May 13, 2021

“Taste True Australia” as Robinsons bring Woolworths brand to the Philippines!


Woolworths,
the no. 1 food retailer in Australia, partners with Robinsons Supermarket, The Marketplace and Shopwise to bring to the Philippines the Woolworths brand. The exclusive launch gives Filipino customers the opportunity to “Taste True Australia” introducing over 150 products across various grocery categories.

The Woolworths label will be initially available in 35 stores and will expand to more stores in the next months. Woolworths great selections of Australian honey, crackers, beverage, cereals, pancakes, salad dressings, sauces and pasta will delight the Filipino market. What’s even better is shopping for Woolworths products will be more convenient with just one click with GoRobinsons.ph, the Group’s e-commerce platform. The GoRobinsons mobile app can be downloaded in IOS and Google Play.

“Australia is globally recognized as a reliable supplier of superior quality products so it is with confidence that we bring in world-class products from Woolworths to the Philippines. We want to share with our customers these household favorites from Australia. It has always been our thrust to continue offering new products that will excite our shoppers every time they visit our stores.  Woolworths’ values are also consistent with the Robinsons Supermarket Group’s focus on health and wellness.” said Jody Gadia, Managing Director of Robinsons Retail’s Supermarket Segment.

Andrew Goudie, Woolworths International General Manager said: ‘We are thrilled to partner with the Robinsons Retail’s supermarket group and launch the Woolworths brand throughout the Philippines. Woolworths products reflect changing needs across many popular grocery categories where consumers are looking for not only trusted Australian quality, but healthier options. We are confident the range will be a great addition to Robinsons Supermarket, The Marketplace, and Shopwise stores and we look forward to partnering with Robinsons Retail to deliver Woolworths product innovations into the Philippines.”

Australia and the Woolworths brand are globally renowned for being a trusted supplier of safe, quality Australian products that adhere to strict, world-leading manufacturing standards. Woolworths has also embraced the trend towards healthier eating and is committed to innovation, ensuring products are produced with no artificial flavors and colors, reduced salts, sugar and fats, and more whole grains and fibers - meaning food that’s better for you.

Australian Ambassador Steven J. Robinson AO said:  "I am very pleased that products from the Woolworths brand are now available locally.  This partnership between Woolworths and Robinsons Retail Group adds to strengthening the ties between our countries, especially as we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of diplomatic relations. I look forward to Australians and Filipinos enjoying these products as much as Woolworths’s customers do across their stores in Australia.”

Now, for a limited time only you too can ‘Taste True Australia’ with a Woolworths exclusive launch promotion, offering a FREE Woolworths Foldable Shopping Basket with any minimum spend of PHP3000 which includes PHP500 of Woolworths products.

Established in 1924, Woolworths is Australia’s most valuable brand with over 1,000 supermarkets in the continent.

May 12, 2021

PHINLA conducts Waste Bank Forum, introduces BinBank mobile app to improve waste collection system

The concept of cash from trash is not new to most people, especially since waste banks have been established to manage materials that can still be recycled. However, proper and effective management of these facilities might be a different story.

To help local government units (LGUs) improve their ecological solid waste management systems, the PHINLA Global Program rolled out its Cooperative Waste Bank Forum this February and March across Quezon City, Davao City, and Cagayan de Oro City.

Rey Palacio, PHINLA Waste Management Specialist, explained that operating a waste bank requires the cooperation of household members, waste collectors, material recovery facility (MRF) managers, recycling companies, and LGUs.

More importantly, Palacio discussed that a waste bank is not only a repository of materials. Waste management through waste banks can increase the income of poor people in the community, assist local governments in empowering communities to manage waste wisely and reduce waste for disposal, and help community members initiate their own income-generating project or program that can be incorporated from waste bank scheme of managing waste.

PHINLA team also introduced the BinBank mobile application, developed by World Vision to facilitate easier collection of materials that can be deposited to MRFs. Using the application, community members can request the nearest waste collector to pick up their recyclables in no time. Schedules can be arranged through the app. Deposited items and their monetary equivalent will also be recorded in the holder's account. “The BinBank Application is aimed to improve the collection and transportation of the recyclables in our communities as well as increase the volume of waste collected, thus increase in the waste banks’ profit. Members can input the data electronically and monitor it in real-time at the comfort of their homes,” said PHINLA Program Coordinator Joben Asuncion.

