![\"\"](\"/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/BWEF-MAY2026-WHITE-BG.jpg\")
\u201cI feel strongly that hosting ASEAN in the Philippines is a blessing that may change the lives of many of our Filipino entrepreneurs,\u201d he added.THE Philippines\u2019 chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is expected to expand opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) as increased regional business activity enters the country, according to the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (BAC) Philippines.
\n\u201cWhat\u2019s very important is that you will have more big businesses coming in, but I feel that there is also a chance to inspire many of our MSMEs,\u201d ASEAN-BAC Philippines Chairman Jose Ma. \u201cJoey\u201d A. Concepcion III told 大象传媒.
\n\u201cI feel strongly that hosting ASEAN in the Philippines is a blessing that may change the lives of many of our Filipino entrepreneurs,\u201d he added.
The Department of Trade and Industry said the chairmanship provides a platform to showcase trade, investment, digital innovation, MSME development and the creative economy.
\nMr. Concepcion said while major investors and global business leaders are expected to attend ASEAN-related events, small entrepreneurs should also be included in the broader economic discussion.
\n\u201cNot everybody will be able to attend the events that will be more or less towards the Manila Bay area, where SM, Solaire and Okada are,\u201d he said on the sidelines of the 大象传媒 Economic Forum on Monday. \u201cThe ticket prices will be quite expensive, and of course, the security will be very tight.\u201d
\nHe said the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in November would be among the key events this year, with efforts to widen access for the public.
\nAs part of this initiative, ASEAN-BAC plans to place LED screens in malls so Filipinos can follow the proceedings.
\n\u201cWe want to show the Filipino people that even if we host ASEAN, which many of them will never be able to get through, we are now creating this platform for them to see what is happening,\u201d Mr. Concepcion said.
\nDespite the local political turmoil and surging oil prices due to the Iran war, many Filipinos continue to start new businesses, reflecting strong entrepreneurial activity, he said.
\n\u201cThere are many, and that\u2019s why the only thing that we ask them to do is just get a mentor,\u201d Mr. Concepcion said. \u201cIt seems easy to start a business, but when you get into it, it becomes hard.\u201d
\nTo support MSMEs, Go Negosyo, founded by Mr. Concepcion, expanded its Trabaho@Negosyo program, a mall-based job fair and mentoring initiative that provides job placement, skill training and entrepreneurship support.
\n\u201cWe continue to focus on helping our Filipino MSMEs, basically mentoring them, providing access to money and access to market,\u201d he said.
\nHe added that ASEAN chairmanship comes at a key moment for small business development.
\n\u201cThis comes once every 10 years\u2026 so it\u2019s very important that under his leadership, we push this hard and help struggling entrepreneurs find inspiration,\u201d he said, referring to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
\nGovernment data showed MSMEs accounted for 99.6% of registered businesses in 2023, underscoring their dominant role in the Philippine economy. \u2014 Almira Louise S. Martinez
\n", "content_text": "THE Philippines\u2019 chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is expected to expand opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) as increased regional business activity enters the country, according to the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (BAC) Philippines.\n\u201cWhat\u2019s very important is that you will have more big businesses coming in, but I feel that there is also a chance to inspire many of our MSMEs,\u201d ASEAN-BAC Philippines Chairman Jose Ma. \u201cJoey\u201d A. Concepcion III told 大象传媒.\n\u201cI feel strongly that hosting ASEAN in the Philippines is a blessing that may change the lives of many of our Filipino entrepreneurs,\u201d he added.\nThe Department of Trade and Industry said the chairmanship provides a platform to showcase trade, investment, digital innovation, MSME development and the creative economy.\nMr. Concepcion said while major investors and global business leaders are expected to attend ASEAN-related events, small entrepreneurs should also be included in the broader economic discussion.\n\u201cNot everybody will be able to attend the events that will be more or less towards the Manila Bay area, where SM, Solaire and Okada are,\u201d he said on the sidelines of the 大象传媒 Economic Forum on Monday. \u201cThe ticket prices will be quite expensive, and of course, the security will be very tight.\u201d\nHe said the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in November would be among the key events this year, with efforts to widen access for the public.\nAs part of this initiative, ASEAN-BAC plans to place LED screens in malls so Filipinos can follow the proceedings.\n\u201cWe want to show the Filipino people that even if we host ASEAN, which many of them will never be able to get through, we are now creating this platform for them to see what is happening,\u201d Mr. Concepcion said.\nDespite the local political turmoil and surging oil prices due to the Iran war, many Filipinos continue to start new businesses, reflecting strong entrepreneurial activity, he said.\n\u201cThere are many, and that\u2019s why the only thing that we ask them to do is just get a mentor,\u201d Mr. Concepcion said. \u201cIt seems easy to start a business, but when you get into it, it becomes hard.\u201d\nTo support MSMEs, Go Negosyo, founded by Mr. Concepcion, expanded its Trabaho@Negosyo program, a mall-based job fair and mentoring initiative that provides job placement, skill training and entrepreneurship support.\n\u201cWe continue to focus on helping our Filipino MSMEs, basically mentoring them, providing access to money and access to market,\u201d he said.\nHe added that ASEAN chairmanship comes at a key moment for small business development.\n\u201cThis comes once every 10 years\u2026 so it\u2019s very important that under his leadership, we push this hard and help struggling entrepreneurs find inspiration,\u201d he said, referring to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.\nGovernment data showed MSMEs accounted for 99.6% of registered businesses in 2023, underscoring their dominant role in the Philippine economy. \u2014 Almira Louise S. Martinez", "date_published": "2026-05-20T00:02:43+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-19T19:07:48+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Jose-Ma.-Joey-A.-Concepcion-III.jpg", "tags": [ "almira louise s. martinez", "BW Launchpad", "Editors' Picks" ] }, { "id": "/?p=750630", "url": "/bw-launchpad/2026/05/20/750630/policy-push-urged-amid-iran-war-as-msmes-face-rising-costs/", "title": "Policy push urged amid Iran war as MSMEs face rising costs", "content_html": "PHILIPPINE MICRO, small and medium enterprises (MSME) are under growing operational pressure as the Iran war drives up fuel, transport and input costs, prompting calls for government measures to cushion the impact, according to the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).
\n\u201cThe US-Iran conflict is creating a lot of buzz with our MSMEs,\u201d PCCI Chairman Raymund Jude G. Aguilar said at the 大象传媒 Economic Forum on Monday.
\n\u201cYou have rising cost of fuel, rising cost of fertilizer, as well as rising costs of transport and goods,\u201d he said, adding that inflation might persist until year-end.
Mr. Aguilar said the uncertainty is forcing firms to cut costs and rethink operations, particularly smaller businesses with thin margins and limited buffers.
\nOxford Economics has trimmed its Philippine gross domestic product growth forecast to 3.5% from 4.6%. Inflation hit a three-year high of 7.2% in April, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
\nMr. Aguilar said MSMEs require stability and predictability, warning that continued volatility makes planning and investment more difficult, especially for micro enterprises.
\nHe added that even if the war ends, its economic effects are likely to linger until the end of the year due to sustained price pressures.
\n\u201cThis is the time when they start becoming creative, innovative, try to be resilient and stay ahead,\u201d he said.
\nHe warned that MSMEs might be forced to reduce operating days, scale down production or cut jobs if margins continue to weaken, potentially weighing on overall economic growth.
\nMSMEs account for more than 99% of business establishments in the Philippines and provide 63% of total employment, according to the United Nations Development Programme.
\nThe unemployment rate eased to 5% in March from 5.1% in February, but higher than 3.9% a year earlier, based on Philippine Statistics Authority data.
\nMr. Aguilar said the government has rolled out support measures such as subsidies and price controls on basic goods, but more interventions are needed to ease cost pressures.
\nHe suggested reviewing value-added tax on fuel to offset recent price spikes linked to the war.
\n\u201cWe do not want to affect the government\u2019s ability to collect [taxes],\u201d Mr. Aguilar said. \u201cBut what we want to [remove] is the incremental increase from before the US-Iran conflict.\u201d
\nHe also called for faster logistics and port processing, improved ease of doing business and simplified taxation and documentation processes.
\nHe added that longer-term relief could come from lowering electricity costs and expanding alternative energy sources to improve MSME competitiveness. \u2014 Edg Adrian A. Eva
\n", "content_text": "PHILIPPINE MICRO, small and medium enterprises (MSME) are under growing operational pressure as the Iran war drives up fuel, transport and input costs, prompting calls for government measures to cushion the impact, according to the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).\n\u201cThe US-Iran conflict is creating a lot of buzz with our MSMEs,\u201d PCCI Chairman Raymund Jude G. Aguilar said at the 大象传媒 Economic Forum on Monday.\n\u201cYou have rising cost of fuel, rising cost of fertilizer, as well as rising costs of transport and goods,\u201d he said, adding that inflation might persist until year-end.\nMr. Aguilar said the uncertainty is forcing firms to cut costs and rethink operations, particularly smaller businesses with thin margins and limited buffers.\nOxford Economics has trimmed its Philippine gross domestic product growth forecast to 3.5% from 4.6%. Inflation hit a three-year high of 7.2% in April, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.\nMr. Aguilar said MSMEs require stability and predictability, warning that continued volatility makes planning and investment more difficult, especially for micro enterprises.\nHe added that even if the war ends, its economic effects are likely to linger until the end of the year due to sustained price pressures.\n\u201cThis is the time when they start becoming creative, innovative, try to be resilient and stay ahead,\u201d he said.\nHe warned that MSMEs might be forced to reduce operating days, scale down production or cut jobs if margins continue to weaken, potentially weighing on overall economic growth.\nMSMEs account for more than 99% of business establishments in the Philippines and provide 63% of total employment, according to the United Nations Development Programme.\nThe unemployment rate eased to 5% in March from 5.1% in February, but higher than 3.9% a year earlier, based on Philippine Statistics Authority data.\nMr. Aguilar said the government has rolled out support measures such as subsidies and price controls on basic goods, but more interventions are needed to ease cost pressures.\nHe suggested reviewing value-added tax on fuel to offset recent price spikes linked to the war.\n\u201cWe do not want to affect the government\u2019s ability to collect [taxes],\u201d Mr. Aguilar said. \u201cBut what we want to [remove] is the incremental increase from before the US-Iran conflict.\u201d\nHe also called for faster logistics and port processing, improved ease of doing business and simplified taxation and documentation processes.\nHe added that longer-term relief could come from lowering electricity costs and expanding alternative energy sources to improve MSME competitiveness. \u2014 Edg Adrian A. Eva", "date_published": "2026-05-20T00:01:33+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-19T19:07:00+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Jude-Aguilar.jpg", "tags": [ "Edg Adrian A. Eva", "BW Launchpad", "Editors' Picks" ] }, { "id": "/?p=750627", "url": "/bw-launchpad/2026/05/19/750627/tiktok-shop-rolls-out-unlad-lokal-program-in-pasig-city/", "title": "TikTok Shop rolls out Unlad Lokal program in Pasig City", "content_html": "TikTok Shop is equipping Pasig City\u2019s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with e-commerce skills through the expansion of the Unlad Lokal program \u2014 its flagship e-commerce initiative for the sector \u2014 in the city.
