SOCIAL MEDIA

Jollibee Group Bags Prestigious Award at Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards

Wednesday, November 26, 2025


In a time when Filipinos expect brands to go beyond marketing and truly give back, the Jollibee Group once again proves that responsible business can create real, measurable impact. The homegrown global company has earned a Bronze award at the 11th Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards (ASRA), shining a spotlight on how its community programs are transforming lives across the Philippines and beyond.

This recognition is not just a win for the company, it’s a reminder of how Filipino businesses can lead with purpose on the Asian stage.

Jollibee Group Wins Bronze for Community Impact Reporting

The Jollibee Group was awarded Bronze in the Community Impact Reporting category during the ASRA ceremony held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Singapore on October 24, 2025.

Representing the company were Global Chief Sustainability Officer Pepot Miñana, Global Sustainability Assistant Vice President Elise Veloso, and Global Sustainability Senior Manager Josh Baquiran.

The award reflects the company’s strong commitment to reporting sustainability initiatives with transparency, accountability, and a clear demonstration of community benefits—elements that earned the nod of international evaluators.

Sustainability Rooted in Purpose and People

In discussing the achievement, Jollibee Group’s Global Chief Sustainability Officer Pipot Miñana shared that sustainability reporting serves as an important lens to assess real-world impact. He emphasized that the company’s progress stems from meaningful actions that uplift people and protect the planet.

According to him, the award validates the belief that “real progress is built on purpose when every step forward brings positive change for people and the planet.”

ASRA: The Gold Standard in Sustainability Reporting

The Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards is considered the most prestigious awards program in Asia for sustainability reporting excellence. Organized by CSRWorks International, the awards follow a rigorous multi-step evaluation process that includes:
  • Detailed assessments
  • Peer reviews
  • Reputation checks

This year’s competition featured companies from 17 countries, and reports were evaluated based on their clarity, transparency, credibility, and alignment with globally recognized standards such as GRI, ISSB, and TCFD.

ASRA founder Rajesh Chhabara said the Jollibee Group stood out for its strong commitment to transparency, noting that the company clearly understands how sustainability performance builds long-term value and trust.

Strengthening Trust Through Responsible Action

The Jollibee Group’s latest achievement reinforces that business success and social responsibility can and should go hand in hand. Through its community-centered initiatives, the company continues to build trust among employees, partners, and the many communities it serves.

It’s a proud moment for a Filipino brand making waves internationally not just for its iconic Chickenjoy, but for proving that global impact starts with genuine care for people.

As sustainability becomes a growing expectation among Filipino consumers, the Jollibee Group’s recognition at ASRA is a strong example of how brands can lead through authenticity and purpose. For readers, this is an encouraging reminder that companies you support are becoming more accountable and that our everyday choices can uplift those pushing for positive change.

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BCG Study: What Filipino Families Prioritize Most



In a country where family is the heart of everything, from decision-making to financial survival, it’s no surprise that Filipinos continue to reshape what “security” truly means. A new nationwide study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) uncovers how Pinoy households are balancing everyday struggles with long-term dreams, revealing a portrait of resilience, practicality, and shared responsibility.

If you’ve ever wondered what truly drives Filipino families today and how businesses should respond, this research offers a clearer picture than ever before.

What Matters Most to Filipino Families Today

According to BCG’s newly released report The Filipino Family, health and financial stability remain at the top of every household’s priority list. Out of 1,515 families surveyed (a total of 6,387 individuals), these stood out:
  • 70% prioritize being financially prepared for health emergencies
  • 68% want to build a substantial savings fund
  • 64% say improving nutrition and food quality matters most

These priorities reflect a blend of practicality and care, core Filipino values passed from one generation to the next.

During the report presentation, BCG Manila Managing Director and Senior Partner Anthony Oundjian emphasized that the study offers a rare, data-driven lens into how families actually function. He shared that understanding Filipino consumers means understanding the family as a collective decision-maker not separate individuals.

Health Security Is the Biggest Fear Across Households

The report reveals a sobering reality: 7 out of 10 families fear medical emergencies more than any other financial setback.

And the worry is justified.

BCG found that 64% of households cannot afford a ₱10,000 hospital bill without borrowing or relying on health insurance.

Oundjian explained that families repeatedly shared how easily a medical crisis can undo years of savings and progress making health protection a make-or-break concern.

