Responsible Fund Standards (ASEAN SRFS) to enhance transparency and uniformity in reporting.

With climate risks looming, the business community has also increasingly integrated ESG into its operations and reporting over the past few years. Several companies in the Philippines have been recognized for leading the way in adopting ESG practices, setting examples for others to follow.

To help their organizations manage ESG risks, Chief Audit Executives (CAEs) can help define the Board’s role in sustainability requirements, overseeing the processes around approving disclosure reports. Greenwashing, or the act or practice of making something appear more environmentally friendly than it actually is, poses a new kind of risk that must be incorporated into the overall risk assessment. CAEs can provide assurance for the accuracy of sustainability reporting and guard against potential greenwashing.

DRIVING REAL AND POSITIVE CHANGE
Companies that prioritize ESG have been shown to have a positive correlation with financial performance and attractiveness to investors. Many business leaders recognize the importance of strong ESG governance, oversight, and accountability. There is a growing consensus that sustainability risk is also a financial risk, and corporate strategies need to reflect this broader perspective.

By integrating ESG principles into risk management, companies can safeguard their operations against climate-related risks and promote inclusive growth, driving real and positive change.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice where the facts and circumstances warrant. The views and opinions expressed above are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of SGV & Co.

 

Joseph Ian M. Canlas is a risk consulting partner and ASEAN core consulting quality leader, and Christiane Joymiel C. Say-Mendoza is a risk consulting partner, both of SGV & Co.

Trump picks loyalist Patel to head FBI

A VIEW shows the seal of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) outside of the FBI’s Cincinnati Field Office in Cincinnati, Ohio, US, Aug. 11, 2022. — REUTERS

WASHINGTON — Republican President-elect Donald J. Trump said on Saturday he wanted former National Security official and loyalist Kash Patel to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), signaling an intent to drive out the bureau’s current director, Christopher Wray.

Mr. Patel, who during Mr. Trump’s first term advised both the director of national intelligence and the secretary of defense, has previously called for stripping the FBI of its intelligence-gathering role and purging its ranks of any employee who refuses to support Mr. Trump’s agenda.

“The biggest problem the FBI has had, has come out of its intel shops. I’d break that component out of it. I’d shut down the FBI Hoover building on day one and reopen it the next day as a museum of the deep state,” Mr. Patel said in a September interview on the conservative Shawn Ryan Show.

“And I’d take the 7,000 employees that work in that building and send them across America to chase down criminals. Go be cops. You’re cops. Go be cops.”

With the nomination of Mr. Patel, Mr. Trump is signaling that he is preparing to carry out his threat to oust Mr. Wray, a Republican first appointed by Mr. Trump, whose 10-year term at the FBI does not expire until 2027.

Asked about Mr. Patel’s nomination, which will need Senate confirmation, an FBI spokesperson said on Saturday: “Every day, the men and women of the FBI continue to work to protect Americans from a growing array of threats. Director Wray’s focus remains on the men and women of the FBI, the people we do the work with, and the people we do the work for.”

FBI directors by law are appointed to 10-year terms as a means of insulating the bureau from politics.

Mr. Wray, whom Mr. Trump tapped after firing James Comey in 2017 for investigating his 2016 campaign, has been a frequent target of Trump supporters’ ire.

During Mr. Wray’s tenure, the FBI carried out a court-approved search at Mr. Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate to look for classified documents and he has also faced criticism for his oversight role of a directive by Attorney General Merrick Garland aimed at working to protect local school boards from violent threats and harassment.

Special Counsel Jack Smith, who led the two federal prosecutions against Trump for his role in subverting the 2020 election and retaining classified documents, asked on Nov. 25 the judges overseeing those cases to dismiss them before Mr. Trump takes office on Jan. 20, citing a Justice department policy of not prosecuting a sitting president.

Mr. Wray had previously signaled no intention of stepping down early and was busy planning events well into his 2025 calendar, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Mr. Patel, 44, previously worked as a federal public defender and a federal prosecutor.

He was instrumental in working to lead House Republicans’ probe into the FBI’s 2016 investigation into contacts between Mr. Trump’s 2016 campaign and Russia during his stint as an aide to former House Intelligence Committee Chair Devin Nunes.

