SM reinvents ‘Building on Stilts’ as a Climate Resilient Design for the Future

Floods and rising water levels brought about by typhoons are perennial problems in Marikina city, which is considered as one of the low-lying areas of Metro Manila. During typhoons, Marikina River’s water can rise up to 23 meters compared to its normal average level of 13 meters. While this causes the communities surrounding the Marikina Watershed to be underwater, SM Marikina stands tall, serving as a safe haven to its neighboring communities.

 

The secret?  It is sitting on 246 stilts. 

 

SM City Marikina is uniquely designed. The 6-hectare mall property which is located within the Marikina River Watershed is an elevated mall built on top of 246 stilts. 

 

“A critical part of building climate resilient structures is to understand weather patterns and how it affects the environment where your city or building will be,” explained Architect Fides Garcia-Hsu, Vice President of SM Engineering Design and Development (SM EDD). “During the design phase of SM City Marikina, we considered the long-term flood cycles of the Marikina Watershed, which was identified to be a high-risk area by the World Bank in 1977.”

 

Building on stilts traces back to ancient civilization from different parts of the world. The answer lies in its powerful functionality. Elevated construction had been the way earliest people groups would protect themselves from flooding, moisture and surface organisms. It also gives them provision for open space storage or cultural activities. Lastly, it reduces cost in modifying natural terrain. While building on stilts have been adopted by modern architects through the years, people had lost interest in it during the rise of urbanization.

 

SM revisited the functionality of ‘building on stilts’ and reinvented the concept as a climate resilient feature. This design was complemented with other disaster preparedness considerations to help reduce the risk of damages during extreme flooding. As such, SM City Marikina was built an additional 20 meters farther than the suggested 90-meter distance from the Marikina River centerline. Moreover, the ground floor parking was purposely laid out as an open-design, without walls to allow water to flow, while the second floor was elevated at 20.5 meters, which is higher than the maximum recorded flood levels.

During super typhoons, SM Marikina’s resiliency saves an average of Php1 billion in terms of losses from business sales alone. This means that it is able to help its tenants, especially the micro, small and medium enterprises that depend on the mall for their business continuity and growth. 

 

For its neighboring communities, SM Marikina also serves as a safe haven and a first responder to families who are affected during calamities. It also provides free parking spaces for those who are stranded and need a safe place to wait for flood water to recede. 

 

“Our ultimate goal is to help build the resilience of our stakeholders. This begins by building our own resilience to serve as a good foundation they could rely on especially during calamities,” Garcia-Hsu said.

 

Beyond the city of Marikina, building on stilts may be experiencing a revival in other parts of the world as urbanization begin to rise along with a greater demand for greener spaces. This would allow for high rise developments while keeping ground levels reserved for much needed green open spaces. 

 

While it took SM an additional 15% in its capital investments to make SM City Marikina a disaster resilient mall, the group sees it as an essential investment in its commitment to create shared value for its stakeholders. This, complemented with a science-based approach on climate scenario risk analysis, allows SM City Marikina to defy odds and prove that integrating resiliency is the way to a climate resilient future.

 

Samsung announces its newest GALAXY A-SERIES, the A33 and A53

 

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced Galaxy A53 5G and Galaxy A33 5G to deliver a complete package of the latest Galaxy innovations, offering a holistic mobile experience at a great value. Powered by a brand-new processor, coupled with Galaxy’s signature AI camera, expansive and smooth display, and two-day battery life^[1], the new Galaxy A series features 5G connectivity, defense-grade security, an eco-conscious, stylish and slim design, and advanced connected experiences. Plus, both devices support continuous One UI and Android OS upgrades and security updates^[2] to ensure the user mobile experience is always awesome. 

 

“We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the positive impact mobile technology can have on their lives,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Samsung Electronics’ MX (Mobile eXperience) Business. “With the latest Galaxy A series release, we’re making it easier than ever to enjoy Galaxy’s advanced, innovative mobile experience at a great value.”    

