Autoworx Plus MyCasa inks partnership with Etiqa and Gulong.ph

 

MyCasa President Arby Andaya (third from left) and Etiqa President and CEO Rico Bautista (fourth from left) seal the Memorandum of Understanding between the two companies. With them are (L-R) Phoenix Assistant Marketing Manager for E-Commerce Category Maridel Sebastian, Phoenix AVP for Consumer Business Partnerships Jay Mujar, Etiqa Assistant Vice President Gary Orcine, and Etiqa Executive Vice President Glenn Navea.

 

 

Autoworx Plus MyCasa recently signed a partnership agreement with Etiqa Philippines, an insurance provider that caters to various protection, savings, and investment needs for all segments. Through the partnership, Etiqa insurance products, such as eCompulsory Third Party Liability Car Insurance (eCTPL), eComprehensive Insurance, and eTravel Insurance, are made available and honored at Autoworx Plus MyCasa service centers.

 

“We’re committed to widening the array of services of Autoworx Plus by partnering with different brands, and bringing them closer to our customers. We have MyCasa for home service car care, and now, we have Etiqa Philippines for insurance products and services,” said Phoenix AVP for Consumer Business Partnerships Jay Mujar.

 

Autoworx Plus MyCasa is Etiqa's first accredited workshop to adopt the digital process in insurance claims through Merimen, the portal used by insurance providers and workshops for insurance approvals within 24 hours, resulting in faster insurance claims, and transparent updates on vehicles being serviced.

 

Etiqa Philippines is a Composite Insurance Company, majority-owned by Etiqa International Holdings (EIHSB) Malaysia, an investment holding company of Malaysia Banking Berhad (Maybank). Its headquarters is in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with a regional presence in Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Cambodia.

 

Additionally, Autoworx Plus MyCasa also partnered with Gulong.ph, the country’s premier online tire marketplace.

 

Through the Gulong.ph online portal, customers can browse and select tires according to their preferred brands and budget instead of checking options by going from one physical store to another. Tires ordered via the portal will be automatically delivered to Autoworx Plus MyCasa sites in Timog Ave., Quezon City; Multinational Ave., Parañaque; or Imelda Ave., Pasig where the installation or servicing will be done. Services include tire installation, balancing weights, and wheel alignment.

 

Gulong.ph was founded by the Lica Auto Group, the largest, multi-awarded, and synergistic group of automotive retail and service companies in the country.

 

Meanwhile, Autoworx Plus powered by MyCasa is Phoenix Petroleum’s partner in automotive servicing. Its shops are located at Phoenix stations in Metro Manila, providing reliable, transparent, high-quality, and quick car care and repair whether at the shop or home through the use of genuine parts and accessories, as well as quality lubricants, while services are performed by professional and trained technicians.

Globe is PH's most reliable network 5 times in a row

 

Cementing its network supremacy, Globe has retained its accolade as the "Most Reliable Mobile Network" in the Philippines five times in a row by Ookla, the global leader in internet testing and analysis.

This achievement is based on analysis by Ookla of Speedtest Intelligence data, which showed that Globe won in reliability based on Q2 2022, Q3 2022, Q4 2022, Q1 2023, and Q1-Q2 2023.

 

Its latest win covering Q1-Q2 2023 showed that Globe had the highest Consistency Score of 83.64% and was the most available all-technology mobile network at 92.63%.

 

Reliability is earned by the mobile operator who achieves the highest scores in two key metrics: All Technology Consistency and All Technology Availability.

 

In Q2 2022, when it first lorded over in reliability, Globe achieved a Consistency Score of 79.44% and the highest all-technology mobile network Availability at 93.11%. It maintained momentum in the following quarter, reaching a Consistency Score of 82.55% and an Availability score of 92.03%. In Q4 2022, Globe further improved its Consistency Score to 83.13%, with an Availability score of 92.38%.

 

"Globe’s supremacy in reliability, which only a few operators in the world achieve, reflects our relentless pursuit to improve our network and services to uplift the lives of Filipinos. Our commitment to our customers goes beyond network quality; it's about enhancing their lives through connectivity. We will continue to invest in our infrastructure to ensure that we live up to this title and provide even better services in the future,” said Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO.

 

Globe's victory in reliability underscores the brand's ongoing dedication to delivering top-notch service, fortifying its position as the foremost mobile network in the Philippines. Its continued network buildup is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which fosters infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development.

