The Philippine Marketing Association (PMA), in cooperation with the Philippine Junior Marketing Association (PJMA), co-presented with AGC Power Holdings Corp., have announced the finalists for the 32nd Agora Youth Awards. Honoring the next generation of Filipino marketers, the awards feature two categories: individual students and junior marketing associations or school organizations involved in marketing.

The Agora Youth Awards is an annual search for the country’s top marketing students, recognizing excellence in academic performance, extracurricular achievements, and performance in the marketing plan competition.

This year's finalists from various colleges and universities nationwide have demonstrated significant marketing skills through diverse initiatives that highlight their ability to adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of the industry. These initiatives showcase their creativity, strategic thinking and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional marketing practices.

The finalists for the individual category came from Luzon, NCR, and Mindanao, namely Kristalyn Agustin from Central Luzon State University; Franco Gabrielle Delatina from Our Lady of Fatima University - Antipolo Campus; Ma. Alexandria Ogalinola from Bulacan State University - Main Campus; Kaye Liwag from Batangas State University - TNEU - Pablo Borbon; Xyrill Baltazar from National University-Fairview; Sharmaine Allen Bea, Mariel Flores, Raymart Mariano Jr. and Maica Stephamae Orenda from Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Manila & Taguig; Prince Olie Cacho from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila; Jarmila Cansancio from Colegio De San Juan De Letran- Manila; Mark Enriquez Cruz from San Beda University; Madelene Abapo from La Salle University - Ozamiz; Rayan Camid from Xavier University- Ateneo De Cagayan and Mike Ivan Siga from Mindanao State University - Main Campus, Marawi City.

The awards program, in cooperation with the PJMA also spotlights top student marketing associations with their programs and contributions to the advancement of their student marketing members.

In the Junior Marketing Association category, the finalists came from Luzon, NCR, Visayas and Mindanao, including Cavite State University Junior Marketing Association; Central Luzon State University Junior Marketing Association; Bulacan State University Chamber of Young Business Leaders; Mariano Marcos State University Junior Marketing Advocates; De LaSalle University Manila Junior Entrepreneurs' Marketing Association; Polytechnic University of the Philippines Junior Marketing Executives; Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Taguig Junior Marketing Association;San Beda University Junior Marketing Association; Siliman University Junior Marketing Association and Xavier University Junior Marketing Association.

Leah Marie Ayeng, Director of Youth Academe at PMA, emphasized the broader impact of the awards. "The Agora Youth Awards is a platform that looks at community impact beyond competence because that is what it takes to be a changemaker. Now in its 32nd year, PMA’s youth and academe initiatives will take on a new approach with more innovative and practical programs that will enrich our young marketers' experience and expose them to the pivotal changes in the industry."

The selection process involves multiple stages of assessment, including application reviews, academic record assessments, and evaluations of nominees' marketing plans and impacts. The judges for the individual category are Lea Aquino, Mikaela Manuel, Loise Jan Alvarado, and Bianca Cerdenia. For the JMA category, the judges are Donna Donato, Lloyd Genesiran, and Queen Dy Manly. All judges are past recipients of the Agora Youth Awards.

The program focuses on five key areas: academic performance, extracurricular achievement, marketing acumen, values, and personality. Students demonstrate their capabilities by crafting real marketing plans that study real-life business cases, allowing them to apply marketing concepts and practices learned during their academic years. This thorough screening ensures transparency and fairness, subjecting each candidate to a comprehensive analysis to verify their accomplishments and assess their potential for future contributions.

Archie Carrasco, the CEO of AGC Power Holdings Corp. and a former recipient of the Agora Youth Award (formerly TOMAS Award) expressed his pride in being part of the awards again, this time as co-presenter and judge. "Being a part of the Agora Youth Awards is a full-circle moment for me. I was once a finalist in 2001, and now, two decades later, I have the honor of serving as a judge. This award has been a significant part of my career journey, and I’m honored to give back to this platform.”

The 32nd Agora Youth Awards is presented in partnership with Aseana Holdings Inc., Sequoia Hotel, AQAdvertising, and AIC Group of Companies Holdings Corporation. The Business Manual serves as the official media partner. Additionally, Shoppertainment Live, Zoe Broadcasting, Prestige Paper Products, Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment, and Uniquecorn Strategies PR are supporting the event as creatives and PR partners. The awards ceremony will take place on July 31, 2024, at Sequoia Hotel Manila Bay in Parañaque City.