Later, during Mr. Trump’s first impeachment trial, ex-National Security Council official Fiona Hill told House investigators she was concerned Mr. Patel was secretly serving as a back channel between Mr. Trump and Ukraine without authorization.

Mr. Patel denied those allegations.

After Mr. Trump left office in January 2021, Mr. Patel was one of several people Trump designated as a representative for access to his presidential records. He was one of the few former Trump administration officials who claimed, without evidence, that Mr. Trump had declassified all of the records in question.

He was later subpoenaed to appear before a grand jury in connection with the probe.

As a private citizen, Mr. Patel wrote a book called Government Gangsters, which Mr. Trump in 2023 declared would be used as a “roadmap to end the Deep State’s Reign.”

Mr. Patel’s nomination is likely to garner pushback from Senate Democrats and possibly even some Republicans, though Mr. Patel has received public support from some high-profile Republicans such as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Mr. Trump also named Chad Chronister, sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida, as his pick as administrator of the Drug Enforcement Agency, where he would work closely with Mr. Trump’s choice for attorney general, Pam Bondi.

Ms. Bondi is also from the Tampa area that Mr. Chronister serves.

“As DEA Administrator, Chad will work with our great Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to secure the Border, stop the flow of Fentanyl, and other Illegal Drugs, across the Southern Border, and SAVE LIVES,” Mr. Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. — Reuters

China blasts US arms sale to Taiwan

CHESS PIECES are seen in front of displayed China and Taiwan’s flags in this illustration taken Jan. 25, 2022. — REUTERS

CHINA vowed “resolute countermeasures” on Sunday to a recently approved US arms sale to Taiwan, and complained to the US for arranging for the democratically governed island’s president to transit through US territory.

The US State department approved the potential sale, worth an estimated $385 million, of spare parts and support for F-16 jets and radars to Taiwan, the Pentagon said on Friday.

The sale was announced hours before Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te left on a visit to Taipei’s three diplomatic allies in the Pacific, with stops in Hawaii and the US territory of Guam.

The sale sends “a wrong signal” to Taiwan independence forces and undermines US-China relations, China’s foreign ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said in a separate statement that it firmly opposes any official exchanges between the US and Taiwan and “strongly condemns” the US for arranging the transit.

China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and the most important issue in its relations with Washington, strongly dislikes Mr. Lai, calling him a “separatist.”

The United States is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties between Washington and Taipei, to the constant anger of Beijing.

Taiwan rejects China’s claims of sovereignty. — Reuters

Fierce debate over curbs on plastic output as treaty deadline looms

A WORKER collects trash at the Dolomite Beach in Manila. — PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

BUSAN, South Korea — Negotiators on a treaty to curb plastic pollution face tough debate on the last day of scheduled talks, as over 100 countries support curbing production while a handful of oil-producing countries want to focus only on plastic waste.

The fifth and final United Nations (UN) Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee meeting to yield a legally binding global treaty is set to wrap up in Busan, South Korea, on Sunday, but a final plenary session has not been set.

A treaty could be the most significant deal relating to environmental protection as well as climate-warming emissions since the 2015 Paris Agreement.

Countries remained far apart on Sunday morning on the basic scope of the treaty. An option proposed by Panama, backed by over 100 countries, would create a path for a global plastic production reduction target, while another proposal does not include production caps.

“If you’re not contributing constructively, and if you’re not trying to join us in having an ambitious treaty… then please get out,” Fiji’s chief negotiator, Climate Minister Sivendra Michael, told a press conference.

A smaller number of petrochemical-producing nations such as Saudi Arabia have strongly opposed efforts to target plastic production and have tried to use procedural tactics to delay negotiations.

Saudi Arabia did not have an immediate comment.

China, the United States, India, South Korea and Saudi Arabia were the top five primary polymer producing nations in 2023, according to data provider Eunomia.

HOURS REMAINING
With just hours remaining for scheduled talks and consensus seemingly out of reach, some negotiators and observers fear the talks could collapse or be extended to another session.

Even if a legally binding treaty is not reached at Busan, “this is a multilateral process that can keep working towards that goal,” Mexico’s head of delegation, Camila Zepeda, told Reuters.

“We have… a coalition of the willing, over a hundred countries that want this, and we can start working together” on a way forward.

Plastic production is on track to triple by 2050, and microplastics have been found in air, fresh produce and even human breast milk.