 

The detailed findings, authenticated by Ookla's globally accepted methodologies, can be accessed through the Speedtest Intelligence Portal. It stands as a testament to Globe's extraordinary consistency, availability, and commitment to its customers.

DOST XI, PWC launch PH’s 1st Halal Research and Innovation Center

DOST XI Regional Director Anthony Sales 

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) XI officially launched the first Research and Innovation Center for Halal Science (RICHeS) at the Philippine Women’s College (PWC) of Davao in a bid to boost the country’s Halal industry.

RICHeS will serve as a center for cutting-edge research, various Halal innovation programs, and capacity-building activities to further assist the growing Halal market.

The center is equipped with various facilities such as a gas range, freezer, refrigerator, proofing cabinet, kitchen hood, stainless steel tables, LED screen display, stainless steel racks, mixer, induction cooker, rice cooker, food processor, pressure cooker, and pasta maker to aid in innovation and Halal Research and Development (R&D) activities.

Prof. Vicente Antonio Pijano III, PWC chancellor and chief operating officer, said the center will be at the forefront of pioneering research to drive innovation and foster collaboration in the Halal industry.

“This event is a testament to the unwavering testament of DOST and PWC to propel the Halal ecosystem forward. As we launch the center and embark in this transformation journey, we must remember that together we can shape the future of the Halal industry and become a model of excellence for the global community,” he added.

DOST XI Regional Director Anthony Sales said the establishment of the center started as a dream after seeing the importance of putting more focus on R&D and capability building for Halal stakeholders.

“When we were consulted for the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Act, we recommended the establishment of Halal R&D and training facilities as a component of the program that will be implemented by DOST,” he added.

The center was established through the DOST Halal Research Ecosystem for Development and Innovation Program. The program aims to support the development of the Philippine Halal tourism industry.

“This is something that we can be proud of as a contribution to the S&T Community and to the overall program of government on Halal,” Sales said.

Globe releases enhanced environmental policy

Globe's Eco-SIM is made from 100% recycled materials

Globe has released its revised EnvironmentalSustainability Policy, underscoring the importance of circularity as it promotes mindful consumption, sustainable production, carbon reduction, resource efficiency, and comprehensive waste management strategies. 

The enhanced policy supports the Philippines’ Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022, which mandates large companies to recover 20 percent of the plastic they release into the market in 2022. This target recovery rate will increase to 80 percent by 2028.

 

“Globe stands at the forefront of adopting sustainable practices in our operations. We are taking this a notch higher with an enhanced environmental policy on circularity which aligns our processes and products with the call for more responsible consumption,” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, Globe Group.

 

“Our circularity initiatives will include our ecosystem of brands to help habituate our customers to sustainable practices. This has the potential to further grow sustainability practices among Globe users, making it part of their daily lives,” she added.

 

Among the company’s initiatives to promote circularity are:

●    Deployment of the Eco-SIM, which is made from 100% recycled materials, for new postpaid accounts in 2022;

●       Replacement of nearly five million traditional tarpaulins with the more environment-friendly material, stone paper; and

●       Launch of the new packaging design for Globe’s GFiber Prepaid WiFi product line, with the goal of transitioning the rest of their Globe At Home products to more recyclable and upcyclable materials. The innovative packaging can be repurposed into a laptop stand to extend its lifespan, and was ensured to have been made as environmentally-responsible as possible.

 

Globe has also implemented the following measures to reduce plastic and paper waste:

●       “‘Wag sa Single-Use Plastic” (WasSUP) program - advocating plastic reduction among its employees and concessionaires in its offices:

○       Standardizing cashless transactions using GCash

○      Working to incentivize employees who adopt reusable containers in the company's cafeteria

○     Encouraging concessionaires to avoid using single-use plastics wherever possible (i.e. incorporating biodegradable options for utensils or opting for more reusable options)

●       Introduction of e-business cards for employees

 

Globe also recently contributed to the GSMA's Strategy Paper on Circular Economy for Mobile Devices. The company's E-Waste Zero Program collected and recycled more than 191,000 kilograms of electronic waste in 2022, bringing the total to over 1.8 million kilograms since 2014. This year, Globe established a partnership with CompAsia which allows for old employee service units to be remarketed rather than discarded.

