16th Franchise & Business Expo stays in tune with ASEAN agenda! “7Ms Towards Shared Prosperity in ASEAN”

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One of the country's longest running tradeshow to date and one of the country’s biggest business and franchising events - the AFFI Franchise & Business Expo is staying true to the seven-point strategy for MSME growth set by the ASEAN MSME Development Summit earlier this year.

The seven-point strategy, known as the “7Ms Towards Shared Prosperity in ASEAN”, includes: 

• mindset
• mastery
• mentoring
• markets
• money
• machines
• models

All of which are essential in the advancement of MSMEs towards the core of the ASEAN economic agenda.

This tactical approach to small enterprise development -- with focus on mentoring, markets and money -- will steer this year’s Franchise and Business Expo, set on September 29 to October 1 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City.

Under the theme AFFI@20: One with ASEAN, the expo will continue to empower entrepreneurs primarily thru informative seminars and on-the-day mentoring sessions from industry experts and successful business owners.

Backbone of the region’s economy

As the prime trade organization of small and medium entrepreneurs in the country, expo organizer Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. has expressed staunch support for MSMEs to be appointed as key drivers of shared prosperity for the region.

“These enterprises account for over 90 percent of businesses all over ASEAN. That number, in itself, already proves the sector’s role in achieving the desired growth for the AEC (ASEAN Economic Community),” said AFFI President John Chung.

Chung, who is also the founder and CEO of homegrown perfume brand Acquasuisse, specifically pointed out the significant impact of MSMEs on employment generation.

John Chung, AFFI President 

“Small and medium businesses provide more jobs for the common people than any other sector in our society today,” asserted Chung. “For example, AFFI’s member corporations alone have already created over 200,000 jobs as of June 2017.

Hence, it has been AFFI’s main concern to put forward the welfare of these small enterprises ever since it was first founded in 1997. The association is celebrating its 20th anniversary in the industry this year.

“For 20 years, AFFI has been a constant champion of Filipino SMEs. The founders, who are now pillars themselves in the business and franchising community, envisioned the association to be the voice of entrepreneurs in this country. We want to continue fulfilling that vision in the coming decades,” Chung added.

The yearly event that empowers this vision, The Franchise and Business Expo, AFFI will showcase hundreds of brands to thousands of visitors ranging from professionals, established and budding entrepreneurs, students from top universities, and consumers. The expo will offer fresh ideas, trends and solutions through a series of informative seminars, interactive activities, and mentoring sessions provided by partner organizations, government agencies, celebrity entrepreneurs and seasoned businessmen. 

The 16th Franchise & Business Expo is co-presented by SEAOIL Philippines and the Department of Trade and Industry. 

For inquiries, please visit www.affi.com.ph or contact the AFFI Secretariat at (02) 501 5449, 0949.8890758 or email us at info@affi.com.ph.

PMA’s 47th National Marketing Conference says “Hello ASEAN”

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The ASEAN market is teeming with untapped opportunities for Chief Operating Officers and Chief Marketing Officers and their teams to make a distinctive entry into this emerging economic powerhouse within the Asian Region.

Realizing an urgent need to spread this knowledge, the Philippine Marketing Association (PMA) set the theme of its 47th National Marketing Conference (NMC) this year as, “Hello ASEAN”. The conference will feature stories and scenarios from top-tier business experts and practitioners, marketing masters and disrupters, including CEOs of Philippine, Asian, and global brands that successfully launched or grown their businesses in the ASEAN trade sphere. The event will happen on July 28-29, 2016 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Newport City.

The speakers will share their success stories and learnings from exploring and filling the gaps in the market. These insights will feature the strategies and tools that helped their companies conquer multiple challenges. Aside from the invaluable content that attendees will get from the conference and an accompanying trade exhibit, “Hello ASEAN” will feature the ASEAN Pavilion that houses the embassy representations from ASEAN member nations and other guest Asian countries.

“This will give our attendees opportunities to explore, on more concrete grounds, possible partnerships. These business meet-ups are fertile ground for networking, exchanges, developments, and partnerships,” PMA President, Ms. Pinky Yee shared.