During the press conference, the StratMark Student Conference was also announced, with representatives from the University of Santo Tomas, the venue partner, and Our Lady of Fatima University, the youth and academe partner, in attendance. StratMark is the annual convergence of marketing students, educators, and professionals, and is one of the flagship programs of the PMA.

Excellence in Filipino entrepreneurship was displayed when the ARISE Plus Ye! Boost Accelerator Program Cohort 3, funded by the European Union (EU) and led by the International Trade Centre (ITC), in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry – Competitiveness Innovation Group (DTI-CIG) and QBO Innovation, recognized the most outstanding startups at its recently concluded Demo Day on June 25, 2024, at the Blue Leaf Pavilion, Taguig City.

Launched in 2021 and now in its third cohort, the ARISE Plus Ye! Boost Accelerator Program is a 14-week program aimed at providing internationalization support to youth-led startups.

Rene "Butch" Meily, President of Ideaspace | QBO Innovation, expressed his gratitude, stating, "I'd like to thank our partners, the European Union, the International Trade Council, and DTI for their support. Europe is an often untapped market for us. Through the ARISE Plus Ye! Boost Accelerator Program, we hope that Filipino startups can gain access to this crucial market and establish a foothold for exports."

The Demo Day, attended by a diverse audience of key partners, investors, and stakeholders, marked the culmination of the program for 12 business startups from various verticals.

The esteemed judging panel who evaluated the startups' pitches and shared valuable insights included Assistant Secretary Althea Karen Antonio, DTI Foreign Trade Service Corps (FTSC); Miguel Lopez, Youth Entrepreneurship National Expert, ITC; Shoraliah Macalbe, Head of Startup Development, Ideaspace | QBO Innovation; Dara Ever Juan, Head of PLDT Innovations Laboratory and Ecosystem Partnerships (INNOLAB), PLDT; and Rodrigo Alarcon, Studio Director, ThinkPlace.

Mylo Speech Buddy, the developer of a speech development app for children with autism and speech delays, clinched first place, securing a pitch prize of $2,500, or around PHP 146,000.

"Our experience joining the ARISE Plus Ye! Boost Accelerator Program has been great. The support provided by QBO Innovation and the insights from ITC have been invaluable. I believe our win underscores the importance of the service we provide to the market. Our winnings will play a crucial role in our efforts to further grow the company and help more Filipino families,” said Mylo Speech Buddy founder Vincent Rocha.

BCRemit, a London-based fintech company founded by Pinoys empowering Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with efficient money transfers, was awarded second place and received a $1,500 grant, or around PHP 87,000.

"Our focus has been on penetrating more markets geographically to reach more migrant workers. The grant we won will fund our expansion plans to the United States," said BCRemit co-founder and director Gio Calma.

Lastly, fashion brand PAMMÉ, which crafts sustainable accessories from recycled plastic made by women deprived of liberty, secured third place with a $1,000 pitch prize, or about PHP 58,000.

"The ARISE Plus Ye! Boost Accelerator Program has been remarkable. With its main focus on internationalization, I’m grateful that they have opened doors for us to explore global markets. At PAMMÉ, a fashion social enterprise, we take pride in this win," shared PAMMÉ founder Pamela Meija.

Other participating startups in the ARISE Plus Ye! Boost Accelerator Program Cohort 3 included: Capilli, a social enterprise creating eco-friendly products from upcycled human hair waste; Hibla Philippines, a social enterprise preserving Philippine weaving traditions; IndieCo, an SEO company blending human creativity with AI for business content; Nama Urban Farms, an urban agriculture startup cultivating nutritious produce; Nutricoach Inc., a platform aiding dietitians in building and scaling nutrition clinics; Prezenter, a company that simplifies presentations in under 10 seconds, helping teachers put their lessons on Smart TVs; Reelist8, a proptech x Shoppertainment marketplace for real estate transactions; REPAMANA, a circular fashion brand repurposing hotel textiles into new garments; and TERPCAP Inc., an accessibility solutions provider for inclusive workplaces..

In addition to the cash prizes, the program, under the strategic partnerships facilitated by QBO Innovation, ITC, and DTI-CIG, will provide the top three winners opportunities to build stronger networks with EU partners and investors to support their global market expansion.