\nThe program\u2019s rollout in Pasig was formalized on Tuesday at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig (PLP), making the city the sixth local government unit to adopt the program since its inception in March last year. Unlad Lokal has already trained over 25,000 MSMEs.
\n\u201cThis program aims to strengthen the livelihood development of MSMEs here in Pasig, as well as enhance the e-commerce knowledge of PLP students,\u201d Josephine D. Nefiel, head of the entrepreneurship and business development division of the city\u2019s local economic development and investment office, told reporters at the sidelines of the TikTok Shop Unlad Lokal Roadshow Caravan at PLP.
\nMSMEs will also receive training in negotiation, marketing, and financial literacy, all of which will be offered free of charge through the collaboration between TikTok Shop and the city government, Ms. Nefiel said.
\nThe training sessions will be conducted across 36 sessions throughout the year.
\nMs. Nefiel did not disclose the total target number of MSMEs they aim to train, but noted that more than 29,000 MSMEs in the city may benefit from the program.
\nMeanwhile, Yves Gonzalez, head of public policy for the Philippines at TikTok Shop, said the company aims to share its expertise in content creation, live selling, affiliate marketing, and affiliate programs to complement the quality products of Pasigue\u00f1o MSMEs.
\n\u201cWe provide that layer of knowledge so that, working hand-in-hand, we can really enable more MSMEs in Pasig City to expand their reach,\u201d Mr. Gonzalez told reporters.
\n\u201cThey already have good products, they already have quality products. What they need help with is really discoverability,\u201d he added.
\nMoving forward, Mr. Gonzalez said TikTok Shop aims to partner with more local governments to train as many MSMEs as possible through the Unlad Lokal program. The company also plans to expand the program to the Visayas and Mindanao within the year.\u2014\u00a0 Edg Adrian A. Eva
\n", "content_text": "TikTok Shop is equipping Pasig City\u2019s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with e-commerce skills through the expansion of the Unlad Lokal program \u2014 its flagship e-commerce initiative for the sector \u2014 in the city.\nThe program\u2019s rollout in Pasig was formalized on Tuesday at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig (PLP), making the city the sixth local government unit to adopt the program since its inception in March last year. Unlad Lokal has already trained over 25,000 MSMEs.\n\u201cThis program aims to strengthen the livelihood development of MSMEs here in Pasig, as well as enhance the e-commerce knowledge of PLP students,\u201d Josephine D. Nefiel, head of the entrepreneurship and business development division of the city\u2019s local economic development and investment office, told reporters at the sidelines of the TikTok Shop Unlad Lokal Roadshow Caravan at PLP.\nMSMEs will also receive training in negotiation, marketing, and financial literacy, all of which will be offered free of charge through the collaboration between TikTok Shop and the city government, Ms. Nefiel said.\nThe training sessions will be conducted across 36 sessions throughout the year.\nMs. Nefiel did not disclose the total target number of MSMEs they aim to train, but noted that more than 29,000 MSMEs in the city may benefit from the program.\nMeanwhile, Yves Gonzalez, head of public policy for the Philippines at TikTok Shop, said the company aims to share its expertise in content creation, live selling, affiliate marketing, and affiliate programs to complement the quality products of Pasigue\u00f1o MSMEs.\n\u201cWe provide that layer of knowledge so that, working hand-in-hand, we can really enable more MSMEs in Pasig City to expand their reach,\u201d Mr. Gonzalez told reporters.\n\u201cThey already have good products, they already have quality products. What they need help with is really discoverability,\u201d he added.\nMoving forward, Mr. Gonzalez said TikTok Shop aims to partner with more local governments to train as many MSMEs as possible through the Unlad Lokal program. The company also plans to expand the program to the Visayas and Mindanao within the year.\u2014\u00a0 Edg Adrian A. Eva", "date_published": "2026-05-19T18:21:40+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-19T18:21:40+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/TIKTOK-YVES.jpg", "tags": [ "Edg Adrian A. Eva", "BW Launchpad" ] }, { "id": "/?p=749526", "url": "/bw-launchpad/2026/05/13/749526/tiktok-shop-philippines-bullish-over-sales-growth-this-year/", "title": "TikTok Shop Philippines bullish over sales growth this year", "content_html": "E-COMMERCE platform TikTok Shop Philippines is aiming to surpass its sales growth this year, as rising fuel prices drive demand for more affordable options on the platform.
\n\u201cOur aim is still to surpass the 2025 numbers,\u201d Yves Gonzalez, head of public policy for the Philippines at TikTok Shop, told reporters on the sidelines of an event on Wednesday.
\nIn 2025, local sellers posted a 200% growth in sales, Mr. Gonzalez said.
\n\u201cWhile there\u2019s still a lot of uncertainty, we\u2019re seeing that as consumers are feeling the pinch of the energy crisis, e-commerce is one of the options to save, but at the same time, purchase the things that they want.\u201d
\nAbout 90% of the platform\u2019s sellers are local players, he added.
\nWith high oil prices linked to Middle East crisis driving up fuel costs, Mr. Gonzalez said that consumers are turning to e-commerce to lessen transport expenses.
\n\u201cOf course, given the current energy crisis that we\u2019re facing, we have to be cognizant of the reality that there will be some consumers that are going to be more wary with how they spend,\u201d he said.
\n\u201cDefinitely, e-commerce is one of the possible ways that the Filipino consumer can actually be in a better situation amidst this energy crisis,\u201d Mr. Gonzalez said.
\nHe noted the rising trend of \u201cdiscovery commerce,\u201d a retail model where consumers find products through content like livestreams and short videos.
\nThis style is compared to the traditional model, where shoppers actively look for an item through brick-and-mortar and digital formats.
\n\u201cThe whole buying process has shifted a bit to now being more discovery-centric than searching-centric,\u201d he said.
\nThe company is also looking to expand its Unlad Lokal program to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with a focus on sellers in the Visayas and Mindanao, Mr. Gonzalez said.
\nTikTok Shop has reached 25,000 MSMEs to date under its Unlad Lokal initiative. In 2025 alone, the company has trained 17,000 MSMEs across Metro Manila, Cebu, and Naga City.
\nUnlad Lokal is a flagship program of TikTok Shop and the Department of Trade and Industry that offers hands-on training and resources to help MSMEs boost their e-commerce and digital marketing capabilities. \u2014 Beatriz Marie D. Cruz
\n", "content_text": "E-COMMERCE platform TikTok Shop Philippines is aiming to surpass its sales growth this year, as rising fuel prices drive demand for more affordable options on the platform.\n\u201cOur aim is still to surpass the 2025 numbers,\u201d Yves Gonzalez, head of public policy for the Philippines at TikTok Shop, told reporters on the sidelines of an event on Wednesday.\nIn 2025, local sellers posted a 200% growth in sales, Mr. Gonzalez said.\n\u201cWhile there\u2019s still a lot of uncertainty, we\u2019re seeing that as consumers are feeling the pinch of the energy crisis, e-commerce is one of the options to save, but at the same time, purchase the things that they want.\u201d\nAbout 90% of the platform\u2019s sellers are local players, he added.\nWith high oil prices linked to Middle East crisis driving up fuel costs, Mr. Gonzalez said that consumers are turning to e-commerce to lessen transport expenses.\n\u201cOf course, given the current energy crisis that we\u2019re facing, we have to be cognizant of the reality that there will be some consumers that are going to be more wary with how they spend,\u201d he said.\n\u201cDefinitely, e-commerce is one of the possible ways that the Filipino consumer can actually be in a better situation amidst this energy crisis,\u201d Mr. Gonzalez said.\nHe noted the rising trend of \u201cdiscovery commerce,\u201d a retail model where consumers find products through content like livestreams and short videos.\nThis style is compared to the traditional model, where shoppers actively look for an item through brick-and-mortar and digital formats.\n\u201cThe whole buying process has shifted a bit to now being more discovery-centric than searching-centric,\u201d he said.\nThe company is also looking to expand its Unlad Lokal program to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with a focus on sellers in the Visayas and Mindanao, Mr. Gonzalez said.\nTikTok Shop has reached 25,000 MSMEs to date under its Unlad Lokal initiative. In 2025 alone, the company has trained 17,000 MSMEs across Metro Manila, Cebu, and Naga City.\nUnlad Lokal is a flagship program of TikTok Shop and the Department of Trade and Industry that offers hands-on training and resources to help MSMEs boost their e-commerce and digital marketing capabilities. \u2014 Beatriz Marie D. Cruz", "date_published": "2026-05-13T18:38:25+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-13T18:38:25+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/tiktok-shop.jpg", "tags": [ "Beatriz Marie D. Cruz", "BW Launchpad" ] }, { "id": "/?p=749099", "url": "/bw-launchpad/2026/05/13/749099/app-helps-seniors-and-pwds-check-discount-computations/", "title": "App helps seniors and PWDs check discount computations", "content_html": "By Almira Louise S. Martinez, Reporter
\nCONFUSION over how discounts for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD) should be computed has prompted a local startup to launch a mobile app that lets users verify receipt calculations and report possible overcharging by establishments.
\nMobile app Diskwento enables users to check whether the mandatory 20% discount and value-added tax (VAT) exemption required under Philippine law have been properly applied on purchases.
\n\u201cOnce they receive the receipt and see the number was already reduced, that\u2019s how most people know the discount,\u201d Diskwento founder Carlo I. Corcuera told 大象传媒.
\nMr. Corcuera said the confusion usually arises from how establishments apply the 20% discount alongside the VAT exemption, particularly on whether the VAT should be deducted before computing the discount.
