NEWS
Home Credit PH extends close to P6M financial aid to Odette-affected employees
CaptionJean Anne Ramos, Sales Associate from Bais City, Negros Oriental with the items she bought from HCPH’s financial assistance
January 28, 2022 3:58 p.m.
Home Credit Philippines disbursed close to P6 million pesos in cash assistance to its employees affected by Typhoon Odette in Visayas and Mindanao.
A total of 1,012 Home Credit employees received initial financial support a day before Christmas.
According to Home Credit Philippines Chief People Officer Alpha Omega Aquino, more than P250,000 was raised through donations amongst fellow employees which the company added to reach the total amount and sufficiently support the affected employees and their families.
In addition to the initially distributed cash aid, HCPH continuously monitored their situation and conditions, and extended further financial assistance to those severely impacted.
Some 82 employees, whose houses were totally lost or had major damage, were given up to P20,000 each.
Due to the typhoon, many properties were destroyed by the strong winds and severe flooding, including the house of Lovely Ramos, a Sales Associate in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
“Sobrang lakas ng hangin at lagpas tao ang baha kaya sahig na lang ang natira sa bahay namin. Lahat ng gamit pati pera at ATM cards natangay,” (The wind was too strong, and the water was high. The floor was the only part of the house that was left. All our belongings, including money and ATM cards, were completely washed out.) she recounted.
When told that they would receive financial assistance, Lovely was very thankful because at least she can use the money to rebuild her house.
On the other hand, Joerald Sasing from the Collections team experienced the challenge of cash withdrawal after receiving the aid.
“Ang pila sa mga ATM, umaabot ng limang oras at kailangan pa tumawid ng kabilang bayan dahil nasira yung ibang machines. Pero pasalamat pa rin kay Home Credit dahil mayroong makukuhang pang-gastos,” (The queue at the ATM lasts up to five hours, and you have to cross to another city just to find a working one. But we’re still grateful to Home Credit because we have something to pay for the expenses.) he narrated.
Jean Rose Ramos, another Sales Associate, sends her thanks to HCPH for the help they got. Since relief goods arrived a little late in their area, she was able to use the financial aid to buy food and necessities for her and her family.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa Home Credit para sa tulong na ibinigay nila para makabili kami ng basic needs tulad ng pagkain. Maswerte kami na maging parte ng isang kompanya na may malasakit.” (I would like to thank Home Credit for their help so we can buy basic needs such as food. We are fortunate to be part of a company who cares for us.)
“We believe that in any challenges or calamities, nobody should be left behind, most especially our people. This is our way of looking after them,” Aquino said of the initiative.
With majority of the affected employees coming from the Collections and Sales departments, the teams initiated a donation drive for their fellow Home Credit employees, within their respective groups.
On top of the financial assistance the company initially provided, they also passed the hat among teammates to help contribute to the distributed cash aid.
They also donated Christmas tokens in the form of gift certificates and other relief items.
Earlier, the consumer finance company also earmarked 1M through partners foundations to help other victims of the typhoon.
To date, HCPH has distributed food packages to 112, 712 individuals through GMA Kapuso Foundation and almost 4,000 families were given relief items in partnership with World Vision Philippines.
Home Credit Philippines has already served over 8 million Filipinos, empowering them to afford their needs through various consumer finance products.
NEWS
TikTok enhances safety, transparency for Filipino community with new initiatives
7:01 p.m. July 16, 2023
TikTok, the world’s leading short-form video platform, is taking further steps to ensure a safer and more transparent platform for its Filipino community. In response to the evolving digital landscape and the rise of AI-generated content (AIGC), these initiatives are designed to maintain a secure environment, uphold community guidelines, and ensure users can trust the content they encounter on the platform.
Strengthening Community Guidelines Enforcement
As part of its ongoing efforts to safeguard its community, TikTok recently published its Q1 2024 Community Guidelines Enforcement Report. During this period from January 1 to March 31, 2024, TikTok removed 4.26 million videos in the Philippines for violations of its Community Guidelines. Of these, 99.7% were removed proactively, and 95% were taken down within 24 hours.
To further enhance transparency, TikTok updated its Community Guidelines in April to provide clearer rules and introduce new features that help creators understand and comply with policies. Available in English and Filipino, these guidelines include detailed definitions and outline moderation practices for features like Search, LIVE, and the For You feed, ensuring policies are clear and accessible to all users.
Advancing AI-Generated Content Transparency
In response to the increasing prevalence of AI-generated content, TikTok has implemented new measures for transparency. Since May, TikTok has automatically labeled AI-generated content uploaded from specific platforms. This initiative is part of a collaboration with MediaWise, a program of the Poynter Institute, and the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA), making TikTok the first video-sharing platform to adopt C2PA’s Content Credentials technology. These labels aim to provide users with clear context about the nature of the content they consume.