The chair of the meeting, Luis Vayas Valdivieso, is set to release a revised document on Sunday that could form the basis of a treaty.

Environmental groups observing the talks criticized a Friday version of the chair’s document, saying it did not adequately address chemicals of concern or human health.

Chemicals of concern in plastics include more than 3,200 found according to a 2023 UN Environment Program report, which said women and children were particularly susceptible to their toxicity.

“If it (the text) does not have the provisions of what we expect from an ambitious treaty, then we will.. go back to the same process pushing for an ambitious treaty,” Sivendra said.

“Nobody is going to leave Busan with a weak treaty.” — Reuters

Vietnam set to build $67-B high-speed rail

A VIETNAM DONG note is seen in this illustration photo May 31, 2017. — REUTERS

HANOI — Vietnam’s parliament approved laws on data protection and electricity, as well as a resolution supporting a $67-billion high-speed rail project on Saturday, the last day of its twice-yearly regular session.

The railway, Vietnam’s most ambitious infrastructure project, is to run from the capital Hanoi to the southern business hub of Ho Chi Minh City. The 1,541-kilometer (958-mile) project is expected to be completed in 2035.

The data law tightens requirements on personal data processing and data transfer overseas, a move that groups representing US tech firms have said could hamper their operations in the Southeast Asian country.

The law will also facilitate the government’s access to data when authorities in the Communist-run nation consider that necessary.

The electricity law is expected to remove some hurdles for investment in energy projects in Vietnam and speed up approvals of so-called direct power purchase agreements, which allow manufacturers to negotiate electricity supplies directly with providers of renewable energy.

The measure aims to create a more comprehensive legal system for the energy sector, which is now subject to multiple, separate regulations.

Additional legislative texts will need to be approved to complete the regulatory framework for specific energy sectors, such as offshore, wind and nuclear power. — Reuters

UK business confidence lowest since COVID pandemic

People walk past the Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben clock tower in London, Britain, August 23, 2016. — REUTERS/HANNAH MCKAY

LONDON — Britain’s Institute of Directors (IoD) said on Sunday that optimism among its members had fallen to the lowest since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, following tax rises in Finance Minister Rachel Reeves’ first budget on Oct. 30.

Investment plans and employment intentions were the weakest since May 2020 last month, while a gauge of business leaders’ optimism sank to its lowest since April 2020 at -65, down from -52 in October.

“As businesses continue to absorb the consequences of the Budget for their business plans, confidence has continued to plummet,” IoD Chief Economist Anna Leach said.

“Far from fixing the foundations, the Budget has undermined them, damaging the private sector’s ability to invest in their businesses and their workforces,” she added.

The IoD report adds to a chorus of complaints by businesses since the budget and other signs of an economic slowdown.

Last week Reeves promised the Confederation of British Industry that she would not be “coming back with more borrowing or more taxes” at future budgets.

Reeves announced 40 billion pounds ($51 billion) of tax rises at the budget, including a 25 billion pound increase in employers’ annual social security contributions.

Labor had only pointed to around 8 billion pounds of tax rises before the election and Reeves blamed the extra increases in large part on what she said was an unexpectedly poor fiscal legacy left by the previous Conservative government.

A planned tightening of employment laws was also likely to increase costs for employers, the IoD said.

The IoD survey took place between Nov. 15 and Nov. 27 and was based on 601 responses, mostly from small businesses. — Reuters

Love is the greatest Christmas gift, says Britain’s Princess Kate

Princess of Wales Kate Middleton following Britain’s King Charles’ coronation ceremony, in London, Britain May 6, 2023. — ANTHONY UPTON/POOL VIA REUTERS

LONDON — Kate, Britain’s Princess of Wales, says love is the greatest gift people can give each other in a message to guests who will attend her annual Christmas carol service next week at London’s Westminster Abbey.

The Dec. 6 carol concert, the fourth she has hosted, marks Kate’s most prominent return to royal engagements since she underwent a course of preventative chemotherapy for cancer.

In a letter to the 1,600 invited guests, Kate, 42, the wife of heir to the throne Prince William, returned to themes of love and the need for empathy about which she has spoken in previous very personal statements and video updates on her health.

Christmas, her letter said, was not only a time for celebration, but also for reflection and relief from the pressures of daily life.

She said the Christmas story reflected “our own vulnerabilities,” and how much people needed each other despite their differences.