\nUnder Republic Act No. 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, PWDs are entitled to a 20% discount and VAT exemption on selected goods and services, including medicines, food, transportation and accommodation. Republic Act No. 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act grants similar benefits to senior citizens.
\nMr. Corcuera said inconsistent implementation among establishments has created uncertainty for consumers, particularly because some provisions of the law remain open to interpretation.
\nThe platform features a VAT calculator and discount checker where users can input details from a transaction receipt to verify whether the final amount was computed correctly.
\n\u201cYou\u2019ll just have to write there the transaction, the establishment name and select what type of discount you are availing yourself of,\u201d Mr. Corcuera said via Zoom.
\nUsers who think they were overcharged may also generate a complaint e-mail addressed to local or National Government agencies and attach a geotagged photo of the receipt.
\n\u201cWe can report or take into account these establishments so that local governments and national agencies can look further,\u201d he said.
\nHe noted that gray areas in the law have led to different discounting practices among businesses, particularly for shared purchases or group transactions.
\n\u201cSome establishments discount bigger items, while some establishments discount the smaller ones,\u201d Mr. Corcuera said. \u201cBased on the Magna Carta for PWDs, they are not necessarily incorrect; it\u2019s just their own interpretation of the law.\u201d
\nBecause of these inconsistencies, the app has yet to fully support group-order receipts, which Mr. Corcuera described as more legally complex.
\n\u201cIf we want to make them feel protected, then they can write up the necessary revisions just for everyone to know what\u2019s really the rule here,\u201d he said.
\nDiskwento became available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store last week.
\n", "content_text": "By Almira Louise S. Martinez, Reporter\nCONFUSION over how discounts for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD) should be computed has prompted a local startup to launch a mobile app that lets users verify receipt calculations and report possible overcharging by establishments.\nMobile app Diskwento enables users to check whether the mandatory 20% discount and value-added tax (VAT) exemption required under Philippine law have been properly applied on purchases.\n\u201cOnce they receive the receipt and see the number was already reduced, that\u2019s how most people know the discount,\u201d Diskwento founder Carlo I. Corcuera told 大象传媒.\nMr. Corcuera said the confusion usually arises from how establishments apply the 20% discount alongside the VAT exemption, particularly on whether the VAT should be deducted before computing the discount.\nUnder Republic Act No. 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, PWDs are entitled to a 20% discount and VAT exemption on selected goods and services, including medicines, food, transportation and accommodation. Republic Act No. 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act grants similar benefits to senior citizens.\nMr. Corcuera said inconsistent implementation among establishments has created uncertainty for consumers, particularly because some provisions of the law remain open to interpretation.\nThe platform features a VAT calculator and discount checker where users can input details from a transaction receipt to verify whether the final amount was computed correctly.\n\u201cYou\u2019ll just have to write there the transaction, the establishment name and select what type of discount you are availing yourself of,\u201d Mr. Corcuera said via Zoom.\nUsers who think they were overcharged may also generate a complaint e-mail addressed to local or National Government agencies and attach a geotagged photo of the receipt.\n\u201cWe can report or take into account these establishments so that local governments and national agencies can look further,\u201d he said.\nHe noted that gray areas in the law have led to different discounting practices among businesses, particularly for shared purchases or group transactions.\n\u201cSome establishments discount bigger items, while some establishments discount the smaller ones,\u201d Mr. Corcuera said. \u201cBased on the Magna Carta for PWDs, they are not necessarily incorrect; it\u2019s just their own interpretation of the law.\u201d\nBecause of these inconsistencies, the app has yet to fully support group-order receipts, which Mr. Corcuera described as more legally complex.\n\u201cIf we want to make them feel protected, then they can write up the necessary revisions just for everyone to know what\u2019s really the rule here,\u201d he said.\nDiskwento became available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store last week.", "date_published": "2026-05-13T00:02:47+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-12T18:52:05+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/seniors_2020-03-30-philstar-migueldeguzman.jpg", "tags": [ "almira louise s. martinez", "BW Launchpad", "Editors' Picks" ], "summary": "CONFUSION over how discounts for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD) should be computed has prompted a local startup to launch a mobile app that lets users verify receipt calculations and report possible overcharging by establishments." }, { "id": "/?p=749098", "url": "/bw-launchpad/2026/05/13/749098/dost-helps-msmes-adopt-solar-power-through-financing-program/", "title": "DoST helps MSMEs adopt solar power through financing program", "content_html": "By Edg Adrian A. Eva, Reporter
\nDEPARTMENT of Science and Technology (DoST) is helping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) adopt solar energy systems through a financing program aimed at reducing electricity costs and improving business resilience against volatile power prices.
\nIn Pangasinan alone, nine MSMEs have installed solar power systems through financial and technical support under the agency\u2019s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), the DoST\u2019s flagship program for small businesses.
\n\u201cUnder this program, qualified enterprises may access financial and technical assistance for the acquisition of appropriate technologies, including renewable energy systems such as solar energy installations,\u201d DoST Pangasinan Provincial Director Arnold C. Santos told 大象传媒.
\nHe said the assistance process begins with an assessment of an enterprise\u2019s operations, energy consumption and business viability.
\nDoST technical personnel then conduct site evaluations and recommend technology interventions to improve productivity and efficiency.
\nOnce approved under SETUP, MSMEs may access innovation fund assistance through a zero-interest, no-collateral financing payable over three years, letting firms adopt technologies without heavy upfront costs.
\nEligible enterprises must have been operating for at least three years and belong to priority sectors such as crop and animal production and food processing.
\nElectricity remains among the biggest operating expenses for MSMEs, with the Philippines continuing to post some of the highest power rates in Southeast Asia, according to the Management Association of the Philippines.
\nMr. Santos said solar energy offers MSMEs a more sustainable and cost-efficient alternative as businesses face rising grid electricity prices.
\n\u201cBy integrating solar energy systems into their operations, MSMEs can generate their own electricity during daytime operations, resulting in lower monthly power bills and more predictable energy costs,\u201d he said in an e-mailed reply to questions.
\n\u201cThis allows businesses to redirect savings toward production expansion, workforce development, product improvement and other operational needs,\u201d he added.
\nMr. Santos said several firms that adopted solar systems have reported electricity savings ranging from 70% to 90%, depending on installation size and operational demand.
\nAmong them is Rille Farm, a poultry farm that reduced its electricity expenses by 90% to P13,500, based on DoST data.
\nMr. Santos also addressed safety concerns surrounding unauthorized or improperly installed solar systems, saying the agency works only with qualified providers that comply with national electrical and engineering standards.
\nTechnical assessments are conducted before installation, while participating enterprises are guided in securing permits and complying with electrical safety requirements.
\nBy year-end, DoST Ilocos Region aims to support more MSMEs seeking to adopt solar technologies and expand renewable energy interventions across more sectors over the next three years.
\n", "content_text": "By Edg Adrian A. Eva, Reporter\nDEPARTMENT of Science and Technology (DoST) is helping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) adopt solar energy systems through a financing program aimed at reducing electricity costs and improving business resilience against volatile power prices.\nIn Pangasinan alone, nine MSMEs have installed solar power systems through financial and technical support under the agency\u2019s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), the DoST\u2019s flagship program for small businesses.\n\u201cUnder this program, qualified enterprises may access financial and technical assistance for the acquisition of appropriate technologies, including renewable energy systems such as solar energy installations,\u201d DoST Pangasinan Provincial Director Arnold C. Santos told 大象传媒.\nHe said the assistance process begins with an assessment of an enterprise\u2019s operations, energy consumption and business viability.\nDoST technical personnel then conduct site evaluations and recommend technology interventions to improve productivity and efficiency.\nOnce approved under SETUP, MSMEs may access innovation fund assistance through a zero-interest, no-collateral financing payable over three years, letting firms adopt technologies without heavy upfront costs.\nEligible enterprises must have been operating for at least three years and belong to priority sectors such as crop and animal production and food processing.\nElectricity remains among the biggest operating expenses for MSMEs, with the Philippines continuing to post some of the highest power rates in Southeast Asia, according to the Management Association of the Philippines.\nMr. Santos said solar energy offers MSMEs a more sustainable and cost-efficient alternative as businesses face rising grid electricity prices.\n\u201cBy integrating solar energy systems into their operations, MSMEs can generate their own electricity during daytime operations, resulting in lower monthly power bills and more predictable energy costs,\u201d he said in an e-mailed reply to questions.\n\u201cThis allows businesses to redirect savings toward production expansion, workforce development, product improvement and other operational needs,\u201d he added.\nMr. Santos said several firms that adopted solar systems have reported electricity savings ranging from 70% to 90%, depending on installation size and operational demand.\nAmong them is Rille Farm, a poultry farm that reduced its electricity expenses by 90% to P13,500, based on DoST data.\nMr. Santos also addressed safety concerns surrounding unauthorized or improperly installed solar systems, saying the agency works only with qualified providers that comply with national electrical and engineering standards.\nTechnical assessments are conducted before installation, while participating enterprises are guided in securing permits and complying with electrical safety requirements.\nBy year-end, DoST Ilocos Region aims to support more MSMEs seeking to adopt solar technologies and expand renewable energy interventions across more sectors over the next three years.", "date_published": "2026-05-13T00:01:47+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-12T18:51:49+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/solar-panel-1.jpg", "tags": [ "Edg Adrian A. Eva", "BW Launchpad", "Editors' Picks" ], "summary": "DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology (DoST) is helping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) adopt solar energy systems through a financing program aimed at reducing electricity costs and improving business resilience against volatile power prices." }, { "id": "/?p=748056", "url": "/bw-launchpad/2026/05/06/748056/lawmakers-urged-to-pass-social-enterprise-bill-to-ease-funding-constraints-says-advocate/", "title": "Lawmakers urged to pass social enterprise bill to ease funding constraints, says advocate", "content_html": "Philippine lawmakers are being urged to enact the Poverty Reduction Through Social Entrepreneurship (PRESENT) Act, a measure aimed at helping social enterprises overcome persistent financial access challenges, an advocate said on Wednesday.
\nMarie Lisa M. Dacanay, founding president of the Institute for Social Entrepreneurship in Asia (ISEA), said the proposed measure would significantly benefit social enterprises, the majority of which are micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
\nShe noted that many of these enterprises struggle to secure financing from traditional financial schemes due to a lack of collateral.
\nAccording to a 2019 Asian Development Bank (ADB) report, around 70% of the 164,473 social enterprises in the country are considered MSMEs.
