Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation), the philanthropic arm of life insurer Sun Life Philippines, recently turned over the completed Maasin Barangay Health Station (BHS) to residents of Brgy. Maasin in Pura, Tarlac.
This brings the community closer to basic primary health services such as consultations, prenatal check-ups, immunizations, health education, and referrals to larger health facilities as necessary. This is complemented by the Community-Based Health and Wellness Program, where a Community Health Nurse trains a Barangay Nutrition Scholar, Barangay Health Workers, and Cluster Leaders to serve the community.
“Sun Life Foundation has always been at the forefront of bringing health services to underserved populations,” says Sun Life Foundation Executive Director Kristine Millete. “This program is not just about improving the health of communities, but also about strengthening the foundations upon which Filipinos can build brighter futures.”
The turnover is part of a multiyear project launched in partnership with Health Futures Foundation, Inc. (HFI), which aims to build fully equipped health facilities in remote areas across the country.
“HFI and Sun Life Foundation are planting the seeds for a thriving community,” says HFI Executive Director Pedrito de la Cruz. “We have faith that the community will be able to maintain the Barangay Health Station’s operations with help from the local government’s health unit.”
The turnover of Maasin BHS brings the number of operational stations to nine, following the turnover of eight stations in Batangas in 2023. As an advocate of social welfare, Sun Life Foundation transforms communities through programs encompassing health, education, and environmental sustainability.
Manila, Philippines (September 13, 2024) — HUAWEI has secured the top spot in the global wearable tech market for the second quarter of 2024, according to the latest data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Wearable Device Tracker.
The global wrist-worn device market shipped 43.7 million units in the second quarter of the year, seeing a slight year-over-year (YoY) decrease of 0.7%. HUAWEI defied this trend by posting significant gains.
HUAWEI’s outstanding performance in the wearable space is highlighted by its substantial shipments and market share, posting 8.9 million units in shipments and 20.3% market share in Q2 of 2024, compared to 6.3 million units shipments and 14.2% market share in Q2 of 2023. The global tech brand has recorded a 42.1% YoY growth rate, besting its competitors.
The launch of HUAWEI’s line of wearable devices boosted its performance in the first half of 2023, with 55.1% YoY increase in shipments. This led to the tech brand leading the global wrist-worn market for two consecutive quarters. HUAWEI has achieved significant growth in regions such as the Middle East and Africa, Latin America, and Central and Eastern Europe.
Innovative Wearables Powering Success
Throughout the latter part of 2023 and the first half of 2024, HUAWEI released a series of new wearable devices that played a pivotal role in reinforcing its market dominance. The line of wrist-worn devices include the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 and the HUAWEI WATCH GT 4 Series, both of which featured innovative technology that excited consumers.
The HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 is the ultimate must-have for anyone seeking the perfect blend of style, innovation, and performance. The smartwatch is the epitome of modern design, with its ultra-sleek square face and a 1.82-inch AMOLED screen that makes navigation effortless and visually stunning. Beyond its design, this powerhouse of a device comes packed with enhanced health and fitness monitoring features, giving consumers all they need to stay on top of their goals. The HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 also boasts a remarkable battery life that can last up to 10 days on a single charge.
THE HUAWEI WATCH GT 4 Series, on the other hand, sets new standards for fashion-forward as it redefines classic elegance for the modern age. Designed after the Grand Tourer (GT), its timeless look makes it the perfect smartwatch for traditional watch wearers. Available in 41mm and 46mm sizes, this stunning timepiece combines timeless design with a bold, sporty edge, featuring an engraved bezel for a sleek, pendant-inspired look. Beneath its sophisticated exterior lies powerful health tracking technology that monitors everything from sleep quality to heart rate and more. Style meets innovation in the HUAWEI WATCH GT 4 Series.
