ZTE reaffirms commitment to advancing digitalization, sustainable development
ZTE Corporation, a global leading provider of information and communication technology solutions, has announced that its CEO Xu Ziyang has delivered a keynote address at 2023 SDG Digital, a high-level event hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). At the event, ZTE was recognized as one of the first of Partner2Connect (P2C) Champions by ITU.
In his address, Xu outlined the company’s vision and initiatives, reaffirming ZTE’s commitment to advancing digitalization and sustainable development. He emphasized the importance of bridging the digital divide in the world’s most underserved regions.
Xu said that ZTE, guided by the principles of P2C, continues its significant pledge to invest $400 million annually in information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) by 2025.
According to ITU, the event was made possible by the SDG Digital Advisory Group, and that ITU and UNDP are thankful to all the organizations, including ZTE, that have been involved in the planning and preparation for SDG Digital, and their commitment to advancing progress on the Global Goals through technology.
Xu reiterated ZTE’s promise to leave no one behind in the computing era. He stressed that ZTE remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing sustainable development goals, contributing to global digitalization, and empowering communities worldwide.
Immunization is a “must” in the F1000 days of life for optimum protection
This year, the country celebrates the 5th anniversary of the enactment of RA 11146 (commonly known as the Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act or First 1000 Days Law) in November, experts are stressing the importance of vaccination during a child’s first 1000 days to give them optimum protection against communicable vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) during the pivotal stage of their development.
According to the Philippine Pediatric Society’s (PPS), 2022 Childhood Immunization Schedule, 14 out of the 15 recommended childhood immunizations should be administered within the first 1000 days of life. These include recommended vaccines such as Bacilli Calmette-Guerin (BCG); Hep B; DTwP-Hib-HepB and other DTaP combinations; IPV; OPV/IPV; Pneumococcal Conjugate; Rotavirus; Influenza; Japanese Encephalitis; Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR); Varicella; Inactivated Hep A; and Live Hep A. HPV is recommended for vaccination at age 9.
The signing into law of RA 11148 in November 2018 is a milestone in public health advocacy as it provides essential support to promote the health and well-being of mothers and children from the prenatal period up to the first 1000 days or until two years old, showing how the Filipino government values life right from the beginning of life.
In promoting immunization and vaccination, RA 11146 mandates appropriate and timely immunization services following the latest DOH guidelines, from birth up to two years of age.
PLDT, other MVP Group companies win at Golden Arrow Awards
The Philippines’ leading integrated telco PLDT Inc. was recently awarded a 3-Golden Arrow Award at the 2022 ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS) Recognition ceremony organized by the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD).
A consistent recipient of the Golden Arrow Awards, PLDT’s commitment to exemplary corporate governance practices were once again affirmed by the recognition as a model among publicly listed companies (PLCs) in the Philippines, based on the 2022 ACGS.
PLDT continues to score high in the ACGS which assesses and ranks PLCs in six participating ASEAN countries — Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Companies are scored in the areas of facilitating the rights and the equitable treatment of shareholders, how the company relates to different stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability through timely disclosure of material information, and how the board guides the company strategically, monitors management, and ensures board accountability to the company and the shareholders.
Other MVP Group companies that were similarly recognized with 3-Golden Arrow Awards were Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), Manila Electric Company (MERALCO), and Philex Mining Corporation, while PXP Energy Corporation received a 2-Golden Arrow Award.
The ICD is the leading non-profit institution in the field of corporate governance in the Philippines, and a national and regional resource for corporate governance policy advocacy, discussions, and training for directors.
Filipino MSMEs into global markets via Shopee’s #TatakPinoy International
Shopee is breaking down barriers and opening new horizons for Filipino Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with the launch of #TatakPinoy International. This groundbreaking initiative empowers local sellers to expand their business and connect with international customers, strengthening the global presence of Filipino brands, and showcasing local talents to an international audience. This free program will be available first to Shopee’s markets in Singapore and Malaysia.
#TatakPinoy International represents a significant stride towards Shopee’s mission of empowering Filipino businesses in the digital era by giving them opportunities to grow, develop, and reach a wider audience. This can be seen in Shopee’s efforts through their various services and features, such as Shopee Live, Shopee Affiliates, and Shopee University, which offer sellers an avenue to learn how to start their e-commerce business, upscale their brand, and form tight-knit communities with KOLs and buyers simultaneously.
