VPX and Astral Fuel open one-stop car repair center and gas station in Lipa City

“We are delighted to partner with Astral Fuel to provide more customers with ease and convenience. By bringing our car maintenance and repair services to the gas station, we help the drivers maximize their time and ensure smooth and safe travel.” ~Mark Saberola, General Manager of ValuePlus

Astral Service Center Powered by VPX is equipped with the same top-quality tools, equipment, system, and competent auto mechanics and technicians trained by ValuePlus Auto Service.

ValuePlus Auto Service Express (VPX), the franchising brand of ValuePlus Auto Services Philippines, Inc., and Astral Fuel Corporation, an innovative player in the retail fuel industry, have recently signed a co-branding partnership to provide motorists in Lipa City with one-stop auto services, from fueling up to tuning up. 

With this partnership, Astral Fuel’s customers will be able to access ValuePlus’ top-of-the-line auto repair and maintenance services, including preventive maintenance, oil service, mechanical and electrical repairs, wheel alignment, and tire services at the Astral Service Center Powered by VPX. So, aside from refilling their fuel, drivers can have their cars checked at one stop, saving them money and time. 

This partnership paves the way for ValuePlus to serve more customers in Batangas province. In June 2021, ValuePlus opened its branch in Libjo, Batangas City through its franchise partnership with Jandusay and Sons. This is ValuePlus’ fourth branch in the country, with the other two in Metro Manila and one in Sorsogon in Bicol province. 

Mr. Mark Saberola, General Manager of ValuePlus Auto Services Philippines Inc., and Ms. Amalyn Penix, Operation Director of Astral Fuel sign the franchise agreement as Ms. Zarah Lynn Peralta, VPX’s Admin and Finance Manager, and Mr. Alan Dimayuga, Operation Manager of Astral Fuel look on.

The tie-up with Astral Fuel also marks a new milestone for VPX as its first co-branding partnership. The co-branding partnership is a new hybrid program offered by VPX to provide independent fuel companies and homegrown car repair shops with a more accessible option to carry and offer ValuePlus’ auto repair and maintenance services. 

This year, VPX aims to bring its co-branding partnership program to more fuel retailers in the country, like Astral Fuel. 

“When we were seeking a partner for this endeavor, ValuePlus became our top choice. The company has a strong reputation for its quality services and after-sales care. We believe in providing our customers with the highest quality fuel products and services. ValuePlus is very much aligned with what we believe our customers deserve.” ~Amalyn Penix, Operation Director of Astral Fuel

Motorists in Lipa City can start fueling up and tuning up at Astral Fuel Station Lipa City on September 15. Drivers may schedule or inquire about auto care services on ValuePlus’ website www.valueplusph.com or contact them via email at lipa@valueplusph.com or mobile at 0917-637-2122. If you want to learn more about VPX’s co-branding partnership program, contact 0917-637-2085.

Astral Fuel brings Astral Hub to Lipa City

While waiting for their cars being serviced at VPX Astral Service Center, customers can visit the Astral Hub which offers a wide range of services all in one place, including a drugstore, motorcycle shop, medical clinic, and diagnostic center, among others.

Committed to bringing convenience to every Juan in the community, the Astral Hub in Lipa City is Astral Fuel’s first of several hubs being planned to open in Luzon in the near future. 

About ValuePlus Auto Services Philippines, Inc. 

ValuePlus is your one-stop shop for your after-warranty vehicle's maintenance and repair needs. Our service offerings include preventive maintenance services (kilometer check-up), change-oil packages wheel alignment services, tire services, detailing services, engine, transmission, electrical, and air conditioning repair. We are also franchising our business under our brand VPX or ValuePlus Auto Service Express and have branches in Quezon City, Las Piñas City, Sorsogon City, Batangas City, and Lipa City.

 

About Astral Fuel Corporation

Astral Fuel is a dynamic corporation that aspires to provide outstanding customer services to every Filipino on the road. Offering its top-quality brands, Astral Fuel is a complete fuel hub that will cater to everyone’s needs. A gas station, car services, drug store, medical diagnostics, logistics, bills payment, money remittances, convenience store, and coffee shops. With Astral Fuel, we make your travel easy!  