Gearing Up for September Launch
HUAWEI’s momentum shows no signs of slowing as it prepares to launch additional groundbreaking wearable devices slated for September 19. Tech experts and enthusiasts expect the upcoming devices to include the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series. The latest series is speculated to feature the newly-introduced HUAWEI TruSense System, further pushing the boundaries of possibilities for wearable technology.
As the demand for innovative and tailored wearables grows, HUAWEI continues to lead the charge for the wrist-worn sector. The brand’s dominance in the market in Q2 of 2024 is a testament to its ability to innovate and adapt. With its highly anticipated launch, HUAWEI is poised to shape the future of wearable technology, delivering innovative devices that meet the ever evolving needs of users worldwide.
Stay tuned to HUAWEI’s product launch on September 19, 2024. To find out more about the latest updates and future releases, visit Huawei’s official website or follow HUAWEI’s social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).
With “Tech-tember” around the corner, tech enthusiasts have a lot of new gadgets to geek over. HUAWEI is gearing up to launch a new line of innovative tech offerings including wearables, tablets, and more. The highly anticipated keynote will take place on September 19.
With a wealth of options in the market, Filipino consumers are eager to see what HUAWEI will unveil, anticipating groundbreaking features and advanced technologies that could shape their next smart device purchase. Expectations are set, and HUAWEI is poised to meet the demand for innovative tech solutions.
A New HUAWEI WATCH GT Series on the Horizon
One of the major anticipated highlights of the upcoming event is the launch of the next generation of HUAWEI WATCH GT Series. There is speculation that the new HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series will integrate the recently unveiled HUAWEI TruSense System, which promises to enhance health and fitness tracking with more precise and comprehensive data. Introduced in August, the HUAWEI TruSense System also supports emotional health monitoring, a potential game-changer in wearable tech.
When it comes to design, the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series is said to have pushed the boundaries of fashion and versatility. Teasers from HUAWEI’s social media channels have hinted at sharp, geometric designs, crafted with premium materials like metallic titanium alloy and white ceramic, offering a sleek and stylish and innovative addition to the smartwatch market.
The Next Swing For HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate
Another anticipated release is the new edition of the HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate. Based on the teasers, it is speculated to introduce features focused on golf. This comes at a suitable time, with a growing number of users who seek specialized features in their wearables based on their hobbies and fitness activities. With golf growing in popularity in the Philippines, the new features on the HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate are likely to appeal to users who prioritize precision in both their game and their smartwatch.
In addition to its functional upgrades, the teasers also offered a glimpse of the watch’s striking new Dual-Color Bezel design. This new texture and design are expected to enhance the watch’s visual appeal.
Next-Generation Blood Pressure Monitor
There are speculations that the next-generation blood pressure monitoring is to be launched on the HUAWEI WATCH D 2, following teasers released on HUAWEI’s social media pages.
HUAWEI has suggested a focus on expanding health tracking capabilities during the HUAWEI TruSense System launch, with reports suggesting that it may introduce ABPM (Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring) on its wearable devices. This would make the HUAWEI WATCH D 2 the world’s first smartwatch to support dynamic, real-time blood pressure monitoring, truly pioneering health and wellness for Filipino consumers.
The last major release in this area came with the release of the HUAWEI WATCH D in 2021, which was EU CE medical certified and was well-received for its ability to measure blood pressure. HUAWEI’s dominance in this area is notable, delivering another industry-leading smartwatch with innovative technology. With cardiovascular health being one of the top concerns for many Filipino users, the HUAWEI WATCH D 2’s expected advanced features could resonate deeply with users looking for reliable and innovative solutions to track their health.
An Update to the HUAWEI MatePad Series
HUAWEI has continuously developed and launched an impressive array of groundbreaking tablet products. Tech enthusiasts can look forward to the launch of two new HUAWEI MatePad tablets: the HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” and the HUAWEI MatePad 12 X. Both devices are expected to also make their debut during the much-awaited launch event.