Waste worker explores BinBank through their personal smartphones.


Empowering waste collectors

Most of the forum participants admitted that waste collection is their only source of income and saving money has not been a priority—something that PHINLA seeks to change. More than equipping them with technical know-how, PHINLA also wants to develop the discipline of finding income opportunities in the resources available to them.

One of such opportunities is establishing a community-based savings group among waste collectors and barangay health workers. Michael Macabasag, World Vision Development Foundation Program Officer, shared how joining such group allowed him to recover from a financial crisis. "Ni singkong duling walang wala talaga kami noon," Mike recalled. He even remembered asking a papaya from a neighbor just so his family can survive before his next expected salary. One time, he borrowed Php 50 from a friend but had a hard time paying it. “Naiiyak na ako noon. Hiyang hiya ako sa sarili ko, hiyang hiya ako sa asawa ko. Wala man lang akong singkwenta pesos.”

It could have disheartened Mike, but he looked at it as a motivation to look for other sources of income. Mike then joined World Vision’s Community Managed Savings and Credit Association (CoMSCA) and has since helped organize more than 200 CoMSCA groups in his hometown in Laurel, Batangas. Now, Mike pays it forward by helping PHINLA beneficiaries do the same. "Kaya nating baguhin ang kalagayan natin," Mike shared.

Eduardo Ablazo, head barangay health worker of Barangay Bagong Silangan, Quezon City, was among those who was deeply moved by Mike’s personal story. “Nakita ko ang kahalagahan ng pag iipon. Dito ko rin narinig kung paano tulungan ang sarili kong umahon sa kahirapan para matulungan ko rin ang iba,” said Ablazo.

PHINLA is set to conduct more virtual training activities to continue empowering members of waste banks and waste collector associations and to assist the stakeholders in drafting procedures and regulations pertaining to the waste bank’s relations as well as dealings with the collectors and concerned recycling companies.

More than 70 waste collectors and members of BESWMC from Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Quezon City participated in the event.

PHINLA stands for the Philippines, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka: the three countries implementing the Global Program to Develop Livelihood for Poverty-affected Population through a Multi-sectoral Established and Monitored Waste Management System. It is a partnership project of World Vision Development Foundation and EcoWaste Coalition.

PhilPop 2021 adapts to the new normal with digital songwriting bootcamp

PhilPop returns this year with a digital bootcamp that puts a spotlight on up-and-coming songwriters and composers in the Philippines.

Now ready to implement a more inclusive but intensive approach to mentorship and training, the country’s premier songwriting institution will be holding a 14-week program for aspiring participants to learn and further hone their skills in the field of songwriting, marketing and branding, recording and arrangement, intellectual property rights, music appreciation, and more.

Dubbed “PhilPop 2021 DigiCamp: Music Breaking Borders,” the songwriting mentorship campaign will push through in a virtual setting to adapt to the new normal and offer a positive learning experience for attendees even at the comforts of their home. 

With the challenges of mounting a bootcamp in the time of pandemic, PhilPop remains committed in being at the forefront of empowering the future generation of recording stars and industry professionals, and ensure that these dreams and aspirations are not halted even by unfavorable circumstances. “We decided to carry on with the camp because we feel, more than ever, now is the perfect time to reach out to a lot of songwriters who are constrained at home due to the pandemic, PhilPop Executive Director Dinah Remolacio said in a statement. “Artists are becoming more productive and creative at home, and we believe that the digital sphere will enable PhilPop to reach these special group of people who want to further educate themselves and who want to be mentored in pursuing their dreams.”

PhilPop Program and Marketing Manager Gab Cabangon explains that apart from the technical requirements such as preparing and updating the website for the DigiCamp, PhilPop is also collaborating with some of the coaches and partners in creating a music curriculum and program suited to a virtual environment. “This includes developing pre-recorded lectures, brainstorming exercises that can be done online, and identifying the ideal session format for each topic. Teaching and mentoring online requires a shift in how we approach the camp this year.”

This year’s coaches, mentors, speakers, and consultants include some of the biggest names in the music industry such as Ryan Cayabyab, Noel Cabangon, Thyro Alfaro, Marlon Barnuevo, Trina Belamide, Jungee Marcelo, Ben&Ben’s Paolo and Miguel Guico, and more.