\nUnder the proposed PRESENT Act, Ms. Dacanay said funding would become more accessible through measures such as non-collateralized loans and a government-supported guarantee fund pool.
\n\u201cWe are also advocating for grants so that social enterprises have the capacity to engage the poor and build their capability to become active participants in the social enterprise value chain,\u201d she told\u00a0大象传媒\u00a0on the sidelines of the second day of Inoblasyon: The UP Innovation Summit 2026.
\nOne Senate version, Senate Bill No. 734, introduced by Senator Francis N. Pangilinan, seeks to establish a national program providing incentives such as tax exemptions, preferential treatment in government procurement, and the creation of a Social Enterprise Guarantee Fund Pool (SEGFP) to mitigate risks for lenders.
\nThe measure also promotes hybrid financing or a combination of grants and loans, and institutionalizes capability-building support through technical, consultancy, and advisory services to help marginalized sectors transition into active stakeholders in the formal economy.
\nUnder the bill, a social enterprise is defined as a mission-driven organization that creates wealth while contributing to social well-being and ecological sustainability. These enterprises may take various legal forms, including non-stock, non-profit corporations, cooperatives, and sole proprietorships.
\nMs. Dacanay also highlighted a provision on government investment in economic subsector development, which aims to identify areas where poor communities are concentrated and can become major economic players.
\nShe added, this strategic support targets broader value chains to scale up impact by assisting thousands of marginalized producers rather than focusing on isolated small enterprises.
\n\u201cFor example, if you look at an economic subsector in one area, you can be impacting 2,000 farmers such as coconut or rice farmers, rather than just one enterprise with ten workers,\u201d the staunch advocate said.
\nBy enacting the bill, Ms. Dacanay said the poverty sector stands to benefit the most.
\nAs of this writing, several versions of the PRESENT Act have been filed in the Senate and remain pending at the committee level. Its counterpart, House Bill No. 1250, is also pending in the House committee level.
\nMs. Dacanay expressed hope that lawmakers will include the measure among their priority bills and pass it within the year or before the end of the current administration\u2019s term. \u2014 Edg Adrian A. Eva
\n", "content_text": "Philippine lawmakers are being urged to enact the Poverty Reduction Through Social Entrepreneurship (PRESENT) Act, a measure aimed at helping social enterprises overcome persistent financial access challenges, an advocate said on Wednesday.\nMarie Lisa M. Dacanay, founding president of the Institute for Social Entrepreneurship in Asia (ISEA), said the proposed measure would significantly benefit social enterprises, the majority of which are micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).\nShe noted that many of these enterprises struggle to secure financing from traditional financial schemes due to a lack of collateral.\nAccording to a 2019 Asian Development Bank (ADB) report, around 70% of the 164,473 social enterprises in the country are considered MSMEs.\nUnder the proposed PRESENT Act, Ms. Dacanay said funding would become more accessible through measures such as non-collateralized loans and a government-supported guarantee fund pool.\n\u201cWe are also advocating for grants so that social enterprises have the capacity to engage the poor and build their capability to become active participants in the social enterprise value chain,\u201d she told\u00a0大象传媒\u00a0on the sidelines of the second day of Inoblasyon: The UP Innovation Summit 2026.\nOne Senate version, Senate Bill No. 734, introduced by Senator Francis N. Pangilinan, seeks to establish a national program providing incentives such as tax exemptions, preferential treatment in government procurement, and the creation of a Social Enterprise Guarantee Fund Pool (SEGFP) to mitigate risks for lenders.\nThe measure also promotes hybrid financing or a combination of grants and loans, and institutionalizes capability-building support through technical, consultancy, and advisory services to help marginalized sectors transition into active stakeholders in the formal economy.\nUnder the bill, a social enterprise is defined as a mission-driven organization that creates wealth while contributing to social well-being and ecological sustainability. These enterprises may take various legal forms, including non-stock, non-profit corporations, cooperatives, and sole proprietorships.\nMs. Dacanay also highlighted a provision on government investment in economic subsector development, which aims to identify areas where poor communities are concentrated and can become major economic players.\nShe added, this strategic support targets broader value chains to scale up impact by assisting thousands of marginalized producers rather than focusing on isolated small enterprises.\n\u201cFor example, if you look at an economic subsector in one area, you can be impacting 2,000 farmers such as coconut or rice farmers, rather than just one enterprise with ten workers,\u201d the staunch advocate said.\nBy enacting the bill, Ms. Dacanay said the poverty sector stands to benefit the most.\nAs of this writing, several versions of the PRESENT Act have been filed in the Senate and remain pending at the committee level. Its counterpart, House Bill No. 1250, is also pending in the House committee level.\nMs. Dacanay expressed hope that lawmakers will include the measure among their priority bills and pass it within the year or before the end of the current administration\u2019s term. \u2014 Edg Adrian A. Eva", "date_published": "2026-05-06T21:53:11+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-06T21:53:11+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Marie-Lisa-M.-Dacanay.jpg", "tags": [ "Edg Adrian A. Eva", "BW Launchpad" ] }, { "id": "/?p=747494", "url": "/bw-launchpad/2026/05/06/747494/philippine-kitchen-feeds-riders-hit-by-fuel-costs/", "title": "Philippine kitchen feeds riders hit by fuel costs", "content_html": "By Almira Louise S. Martinez, Reporter
\nA MARIKINA-BASED restaurant is stepping in to support public utility vehicle drivers and delivery riders as rising fuel prices squeeze daily incomes, serving more than 4,000 free home-cooked meals every weekend.
\nTrining\u2019s Kitchen Stories, led by founder and Executive Chef Jayson G. Maulit, began the initiative to help workers forced to choose between spending on fuel or food.
\n\u201cI don\u2019t want that feeling of having people choose between the safety of their family and dignified food\u2026 People\u2019s choices right now are either gasoline or food,\u201d Mr. Maulit said in a Zoom interview.
\nThe meals are distributed under the restaurant\u2019s volunteer arm, #TuloyPH, which has mobilized staff and volunteers to prepare and deliver food to drivers across Metro Manila.
\nMr. Maulit said feedback from beneficiaries underscores the strain faced by transport workers.
\n\u201cOne driver said his last P100 was used to buy gasoline,\u201d he said. \u201cAnother said his budget for the whole day is just enough for cigarettes because he believes it can curb hunger for a short time.\u201d
\nFuel costs remain elevated despite recent rollbacks. In Metro Manila and other highly urbanized areas, diesel prices are sold as much as P107.48 per liter, while gasoline price has reached P107.11 per liter, according to the Department of Energy.
\nMr. Maulit said hearing such stories firsthand reinforced his goal of embedding social impact into the restaurant\u2019s operations.
\n\u201cI knew that if I opened a restaurant, it had to be centered on social impact,\u201d he said. \u201cIf we\u2019re in a position to help, we should do so.\u201d
\nThe initiative builds on earlier efforts that began during the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, when the restaurant provided meals to frontliners.
\nIt later expanded its relief work during typhoons, including large-scale feeding operations that reached more than 50,000 meals across Metro Manila and nearby areas over five days.
\nThis year\u2019s program, which began in April, is supported by about 19 staff members who volunteer their time every weekend. Donations from private people and businesses help sustain the effort, with contributions ranging from meat and vegetables to cooking oil and canned goods.
\n\u201cWe start with what we have,\u201d Mr. Maulit said. \u201cWhen donations come in, that\u2019s when we reimagine the menu.\u201d
\nHe described the initiative as a community effort that brings together businesses and people to support vulnerable sectors.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s like a whole-of-society intervention where the private sector stands with fellow businesses, and then you get support from the public,\u201d he said.
\nTo expand the program, Trining\u2019s plans to launch a \u201cprepaid meal\u201d system that lets customers sponsor meals for those in need at P110 each.
\n\u201cAnyone who is food insecure can come here and we will be able to give them a meal,\u201d Mr. Maulit said.
\nHe added that restaurant kitchens could play a broader role beyond commercial operations, especially during periods of economic strain.
\n\u201cWhat we\u2019re proving is that restaurant kitchens can help build social impact, especially for vulnerable populations in times of crisis,\u201d he said. \u201cThey can become a sanctuary where the food remains the same, both in crisis and celebration.\u201d
\n", "content_text": "By Almira Louise S. Martinez, Reporter\nA MARIKINA-BASED restaurant is stepping in to support public utility vehicle drivers and delivery riders as rising fuel prices squeeze daily incomes, serving more than 4,000 free home-cooked meals every weekend.\nTrining\u2019s Kitchen Stories, led by founder and Executive Chef Jayson G. Maulit, began the initiative to help workers forced to choose between spending on fuel or food.\n\u201cI don\u2019t want that feeling of having people choose between the safety of their family and dignified food\u2026 People\u2019s choices right now are either gasoline or food,\u201d Mr. Maulit said in a Zoom interview.\nThe meals are distributed under the restaurant\u2019s volunteer arm, #TuloyPH, which has mobilized staff and volunteers to prepare and deliver food to drivers across Metro Manila.\nMr. Maulit said feedback from beneficiaries underscores the strain faced by transport workers.\n\u201cOne driver said his last P100 was used to buy gasoline,\u201d he said. \u201cAnother said his budget for the whole day is just enough for cigarettes because he believes it can curb hunger for a short time.\u201d\nFuel costs remain elevated despite recent rollbacks. In Metro Manila and other highly urbanized areas, diesel prices are sold as much as P107.48 per liter, while gasoline price has reached P107.11 per liter, according to the Department of Energy.\nMr. Maulit said hearing such stories firsthand reinforced his goal of embedding social impact into the restaurant\u2019s operations.\n\u201cI knew that if I opened a restaurant, it had to be centered on social impact,\u201d he said. \u201cIf we\u2019re in a position to help, we should do so.\u201d\nThe initiative builds on earlier efforts that began during the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, when the restaurant provided meals to frontliners.\nIt later expanded its relief work during typhoons, including large-scale feeding operations that reached more than 50,000 meals across Metro Manila and nearby areas over five days.\nThis year\u2019s program, which began in April, is supported by about 19 staff members who volunteer their time every weekend. Donations from private people and businesses help sustain the effort, with contributions ranging from meat and vegetables to cooking oil and canned goods.\n\u201cWe start with what we have,\u201d Mr. Maulit said. \u201cWhen donations come in, that\u2019s when we reimagine the menu.\u201d\nHe described the initiative as a community effort that brings together businesses and people to support vulnerable sectors.\n\u201cIt\u2019s like a whole-of-society intervention where the private sector stands with fellow businesses, and then you get support from the public,\u201d he said.\nTo expand the program, Trining\u2019s plans to launch a \u201cprepaid meal\u201d system that lets customers sponsor meals for those in need at P110 each.\n\u201cAnyone who is food insecure can come here and we will be able to give them a meal,\u201d Mr. Maulit said.\nHe added that restaurant kitchens could play a broader role beyond commercial operations, especially during periods of economic strain.\n\u201cWhat we\u2019re proving is that restaurant kitchens can help build social impact, especially for vulnerable populations in times of crisis,\u201d he said. \u201cThey can become a sanctuary where the food remains the same, both in crisis and celebration.\u201d", "date_published": "2026-05-06T00:02:47+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-05T18:02:57+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Trinings-Kitchen.jpg", "tags": [ "almira louise s. martinez", "BW Launchpad", "Editors' Picks" ], "summary": "A MARIKINA-BASED restaurant is stepping in to support public utility vehicle drivers and delivery riders as rising fuel prices squeeze daily incomes, serving more than 4,000 free home-cooked meals every weekend." }, { "id": "/?p=747493", "url": "/bw-launchpad/2026/05/06/747493/dost-ramps-up-msme-aid-with-tech-upgrades-loan-access/", "title": "DoST ramps up MSME aid with tech upgrades, loan access", "content_html": "THE DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology (DoST) said over 100,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have tapped its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) since 2002, as it expands support through laboratory testing services and a new financing tie-up offering loans of up to P50 million.
