Each child in public schools should have access to continuous learning. Thankfully, Telus recognizes the importance of education and is committed to making a difference. Telus International Philippines, a digitally enabled customer experience and IT company, made a generous donation of P2.35 million to World Vision and the Department of Education’s “Abutin Na10” fundraising campaign.
Over 7,300 Telus International Philippines employees raised the donation through its “Share to Care” shirt drive in support of Abutin Na10’s education initiatives in Lanao Del Norte and other area programs (APs) of World Vision in the country. “Abutin Na10, Para sa Sampung Milyong Mag-aaral: Sampung Piso, Sampung Araw, Sampung Milyong Filipino” aims to contribute to the funding of DepEd’s Learning Continuity Plan to support public school students through the provision of educational materials like modules, gadgets, and instructional packets.
Since 2021, Abutin Na10 has mobilized its volunteer partners to raise funds for the children’s learning continuity plan. That same year, P1 million was raised for the AP in Cebu. In 2022, P1.3 million was raised for AP Bohol, plus another P100,000 for Brigada Pagbasa (Virtual) for AP Manila.
This year, P167,000 has been raised so far for the ongoing Brigada Pagbasa in AP Malabon. Adding the recent P2.35 million for AP Lanao del Norte, this brings to a total of more than P4.9 million in donations by Telus International Philippines.
Honoring digital champions
The Digital Financial Inclusion Awards (DFIA) is back for the second year to honor outstanding microfinance institutions (MFIs) and micro-entrepreneurs for their achievements in digitalization.
They will select four MFIs and 20 micro-entrepreneurs as Digital Champions for the 2nd DFIA. The program includes learning exchanges and technical assistance for MFIs as part of Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI)’s awareness and readiness campaign.
The National Selection Committee is composed of representatives from the government, business sector, media, and academia, and is co-chaired by heads of the BSP and Citi Philippines.
Leading the virtual event were BSP Governor Felipe Medalla, Citi Philippines CEO Paul Favila, and MCPI Chairman Gilbert Maramba.
MFI winners will be chosen based on the types of digital solutions they have adopted, measurable results on the use of digital solutions, and institutional/client benefits of digitalization. Meanwhile, micro-entrepreneurs will be nominated by the MFIs based on their success stories as micro-entrepreneurs, the types of digital solutions used, and measurable results on the use of digital solutions.
The program aims to inspire other micro-entrepreneurs and MFIs to embark on their own digitalization journey that will ultimately lead to business growth and livelihood opportunities for many Filipinos. The DFIA program is an evolution of the Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards that enables Citi Foundation and MCPI to continue raising awareness about the importance of micro-entrepreneurship and microfinance in supporting the financial inclusion and economic empowerment of low-income individuals.
Meeting filipinos’ housing needs
SM Development Corporation (SMDC) was a big winner at the Carousell Property Awards 2023, as it took home the Best Developer Award for its condominium projects that meet the needs of Filipinos across socio-economic classes.
The award-giving body, organized annually by the country’s leading online marketplace, conferred the major award to SMDC, specifically citing its three residential condominium projects namely, Charm Residences, Hill Residences and Sail Residences, all of which are future-ready and strategically built in accessible locations.
President of SMDC Jose Mari Banzon said, “I’d like to thank Carousell for making us the Developer of the Year, under the Carousell Property Awards 2022. It makes us realize that you appreciate the hard work of our people, and our mission of providing affordable housing to Filipinos.”
Named Best Mid-Range Condominium, Charm Residences in Felix Avenue, Cainta, Rizal is a garden-themed vertical property with resort-like amenities that create a cozy and convenient lifestyle. Charm Residences is located alongside Sumulong Highway, giving residents immediate access to various thoroughfares such as Marcos Highway, Ortigas Avenue and C5, and is near vibrant commercial districts like Ortigas Center and Eastwood City.
In Novaliches, Quezon City, Hill Residences was awarded Best Affordable Condominium. Located near Quirino Highway and the North Luzon Express Way, the condo project is an exclusive vertical village with malls like SM Novaliches and SM Fairview nearby.
Sail Residence bagged the Best in High End Condominium award and is located within the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City. Bordered by Manila Bay, Sail Residences provides a picturesque view of the Manila seascape.
Residents can soon have seamless travel options to key places in the metro with the development of the Pasay Monorail, which will connect the Mall of Asia Complex to several modes of transportation, including the MRT-3’s Taft station and LRT-1’s EDSA station, and the EDSA bus ways.
Shine Resurreccion, head of autos and property of Carousell Philippines, added “As the fastest-growing real estate developer, SMDC has consistently developed projects with a sense of foresight, empathy and care as it is able to provide the unique needs of Filipino end-users when it comes to residential spaces.”
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