QBO Innovation, a division of Ideaspace that consults for and engages with government agencies, academic institutions, international development agencies, and private sector enterprises, provided support and guidance to the participating startups throughout the program via workshops and mentorship sessions.

DTI unveils comprehensive mapping report to bolster youth entrepreneurship and innovation in the Philippines

The DTI, in partnership with the EU and ITC, has unveiled a comprehensive mapping report to identify and leverage growth opportunities for young Filipino entrepreneurs and ecosystem actors, such as Technology Business Incubators (TBIs), which offer specialized programs to propel the Philippine economy forward.

The report, "Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in the Philippines - Network Analysis and Mapping of Institutions Supporting Youth Entrepreneurship," aims to foster an inclusive environment where young entrepreneurs can thrive, innovate, and contribute to sustained economic development.

In her video message, ITC Head of Youth and Trade Mayara Louzada highlighted the country's young entrepreneurship landscape:

"We have found that the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the Philippines is young and rapidly developing, with an emphasis on economic development, inclusion, and innovation to attract investment. Both the government and private sectors actively support young innovators aiming to create jobs and stimulate economic growth, especially as many turn to entrepreneurship due to a lack of quality job opportunities."

However, she identified market gaps in the report, including confusion over the roles of different government departments, limited access to funding, and the lack of continuous and sustainable programs for youth-led businesses, especially outside Metro Manila.

The report's recommendations include creating a TBI info-sharing network to streamline access to relevant updates and content, establishing a country guide to support services for entrepreneurs, and expanding support beyond the tech sector.

The report also reiterates the government's critical role in supporting the continuous advancement of the entrepreneurship ecosystem and developing young entrepreneurs.

DTI Undersecretary Rafaelita "Fita" Aldaba stated, "We're working together with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and other government agencies to ensure that our economic relationships are fundamental to our strategy, competition, innovation, and productivity. We cannot remain static—our industries cannot stay stagnant. Therefore, we are committed to supporting the growth and development of startups in the Philippines."

The Philippine startup ecosystem has shown continuous growth despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the country ranked 52nd globally, with thriving industries including fintech (19%), e-commerce (7%), education and healthcare (5.2%), and agriculture (3.1%).

To get full access to the report, you may download a copy via this link.

 

Globe At Home has teamed up with Lalamove, the premier on-demand delivery platform, to provide customers with fast and affordable connectivity at reduced rates.

From April 8 to July 8, 2024, customers who opt for Globe At Home's reloadable GFiber Prepaid internet service can enjoy a 10% discount on motorcycle and sedan deliveries via Lalamove. This offer aims to deliver both value and reliability to consumers seeking uninterrupted internet access.

This will especially help online sellers, who can streamline delivery processes and serve their customers more efficiently through Globe At Home’s Fiber internet connection at an affordable price and Lalamove’s reliable service that can instantly deliver products to your home at a promo.

"Globe At Home aims to provide fast and reliable reloadable UNLI internet connection for those who rely heavily on connectivity for their livelihood, such as online rakets. With this offer, such customers can potentially boost their daily income via online selling while also providing their families with connectivity essential for online learning, work from home, and entertainment and leisure,” said Abigail Cardino, VP and Head of Brand Management, Broadband Business at Globe.

Lalamove Philippines Managing Director Djon Nacario explained, “Just like Globe at Home, we offer convenience to every Filipino across Luzon and Cebu who need door-to-door delivery for their products straight to their customers. In Lalamove, we move things that matter so we’re happy to team up with Globe at Home to provide simple and affordable same-day delivery services from Baguio to Sorsogon, and even Cebu island-wide.”

GFiber Prepaid provides flexibility and convenience as it is reloadable, where customers can top up their accounts as needed and enjoy UNLI internet access with no lock ups and no monthly bills. It is available for only Php 999 on special flash deals.

It promises install agad in 24 hours, ensuring that customers can transition to their new fast internet service without unnecessary delays.

Globe At Home champions sustainable fiber connectivity, adopting green practices across its value chain to deliver a reliable and inclusive broadband service to Filipinos to enable their digital lifestyle. Last year, Globe At Home rolled out recyclable and upcyclable packaging in line with its circularity strategy. GFiber Prepaid was also launched to provide fiber-strong connectivity to more Filipinos at more affordable prices without a lock-in period.