#TatakPinoy International will soon be open to all Shopee sellers, promising a shopping experience with seamless cross-border logistics support. This is like its present system, but with a broader reach, helping Filipino sellers connect with overseas buyers, which Shopee and its third-party logistics partners will process to fulfill the order successfully.
New era for Filipino businesses in North America
LBC Express Inc., with more than seven decades of experience in an industry where trust is paramount, has proven its dependability. Today, it’s ready to use this hard-earned trust, invaluable experience, and deep-rooted expertise to support Filipino businesses in the U.S.
LBC Solutions North America is more than just a service–it’s an all-inclusive system designed to streamline commerce. With LBC Solutions, freight and logistics challenges are targeted head-on, whether businesses need to ship goods to and from North America or anywhere in the world.
LBC also provides International and Domestic Freight Forwarding, along with Intermodal Shipping Service, Project Cargo Management and Buyer’s Consolidation, which can help manage large-scale shipments and consolidate purchases efficiently. Packing and Crating Services ensure that goods are safely prepared for transport, while the Customs Clearance service streamlines the process of getting goods through customs. Businesses can also benefit from Warehousing and Distribution services for storing and transporting their goods, and the comprehensive Purchase Order (PO) Management service allows businesses to keep track of their orders effectively.
In essence, LBC Solutions North America is a comprehensive suite of services that simplifies the entire logistical process for businesses while providing not just a service, but an opportunity for businesses to explore new markets, establish a deeper presence, and succeed in the global economy.
Through LBC Solutions North America, businesses receive not just the means to expand– they also gain a reliable ally and the chance to build their own legacy.
Asian Forum on Enterprise for Society 2023
The Asian Forum on Enterprise for Society (AFES) 2023 has made a triumphant return to hosting in-person gatherings, taking place on September 26-27 at the Conrad Hotel in Pasay City. This event reaffirms its status as the premier platform in Asia for substantive discussions revolving around corporate responsibility, innovation, and sustainable business practices.
Organized by the Asian Institute of Management Ramon V. Del Rosario, Sr. Center for Corporate Responsibility (AIM RVR Center), AFES, formerly recognized as the Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility, boasts a storied history of assembling in diverse Asian cities. Under the 2023 theme, “Boosting Innovation and Inclusion Together,” this edition carries forward the legacy by exploring how businesses can act as catalysts for resilience and inclusivity.
AFES 2023 has successfully convened a diverse audience of over 400 participants, including global practitioners, thought leaders, business executives, and community representatives, all united by a shared objective–to address the most pressing societal challenges of our time.
AFES 2023 featured a spectrum of action-inspiring conversations, each exploring diverse topics that are pivotal to our collective future. From co-creating nature-based solutions for food security and exploring new pathways for eco-tourism to promoting greener, more resilient fintech, and the responsible use of generative AI, these discussions delved deep into the issues that will shape the world for generations to come.
Digital remittances ensure well-being, equitable access for PWDs
The socio-economic barriers faced by persons with disabilities (PWDs) often result in increased expenses compared to individuals without disabilities.
A 2022 report by UNICEF Philippines estimates that the cost of raising a child with disabilities is 40 to 80% higher than the cost for children without disabilities. This expense becomes especially challenging for households below the poverty line.
“For many Filipino families, remittances hold the key to a better future. As they’re guaranteed to increase the financial and social mobility of a household, they can also augment the additional costs that may come with caring for a family member with a disability or special needs,” said Earl Melivo, Head of Asia Pacific at WorldRemit.
WorldRemit advocates for financial inclusion to help champion more PWDs and their families.
“We believe that every individual, regardless of their abilities, deserves equal opportunities in life. This starts with more equitable access to essential resources. Since you don’t need to go far and visit physical stores for digital remittances, it’s one of many ways we can innovate our platforms to be more inclusive of PWDs,” Melivo said.
An inclusive society requires a collective effort. WorldRemit continues to stand with PWDs by providing a reliable and accessible way for OFWs to support their loved ones with special needs.