UnionBank wins Domestic Retail Bank of the Year and SME Bank of the Year at the 2022 ABF Retail Banking Awards

Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) continues to earn recognition for its trailblazing digital innovations both locally and internationally, recently taking home two institutional awards at the prestigious 2022 Retail Banking Awards organized by Asian Banking & Finance (ABF).

The Retail Banking Awards is an annual ceremony that honors institutions across the Asia Pacific that have successfully created game-changing banking solutions, products, and services benefitting not just their customers, but also the region’s banking and finance industry as a whole. It is organized by ABF, an industry magazine that specializes in feature stories, executive profiles, analysis, and industry reports relevant to the banking and financial companies in Asia.

This year's entries were reviewed by a distinguished panel of judges composed of industry experts including EY Regional Managing Partner, ASEAN Nam Soon Liew; PwC Asia Pacific Financial Services Leader John Dovaston; Deloitte Audit Partner, Chief Strategy & Operations Officer, Audit & Assurance Ho Kok Yong; and Bain & Company Partner, Financial Services Edy Widjaja.

UnionBank was named "Domestic Retail Bank of the Year - Philippines" highlighting its superior retail banking capabilities and how the Bank has more than doubled its accounts largely from leveraging the ecosystems of its anchored customers, enabled by cash management solutions, expanding its reach to individuals and businesses, including Pag-ibig members, SSS and GSIS pensioners, and even the local government units.

In addition, the Bank was named "SME Bank of the Year - Philippines" for how its UPay for MSMEs and  SME Banking Platform addressed difficulties amongst MSMEs that are just starting to undergo digital transformation by providing assistance and support in solving these challenges by providing a personalized onboarding journey and experience based on each business owner’s need.

“With the Asia Pacific banking and finance industry still navigating its way to economic recovery, industry players will still need to keep a close eye on the market trends that shape the future of the industry and how customers respond to such changes. Financial institutions will also need to stay vigilant about market issues that might hinder recovery in the near future. Despite this, many companies persevered to provide services to customers and did not back down from the uncertainties of economic movements.” ~Asian Banking & Finance

Meanwhile, UnionBank SME and Micropreneurs Segment Head Jaypee R. Soliman accepted the ‘SME Bank of the Year’ award for UnionBank and on behalf of all the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSMEs) in UnionBank’s own community.

“It’s an honor to accept this award on behalf of the Board of Directors of Union Bank of the Philippines and on behalf of all UnionBankers. When UnionBank embarked on its digital transformation journey many years ago, we were driven by a strategic vision of what the future of banking would look like. Winning the ‘Domestic Retail Bank of the Year’ award this year is validation of the efforts of every UnionBanker, each one contributing to bringing our vision to life, and it gives us the resolve to continue co-creating innovations for our customers and for a better world.” ~Mary Joyce S. Gonzalez, UnionBank Retail Banking Center Head 

This was not the first time that UnionBank won big at the said awards ceremony. In 2021, the Bank took home the awards "Financial Inclusion Initiative of the Year - Philippines," "SME Bank of the Year - Philippines," and Credit Card Initiative of the Year – Philippines," which underscored its exemplary company performance for that year.

Fresh from the grill: Mang Inasal launches its Char-grilled Chorizo Burger

Yes, you’ve read it right! Mang Inasal, the country’s “Ihaw-Sarap” expert, is bringing a classic favorite just in time for National Burger Day!

 

For the first time, customers will get to try Mang Inasal's first-ever charcoal-grilled Chorizo Burger that will be introduced in select stores this August.

 

“This National Burger Day gets extra special for Mang Inasal as we roll out our newest product -- the smokey sweet-sarap, Char-grilled Chorizo Burger – that will surely excite our customers anytime of the day. For only ₱69, customers can enjoy a charcoal-grilled Chorizo Burger patty with cheese and a fried egg served in soft buns.” ~Mike V. Castro, Mang Inasal Business Unit Head

 

The NEW Mang Inasal Chorizo Burger is now ready to delight our customers in these stores: QC Villongco, Tayuman, Blumentritt, Dapitan, IMall Antipolo, Vista Mall Taguig, Bayani Road, Venice Grand Canal Mall, Imus Nueno, Ayala Bay Mall, Festival Xsite, Super 8 San Pedro, Imall Canlubang, Puregold Calamba, Waltermart General Trias, San Pablo Plaza, Puregold Valenzuela, and Malabon Bayan.

