WASHINGTON – US President Joe Biden and House Republican Speaker Kevin McCarthy will meet to discuss the debt ceiling on Monday, after the two leaders held a phone call on Sunday as the president flew back to Washington that both sides described as positive.
Mr. McCarthy, speaking to reporters at the US Capitol following the call, said there were positive discussions on solving the crisis and that staff-level talks were set to resume later on Sunday.
Asked if he was more hopeful after talking to the president, Mr. McCarthy said: “Our teams are talking today and we’re setting (sic) to have a meeting tomorrow. That’s better than it was earlier. So, yes.”
A White House official confirmed Monday’s meeting but offered no specific time.
Mr. Biden, who arrived back at the White House late on Sunday evening after his trip to Japan, said the call with McCarthy had gone well. “It went well,” Mr. Biden said. “We’ll talk tomorrow.”
Staff members from both sides reconvened at Mr. McCarthy’s office in the Capitol on Sunday evening for talks that lasted about two-and-a-half hours.
Senior White House advisor Steve Ricchetti told reporters as he left the meeting, “We’ll keep working tonight.”
Mr. Biden, before leaving Japan following the G7 summit earlier on Sunday, said he would be willing to cut spending together with tax adjustments to reach a deal but the latest offer from Republicans was “unacceptable.”
Less than two weeks remain until June 1, when the Treasury Department has warned that the federal government could be unable to pay all its debts, a deadline U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen reaffirmed on Sunday. A failure to lift the debt ceiling would trigger a default that would cause chaos in financial markets and spike interest rates.
Mr. McCarthy’s comments on Sunday appeared more positive than the increasingly heated rhetoric in recent days, as both sides reverted to calling the other’s position extremist and talks stalled.
“Much of what they’ve already proposed is simply, quite frankly, unacceptable,” Biden told a news conference in Hiroshima. “It’s time for Republicans to accept that there is no bipartisan deal to be made solely, solely on their partisan terms. They have to move as well.”
The president later tweeted that he would not agree to a deal that protected “Big Oil” subsidies and “wealthy tax cheats” while putting healthcare and food assistance at risk for millions of Americans.
He also suggested some Republican lawmakers were willing to see the US default on its debt so that the disastrous results would prevent Mr. Biden, a Democrat, from winning re-election in 2024.
After Sunday’s call, Mr. McCarthy said while there was still no final deal, there was an understanding to get negotiators on both sides back together before the two leaders met: “There’s no agreement. We’re still apart.”
“What I’m looking at are where our differences are and how could we solve those, and I felt that part was productive,” he told reporters.
Meanwhile, concerns about default are weighing on markets as an increase in the government’s self-imposed borrowing limit is needed regularly to cover costs of spending and tax cuts previously approved by lawmakers.
On Friday, the United States was forced to pay record-high interest rates in a recent debt offer.
SPENDING CUTS
Mr. McCarthy said Republicans backed an increase in the defense budget while cutting overall spending, and that debt ceiling talks have not included discussions about tax cuts passed under former President Donald Trump.
A source familiar with the negotiations said the Mr. Biden administration had proposed keeping non-defense discretionary spending flat for the next year.
Mr. Biden ahead of the call stressed that he was open to making spending cuts and said he was not concerned they would lead to a recession, but he could not agree to Republicans’ current demands.
The Republican-led House last month passed legislation that would cut a wide swath of government spending by 8% next year. Democrats say that would force average cuts of at least 22% on programs like education and law enforcement, a figure top Republicans have not disputed.
Republicans hold a slim majority in the House and Biden’s fellow Democrats have narrow control of the Senate, so no deal can pass without bipartisan support. But time is running short as Monday’s meeting will take place with just 10 days left to hammer out a deal before hitting Treasury’s deadline.
Mr. McCarthy has said he will give House lawmakers 72 hours to review an agreement before bringing it up for a vote.
The last time the nation has come this close to default was in 2011, also with a Democratic president and Senate with a Republican-led House.
Congress eventually averted default, but the economy endured heavy shocks, including the first-ever downgrade of the United States’ top-tier credit rating and a major stock sell-off. – Reuters
The prestigious Outstanding Filipino Retailers (OFR) Awards, after three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, is making a remarkable comeback with a special edition in 2023. Organized by the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the OFR Awards aims to recognize exceptional Filipino retailers who have demonstrated unparalleled success, innovation, and best business practices within the dynamic retail industry.
Since its inception in 1997, the OFR Awards has been the benchmark for acknowledging retailers who embody excellence in growth, creativity, and business acumen. This highly anticipated event pays tribute to the ingenuity and resilience of Filipino retailers who have managed to stand out amidst challenges and rapidly evolving market trends.
In this year’s special edition, the OFR Awards will specifically recognize retailers who have displayed exceptional adaptability and responsiveness throughout the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. These retailers have not only sustained their operations but have also made significant contributions to their organizations and communities during these trying times.
The focus of the 2023 OFR Awards Special Edition lies on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. By highlighting these non-financial factors, the award categories and criteria will identify this year’s OFR Winners based on their impact on the retail industry, the community, and all stakeholders involved.
The special edition categories include the Pandemic Resiliency Award, which recognized retailers who have demonstrated exceptional resilience and agility in navigating the challenges brought by the pandemic. The Sustainability Award honors retailers who have made notable contributions towards environmental conservation, responsible sourcing, and sustainable practices. Lastly, the Pandemic Retail Innovation Award commends retailers who have exhibited exceptional creativity and adaptability in transforming their business models and operations to thrive during these challenging times.
The highly anticipated 2023 OFR Awards Night will take place on June 8, 2023, at Okada Manila. During this grand event, the winners of the OFR Awards, as well as other esteemed PRA Special awards, will be announced. Furthermore, the 2023 PRA President’s Awardee will be revealed, adding to the excitement and anticipation surrounding this remarkable occasion.
The 2023 OFR Awards Special Edition serves as a testament to the resilience and unwavering spirit of Filipino retailers. Despite the obstacles brought by the pandemic, these exceptional retailers have risen to the occasion, fostering innovation, sustainability, and community engagement within the retail industry.
The 2023 Outstanding Filipino Retailers (OFR) Awards Special Edition is proud to have the generous support of its sponsors: (Platinum Sponsors) The SM Store, Wilcon Depot, CMG Retail, Ayala Malls; (Gold Sponsor) Primer Group of Companies; (Silver Sponsor) Penshoppe; and (Media Partners) BusinessWorld, The Manila Times, and Manila Bulletin.
For more information about the Outstanding Filipino Retailers (OFR) Awards, please visit the official website of the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) at www.philretailers.com.
About the Outstanding Filipino Retailers (OFR) Awards:
The Outstanding Filipino Retailers (OFR) Awards is an annual event that recognizes Filipino retailers who have exhibited exemplary performance, innovation, and best practices within the retail industry. Started in 1997, the OFR Awards is a collaboration between the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Through the OFR Awards, outstanding retailers are acknowledged for their contributions to the industry and their communities.
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ICS executives at the ICS 45th anniversary celebration held last Feb. 17 at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
By Bjorn Biel M. Beltran, Special Features and Content Assistant Editor
When Integrated Computer Systems, Inc. (ICS) started out in 1978, computers were still a relatively new thing in the Philippines. No one, except for those who had a mind towards technology and innovation such as those in the company, knew how much this technology would change the world.