Six Types of Filipino Families, Six Unique Realities

BCG identified six major household structures, each with different needs and stress points:

1. Single-Earner Nuclear Families (20%)

One parent earns while the other handles the household—clear roles, but often financially stretched.

2. Dual-Earner Nuclear Families (23%)

Couples practice toka-toka, dividing responsibilities and making decisions jointly.

3. Solo Parent Families (14%)

One parent manages both breadwinning and caregiving—time becomes the scarcest resource.

4. DINKs – Dual Income, No Kids (4%)

Couples focusing on stability and experiences, often treating pets like children.

5. Sandwich Families (11%)

The “gitnang henerasyon” balances raising kids while supporting aging parents.

6. Extended Families (21%)

Multi-generational setups with shared responsibilities—supportive but complex.

BCG Managing Director Julian Cua noted that these aren’t simple categories—they’re distinct economic units with unique needs. A solution for a DINK household, for example, won’t work for a sandwich family supporting three generations.

Family Decision-Making Is Always Collaborative

Whether it's buying groceries, picking a school, or planning a big purchase, Filipino families rarely make decisions alone. The process is collective, thoughtful, and viewed as an act of care.

BCG’s research highlights gender patterns too:
  • Women often manage savings, budgeting, and day-to-day spending.
  • Men usually handle investments and long-term finances.

Still, decisions are intertwined across members—reflecting the “tulong-tulong” culture deeply rooted in Filipino homes.

OFWs Remain Strong Decision-Makers Despite the Distance

Even across oceans, OFWs remain active voices in household decisions.

BCG found that over half of OFWs participate in key family matters, and many contribute up to three-fourths of household income through remittances.

Digital communication keeps them woven into the family’s daily choices—a role many businesses fail to design for, according to the report.

What This Means for Businesses and Policymakers

The report lays out five major implications for brands and institutions:

1. Households—not individuals—are the true consumers

Apps, products, and services should be designed for shared decision-making.

2. Health is the household’s biggest vulnerability

There is a need for real family-based health coverage, not individual plans with dependents.

3. Filipino aspirations are simple but meaningful

Families want dignity: better meals, small treats, worry-free weekends—not luxury lifestyles.

4. Family structures shape financial behavior

Businesses must segment offerings based on family type, not just income or age.

5. Migration transforms families but keeps them intact

OFW involvement remains strong, yet few financial products are built to support distributed decision-making.

BCG Principal and report co-author Lance Katigbak shared that the study challenges companies to stop treating Filipinos as isolated consumers. He stressed that families simply want systems aligned with how they genuinely live.

At the end of the day, the Filipino family is not just a social unit—it’s our country’s economic engine, emotional core, and foundation of care. This study is a reminder that when businesses truly understand Filipino households, they create solutions that uplift lives, empower families, and drive long-term impact.

As consumers, it also encourages us to reflect on our own family patterns—how we make decisions, what we value, and how we can advocate for products and policies designed with real Filipino realities in mind.
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Iloilo City Launches Project AGUBAY for Smarter Waste Management


When you think of Iloilo City, you picture its rich culture, warm people, and beautifully preserved heritage. But like many fast-growing cities in the Philippines, it’s fighting a major waste management challenge. With over 314 metric tons of garbage produced daily, the need for smarter, more efficient systems has never been more urgent. That’s why the launch of Project AGUBAY is such a big win — not just for Ilonggos, but for any city looking to build a cleaner, more sustainable future.

A Community-Centered Approach to Waste Management

Iloilo City, home to nearly half a million residents, continues to grapple with plastic pollution across its rivers and coastal areas. To help address this, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Inc. (CCFPI), Central Philippine University (CPU), and the Iloilo City Government joined forces to introduce Project AGUBAY, a data-driven Solid Waste Management Information System (SWM-IS) that spans all 180 barangays.

The name AGUBAY, an Ilonggo term that means “to support, guide, or help,” also represents its vision: Awareness, Guidance, Unity, Biodiversity, Action, and Yield.

Why Iloilo City Needed a Smarter Solution

Years of rising plastic use  especially during the pandemic strained the city’s waste infrastructure, including material recovery facilities that weren’t operating at full capacity. With 26 barangays situated in riverine and coastal zones, the environmental impact has been even more pronounced.

In a statement, Cecile Alcantara, President of CCFPI, emphasized the project’s inclusive vision, noting that Project AGUBAY ensures no barangay gets left behind by combining digital innovation with community empowerment.

