With the world home to over 1.8 billion young people—half of them in the Asia-Pacific region—the potential of youth as leaders of tomorrow is undeniable. In the Philippines, the Jollibee Group is dedicated to unlocking this potential, focusing especially on underprivileged communities. 

Jollibee Group’s youth empowerment programs are aligned with its commitment to community support as outlined in global sustainability agenda, Joy for Tomorrow. 

“For years, the Jollibee Group has committed to empowering young Filipinos through sustainable, impactful programs,” said Joseph Tanbuntiong, CEO of JFC Philippines. “Together with our community partners, we continue to use our expertise to create opportunities in education, agriculture, and employment.” 

Creating pathways to employment 

Unemployment remains an issue to many underprivileged Filipino youth, especially during a challenging economic climate. Most of them have lost their jobs or failed to secure stable jobs due to the impacts of the pandemic. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), youth unemployment rate in the Philippines as of May 2023 is at 10.6%. 

The Jollibee Group, through its social development arm Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), has partnered with Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) and USAID to launch YouthWorks PH. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between education and employment, offering training to youth not in education, employment, or training (NEET). The program’s pilot, featuring 26 youth from Cebu City, will provide job-specific training, allowances, and real-world experience in the participating stores of Jollibee, Chowking and Greenwich. 

“We are elated to see the pilot batch of 26 out-of-school youth in Cebu City jump-start this opportunity,” said PBEd executive director Justine Raagas. “This project is a testament to what we can achieve when we break down silos and work together. When government, businesses, educators and communities join forces, we can empower young people, unlock their potential and build a brighter future for all.” 

Equipping young Filipinos 

In collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Jollibee Group is also advancing youth employment through the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES). This initiative will provide short-term job opportunities to 900 underprivileged youth, equipping them with essential skills for the workforce. 

DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma underscored the significance of SPES in equipping young Filipinos with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the workforce: “When we invest in our youth, especially those from marginalized sectors, we provide them with the tools and the support they need to reach their full potential.” 

“This collaborative effort carries immense promise for both the Filipino people and the national economy. By working together, we can create a brighter future full of opportunities for our young generation, where businesses flourish alongside a capable and driven workforce. We firmly believe this partnership will empower countless young Filipinos to excel,” Secretary Laguesma added. 

The Jollibee Group has been a long-time partner of DOLE for the SPES. Since 2015, over 800 youths have been previously employed in the company’s commissaries and stores of brands like Chowking, Greenwich and Red Ribbon. 

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) led by Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma (seated, second from right) and the Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) led by Ruth Angeles (seated, second from left) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement on the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) that will benefit 900 underprivileged students and out-of-school youth in the Philippines. 

Advancing education and agriculture 

This is not the first time the Jollibee Group has undertaken an initiative for the marginalized youth sector. In 2005, the JGF launched the Access, Curriculum, and Employability or ACE Scholarship Program, which provides two types of educational support to underprivileged youth: college scholarships for degrees in Hotel and Restaurant Management or Business Management, and technical skills training scholarships, in partnership with Don Bosco Technical College. 

In 2018, JGF partnered with the Anihan Technical School for the development of the Quick Service Restaurant Operations course, which includes both in-school and in-store training for scholars, improving not only their skills set, but also their employability in the food service industry. 

Since the ACE Scholarship Program started in 2004, JGF has given scholarships to 2,397 students, which includes 1,117 students for agriculture and 139 for technical-vocational skills training. 

The ACE Scholarship Program aligns with the United Nations’ transformative Sustainable Development Goals aimed at bringing peace and prosperity to the world, particularly its Quality Education (SDG4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG8), and Reduced Inequalities (SDG10) pillars. 

Youth in agriculture 

With Philippines as an agricultural country, the Jollibee Group also recognizes the power that young farmers hold to advance sustainable farming practices across regions, as it continues to capacitate youth scholars, farmers, and local farming communities nationwide through its local implementing partners like the Sacred Heart Savings Cooperative (SHSC) in Galimuyod, Ilocos Sur. 

JGF’s Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP) has been enabling several SHSC members and groups through scholarships and training since 2013. FEP centers on developing smallholder farmers’ leadership and technical skills by helping them become direct suppliers of high-quality vegetables to corporate buyers such as the Jollibee Group and ensure their sustainable profitability. 

The SHSC farmers and scholars recently welcomed select press members for a farm tour at Galimuyod, Ilocos Sur, where they shared some of the significant impacts of the FEP program on their farming and marketing techniques, alongside the discussion of the needs of the farmers and the agricultural sector. 