Capture an Awesome Shot in Any Situation 

Whether creating content or sharing it with friends, Galaxy A53 5G and Galaxy A33 5G offer an advanced, next-level camera experience, packed with many of the powerful and fun features from the Galaxy A series. Galaxy A53 5G’s quad-camera system features a 64MP OIS Camera with VDIS technology that takes crisp and steady shots every time. Meanwhile, a high-resolution 32MP front camera delivers great selfies and clear video call experiences. 

Fueled by a brand new 5nm processor, the new Galaxy A series’ innovative AI-powered camera makes every image look awesome – even in low lighting. Improved Night mode automatically synthesizes up to 12 images at once, so night photos look bright, with less noise. And when shooting video in low-light environments, the Galaxy A series’ framerate is automatically adjusted to create bright, clear videos. 

The enhanced Portrait mode captures depth and subject outlines more accurately with dual cameras and powerful AI. Meanwhile, with Fun mode, moments can be amplified using playful filters and effects that now work with the Ultra-wide lens. For the first time on the Galaxy A series, Photo Remaster breathes new life into old photos by offering ideal lighting and resolution settings, and Object eraser removes pesky photo bombers in the background. 

 

Maximize Viewing Experiences Anywhere, Anytime

 

In the past, a sunny day could make it hard to see what’s on a smartphone screen, but the new Galaxy A series’ intelligent algorithm ensures the display comes through in vivid detail, even outside. Galaxy A53 5G’s expansive 6.5-inch^[3] Super AMOLED display also offers a 120Hz refresh rate for an immersive experience while Galaxy A33 5G features a 6.4-inch^[4] Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. Plus, the new Galaxy A series is now equipped with up to two-day battery life and 25W Super Fast Charging^[5] – so viewing, streaming and more can last longer. 

 

Beautiful, Durable, Purposeful Design

 

The new Galaxy A series is expertly crafted to be fashionable, functional, and sustainable. The device’s slim bezel creates a smooth, stylish look and Ambient Edge design seamlessly blends the camera with the body of the phone. Galaxy A53 5G and Galaxy A33 5G feature the tough Corning® Gorilla® Glass 5 and IP67^[6] water and dust resistance, providing enhanced durability and peace of mind. 

Samsung has always challenged what’s possible with technology and will continue to rethink how best to use the planet’s resources. Announced in August 2021 with Galaxy for the Planet, Samsung is committed to delivering tangible environmental actions to help make the planet healthier by 2025. Building on Samsung’s sustainability efforts, the Galaxy A series^[7] removes the charger plug and reduces the size of the packaging. Packaging also uses sustainably sourced paper, while the device itself uses recycled post-consumer materials (PCM) for the side buttons and SIM card trays. 

Beyond materials, the longevity of the new A series is extended. Galaxy A53 5G guarantees up to four generations of One UI and Android OS upgrades and up to five years of security updates. These features allow users to access the latest software and security to maximize the smartphone lifecycle. 

 

The Connected Galaxy Experience, Secure and at Your Fingertips 

The new Galaxy A series ensures data and information stay protected, secured by the defense-grade Samsung Knox. When storing private photos, notes and apps, Secure Folder offers users an encrypted, digital safe, so only they can access its contents. Using Private Share^[8], users can control exactly who has access to files and for how long. Galaxy A53 5G and Galaxy A33 5G will also include the new Samsung Wallet^[9], a convenient and protected place to safely store everything from boarding passes to credit cards.

Galaxy A53 5G and A33 5G work seamlessly with other Galaxy devices for the full, connected Galaxy ecosystem experience. Audio options are expanded by connecting the Galaxy Buds series with a range of devices, including Galaxy A53 5G and Galaxy A33 5G. Available on Galaxy Buds Pro and coming soon to Galaxy Buds2 and Buds Live, users will be able to enjoy 360 Audio technology^[10] which delivers true, immersive, 3D sound. When it’s time to get productive, use Link to Windows^[11] to connect the new Galaxy A series to a Windows PC to copy and paste, transfer files and even answer calls or texts.  