\nDoST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. said MSMEs can avail themselves of government programs aimed at helping them commercialize their products and become globally competitive. Among these is SETUP, which provides technology upgrading assistance, including seed funding for equipment acquisition, as well as training and consultancy services.
\n\u201cBefore we provide financial assistance to procure technology or equipment, we also provide technical guidance,\u201d he said during the implementation announcement of the Philippine Technology Evaluation and Standards for Testing on Tuesday.
\nAccording to the DoST, SETUP also offers services such as functional packaging and label design, as well as database information systems. The program is open to MSMEs in priority sectors, including food processing, furniture and furnishings, and agriculture- and aquaculture-based products.
\nFor regulatory compliance, MSMEs can also access laboratory services through DoST\u2019s OneLab network, which is composed of about 70 member laboratories, including Regional Standards and Testing Laboratories, research and development institutes, and private and international partners.
\n\u201cWe have laboratories all over the country\u2026 which provide the necessary testing so MSMEs can improve their products,\u201d Mr. Solidum said.
\nThe OneLab network provides chemical, physical, microbiological, and radiological testing, as well as calibration services for industries such as water, wastewater, food, and furniture. Services are standardized to ensure timely and accurate test results.
\nMr. Solidum said testing is crucial for MSMEs seeking to export, particularly those in the food sector, to ensure compliance with varying international Food and Drug Administration standards.
\nMeanwhile, DoST signed a partnership with the Land Bank of the Philippines to help MSMEs and startups gain access to financing. Approved enterprises may avail of loans starting at P500,000 for startups, P5 million for expanding MSMEs, and up to P50 million for larger-scale projects.
\nDoST said it has shortlisted around 10,000 MSMEs, including existing beneficiaries of its programs, for referral to the bank\u2019s evaluation. \u2014 Edg Adrian A. Eva
\n", "content_text": "THE DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology (DoST) said over 100,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have tapped its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) since 2002, as it expands support through laboratory testing services and a new financing tie-up offering loans of up to P50 million.\nDoST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. said MSMEs can avail themselves of government programs aimed at helping them commercialize their products and become globally competitive. Among these is SETUP, which provides technology upgrading assistance, including seed funding for equipment acquisition, as well as training and consultancy services.\n\u201cBefore we provide financial assistance to procure technology or equipment, we also provide technical guidance,\u201d he said during the implementation announcement of the Philippine Technology Evaluation and Standards for Testing on Tuesday.\nAccording to the DoST, SETUP also offers services such as functional packaging and label design, as well as database information systems. The program is open to MSMEs in priority sectors, including food processing, furniture and furnishings, and agriculture- and aquaculture-based products.\nFor regulatory compliance, MSMEs can also access laboratory services through DoST\u2019s OneLab network, which is composed of about 70 member laboratories, including Regional Standards and Testing Laboratories, research and development institutes, and private and international partners.\n\u201cWe have laboratories all over the country\u2026 which provide the necessary testing so MSMEs can improve their products,\u201d Mr. Solidum said.\nThe OneLab network provides chemical, physical, microbiological, and radiological testing, as well as calibration services for industries such as water, wastewater, food, and furniture. Services are standardized to ensure timely and accurate test results.\nMr. Solidum said testing is crucial for MSMEs seeking to export, particularly those in the food sector, to ensure compliance with varying international Food and Drug Administration standards.\nMeanwhile, DoST signed a partnership with the Land Bank of the Philippines to help MSMEs and startups gain access to financing. Approved enterprises may avail of loans starting at P500,000 for startups, P5 million for expanding MSMEs, and up to P50 million for larger-scale projects.\nDoST said it has shortlisted around 10,000 MSMEs, including existing beneficiaries of its programs, for referral to the bank\u2019s evaluation. \u2014 Edg Adrian A. Eva", "date_published": "2026-05-06T00:01:47+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-05T18:02:34+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/craftsman-browsing-laptop-connection-technology-concept.jpg", "tags": [ "Edg Adrian A. Eva", "BW Launchpad", "Editors' Picks" ] }, { "id": "/?p=746107", "url": "/bw-launchpad/2026/04/29/746107/bos-coffee-eyes-wider-global-branch-network-in-four-years/", "title": "Bo\u2019s Coffee eyes wider global branch network in four years", "content_html": "\r\n \r\n\r\nHOMEGROWN coffee retailer Bo\u2019s Coffee plans to expand its store network to 400 outlets by 2030, continuing its domestic and international growth plans despite geopolitical uncertainties, its founder said.
\n\u201cWe\u2019re on the second year of our five-year plan, so by 2030, we\u2019re targeting around 400 stores,\u201d Bo\u2019s Coffee Founder and Chief Executive Officer Steve D. Benitez told reporters on the sidelines of a franchising event on April 23.
\nThe company recently opened its 200th store in Cebu, which includes its first drive-through branch, and is targeting 25 to 30 more stores this year.
\nMr. Benitez said expansion plans remain on track, although franchise demand has softened in some markets.
\n\u201cThere has been a softening appetite for franchisees, but we\u2019re still growing as planned,\u201d he said. \u201cThat impact will be really felt more next year.\u201d
\nHe said the company continues to focus on markets with large Filipino communities, while reassessing some international opportunities due to external risks.
\n\u201cThere are some countries that are not as affected as the Philippines, but we still have to reassess that,\u201d he said.
\nBo\u2019s Coffee\u2019s expansion pipeline includes North America, although some plans have been delayed.
\n\u201cWe also had a signed agreement for Canada, but that has stalled also because of the crisis,\u201d he said, referring to the US-Israel war on Iran.
\nIn the Middle East, the company\u2019s licensed partner in Doha has opened two stores and is targeting three more branches this year.
\nThe company is also expecting new outlets in the Gulf region, including two stores each in Dubai and Kuwait.
\n\u201cWe signed up Kuwait sometime in December, and then the crisis hit,\u201d Mr. Benitez said. \u201cBut they\u2019re pushing through. It\u2019s just a matter of when they will put up their first store.\u201d
\nDespite delays in some markets, the company said it remains committed to long-term growth, balancing domestic expansion with selective overseas franchising. \u2014 Beatriz Marie D. Cruz
\n", "content_text": "1 of 2\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n BO\u2019S COFFEE FACEBOOK ACCOUNT\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n BO\u2019S COFFEE FACEBOOK ACCOUNT\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \nHOMEGROWN coffee retailer Bo\u2019s Coffee plans to expand its store network to 400 outlets by 2030, continuing its domestic and international growth plans despite geopolitical uncertainties, its founder said.\n\u201cWe\u2019re on the second year of our five-year plan, so by 2030, we\u2019re targeting around 400 stores,\u201d Bo\u2019s Coffee Founder and Chief Executive Officer Steve D. Benitez told reporters on the sidelines of a franchising event on April 23.\nThe company recently opened its 200th store in Cebu, which includes its first drive-through branch, and is targeting 25 to 30 more stores this year.\nMr. Benitez said expansion plans remain on track, although franchise demand has softened in some markets.\n\u201cThere has been a softening appetite for franchisees, but we\u2019re still growing as planned,\u201d he said. \u201cThat impact will be really felt more next year.\u201d\nHe said the company continues to focus on markets with large Filipino communities, while reassessing some international opportunities due to external risks.\n\u201cThere are some countries that are not as affected as the Philippines, but we still have to reassess that,\u201d he said.\nBo\u2019s Coffee\u2019s expansion pipeline includes North America, although some plans have been delayed.\n\u201cWe also had a signed agreement for Canada, but that has stalled also because of the crisis,\u201d he said, referring to the US-Israel war on Iran.\nIn the Middle East, the company\u2019s licensed partner in Doha has opened two stores and is targeting three more branches this year.\nThe company is also expecting new outlets in the Gulf region, including two stores each in Dubai and Kuwait.\n\u201cWe signed up Kuwait sometime in December, and then the crisis hit,\u201d Mr. Benitez said. \u201cBut they\u2019re pushing through. It\u2019s just a matter of when they will put up their first store.\u201d\nDespite delays in some markets, the company said it remains committed to long-term growth, balancing domestic expansion with selective overseas franchising. \u2014 Beatriz Marie D. Cruz", "date_published": "2026-04-29T00:02:54+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-04-28T18:31:57+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Bos-Coffee-1.jpg", "tags": [ "Beatriz Marie D. Cruz", "BW Launchpad", "Editors' Picks" ] }, { "id": "/?p=746108", "url": "/bw-launchpad/2026/04/29/746108/filipina-led-herdd-aims-to-close-gender-gaps-in-leadership/", "title": "Filipina-led HERDD aims to close gender gaps in leadership", "content_html": "FILIPINA-LED platform HERDD is building a regional network of women leaders in Southeast Asia to help address persistent gender gaps and barriers in leadership across sectors.
