NEWS
Mariwasa recognized for commitment to quality management
November 5, 2022 9:20 a.m.
Mariwasa Siam Ceramics, Inc. (MSCI), recently received recognition for Mastery in Quality Management Level 3 from the Philippine Quality Award (PQA). It is a national award program organized by the Department of Trade and Industry that recognizes the achievements of the public and private sectors in their journey toward performance excellence.
“The COVID-19 crisis may have been a challenge for all, but despite this, the year 2021 was another breakthrough year for DTI’s Competitiveness Bureau,” said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba during the virtual conferment 24th Assessment Cycle ceremony aired on Facebook.
The PQA hit a record high with 14 applicant organizations in the 2021 Assessment Cycle. Among the organizations that applied for the PQA is Mariwasa. The brand received Recognition for Mastery in Quality Management Level 3 because of its unwavering mission to provide quality products and services to consumers. Mariwasa is the only organization from the private sector that accepted the challenge of a very rigorous process of the Assessment Cycle.
“This has been a testament of our company that delivers the best quality tiles through innovation and professionalism. We will continue to strive to be the market leader in the ceramic industry,” said Jakkrit Suwansilp, Mariwasa President and SCG Country Director for the Philippines.
Mariwasa continues to pride itself on being the first and only local ceramic tile manufacturer to receive such a prestigious award. The 24th PQA isn’t the only time Mariwasa received the prestigious award as the company also earned recognition back in 2011 for its commitment to quality management. Mariwasa’s motto, “Uncompromising Quality,” speaks volumes of its vision that prioritizes customer satisfaction and operations excellence.
It is also known for utilizing the latest and most effective technology in manufacturing ceramic tiles. Mariwasa also employs highly competent personnel to ensure product quality through the continuous product research and development, and training and development of its personnel.
ABOUT MARIWASA
It was in March 1966 when Mariwasa Manufacturing, Inc. was founded by brothers Emerson and Edison Co Seteng. The company was founded on a vision of producing ceramic products that would meet world standards for beauty and durability. Without missing a beat, Mariwasa pioneered the manufacturing process of vitrified floor tiles, big size wall tiles, and third-fired ceramic tiles. Only by harnessing the skills, discipline, and creativity of the Filipino artisans does the company hope to achieve its goal.
After three decades in the industry, the Mariwasa Siam Ceramics, Inc. (MSCI) is the result of a merger between two large companies in the Philippines and Thailand, namely Mariwasa Manufacturing, Inc. (MMI) and Siam Cement Group (SCG). The company is poised to cater to the growing demands of customers from both the domestic and international markets.
It also utilizes state-of-the-art technology in manufacturing processes ceramic tiles. The company employs highly competent personnel to ensure product quality through continuous product research and development, and training and development of its personnel. Foreign experts are even tapped to assist both in the research and development and operation, showing Mariwasa’s edge in the development of highly competitive products in the market.
Piyarat Promtong, the Vice President for Manufacturing of Mariwasa, believes that part of the company’s success comes from the Filipino employees who are very passionate about their jobs, thus securing the company’s position in the market of providing quality products to consumers.
“I like the way we educate our people. It is as part of our training to always go for the new trend and adapt it in the tiles itself. That’s why I can always offer something new to the customer,” said Emilie Maramag, Vice President for Finance and Admin of Mariwasa.
With its new conferment from the PQA, Mariwasa remains the leading ceramic tile manufacturer in the Philippines that’s recognized by several organizations for its adherence to sustainability, creativity, and overall commitment to quality service. However, the brand’s bid for excellence is far from over as it now delved into the Decorative Surfaces and Bathroom Solutions (DSBS) industry as a provider. It also shifted its vision and is on the way to becoming the leading brand for DSBS aside from being a renowned tile manufacturer.
NEWS
Atayde bats for moratorium on student loan payments during emergencies, calamities
March 17, 2023 9:00 p.m.
STUDENTS won’t have to worry paying their loans during times of calamities and emergencies, as Quezon City first district Congressman Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde has introduced a moratorium on the payment of student loans administered by higher educational institutions (HEIs).
The House Bill 7279, which Atayde filed last Feb. 21, headed into its first reading six days later in the Committee on Higher and Technical Education, chaired by Baguio City Rep. Mark O. Go.
He said the bill — once it turns to a law — will halt the payment of all the fees, charges, and costs relating to student loans and technical-vocational training institutions (TVIs) or by the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UNIFAST) during emergencies.
It will cover all students residing in areas declared to be under a state of calamity or emergency — those who are enrolled in state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs), private HEIs, and public and private TVIs.
“We have to find a way to help our students and their families, when natural or even these man-made calamities hit them hard. We just have to make everything easy for them including a moratorium on the payment of student loans,” Atayde said. “It is a burden on a student and their family especially in difficult times like aftermath of typhoon, fire and earthquakes, among other disasters.”