Photo shows, from left: Willy Arcilla, Adviser for Program; Faith Abano, Co Chair National Marketing Conference; Yayu Javier, Adviser for Program; Germaine Reyes, EVP Director-In-Charge 47thNational Marketing Conference; Nadia Tantuco, Cignal TV; Gigi Rodriguez, Chairman 47th National Marketing Conference; Dr. Nards Garcia, PMA Past President

PMA also teamed up with the No. 1 Business Channel, Bloomberg, which recently opened its Philippine office after establishing its partnership with TV5 Network Inc. and Cignal. Being the first business news channel to air on a 24/7 basis in the country, Bloomberg TV Philippines is now set to reach out to its audience by co-presenting PMA’s 47th NMC.

“Bloomberg is really privileged to take part in the Philippine Marketing Association’s National Marketing Conference,” Vice President and Head of Channel Management for Cignal TV, Ms. Sienna Olaso shared. “It is our privilege to meet the people in the marketing industry, because our network’s presence in the conference will definitely do something good for Bloomberg. By the same token, we hope that Bloomberg’s integrity and credibility can lend itself to the success of the event. We are looking forward to meet everyone in the event and we are all excited in Bloomberg.”

Some of the speakers who are set to give their invaluable insights on the ASEAN market are, Philippine Airlines (PAL) veteran Jaime J. Bautista who has a long and credit-worthy record of professional service in the travel and tourism business. He recently assumed the presidency of PAL in October 2014 after the Lucio Tan Group took over management control of Asia’s longest-running airline.

Other Notable Speakers

Asian Brand advocate Joe Baladi brings his extensive experience in business communications across multiple geographies to the conference with his talk on How Asian Brands Can Conquer the World. This well- traveled marketing consultant is credited for shaping and repositioning major SME and MNC brands. He is a frequent speaker on the conference circuit, a regular guest on business television programs, and regularly contributes thought leadership articles to business magazines and newspapers across the region. As the CEO of BrandAsian, Joe divides his time in providing one-on-one business and branding advice and counsel to CEOs of some of the Asia’s largest companies.

Joseph “Chay” Cruel, currently the Vice President for Asia Brewery – Non-Alco Marketing, Business Development and International Business, is responsible for the popular domestic non-alco products such as Cobra Energy Drink, Absolute Distilled Drinking Water, Summit Water, Sunkist, Nestea, and Vitamilk. He spearheaded the international business and strategic partnerships for Asia Brewery.

Prof. Enrique Soriano is a Certified Professional Marketer and a PMA Agora Awardee for Excellence in Marketing Education who will examine the nature of Asian Family Businesses. As the Executive Director of the W+B Advisory Group, a Strategic Consulting Group servicing ASEAN corporate organizations on strategic leadership matters, Soriano will discuss growth in Asian family businesses, organizational change, and competitive strategies.

Angelica Suiza is the Chief Product and eCommerce Officer at Triple Pte. Ltd. With her expertise in omni-channel inventory resources optimization, she is responsible for providing category merchandising strategies for Under Armour in Southeast Asia as aligned with the company's aggressive global merchandising directions.

Lucien Dy Tioco is the Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing at The Philippine STAR and concurrently heads the sales and marketing of the country’s leading business newspaper, Business World. He oversees the sales and marketing programs of The Philippine STAR across all platforms: from print, digital, and most recently, television. His presentation will cover the overall strategic direction of media conglomerates , through his company's own Brand directions, as they venture overseas.

PMA hopes to focus the spotlight on the ASEAN region, which is seen as the 3rd largest consumer market after China and North America, but still overlooked by companies within the region. MNCs have been aware of this potential for some time as even Euromonitor acknowledges this region as one the fastest growing markets in the 21st century. Through its theme “Hello ASEAN”, the 47th NMC aims to shed light on these opportunities especially for those who are motivated by success and growth for their businesses.

For inquiries and or registration, please contact the PMA Secretariat at (+632)638-7700; (+632)634-5722 or email helloasean@philippinemarketing.net.ph.

Palarong Pambansa top athletes to go for gold in Brunei Darussalam ASEAN Schools Games

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Philippine delegation for the 7th Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Schools Games slated in Brunei Darussalam, from November 21 to 29, 2015.