ICS was among the first to adopt and offer computing products and services, effectively becoming one of the pioneers of the microcomputing business in the Philippines, a field of expertise that very few understood at the time.
When it originally began operations, the company was known for being RadioShack’s official country distributor. An essential pillar of computer history, RadioShack had expanded its business overseas from the United States, contributing much to the spread of the technology in the 1970s and 1980s.
ICS President George Barcelon receiving a recognition award from IBM in the 1990s
At the time, ICS’ reputation became known based on the pillars of quality service and dedication to excellence it provided its customers, and that image has only grown alongside the company as it has kept up with technological advancements over the years.
By providing worry-free, around-the-clock premium services to its rapidly expanding clientele, ICS set the gold standard for deploying servers and productivity applications throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
In the 2000s, ICS had already become a major force in the computing industry, providing state-of-the-art storage, unified communications, security, networking, virtualization, printing, and even power and cooling infrastructure to some of the largest companies in the country.
When new technologies emerge, ICS is usually right on its heels. ICS has kept pace with the rapid development of technology and has applied its long-honored technical principles to deliver the latest and most innovative solutions in cloud computing, mobility, and business solutions.
(From left) ICS Senior Vice-President William Chua and ICS President George Barcelon
Fast-forward to today, as the company celebrates its 45th year of business, ICS maintains this level of commitment to bring to the country the latest and most cutting edge of technologies for businesses and individual consumers alike.
“ICS has always strived to be a trusted and preferred choice for corporate IT needs, a vision that we have been working towards for the past 45 years. Our motto of ‘Integrity, Commitment & Service’ is at the core of our dealings with both principals and clients,” said ICS President George T. Barcelon.
Even during the pandemic, when technological innovation was at its fastest, spurred by international government restrictions and difficulties, ICS recognizes its role in empowering Filipino businesses with the technology to stay ahead during challenging times.
“The pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital platforms. At ICS, we recognize the increased importance of managed services, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and business continuity.”
Due to this accelerated rate of adoption, the world is changing faster than ever before as a result of the widespread adoption of digital technology and computing across virtually all industries. Digital transformation is sweeping sectors and lifestyles, with everything from banking to grocery shopping being automated, digitized, or made available in some way over the internet.
ICS, a corporation that has been at the forefront of innovation for 45 years, seeks to capitalize on this opportunity to continue to grow as the leading provider of tech products and services in the country.
“Our vision for the post-pandemic world is to continue to upskill and reskill our workforce and provide innovative and reliable IT solutions. We are committed to leveraging technology to drive growth and innovation while maintaining our core values,” Mr. Barcelon added.
“We are pleased with the current performance of our company, especially given the challenges we’ve faced in recent years. The pandemic forced us to adapt quickly to remote work and find new ways to provide our clients with the innovative IT solutions they need. Despite these challenges, we have sustained growth and further strengthened our relationships with clients.”
A partner in digital transformation
ICS’ consistent offering of a comprehensive suite of products, systems, and solutions for many years has been one of the reasons for its success, catering to the needs of both existing and prospective customers.
The company’s long-term success can be attributed to its ability to adapt to changing market conditions while continuing to build and nurture strong relationships with its clientele. ICS has spent years cultivating these connections, which has earned the company not only the trust of the industry but also the respect of its peers and the acclaim of some of the most prestigious names in information technology.
As a partner of ICS since August 2021, just a year after the agency went online, the Philippine Space Agency noted that “ICS provided us with a wide range of general and specialized IT needs as we jump-started our operations, striking the right balance between quality and cost.”
“ICS provided us sufficient guidance as we implement our HPC, private cloud and enterprise network infrastructure, offering top-of-the-line products and delivering high-quality services,” the agency added.
As a major player in the Philippine financial industry, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) highlighted the importance of companies like ICS to their development.
“Digitization is a key focus of the industry today, and among the many characteristics required by an organization to achieve this, the critical are: a sense of commitment and urgency, domain expertise and synergy,” the bank said in a statement. “RCBC has had a long-term relationship with ICS and in every acquisition, implementation, and service provided by ICS, it has always shown these strengths that have contributed to the success of these engagements.”
The bank considers ICS as “a key pillar in our engagements,” from the know-how of the small and medium businesses ICS works with across a broad spectrum of technologies, their project management skills, to their negotiation skills with various industry principals.
“The pandemic had brought about disruption in existing processes that were set up for vendor engagement and project delivery. ICS was able to adapt to these disruptions quickly and come up with engagement models which took into consideration the various constraints imposed due to the pandemic,” the bank also shared, noting that ICS had been integral to the success of RCBC’s various projects to fulfill the growing unprecedented demands for digital financial services.
“As part of the financial industry, which was one of the designated frontliners during the pandemic, RCBC was a leader in ensuring minimal disruption to the financial services we provide our customers; and ICS has been one of the partners we are proud to have been associated with, whose support made this possible,” RCBC concluded.
Gabriel Louie H. Cubelo, IT field support senior manager Southeast Asia at international service company Majorel’s office in the Philippines, lauded ICS for consistently supplying premium products they can rely on, especially during challenging times like the pandemic.
“Our clients demand the best from Majorel, and ICS is one of our partners to ensure we deliver our commitment to them. ICS has been our rock for premium products for the past several years,” he said.
“This partnership was further tested during the pandemic when resources were scarce. ICS understands the very fast-paced timelines of the BPO industry and has moved mountains to ensure we get our orders on time,” he added.
Roberto Pe Benito, Jr., chief finance officer at Teleperformance, said, “Our business and processes have always been changing, coupled by the pandemic, it made the market situation even more complex. We are glad to have a reliable, customer-centric partner that has helped us get through those difficult times.”
Solid relationships
ICS at the HPE Philippines Partner Appreciation Night last February: (from L-R): Jessica Powell-Bragas, Channels, Partner Ecosystem & Commercial Sales Country Leader, HPE; Mary Anne Felix, PMD-AVP, ICS; Lailah Dizon, Product Manager, ICS; Loh Khai Peng, Vice-President, Account Management, APAC & Managing Director, Growth & Emerging Markets (GEMs), HPE; William Chua, SVP, ICS; and Adel Sy-Lu, VP, ICS
Dave David, procurement manager at HR platform Savii, pointed out how he has maintained an exceptional working relationship with ICS over the years.
“I’ve been a client of ICS since 2017. Handling Procurement, I have always considered ICS as my go-to supplier for IT solutions. Even when I moved to a different company, I always maintained my relationship with ICS as they provided competitive pricing and superb customer service,” Mr. David shared.
Lloyd Chuah, country IT infrastructure manager at 3M Philippines, Inc., echoed the sentiment: “Our journey with ICS started when our partner for our office printing solutions chose them to take over the project that we have globally. With our evolving requirements, they were able to provide other products that fit our budget and needs. When there came a time again that our global partner could not serve the country and gave us choices to partner locally, we chose ICS again since we know that they have delivered and we have worked with them for so long.”
This excellent working relationship extends to ICS’ partner suppliers as well. Ronnie Latinazo, country manager at Dell Technologies Philippines, said, “For nearly two decades, ICS’ continued commitment and reliability has been a cornerstone of our partnership. We share common values, anchored on excellence, commitment and focus on serving our customers, and maintain open and transparent communications.”