Positive impact 

The Jollibee Group’s initiatives have had a profound impact on underprivileged youth across the Philippines. Through programs that provide education, employment opportunities, and agricultural training, thousands of young Filipinos are gaining the skills and confidence needed to build better futures. 

“These programs are about more than just creating opportunities—they are about giving our youth the tools to transform their lives and their communities,” said Tanbuntiong. “By working together with our partners, we are fostering a future where every young person has the chance to thrive and make a meaningful impact on the world around them.” 

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TUMI, the leading international travel, lifestyle and accessories brand, celebrates the joy of holiday reunions with inspired gift ideas for everyone on your list. Featuring the brand’s signature dynamic and innovative designs elevated with cutting-edge technology, this year’s holiday offerings include new additions to the iconic 19 Degree Aluminum collection, on-trend metallic colorways and the introduction of an eye-catching reflective TUMI logo on select Alpha X bags. The festive lineup also features a curated selection of travel essentials and transportive fragrances¹. No matter where you call home and what holiday traditions you observe, the feeling of coming together is universal. TUMI will take you there.

Premium Pieces for Life on the Move

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This holiday season, TUMI introduces four new lifestyle offerings as an expansion of the durable, modern and striking 19 Degree Aluminum collection. Designed for easy crossbody carry with its rotating strap and a removable option for handheld use, the Compact Sling is a stylish and versatile option for holiday parties and more. The other new additions to the performance luxury collection include a Travel Watch Case that offers unparalleled protection for up to three timepieces and an elegant Sunglass Case for top-notch protection of your or your loved one’s TUMI sunglasses.

Dazzling Looks for Day and Night

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There’s no better time than the holidays for a little sparkle and shine. This year TUMI introduces Pewter Metallic, an on-trend sparkly leather colorway to elevate any look. The Asra Small Crossbody in Pewter Metallic is perfect for a night out or holiday party, offering just the right amount of shimmer and elegance while keeping your essentials within reach. Crafted from softly textured leather, the Voyageur Vail Medium Tote in Pewter Metallic is ideal for carrying daily essentials and features a crossbody strap for added comfort and versatility. Also new this season is Silver Sky, a cool gray with a metallic sheen reminiscent of winter skies. Available in the Celina Backpack, Madeline Cosmetic and more, this modern colorway adds a bright touch to the holiday season and makes for a functional and fashionable gift.

Eye-Catching Essentials for the Modern Traveler

A striking new addition to the TUMI Alpha collection of high-performance business and travel pieces, Reflective TUMI Jacquard offers a unique take on festive sparkle. The eye-catching reflective print with an oversized logo placement adds a fresh and modern spin on key products such as the International Dual Access Carry-on, Brief Pack and Double Expansion Satchel. The bold design element adds a contemporary edge to our iconic logo, providing the perfect blend of style and functionality for the modern traveler.

Thoughtful Gifts for Pursuing Their Passions

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This holiday season, TUMI also offers an array of gifts that speak to life’s passions, from sports to travel. As the official luggage partner of the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions and LPGA Tour, TUMI’s Golf collection blends flawless functionality, unmatched quality and uncompromising attention to detail in an array of bags and accessories.

For the discerning traveler in your life, TUMI’s latest Packing Cubes available in small, medium and large sizes with black and light mauve as core colorways provide maximum organization with a personal touch through custom embroidery options. With a designated place for a passport as well as cards and other documents, the Belden Zip-Around Passport Case makes it easy to keep travel essentials secure and stylishly organized. For those seeking an easy way to personalize luggage, the newest Luggage Strap comes in seasonal olive and core colorways of light mauve and black to dress up any journey.

Harnessing the transportive power of scent and the iconic design language of one of its signature collections, TUMI also recently unveiled two powerful fragrances for men. TUMI 19 Degree Extrait De Parfum¹ is a precise blend of saffron, suede, and musk, while Dusk¹ features timeless notes of bergamot, neroli, and lemon. Both bottles feature the iconic contours of 19 Degree, making them a stylish addition to any traveler’s collection.

Discover these gift ideas and more at your nearest TUMI store and TUMI.com.

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Whoscall, a global anti-scam application, has teamed up with GoTyme Bank, one of the fastest-growing banks in the Philippines, to offer GoTyme Bank users six months of free Whoscall Premium Basic.

This special Christmas gift from Whoscall and GoTyme Bank aims to enhance online safety, ensuring that GoTyme Bank customers can securely access and manage their hard-earned money in the digital space.

Mel Migriño, Country Head of Gogolook Philippines, the developer of Whoscall, highlighted that this initiative reflects the strong partnership between the two companies.