Palarong Pambansa top athletes will be competing at the 7th Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Schools Games slated in Brunei Darussalam, from November 21 to 29, 2015.

An orientation program and pep rally for the Philippine contingent was held at the Department of Education Central Office on November 20, 2015 before they depart from Manila on November 21.

The pep rally was headed by Undersecretary for Regional Operations and Head of the Delegation Rizalino D. Rivera. The Undersecretary challenged the athletes by saying that “there are two ways you can win and make the country proud, one is winning. When you win, you do it not just for yourself but for the entire country. There is no prouder moment than having the national anthem played when you receive your medal. The other way is fighting with your heart. Puso! Laban! Kahit mas malakas, mas malaki ang ating kalaban, walang susuko nang ganun-ganun lang. And by so doing, you will gain the respect of your opponent, your countrymen and you will make your country proud.”

“I hope you also find time to make friends with the delegates of other countries. Enjoy your stay in Brunei and fight for the country,” Rivera added.

The ASG is an annual sporting event which aims to promote the spirit of partnership and equality in the region through cooperation in the field of sport and engage in cultural exchange. Among the objectives of the ASEAN Schools Games (ASG) are to make sports as a contributor to regional peace and stability, act as a base to produce world-class athletes and encourage healthy life style through sports.

It will be participated by athletes and coaches from the Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Brunei Darussalam as the host country. The venues for each sporting event are Tutong Sports Complex for Athletics, Indoor Stadium for netball, Pusat Belia (Youth Center) BSB for badminton, Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex Multi-Purpose Hall for pencak silat, Jerudong Park Golf and Country Club for golf, Rimba II Secondary School for sepak takraw and Swimming Complex, HBNS for swimming.

Completing the delegation are Assistant Secretary Tonisito M.C. Umali Esq., NCR Director Luz S. Almeda, Director Ponciano A. Menguito as Chef de Mission, Director Rizalino Jose T. Rosales and Schools Division Superintendent Elizabeth E. Quesada both as Deputy Chef de Mission and Mr. Cesar S. Abalon as Technical Official.

Hitachi Launches 13th Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative : “ASEAN Perspectives on the Social and Environmental Challenges of Designing and Implementing Public Transportation Systems”

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Hitachi Asia Ltd. held the 13th Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative (HYLI) with the 31 students selected from over 230 applications from 51 universities in the region.

High-profile regional leaders gather in Manila to address pressing transportation issues.

This year, 31 top university student leaders from eight countries – Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan gathered in Manila and held meaningful discussions with high-profile regional opinion leaders on pressing transportation challenges facing the ASEAN region.

All student applicants were put through a rigorous selection process based on their academic results, participation in extra-curricular activities, leadership capabilities, fluency in the English language and knowledge of current regional issues.

The students, divided into four groups, were tasked to present what they’ve learn in the past three days and were allowed to make recommendations with regards to the over-all theme.

The event, which is held between 27 and 30 July 2015, sees a strong line-up of speakers from the region. 

Mr. Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya

Mr. Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya, Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications of the Philippines, graced the event as Guest-of-honour.

Under the theme “ASEAN Perspectives on the Social and Environmental Challenges of Designing and Implementing Public Transportation Systems”, the first two days of forum discussion will centre around the following three sub-themes:

A snapshot of the current state of urbanization and sustainability in ASEAN 

An overview of the infrastructural options for people-centric and environment-friendly transportation systems  

Shaping a culture of sharing: Lifestyle changes for efficient transportation 

“For almost two decades, it has been extremely encouraging and heartening for us to be supported by many of the most respected and prominent leaders in the region. Their passion and enthusiasm in grooming the future generation has allowed HYLI to cultivate a strong community of leaders in ASEAN with a sound understanding of the region’s challenges. Our HYLI alumni will prove to be an important asset to bring about a brighter future for the region,” said Mr. Hirohiko Morisaki, Managing Director, Hitachi Asia Ltd. 

