NEWS
Atayde urges national government to implement QC flood control projects
7:35 p.m. August 29, 2024
Quezon City 1st District Representative Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde on Thursday urged the national government to fund and implement proposed QC flood control projects intended to address chronic flooding not only in his district, but the rest of Quezon City.
All the classes were suspended in Quezon City and 16 out of Metro Manila’s 17 local government units were affected by heavily flooding just recently.
“Malaki talaga ang epekto ng baha sa buhay ng mga taga QC, lalo na sa Distrito Uno. Classes in private and public schools at all levels were once again suspended in the city, and the national government saw it fit to suspend work in government offices and classes in public schools in NCR. We cannot simply accept this. Hindi naman pwede ganito forever; kailangan na natin aksyunan ito,” Atayde stressed.
“My constituents, and the residents of Quezon City, are a resilient people. Pero di naman makaturungan na i-expect na taon-taon magtitiis sila kung kaya naman natin tugunan ang problema na ito.”
Atayde pointed out that Quezon City already has a comprehensive flood mitigation study and actionable plans to address flooding.
The study, conducted by the University of the Philippines and commissioned by the QC local government, was presented to Atayde by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte.
The legislator explained that “ang kailangan po ay pondo at suporta mula sa DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways), kasi may dalawang measures na very doable and can have an immediate impact on flood mitigation efforts.”
The two proposed projects, Atayde revealed, are the Construction of a Detention Basin under G. Araneta Avenue and the Talayan Flood Interceptor Project, which involved the construction of flood interceptors in Brgy. N. S. Amoranto, from G. Araneta Ave. to San Francisco River.
The budget for the Construction of a Detention Basin under G. Araneta Avenue could range from four to 24 billion pesos. The proposed basin will be 2.2 kilometers long and hold as much as 282,000 cubic meters of water.
During Typhoon Carina, G. Araneta Avenue experienced an estimated flood volume of 234,000 cubic meters, with flood depths of up to 2.4 meters in certain areas.
The Talayan Flood Interceptor Project, on the other hand, will accommodate the actual volume of 10,000 cubic meters along streets in Brgy. Talayan and involves the upgrading of drainage pipes so that their drainage capacity can be increased to 12,000 cubic meters.
The total length of the flood interceptors will be 2.2 kilometers long, and the estimated cost of the project ranges from 1.2 to two billion pesos.
According to Atayde, the funds needed for the two projects “are an investment in improving the lives of long-suffering QC residents who must be worried every time the rains pour.”
“Pero hindi lang ito issue ng convenience, this is an issue of productivity as well. We cannot allow rains to continually disrupt classes, businesses, and even government services. If there are solutions within reach, we should implement them immediately.”
NEWS
Cebuana Lhuillier ventures into future of payments at Plan B Forum in Lugano, Switzerland
10:40 p.m. December 30, 2024
Cebuana Lhuillier, the Philippines’ leading microfinance institution, is stepping into the future of payments by exploring innovative blockchain solutions.
This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to financial inclusion and its strategic move towards adopting digital technologies. Senior Executive Vice President Philippe Andre Lhuillier attended the prestigious Plan B Forum in Lugano, Switzerland, where financial leaders and innovators gathered to discuss the next evolution in payments, blockchain, and digital finance.
A Global Stage for Financial Innovation
The Plan B Forum serves as a vital platform for thought leaders to explore the future of blockchain and digital currencies in the global economy. With a focus on the growing impact of decentralized finance (DeFi), stablecoins, and digital currencies, the forum highlights how emerging technologies are reshaping the landscape of financial services. Cebuana Lhuillier’s participation signifies its drive to stay ahead of technological advancements that can reshape and bridge TradFi and DeFi in the Philippines.
The event was attended by some of the prominent names in the digital currency space, demonstrating Cebuana’s commitment to industry and reinforcing its role in shaping the crypto landscape.
Cebuana Lhuillier: Championing Financial Inclusion in the Digital Space
Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier, highlights the company’s growing focus on digital transformation. “As Cebuana Lhuillier continues to expand in the digital space, it aims to enhance payment services by adopting stablecoins and partnering with innovative digital solutions companies. These technologies promise faster, more affordable, and secure transactions for Filipinos, offering a modern way to manage payments with greater transparency and ease.”