How Project AGUBAY’s SWM-IS Works

At the heart of the project is the Solid Waste Management Information System, a centralized digital platform designed to:

Strengthen planning in 152 barangays

Helps barangays formulate and update their Ecological Solid Waste Management programs based on real-time data.

Build a citywide waste database

Provides a single platform for tracking, reporting, and governance, a first for Iloilo.

Improve collection and segregation

Deploys Barangay Material Recovery System (BMRS) tools to boost diversion and recycling.

Boost digital literacy and accountability

Through CPU-led training, barangay officials learn how to track and electronically submit their reports.

Project Lead Dr. Mary O’ Penetrante of CPU shared that every barangay has its own unique waste challenges. With real-time data at their fingertips, they can finally design solutions that match community needs instead of relying on guesswork.

Digital Tools Empowering Local Leaders

With the SWM-IS now in motion, barangay leaders can better monitor their waste activities, while the City General Services Office can respond faster and more strategically. This creates a smoother, more transparent line of communication between all stakeholders, a big step forward in strengthening accountability and sustainability.

Photos from the orientation and digital training show barangay officials enthusiastically learning the new system, a promising sign for long-term adoption.

A Model Other Cities Can Follow

Project AGUBAY is expected to be formally turned over to the Iloilo City Government by January 2026, ensuring long-term continuity even after the grant period. If successful, it could serve as a blueprint for other Philippine cities looking to modernize their waste systems.

As CCFPI emphasized, the initiative reinforces their mission to support improved waste collection, sorting, and recycling through collective action, something that’s becoming increasingly vital for urban communities nationwide.

A Digital Step Toward a Cleaner Future

Project AGUBAY is a powerful reminder that when LGUs, private organizations, and schools work together, real change happens. If Iloilo can make digital waste management work across 180 diverse barangays, it could inspire cities across the country to follow suit.

If you're an Ilonggo, now’s the perfect time to get involved  starting with proper segregation and supporting your barangay’s waste initiatives. Small local actions, backed by smart digital tools, can lead to big environmental wins.
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Schneider Electric Pushes for Safer, Smarter Electrical Systems as Fire Risks Rise in the Philippines

Tuesday, November 25, 2025


Filipino homes and buildings are getting busier as more appliances, more gadgets, more daily energy needs. But while our lifestyles have evolved, many electrical systems haven’t. With fire incidents linked to outdated wiring and overloaded circuits steadily increasing, Schneider Electric is calling for a nationwide shift toward safer, smarter, and more resilient electrical design. For homeowners, developers, and property managers, this is a wake-up call: electrical safety is no longer optional.

The Alarming Reality: Outdated Wiring Still Puts Filipinos at Risk

Despite modern living demands, many properties still rely on old, undersized, and poorly maintained electrical setups. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has identified overloaded circuits, undersized wiring, and even the common “octopus connection” as top causes of electrical fires. In 2024, the country logged 1,800 more fire incidents caused by electrical faults compared to the year before.

With Filipinos using more appliances such as AC units, water heaters, work-from-home devices, gaming rigs, many systems simply can’t keep up.

Schneider Electric, a global energy technology leader with over 30 years in the Philippines, stresses that the solution lies in stronger, scalable, and future-ready electrical design.

Five Must-Have Elements for a Safer, Stronger Electrical Foundation

Schneider Electric highlights five key priorities that should guide today’s electrical planning for homes, businesses, and industrial facilities.

1. Proper Circuit Protection = Reduced Fire Risk

Modern appliances draw higher loads, making circuit protection more important than ever. Schneider Electric emphasizes the use of automatic circuit breakers that quickly detect faults and shut down power to prevent fires, shocks, and equipment damage.

Their products like Easy9, EasyPact EZC, and MVS circuit breakers are designed to respond rapidly to dangerous electrical conditions — a crucial safeguard for condos, offices, malls, and factories.

2. Backup Power is Essential for Business Continuity

Power interruptions aren’t just an inconvenience, they’re expensive. Consumer advocacy group ILAW reports that MSMEs lose ₱10,000 to ₱30,000 per day, while large businesses can lose up to ₱100,000 daily due to outages.

To minimize losses, Schneider Electric recommends using APC Easy UPS and Easy UPS On–Line, which offer automatic backup and surge protection for critical equipment. MSMEs, call centers, clinics, and data-driven businesses can stay operational even during grid fluctuations.