“Transparency and integrity have always been and continue to be the foundation of our strong and long partnership with ICS. ICS has helped grow the customer base, extend our reach to more customers, and further strengthen Dell Technologies as a trusted brand in the Philippines.”
Meanwhile, Christian Edmond Reyes, managing director of HP Philippines and Pakistan, said, “ICS has been one of the longest HP partners for 29 years and has been key to the success of HP Philippines since we started operating in 1994.”
“As one of the longest MVC (Most Valued Customer) partners and one of the first partners to offer supplies business online, ICS has always been among the early adopters of HP’s programs and initiatives. I’m proud of the strong relationship we have built for years, and I’m looking forward to our continued journey toward sustainable growth!”
Veronica “Bambi” Escalante, managing director of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) in the country, described their longstanding relationship with ICS, and how the company has allowed them to deliver a wide range of their technologies to its customers in various industries.
“At the heart of our partnership lies a commitment to helping customers reimagine and redefine their daily operations, unlock value, and accelerate digital transformation. We believe that by working together, we have the power to make a significant impact on the technological landscape of the Philippines,” she said.
“It is through our joint efforts that we have been able to provide our customers with tailored solutions that meet their unique business needs. Whether it’s through servers, storage, or networking solutions, we are confident in ICS’ ability to deliver the latest and most innovative HPE products to our clients. As we move forward into the future, we look forward to continuing our partnership with ICS and exploring new ways in which we can help our customers achieve their business goals.”
For Walter So, country manager of VMWare Philippines, their strategic partnership with ICS has provided the cloud computing company with access to ICS’ expertise and knowledge in the IT industry. This partnership has also enabled them to extend their reach and effectively serve a broader customer base.
On top of these, Mr. So added, ICS has been instrumental to delivering VMWare’s comprehensive solutions tailored to specific business needs.
“Their in-depth understanding of the industry and their ability to align VMware’s technologies have been invaluable. With ICS’ support, we have successfully implemented VMware’s multi-cloud solutions, enabling clients to optimize their IT infrastructure, enhance operational efficiency, achieve cost savings and enjoy the flexibility of cloud anywhere, whether private, public or on-premise,” Mr. So said.
He looks forward for this partnership to deepen through venturing to new areas of collaboration that go beyond product offerings.
“We foresee engaging in joint initiatives such as knowledge sharing, training programs, and co-marketing activities to enhance awareness and adoption of VMWare’s technologies,” Mr. So shared.
What sets ICS apart as an IT solutions provider is this commitment to quality, to seeing its partners through issues from end to end, a commitment that has been constant from the company’s foundation.
ICS President George Barcelon
“At ICS, we are confident that we can keep up with the rapid pace of technological advancements. With the full support of our principals and the dedication of our team, we are well-equipped to handle changes as they happen and provide innovative solutions to our clients,” Mr. Barcelon said.
“We are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies and investing in the training and development of our team to ensure that we can continue to provide exceptional service and solutions to our clients.”
ICS was awarded as Lenovo’s FY1819 Partner of the Year for Commercial PC Business at the Lenovo “Accelerate” Channel Partner Kick Off 2019.
By Chelsey Keith P. Ignacio, Special Features and Content Senior Writer
Thanks to technology, the past decades witnessed industries undergoing significant transformation through innovating their operations. This need for change was even accelerated in recent years to keep pace with the new normal. And with the advent of Industry 4.0 technologies, various sectors are poised for further transformation.
Being a provider and partner of industries for technology solutions since 1978, Integrated Computer Systems, Inc. (ICS) has been taking on a transformative role by bringing and supporting businesses in innovations through the decades. For the years to come, ICS is committed to delivering more innovative products and further transforming industries.
Whether hardware or software, ICS offers a range of solutions to public and private organizations for their respective technology needs.
“ICS’ offerings bridge the gap between the hardware and software requirements of each client. It offers solutions from end to end, not just from a brand perspective, but solutions that prioritize the most beneficial result for clients. We carry products that clients only have to do is to monitor and eventually benefit from their outcome,” said Ernani Lim, ICS’ AVP for Business Development.
“The company works more like a partner rather than just a supplier, owning responsibilities like we are part of their company. Their success is considered our success too,” he added.
ICS was able to serve businesses in their transformation needs by forging partnerships with technology companies, including Dell Technologies, Lenovo, and HPE, among others. Over the years, ICS has expanded and evolved its portfolio. Starting with servers and productivity applications in the 80s and 90s, it diversified into virtualization, unified communications, and networking solutions in the 2000s. And with the rapid growth of digital transformation, ICS expanded its offerings to include mobility and comprehensive business solutions in the 2010s.
“ICS is always in tune with the latest development in all facets of technology. Our close collaboration with the technology providers gives us the opportunity to learn from the best and propagate this to our valued customers, thus giving them knowledge and awareness of the trends and how their company will gain from them,” Mr. Lim said.
“ICS carries technology solutions that cater to various industries,” ICS Product Marketing Division AVP Mary Anne Felix said. “Focus industries are the financial services institution, manufacturing, BPO (Business Process Outsourcing), and the public sector, but sights are set to further develop tools and solutions geared towards the healthcare, hospitality, and academe sectors as well.”
ICS and HP in a joint business planning in 2017
One of the many organizations that ICS has catered to is a government agency focused on cybersecurity. In need of a robust technology and resilient infrastructure for its Security Operations Center, the agency was provided by ICS with VMWare technologies to help develop a robust information technology (IT) infrastructure and Microsoft Azure for cloud infrastructure, plus integrated with superior security tools. By equipping with technologies for security, ICS helped the agency to protect the different governing bodies of the country.
“ICS is likewise industry-specific in the infrastructure and data center. And software solutions are customized to fit particular and distinct requirements per customer and sector,” Ms. Felix said.
Some BPO companies have also sought support from ICS. One firm had particularly looked for affordable desktop units that would be utilized for the short term by its project-based agents, most of whom are remotely working. ICS kept this in mind by providing the client with previous desktop models that the company functionalized and modernized, giving a viable, environmental-friendly, and cost-effective way to meet its needs. Aside from processing and delivering thousands of desktop units for the BPO company, ICS also addressed the client’s need to monitor the devices within the company by offering its repair and maintenance services.
“ICS manages the expectations of the client by delivering more than what is required,” said Mr. Lim.
He added, “ If we don’t have it, we find a way to provide it to the client. In some instances, we connect our clients to their target clients as well. All because of the long history of the company across industries.”
ICS at the Dell Global Summit 2018: (from L-R) Dennis Lumbao and Sarah Regino of Dell; Shiela Marcelo of ICS; Tian Beng Ng of Dell; Mary Ngo and Mary Anne Felix of ICS; and Chris Papa of Dell
Given that ICS is a provider of technology solutions, its services are undeniably pivotal for businesses needing to advance their digital transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Implementing a remote work setup is one of the measures that many companies have adopted at the height of pandemic-induced lockdown restrictions. As such, organizations further turned to digital technologies for their operations to keep on going.
For its clients to maintain their business continuity during those times, ICS ensured that its technology solutions would be there to support them, even as the company was also going through the same shift needed at that time.
“ICS recognized the surge of immediate IT requirements during the pandemic. We adjusted the same way our clients adjusted, from working in the office to working from home,” Mr. Lim shared.