This year, providing significant insights on Southeast Asia’s transportation issues to the HYLI delegates during the four-day event are (in order of speech): 

Mr. Arnel Paciano Casanova, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) from the Philippines 

Ms. Nana Soetantri, Transport Specialist, Regional and Sustainable Development Department, Asian Development Bank 

Prof Dr. Danang Parikesit, President of the Indonesia Transportation Society 

Dr. Somprasong Suttayamully, Director of Business Development, Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand 

Mr. Nobukazu Nagai, Director, International Policy and Project Division, Railway Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan 

Mr. Jiro Yasuda, Division Director, International Business Development & Sales Division, Hitachi, Ltd., Rail Systems Company 

Mr. Mohinder Singh, Advisor, LTA Academy, Singapore 

Mr. Laurence Cua, General Manager, Uber Manila 

Ma. Pham Thanh Tung, General Director of International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Transportation Vietnam 

Honorable Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, Senator, Senate of the Philippines and 3rd HYLI alumni also graced the event on the second day. 

Mr. Ichiro Iino, Chief Executive for Asia, Hitachi, Ltd. said, “HYLI provides a unique platform to broaden the regional and global outlooks of students through interactive discussions with regional subject experts. In addition, it also allows Hitachi to understand real issues faced in the world, which is crucial in ensuring that Hitachi develops solutions that answer society’s challenges."

Apart from various forums and workshops designed to ensure students rich networking and learning opportunities, the students will also visit Gawad Kalinga Village and Bonifacio Global City on the third day of the programme. These visits will provide students with the opportunity to experience first-hand the various types of transportation systems used in different parts of the country, to understand how transportation and urban development affect the lives of residents. 

Finally, students will share what they have learnt over the course of HYLI at the Student Presentation. Their recommendations will subsequently be published in a white paper, and shared with the business, government and academic sectors for their consideration.

Tsunehiro Takahashi, Vice Chairman, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Myanmar (JCCM) 

About Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative (HYLI)

The "Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative" (HYLI) is a community relations programme that aims to identify and nurture potential Asian leaders by bringing them together to discuss regional issues with influential government officials, prominent business leaders, academics and NGO representatives. Since its inauguration in Singapore in 1996, the HYLI has been successful in bringing the best and brightest students in Asia together. From 2015, Myanmar will join existing participating countries Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan in the program. The initiative offers student participants a unique platform to broaden their outlook on regional and global issues while promoting Asian values and cross-cultural understanding.

For more information, please visit http://www.hitachi.com/csr/sc/activities/hyli/. 

About Hitachi Asia Ltd.

Hitachi Asia Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. and established in Singapore in 1989, has offices across seven Asian countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam). Focusing more than ever on the Social Innovation Business, Hitachi Asia’s business includes information systems, power and industrial systems, R&D, international procurement and Centre of Excellence. For more information on Hitachi Asia, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachi.com.sg.

PH kicks off first ASEAN schools games in the country

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The Philippines, through the Department of Education (DepEd) and the local government of Marikina City, officially opened the 6th ASEAN Schools Games (ASG) at the Marikina Sports Complex, November 30.

Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said that ASG plays an important role in solidifying ASEAN ties. He said, “This display of solidarity among nations proves that neither borders nor cultural barriers are hindrances to the development and further camaraderie among ASEAN countries.”

“This ASG is not a mere sporting event but a parade of culture among participating countries. We dare learn from each other. We learn that differences allow us to enjoy and appreciate the various treasures in each of our cultures,” he adds.

Luistro also said that ASG seeks to promote ASEAN solidarity among the youth through school sports and provide opportunities for school athletes to engage in cultural exchange.

Marikina City Mayor Del De Guzman said, “The ASG promises an opportunity among ASEAN youth through sports, and for school athletes to interact and engage in cultural exchange within ASEAN. Hosting this particular sporting event is a first for Marikina City and the Philippines.”

The education chief lauded all the student athletes present at the opening ceremonies, saying, “We continue to applaud all of our athletes. We ask you to compete in the spirit of sportsmanship.”

“The future of ASEAN is all gathered here in Marikina City. I have no doubt that the best student athletes from the ASEAN countries are here tonight,” Luistro added.

Some 1,500 student athletes from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines will compete with each other in the 11 sports included in the ASG. The sporting event is until December 7.