“This comes at just the right time, as we embrace the season of giving and many are out shopping. However, we must remain thoughtful and responsible in our generosity and spending,” Ms. Migriño said.

Meanwhile, GoTyme Bank Co-CEO Albert Tinio emphasized the critical importance of online safety, particularly in the realm of banking.

The strong partnership with Gogolook is aligned with the bank’s aim to be the most secure and reliable bank in the country. “Together with Gogolook, we aim to provide our valued customers with robust security to protect their personal information and help them avoid various online scams,” Mr. Tinio said.

Whoscall offers free services designed to enhance user safety and security.

These include Caller Identification, which helps users recognize scam and spam calls; Web Checker, which provides instant alerts if users accidentally access phishing websites; and ID Security, enabling users to check for personal data breaches and take proactive steps to safeguard their information.

With the free Whoscall Premium Basic subscription, GoTyme Bank users can also take advantage of advanced features like SMS URL Auto Scan, Auto Block, and automatic updates to its extensive database.

The program with GoTyme Bank offers all users the chance to enjoy Whoscall Premium Basic free for six months, with the digital bank actively promoting this offer in-app whenever users log in through the GoTyme Bank App.

GoTyme Bank users are supported with step-by-step guidance on installing Whoscall and redeeming the special offer through the GoTyme Bank Blog, ensuring a safer, scam-free holiday season.

#DapatAllMagHoHoWhoscall

As part of its ongoing campaign, #DapatAllMagWhoscall, which focuses on educating Filipinos about online scams, Whoscall recently launched its official Christmas campaign, #DapatAllMagHoHoWhoscall.

During the launch, Ms. Migriño emphasized the importance of the initiative in guiding Filipinos through the Christmas season, a time when scams are particularly rampant.

“We launched the #DapatAllMagHoHoWhoscall campaign in November to raise public awareness, as Christmas is one of the most exploited seasons for scammers,” Ms. Migriño explained.

“They use various schemes, such as delivery scams, relative scams, and many other online fraud tactics,” she added.

The campaign also encourages Filipinos to adopt anti-scam tools like Whoscall, promoting stronger personal online safety for everyone during the holiday season.

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.

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Globe has earned two prestigious recognitions at the Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) Awards 2024, where it was named as one of the Top Workplaces in Asia and Industry Champions of the Year.

It was the 5th time for Globe to win in the Top Workplaces category and the 4th in the Industry Champions category, underscoring the company’s excellence in digital transformation, workplace inclusivity, employee development, and sustainability initiatives.

“It is particularly commendable that Globe has once again emerged as a winner of the ACES Awards, showcasing sustained excellence and leadership over the years,” said Dr. Shanggari Balakrishnan, President of the ACES Awards.

Additionally, in an official statement, the ACES Council emphasized Globe’s exceptional leadership in the telecom sector, characterized by its innovative digital solutions and steadfast commitment to sustainability.

“Their comprehensive approach to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and empowering workplace, along with their strategic initiatives in digital transformation, sets them apart as an industry leader. These accolades highlight Globe Telecom’s dedication to excellence, employee well-being, and creating a positive impact on society and the environment,” said the Council.

ACES has been honoring business excellence across Asia since 2014, celebrating outstanding achievements in leadership, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility. This year, ACES received a record number of 682 nominations, reflecting the growing recognition of excellence and innovation in the region.

The ACES 2024 awards ceremonies were held at the InterContinental Hotel, Bangkok, on November 14 for the sustainability category, and November 15 for leadership.

“These awards celebrate our focus on innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability,” said Renato Jiao, Globe’s Chief Human Resource Officer. “We are committed to creating opportunities and nurturing environments where our people can grow and flourish. This honor reflects the collective effort of our team and motivates us to continue fostering positive change for both the society and the environment.”

Globe is deeply committed to its employees, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, as evidenced by 44.3% of its workforce being female. The company also has policies supporting same-sex and common-law partners as qualified dependents.

Overall, the company has a 92% engagement rate among its employees, three points higher than global telco and Philippine averages.

In 2023, Globe invested Php 63 million in employee learning and development, offering programs like the Globe Technical Cadetship and General Management tracks to enhance skills and leadership, further solidifying its role as a top employer.

The telco also leads in sustainability, working toward achieving a net-zero carbon emission target and promoting circularity and biodiversity conservation.  Significant investments in renewable energy and resource efficiency highlight Globe’s proactive approach to environmental stewardship, setting industry benchmarks for sustainability and corporate responsibility.

To learn more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

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.

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