Apart from the transition from a physical camp to a digital camp, Gab Cabangon takes pride of PhilPop’s more expansive programming that were not included in the previous iteration of the songwriting workshop. He shares, “The DigiCamp this year will also include benefits such as music production and music release opportunities for fellows who participate in this program. Lastly, there’s going to be a lot more concrete outputs that will be expected from the songwriters who will apply for this program.”

For those who want to be part of this year’s PhilPop 2021 DigiCamp: Music Breaking Borders, log on to PhilPop’s official site to register. Application period starts from May 7 to June 25, 2021.

The digital songwriting bootcamp application  is open to all Filipinos 16 years old and above before June 9, 2021. Applicant must have a Smart mobile number for log-in purposes and special announcements. Basic music and songwriting knowledge is a must. 

Those who are interested to join should be a Filipino citizen and must have sufficient wi-fi capabilities for all online activities.

PhilPop 2021 DigiCamp: Music Breaking Borders is an initiative of the PhilPop Music Foundation, chaired by Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan. This year's virtual event is co-presented by MAYNILAD, SMART, MULTISYS, TUNECORE and BELIEVE.


All-New ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 Series Arrives in the Philippines

ASUS Philippines pulled out all the stops to #WowTheWorld, introducing the brand’s latest showstopping devices, the ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 (TP470) and (TM420). Drawing inspiration from themes that reflect the ideas and attitudes of today’s youth, a.k.a. the Gen Z, the all-new ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 Series are a pair of powerful and premium devices that makes you #FliptheFuture with is stunning 360-degree ErgoLift hinge. The features of both laptops enable its users to experience maximum performance and immersive visuals, all in an amazingly lightweight chassis, allowing you to work, create play and learn anytime, anywhere! And with the growing popularity of the mainstream VivoBook laptops, ASUS Philippines also partnered with some of the country’s most sensational content creators, who likewise showcase and embody the traits and ideals of the Gen Z.


ASUS VIVOBOOK FLIP 14 (TP470)



Exclusive ASUS 360° ErgoLift Hinge

ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 (TP470) features the exclusive 360° ErgoLift hinge design, which allows the display to be flipped to any position such as laptop mode, tent mode, stand mode or even in a tablet mode according to your usage requirements. It gives you the versatility to work or relax using any mode you choose. The durability of the hinge design was tested with over 20,000 open/close cycles. The ErgoLift design tilts the keyboard automatically when the laptop is opened. This design not only allows you to type more comfortably, but also increases the ventilation space under the chassis for improved heat dissipation.

Elite Components

ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 (TP470) is powered by up to a quad core 11th Generation Intel® Core™ i7-1165G7 processor with Intel Iris Xe Max, Intel’s first dedicated graphics processor, for efficient multitasking and content creation on the go. ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 (TP470) also supports up to 16 GB of memory as well as Thunderbolt™ 4, HDMI 1.4 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports. All these options ensure comprehensive connectivity.

ASUS Intelligent Performance Technology

The new ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 (TP470) features ASUS Intelligent Performance Technology (AIPT) that dynamically adjusts power consumption according to the loading status and temperatures, to optimize power consumption efficiency and to achieve quieter operation and cooler temperatures.

Combined with the exceptional thermal design of ASUS laptops, ASUS Intelligent Performance Technology significantly increases processor efficiency and improve performance by up to 40%. This means it gives you an all-day battery life while also having a quitter and cooler laptop experience.

Immersive NanoEdge Display with ASUS Pen Support

Enjoy the FHD touchscreen display of the ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 that is incredibly slim at 6.72 mm, with NanoEdge bezels with 178° viewing angle. It also comes with an ASUS Pen great choice for creativity, note-taking and innate editing in any supported app.

Uncompromised productivity features and free MS Office

ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 features a high-quality battery to keep you going for longer, providing nearly 10 hours* of battery life on a single charge. Despite its compact form factor, the new ASUS VivoBook Flip series features a comfortable, full size keyboard with 1.4 mm key travel and backlight, as well as a touchpad with fingerprint sensor. It also comes with 1 x Thunderbolt™ 4 USB-C®. Not only that, but it also comes with a free lifetime license of Microsoft Office Home & Student 2019! These are range of features designed to keep you productive all day long.