Availability^[12]

The Galaxy A53 5G will be available starting April 1 in all authorized Samsung Stores and online for: 

 

●      Galaxy A53 5G (8+256GB) - PHP 25,490 SRP

●      Galaxy A53 5G (8+128GB) - PHP 23,490 SRP

●      Galaxy A53 5G (6+128GB) - PHP 22,990 SRP (Online Exclusive)

 

While the Galaxy A33 5G will be available all authorized Samsung Stores and online beginning April 22 for:

 

●      Galaxy A33 5G (8+256GB) - PHP 21, 990 SRP

●      Galaxy A33 5G (8+128GB) - PHP 19,990 SRP

●      Galaxy A33 5G (6+128GB) - PHP 18,990 SRP (Online Exclusive)

●      Galaxy A33 5G (8+128GB) White - PHP 19,990 SRP (Online Exclusive)

●      Galaxy A33 5G (8+256GB) White - PHP 21,990 SRP (Online Exclusive)

 

Both the Galaxy A53 5G and A33 5G will come in Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Blue, and Awesome Peach variants.

 

Another addition to the Galaxy A series, the Galaxy A73 5G, will also be available starting April 22 which comes in Awesome Gray, Awesome White, and Awesome Mint. It will be available in all authorized Samsung Stores and online for:

 

●      Galaxy A73 5G (8+256GB) - PHP 29, 990 SRP

●      Galaxy A73 5G (8+128GB) - PHP 27,990 SRP

●      Galaxy A73 5G (6+128GB) - PHP 26,990 SRP (Online Exclusive)

 

A new Onyx color of the Galaxy Buds2 and Buds Live will launch in April, to complement the stylish design of the Galaxy A series. 

 

Starting March 18 to 25, those who pre-order the Galaxy A53 5G will receive gifts worth up to PHP 3,000. Galaxy fans can choose between a 3,000 Samsung E-Store Voucher or 3,000 Diamonds for Mobile Legends.^[13] Get the new Galaxy A53 5G via the Trade-In, Trade-Up promo to get tokens worth up to PHP 4,000 until June 30.^[14]

 

Safe Samsung Shopping

Health and safety protocols are strictly followed in Samsung Experience Stores to keep consumers and employees safe. Adhering to the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Samsung has implemented the mandatory use of face masks, and performs frequent sanitation in all stores. 

 

Samsung Experience Stores also has unique QR health declaration codes to promote a safe and contactless contact tracing process. Product demonstrations are done side-by-side instead of face-to-face while keeping the required safe distance of one (1) meter to make sure everyone is socially distanced.

 

For more information, visit samsung.com/ph.

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[1] Estimated against the usage profile of an average/typical user. Independently assessed by Strategy Analytics between 2022.01.20–01.31 in UK with pre-release versions of SM-A536 and SM-A336 under default setting using LTE and 5G Sub6 networks (NOT tested under 5G mmWave network). Actual battery life varies by network environment, features and apps used, frequency of calls and messages, number of times charged, and many other factors.

[2] Galaxy A53 5G supports up to four generations of One UI and Android OS upgrades and up to five years of security updates while Galaxy A33 5G supports up to three generations of One UI and Android OS upgrades and up to four years of security updates

 

[3] Measured diagonally, the screen size is 6.5" in the full rectangle and 6.3" accounting for the rounded corners. The actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and the camera hole.

[4] Measured diagonally, the screen size is 6.4" in the full rectangle and 6.2" accounting for the rounded corners. The actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and the camera cut-out.

[5] Wall charger sold separately; use only Samsung-approved chargers and cables. To avoid injury or damage to your device, do not use incompatible, worn or damaged batteries, chargers or cables. Supports up to 25W Super Fast Charging. For more information on your device, please visit www.samsung.com.