A notable upgrade for the HUAWEI MatePad Pro is the inclusion of Tandem OLED PaperMatte Display, which boasts anti-glare capabilities, eye-soothing properties, and a pen-on-paper writing experience, improving performance across the board and ushering in a new era of tablet-based creation. The launch will also introduce an upgraded HUAWEI Glide Keyboard, which may bring an innovative stylus storage design with seamless connectivity.
Mark Your Calendars
As the launch date draws near, excitement within the tech community is building. Will HUAWEI’s latest innovations live up to the hype? With the impressive features and upgrades on the horizon, it’s clear that Huawei is gearing up to compete at the top of the industry. Consumers can look forward to a wider range of tech options for their next smart device, as HUAWEI continues to push the boundaries of possibilities in technology.
Don’t miss out on the HUAWEI launch on September 19, 2024. Stay tuned to find out more about HUAWEI’s newest releases. To find out more, visit HUAWEI’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).
Today, multi-platinum pop sensation Tate McRae releases her new song “It’s ok I’m ok” alongside the official music video via RCA Records. Written and produced with hitmakers Ryan Tedder (Taylor Swift, Beyoncé), ILYA (Ariana Grande, ROSALÍA) and Savan Kotecha (The Weeknd, Ellie Goulding), “It’s ok I’m ok” marks a new chapter for the star.
Featuring an irresistible chorus, the pop-infused offering is accompanied by a killer dance visual. Directed by Hannah Lux Davis (Doja Cat, Charlie XCX) and choreographed by Sean Bankhead (Cardi B, Lil Nas X), the high-energy music video follows an unbothered Tate strutting through city streets. Her presence is both commanding and seductive, drawing you into her world without wanting to look away.
Tate adds, “I’m so beyond excited to share “It’s ok I’m ok” with the world and this new chapter of my music. This song is a byproduct of reflecting back on past relationships to now and how much I’ve grown and learned from them. It’s a playful take on knowing your worth and the all too relatable feeling of never wanting someone back.”
“It’s ok I’m ok” is the first taste of new music from Tate following her highly anticipated 2023 sophomore album THINK LATER which debuted at #4 on Billboard’s album chart. Steeped in pop appeal and infectious toplines, the album features the RIAA certified 3x Platinum single “greedy” which earned Tate #1 on the Billboard Global 200 chart, Global Excl. US chart, Spotify’s Global chart, and hit #1 at Top 40 radio.
She’s currently on her sold out global ‘THINK LATER TOUR’ spanning 59-dates throughout Europe, UK, North America, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. With a handful of shows left, this tour has already seen Tate play the biggest and most iconic venues of her career.
True to its name, Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (Sun Life Grepa) not only aspires to provide its clients with a brighter future with financial protection and healthier lives, but also fosters a workplace culture where employees are valued, continuously upskilled, and empowered to realize their fullest potential.
The Company’s clear vision inspires and enables its employees and advisors to shine together as a team and positively impact the lives of their clients.
“We recognize that our people are our greatest asset – they are the ambassadors of our products and services, consistently keeping us among the top life insurance companies in the Philippines. We continue to build on our gains by empowering them to excel at Sun Life Grepa,” Sun Life Grepa President Richard S. Lim said.
Proof of its success in building a great company culture, Sun Life Grepa was certified as a Great Place to Work (GPTW) for 2 consecutive years: November 2022 and November 2023.
The Great Place To Work™ certification is a prestigious global recognition for companies which creates an outstanding employee experience. Based on the employee survey, 88% of Sun Life Grepa employees said it is a great place to work. The Company obtained outstanding marks in various categories, with 93% stating that people are treated fairly, regardless of sexual orientation.
Likewise, 92% of employees said they are proud to tell others they work at Sun Life Grepa. Likewise, 92% experienced that new joiners are made to feel welcome, that Sun Life Grepa is a safe place to work, and that special events are celebrated in this organization.
“We are here to make employees successful and fulfilled, so we make sure that we foster a culture where everyone is valued, heard and accepted, where their talents are developed and fully harnessed, and where they are equipped with the training and tools they need to achieve their goals and enable them to shape a better future for themselves and for our clients,” Sun Life Grepa Human Resources Head Pinky Moreno said.