\n\u201cWe are grounding these discussions in lived experience, data, and leadership, and we are asking: \u2018How do we ensure women are not only present in these conversations, but shaping them?\u2019\u201d HERDD Chief Curator Ivanna Aguiling-Dela Torre said in a statement.
\nShe said her experience in international forums highlighted how leadership spaces remain unevenly represented.
\n\u201cAt the high-level dialogues that I was very privileged to attend, the rooms were overwhelmingly led by men,\u201d Ms. Aguiling-Dela Torre said in an Instagram video during the platform\u2019s launch. I really wanted to do something simple, which was to help elevate women\u2019s voices in these conferences, in these dialogues, in these board meetings.\u201d
\nHERDD is positioned as a leadership accelerator for women, designed to support both emerging and established leaders in navigating professional environments and expanding influence.
\nThe platform\u2019s website features \u201cboardroom briefs\u201d that provide analysis on Southeast Asian developments across sectors, along with a \u201cDossier\u201d section highlighting stories of women leaders in the region.
\nThe initiative was launched in New York by Ms. Aguiling-Dela Torre, alongside Women\u2019s Federation for World Peace International UN Relations Office Director Merly Barlaan and WOW founder Isa Buencamino-Agbayani during a global women\u2019s forum.
\n\u201cWe wanted to host this huddle in New York because it is Women\u2019s Month and because the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women is the biggest gathering of global women\u2019s organizations,\u201d Ms. Aguiling-Dela Torre said.
\n\u201cThis is where we recalibrate, we realign, we flag what needs to be flagged, and then we set out ourselves for greater heights,\u201d she added.
\nThe Philippines ranked 20th out of 148 countries in the 2025 Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum, making it the highest-ranked country in Asia.
\nHowever, a study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) said women continue to face barriers in employment, including lower labor participation, job insecurity and concentration in informal or low-paying work.
\n\u201cMany women are still outside the labor market, and those who do work often find themselves in informal, low-paying or unstable jobs,\u201d PIDS said. \u2014 A.L.S. Martinez
\n", "content_text": "FILIPINA-LED platform HERDD is building a regional network of women leaders in Southeast Asia to help address persistent gender gaps and barriers in leadership across sectors.\n\u201cWe are grounding these discussions in lived experience, data, and leadership, and we are asking: \u2018How do we ensure women are not only present in these conversations, but shaping them?\u2019\u201d HERDD Chief Curator Ivanna Aguiling-Dela Torre said in a statement.\nShe said her experience in international forums highlighted how leadership spaces remain unevenly represented.\n\u201cAt the high-level dialogues that I was very privileged to attend, the rooms were overwhelmingly led by men,\u201d Ms. Aguiling-Dela Torre said in an Instagram video during the platform\u2019s launch. I really wanted to do something simple, which was to help elevate women\u2019s voices in these conferences, in these dialogues, in these board meetings.\u201d\nHERDD is positioned as a leadership accelerator for women, designed to support both emerging and established leaders in navigating professional environments and expanding influence.\nThe platform\u2019s website features \u201cboardroom briefs\u201d that provide analysis on Southeast Asian developments across sectors, along with a \u201cDossier\u201d section highlighting stories of women leaders in the region.\nThe initiative was launched in New York by Ms. Aguiling-Dela Torre, alongside Women\u2019s Federation for World Peace International UN Relations Office Director Merly Barlaan and WOW founder Isa Buencamino-Agbayani during a global women\u2019s forum.\n\u201cWe wanted to host this huddle in New York because it is Women\u2019s Month and because the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women is the biggest gathering of global women\u2019s organizations,\u201d Ms. Aguiling-Dela Torre said.\n\u201cThis is where we recalibrate, we realign, we flag what needs to be flagged, and then we set out ourselves for greater heights,\u201d she added.\nThe Philippines ranked 20th out of 148 countries in the 2025 Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum, making it the highest-ranked country in Asia.\nHowever, a study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) said women continue to face barriers in employment, including lower labor participation, job insecurity and concentration in informal or low-paying work.\n\u201cMany women are still outside the labor market, and those who do work often find themselves in informal, low-paying or unstable jobs,\u201d PIDS said. \u2014 A.L.S. Martinez", "date_published": "2026-04-29T00:01:59+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-04-28T18:31:20+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/businesswomen-discussing-paperwork-together-against-railing-business-people-concept-2.jpg", "tags": [ "almira louise s. martinez", "BW Launchpad", "Editors' Picks" ] }, { "id": "/?p=744516", "url": "/bw-launchpad/2026/04/22/744516/filipino-scents-go-global-with-tadhana-fragrance/", "title": "Filipino scents go global with Tadhana Fragrance", "content_html": "\r\n \r\n\r\nBy Edg Adrian A. Eva, Reporter
\nA PASIG-BASED fragrance startup is turning local ingredients like elemi, calamansi and even artisanal sea salt into signature perfumes as it pushes to bring Filipino scents to the global market.
\nTadhana Fragrance, founded in 2025 by husband-and-wife partners Shane Albao and Canadian partner Evgeny Olin, is positioning itself as a pioneer in Philippine perfumery by building scents around locally obtained materials.
\n\u201cWe embrace what we call \u2018soil to soul,\u2019\u201d Mr. Olin said in an interview during the Department of Science and Technology\u2019s Earth Day 2026 expo on Monday. \u201cOur vision is to go directly to farmers, buy locally, distill locally into materials that can be used by us, also by other niche perfumers and other perfumers all over the world.\u201d
\n\u201cWe want to elevate Filipino perfumery to the world stage,\u201d he added.
\nFrom operating out of a condominium unit, the company has grown in less than two years into an end-to-end manufacturing operation, supplying both domestic and international markets, including the US, Canada and Australia.
\nEach fragrance is anchored on a \u201chero ingredient\u201d sourced from the Philippines. Its Persona collection, for instance, highlights elements such as elemi resin, pili, calamansi and muscovado sugar, reflecting the country\u2019s diverse natural resources.
\nThe company works with local distilleries that source directly from farmers while also investing in its own distillation processes, aligning with its goal of building a localized supply chain for perfumery.
\nIn 2025, Tadhana showcased its products in New York, introducing global audiences to scent profiles inspired by Filipino culture and everyday experiences.
\n\u201cWe want to embrace this idea of Filipino culture, Filipino ingredients, and present it to the world through scent making, through olfactory experiences and through moments that everybody can relate to,\u201d Mr. Olin said.
\nThe push comes as Asian fragrance brands gain traction globally, with strong players emerging from countries such as South Korea, Japan and China.
\nMr. Onlin said the Philippines remains relatively underrepresented in the international fragrance scene, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity.
\nIndustry data also point to growing demand. The Philippine perfume market is projected to grow 7.5% annually to $63.8 billion by 2031 from $41.2 billion in 2025, according to Global Market Research Mobility Foresight.
\nGrowth is being driven by rising consumer spending on personal care, urbanization and increasing demand for both premium and locally made products.
\nBeyond its own products, Tadhana aims to support the broader industry by training farmers and opening its facility to aspiring local perfumers.
\nThe company is also preparing to launch its next collection in August, featuring Asin Tibuok, a rare artisanal sea salt from Bohol, as its next signature ingredient.
\n", "content_text": "1 of 2\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n TADHANA.CO\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n TADHANA.CO\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \nBy Edg Adrian A. Eva, Reporter\nA PASIG-BASED fragrance startup is turning local ingredients like elemi, calamansi and even artisanal sea salt into signature perfumes as it pushes to bring Filipino scents to the global market.\nTadhana Fragrance, founded in 2025 by husband-and-wife partners Shane Albao and Canadian partner Evgeny Olin, is positioning itself as a pioneer in Philippine perfumery by building scents around locally obtained materials.\n\u201cWe embrace what we call \u2018soil to soul,\u2019\u201d Mr. Olin said in an interview during the Department of Science and Technology\u2019s Earth Day 2026 expo on Monday. \u201cOur vision is to go directly to farmers, buy locally, distill locally into materials that can be used by us, also by other niche perfumers and other perfumers all over the world.\u201d\n\u201cWe want to elevate Filipino perfumery to the world stage,\u201d he added.\nFrom operating out of a condominium unit, the company has grown in less than two years into an end-to-end manufacturing operation, supplying both domestic and international markets, including the US, Canada and Australia.\nEach fragrance is anchored on a \u201chero ingredient\u201d sourced from the Philippines. Its Persona collection, for instance, highlights elements such as elemi resin, pili, calamansi and muscovado sugar, reflecting the country\u2019s diverse natural resources.\nThe company works with local distilleries that source directly from farmers while also investing in its own distillation processes, aligning with its goal of building a localized supply chain for perfumery.\nIn 2025, Tadhana showcased its products in New York, introducing global audiences to scent profiles inspired by Filipino culture and everyday experiences.\n\u201cWe want to embrace this idea of Filipino culture, Filipino ingredients, and present it to the world through scent making, through olfactory experiences and through moments that everybody can relate to,\u201d Mr. Olin said.\nThe push comes as Asian fragrance brands gain traction globally, with strong players emerging from countries such as South Korea, Japan and China.\nMr. Onlin said the Philippines remains relatively underrepresented in the international fragrance scene, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity.\nIndustry data also point to growing demand. The Philippine perfume market is projected to grow 7.5% annually to $63.8 billion by 2031 from $41.2 billion in 2025, according to Global Market Research Mobility Foresight.\nGrowth is being driven by rising consumer spending on personal care, urbanization and increasing demand for both premium and locally made products.\nBeyond its own products, Tadhana aims to support the broader industry by training farmers and opening its facility to aspiring local perfumers.\nThe company is also preparing to launch its next collection in August, featuring Asin Tibuok, a rare artisanal sea salt from Bohol, as its next signature ingredient.", "date_published": "2026-04-22T00:02:03+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-04-27T13:06:42+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Tadhana-Fragrance.jpg", "tags": [ "Edg Adrian A. Eva", "BW Launchpad", "Editors' Picks" ], "summary": "A PASIG-BASED fragrance startup is turning local ingredients like elemi, calamansi and even artisanal sea salt into signature perfumes as it pushes to bring Filipino scents to the global market." }, { "id": "/?p=744504", "url": "/bw-launchpad/2026/04/22/744504/msmes-told-to-plan-ahead-as-fuel-costs-rise/", "title": "MSMEs told to plan ahead as fuel costs rise", "content_html": "By Edg Adrian A. Eva, Reporter
\nPHILIPPINE MICRO, small and medium enterprises (MSME) should plan ahead as margins get squeezed by mounting operating expenses from rising fuel costs driven by the Middle East war, according to Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank).