[6] Galaxy A53 5G is rated as IP67. Based on test conditions for submersion in up to 1 meter of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for use in beaches, pools or near soapy water. Safe against low water pressure only. Rinse residue/dry after wet.

[7] Select Galaxy A devices launched in 2022 and more to come.

[8] Private Share features require both the sender and receiver to have Galaxy mobile devices with Android 9 or later and the Private Share app.

[9] Samsung Wallet will be supported on both Galaxy A53 5G and A33 5G. Availability and timing may vary depending on market. 

[10] 360 Audio availability requires a software update via the Galaxy Wearable app starting from March 30^th, 2022. 

[11] Users must link their Samsung Galaxy device to their Windows PC through ‘Link to Windows’ on phone and Your Phone App on PC and follow the set-up prompts, including being signed into the same Microsoft account. Link to Windows is preloaded on select Samsung Galaxy devices. PC (Your Phone App) requires Windows 10 or above. Your Phone requires Samsung Galaxy device to be on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the PC. Some mobile apps may restrict content to be shared on other screens or may require a touch screen to be able to interact with them. Some apps on phone screen may require subscription and Actual UI may be different.

[12] Availability may vary by market.

[13] DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-138648 Series of 2022

[14] ​DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-138633 Series of 2022

JobStreet has partnered with AIM to launch JobStreet Academy

Extending valuable support to Filipino employers, leading online job portal JobStreet has partnered with international management school Asian Institute of Management (AIM) to launch JobStreet Academy, a free virtual course designed to help HR professionals and business owners address challenges in the evolving work environment and job market.

Through JobStreet Academy, employers can up upgrade their knowledge on recruitment and people management. The course offers three tracks: Business Essentials, which covers payroll and taxation, as well as managing employee compensation and benefits; Talent Management, which involves labor laws and supervising employee performance; and Leadership and Management, which aims to help employers better guide their workforce toward success.

“JobStreet Academy’s courses are designed to help recruiters and business owners meet the changing market demands. With the industry’s most trusted brands leading the way, it is an opportune time for our employers to catch up and learn from some of the top brains in business and recruitment,” said JobStreet Philippines Country Manager Philip Gioca. 

Powered by AIM’s academic experts, JobStreet Academy imparts relevant skills shaped by a global perspective. This helps participants learn business resilience and solid leadership skills that can result in improved employee retention and added resourcefulness amid disruptions. 

JobStreet Academy can also assist employers in navigating business management essentials through an overview of the tax code, payroll processing, and designing competitive compensation packages to attract top talent.

Upon registration, employers will receive free job ad credits and immediate access to JobStreet’s talent pool. They will also earn certificates upon completion of the course.

“It has always been our mission at the Asian Institute of Management to sustain the growth of Asian businesses and societies, and we are pleased to be a partner of Jobstreet in this endeavor. We believe that with Jobstreet Academy, we will be able to provide companies with greater knowledge and expertise to advance their recovery," shared AIM Managing Director for Business Development Mary Grace S. Reynoso.

Gioca adds, “The workplace environment is ever-changing, and we want to help our hirers to adapt to these shifts as they play a crucial role in boosting our labor market. We hope that businesses can become more equipped when it comes to talent hiring, management and retention and they can learn these skills at their own pace.”

To learn more about JobStreet Academy, visit
https://www.jobstreet.com.ph/en/cms/employer/jobstreet-academy/.

 

Bayad Bags Pag-IBIG Fund’s Top Collecting Partner Awards

Bayad was recently recognized as Pag-IBIG Fund’s Top Employer Remittance Collecting Partner and Top Individual Payor Collecting Partner for 2021, during the Pag-IBIG Fund Chairman’s Report held last February 23, 2022.

Gaining almost a million increase in transaction volume covering both digital and over-the-counter payments from 2020 to 2021, Bayad and Pag-IBIG Fund’s partnership has sparked a conversation on the future of payments.