 

Understanding that it takes collective action to be able to truly take care of the environment, Globe launched the online learning platform Camp Kalikasan, in collaboration with WWF-Philippines. It offers interactive exercises and learning modules that encourage responsible environment practices – covering topics like waste management, energy efficiency, climate change, and biodiversity.

 

"Our approach to climate action is all about collaboration," Crisanto said. "More than digital solutions, we give our customers and other stakeholders the tools and knowledge to continue to practice sustainability."

 

Globe urges everyone to actively engage in mindful consumption and sustainable production practices. Be part of Camp Kalikasan and take the Waste Management Module to learn more about plastic and proper waste management. Donate your old mobile phones and broadband devices through the E-Waste Zero Program of Globe. Locations of the bins are found here.

Rep. Paolo Duterte, China’s Consul-General Zhao Xiuzhen donates 320 sewing machines to Davao City

First Congressional District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, through his son Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte, with the People’s Republic of China–Davao Consul General Zhao Xiuzhen, handed over on August 2, Wednesday, 320 sewing machines to Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte.

The handover and blessing of the donated sewing machines was held at People’s Park with the presence of the 11 tribes.

“These machines will be donated to our indigenous brothers and sisters in all city districts,” Rigo said on behalf of his father, who expressed his deep gratitude to the government of the People’s Republic of China for its contributions to purchasing the sewing machines.

“Our special thanks to the City Government of Davao for all the assistance that it will give in the delivery and distribution of these sewing machines to the far-flung indigenous communities; and for the support services to Indigenous People (IP) for the proper use of the machines,” he added.

Rep. Duterte also thanked the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority  for the training interventions it will provide to the IP groups. 

 

He said that with proper training in the operation of the machines and by learning suitable skills in small enterprise management, the sustainability of the community-based project will be ensured.

“This occasion is not simply the turnover of the sewing machines. Today is a red-letter day that gives our indigenous brothers and sisters another ray of hope for a brighter future. May the hand of our God Almighty guide our IP brothers and sisters,” Rigo said.

People’s Republic of China–Davao Consul General Zhao Xiuzhen said she hopes these sewing machines can help the local people and improve the relationships between their country and the Philippines. Looking back to her childhood memories, she added that these machines are helpful.

“These machines remind me of my childhood. My parents used the sewing machine to make and sell clothes. My parents used a sewing machine to make me and my brother’s shoes. The sewing can help the local people in their livelihood,” Xiuzhen said.

“What we are witnessing today is a perfect example of the friendship and collaboration between the two countries of what we can achieve together. Let’s do more to benefit the local people and deepen our friendship,” China’s consul-general added. Xiuzhen also thanked Vice President Sara Duterte.

Mayor Duterte, who thanked the sponsors of the sewing machines, said that the city government's goal is to generate livelihood programs in various areas here, particularly where there were past insurgencies.

 

"The NPA (New People's Army) is no longer present nowadays because we have declared our area insurgency-free for over a year. Our next concern is how to provide food on tables of the people living in the far-flung areas, aside from cultivating our land," Mayor Duterte said in the vernacular.

Mayor Duterte added that it is essential to introduce, not only through the government, to give attention to the IP groups and provide them with opportunities to express their brilliant thoughts and ideas about what they envision to improve their communities.

Atty. Jonah Margarette Presto, Peace 911 focal person and assistant chief of staff of the city mayor, said they already met the deputy mayors of the 11 tribes here to deliberate the positive initiatives they can do, especially for the IP groups and the Muslim community.

Presto said the number of sewing machines may be less, but they can start with their plans to improve their communities through this. She also assured that they will look for materials to use, conduct training, and seek support from private and public agencies for the project's success. 

Velocity 2023: 917Ventures fuels innovation and collaboration to transform lives

Velocity 2023 winning teams from Globe, GCash, and Asticom and their mentors from 917Ventures, with Program Heads Natasha Bautista and Glenn Estrella, and judges Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Corporation’s Head of Business Development and Innovation; Vince Yamat, 917Ventures Managing Director; and Ernest Cu, Globe Group President and CEO.

Globe’s corporate venture builder 917Ventures, the largest in the Philippines, once again demonstrated its commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship with the recent completion of Velocity 2023, its annual business-building program and 12-week innovation bootcamp.