The venues for each sporting event are Marikina Sports Center for Athletics, Volleyball, Tennis, and Swimming; Trevvi Subdivision for Badminton; Our Lady of Perpetual Succor College for Sepak Takraw; St. Scholastica’s Academy for Wushu; Marikina Convention Center for Table Tennis; Marist School for Basketball; Rizal Stadium for Gymnastics; and Valley Golf and Country Club for Golf.

PH envisioned to lead ASEAN in developing standards for the gifted

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A Philippine organization is posed to spearhead the establishment of an (ASEAN) Association for Giftedness to leverage economic growth through human capital development.

Non-profit group Philippine Center for Gifted Education Inc. (PCGE), led by Dr. Leticia Ho, is working towards creating standards for ASEAN member countries to ensure robust criteria for identification, development and nurturing of gifted children.

“While the ASEAN integration aims to unite the ten member countries into one economic, multi-cultural community, development of its human capital is definitely a vital component,” says Dr. Ho.

The ASEAN Association for Giftedness will provide a platform for regular meetings, joint researches, exchange programs and other innovations in gifted education that can help boost economies, including the Philippines’. 

“Modern growth theory has explained the vital contribution of human capital development in a country’s economic growth. Improvements are closely related to the level of cognitive skills of the population. This emphasizes the need to identify, develop and nurture gifted talents for the benefit of the country,” adds Dr. Ho.

An ASEAN Summit on Giftedness sponsored by PCGE is scheduled in October. Dr. Ho hopes that this will stir interest and encourage parents, teachers, psychologists, guidance counselors and the gifted themselves to converse and exchange ideas about how to leverage on excellence for growth. 

The summit will feature global expert Françoys Gagné, Ph. D. and his Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent. Professor Gagné, supported by Promil Pre-School, will share his belief in the need for natural abilities to be nurtured in order for one to excel.

With its long-standing thrust of encouraging excellence, Promil Pre-School has always worked hand-in-hand with parents’ support and proper care through the right learning environment to nurture gifts into exceptional talents that can benefit a larger community.

Promil Pre-School's proven heritage of success is backed up by its long list of exceptionally talented children who have brought fame, encouragement, and positive influence to their communities and the country in one way or another.

“Nurturing the gifted is not limited to ensuring that their gifts and talents are properly addressed through education, training, cognitive stimulation and other programs. Part of their nurture is to infuse values of maka-Diyos, makabayan, makatao (being God-fearing, patriotism, compassion). In this manner, the gifted themselves become gifts to others,” says Dr. Ho.

“The vital link between the gift of generations of Filipinos and the country’s success is something that we recognize and value,” says Dian Yu, product manager, Promil Pre-School. “As a long-term advocate in encouraging children to reach their full potential, Promil Pre-School will continually support efforts that allow for exceptional talents to turn into outstanding achievements for our nation.” 

According to the Department of Education (DepEd), there are 1.27 million gifted children in the country (2010 data) who may be in possession of exceptional abilities that, unfortunately, aren’t fully developed for lack of proper guidance and support.

Philippines hosts Chef de Mission meeting for 2014 ASEAN Schools Games

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The Department of Education (DepEd) and the City Government of Marikina met with the delegation heads of participating countries to ensure the readiness and safety of playing facilities for the 2014 ASEAN Schools Games (ASG), which will be held from November 29 to December 7, 2014 in Marikina City.

The “Chef de Mission” meeting is intended to finalize billeting arrangements and to allow the countries’ representatives to inspect the playing facilities.

“This meeting allows us to settle all issues months before the conduct of the games,” says DepEd Assistant Secretary Tonisito Umali, adding that it is important for all delegations to be on the same page.

Umali emphasized that ensuring the readiness and safety of the facilities is integral in safeguarding the welfare of the ASG delegates. He said that guaranteeing such environment for the athletes would provide a venue for creating champions. He added, “We want to create a community of champions—not just in the Asian Games or the Olympics, but champions in discipline, teamwork, and leadership.”

“We are excited to see how our young athletes are growing to be our ASEAN champions,” Jolly Gomez of the Philippine Sports Commission said.

This is the 6th ASEAN Schools Games and the first time for the Philippines to host although last year the country already hosted the golf tournament of the 2013 games, which were held in Vietnam.