(L-R): Mr. Chito P. Inza – Cruz, Bayad Chief of Products, Mr. Francispito P. Quevedo - Bayad Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Lawrence Y. Ferrer - Bayad President and CEO, Mr. Aldous N. Brigino - Bayad Strategic Partnerships and Alliances Head, and Mr. Dennis G. Gatuslao – Bayad Chief Commercial Marketing Officer.

Currently, Pag-IBIG Fund members can settle their payment and remittance transactions through Bayad’s 92,000 physical touchpoints inclusive of Bayad Centers and Bayad Partners. Aside from this, downloading the Bayad Mobile App or accessing Bayad Online directly on the internet, makes it possible for Filipinos to transact wherever they may be.

Putting a spotlight on these service solutions, Bayad is shaping sustainable processes not only for private corporations, but also for government institutions like Pag-IBIG Fund.

Bayad President and CEO, Lawrence Y. Ferrer shared “Despite, the impediments brought about by the pandemic, our partnership with Pag-IBIG Fund strengthened as we ensure that no hardworking Filipino is left behind in a growing digital economy. Our transaction volume has significantly increase, which only proves that we are on the right track in keeping pace with the times and the people we serve.”

In the years ahead, Bayad will continue to acquire more channel partners to serve millions of Pag-IBIG Fund member. This will enable a wider array of bills payment services including electric utility, water utility, e-loading, insurance, electronic toll collection, airline booking, medical reimbursements, and other governmentservices.

Moreover, Bayad has upgraded its digital infrastructure and cybersecurity measures, making transactions with Pag-IBIG Fund protected and seamlessly settled with real-time posting.

Ultimately, Bayad has continued to collaborate with Pag-IBIG Fund in the pursuit of building a financially resilient society.

As catalyst for economic development, Bayad is committed to elevate not only the payment experience itprovides, but also to usher in the rise of public initiatives that will help Filipinos navigate new opportunitiesand adapt with the uncertainties posed amidst the time of pandemic. 

 

Shopee partners with DTI to launch the #TatakPinoy Virtual Trade Fair

  While MSMEs still comprise the majority of registered businesses in the country, a survey conducted by the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) - Ecommerce Office in September 2020 showed that 73% of MSMES still require assistance in digitizing their operations. Shopee remains committed to help MSMEs transition to digital easily and seamlessly as it once again partners with the DTI to launch the #TatakPinoy Virtual Trade Fair from March 18-24. This initiative is in line with Shopee’s goal to provide local MSMEs with the support that they need to grow their businesses online.

Through the week-long virtual trade fair, Shopee users will be able to discover and purchase Filipino-made essentials from a variety of shops ranging from snack food, health & beauty, groceries & pet stores, fashion, and more, at discounted rates. This year’s #TatakPinoy Virtual Trade Fair will feature a diverse range of local sellers from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. This is among Shopee’s many initiatives to empower local businesses to shift online and encourage users to support them.  Alongside these virtual trade fairs, sellers are also provided with different marketing tools, training, and initiatives to help them maximize their businesses’ growth on the platform such as Shopee University Summit, where local MSMEs can learn ways to drive their business growth from industry speakers and leaders.

 

The virtual trade fair will also feature products from beloved Filipino brands such as Splash Personal Care,  Zenutrients, Go Natural, Ever Bilena, San Miguel Foods, EQ, Lifeline Clothing, Sweetbaby, and Tala by Kyla.

 

DTI’s Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion Director Marievic Bonoan says, “Being able to provide our local MSMEs with opportunities for growth and development is one of our top priorities at the DTI. We understand the important role e-commerce platforms, like Shopee, play in creating a seamless digital transition for MSMEs. Through initiatives like the #TatakPinoy Virtual Trade Fair, we believe that we can help these businesses maximize their full potential and make the digital transition smoother.” 