“And it did so seamlessly,” added Ms. Felix. “Customers did not feel the sudden transition because the responses even got faster and better with the use of digital tools and solutions.”
“Having done so successfully within its own environment, support for customers who have had to shift or pursue the shift was effective and efficient,” she said.
ICS now also has a newly-formed and enhanced cloud solutions and services lineup added to its portfolio.
During the pandemic, several technologies have also risen in popularity, which would likely develop beyond the crisis. From artificial intelligence to blockchain technology, these innovations hold the potential to further disrupt industries. How ready is ICS for more advancements to emerge in the future?
ICS’ vow is to maintain its relevance and be up-to-date, as well as assure new and existing audiences of its visibility, reachability, and availability.
But while it is central for ICS to keep up with technological advancements to serve its clients’ evolving needs, the people behind the company are fundamental to making this happen.
“ICS is composed of a workforce of resilient and flexible individuals,” said ICS Enterprise Solutions Department AVP Merceditha Acosta. “The team is encouraged and supported by its leadership to remain updated and continue to get educated in every pertinent and relevant area that will help customers achieve their objectives and hurdle challenges that confront them.”
“By aligning with its principals and opening its doors to more innovative products, solutions, and services, ICS remains confident and self-assured of its vital role in the IT industry,” she added.
APC awards ICS as the Top Partner in the Philippines during the Asia Pacific & Japan Partner Summit 2016 in Macau.
By Chelsey Keith P. Ignacio, Special Features and Content Senior Writer
The advancement of technology is one of the most significant developments observed in recent years, and it is expected to accelerate and generate further disruptions in everyday life and the business scene.
As a result, organizations are preparing themselves to keep up with emerging technological advancements in the years to come. According to a 2023 survey of CEOs conducted by PwC, technology investments are the top priority for companies. The survey found that around three-quarters of companies are focusing on automation, upskilling their workforce, and deploying advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and the cloud.
Given the speed of technological advancement and the imperative for tech adoption among businesses, companies providing technology solutions must ensure they keep pace along with these accelerations. But what does it take for a tech solutions provider to be ahead of others in terms of expertise in advanced technology and solutions to meet the demands of businesses?
Integrated Computer Systems, Inc. (ICS) is among the leading providers of information technology solutions in the country. Having provided technological expertise, services, and sales to organizations for 45 years, the company has witnessed the trajectory of technology’s advancement. Its solution offerings have expanded from servers, virtualization, and networking to cloud solutions over the decades.
Since its establishment in 1978, ICS has been committed to becoming the leading choice for organizations to meet their technology demands. Its success has been made possible by its relentless pursuit of staying up-to-date and well-equipped with the latest developments in the tech world.
“ICS has always strived to be a trusted and preferred choice for corporate IT needs, a vision that we have been working towards for the past 45 years. Our motto of ‘Integrity, Commitment & Service’ is at the core of our dealings with both principals and clients,” said ICS President George T. Barcelon.
ICS has been providing services to organizations from different sectors, including the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry, healthcare, finance, and the government.
Despite the challenges that ICS faced, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the company remained focused on its vision to lead in serving technology needs by understanding its clients’ problems and providing them with the most suitable solutions.
“Although we have encountered various challenges, we remained resilient and committed to our vision. In recent years, the pandemic and the shift to remote work have brought their own challenges, but we have successfully adapted and continued to provide our clients with excellent service through technology and innovative solutions,” Mr. Barcelon said.
“As a result of these challenges, ICS has emerged stronger and more agile, further reinforcing the commitment to our clients and our vision for the future,” he added.
Despite these challenges, ICS remained committed to helping clients maintain their business continuity by offering a wide range of solutions, including data center infrastructure, security, business applications, and end-user computing, among others. The company also pledged to continue developing its portfolio and competencies to address business challenges brought about by the crisis, including expanding its portfolio to include an enhanced range of cloud solutions and services.
As the world recovers from the pandemic, concerns about inflation and economic contraction stemming from the current geopolitical situation might present challenges in the coming years. Nonetheless, Mr. Barcelon said that they “remain cautiously optimistic of ICS’ prospects for this year.”
Preparing to advance
As more technological advancements take place, ICS is determined to work towards its vision and serve its clientele. The company is developing its expertise to align with the technologies and solutions it offers to stay ahead of the curve in the fast-paced world of technology and meet the evolving needs of businesses. This strategic initiative aims to ensure that the company is equipped with the necessary expertise, skills, and tools to continue delivering exceptional service to its clients.
George Barcelon, president of ICS
“At ICS, we are confident that we can keep up with the rapid pace of technological advancements. With the full support of our partners and the dedication of our team, we are well-equipped to handle changes as they happen and provide innovative solutions to our clients,” said Mr. Barcelon.
“We are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies and investing in the training and development of our team to ensure that we can continue to provide exceptional service and solutions to our clients,” he added.
The technology needs of businesses will likely evolve along with the changes that tech innovations will bring. And ICS is optimistic that it can attend to these needs, thus further establishing its commitment to fulfilling its vision of being the leading choice for organizations to meet their technology demands.
“Looking ahead, we are confident ICS will continue to adapt and innovate to meet the evolving needs of our clients. We remain committed to investing in our team and ensuring that our focus on integrity, commitment, and service will always set us apart in the market,” Mr. Barcelon said.
ICS places becoming the top choice for clients’ technological needs at the center of its vision, and takes customer needs into account when adding new technologies to its portfolio. As the company continues to pursue its vision, it remains committed to providing clients with cutting-edge technologies, solutions, services, and support to future-proof their businesses.
L-R: Mary Anne Felix, PMD-AVP, ICS; William Chua, SVP, ICS; Sharon McNeil, Senior Manager, Channel Services ANZ & SA, Dell; Rache Resurreccion, Partner Account Manager, Dell; Carlos Ubaldo, Dell Technologies Services Business Development Manager; and Lybie De Leon, Product Manager, ICS (Taken at the ICS head office in 2019)
By Angela Kiara S. Brillantes
As technology has continued to evolve, the acceleration of digital transformation within organizations has helped them adapt more quickly and easily to the new normal. Consequently, the integration of digitalization into enterprises has increased business operations’ efficiency and continuity.
In line with this shift, Integrated Computer Systems, Inc. (ICS) has been offering a range of digital solutions that equip enterprises with the necessary tools they need for a meaningful digital transformation, from cloud technology, virtualization, data center infrastructure, networking, mobility, to end-user computing.
Cloud solutions
Cloud technology is a vital tool used for remote settings. According to ICS, their cloud solutions provide a safer way of storing and managing data. It provides data protection, allows easy user access, detects ransomware, and includes centralized backup technology. Thanks to cloud computing technology, business operations can be conveniently conducted online. The technology helps improve and modernize business operations, as well as contribute to more robust and long-term growth, according to global professional services company Accenture.
While the shift to digital transformation brings many benefits to the business sector, it also means that companies can be vulnerable to cybercrimes. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in cybercrime, putting organizations and institutions at risk of cyberattacks.
To help companies increase their cybersecurity, ICS offers secure cloud solutions for the backup, archiving, storing, and recovery of organizational software and data.
ICS has enhanced its cloud solutions to maximize the use and access of cloud applications. ICS created effective cloud solutions to enhance the IT infrastructure of users, including VMware technology, Microsoft Azure, Dell technology, Verint Threat Protection System (TPS), and Web Intelligence.