Educating the Community with Media Literacy Tools
To support its community in navigating AI-generated content and combating misinformation, TikTok is launching new media literacy resources. Developed in collaboration with experts, these resources are integral to TikTok’s broader strategy to enhance user understanding and foster a more informed community. As part of this initiative, TikTok has partnered with MediaWise to release 12 educational videos throughout the year. These videos aim to teach universal media literacy skills and explain how TikTok’s AI-generated content labels can help contextualize content. This partnership underscores TikTok’s commitment to educating its community and fostering a more informed user base.
Expanding AIGC Labeling Through Partnerships
Building on its efforts to ensure content transparency, TikTok has extended its auto-labeling capabilities for AI-generated content created on other platforms. By integrating the ability to read Content Credentials from C2PA, TikTok automatically recognizes and labels AI-generated content, with plans to expand this to audio-only content soon.
In the coming months, TikTok plans to attach Content Credentials to its content, ensuring transparency even when content is downloaded, allowing users to utilize C2PA’s Verify tool to identify AI-generated content and understand its creation details.
Driving Industry-Wide Adoption
In its mission to promote industry-wide adoption of Content Credentials, TikTok has joined the Adobe-led Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI). As the first video-sharing platform to implement Content Credentials, TikTok is at the forefront of encouraging transparent content practices across the industry. The gradual increase in auto-labeled AI-generated content on TikTok is expected to grow as more platforms adopt this technology, fostering a more transparent digital landscape.
For You Feed and Creator Code of Conduct
To further enhance safety, TikTok has introduced new standards that will temporarily restrict accounts that repeatedly violate content standards. These accounts and their content will be harder to find in search, with creators being notified and given the option to appeal.
Additionally, TikTok published a Creator Code of Conduct outlining the standards expected from creators involved in TikTok programs, features, events, and campaigns. This code reinforces TikTok’s commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive platform.
Through these measures, TikTok continues to focus on helping its community, especially creators, understand its rules and enforcement methods to ensure a safer experience for its users. By embracing continuous innovation and collaboration, TikTok strives to create a secure and inclusive space for creativity and connection.
NEWS
SM Prime, DTI empower MSMEs with 83 SM mall spaces, training, mentorship
9:15 p.m. July 12, 2024
Good news for Micro-, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs)! SM Prime Holdings (SM Prime) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) solidified a partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony held on July 1 at the SM Prime Headquarters.
This collaboration empowers MSMEs with prime mall space in 83 SM Malls nationwide, aligning with the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines program. Besides providing space, SM Prime offers MSMEs discounted booth rentals, training programs on product development, marketing, financial management, and mentorship opportunities with experienced business leaders.
NEWS
DTI National Food Fair celebrates local flavors at SM Megamall
8:26 p.m. July 11, 2024
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) successfully concluded the 10th National Food Fair at SM Megamall’s Megatrade Halls 1-3, held from July 3-7, 2024. This premier event showcased the rich flavors of the Philippines and empowered over 200 Micro-, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs).
Food enthusiasts enjoyed a bounty of fresh produce, regional specialties, and delectable treats from all corners of the country. Attendees had the opportunity to stock up on pantry staples, explore health-conscious options, and discover unique ingredients to elevate their cooking skills.
(L-R): Megatrade Hall’s Maite Quiogue, SM Supermalls’ Assistant Vice President for Operations Royston Cabunag, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary for Micro-, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSME) Development Group Cristina Roque, Guest of Honor Winnie Chua-Go, SM Megamall Assistant Vice President for Operations Christian Mathay, SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Corporate Marketing Grace Magno, DTI-Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Director Marievic Bonoan, and SM Megamall Assistant Mall Manager Isabella Manjon
(L-R): Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary for Micro-, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSME) Development Group Cristina Roque, Guest of Honor Winnie Chua-Go, and DTI-Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Director Marievic Bonoan
The 2024 Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair brings together the best food and flavors from all 16 regions.
Fresh pomelos and other local fruits take center stage at the National Food Fair in Megatrade Hall.
A potential buyer gets ready to take home bottled Bicol Express and Laing at the 10th National Food Fair in SM Megamall.
Crispy, salty, and packed with nutrients —these water spinach chips are the perfect healthy snack.
Bottled honey and baked fruit crisps, all made with local ingredients.
Davao del Sur and Misamis Oriental’s chocolate products are crafted from premium cacao beans.
Quality golden salted eggs from Rizal.
A variety of coconut products from San Pablo, Laguna.
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TikTok enhances safety, transparency for Filipino community with new initiatives