“In the order of spending, student loans will be their least priority since spending will go mostly to basic necessities for survival,” Atayde added.
The moratorium shall be effective for the duration of the state of calamity or emergency and for 30 days after its lifting. No penalties shall be collected on the deferred payments.
“To provide adequate relief and protection to our students in times of calamities and emergencies, this measure shall allow the deferral of student loan collections for a reasonable period during and after the onset of disasters.”
The Quezon City lawmaker cited also the availability of the moratorium, which shall not adversely affect the status of the students concerned with regard to their eligibility for re-enrollment on the succeeding semesters or terms, or their eligibility for graduation.
“The proposed legislation doesn’t prevent public and private HEIs from implementing more favorable forms of payment relief or assistance to students affected by disasters, prohibiting students from voluntarily waiving the moratorium on student loan payments, or availing subsidies and assistance from the government,” Atayde concluded.
NEWS
ShopeePay now available as a payment method for App Store, other Apple services in PH
March 16, 2023 1:59 p.m.
Beginning today, ShopeePay, Shopee’s integrated mobile wallet, is now available as a payment method for Apple services in the Philippines. Customers can use their ShopeePay account to pay for App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV app, and iTunes Store purchases, iCloud storage and more.
The addition of ShopeePay as an Apple ID payment method offers a new way to pay for Apple services without needing a credit card and still allows for easy, secure one-tap purchasing from Apple products including iPhone, iPad and Mac.
Customers can manage their Apple ID payment information in Settings on iPhone and iPad, or on their Mac or PC.
Agatha Soh, Director at ShopeePay commented, “ShopeePay is committed to meeting the needs of users who are increasingly expecting seamless payments across all platforms. We are excited to offer ShopeePay as a convenient payment option for our customers, and expand access to digital payments, benefitting more users.”
For more information on how to add ShopeePay as a payment method, please visit https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201266 or https://shopee.ph/m/ShopeePay-Apple-ID-PH.
NEWS
Be bolder, braver, more confident at SM Supermalls’ Women’s Month celebration!
March 8, 2023, 8:30 p.m.
Ladies, take center stage as SM celebrates Women Power throughout the month of March. Lots of activities both online and on-ground are in store to empower women and girls all over the country.
Join the Future of Women Global Summit
SM Supermalls will be joining UN Women in kicking off the IWD 2023 celebration through a women’s summit on March 8, at the SM Aura Premier Samsung Hall. Focusing on the future of women in ICT, the two-part event will gather young women, country leaders, policy makers, and advocates together to share perspectives and affirm their commitment to supporting digital equality for women and girls.
Photo courtesy of SM City Lucena
Photo courtesy of SM City San Jose del Monte
Support your local Womenpreneurs
Great finds for ladies are on sale at the SM Womenpreneur Market! This pop-up of small and medium businesses owned by women for women will give you everything you need from food and beauty to wellness and fashion!
Wednesdays are for women!
Shopping on Wednesdays has become even more tempting because the Women’s Wednesday Sale is back! Achieve the glow-up you deserve with special discounts, deals, and promos on fashion, beauty, and fitness exclusively for women every Wednesday of March. So don’t hold back on your shopping; you deserve all these and more!
A beautiful treat of wellness all for you
Forda glow-up and pampering sesh tayo this month because lots of self-care deals are available at the Women’s Wellness Sale. Avail of great deals from wellness salons on facials, hair and body treatments, nail care, and massage from March 1 to March 31.
And more deals online!
Special deals are up for women via the SM Malls Online app. Get the best brand offerings every Wednesday from shoes and beauty and wellness to home and hobbies. Use the code WOMEN and get an extra 10% off, capped at 250. What’s great is that there’s no minimum purchase required!
Also, a collection of brand vouchers will be sent to all women SM Malls Online shoppers valid all month. Wait for your Beauty Pass and give yourself the retail therapy you deserve with tons of discounts, GWP deals, samplers, in-store pick up bonuses, and mystery boxes!
Plus, the SM Malls Online app will be hosting self-care sessions online. Follow SM Supermalls on social media to get a dose of starter packages, Get-Ready-With-Me routines, and beauty products that your favorite beauty experts swear by.
Photo courtesy of SM City East Ortigas
Photo courtesy of SM City Manila
Celebrate Women Power on IG!
Capture the beauty and power of women at the beautiful spots and installations all over SM. Be free to express your own uniqueness and creativity in the specially-designed selfie spaces in partnership with Selfie Studio. Don’t forget to tag us on IG!
We don’t know about you but exciting days await every SM woman. So be bolder, braver, and more confident! With these activities, you can confidently step forward in fashion, beauty, wellness, and express yourselves to make a positive impact.
Stay updated on all things women this IWD 2023 by visiting www.smsupermalls.com and following @smsupermalls on social media.
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