“I’m very thankful that I found a second home in Sun Life Grepa. The company hones our skills through diverse experiences and encourages continuous learning with workshops and seminars to advance my career. It supports employees like how it supports clients. At Sun Life Grepa, you are not just an employee, but you are family,” Registered Medical Technologist Maria Kathrina Iquina said.
“Sun Life Grepa ensures that every employee is treated with care and compassion, prioritizing our well-being. We engage in various company activities and events, and even during challenging times like the pandemic, the company has adapted with programs that support our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs. The genuine concern and support embodied by “Sun GrePAMILYA” make this company a truly great place to work.,” Senior Payroll Assistant Marilou Madueno said.
“I never imagined working in the insurance industry, but everything changed when I joined Sun Life Grepa. Here, I feel truly supported, as my efforts are recognized and valued. Sun Life Grepa has empowered me to achieve my goals and transformed my mindset, showing me that mutual respect and value, not just passion, are key to long-term fulfillment in a company,” Investment and Partnership Engagement Head Wingkee Lomeda said.
Sun Life Grepa strives to continue giving its employees an elevated employee experience via various engagement programs and enables employees to be the best version of themselves through targeted training and development programs.
Leading global smart device brand OPPO has officially launched the OPPO A3, its strongest and fastest A Series device in the Philippines today.
From going through the hustle and bustle of everyday life to capping off a long day at work or school, the OPPO A3 redefines what #OPPOLangSakalam means with its durability, reliability, and smooth performance, making it the ideal partner for Filipinos’ indoor and outdoor battles.
Built as a durable yet stylish smartphone for Filipinos
The OPPO A3 is stylish and slim with its 7.68mm thickness and light 168g weight but it is designed to keep up with the demands of the working class’ everyday needs, fortified with a US Military-Grade Shock Resistance. The OPPO A3 will work without any functional damages from falls from a height of 1.6 meters and from 1.2 meters for up to 20 times. The device also earned a 5-star overall drop resistance from a performance test conducted by SGS.
The OPPO A3 starts at 6GB ROM and 128GB RAM variant that comes in stunning two colors – Sparkle Black and Starry Purple.
Designed to withstand extended exposure to elements
Worried about your phone getting wet, dirty, or subject to the unpredictable weather these days? The OPPO A3 is a game-changer with its Multiple Liquid Resistance along with OPPO’s industry-leading Splash Touch technology.
From exposing your phones when braving the rains or spilling your favorite drinks like milk tea, coffee, and tea or smudging its screen with oil, the OPPO A3 can handle these things without any damage and still provide precise and responsive scrolling.
Made to run smoothly for casual gaming and multitasking needs
Whether you need to do multiple tasks when you’re out and about for work or unwind by playing your favorite mobile games, you will still get an enjoyable experience with the OPPO A3.
Powered by a Snapdragon® 6s 4G Gen 1 mobile platform chipset, the OPPO A3 offers a solid, lag-free performance with improved power efficiency, so you can use your favorite apps, play mobile games, and stream videos without slowing down.
The new A Series smartphone runs on the latest ColorOS 14 and has passed OPPO’s 50/36-month Fluency Protection which guarantees smooth performance for at least three years of regular use.
Equipped to capture life’s finest moments
Bannered by a 50MP Ultra-Clear Main Camera and a capable 5MP Front Camera, the OPPO A3 delivers stunning and high-quality images that are worthy to share on social media channels.
The OPPO A3’s cameras combined with AI Portrait Retouching can take simple shots to long-lasting memories. By simply dragging the slider, users can easily adjust the retouching degree to achieve better skin tone and complexion as well as whitening effects that are both delicate and realistic.
Powered to endure heavy usage
OPPO understands battery life is a key concern for many Filipinos, which is why the OPPO A3 comes with a powerful 5,100mAh Large Battery and a 45W SUPERVOOC™ Flash Charge.