Following this, Cebuana Lhuillier Senior Executive Vice President Philippe Andre Lhuillier added, “Blockchain technology and digital currencies are not just tools for innovation; they are vehicles for empowerment. By leveraging these technologies, we can democratize access to financial services, enabling Filipinos from all walks of life to participate in a global digital economy.”
This move reflects Cebuana Lhuillier’s commitment to providing reliable financial services that cater to the evolving needs of its customers across the country.
In representing Cebuana Lhuillier at the forum, Philippe Andre Lhuillier emphasized the importance of financial inclusion in the digital age. In an era where internet access and digital infrastructure are rapidly expanding, especially with advancements in web3 technologies, it set the stage that highlighted the importance of emerging payments in the web3 space and the role of Cebuana Lhuillier in bridging this technology with traditional finance.
Cebuana Lhuillier’s participation at the forum reinforces its commitment to financial inclusion. By incorporating digital wallets, blockchain technology, and digital currencies, the company aims to expand access to financial services, beyond traditional finance.
President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier remarked “With the evolution of financial landscapes, Cebuana Lhuillier is positioning itself at the forefront of digital transformation in the Philippines. By attending the Plan B Forum, the company is not only seeking to learn from global leaders but is also reaffirming its role as a key player in the future of payments and financial inclusion. Philippe Andre Lhuillier’s participation marks a critical step towards realizing Cebuana Lhuillier’s vision of becoming a fully integrated financial service provider that leverages cutting-edge technology.”
As blockchain and digital cryptocurrency technologies continue to grow, Cebuana Lhuillier is well-positioned to lead the way in providing innovative financial services.
NEWS
InLife wins Best in Future of Intelligence Award at IDC Future Enterprise Awards 2024
3:30 p.m. December 25, 2024
Insular Life (InLife) received the Best in Future of Intelligence Award – Philippines during the IDC (International Data Corporation) Future Enterprise Awards 2024 held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore on November 18, 2024.
The award recognizes InLife’s Agile Academy, a transformative initiative aimed at fostering an Agile mindset among InLife employees, or InLifers.
Through bootcamps, masterclasses, workshops, and curated resources, the Agile Academy empowers InLifers to tackle organizational challenges with innovative solutions, contributing to the company’s business and digital transformation journey.
At the heart of the Agile Academy are the Mission-Based Teams (MBTs)—cross-functional, user-centric, and self-organizing groups that leverage the Agile framework to address critical customer and enterprise issues.
To date, the Agile Academy has activated 21 MBTs, resulting in innovations like the InLife App, a mobile and web application for managing life insurance policies; and the InLife Compass Super App, designed to boost the productivity of InLife financial advisors. MBTs have also developed solutions addressing pain points of Gen Zs, Group account holders, and the silver generation, demonstrating InLife’s customer-centric and inclusive approach.
“InLife’s recognition at the IDC Future Enterprise Awards reaffirms our commitment to continuous innovation and transformation in service of our customers,” said InLife Chief Transformation Officer Efren C. Caringal, Jr. “At 114 years, InLife remains true to its pioneering spirit, leveraging initiatives like the Agile Academy to deliver meaningful solutions that benefit our policyholders and other stakeholders.”
The IDC Future Enterprise Awards recognize organizations that lead the way in digital transformation, demonstrating resilience, and a commitment to enhanced customer experiences.
NEWS
Converge engages Unang Yakap beneficiaries in gift-giving activities
8:30 p.m. December 24, 2024
Leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. shared the joy of Christmas to the mothers and volunteers of its Unang Yakap Community in Baseco, Tondo.
With the help of the mentors and mentees from its women mentorship program Grace Under Pressure: MentorSHE, the company celebrated with the beneficiaries and community volunteers through games, raffle, and gift-giving activities.
In partnership with Caritas Manila, Converge has been supporting the Unang Yakap Program that aims to provide healthcare and nutritional assistance to underprivileged pregnant and lactating mothers, and their infants, during their first 1,000 days.
Sylvia Sanchez-Atayde grateful for MMFF’s recognition of Topakk
Cebuana Lhuillier ventures into future of payments at Plan B Forum in Lugano, Switzerland
Topakk bags MMFF’s Jury Prize Award, 2 other citations