Interested customers can apply for GFiber Prepaid through the dedicated portal at https://glbeshop.co/gfpportal and GlobeOne App.

*Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-190270 Series of 2024.

When was the last time you paused to celebrate your achievements? In the hustle of daily life, it's easy to miss the moments that shape our journey. Celebrating milestones helps us recognize that it's never too late to reach for greatness. Photography is a wonderful way to honor these victories. With Great Image, you can capture your accomplishments, preserving them as a lasting reminder of your journey and potential.

Reflecting the past triumphs

Each picture is a solid reminder of the challenges we've conquered and the victories we've celebrated. Think about your school years, from kindergarten to college. Every graduation photo tells a story of your struggles and successes. Even if you had to pause your education to work, that graduation photo, when you finally achieved your degree, symbolizes your grit and determination. It proves that it's never too late to reach your goals.

Capturing new beginnings

As we navigate life's ever-changing landscape, photography becomes a beacon of hope and renewal. It allows us to capture the excitement and optimism of new beginnings, whether starting a new career or pursuing a long-held passion. Even the simplest photographs, like your first ID picture for job applications, symbolize a fresh chapter as you transition into adulthood. Each photo affirms your readiness to embrace change and strive for greatness.

Immortalizing milestones

We all reach new heights at our own pace, and these milestones deserve to be celebrated. Photography lets us capture these special times forever. Think about the couples who finally take their wedding photos after years of being together or those who welcome a baby after trying for so long. These photos prove their patience and commitment, inspiring others to pursue their dreams, wherever they are in life.

Honoring personal growth

Looking back at ourselves can be a powerful tool for growth. Photography offers a unique way to see our journey of self-discovery. By capturing moments of reflection and self-acceptance, we celebrate how far we've come and the challenges we've conquered. For example, someone who has struggled with self-confidence might finally feel comfortable getting a professional portrait taken. This portrait becomes a symbol of their newfound acceptance and inner strength.

In its eighth year of operation, COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises, a prominent communications group known for its global accolades, is reaffirming its dominance by appointing new Managing Directors for its ventures in COMCO Southeast Asia and the Middle East & Africa regions. Taking the helm are Joyce Yu for COMCO Southeast Asia, Rachel Syfargo for TARO AOX Inc., and Tricia Cusi-Jimenea for COMCO Middle East & Africa.

Reinforcing Leadership
A seasoned PR practitioner, COMCO SEA’s newest Managing Director Joyce Yu has close to two decades of solid experience in Public Relations, Advertising, Events and Activation, and Branding and Brand Communications. Part of her new role is to reinforce the group's flagship brand New PR and Smart Social and grow COMCO’s Experience+ division, the Agency’s service dedicated to Events, Advertising, Branding, and Special Media Executions.

One of COMCO’s senior partners, pioneers and communications experts, Rachel Syfargo will now lead as Managing Director for TARO AOX Inc., the group’s specialist agency that offers Digital Max for Digital, Social and Emerging Platforms, Technologies and Innovations; ICOM for Integrated Communications and Digital PR; and Story Lab for Communications Audit, Research and Planning as well as Editorial and Publication Services. Rachel’s leadership in the practice encompasses more than two decades of experience in Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, Digital Marketing, Branding and Communications Research.

If you have been waiting for the announcement, well the news is out already!

The Ride for Valor is a cycling event aimed at raising funds for the maintenance of the Bataan Death March markers and other World War 2 heritage sites. The event is scheduled for April 9, 2023, which is also known as Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) and marks the 81st Anniversary of the Fall of Bataan and the start of the Death March. The Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) first vice president for marketing and communications, Mike Villa-Real, stated that the event is a joint effort with the Department of National Defense, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, Provincial Government of Bataan, and Wartime Heritage Guild-Philippines. The main goal of the event is to honor the legacy of Filipino and American soldiers who fought for freedom and democracy during World War 2 by preserving important historical sites.

"The Bataan Death March is a somber reminder of the bravery and selflessness of Filipino veterans during the Second World War. It is an essential part of Philippine history and culture, and the Ride for Valor is an important way of honoring the veterans and preserving their legacy. Plus rider get to learn more about this historic event as they will be be traversing the actual route of the Death March," he said.

The ride is open to fully vaccinated cyclists and all types of bikes with brakes. Villa-Real said the event will start at 2:30 a.m. from the Kilometer Zero in Mariveles, Bataan, to Capas National Shrine in Tarlac.