Get up to 50% battery life for just 30 minutes of charging and 85 minutes for a full charge. The OPPO A3’s battery is reinforced with Smart Charging which prevents premature battery aging and ensures battery health will last for up to four years.
Boosted to strengthen connections
The OPPO A3 also carries BeaconLink, OPPO’s self-developed communication technology that enables A3 users to make voice calls via Bluetooth with a distance of about 80 meters in open areas without signal or WiFi connection or 10 meters in crowded places. This gives you an option to stay connected even in the most challenging situations.
Experience #OPPOLangSakalam with the strongest and fastest OPPO A Series yet
The OPPO A3 is now available in all official OPPO stores nationwide. The 6GB RAM + 128GB ROM variant, which comes in Starry Purple and Sparkle Black, is available for just Php 8,999. You can also get your brand new OPPO A3 on OPPO’s e-commerce platforms on Shopee, Lazada and TikTok Shop.
Get your ideal partner for indoor and outdoor battles through flexible payment terms! You can purchase the OPPO A3 via Home Credit for as low as Php 1,079 or via credit cards in select dealers at 0% interest for six (6) months.
For more information on the OPPO A3, visit OPPO’s official website at www.oppo.com/ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official Facebook page.
Nadakip kamakailan ang isang 70 taong gulang na Korean national matapos siyang ireklamo ng kanyang biktima dahil umano sa investment property scam. Ang suspek ay naaresto sa pangunguna ng Philippine National Police Northern District Anti-Cybercrime Team (PNP NDACT) ng Caloocan City, sa tulong ng nangungunang finance app sa bansa na GCash.
Ayon biktima, ang suspek na si Kyung Soo Lee ay nakilala niya online, at nagtago matapos tanggapin ang bayad para sa isang investment property.
“Ang pagkakadakip na ito ay paalala sa mga cybercriminals na sila ay pananagutin ng batas anuman ang kanilang lahi o nasyonalidad. Ang sino mang magtangkang maging isang banta sa kaligtasan ng digital landscape ng bansa ay tutugisin at huhulihin. ” (This arrest serves as a reminder that cybercriminals will be held accountable for their actions regardless of nationality. If anyone tries to threaten the safety of the Filipino digital landscape, you shall be pursued and apprehended,” stated GCash VP and Head of Corporate Communications Gilda Maquilan.
Samantala, muling pinaalalahanan ng GCash ang publiko na maging mas maingat at tandaan ang mga safety protocols kapag nakikipagtransaksyon online.
Dagdag ni Maquilan “Kasama ang PNP-ACG, inuulit namin ang kahalagahan ng pagsusumbong ng ng mga kahina-hinalang aktibidad sa aming mga hotline. Ang ating mga awtoridad ay maaari lamang kumilos laban sa mga kriminal sa cyberspace kung may pormal na reklamo na naisampa sa kanila” (On behalf of our partners from the PNP-ACG, we reiterate the importance of reporting suspicious activities through our hotlines. Our police authorities can only act on cybercriminals if there is a formal complaint filed with them,” added Maquilan.)
Maaaring mag-report sa mga hotline ng Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) sa (02) 8414-1560 o 0998-598-8116, o sa email na acg@pnp.gov.ph.
Puwede rin mag-report sa GCash Help Center sa https://help.gcash.com o mag-message kay Gigi sa website at i-type ang “I want to report a scam.” Maaari rin silang makipag-ugnayan sa GCash hotline sa pamamagitan ng pag-dial ng 2882.
Hinihikayat din ng GCash ang mga users na mag-ingat sa pakikipagtransaksyon sa platform, huwag ibahagi ang kanilang MPIN o OTP, at iwasan ang pag-click sa mga link na maaaring ikawala ng pera sa kanilang mga accounts dahil sa phishing. Ang GCash ay hindi magpapadala ng pribadong mensahe upang humingi ng personal na impormasyon, lalo na ang MPIN at One-Time Pin (OTP).