\nMSMEs, which make up the bulk of businesses in the country, are particularly vulnerable to higher fuel and transport costs that can quickly spill over into production, logistics, and pricing.
\n\u201cTake stock of what\u2019s important for your business, have a plan and then go out there and act,\u201d Metrobank Chief Marketing Officer Digs A. Dimagiba told 大象传媒 on the sidelines of an event last week.
\n\u201cGet the help that you need, whether internally within your business or externally from partners, to really go out there and take action, because the last thing you want to do is stay still, feel helpless or be trapped,\u201d he added.
\nThe warning comes as businesses brace for prolonged volatility in global energy markets. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry earlier said MSMEs would be among the hardest hit if elevated fuel prices persist beyond two to three months.
\nHigher transport and production costs have already started feeding into inflation, which rose to 4.1% in March from 2.4% in February, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
\nMr. Dimagiba said reacting to shocks is expected, but businesses that plan ahead are better positioned to manage risks and identify opportunities.
\nMetrobank refers to this approach as \u201cfinancial mindfulness,\u201d which emphasizes maintaining control and making deliberate decisions even during uncertain periods.
\nThe bank also used the event to launch its Moneygurado documentary series, which aims to help Filipinos become more intentional in managing their finances through real-life stories across four episodes.
\nMr. Dimagiba said crises typically prompt businesses to seek additional financing, either to sustain operations or pivot to more opportunities.
\nMetrobank offers the SME Puhunan Loan, which provides funding for working capital requirements such as inventory and receivables, as well as for capital expenditures like equipment purchases and expansion.
\nThe loan program features flexible terms to match borrowers\u2019 cash flow and repayment capacity, allowing businesses to better navigate fluctuating economic conditions.
\nMr. Dimagiba said the bank remains ready to support MSMEs as they navigate the uncertain environment.
\n\u201cIf you need help navigating this crisis, Metrobank is ready to assist,\u201d he said. \u201cWe will share our knowledge and expertise, and if you require our products and services, we will provide them to the best of our ability.\u201d
\n", "content_text": "By Edg Adrian A. Eva, Reporter\nPHILIPPINE MICRO, small and medium enterprises (MSME) should plan ahead as margins get squeezed by mounting operating expenses from rising fuel costs driven by the Middle East war, according to Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank).\nMSMEs, which make up the bulk of businesses in the country, are particularly vulnerable to higher fuel and transport costs that can quickly spill over into production, logistics, and pricing.\n\u201cTake stock of what\u2019s important for your business, have a plan and then go out there and act,\u201d Metrobank Chief Marketing Officer Digs A. Dimagiba told 大象传媒 on the sidelines of an event last week.\n\u201cGet the help that you need, whether internally within your business or externally from partners, to really go out there and take action, because the last thing you want to do is stay still, feel helpless or be trapped,\u201d he added.\nThe warning comes as businesses brace for prolonged volatility in global energy markets. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry earlier said MSMEs would be among the hardest hit if elevated fuel prices persist beyond two to three months.\nHigher transport and production costs have already started feeding into inflation, which rose to 4.1% in March from 2.4% in February, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.\nMr. Dimagiba said reacting to shocks is expected, but businesses that plan ahead are better positioned to manage risks and identify opportunities.\nMetrobank refers to this approach as \u201cfinancial mindfulness,\u201d which emphasizes maintaining control and making deliberate decisions even during uncertain periods.\nThe bank also used the event to launch its Moneygurado documentary series, which aims to help Filipinos become more intentional in managing their finances through real-life stories across four episodes.\nMr. Dimagiba said crises typically prompt businesses to seek additional financing, either to sustain operations or pivot to more opportunities.\nMetrobank offers the SME Puhunan Loan, which provides funding for working capital requirements such as inventory and receivables, as well as for capital expenditures like equipment purchases and expansion.\nThe loan program features flexible terms to match borrowers\u2019 cash flow and repayment capacity, allowing businesses to better navigate fluctuating economic conditions.\nMr. Dimagiba said the bank remains ready to support MSMEs as they navigate the uncertain environment.\n\u201cIf you need help navigating this crisis, Metrobank is ready to assist,\u201d he said. \u201cWe will share our knowledge and expertise, and if you require our products and services, we will provide them to the best of our ability.\u201d", "date_published": "2026-04-22T00:01:44+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-04-21T18:44:49+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Sari-sari-store.jpg", "tags": [ "Edg Adrian A. Eva", "BW Launchpad", "Editors' Picks" ] }, { "id": "/?p=743685", "url": "/bw-launchpad/2026/04/17/743685/palace-oks-p4-billion-worth-of-loans-for-msmes/", "title": "Palace OKs P4-billion worth of loans for MSMEs", "content_html": "President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday approved the P4-billion emergency loan program for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to help businesses affected by the war in the Middle East.
\n\u201cPresident Marcos has cleared a program for MSMEs in distress as a result of the global oil shock to avail of easy loans ranging from P30,000 to P20 million each,\u201d Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto said in a statement.
\nMr. Recto added that the new government loan program is a \u201cwelcome development for MSMEs in light of the perennial credit squeeze in the country.\u201d
\nEasy loans offer low interest rates and are repayable over five years, helping small businesses manage rising logistics costs, cash flow constraints, and supply chain disruptions amid the current oil crisis.
\nThe financial assistance, to be implemented by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and its financing arm, Small Business (SB) Corp., also offers a one-year grace period on principal and interest payments.
\nApplicants can apply for the program online, and the processing takes seven to 10 days.
\nCiting the data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Mr. Recto noted that bank lending for MSMEs increased by 5% to PHP574.8 billion as of end-December 2025 from P546.22 billion in the same period a year ago.
\nThis represents only 4.73% of the P12.143-trillion total bank loan portfolio in the country.
\n\u201cThe President has envisioned this loan program as a lifeline to MSMEs against the backdrop of limited access to financing, more so at this time of economic challenges sweeping the globe,\u201d he said.
\nThe local statistics agency said the MSMEs comprise about 99.6% of the locally registered businesses in the Philippines. Of which, 90% are micro enterprises, 10% are small, and 1% are medium.
\nThe sector also accounts for about 65% of total employment in the country, as of 2023. \u2014 Almira Louise S. Martinez
\n", "content_text": "President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday approved the P4-billion emergency loan program for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to help businesses affected by the war in the Middle East.\n\u201cPresident Marcos has cleared a program for MSMEs in distress as a result of the global oil shock to avail of easy loans ranging from P30,000 to P20 million each,\u201d Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto said in a statement.\nMr. Recto added that the new government loan program is a \u201cwelcome development for MSMEs in light of the perennial credit squeeze in the country.\u201d\nEasy loans offer low interest rates and are repayable over five years, helping small businesses manage rising logistics costs, cash flow constraints, and supply chain disruptions amid the current oil crisis.\nThe financial assistance, to be implemented by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and its financing arm, Small Business (SB) Corp., also offers a one-year grace period on principal and interest payments.\nApplicants can apply for the program online, and the processing takes seven to 10 days.\nCiting the data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Mr. Recto noted that bank lending for MSMEs increased by 5% to PHP574.8 billion as of end-December 2025 from P546.22 billion in the same period a year ago.\nThis represents only 4.73% of the P12.143-trillion total bank loan portfolio in the country.\n\u201cThe President has envisioned this loan program as a lifeline to MSMEs against the backdrop of limited access to financing, more so at this time of economic challenges sweeping the globe,\u201d he said.\nThe local statistics agency said the MSMEs comprise about 99.6% of the locally registered businesses in the Philippines. Of which, 90% are micro enterprises, 10% are small, and 1% are medium.\nThe sector also accounts for about 65% of total employment in the country, as of 2023. \u2014 Almira Louise S. Martinez", "date_published": "2026-04-17T13:04:46+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-04-17T13:04:46+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/agarwalekwensi/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/63a6222a994ecdcd0783bb257b7c4e6d18b49dfa789dd168af5420ab8a45082c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/agarwalekwensi/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/63a6222a994ecdcd0783bb257b7c4e6d18b49dfa789dd168af5420ab8a45082c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/MSMEs-trade-fair.jpg", "tags": [ "almira louise s. martinez", "BW Launchpad" ] }, { "id": "/?p=742819", "url": "/bw-launchpad/2026/04/15/742819/surging-oil-prices-strain-msmes-prompt-price-hikes-and-delays/", "title": "Surging oil prices strain MSMEs, prompt price hikes and delays", "content_html": "By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Senior Reporter
\nMICRO, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are raising prices and delaying shipments as higher oil prices driven by Middle East tensions push up logistics and production costs, industry players said.
\n\u201cWe\u2019re not going to make money because our logistics cost is 10% of the price,\u201d Brian Enriquez, owner of Basket Trend Home Products, Inc., told 大象传媒 on the sidelines of a Trade department food fair last week.
\nMr. Enriquez, who sells handwoven baskets from Rizal, said export costs have surged, forcing the company to pause shipments to the US.
\n\u201cThe cost to send a container to the US also increased by almost 300%,\u201d he said, adding that buyers are holding off orders while waiting for freight rates to ease.
\nSmall food producers are also adjusting prices to keep pace with rising input costs.
\n\u201cThe cost of all our raw materials has increased,\u201d said Salve San Juan, founder of Bicol-based Golden Mama, known for bottled laing, Bicol express and other regional products.
\nMs. San Juan said packaging costs, particularly for glass bottles, have risen alongside fuel prices, forcing the company to increase retail prices. Bottled products now sell for about P180 from P165, while resellers have begun placing smaller orders.
\n\u201cWe cannot keep our prices steady,\u201d she said.
\nLogistics costs have also climbed for Davao-based Bec and Geri\u2019s, Inc., which produces plant-based coffee products.
\n\u201cEspecially for the logistics side of shipping our products from Davao to anywhere in the Philippines, there was really an increase in costs,\u201d said Martin Evangelista, the company\u2019s sales director.
\nThe company raised the price of its purple corn coffee to P350 from P295 to offset higher delivery expenses.
\n\u201cBecause of this crisis, we really have to increase our price to support our expenses for logistics,\u201d he said.
\nThe Philippines\u2019 reliance on air and sea transport exposes small businesses to fuel-driven cost swings, with shipping and airfare adjustments adding to the burden.