 

Try the new Mang Inasal Char-grilled Chorizo Burger via dine-in, takeout, or through delivery by using the Mang Inasal Delivery App, http://manginasaldelivery.com.ph, GrabFood, and foodpanda.

 

Want to make sure you aren’t missing out on any other great promos and deals from your favorite “Ihaw-Sarap” expert? Follow Mang Inasal on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or check out the website at www.manginasal.com.

Sinag Schools program powers up school in Batangas

Through the Sinag Schools program, SMFI and Maxeon installed 21 solar panels— estimated to produce 6510 watt-p—on an SM school building in Batangas

SM Foundation (SMFI), the corporate social responsibility arm of the SM group, together with Maxeon Solar Technologies, recently powered up the Lemery Pilot Elementary School (LPES) in Batangas through the Sinag Schools program.

SM Supermalls employee volunteers led the distribution of donations from SM Foundation to the students of Lemery Pilot Elementary School.

This social good collaboration between SMFI and Maxeon aims to provide clean and renewable energy to schools in grassroot communities by installing solar panels on an SM school building, especially to those that have low operating expenses.

In addition to the solar panel installation which intends to power positive change in the way energy is consumed in public schools, the program also aims to enhance the understanding of students in terms of energy management and the need to transition to cleaner energy alternatives with lower environmental impacts.

“Through this program, we want to power up the learning and development of young people. We want to help teach young people about solar energy, about renewable energy. We want to power up the next generation to help save our planet. We have this concept of powering positive change in the world. We are happy to be working together with SM Foundation to power up the Lemery Pilot Elementary School. Individually, we can do so much. But together we can do actually more. For us to bring our solar technology and SMFI to bring in their schools, these things are much better together than they would be apart.” ~Glenn Everett, Maxeon Fab4 General Manager

The SM school building at the LPES, which was donated by SMFI in partnership with SM Prime Holdings (SMPH) in 2017, now boasts 21 solar panels—estimated to produce 6510 watt-p. With the savings on electricity, the school may realign their budget to more efforts and other innovations that will give the students an environment more conducive to learning.

SM Foundation and Maxeon Solar Technologies formally held the community launch of the Sinag Schools Program at Lemery Pilot Elementary School in Batangas.

It takes a village to raise a child

SMFI Executive Director Debbie Sy underscored the importance of collective efforts in advancing the learning experience of every student in the country: 

“We believe that collaboration can drive growth and become a force for good in addressing societal challenges. CSR partnerships can create solutions that improve society by fostering learning, promoting innovation and gaining access to new technologies, such as the Sinag schools program. CSR collaboration can pool resources, both financial and human resources - between multiple organizations which can amplify social good impact. The establishment of an ever-evolving CSR strategy and partnerships will help companies and non-government organizations in developing and implementing crucial social good programs over decades while having procedures in place that integrate social and environmental priorities into CSR core strategy – all in close collaboration with stakeholders.” ~Debbie Sy, SMFI Executive Director

Moreover, Everett mentioned how SMFI and Maxeon share the similar set of values and interest when it comes to helping Filipino learners.

Through the Sinag Schools program, SMFI and Maxeon installed 21 solar panels— estimated to produce 6510 watt-p—on an SM school building in Batangas

Spreading social good all the way

SM Foundation made sure to truly touch the lives of the learners and teachers of LPES as it donated eight desktop computers, 200 bags with school supplies, and more than 160 pcs brand new kinder and elementary books to further promote the love for reading among the students. Clothing items for parents were also distributed.

For more information about this initiative, follow SM Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube: @SMFoundationInc.

Maxeon is headquartered in Singapore. The company designs, manufactures, and sells Maxeon® and SunPower® brand solar panels. Maxeon has sales operations in more than 100 countries, operating under the SunPower brand in certain countries outside the United States. Maxeon is a leader in solar innovation with products that span the global rooftop and solar power plant markets through a network of more than 1,700 trusted partners and distributors. A pioneer in sustainable solar manufacturing, Maxeon leverages a +35-year history in the solar industry and numerous awards for its technology.

SM Foundation, through its School Building Program, is an active partner of DepEd’s Adopt-a-School program. This social good initiative aims to promote quality public education by building classrooms nationwide. To date, it has turned over more than 100 school buildings to grassroots communities.