As a leading virtualization platform, VMware technology helps build cloud infrastructure and develop software for virtualization. VMware technology enables features like data recovery and protection and scalability for all businesses. It provides connectivity and security across all cloud applications, as well as modernizing infrastructure and applications.
On the other hand, Microsoft Azure enables users to create, manage, and deploy applications across a vast global network, helping address business challenges. Microsoft Azure is a “hybrid multi-cloud, on-premises solution” that adapts to the needs of a business. Moreover, it also includes future-ready features supporting the goal of your company, lets you customize the software on your own, a seamless hybrid cloud operation, and enables reliable security.
One of the simplest routes to a hybrid cloud is through the Dell Technologies Cloud Platform. It helps organizations keep their hybrid cloud operations easier, more efficient, and more automated. It also enables users to run traditional workloads to the cloud-native applications while eliminating IT silos and reducing sprawl.
Verint Threat Protection System provides a new way to protect software against sophisticated and persistent cyber threats by identifying and verifying attacks and quickening the transition from detection to response.
Security
Network security solutions will help enterprises protect themselves from data breaches and keep the enterprises safe while operating effectively. It is essential that digital data is protected from unauthorized access and corruption of data security.
ICS offers the use of a redundant network and a more coherent firewall with a plan that extends to at least five years beyond the termination of its support. In terms of network and security features, ICS has now given their clients five years of dependable and effective operation that includes internal and remote users being protected from malware, malicious URL domains, gateway-level viruses, and numerous cyberattacks and intrusions thanks to the Unified Threat Protection (UTP license).
ICS management team at the ICS 40th anniversary celebration at Manila Marriott Hotel in February 2018
Virtualization
Ensuring the proper functioning of IT systems is a crucial aspect of any enterprise, and virtualization can help achieve this effectively. By utilizing virtualization technology, companies can protect themselves from potential threats such as viruses and system failures that could negatively impact the enterprise. This is especially important when testing new software or building programs, as virtualization can help identify and isolate potential issues before they become a problem.
Data center consolidation, infrastructure design’s flexibility and availability, and upgrading or refreshing other assets are some of the challenges experienced in virtualization.
To address these challenges, ICS offers the HPE SimpliVity Solution — a hyper-converged platform that optimizes operations by merging infrastructures, data services, and AI-driven operations. In efforts to provide enhanced virtualization solutions, ICS provides ready nodes (ScaleIO, Microsoft, and VMware) that will help in simplify management, improve storage efficiency, address the data requirements, and minimize costs.
Moreover, ICS also has Zero Client Series, in which they provide “diverse working styles and environment, simplify security and scalability with easy deployment and remote management, and offer inherent software and connect, collaborate, and work securely anywhere.”
These solutions, ICS shared, were successful in transforming a client’s IT infrastructure into a more adaptable environment that helps meet business goals. The hyper-converged products give users control in an easier procedure through virtualization using the technology.
Networking
In the digital age, business performance depends on more than just manpower and resources. For seamless operation, a strong and well-designed network infrastructure is also necessary. It is crucial for business operations since, without it, users may experience security issues.
Thus, ICS proposes exchanging the network for Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN). VLAN makes multiple networks, which makes it stable and avoids congestion. Using VLAN means safer data security, which reduces risks from both inside and outside the network. Internally, dividing users into different groups enhances security and privacy, thus, external risks are also being reduced.
According to ICS, after the use of VLAN, users now have quick and reliable network connectivity. This means that VLANs help to increase the network’s reliability by providing automatic backup options in case of device or connection failure. With this kind of network design, if a network device or connection fails, business operations can still continue uninterrupted since the backup physical device will take over automatically without needing human interference. Additionally, using VLAN as a network management system allows users to easily verify the health status of the device in real-time, giving them greater control over the network’s performance and ensuring that issues can be resolved quickly.
Mobility
To enhance the digital experience in the workspace, ICS has also worked on providing mobility solutions to its users. These mobility solutions are digital tools and services that help business enterprises in giving their employees to have secure access to company data and procedures and at the same time enable a top-notch digital experience that won’t interfere with business operations and productivity.
Despite the increase in technology, today’s mobility management and security still present a number of difficulties in operations, including a lack of centralized inventory for iOS devices and the need for more effective mobile management and security solutions within the company.
But acknowledging these difficulties move businesses closer to strategic change, and as a solution for mobile management and security, ICS presents Workspace One, a digital workspace platform that can “access control, application management, and multi-platform endpoint management.” With Workspace One, onboarding configuration, device and data security, asset inventory management, and remote support are all possible.
End-user computing
End-user computing comprises utilizing various systems required for adequate business operations. In order to increase efficiency, these technologies are combined into a single platform that is flexible and easily manageable.
A business process outsourcing company, for instance, faced challenges such as a global material shortage that resulted in computers and devices, a lack of cost-efficient devices, and the need for monitoring and managing devices within the company.
To address these issues, ICS enhanced previous desktop models, modernized them and made it sustainable as possible. ICS processed and delivered approximately thousands of desktop units, coupled with repair and maintenance services. These devices, given to project-based agents, enabled the client to minimize expenses and meet the demands of the workforce.
Product under this category include laptops, desktops, and workstations from Acer, Asus, HP, Dell, and Lenovo. Imaging and printing products also fall under this category.
A mural in Paco, Manila is seen on May 16, 2022. — PHILIPPINE STAR/KRIZ JOHN ROSALES
By Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson, Reporter
A P150 INCREASE in the daily minimum wage will likely stoke inflation, Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno said.
“The implication of the P150 increase… will increase inflation by 1.4 percentage points. Who will benefit from this? Who will suffer?” Mr. Diokno said at a press briefing on Friday.
Senate President Juan Miguel F. Zubiri earlier said a committee had already “approved in principle” the measure seeking a P150 across-the-board wage hike for all private sector workers.
However, Mr. Diokno said policy makers must take into account the impact of a legislated wage hike on inflation, which remains elevated.
“With inflation this year is now estimated at 5.5%, what would happen if it’s up by 1.4 percentage points? Inflation could reach 6.9%. That’s the implication. So you have to explain to the policy makers what are the implications of a higher-than-expected wage increase,” he said.
Headline inflation slowed for a third straight month in April to 6.6% from 7.6% in March. However, inflation averaged 7.9% in the first four months of the year, still above the BSP’s 5.5% full-year forecast and the 2-4% target range.
The Finance chief also warned that a P150 wage increase may create more unemployment.
“We need to help those already in the daily force. A higher-than expected wage hike is going to work against those who are still looking for work,” he said.
Mr. Diokno said wage hike petitions should go through the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board. In June 2022, the National Capital Region’s wage board approved a P33 hike, bringing the minimum daily wage to P570.
“Even the International Monetary Fund recognized that our system with the regional wage board is a superior system than the nationally mandated (system). That is beneficial to us,” he added.
Calixto V. Chikiamco, Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) president, said that any wage hike will be inflationary.
“More so since the proposed wage hike will be legislated and nationwide. Employers will pass on the added costs to consumers by way of higher prices,” he said in a Viber message.
Mr. Chikiamco described the wage hike bill as “anti-poor” since it only covers workers in the formal sector, representing 16% of the labor force.
“It will cause employers to defer hiring and choose machines over labor,” he added.
Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said a legislated wage hike would lead to second-round inflation effects “as higher wages are passed on right away in terms of higher prices of goods and services in the economy.”
“This proposal is much larger than the wage hikes seen from June-July 2022. So, the proposal would have a bigger effect in terms of higher prices,” Mr. Ricafort said in a Viber message.
EL NIÑO Meanwhile, Mr. Diokno said that the anticipated El Niño weather event will not “severely” impact inflation.
“The forecast of El Niño is seen to be mild and will last until 2024. The effects on prices will not be severe,” he said.
The El Niño has an 80% probability of occurring in the next three months and will likely persist until the first quarter of 2024, according to the latest forecast of the state weather bureau. This would increase the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions, which could bring dry spells in some areas.
John Paolo R. Rivera, an economist at the Asian Institute of Management, said that an El Niño-induced dryspell will likely impact agricultural production which will hurt food supply.
“We already have experienced the impact of supply constraints on rice, onion prices. Inflation will not be severe if concrete policy interventions to boost agricultural production and make it a resilient industry are already in place,” he added.
THE PHILIPPINES’ overall balance of payments (BoP) position stood at a $148-million deficit in April, narrower than the $415-million gap in the same month a year ago.
Data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Friday showed the BoP gap in April was a reversal of the $1.27-billion surplus in March.
April also saw the widest deficit since the $895-million gap in February.
“The BoP deficit in April 2023 reflected outflows arising mainly from the National Government’s (NG) payments of its foreign currency debt obligations,” the BSP said in a statement.
The BoP measures the country’s transactions with the rest of the world at a given time. A deficit means more funds fled the economy than what went in, while a surplus shows that more money entered the Philippines.
For the January-to-April period, the BoP posted a $3.31-billion surplus, significantly higher than the $79-million surfeit a year ago.
“Based on preliminary data, the cumulative BoP surplus reflected inflows that stemmed mainly from personal remittances, net foreign borrowings by the NG, and foreign direct investments,” the BSP said.
The BoP as of end-April reflects final gross international reserves (GIR) of $101.8 billion, up by 0.3% from $101.5 billion a month prior.
The central bank said this is due to the upward revaluation adjustments in BSP gold holdings and foreign currency denominated assets.
The dollar buffer is enough to service 7.6 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income.
The GIR can also cover up to six times the short-term external debt based on original maturity and 4.1 times based on residual maturity.
ING Bank N.V. Manila Senior Economist Nicholas Antonio T. Mapa said the more modest BoP deficit in April was in line with the current account deficit.
“Although the current account balance remains in shortfall, the narrowing of the trade gap versus last year could have helped in limiting the current account deficit and overall BoP balance,” he said in a Viber message.
Latest BSP data showed the current account deficit stood at $17.8 billion last year, wider than the $5.9-billion shortfall seen in 2021.
The BSP is now looking at the current account balance ending the year at a $17.1-billion deficit, equivalent to -4% of gross domestic product (GDP).
“We could see narrower trade deficits in the coming months versus last year. Trade deficits last year were wider partly due to the outsized increase in energy imports due to surging commodity prices,” Mr. Mapa said.
The trade-in-goods deficit widened to $4.93 billion in March, from the $3.91-billion shortfall in the previous month and the $4.59-billion deficit in March last year.
The country’s trade deficit in 2022 stood at $58.24 billion, the largest since 1991.
“Improving BoP (position) possibly reflects smaller trade deficits and resilient remittances. Exports fell sharply in the first quarter, but we expect it to improve moving forward,” China Banking Corp. Chief Economist Domini S. Velasquez said in a Viber message.
For the first quarter, exports declined by 13.2% to $16.86 billion, while imports slipped by 3.3% to $31.44 billion. This brought the trade deficit to $14.58 billion in the first three months of the year, wider than the $13.08-billion gap in the January-to-March period last year.
Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the trade deficit may have narrowed in recent months as global oil prices hovered at around 17-month lows in late March.
According to Ms. Velasquez, better economic conditions in advanced economies may help improve exports in the coming months.
“Lower oil prices relative to last year should also squeeze imports. Hence, in the second quarter and third quarter, we think the country will post smaller BoP deficits,” she said, adding that this could help support the peso against the dollar.
Likewise, ING’s Mr. Mapa said lower energy prices this year could help narrow the trade deficit this year.
“For the coming months, BoP data could still be supported by the continued growth in the country’s structural US dollar inflows such as remittances, business process outsourcing revenues, foreign investments, exports, foreign tourism receipts, among others,” Mr. Ricafort said.
The country’s BoP position is likely to yield a deficit of $1.6 billion this year or equivalent to -0.4% of GDP, based on BSP projections. This would be narrower than the $7.3-billion deficit in 2022. — K.B.Ta-asan
A man waits for customers at a sari-sari store in Quezon City, July 21, 2021. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MICHAEL VARCAS
PRIVATE SECTOR economists lowered their inflation outlook for this year, with most expecting the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to begin trimming policy rates by the fourth quarter of this year.
Based on the results of the BSP’s survey of private economists in May, analysts now see average inflation for 2023 settling at 5.8%, versus 6% in the April survey. This is slightly higher than the BSP’s revised 5.5% full-year forecast.
The economists’ mean inflation forecasts for 2024 and 2025 were kept at 3.6% and 3.5%, respectively.
According to the BSP, analysts expect inflation to breach the 2-4% target range due to the impact of supply shocks.
“Risks to the inflation outlook remain tilted to the upside due to elevated prices of goods and services brought on by supply chain disruptions,” the BSP said in its latest Monetary Policy Report.
Headline inflation slowed for a third straight month in April, easing to 6.6% from 7.6% in March. For the first four months of the year, inflation averaged 7.9%, higher than the 3.7% seen a year ago.
The BSP said these supply-side disruptions may be driven by weather disturbances such as the El Niño phenomenon as well as geopolitical tensions like the Russia-Ukraine war and global trade restrictions.
“A few analysts also cited the continued recovery of private consumption given improved labor market conditions, as well as second-round effects, particularly higher transport fares and utility rates as potential upside risks to inflation,” it added.
The Philippine economy expanded by 6.4% in the first quarter, slower than the 8% expansion during the same period a year ago. Household consumption, which contributes around three-fourths to gross domestic product (GDP), grew by 6.3% in the January-to-March period, slower than the 10% a year ago.
The BSP said risks to the inflation outlook remain skewed to the upside through 2024, “warranting continued readiness to resume monetary action if necessary.”
Meanwhile, analysts cited the looming US recession, slowdown in China, normalization of global supply chains, and the impact of the BSP’s policy rate increases as downside risks to inflation.
The BSP has raised borrowing costs by a total of 425 basis points (bps) since May last year, bringing the key rate to 6.25%, the highest in nearly 16 years.
On Thursday, the BSP decided to keep rates unchanged, and signaled it will likely remain unchanged until the third quarter.
Based on the probability distribution of the forecasts provided by 19 out of 26 analysts, the BSP said there is a “near certainty” or a 99.2% chance that inflation will exceed the 2-4% target range.
There is only a slim or 0.8% probability (from 0.7% previously) that average inflation will settle within the target band.
For next year, the probability that inflation will fall within the target band rose to 75.5% (from 68.8%).
For 2025, there is a 70.6% chance (from 67.5%) that inflation will settle well within the 2-4% target, the BSP said.