 

During Christmas season, dispatching different goods and commodities from all over the world on time for a port is always important. At the end of last year, port congestion caused severe disruptions in global supply chains, and most stores were out of stock during the Black Friday and Christmas, the peak selling season. To experience less dilemma like this, the innovation case from Tianjin Port might help.

Tianjin Port is one of the world’s largest ports. It has a 300000-ton-class wharf with a channel depth of -22 meters. It has 192 berths of various types and 128 berths above the 10,000-ton-class.

By the end of 2021, the port’s cargo throughput reached 435 million tons, ranking ninth in the world, while the container throughput exceeded 18.35 million TEUs, ranking the eighth port in the world. The cost of manual operations at this scale is exuberant, both in terms of money and efficiency.

A typical port usually deals with vessel arrivals and departures, shoreside operations, horizontal transport, yard operations, manual tractor trailer transport, and gate operations.

One of the key steps in port digitalization is automating horizontal transport, that is, handling cargo within the port.

 

With more Filipinos relying on e-commerce to get their essentials, this has also increased the need to protect them due to the growing number of fraudulent activities happening in the digital space. In a Consumer Pulse Survey conducted by TransUnion in February 20221, of the over 1,000 Filipino adults polled, 53% said they were targeted by fraudsters in the previous 3 months. From the same survey, 42% said they were scammed by Phishing, 38% were victimized by money and gift card scams, while 30% were scammed by third-party sellers via online retail shops. While businesses in different industries are continuously upgrading their platforms, fraudsters also search for ways on how they can adapt to the ever-changing landscape and discover new vulnerabilities.

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, recognizes the need to enhance user protection and security by educating customers on vulnerabilities, and how they can avoid being a victim of fraud. With the recently launched Shopee Cares PH – an online community platform where Shopee provides customer education and support – the goal is to empower consumers with proper know-hows and tips on how they can protect themselves from phishing scams, money and gift card scams, and third party seller scams.

Martin Yu, Shopee Philippines Director, said, “Shopee has always been committed to ensuring that every Filipino’s online shopping experience is safe and reliable, and Shopee Cares is a testament to that. Through this platform, we aim to equip them with knowledge on how to shop safely and combat these online scams together so that they can continuously enjoy shopping online.”

 

The honest truth: No one came out of the COVID-19 pandemic in quite the same way. The pandemic was an isolating period of self-discovery, emotional growth, and life-altering realizations. It changed people, and in the process, it shaped the way so many of us view ourselves and the world around us.

Because of this, consumer tastes and behaviors have shifted. Where in a pre-pandemic world, people often spent on luxuries and experiences that allowed them to celebrate their accomplishments, studies show that consumers now want a different experience, one that is kinder and more embracing of the changes that each individual had gone through in the past 2 years. People are now prioritizing their personal wellness and supporting products and services that champion growth.

As consumer tastes have shifted, brands are starting to adapt to these changes. And true to its foundational commitment to make people happy, SM is ready with a host of new offerings as the entire brand is poised for a refresh this year.

 

Following the chart-topping success of “Muli” and the release of its viral music video starring ABS-CBN stars Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin, Ace Banzuelo returns with another potential hit that is guaranteed to whet the appetite of music fans across the country.

Released under Sony Music Philippines, the Filipino recording artist’s new single “Walang Himala” carries the inherent weight of dealing with a partner’s betrayal. The melancholic synth-pop track serves as antithesis to Banzuelo’s earlier song Himala: a sad little tune that reduces listeners to a pool of misery, written as if he hibernated for months in his own mancave— devoid of light, and completely immersed in the grieving process.

“Walang Himala’s emphasis on betrayal can be interpreted in multiple ways,” shares the Laguna-based singer-songwriter and producer. “It’s not afraid to embrace a darker, more lamenting turn. Coming from ‘Muli,’ this particular track reeks of angst and frustration in the most human way possible. Some people have experienced it at some point in our lives. It’s my way of comforting them as a songwriter/musician.”

The PRSP Students’ PR Con 2021 is the first-ever virtual, interactive, and nationwide edition of the Students’ PR Congress, the organization’s annual event for students to learn more about the public relations industry from leading practitioners in the field. With the theme “Decoding Content: The Journey to PR for Good”, this year’s Students’ PR Con aims to help participants navigate the new media landscape and tackle the three different stages of the content journey, which are: (1) Capture and Consume, (2) Curate and Converse, and (3) Create and Care.