SM Prime and AboitizPower Secure Long-Term Cleanergy Deal

(From left to right) SM Prime Energy Consultant Jaime Patinio, AboitizPower Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations Sandro Aboitiz, SM Engineering, Design and Development President Hans Sy, Jr., SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim, AboitizPower President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Rubio, Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. Vice President for Commercial Strategy, Sales, and Engagement David Aboitiz, AboitizPower Vice President for Retail - Commercial Operations Business Unit James Byron Yu, and SM Prime Chief Finance Officer John Nai Peng Ong gather for a luncheon on Thursday, August 4, after sealing a long-term partnership with the commitment to helping build a cleaner and brighter future.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the leading property developers in Southeast Asia, secures a long-term deal with AboitizPower for Cleanergy supply, realizing its goal of increasing its renewable energy portfolio to more than 50%. This is in support of the Department of Energy’s program of moving up the renewable energy supply component of the country to 35% by year 2030.

Under the agreement, AboitizPower is poised to supply reliable and responsibly-sourced energy from Tiwi and MakBan Geothermal Power Plants, and PV Sinag’s Power Plants, operated and managed by AboitizPower subsidiary, Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. (ARI). This long-term contract will power SM Prime properties, including malls, leisure homes, offices, hotels, and other establishments under the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) by the end of 2022.

“This partnership with AboitizPower is aligned with our unwavering commitment to being a catalyst for economic growth and steward of nature. We will continue providing world-class amenities within our sustainable lifestyle cities that have been beneficial and inspirational to millions of Filipinos.” ~Jeffrey Lim, SM Prime Holdings Inc.’s President

SM Prime builds legacy communities based on its core sustainable pillars: Economy, People, Environment, and Community. It is dedicated to generating value sustainably through its diverse business segments.

“AboitizPower is thrilled to be SM Prime’s partner in building sustainable lifestyle cities. We thank SM Prime for trusting us to be their partner in their transition to clean and renewable energy. It is a privilege to be given the opportunity to power various SM Prime properties with our renewable assets.” ~Sandro Aboitiz, Senior Vice President of the Commercial Operations Business Unit

“We consider it a great milestone for our group to be in support of SM’s transition to renewable energy and are working to rapidly expand our renewable portfolio as the demand for Cleanergy grows. We have supported a growing number of corporations transitioning to clean and renewable energy and we are excited at the prospect of seeing a future where Cleanergy is the norm.” ~David Aboitiz, Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. (ARI) Vice President for Commercial Strategy, Sales, and Engagement

The leading renewable energy provider plans to expand its Cleanergy portfolio in the next 10 years to support the government’s plans of boosting the renewable energy industry in the country. AboitizPower is targeting approximately 50:50 Cleanergy and thermal capacity mix by 2030. 

 

                                                                          

About SM Prime

SM Prime Holdings Inc., one of the leading property developers in Southeast Asia, is committed to providing safe and sustainable spaces for its stakeholders.  Its development strategy is anchored on the responsible use of resources. In the communities it serves, it is able to promote resource conservation, environmental protection, and disaster resiliency by implementing solutions for water, waste, and energy management.

 

SM Prime is a key player in the SM Green Movement that aims to improve the quality of life of communities through sustainable solutions to promote a green planet, green living and a green culture.

 

Find out more about SM Prime and the SM Green Movement

VPX introduces turnkey auto service shops

A ValuePlus mechanic performs a quality assurance check on a vehicle before its release to the customer.

ValuePlus makes owning an auto service business easier with its new build-operate-transfer franchising model.

ValuePlus Auto Services Philippines, Inc. the franchisor of VPX is delighted to announce that its ValuePlus Auto Service Las Piñas, the first shop established under its build-operate-transfer (BOT) or turnkey franchising model, is now ready for acquisition by interested franchisees.

Under the BOT or turnkey franchising model, ValuePlus Auto Service first builds its VPX shop in a strategic location, operates it for a specific period to establish its customer base, and then transfers or sells it to an interested party.

This franchising model is novel in the auto service industry and will make it easier for people to have their own auto service business.