3. Real-Time Energy Monitoring Helps Cut Costs

The Department of Energy recorded ₱400 million in savings from energy efficiency programs in early 2024, proof that smart monitoring works.

Schneider Electric’s Power Monitoring Expert provides businesses with real-time updates, alerts, carbon tracking, and even WAGES (water, air, gas, electricity, steam) insights. These data points help organizations optimize operations, reduce waste, and make smarter financial decisions.

4. Avoid Risks by Using Certified, Durable Switches & Sockets

In 2025, the Department of Trade and Industry seized ₱134 million worth of uncertified electrical products  many linked to fire and electrocution hazards.

Schneider Electric stresses the importance of safe, durable components. Their AvatarOn A line includes universal sockets, child-proof shutters, USB ports, and heat-resistant materials  ideal for Filipino households that value both function and aesthetic.

5. Scalable, Sustainable Power for Digital-Driven Businesses

With more companies relying on data centers and cloud-based tools, power infrastructure must be scalable. Schneider Electric’s Easy UPS 3-Phase Modular offers live swap capability, letting facilities upgrade power modules without shutting down operations  perfect for banks, hospitals, logistics hubs, and IT parks.

This flexibility supports the country’s growing digital economy while ensuring safety and efficiency.

Strengthening Electrical Safety for Filipino Communities

Schneider Electric Philippines Country Solutions Head Harold Lim underscores that well-designed electrical systems are essential for community safety and business continuity. He stresses that proper electrical planning “prevents hazards, protects people and property, and supports national development.”

With global recognition as Time Magazine and Statista’s World’s Most Sustainable Company, Schneider Electric continues to champion solutions that help Filipinos build safer, smarter, and more energy-resilient spaces.

Modern Living Needs Modern Electrical Design

Electrical safety is a long-term investment. Whether you're building a new home, upgrading an office, or managing a commercial property, choosing certified components and future-ready systems will save money, prevent fires, and give you peace of mind.

If you’ve been delaying an electrical upgrade, now is the time to act. A safer home  and community  starts with smarter choices.
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TP Philippines Scores Double Wins at the 2025 Asian Technology Excellence Awards


Filipino excellence in tech takes center stage once again as TP in the Philippines—part of global digital services leader Teleperformance—brings home two major awards at the Asian Technology Excellence Awards (ATEA) 2025. In an era where AI and analytics shape the future of customer experience, these wins spotlight how the Philippines remains at the forefront of world-class digital innovation.

For industries relying heavily on customer engagement like e-commerce, retail, fintech, and telecommunications, TP’s award-winning technologies signal a stronger, smarter, and more efficient customer support ecosystem right here in the country.

Award-Winning AI: TP.AI FAB Leads the Way in Intelligent Automation

TP received the Philippines Technology Excellence Award for AI – Business Services for its TP.AI FAB platform, an in-house AI orchestration solution designed to merge automation with human expertise.

This advanced engine allows organizations to deploy AI at scale, making processes faster, smarter, and more efficient. Through this innovation, businesses can automate high-volume tasks while ensuring human judgment remains central to critical decisions.

In essence, TP.AI FAB gives companies the power to streamline operations without sacrificing accuracy or the quality of customer interactions.

Data-Driven Customer Experience: TP Interact Wins Big for Analytics–Retail

TP also bagged the Philippines Technology Excellence Award for Analytics – Retail for TP Interact, its next-generation analytics and quality automation tool powered by Generative AI.

TP Interact:
  • transcribes conversations across channels,
  • analyzes them in real time, and
  • automatically scores interactions for quality and customer intent.

This means businesses get clearer insights faster, allowing them to enhance customer journeys, improve team performance, and identify growth opportunities all through one intelligent platform.

With retail and e-commerce booming in the Philippines, tools like TP Interact are helping brands keep up with evolving customer expectations while staying competitive in a digital-first landscape.

Raising the Bar for Customer Experience in the Philippines

These back-to-back awards highlight TP’s commitment to shaping the future of customer experience through AI-powered solutions and data-driven decision-making. Their innovations continue to help organizations achieve measurable results from greater operational efficiency to more personalized and impactful customer interactions.

For a market like the Philippines, where customer service excellence is a major economic driver, TP’s recognition reinforces the country’s growing influence in the global digital services industry.