CUTS Meanwhile, analysts expect the BSP to start trimming rates by 25-125 bps in the fourth quarter, by up to 250 bps in 2024 and by 100 bps in 2025.
There were 26 respondents in the BSP’s survey of private sector economists this month. The survey was conducted from May 5 to May 11.
The BSP measures inflation expectations by analyzing the inflation forecasts of households, business managers, and private sector economists, as well as the reasons they cite to support their individual forecasts.
Pantheon Macroeconomics Chief Emerging Asia Economist Miguel Chanco said the BSP may cut policy rates by 50 bps in the fourth quarter this year, given no further inflation shocks.
“We don’t think this will be a barrier, as we see the first Fed cut in September, in view of weakening growth, a durable downshift in core inflation, and moderating wage growth,” Mr. Chanco said.
BSP Governor Felipe M. Medalla earlier said it is dangerous to cut policy rates faster than the US Federal Reserve this year as it could cause the peso to depreciate against the dollar.
Meanwhile, ANZ Research economist Debalika Sarkar said the central bank may keep the key interest rate at 6.25% for the rest of the year.
“On our part, we believe that an improving FX (foreign exchange) outlook, as supported by robust international reserves and weakening import demand, as well as broadening growth challenges and softening inflation to have opened the door for the BSP to remain on hold for the remainder of 2023,” she said.
In the BSP’s Monetary Policy Report, the central bank sees the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) to settle within the government’s 6-7% growth target for this year.
However, the Philippine economy “is projected to settle below the 6.5-8% target for 2024,” the BSP said. This reflects weaker global growth prospects, as well as the impact of the total 75-bp rate increase of the BSP in the first quarter this year. — K.B. Ta-asan
DIGITALIZATION and sustainability are dominating the current conversations about transforming the future. While industries see the need to revolutionize processes and services through digital technologies, it is also vital for them to ensure a sustainable future.
Digitalization and sustainability can be achieved hand-in-hand in building a more meaningful, resilient future.
This is the central idea to be explored at the BusinessWorld Economic Forum, the award-winning premier business event from the Philippines’ leading business newspaper and multimedia content provider, on Thursday (May 25) at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
With the theme “The Digital Future: Accelerating Business and Sustainability,” the one-day forum will bring together policy makers, industry leaders, and top executives to discuss sustainable development and digital transformation.
Central to the discussion will be how digital can be the key to a future that fully embraces sustainability and achieves greater financial inclusion.
Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John E. Uy will deliver the keynote address on “Enabling Digital Transformation for an Inclusive, Sustainable Future,” while Riccardo Puliti, regional vice-president for Asia and the Pacific at International Finance Corp., will tackle the topic “Digital Technology as a Catalyst for Greater Financial Inclusion.”
The forum will also feature presentations on digital trends, blockchain and Web 3.0, and technologies for food.
Peter Maquera, chief executive officer (CEO) for the Philippines of Microsoft Asia Pacific, will present on “Digital Trends 2023: The Next Frontier in Digital.”
The second presentation will explore “Data Transformation: Understanding the Blockchain & Web 3.0” with nChain Co-Founder and Executive Chairman Stefan Matthews.
Kristine Go, general manager for nutrition at Unilever Southeast Asia, will also deliver a presentation on “Reinventing Food for Humanity” which will discuss the role of technologies in improving nutrition.
Panel discussions will also delve into digitalization and sustainability in various sectors.
The first panel will talk about “Harnessing Digital Technology to Improve World-class Brands, Marketing, and Consumer Experiences.” It will feature Yukiko Tsukamoto, partner at Bain & Company; Ana Maria A. Delgado, senior executive vice-president, chief customer experience officer, and chief digital channels officer at Union Bank of the Philippines; Margot Torres, managing director of McDonald’s Philippines; and Vince Yamat, managing director of 917Ventures. It will be moderated by BusinessWorld columnist Donald Patrick Lim.
Another panel discussion will be focusing on “Redefining Transport and Mobility in a Digital World.” Panelists include Bases Conversion and Development Authority President and CEO Aileen Anunciacion R. Zosa; Grab Country Head Grace Vera Cruz; and Angkas CEO George Royeca. BusinessWorld Editor Victor V. Saulon will moderate the discussion.
Meanwhile, key financial industry players will discuss the topic “Building & Expanding a Sustainable Digital Finance Ecosystem” in another panel. Featured panelists include Eric Roberto M. Luchangco, chief finance officer and chief sustainability officer of the Bank of the Philippine Islands; Gaurav Mishra, chief operations and digital enterprise officer at Sun Life Philippines; Kenneth Stern, general manager of Binance Philippines; and Federico P. Tancongco, senior vice-president and chief compliance officer of BDO Unibank, Inc. It will be moderated by Multiverse.ph Publisher Santiago J. Arnaiz.
Food and agriculture will be in the spotlight for the fourth panel discussion. “Delivering Food Security and Sustainability” will be tackled by Mercedita A. Sombilla, undersecretary at the Department of Agriculture; Joanna Kane-Potaka, deputy director general for strategy, engagement, and impact at the International Rice Research Institute; and Juan Victor “Jovy” Hernandez, president and CEO of Metro Pacific Logistics Company, Inc. and Metro Pacific Agro Ventures, Inc. It will be moderated by News5 News Anchor Jester Delos Santos.
The final panel discussion will explore the potential of technologies in helping businesses achieve sustainability. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Commissioner Kelvin Lester K. Lee; Melissa V. Vergel De Dios, first vice-president, chief sustainability officer, and head of investor relations at PLDT and Smart; Ma. Victoria A. Tan, head of Ayala Corp.’s Group Risk Management and Sustainability Unit; Kerwin Max S. Tan, chief financial, risk, and compliance officer at Robinsons Land Corp.; and Ana Margarita “Ginggay” Hontiveros-Malvar, FVP-Chief Sustainability and Reputation Officer at Aboitiz Group of Companies, will tackle “Achieving Corporate Sustainability through Technology Transformation.” Mr. Arnaiz of Multiverse.ph will also moderate the panel discussion.
One News Anchor Regina Lay-Hing will be the host of this year’s BusinessWorld Economic Forum.
This edition of BusinessWorld Economic Forum is presented by BusinessWorld Publishing Corp., with gold sponsors Globe, GT Capital, Megaworld, and Metro Pacific Investments Corp.; silver sponsors Angkas, Ayala Corp., BDO, Federal Land, GCash, Grab, Meralco, Robinsons Land, San Miguel Corp., and UnionBank; and bronze sponsors Aboitiz Group, Brittany Corp., FWD Insurance, Lazada, McDonald’s Philippines, nChain, PLDT Enterprise, the Quezon City Government, Shang Properties, SGV, SM, Sun Life, Toyota Motors Philippines, First Gen Corp., and Ovialand.
Partner organizations include Asia Society of the Philippines, American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Bank Marketing Association of the Philippines, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, FinScore, French Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines, Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines, J. Legaspi Computer Graphics, LF Lending Services Corp., Management Association of the Philippines, Makati Business Club, Philippine Association of National Advertisers, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Philippine Franchise Association, and Philippine Retailers Association; and media partners One News and The Philippine Star.
Grocery clerks arrange canned goods on shelves at a supermarket in Makati City in this undated file photo — PHILIPPINE STAR/RUSSELL PALMA
THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) does not see an increase in the suggested retail prices (SRPs) of basic goods in the near future, an official said.