Participating countries are Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The events in the ASG are athletics, swimming, badminton, golf, tennis, sepak takraw, gymnastics, table tennis, basketball, volleyball and wushu. The Philippine delegation will be composed of student-athletes from both public and private schools, as selected by a separate selection committee.

Philippines gears up for ASEAN SME gathering this year

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To provide industry market intelligence to boost the business of SMEs, MEDIACOM Solution Inc. is staging the 2nd Philippine Small & Medium Enterprise Business Expo 2014 (PhilSME) with the tagline “Boost Your Business”. PhilSME 2014 is the largest trade show dedicated to the ASEAN SME Community in the Philippines with 238 exhibiting businesses from 18 business sectors and 20,000 expected visitors.

This is set to be the focal point in the business community this year as it happens in November 21-23, 2014 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Pasay City, Philippines.

For the past years, the Philippines have emerged as one of the fastest growing economies in the world, impressively rivaling the growth rates of fellow Asian countries. From being referred to as the “sick man of Asia” in headlines, it has turned around to being referred to now as the “new breakout nation”.

Integral to the economic development and growth of the Philippines are the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), as they largely outnumber large enterprises in both quantity of establishments and share of the labor force they employ. 

“We aim to put together under one roof SME business owners, senior level executives, professionals, government agencies, trade associations from the Philippines and the ASEAN region to synergize their efforts in order to boost their businesses and the Philippine economy at large. The ASEAN economic community will become the 7th largest economy in the world with a combined consumer market of over 600 million people,” said David Abrenilla, Founder and Managing Director of PhilSME 2014 and CEO of MEDIACOM Solutions, Inc.

Philippine Trade Undersecretary for Regional Operations Group Zenaida C. Maglaya recognized the pivotal role SMEs play in fuelling the economy as they account for 99.6 percent of total registered enterprises, according to recent trade department data.

In response to this, Abrenilla added, “We would like to provide the gateway for this new market brought about by the ASEAN integration. The PhilSME 2014 will be their one-stop shop for all their business needs from seeking advice from qualified experts to networking with key decision makers to gathering market intelligence.”

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) President Alfredo M. Yao, in his speech at a recent event listed factors challenging the private sector’s readiness and competitiveness under the economic integration in 2015 and cited the need for initiatives, such as workshops, to prepare SMEs for the upcoming ASEAN integration.

Yao listed the challenges such as: high cost of power and logistics, inadequate transport infrastructure and access of SMEs to financing and technology.

With PhilSME 2014, the agenda is to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to be competitive with large corporations, especially with the rising global competition. It shall be the venue for small and medium sized businesses from the Philippines and the ASEAN region to build new relationships, help network with local and international decision makers, business owners, senior level executives and do business amongst SMEs and its supporters.

To BOOST YOUR BUSINESS towards success in an economically integrated world register at www.philsme.com or call +63.509.4792. 

Stay connected to the PhilSME community via Facebook: www.facebook.com/PhilippineSMEBusinessExpo and twitter: www.twitter.com/PhilSMEexpo.

DepEd, Marikina City finalize plans for 6th ASEAN Schools Games

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The ASEAN School Games (ASG) is an annual sports competition among students of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). 

Apart from providing the youth with opportunities to showcase their sporting talents, the ASG promotes solidarity and fosters cultural exchange among the youth of participating countries. In November 2013, the Philippines hosted a Golf Tournament of the 5th ASEAN Schools Games hosted by Vietnam.

“This is a big challenge for our country and we thank the Department of Education (DepEd) for giving us this task,” said Marikina City Mayor Del R. De Guzman at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with DepEd on the hosting of the 6th ASEAN Schools Games (ASG). 

MOU signing between Deped and Marikina City for the Asean School Games

Education Secretary and honorary chairman of the 6th ASG Governing Board Br. Armin Luistro FSC explained, “This (ASG) is very important, not only for Marikina but most especially for the Philippines, because here we can showcase the country’s talents in the area of sports and show that we are ready for the world.”

Undersecretary for Regional Operations Rizalino Rivera said, “This is historic, because this is the first time the Philippines will be hosting the ASEAN Schools Games.” 