Velocity 2023 exemplifies the unwavering commitment of 917Ventures to nurturing and investing in innovative solutions that address societal problems. It featured nine pitches in the areas of finTech, B2B SaaS, agritech, and climate tech from seven business units within the Globe Group and the Ayala ecosystem: Asticom, BPI, Brave Connective, ECPay, Entrego, GCash, and Globe.

 

"As we aim to contribute to the Philippines' digital economy, we continually develop programs that enhance Filipino talents while creating businesses that uplift the lives of our kababayans through digital means. Ever since we reached market leadership, it has always been the purpose of the Globe Group to truly make a difference in the country," said Ernest Cu, Globe Group President and CEO, during the Demo Day.

 

The mission of 917Ventures has been further reinforced through its second-year partnership with AC Ventures on Velocity, accelerating the development and launch of new businesses aimed at solving the country's pressing issues.

 

"It’s been very encouraging to see this program come to life, underpinned by 917Ventures and AC Ventures' shared mission of solving national pain points through game-changing digital solutions. Velocity has been an excellent program for us to spread this culture of constant innovation across the whole group," said Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, Head of Business Development and Digital Ventures of Ayala Corporation.

 

Team GCash received the Velocity 2023 top honors and a P100,000 prize for their idea called Quenta, a pioneering financial solution platform specifically designed for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

 

The event also celebrated other outstanding ideas, with the second and third-place winners receiving P50,000 and P30,000, respectively. In addition, teams that won the Audience Choice and Social Impact awards each took home P20,000, emphasizing 917Ventures' commitment to rewarding innovation and impact. Similar to previous winners, top ideas from Velocity have the opportunity to be provided seed funding.

 

"Obviously, there will be ideas that are exciting. Ideas that are very intriguing and also worth looking into. I think everyone contributed really well. We learned as much from you, because of your experience and the work that you do,” Glenn Estrella, 917Ventures Head of Ideation and Acceleration, shared with the participants.

 

Since its inception in 2019, 917Ventures has vetted 500 ideas, launched 25 ventures, and built a robust portfolio of 15 companies, underscoring its drive to foster groundbreaking ideas that transform lives.

 

With a dedication to its employees, a focus on innovation, and a commitment to making a difference in the country, 917Ventures continues to position itself as a leader in the tech industry and an employer of choice for Filipino tech professionals.

 

Globe lauds President’s tech-driven vision outlined in SONA

Leading digital solutions platform Globe applauds President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s strong emphasis on digital transformation as a cornerstone of national progress in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA). 

Globe has long championed the digital revolution, and stands ready to support government initiatives and contribute innovative solutions to empower the nation's digital leap.

 

"The President's emphasis on technology as a catalyst for the country’s advancement is very encouraging and is aligned with Globe’s vision for a digital nation. We look forward to the vast possibilities opened by digitalization for spurring economic growth, elevating the delivery of public services, and bolstering the Philippines’ competitive stance,” said Ernest Cu, Globe Group President and CEO.

 

In his 2023 SONA, President Marcos underscored the critical importance of digitalization not as a future goal but as an immediate need to bolster service efficiency and create more opportunities in the country.  The President recognized the growing significance of e-commerce, digital literacy training, and science, technology, and innovation as key drivers of workforce competitiveness. 

 

This trajectory is well aligned with Globe’s accelerated shift from telco to techco, as it continues to grow its roster of portfolio companies offering first-to-market digital solutions that aim to address day-to-day pain points of its individual and business customers.

The Globe Group is at the forefront of digital innovations, offering services in the areas of fintech, healthtech, adtech, climate tech, education, entertainment, human resources and investments.

 

Through its core telco business, Globe also continues to boost connectivity through network expansion and use of the latest technology, and the rollout of innovative products that promote equitable access.

 

The company recently acknowledged the President’s issuance of Executive Order No. 32 to streamline the permitting process for telecom infrastructure. This effort aligns directly with Globe's commitment to improving internet services nationwide and resonates with the President's aspiration to enhance the country's mobile and broadband internet speeds.

 

“Globe shares President Marcos' vision for a digitally enabled Philippines and is eager to support this transformative journey. It recognizes the pivotal role of public-private partnerships in achieving national goals and is committed to contributing to a prosperous, digitally inclusive future for the Philippines,” said Cu.