The first segment, Capture and Consume, aims to address how we contextualize the content that we come across in everyday life to mindfully capture and consume information from different media platforms. The second segment, Curate and Converse, will discuss curating content from reliable sources and starting conscientious and fruitful conversations about topics that matter as a way to fight misinformation and become responsible communicators. The third and final segment, Create and Care, collates all the learnings gained from the previous segments by talking about why creating our own PR for good can show that we care, not only to communicate our messages for self-serving purposes, but to push forward ideas, advocacies and causes that benefit society.

Ferdinand Bondoy, Chairman of PRSP Students’ PR Con and Grand Prix 2021, Board Trustee of PRSP and Regional Integration & Chief Executive Director of COMCO Southeast Asia said, “With shifts in mainstream media and social channels and the emergence of game-changing digital platforms rapidly affecting the behavior of various publics, we could say that the PR landscape has also drastically changed. And with this change, our next gen practitioners must be well-equipped with the necessary new knowledge as they eventually enter the field and the workforce. And PRSP is bringing this groundbreaking virtual conference to Filipino students from all over the country to serve as one of the biggest venues available for them to gear up for the challenge.”

Joining the PRSP Students' PR Con 2021 are thought leaders and renowned professionals from the communications industry who are set to share their expertise as speakers for the online event. For the Capture and Consume segment, Lynda Jumilla-Abalos of ABS-CBN News Digital will tackle “The News and Information Media” while Peach Natividad of Google, Neil Trinidad of Lazada, and Toff Rada of Tiktok will talk about “Social Media and the Emerging Platforms”.

The Curate and Converse segment will include Yvonne Chua of Vera Files and Luz Rimban of Asian Center for Journalism to discuss “Dissecting Fake News, Trolling, Propaganda and Demolition”, and Dr. Randy Dellosa of Pinoy Big Brother and Carlo Ople of PLDT and Unbox for “Being Digitally Ready and Responsible”. Finally, joining our “Create and Care” segment will be Caroline Veronilla of World Vision, Anna Meloto-Wilk of Human Nature and Cat Trivino of MindNation for the “Forwarding Your Advocacy and Giving Voice for Social Good” discussion. Next set of speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

Norman Agatep, President of PRSP and President and Managing Director of Grupo Agatep shared, “Students of Communication have always been a significant sector that the PRSP has been reaching out to over the years. As such, we have designed pillar programs that aim to supplement their classroom learning, fuel their interest in public relations, and ignite their desire to pursue careers in our industry, This year's PR Con will give all participants an exclusive glimpse of what their lives as PR professionals could be like.”

Furthering its commitment to leveraging its technology and platform to create a positive social impact on the lives of many Filipinos, Grab Philippines, together with Zagana - the Philippines’ leading agri-social enterprise is launching its Salamat Sa Ani initiative on 17 March 2021.

Through the Salamat Sa Ani initiative, Grab is leveraging its technology and platform to encourage more Filipinos to show care and gratitude to their loved ones and frontliners who have been helping them to cope with the challenging times. At the same time, the initiative will also provide support to the farming communities that Grab helped digitalize since the Enhanced Community Quarantine phase, as contents of the Salamat Sa Ani gift sets are sourced directly from Zagana farmers in Benguet, Pangasinan, and Cavite. Each Salamat Sa Ani gift set - which includes fresh corn, bananas, and lime, is exclusively available on GrabMart for only PHP 299.00.

Salamat Sa Ani is one of the latest GrabForGood initiatives led by Grab Philippines where Grab’s technology and platform are leveraged to support the needs of the Filipino communities and help improve their lives and livelihoods. During the height of the pandemic, one of the key GrabForGood initiatives led by Grab Philippines is GrabBayanihan - a program that leveraged Grab’s technology and platform to provide much-needed support to driver-partners, frontliners, displaced individuals, farming communities, and local governments.

Leveraging Grab’s technology and platform to help local farmers overcome supply chain challenges

As highlighted in the June 2020 Report of the World Bank, the supply chain of fresh produce and agricultural products in many parts of the Philippines was greatly impacted since the implementation of the lockdowns. With limited logistics options for transporting the produce from the farms to the public markets and groceries and the sharp decline in customer foot traffic in physical marketplaces, the livelihoods of Filipino farming communities - as well as the food security across many households, were at risk to certain points that farmers were forced to throw away their produce.