 

ASUS VIVOBOOK FLIP 14 (TM420)



Exclusive ASUS 360° ErgoLift Hinge

ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 (TM420) features the exclusive 360° ErgoLift hinge design, which allows the display to be flipped to any position such as laptop mode, tent mode, stand mode or even in a tablet mode according to your usage requirements. It gives you the versatility to work or relax using any mode you choose. The durability of the hinge design was tested with over 20,000 open/close cycles. The ErgoLift design tilts the keyboard automatically when the laptop is opened. This design not only allows you to type more comfortably, but also increases the ventilation space under the chassis for improved heat dissipation.

Extremely Powerful Elements

The biggest difference of the ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 (TM420) is that it is powered by an up to an AMD Ryzen™ 5 5500U mobile processors with integrated Radeon™ Graphics for efficient multitasking and productivity on the go. Each model features an array of I/O ports to ensure compatibility with a wide range of peripherals. VivoBook Flip 14 also feature superfast Intel® WiFi 6 with Gig+ (802.11ax).

Immersive NanoEdge Display with ASUS Pen Support

It also bags the FHD touchscreen display and is incredibly slim at 6.72 mm, with NanoEdge bezels with 178° viewing angle. It also comes with an ASUS Pen excellent choice for casual creativity, note-taking and effortless editing in any supported app.

Astonishing Design

The ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 (TM420) is incredibly lightweight at only 1.5kg, ultra-compact for on-the-go productivity. Its portable and easy to carry. Aside from that, it is also sleek with an aluminum alloy chassis in Bespoke Black finish, allowing for enhanced heat dissipation and better durability. These features give you a stand-out look, anytime, anywhere!

 

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

The ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 (TP470) powered by the latest 11th Gen Intel Core processor is priced at just Php 69,995 for the i7 variant and Php 49,995 for the i5 variant.­ The ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 (TM420) on the other hand is powered by the latest AMD Ryzen R5-5500U mobile processor is price at just Php 42,995. Both laptops come bundled with ASUS Nereus Backpack and ASUS Pen with magnetic holder. The ASUS VivoBook Flip series are now available in your nearest ASUS Concept Stores nationwide as well as through the official online stores in Lazada, Shopee, and E-store. Incase you missed the launch, click here: http://bit.ly/FlipTheFutureLaunch 









Safe and Fair Philippines advocates for ending violence and ensuring jobs and rights for Filipina OFWs in a new and better normal

MANILA, Philippines - All throughout history, women have continuously played vital roles in their communities. In today’s context, we have seen their strength in full display as hardworking healthcare workers, caregivers, domestic workers, innovators, community organizers, and effective national leaders, among many others. Yet, despite their numerous contributions in the labor sector, many remain at risk having to deal with persistent problems such as discrimination, the gender wage gap, and violence.


That is why Safe and Fair Philippines, through its Babaeng BiyaHero Campaign, is recognizing the many contributions women have made to uplift their communities during these challenging times, most especially for those abroad who continue to work at the front lines. In celebration of International Month of Labor, the group hosted “Babaeng BiyaHero Bida Talks: Pinay Migrant Workers Advancing a Better Normal in the World of Work”, a roundtable discussion featuring women overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who gave their take on the most pressing labor issues that women face today, sharing their personal experiences in dealing with these issues and the work they are doing to promote decent work and a better normal for their fellow migrant workers.

Hosted by Suzi Entrata-Abrera, the panel was also joined by the Safe and Fair Programme team who presented the latest initiatives to support the welfare and protection of women migrant workers, including the Babaeng BiyaHero helpline and mobile app, and advocated for the legislative proposal for gender-responsive protocols in addressing COVID-19.

Better ways of working for the new way of living

Even before the pandemic, thousands of OFWs, majority women, reported gender-based violence (GBV) each year. With the pandemic, they are placed at greater risk for further violence when they are left locked in with abusive employers with barriers in accessing immediate supportive services from their embassies and consulates. The situation today has only highlighted the disproportionate burdens that they carry in and out of the workplace. As of April, more than a quarter-million Filipina OFWs, many of whom are domestic workers have been displaced, repatriated, and are faced with an even more difficult situation of either struggling financially or remaining unemployed when they come back home.

Thankfully, organizations such as the United Domestic Workers of the Philippines (UNITED), Migrants Coordinating Group in Western Visayas, and BATIS Center for Women offer hope for Filipina workers.  Created by fellow women migrant workers, these groups aim to support returning OFWs by helping them find sustainable solutions to their financial struggles whether it is through seeking government aid or securing local employment opportunities, among others.