“Building an auto service business from the ground up can be time-consuming, not to mention the challenge of getting people to know that your business exists. We want to alleviate this stress on our franchisees by laying the foundation for them so they can start making profits as soon as possible. We are proud to be a pioneer of this game-changing model in the auto service industry in the country. We opened ValuePlus Auto Service Las Piñas before the pandemic and managed to grow it amid strict and long lockdowns in Metro Manila, which guarantees our franchisees that the shop has a strong customer base and is self-sustaining.” ~Mark Saberola, General Manager of VPX

ValuePlus and VPX shops employ certified technicians with prior experience from car dealerships here and abroad.

ValuePlus opened its Las Piñas branch in February 2020 before the pandemic and managed to grow through the crisis thanks to its customer base of retail and corporate clients, creative marketing, and sales strategies.

ValuePlus Auto Service Las Piñas offers professional auto repair and maintenance services such as preventive maintenance, mechanical and electrical repairs, oil service, computerized wheel alignment, and clutch repairs, among others.

Highly-skilled ValuePlus mechanics working on a pick-up truck in a shop properly equipped with tools and equipment.

To help its franchisees operate the shop, ValuePlus will provide them with intensive staff training in areas ranging from customer relations management and service advisory to automotive servicing and shop management. ValuePlus will also provide them with management and marketing support by assigning a dedicated zone supervisor where their shop is located and promoting their shop on social media.

ValuePlus Auto Service Las Piñas is located at No. 30 CAA Road, close to commercial and residential areas.

Aside from its Las Piñas branch, ValuePlus will soon open its second BOT or turnkey VPX shop in Pasig, which is also now accepting applications from interested franchisees. Those interested in franchising the ValuePlus Auto Service in Las Piñas or participating in the pre-selling of its Pasig branch may contact Mark Saberola via email at mark@valueplusph.com or by phone at 0917-637-2085 for more information.

About ValuePlus Auto Services Philippines, Inc. 

ValuePlus is your one-stop shop for your after-warranty vehicle's maintenance and repair needs. Our service offerings include preventive maintenance services (kilometer check-up), change-oil packages wheel alignment services, tires services, detailing services, engine, transmission, electrical, and air conditioning repair. We are also franchising our business under our brand VPX or ValuePlus Auto Service Express and have branches in Quezon City, Las Piñas City, Sorsogon City, Batangas City, and Lipa City.

AIA Philippines: The Wonders of Cycling

AIA Philippines: The Wonders of Cycling

It’s never too late to start new habits. Hop on your bike now, get more active, and earn rewards from AIA Vitality, AIA Philippines’ wellness program that rewards you for knowing and improving your health. You can earn up to 100 AIA Vitality Points daily from cycling and get instant freebies for hitting your fitness targets two weeks in a row. Sharing with you the press release and accompanying photos on the proven benefits of cycling to your well-being. Hoping you can also help us come up with a story.

While return to onsite work and easing of restrictions provide some semblance of post-pandemic normalcy, most still remain hypervigilant because of the sudden rise of cases. This means it is still important to not let down your guard, observe health and safety protocols, and make sure your immune system is in top shape through proper diet and exercise. 

One of the activities many started during the pandemic is cycling, encouraging people to get out of the house for fresh air and a change of environment. It is easy enough to do and perfect for those who just want to do it leisurely, and equally perfect for those looking for a higher intensity cardio workout. 

It’s also proven to have many benefits which contribute to improving one’s mental and physical wellbeing.

Cycling increases endurance and improves cardiovascular health on and off the bike. 

AIA Philippines: The Wonders of Cycling

Biking for at least 30 minutes a day improves overall cardiovascular health and muscular endurance, research says. The key to building endurance is consistency--it allows you to increase your distance and level of intensity over time. With practice, you’ll soon notice you can pedal your way to longer and more challenging rides without feeling too tired.

 

Cycling is beginner-friendly.

AIA Philippines: The Wonders of Cycling

The good thing about cycling is that it’s easy to learn. With basic skills and little effort, you can enjoy casual spins around your neighborhood. Pace yourself depending on what your body can handle and slowly adjust your mileage and intensity. What's more, cycling is a low-impact exercise suited for all ages!

 

Cycling improves your balance, posture and coordination. 

AIA Philippines: The Wonders of Cycling

The first step in learning how to bike is finding your balance and figuring out how to stabilize your body. If you’re a beginner, don't be too hard on yourself! It may take a bit of time to get the hang of things, but with regular practice, you'll see significant improvement in your balance, posture, and coordination. 

Cycling supports weight loss. 