Rivera said that the country is privileged to accommodate all the ASG delegates. “The ASG is like the ASEAN Games but for younger people so you could just imagine the scale of participants in this sporting event,” he added. 

Participating countries are Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and the Philippines, as this year’s host.

Luistro shared his hopes for the event, “My prayer is that the experiences of the athletes and their delegations will be a lasting memory for them -- part of the legacy which we hope to impart to our youth during this administration.”

The ASG will be held in the City of Marikina from November 29 to December 7, 2014.

ASEAN Integration: Are We Ready to Run with the Tigers?

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It has been years that the Philippines dubbed as the next tiger economy in the region. With the impending broad-based integration amongst member countries, how ready are we to run along with the more established states?

Are We Ready to Run with the Tigers?

The PMAP Annual Conference Directorate (L-R): Senior Adviser and PMAP Past President Barbie Atienza, DPM; Fellowship Sub-Chair Gwen C. Albarraccin; PR and Publicity Sub-Chair Bernardette M. Cunanan; Sub-Chair for Invitation and Protocol Emma Valeros-Cruz; Sub-Chair for Concurrent Sessions Gilbert T. Camasura, AFPM; Conference Chair and PMAP Vice President Luz Co-Laguitao, FPM; PMAP President Atty. Josephus B. Jiminez, FPM; Programs Deputy Chair and PMAP Past President Bong C. Austrero; Ways and Means Director and Past President Lina A. Aseneta, FPM; Ways and Means Sub-Chair and PMAP Secretary Maria Lourdes L. Fernando, FPM; PR and Publicity Director Jesse Francis N. Rebustillo; and Awards Director and PMAP Treasurer Teresita E. Dela Cruz, AFPM. 

The borderless future is today. With it comes a torrent of opportunities and parallel challenges that usher in a more complex and ambiguous world. Some turn to speed as the best response. Others bet on flexibility, and in this introspection find the enormous potential of a network with people at its center. 

Come 2015, that network of potential will realize itself as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) actualizes its vision of an integrated bloc to navigate the intricacies of a globalized world. ASEAN 2015 – the integration of Southeast Asia into one defense, cultural and economic community – signals our collective response to leverage on shared strengths. 

With the aim of helping in strengthening our country’s competitiveness and sustain our growth momentum, the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), the premier organization of people managers and HR professionals in the Philippines, has launched its 51st Annual Conference during the 593rd PMAP General Membership Meeting at Hotel Intercon, Makati City last February 26. This year’s theme is “Running with Tigers: Shared Identity, Common Destiny.”

The 2014 Annual Conference, which will be held at Waterfront Hotel – Lahug in Cebu from 17 to 19 September 2014, zeroes in on this journey as we reach out to our neighboring countries and chart the best business and People Management approaches to strengthen our competitiveness and sustain our growth momentum. We take our place in the league of ASEAN’s economic tigers as we run a race that fosters a shared identity and realize a common destiny. And at the heart of this integration is our belief in ASEAN’s caring and sharing community that values its people and aspires for equitable growth.

During the PMAP GMM, distinguished speakers presented timely topics that serve as drum rolls for bigger things to come at the conference in September. Convergys Corporation Managing Director for Asia and EMEA Marife B. Zamora talked about “Philippines Best HR Practices: What Makes Philippines Stand Out amongst the Other ASEAN Countries.” UP School School of Labor and Industrial Relations Dean Dr. Jonathan P. Sale meanwhile shared “Comparative Analysis of Labor Laws Across Ten ASEAN Nations: From Hiring to Retiring.” 

Faced with these regional and global imperatives, PMAP commits a three-day learning event animated by relevance, novelty and balance which will touch on Strategic HR vs. Operational and Functional HR; Trends vs. Core HR Competencies; Best Practices vs. New Ideas and HR Innovation; Issues and Challenges vs. Skills; Global Mindset vs. Local Pre-occupation; and other relevant topic.

As we brace ourselves for ASEAN 2015, we reaffirm our stand as People Managers and recognize that we are indeed "Running with Tigers" toward a Common Identity and a Shared Destiny.

For any inquiries about the 51st PMAP Annual Conference, please contact PMAP at tel. no. 726-1532 or email pmap@pmap.org.ph.