Novelita Palisoc, National President of UNITED shared, “At UNITED we help migrant domestic workers and local domestic workers who face abuse (through coordination of repatriation and other supportive services). We also offer support through mutual aid for deceased members and their families. And as a matter of institutionalization, we negotiate social benefits of domestic workers.”

Women migrant workers are also encouraged to check out the Babaeng BiyaHero helpline and mobile app that assists women by providing them with essential information and services to help them in times of distress or emergency, whether in their countries-of-destination or in the Philippines. These include psychological support and responsive services.

“Since last year, the Babaeng BiyaHero Helpline has responded to requests for assistance due to contract violations, sexual harassment cases, medical repatriation, need for information on livelihood assistance through gender-responsive, survivor-centered, trauma-informed case management, provision of remote psychological first aid, counseling, referral services in coordination with government agencies mandated to extend assistance to migrant workers. Aside from migrant workers, we also provide psychosocial support to frontline workers including health workers, social welfare, police officers, and other service providers responding to the needs of women migrant workers subject to violence,” Bing Fortin, Babaeng BiyaHero Psychosocial Social Support Team Lead shared.

The work on women’s rights
As the government continues to formulate rehabilitation programs to address the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential that the rights of women, both here and abroad, be at the heart of their planning, decision-making, and implementation. In every aspect of labor, women deserve to be heard and to have a better working environment, and now is as perfect a time as ever with the new Gender Responsive and Inclusive Pandemic Management Act of 2021 or “SB 2088 and HB 9059” having been filed last month and now pending legislative approval. The bill addresses the gender-differentiated needs of women including the needs of women migrant workers with provisions on the prevention of and response to gender-based violence; and aims to ensure that government agencies have enough power to act on the following:

  1. Monitoring and data gathering on the realities of women relating to gender-based violence/violence at work.
  2. Responding to and eliminating gender-based violence/violence at work against women and girls through pandemic policy and decision making, planning, and programming.
  3. Developing guidelines on practices, protocols, coordination and networking, and education of first responders.
  4. Ensuring that communications systems, referral systems, protection mechanisms and measures on access to justice and effective remedies by women subject to gender-based violence/violence at work continue to operate during a pandemic.
  5. Providing shelter and security, resources and support to women and girls subject to violence; and
  6. Enabling sufficient and effective institutional response for preventing gender-based violence/violence at work during a pandemic.

“We urge our legislators to make the swift enactment of the proposed Gender Responsive and Inclusive Pandemic Management Act of 2021 a priority. Time is of the essence - we are facing the impact of the pandemic which disproportionately affects marginalized groups of women especially women migrant workers. Gender-based violence continues to persist across different spheres - within the homes, the workplace (including abroad), and in public spaces. In celebration of the Labor Month, let this be our tribute to and recognition of the contribution of women migrant workers to our country,” said Charisse Jordan, National Project Officer, UN Women, Safe and Fair Philippines.

Additionally, the national government presented its National Employment Recovery Strategy (NERS) at the Labor Day Job Summit; this includes detailed action plans for the next two years in support of OFWs to get employment, income, livelihood, skills development, or reintegration support. Another instrument that will be essential in a new and better normal, which can strengthen efforts in eliminating violence and harassment in the world of work, is the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 190, which workers and migrant groups are advocating for the Philippines to ratify.

“The government launched the NERS on May 1st, which includes priority budgetary and job recovery actions of the government for OFWs.  Also, the government and tripartite partners have started efforts to push for the ratification of the ILO Convention 190 on ending violence and harassment in the world of work. OFWs need to remain vigilant in pushing for these,” said Rex Varona, National Project Coordinator, ILO, Safe and Fair Philippines.

 

The Babaeng BiyaHero campaign calls on government officials, stakeholders, communities, and migrant workers themselves to promote a more equitable, safe, fair, and better normal for every Filipina by ensuring that they are equipped with the knowledge and capability to access effective and timely services that will support them throughout their migration experience. By working together, Safe and Fair Philippines hopes to ensure that a new and better normal is anchored on decent work, gender equality, freedom from violence, and safe and fair labour migration for all Filipino women workers.

 

Visit and follow the Safe and Fair Philippines Facebook page for more information and the latest updates. Go to the Babaeng BiyaHero website for more information about the situation of Filipina migrant workers, or if you need to contact or report any incidents.

 


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