AIA Philippines: The Wonders of Cycling

With limited opportunities to exercise in the last two years, you likely have gained a few unwanted pounds. Luckily, cycling helps you lose weight and build muscle in a safe way. It allows you to get your heart rate up with less wear and tear on your knees, ankles, and other joints. To maximize your calories burned, try to increase the intensity or duration of your bike workout.

 

Cycling boosts mental health and brain power.

 

AIA Philippines: The Wonders of Cycling

It's tested and proven--cycling is one of the best ways to battle brain fog. Aside from lessening feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress, it also boosts brainpower leading to better focus and concentration. Plus, you get higher energy levels within the day because of your increased stamina!

Cycling helps you feel good.

 

Similar to runners, cyclists also get a “cycling high” and science has proven that it’s for real! After a ride, cyclists experience a spike in neuro-chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine and endorphins—otherwise known as happy hormones. At the same time, cycling is a great way to spend quality time with the family.

Get rewarded for being healthy with AIA Vitality

It's never too late to start new habits. Hop on your bike, get more active, and earn rewards from AIA Vitality, AIA Philippines’ wellness program that rewards you for knowing and improving your health. You can earn up to 100 AIA Vitality Points daily from cycling and get instant freebies for hitting your fitness targets two weeks in a row.

Beyond the protection, investment and savings benefits that AIA Philippines offers, AIA Vitality raises the bar and gives unprecedented living benefits that members can enjoy for being healthy. These include 70% off elite membership at Gold’s Gym, up to 30% off Samsung, Garmin, and Fitbit fitness devices, and 25% off at Toby’s Sports, Runnr and urbanAthletics. You can also enjoy exclusive insurance benefits of up to 50% additional coverage, 20% premium discount or 100% loyalty boost. 

Every cyclist has a story. Create yours today with AIA Vitality! 

Click here for more information about AIA Vitality and the Total Health Solution offered by AIA Philippines, or here to visit the AIA Philippines Facebook page, email customerservice.ph@aia.com or call (02) 8528-2000 to know more.

About AIA Philippines

AIA Philippines (AIA Philippines Life and General Insurance Company, Inc.), formerly AIA Philam Life (The Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company), is the country’s premier life insurance company. Originally established on 21 June 1947 and became popularly known as Philam Life, AIA Philippines has earned the trust of customers for its financial strength, strong brand name, and ability to deliver on its promises.

AIA Philippines has PHP276.73 billion in total assets  and PHP72.21 billion in net worth  as of 31 December 2021 while serving almost 800,000 individual policyholders and nearly 800,000 insured group members.

AIA Philippines understands the needs of its customers and provides holistic solutions that include life protection, health insurance, savings, education, retirement, investment, group, and credit life insurance. It also offers bancassurance through its subsidiary, BPI AIA Life Assurance Corporation (formerly BPI-Philam Life Assurance Corporation).

Based on the Insurance Commission results as of 31 December 2021, the combined total premium income of AIA Philippines and BPI AIA was at PHP33.91 billion.

AIA Philippines is a member of AIA Group Limited, the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group.

About AIA

AIA Group Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively “AIA” or the “Group”) comprise the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group. It has a presence in 18 markets – wholly-owned branches and subsidiaries in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR , Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (China), Vietnam, Brunei and Macau SAR , and a 49 per cent joint venture in India.

The business that is now AIA was first established in Shanghai more than a century ago in 1919. It is a market leader in Asia (ex-Japan) based on life insurance premiums and holds leading positions across the majority of its markets. It had total assets of US$340 billion as of 31 December 2021.

AIA meets the long-term savings and protection needs of individuals by offering a range of products and services including life insurance, accident and health insurance and savings plans. The Group also provides employee benefits, credit life and pension services to corporate clients. Through an extensive network of agents, partners and employees across Asia, AIA serves the holders of more than 39 million individual policies and over 16 million participating members of group insurance schemes.

AIA Group Limited is listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the stock code “1299” with American Depositary Receipts (Level 1) traded on the over-the-counter market (ticker symbol: “AAGIY”).