MANILA, PH – September 2024 – Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc., the country’s leading life insurer, recently announced its tie-up with renowned healthcare services provider, The Medical City Clinic, to revolutionize the way Filipinos approach their health and financial security.
This strategic collaboration brings together Sun Life’s expertise in life insurance and financial planning with The Medical City Clinic’s excellence in healthcare services. Through strengthened offerings and solutions, the partnership aims to empower Filipinos to prioritize their health with greater confidence. They will be able to focus on preventive care, knowing they have a financial safety net for unexpected health concerns.
“By collaborating with The Medical City Clinic, we are driving towards building a stronger, healthier, and brighter future for Filipinos,” said Benedict Sison, CEO and Country Head of Sun Life Philippines. “We are confident that this tie-up will not only benefit our clients, but also contribute to the overall health and well-being of the Filipino nation.”
“We are excited to partner with Sun Life and take steps to fulfill our mission of improving health outcomes and making quality healthcare more accessible,” Roberto Muñoz, President and CEO of The Medical City Clinic. “Together, we can empower more Filipinos to take control of their health and well-being.”
The partnership was formalized at an event attended by representatives from both organizations, including Benedict Sison, Sun Life Philippines CEO and Country Head; Candy Esteban, Sun Life Philippines Chief Financial Officer; Gaurav Mishra, Sun Life Philippines Chief Operations & Digital Enterprise Officer; Roberto Muñoz, The Medical City Clinic President and CEO; Mariann Almajar, M.D., The Medical City Clinic Medical Director; and Aldrin Bautista, R.N., The Medical City Clinic Head of Clinic Support Services.
Manila, PH – September 11, 2024 – Today’s younger generation is the most financially literate generation of Filipinos; however, many still lack a plan of action. This is according to the Sun Life Asia Financial Resilience Index released this 2024.
Learning proper financial planning and management is part of learning how to “adult.” This journey can be intimidating or overwhelming but navigating it doesn’t have to be, especially when one goes through it with friends who can inspire them to chase their dreams, achieve their goals, and shine even brighter.
This is exactly how Gen Z content creators Dan Yotoko, Elize Mariano, John “JD” Deseo, Cess Tan, and Migo Austria, go through the world of adulting.
Dan Yotoko, dubbed as the “Active Runner,” is also known as the #RealTalkSaglit TikToker for the content that he creates on learnings from his experiences.
Elize Mariano is the “Beauty Guru” of the group who loves to share her passion in beauty and skincare through her content.
John “JD” Deseo, known as “The Entertainer” in the group, is currently living his dream, creating content and interviewing the country’s biggest actors, celebrities, and personalities.
Cess Tan is the “Fashionista” of the group, creating content on all things fashion, including shopping and style tips.
Miguel “Migo” Austria, also known as “The Smart One,” is a lifestyle content creator who recently graduated with Latin Honors from University of Santo Tomas and is planning to take up law.
Sun Life Philippines launched these five content creators as the BrightBarkada, a real-life group of friends who are embarking on a journey to pursue their individual passions while supporting each other in their endeavors.
Through their platforms, the Bright Barkada will share how financial literacy empowers them to live life brighter as they turn their dreams into reality.
Jollibee Group Foundation held a three-day Journey to Growth forum, wherein 17 farmer groups and some partner Local Government Units (LGUs), and organizations from various parts of Luzon and Visayas participated to exchange best practices and learn about agri-innovations and fundamentals of business planning.
MANILA, Philippines. 11 September 2024 – Adapting to the ever-changing market conditions and embracing evolving technologies and practices is a significant part of the decision-making and business of agro-entrepreneurs. The Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), the social development arm of the Jollibee Group, enables the ongoing growth of these agro-entrepreneurs through the recently held, Journey to Growth Forum. The Forum aims to enhance the strategic mindset of the smallholder farmers so they continue to build their skills and expand their capacities, thereby shaping a confident future for agro-entrepreneurs.