“Above all else it encourages us to turn to love, not fear,” she wrote. “It is this love which is the greatest gift we can receive. Not just at Christmas, but every day of our lives,” she said.

William, who earlier this month said the year had been “brutal” for the royal family with Kate’s treatment coming in the wake of his father King Charles’ own cancer diagnosis, will give a reading at the service.

Six-time Olympic track cycling champion Chris Hoy, who revealed he had terminal cancer himself in October, will light a candle.

The “Together At Christmas” service will be broadcast on Britain’s ITV on Christmas Eve. — Reuters

Elevate your skin care routine with Alavida Revive Eye Cream

Alavida Revive Eye Cream was launched via Zoom on Nov. 6, 2024.

Alavida Revive Eye Cream is now in the Philippines! At their recent product launch, life technology company Lifewave International, Inc. introduced the newest addition to their Alavida Regenarating System, formulated to give special care to the skin in the eye area.

Infused with copper peptides and powerful natural ingredients, Alavida Revive Eye Cream helps brighten the complexion, even skin tone, and support firmer-looking skin. Users can look forward to long-lasting hydration and the reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the eye area. Combined with the other products in the Alavida Regenerating System, a youthful glow will soon be achieved in the whole face after regular use.

Alavida Revive Eye Cream, highlighting its benefits

How does Alavida Revive Eye Cream work?

This cream is formulated with a host of naturally-derived, plant-based ingredients each contributing to revive damaged and aging skin. These ingredients work individually but synergistically to produce unparalleled results. Copper and milk peptides help replenish proteins in the skin that reduce fine lines and wrinkles in the eye area such as crow’s feet and sagging skin. While the other ingredients, Micro-algae Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, and Moringa Butter, provide super hydration, deeply moisturizing dry, itchy, and chapped skin. All these combined provide nourishment and revitalization to the delicate skin around the eyes.

The key natural and science-backed ingredients in the Alavida Revive Eye Cream

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. With Alavida Revive Eye Cream, you can now say hello to the world with a glowing and refreshed look that reflects your vibrant spirit.

To know more about Alavida Revive Eye Cream and the Alavida Regenerating System, they may be reached by phone at toll-free number: 1800-132-20055, landline: +632 8540-9558, or through email at customerserviceph@lifewave.com. Visit them at the LifeWave Philippines Corporate Office at Unit 802 MDI Corporate Center, 39th Street corner 10th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City 1635. They are also on these online platforms:

Website: Lifewave International, Inc.
Facebook: Lifewave Corporate Philippines
Instagram: Lifewave.Philippines

 

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Uniqlo risks boycott in China after CEO’s Xinjiang comment

People shop at a UNIQLO store in New York City, New York, U.S., March 15, 2019. — REUTERS/BRENDAN MCDERMID/FILE PHOTO

BEIJING – Casual wear giant Uniqlo is facing calls for a consumer boycott in China after the CEO of the clothing company’s owner said it does not source cotton from China’s Xinjiang, which has faced allegations of forced labour in recent years.

Fast Retailing CEO Tadashi Yanai made the comment during an interview in Tokyo with the British Broadcasting Corporation that was published on Thursday.

Two hashtags on Yanai’s comment went viral on Friday on Chinese social media platform Weibo, where several users slammed the company and vowed to never purchase its products.

“With this kind of attitude from Uniqlo, and their founder being so arrogant, they’re probably betting that mainland consumers will forget about it in a few days and continue to buy. So, can we stand firm this time?” one user wrote.

Fast Retailing did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

China is Fast Retailing’s biggest overseas market and it has more than 900 stores on the mainland. Greater China, including Taiwan and Hong Kong, accounts for more than 20% of the company’s revenue.

The issue of sourcing from Xinjiang has been a geopolitical minefield for foreign firms with a large presence in China.

This was demonstrated by the consumer boycott Uniqlo’s rival, H&M, faced in China in 2021 for a statement posted on its website where it expressed concern about the allegations of forced labour in Xinjiang and said it would no longer source cotton from there.

H&M saw its stores removed from major e-commerce platforms and its store locations moved from map apps in China as it bore the brunt of consumer anger at companies refusing to source cotton from Xinjiang, although other Western brands including Nike, Puma, Burberry and more were also caught up in the controversy. — Reuters

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