“We do not see any price increases anytime soon, at least for the BNPCs (basic necessities and prime commodities) in our list,” Trade Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo told reporters at an event in Taguig City last week.
She said products with pending price hike requests include 20 stock keeping units (SKU), including canned sardines, milk, and salt.
Manufacturers are seeking price increases for these items due to higher costs for packaging, fuel, logistics, and distribution, as well as foreign exchange volatility.
After peaking at 8.7% in January, headline inflation slowed to 6.6% in April. The April print was the slowest in eight months or since the 6.3% print in August 2022.
For the first four months of the year, inflation averaged 7.9%, higher than the 3.7% seen a year ago.
Asked if the DTI could release an update to the SRP bulletin by August, Ms. Castelo said that it would depend on the inflation trend.
“If there’s going to be a need, maybe (we will release). But you have seen that the price increases have already slowed down. Because of what is happening in the country, of course we need to give some comfort to the consumer, a little breathing room,” she said.
DTI released its latest SRP bulletin last February, which reflected price increases ranging from 45 centavos to P7 for 76 SKUS. The bulletin also showed prices of 141 SKUs were unchanged from the previous SRP bulletin issued in August 2022.
Among those that saw price increases were canned sardines in tomato sauce, processed milk, coffee 3-in-1 original, noodles, bread, detergent soap, canned meat, candles, and condiments.
The DTI and other government agencies are mandated to ensure that BNPCs are available to consumers at reasonable prices without denying a fair investment return for legitimate businesses, as provided under Republic Act (RA) No. 7581 as amended by RA 10623 or the Price Act. — R.M.D.Ochave
MISS Universe Philippines for 2023 Michelle Dee with her mother Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez. — GMANETWORK INTAGRAM POST SCREENGRAB
Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee is following in her mother’s and grandmother’s footsteps
MISS Universe Philippines for 2023 Michelle Dee with her mother Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez. — GMANETWORK INTAGRAM POST SCREENGRAB
HOW far does the apple fall from the tree? Not much, in the case of Michelle Dee. Ms. Dee was crowned as Miss Universe Philippines for 2023, to represent the country at the Miss Universe pageant to be held at El Salvador later this year. Ms. Dee also happens to be the daughter of Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez, and now, she’s on the path herself to try winning an international pageant.
Not even a full day after her coronation as Miss Universe Philippines for 2023 on May 13, Ms. Dee toured the factories of Smilee, the clothing manufacturing outfit owned by the family of former Miss Universe Runner-up and current Miss Universe Philippines National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee. Current Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel was also present during the tour (but left earlier), and during a press conference there, Ms. Dee was accompanied by Pauline Amelinckx and Krishnah Gravidez — Miss Supranational Philippines and Miss Charm Philippines, respectively; crowned in a separate ceremony last week.
Speaking with the press, Ms. Dee described the feeling of winning the pageant the night before: “It feels amazing, honestly. It still feels so surreal. It hasn’t fully sunken in yet, but I’m just full of gratitude. It’s a product of months, if not years, of hard work and dedication. I’m just glad that that was acknowledged, and I finally got to win Miss Universe Philippines.” she said.
“I am excited for what’s ahead. Pageantry is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. After Coronation Night, it feels like a dream — a dream that you want to just keep going on and on and on. Ultimately, it was a really happy memory for me.”
THE WOMEN BEHIND THE CROWN Behind great women are other great women. As we’ve mentioned, Ms. Dee is the daughter of a beauty queen, but she’s also the granddaughter of the late society beauty Regina Dee, of the Dee banking family. (Michelle Dee’s father is businessman, film producer, and actor Frederik “Derek” Dee.)
Speaking about the influences of the women in her family tree, she said, “My mom and my grandmother, they really taught me how to be compassionate and empathetic. My grandmother, she actually dedicated her whole life to helping other people. She founded Inner Peace Foundation, of which I am currently the president, because my father got into an accident last year.
“My mother, she was my prime example of how to really put charities first,” she said, noting how her mother had exposed her to charity work at an early age. “They lived through example,” she said of her family. “That’s the kind of person that I also want to be remembered (as). That’s the mark that I want to leave in this universe.”
Miss Dee has long been an advocate for autism awareness and mental health education, inspired by the fact that two of her six siblings were diagnosed with autism. She works with the Center for Possibilities, Inc., a foundation that helps children with special needs, among other organizations with similar focuses. She works with the Autism Society Philippines and was its goodwill ambassador in 2020.
She also works with her father in the family’s HepCured initiative which works for hepatitis awareness.
Described on Wikipedia as being an actress, model, TV presented, and talk show host, aside from being a beauty pageant titleholder, Ms. Dee does have a life outside of the pageant stage — though it has always been in the limelight.
The 28-year-old grew up splitting time between Utah in the USA and Mabalacat, Pampanga where her family had a hacienda. A psychology graduate from De La Salle University, she went on to take a short course on entrepreneurship at the Harvard Business School.
BIG SHOES TO FILL There has been a lot of talk lately about “nepo-babies” — how the children of celebrities are following in the footsteps of their parents, thanks to the ease of opportunity provided for by their birth. Ms. Dee answered if being the daughter of Ms. Marquez makes life, especially in the same chosen path, easier.
“I think it makes it harder,” she said, laughing.
“Growing up with such an iconic figure, it’s hard to fill in those shoes. I’m grateful because I do have the kind of guidance that she gives me. She really puts me in the right headspace entering pageants. She told me for my first pageant: ‘just be yourself.”
Bb. Pilipinas, it turns out, was not Ms. Dee’s first walk down a pageant runway. She won Miss World Philippines in 2019, and went on to represent the country in that year’s Miss World pageant, but only got up to the Top 12. That did not stop her. Last year, Ms. Dee tried for the Miss Universe Philippines crown for the first time, and was awarded the title of Miss Universe Philippines Tourism, finishing behind Celeste Cortesi, who represented the country at last year’s Miss Universe pageant.
“I’m not sure if all of you know, but she wasn’t present last year,” Miss Dee said about her mother. “She was present at my first pageant. She’s always been my lucky charm. I do this for her. She’s always been my biggest inspiration.
This time around, just after she received her crown, her proud mother joined her on the pageant stage. “When she went up on stage, I was just so happy that she made it,” she said, noting that her mother had been in an accident last year. “For her to be able to witness it, to see me win Miss Universe Philippines in the flesh, and not through a screen, that was an amazing feeling all together,” she said. “It gave me a strong sense of confidence and reassurance in myself. She would nod and give me validation — ‘You’re doing well’,” she said of the sight of her mother offstage.
“Yes Mom, I’m doing it!”
Repeating her mother’s advice to her — paraphrasing her answer to what was the question asked of her in the Miss World Philippines pageant’s semifinal question and answer round – Miss Dee said, “Don’t try to become anyone else other than yourself, because you are the one who people would look up to.”
Being her mother’s daughter might be hard, she admitted, “because there is that comparison.” Still, “I believe that throughout my pageant journey, I’ve been able to shine in my own light.” — Joseph L. Garcia
The focus of the 2023 OFR Awards Special Edition lies on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. By highlighting these non-financial factors, the award categories and criteria will identify this year’s OFR Winners based on their impact on the retail industry, the community, and all stakeholders involved.