The Forum was an energetic gathering of farmers, cooperatives, associations, local government units, and partner organizations. It featured dynamic agri-innovation learning sessions, latest industry updates, focus group discussions, and strategic business planning workshops—all designed to equip participants with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s agricultural landscape.
Through its Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP), JGF continues to empower smallholder farmers to thrive as agro-entrepreneurs and become economically self-sufficient by providing leadership and agro-entrepreneurship training that enhances their knowledge and skills.
“The Journey to Growth Forum not only strengthened our relationship with partner farmers but also provided an ideal avenue for them to learn best practices and discover solutions to existing farming challenges,” said JGF President Gisela Tiongson. “We hope to aid our farmers in achieving sustainable growth by continuously providing workshops and training on leading edge and innovative approaches.”
JGF President Gisela Tiongson led the team in facilitating learning sessions, focus group discussions, and strategic business planning.
Leadership and expertise
Experts from Jollibee Group’s global divisions—including Procurement, Insurance and Risk Management, Finance, Sustainability and Public Affairs, and the Data Office—spearheaded engaging discussions on key topics like customer service, supply assurance, operational efficiency, financial strength, sustainability, and leadership.
To deepen the impact, the Foundation brought in industry experts to share cutting-edge insights on agri-innovations. Miguel Garcia, Junior Operations Center Supervisor of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), spoke about preparing for the possible upcoming La Nina.
Adding to the wealth of knowledge, Dr. Dionisio Bucao of Mariano Marcos State University emphasized the critical role of soil health in sustainable farming, while Arjay Aquino of Central Luzon State University shared actionable strategies for soil health restoration, ensuring that farmers are equipped with the latest sustainable practices.
Jollibee Group’s Global Chief Business Support Officer William Tan Untiong has shared that the FEP farmers have already fulfilled 90% of the company’s onion requirement as early as the second quarter of 2024
Onion business planning
To keep farmers motivated and responsive to evolving challenges, JGF conducts an annual Onion Business Planning (OBP) session with FEP farmer groups already supplying the Jollibee Group. These dynamic and hands-on sessions encourage farmers to engage in lively discussions to update their onion business plans, monitor and evaluate progress, while collaborating to refine their production strategies. By making this a regular practice, farmers are not only staying on top of their game but are also building a community that supports innovation and resilience in the onion business.
The OBP prompts and drives collaborative actions necessary to tackle challenges head-on and elevate farming practices. In 2023 alone, FEP supplied 24% of Jollibee Group’s onion requirement. This year, FEP’s share is projected to grow to 33%.
Through breakout sessions, participants discussed challenges and devised viable solutions for better produce and sustainable farming practices.
“We’re targeting 2,000 tons of onions for 2024. We’re only halfway through the year, but we have already reached 90% of our goal. We remain focused and determined to increase FEP’s total onion share and empower our smallholder farmers by helping them succeed in their agro-entrepreneurship journey,” William Tan Untiong, Jollibee Group Global Chief Business Support Officer said.
FEP farmer groups have delivered 1,367,000 kilos of vegetables to Jollibee Group in 2023, marking a significant recovery of their agro-enterprises and exceeding targets post pandemic. Since 2009, a total of 30 farmer groups, or 1,400 smallholder farmers, have collectively delivered 11 million kilos of quality vegetables with more than PHP500 million worth of sales to Jollibee Group.
This remarkable achievement underscores the importance of continuous adaptation and innovation in agriculture. As farmers face an era marked by intensifying climate change, rapid advancements in farming technology, and rising consumer expectations and regulatory demands, the need to stay ahead of the curve has never been more critical.
JGF remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering agro-entrepreneurs not only to achieve a sustainable livelihood amid the shifting landscape of agriculture. By equipping farmers with the tools and knowledge they need, JGF ensures they can navigate challenges and seize opportunities with confidence, driving efficiency and sustainability in every harvest.