UBX launches UrGovPH for LGUs’ digital transformation

“As the Philippines continues on its digital transformation journey, UBX commits to ramp up its support to the government. With a spectrum of open finance solutions, UrGovPH empowers government units and agencies to digitally transform their services and bring them closer to their citizens and stakeholders. It has the daunting task of transforming our government into an agile bureaucracy that is responsive to the needs of the public, provide good and solid data to ensure informed decision-making, as well as allow secure and seamless access to public services. As a critical government partner, UBX’s UrGovPH aids the new administration in ushering the Philippines to a new digital era. With open finance solutions powering e-governance, we believe that we will be on track to meeting our shared goal of including 70 percent of Filipino adults in the country’s financial systems.” ~John Januszczak, UBX President

UrGovPH to assist LGUs in bringing public service closer to the people. UBX, the leading open finance platform in the Philippines, is doubling down on its support to the government with the introduction of UrGovPH - a suite of open finance solutions that enable local governments to digitally transform their services. 

UrGovPH equips local government units (LGUs) and national government agencies with necessary tools that enable them to digitalize public service, supporting the country’s drive of bringing essential services closer to the people.

The initiative aligns with the current administration’s efforts to build a digital Philippines, which will infuse technology and innovation to respond to the needs of the public and improve governance. In harnessing the power of new technology, Filipinos will have safe and seamless access to public services. 

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. recently called for a unified approach to develop new technologies to address the growing demand for digital services, especially in government. 

During his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will spearhead initiatives to develop e-governance solutions to bring government services closer to the masses. 

Marcos further instructed government entities to digitalize the “voluminous records stored in the government warehouses and archives” and share them across all departments and agencies for transparency and harmony of processes. 

With the help of UBX, LGUs can actively respond to this call by leveraging UrGovPH’s open finance solutions, such as social services marketplace, financial services, information management, asset management, service management, and identity solutions. 

Powered by the various ventures of UBX, LGUs that partner with UBX for their digital transformation journeys are empowered to automate the workflow for the management of all social services, from local civil registry, to enforcement of ordinance, citizen and business registration, to acceptance of digital payments. 

i2i, UBX’s banking-as-a-service platform, allows citizens to transact with their local governments digitally. Aside from cashless and in-store payment solutions, i2i also allows for carded or non-carded disbursements. It also enables local governments to automate accounting and taxation. 

Customer relations are also set to improve with the help of UrGovPH, as all information assets will be available for different channels. Inquiry management and dispute resolution management are covered by the feature. Likewise, real property, environmental, and business assets will be blockchain-enabled to help ease the control of the listings of real property, environment, and businesses under each LGU. Location-enabled mapping of Real Property Assets will also be available. 

Through UrGovPH, businesses will have easier access to verified and trusted lenders in the Philippines through SeekCap. Entrepreneurs can find and apply for business loans online with UBX’s network of partner lenders, helping small and medium enterprises get the much-needed capital to stay afloat and competitive. 

Moreover, citizen verification will be automated for faster and more efficient delivery of various services. ID verification, liveness check, and pre-filled information from the existing government IDs or connected database will be available. 

LGUs will also have access to various government agencies and private partners of UBX, allowing them to introduce new digital services and further improve governance. 

UrGovPH solutions can be hyper-personalized to the specific needs of the LGUs’ citizens.

UrGovPH supports the national government’s drive to promote ease of doing business, as enshrined under Republic Act No. 11032 of 2018. UrGovPH also complements the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) National Financial Inclusion Strategy and the Digital Transformation Roadmap.

It also strengthens Executive Order No. 170 of 2022 or the Adoption of Digital Payments for Disbursements and Collections and the Electronic Commerce Act or RA No. 8792. 

Allianz PNB Life executive talks about digitalization in the insurance sector at Asian Banking and Finance Summit 2022

“Digitalization for us is extremely important in terms of reaching out to customers and prospects. It provides an avenue for stimulating, productive conversations with the customer, fostering interactions with them that are both timely and relevant. Here in the Philippines, insurance penetration rate is 2%. Because of the pandemic, digitalization ensures that we have more effective ways of reaching our customers. We work very closely with our Life Changers or financial insurance agents, because they enable more effective conversations with clients. We want insurance to be a product that people [are not] afraid of. Through our agents, our customers can have access to all the resources they need to make informed decisions regarding the security of their future. Technology is a means to an end, not the end itself. It is a means of getting faster to the consumer, [and] also helps in terms of better understanding the consumers and the policyholders that we already have. We can then improve our services and processes, but more importantly, [develop] new solutions that when we created the product we weren’t already thinking of.” ~Gino Riola, Allianz PNB Life’s Chief Marketing Officer

Allianz PNB Life’s Chief Marketing Officer, Gino Riola, joined some of Asia’s top bank executives and finance industry experts as a keynote speaker and panelist at the Asian Banking and Finance (ABF) Summit 2022. The three-day event was held last June 15 to 17.