 

Shopee Philippines Director Martin Yu says, “Supporting MSMEs is at the very core of what we do. We are deeply committed to creating more opportunities to help our local businesses adapt and thrive in the e-commerce industry through initiatives like our #TatakPinoy Virtual Trade Fair. We look forward to this opportunity to once again help our sellers in their e-commerce journey, and also allow our users to support these community-owned businesses.”

 

Aside from the wide range of products available at the #TatakPinoy Virtual Trade Fair, Shopee users will also be also enjoy ShopeePay vouchers for 20% off with a minimum purchase of Php 300, valid on all #TatakPinoy: Virtual Trade Fair  items this March 18-24. 

 

For more information about the #TatakPinoy: Virtual Trade Fair, visit https://shopee.ph/m/tatakpinoy2022. 

 

Watsons will make you feel beautiful inside and out by providing sustainable products

Protecting our planet, starts with you. Always reduce, reuse, and recycle. Cut down on what you throw away. Make life on land sustainable and shop wisely. 

Trusted health and wellness partner Watsons Philippines continues to DO GOOD for the planet, the community, its customers and employees by presenting more sustainability options and programs that will help save the environment.

 

Doing Good is in Watsons DNA. Since working in partnership with Operation Smile eight years ago up to the present, Watsons has helped transform the lives of 2,036 children through cleft surgeries.

Watsons has also made available almost 1,200 Sustainable Choices products and continues to add more for consumers so they have better and more environment-friendly options. 

Watsons stores have made a collective effort to be more conscious about energy consumption and this has helped reduce energy intensity by 17 percent from 2015. 

 

For its employees, Watsons has conducted 22 wellness seminars and counting to help its personnel to cope with the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

Anna Oposa of Save Philippine Seas, Ms. Viki Encarnacion of Watsons Philippines, Mr. David Katz of Plastic Bank, and Commissioner Crispian Lao of the National Solid Waste Management Commission. 

No to plastic waste

 

In collaboration with Plastic Bank, Watsons has been able to recycle 833,000 plastic bottles last 2021.

 

For 2022, Watsons held its first DO GOOD For Earth, Sa Watsons Ako webinar with “Smart Waste Management Towards A Sustainable Future,” where two resource persons shared valuable insights on how waste management and recycling affects global warming and climate change.

 

Commissioner Crispian Lao, Chair of the National Solid Waste Management Commission, and David Katz, President and CEO of Plastic Bank, talked about global warming and the benefits of recycling.

The Watsons DO GOOD webinar, which was moderated by environment advocate Anna Oposa of Save Philippine Seas, tackled important topics such as how people can contribute in environment conservation thru 3Rs (Reuse, Recycle, Refill), the relationship of solid waste management and climate change, the impact of recycling on the environment, economy and community and future activities to be conducted jointly by Plastic Bank and Watsons Philippines.

 

Solid waste management

 

Lao is a strong advocate for the environment through proper waste management. During the webinar, he talked about the country’s Solid Waste Management programs and its practical aspects, such as what household items can be recycled.

 

Plastic Bank’s David Katz discussed what social plastic can do to help impoverished communities gain access to necessities such as food and water.

 

“The partnership with Watsons is an opportunity for the world to bear witness to great change, to witness great organizations that truly are standing on the right side of history. It takes the bold and the authentic to do something that hasn't been done before and we know that in partnership with Watsons, the world is going to witness the change in the communities and the lives of our collectors,” he said.

 

For Sustainable Choices, Sa Watsons Ako

 

“We rely on fossil fuels that give gas, heat and oil but they are exactly what bring about global warming and all these extreme weather occurrences. What are the DO GOOD acts we can do? One of these is to always choose sustainability in our health, wellness and beauty products. For Sustainable Choices, Sa Watsons Ako,” said Viki Encarnacion, Watsons Philippines PR and Sustainability Director.

 

Watsons will make you feel beautiful inside and out by providing sustainable products that are good for the community and the planet. Kaya, for Sustainable Choices, Sa Watsons Ako!