Through Grab’s technology, platform, and its partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Zagana, fresh produce from farming communities were given wider market access through the Grab app through the Department of Agriculture’s 2020 Program Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita. Now, with a few taps on the app, Grab consumers get to enjoy fresh produce from local farmers, delivered straight into their doorsteps in as quick as less than an hour and at the same time supporting the local farming communities.

For Benguet-based farmer Ardan Copes, the partnership between Grab and Zagana provided new technology to farmers like himself who are used to traditional models for distributing and selling their produce. His main challenge when the pandemic hit was that there were too many vegetables wasted due to the absence of buyers brought by the quarantine. Copes shares that “through Grab’s technology and platform, Zagana farmers like himself were able to better reach and serve new consumers.” The partnership also gave farmers like Copes “a good market price for their produce which is why they did not hesitate to join the platform.” Copes adds that they “were able to continue with their livelihood despite the challenges of ECQ, which gave them a huge relief.”

Co-creating positive social impact within and beyond the Grab platform

Committed to contributing towards the Philippines’ longer-term socio-economic recovery and development, the Grab platform not only provides its consumers with the everyday value and convenience, but it also allows its users to co-create a positive social impact - within and beyond the Grab platform, with every transaction made on the Grab app.

With every order of fresh produce made on the Grab app, users are able to support the livelihoods of tens of thousands of driver-partners, MSMEs, and local farming communities who are also facing the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic has truly impacted a lot of lives. Our partnership with Grab has allowed us to continuously serve our customers and support our local farmers, by leveraging Grab’s platform and technology to provide our kababayans access to fresh produce, delivered right at their doorsteps while providing livelihood for both the delivery partners and local farmers during these uncertain times,” said Zagana Chief Executive Officer Joshua Aragon.

“Using our platform and technology to help improve the lives and livelihoods of many Filipinos is what differentiates Grab as a community partner. We are grateful to have made a difference in the lives of millions of Filipinos through our GrabForGood program and we will continue with our commitment of using technology and our platform to encourage meaningful collaboration within our communities and help our kababayans overcome their daily struggles,” says Grab Philippines Country Head Grace Vera Cruz.

To know more about Grab and Zagana’s Salamat sa Ani initiative, visit: http://grb.to/salamatsaani

The list of nonimees are out for our KAMPANA Awards before the end of 2019 we will be recognizing Public Relations (PR) Practitioners and Agencies for their works. Also we will recognize the Celebrity Endorsers of have created buzz with their endorsements.

So, nominate your choice for this year's KAMPANA Awards with the following categories.

CLICK THIS LINK TO VOTE KAMPANA AWARDS

THE NOMINEES FOR THE 1st KAMPANA AWARDS


KAMPANA 
PR Agency ng Taon Nominees

Geiser Maclang Network
Lorem Ipsum Inc.
M360 PR + Activation Agency
PenserQ
Ripple 8

KAMPANA 
PR Person ng Taon Nominees

Ma. Chele Mendoza, Lorem Ipsum, Inc
Millet Liberato-Simeon, M360 PR + Activation Agency
Ana Liza Reyes, PenserQ
Amor Maclang, Geiser Maclang Network
Michelle Ople, Ripple 8


KAMPANA 
Kalimbang ng Taon Nominees

Shopee 11.11
FWD Life Insurance Campaigns
Kwentong Jollibee
GSM Calendar Girl 2020
Lazada 11.11


KAMPANA 
Malikhain Awards Nominees

Island Girl - GSM Calendar Girl 2020
Bounty Fresh World Chicken & Egg Day
CoCo Anniversary
#cyberReadi
Alaska Dementia Awareness



KAMPANA 
Celebrity Endorser ng Taon Nominees

Sarah Geronimo
Vice Ganda
Anne Curtis
James Reid
Marian Rivera


KAMPANA 
Batang Celebrity Endorser ng Taon Nominees

Scarlet Snow Belo
Baste
Xia Vigor
Chunsa


KAMPANA 
Kwelang Endorser ng Taon Nominees

Vice Ganda
Anne Curtis
Mimiyuuuh
Vic Sotto
Alex Gonzaga


KAMPANA 
Ingay Istasyon ng Taon Nominees

ABS CBN
GMA 7
TV5