The ABF has facilitated several virtual conferences in the last two years, such as the 2020-2021 ABF Retail Banking Conferences and the FSI Conference. This year, the ABF Summit aimed to explore the digitalization of the financial services sector, and cover pressing topics such as fintech, data analytics, and issues that may arise due to this new and rising trend.

Riola, together with the Director of Simon Kucher & Partners Chetan Prakash and Chief Technical Officer of Sompo Holdings Asia Aditya Vardhan Tibrewala, took part in a panel discussion moderated by ABF Publisher Tim Charlton about digitalization in the insurance space. Riola pointed out the low insurance penetration rate in the Philippines and emphasized how utilizing data and technology helps Allianz PNB Life reach more prospects and develop products that its customer base needs.

Riola further explained how Allianz PNB Life also ensures that its current customers have access to their policies.

Riola also briefly introduced the Vivy app, an all-in-one hub for every customer’s protection and health needs. The app marks Allianz PNB Life’s latest venture into digitalization, allowing the company to bring relevant protection and health content to its users. The goal of the project is to help customers learn about their own health conditions as well as the important role insurance will play in securing their future.

For more information on the Allianz Healthbox, Allianz Vivy app, and other products and services Allianz PNB Life offers, please visit www.allianzpnblife.ph.

WalterMart offers more value to shoppers, pushes team-up with Mayani farmers to the provinces

Provincial consumers can fill their shopping bags with as many fresh fruits and vegetables for only P399 while also helping our Filipino farmers

As the country faces the post-pandemic challenges of rising prices and inflation effects, community supermarket chain WalterMart continue to innovate its retail offering through the UNLI FRESH initiative and activating it in large provinces: Cavite, Batangas, Pampanga, and Bulacan.

Through its collaboration with core trade partner Mayani, the country’s fastest-growing farm-to-table platform with a network of over 139,000 smallholder farmers and fisherfolks, UNFLI FRESH will provide a value-oriented shopping experience to these provincial communities starting with Waltermart Bacoor this August 5 to 7.

“We see this as a pro-active shared step towards making fresh produce and agricultural products more accessible, value-driven, and perhaps most importantly in light of the growing provincial demand, more inclusive to the evolving consumer base beyond the metropolis. With the recent earthquake up in the north and the disruption in the agricultural sector, this undertaking could not have come at a more relevant time.” ~Lance Villanueva, the Co-Founder and Chief of Fulfillment of Mayani

Villanueva also pointed out that this builds on the impact partnership momentum WalterMart and Mayani started after jointly activating their Palengke Fresh and Community Pantry network support projects in 2021. 

WalterMart will elevate the shopping experience through a dedicated UNLI FRESH grocery pavilion while being compliant with its 5S safe shopping program: Screening, Shield, Sanitation, Social distancing, and Service Heart. The said spot will also be festive in terms of fresh options – a wide assortment that the consumers can fill their bags with for only P399.

“I believe there is no better time to let our provincial shoppes enjoy our UNLIFRESH than now. At WalterMart, it is our mission to elevate our customers’ shopping experience. Because of this we want to give all of our shoppers the chance to enjoy the UNLIFRESH activity that we have initially offered in select Manila stores. Not only does it give value, we believe it also adds fun to the whole shopping mission.” ~Len Salita, Vice President for Merchandising and Head of the Fresh Department of WalterMart

Salita adds that Mayani has been a long-time partner of WalterMart and the common values that they share simply defines the success of this endeavor. “We trust that given Mayani’s strong network, we will be able to deliver the real value of having directly sourced fresh fruits and vegetables within our customers’ reach, and the same time extend the much needed market linkage to our partner farmers.” 

Every Friday to Sunday, UNLI FRESH will land in various provincial WalterMart Malls in a caravan style: August 12 to 14 for Tanauan in Batangas, August 19 to 21 for San Fernando in Pampanga, and August 26 to 28 for Sta Maria in Bulacan.