TP’s double win at ATEA 2025 proves how far AI and analytics have come—and how Filipino teams are leading the charge in redefining customer experience. As businesses move toward automation and hybrid intelligence, innovations like TP.AI FAB and TP Interact will play an even bigger role in shaping the future.
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RCBC and Taptap Send Partner to Simplify Global Remittances

Sunday, November 23, 2025


Sending money back home just got easier for overseas Filipinos. RCBC has teamed up with digital money transfer service Taptap Send to expand global remittance options across the USA, Canada, Europe, UK, UAE, and Australia. This partnership brings faster, more secure, and convenient ways for Filipinos abroad to support their families in the Philippines.

Expanding Digital Remittances Worldwide

With 75% of remittances now sent through digital platforms, the Philippines received a record $38.34 billion in inflows last year. RCBC Transaction Banking Group Head Martin Tirol highlighted that this partnership strengthens the bank’s mission to provide accessible financial services to overseas Filipinos and their families.

Through this collaboration, RCBC can now reach new sending corridors while integrating approximately 500,000 new clients into its remittance system. By joining forces with Taptap Send, a mobile-first money transfer platform operating in major sending regions, RCBC further enhances its global digital remittance infrastructure.

“Overseas Filipinos deserve swift, secure, and convenient options for sending money home,” Tirol said. He emphasized that this partnership equips kababayans with innovative financial tools, helping them achieve long-term financial goals and plan for the future.

For recipients in the Philippines, this translates to faster transfers, reliable service, and access to RCBC’s advanced digital banking solutions, making remittances simpler and more seamless than ever.

RCBC: A Trusted Partner in Financial Connectivity

Currently the 5th largest privately-owned universal bank in the Philippines, RCBC has been recognized for Best Bank for Customer Service. With its robust remittance network and advanced digital capabilities, the bank continues to redefine how Filipinos move money across borders. Through online banking and customer-centric solutions, RCBC ensures that global remittances are not only efficient but also secure and reliable.

For more information on RCBC’s remittance services, visit RCBC Remit.

For overseas Filipinos, sending support to loved ones is more than a transaction—it’s a lifeline. With RCBC and Taptap Send, families can count on timely, reliable, and convenient money transfers, empowering them to plan, save, and thrive no matter where they are in the world.


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St. Peter Chapels Honored at NFDA for 14 Years of Excellence


When it comes to compassionate care, St. Peter Chapels continues to set the standard in the Philippines. The funeral service pioneer recently showcased Filipino expertise on the global stage at the 2025 NFDA International Convention and Expo in Chicago, USA, earning international recognition for its dedication to professionalism, empathy, and community service.

99 Delegates Represent the Philippines Abroad

From October 26 to 29, 2025, 99 St. Peter delegates attended the prestigious convention, connecting with funeral service professionals worldwide. The event, one of the most significant gatherings in the industry, provided a platform for learning, networking, and exploring global best practices in memorial care and service management.

Through participation in workshops and discussions, St. Peter Chapels continues to integrate international insights into its services back home, ensuring Filipino families receive the highest standards of dignity and care during life’s most difficult moments.

14th Consecutive NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award

St. Peter Chapels’ efforts were further recognized with the NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award, marking its 14th consecutive year of receiving this prestigious accolade. The award celebrates funeral homes that consistently demonstrate operational excellence, superior service, and meaningful community involvement, placing St. Peter among the world’s leading providers of memorial services.

Artemio Vitangcol III, President and CEO of St. Peter Chapels, expressed pride in this milestone, highlighting the company’s commitment to empathy, integrity, and enduring care. He noted that the NFDA Convention inspires ongoing innovation and strengthens St. Peter’s mission to elevate the Philippine memorial care industry.

Leading the DeathCare Industry in the Philippines

With this international recognition, St. Peter Chapels continues to pioneer professional and compassionate funeral services in the Philippines. By applying global insights to local practices, the company ensures that every Filipino family experiences respectful, dignified, and caring memorial services.

This commitment to excellence cements St. Peter’s role as the premier provider in the Philippine DeathCare industry, inspiring other providers to raise their standards and adopt best practices in service and community care.

For families navigating the challenges of loss, knowing that a trusted provider like St. Peter is at the forefront of innovation and global standards offers reassurance. The recognition proves that Filipinos have access to world-class funeral services rooted in compassion, dignity, and professionalism.
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