\nThe Maritime Industry Authority said ship cargo rates might increase by as much as 30%, while the Civil Aeronautics Board raised the passenger fuel surcharge to Level 8 this month, allowing airlines to impose higher fees on domestic flights.
\nThese increases feed into the cost structure of MSMEs, which typically operate on thin margins and have limited capacity to absorb shocks.
\nDiana R. Rueda, an economics professor at the University of Asia and the Pacific, said rising oil prices affect both production and distribution costs, putting pressure on smaller firms.
\nMSMEs, which account for about 99% of businesses in the Philippines and contribute roughly 40% of gross domestic product, are particularly vulnerable to external shocks.
\nStill, Ms. Rueda said shifting consumer behavior during periods of high fuel costs could benefit certain segments.
\n\u201cSari-sari (mom-and-pop) stores, neighborhood groceries and home-based food businesses are also well-positioned to thrive as consumers prioritize convenience and reduce long-distance travel,\u201d she said in a Viber message.
\nShe added that repair and maintenance services such as motorcycle servicing and clothing alterations might see stronger demand as households and businesses look for ways to cut costs.
\nMSME TRAVEL DISCOUNTS
\nMeanwhile, sea travel operator 2GO Group, Inc. has partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry to offer discounted fares and logistics support to MSMEs participating in government-backed trade fairs.
\u201cThis collaboration allows both established and aspiring MSMEs to tap into our sea travel network,\u201d 2GO Travel Business Unit head Francis John Chua said in a statement on Tuesday. \u201cThis actually means that starting and growing your own business has never been easier.\u201d
\nUnder a memorandum of agreement, the partnership aims to help small businesses expand their market reach by lowering travel costs and improving access to transport and cargo services, 2GO said.
\nThe company said it would provide special discounted rates for MSMEs attending official trade fairs, along with exclusive cargo services to support product distribution across regions.
\nTrade Undersecretary Blesila A. Lantayona said the partnership would strengthen the visibility of Filipino products nationwide.
\n\u201cThis initiative strengthens the presence of Filipino products beyond their home regions and enables MSMEs to reach more consumers nationwide, with sea travel supporting their growth and mobility,\u201d she said.
\nUnder the deal, 2GO will also expand its One Town, One Product Nooks \u2014 dedicated spaces for local goods aboard passenger vessels \u2014 across its fleet.
\nThe expansion is expected to provide MSMEs with more channels to promote and sell their products directly to travelers.
\n2GO said the partnership aligns with efforts to support MSME development by improving access to markets and logistics infrastructure, which remain key challenges for small enterprises operating in an archipelagic country.
\nThe company provides a range of services including sea travel, freight forwarding, warehousing, distribution and e-commerce logistics.
\nEarlier this month, 2GO partnered with the Philippine Coast Guard to provide travel discounts to retired personnel and their families, while supporting logistics requirements such as the transport of humanitarian and relief goods.
\nThe company said it continues to explore partnerships that enhance mobility and logistics support for both public and private sector stakeholders. \u2014 with Ashley Erika O. Jose
\n", "content_text": "By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Senior Reporter\nMICRO, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are raising prices and delaying shipments as higher oil prices driven by Middle East tensions push up logistics and production costs, industry players said.\n\u201cWe\u2019re not going to make money because our logistics cost is 10% of the price,\u201d Brian Enriquez, owner of Basket Trend Home Products, Inc., told 大象传媒 on the sidelines of a Trade department food fair last week.\nMr. Enriquez, who sells handwoven baskets from Rizal, said export costs have surged, forcing the company to pause shipments to the US.\n\u201cThe cost to send a container to the US also increased by almost 300%,\u201d he said, adding that buyers are holding off orders while waiting for freight rates to ease.\nSmall food producers are also adjusting prices to keep pace with rising input costs.\n\u201cThe cost of all our raw materials has increased,\u201d said Salve San Juan, founder of Bicol-based Golden Mama, known for bottled laing, Bicol express and other regional products.\nMs. San Juan said packaging costs, particularly for glass bottles, have risen alongside fuel prices, forcing the company to increase retail prices. Bottled products now sell for about P180 from P165, while resellers have begun placing smaller orders.\n\u201cWe cannot keep our prices steady,\u201d she said.\nLogistics costs have also climbed for Davao-based Bec and Geri\u2019s, Inc., which produces plant-based coffee products.\n\u201cEspecially for the logistics side of shipping our products from Davao to anywhere in the Philippines, there was really an increase in costs,\u201d said Martin Evangelista, the company\u2019s sales director.\nThe company raised the price of its purple corn coffee to P350 from P295 to offset higher delivery expenses.\n\u201cBecause of this crisis, we really have to increase our price to support our expenses for logistics,\u201d he said.\nThe Philippines\u2019 reliance on air and sea transport exposes small businesses to fuel-driven cost swings, with shipping and airfare adjustments adding to the burden.\nThe Maritime Industry Authority said ship cargo rates might increase by as much as 30%, while the Civil Aeronautics Board raised the passenger fuel surcharge to Level 8 this month, allowing airlines to impose higher fees on domestic flights.\nThese increases feed into the cost structure of MSMEs, which typically operate on thin margins and have limited capacity to absorb shocks.\nDiana R. Rueda, an economics professor at the University of Asia and the Pacific, said rising oil prices affect both production and distribution costs, putting pressure on smaller firms.\nMSMEs, which account for about 99% of businesses in the Philippines and contribute roughly 40% of gross domestic product, are particularly vulnerable to external shocks.\nStill, Ms. Rueda said shifting consumer behavior during periods of high fuel costs could benefit certain segments.\n\u201cSari-sari (mom-and-pop) stores, neighborhood groceries and home-based food businesses are also well-positioned to thrive as consumers prioritize convenience and reduce long-distance travel,\u201d she said in a Viber message.\nShe added that repair and maintenance services such as motorcycle servicing and clothing alterations might see stronger demand as households and businesses look for ways to cut costs.\nMSME TRAVEL DISCOUNTS\nMeanwhile, sea travel operator 2GO Group, Inc. has partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry to offer discounted fares and logistics support to MSMEs participating in government-backed trade fairs.\n\u201cThis collaboration allows both established and aspiring MSMEs to tap into our sea travel network,\u201d 2GO Travel Business Unit head Francis John Chua said in a statement on Tuesday. \u201cThis actually means that starting and growing your own business has never been easier.\u201d\nUnder a memorandum of agreement, the partnership aims to help small businesses expand their market reach by lowering travel costs and improving access to transport and cargo services, 2GO said.\nThe company said it would provide special discounted rates for MSMEs attending official trade fairs, along with exclusive cargo services to support product distribution across regions.\nTrade Undersecretary Blesila A. Lantayona said the partnership would strengthen the visibility of Filipino products nationwide.\n\u201cThis initiative strengthens the presence of Filipino products beyond their home regions and enables MSMEs to reach more consumers nationwide, with sea travel supporting their growth and mobility,\u201d she said.\nUnder the deal, 2GO will also expand its One Town, One Product Nooks \u2014 dedicated spaces for local goods aboard passenger vessels \u2014 across its fleet.\nThe expansion is expected to provide MSMEs with more channels to promote and sell their products directly to travelers.\n2GO said the partnership aligns with efforts to support MSME development by improving access to markets and logistics infrastructure, which remain key challenges for small enterprises operating in an archipelagic country.\nThe company provides a range of services including sea travel, freight forwarding, warehousing, distribution and e-commerce logistics.\nEarlier this month, 2GO partnered with the Philippine Coast Guard to provide travel discounts to retired personnel and their families, while supporting logistics requirements such as the transport of humanitarian and relief goods.\nThe company said it continues to explore partnerships that enhance mobility and logistics support for both public and private sector stakeholders. \u2014 with Ashley Erika O. Jose", "date_published": "2026-04-15T00:02:49+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-04-14T19:11:24+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Tiangge-public-market-shopper.jpg", "tags": [ "Ashley Erika O. Jose", "Beatriz Marie D. Cruz", "BW Launchpad", "Editors' Picks" ], "summary": "MICRO, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are raising prices and delaying shipments as higher oil prices driven by Middle East tensions push up logistics and production costs, industry players said." }, { "id": "/?p=742817", "url": "/bw-launchpad/2026/04/15/742817/netongs-eyes-partnerships-to-cushion-rising-costs/", "title": "Netong\u2019s eyes partnerships to cushion rising costs", "content_html": "ILOILO CITY \u2014 Netong\u2019s Original Special La Paz Batchoy is seeking partnerships with hotels and private companies to sustain operations as rising ingredient costs squeeze margins, its owner said.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s expensive now, and you cannot just have a price increase,\u201d third-generation owner John Patrick Guillergan told reporters.
\nMr. Guillergan said the Iloilo-based brand, known for its warm noodle soups, is exploring tie-ups with hotels and corporate clients, while continuing to work closely with the local government.
\nHe said the strategy could help stabilize demand and offset higher input costs without passing the full burden to customers.
\nFounded in 1948 by his grandfather Leonito, Netong\u2019s has built its reputation on affordable servings of La Paz batchoy using ingredients bought from local public markets. The brand said its supply setup allows it to maintain operations even during supply disruptions.
\n\u201cThe only advantage is that when we run out of soup, we have a backup because our ingredients are here in the market; that\u2019s our traditional practice,\u201d Mr. Guillergan said, adding that the dish\u2019s broth remains its key differentiator.
\nEach bowl, priced from P115 to P155, includes egg noodles, pork, beef and innards, topped with pork cracklings, spring onions and toasted garlic. Customers may also opt for thin wheat or glass noodles and add bone marrow.
\nDespite rising costs, the company has yet to decide on price increases.
\n\u201cWe are actually talking about the price because you also need to consider that the salary of our customers has yet to increase,\u201d Mr. Guillergan said. \u201cWe also cannot reduce the serving and quality because it might trigger bashers on social media.\u201d
\nData from the local statistics office showed the average retail price of fresh beef rose to P376.34 per kilo in the second phase of March, slightly higher than earlier periods. The Department of Agriculture has also warned that pork prices could climb sharply if geopolitical tensions from the Iran war worsen.
\nThe company said it has no immediate plans to expand outside Iloilo, citing high capital requirements and uncertain market conditions.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s hard to open a business right now because there are a lot of expenses,\u201d Mr. Guillergan said. \u201cYou have to shell out a lot of money.\u201d
\nInstead, Netong\u2019s plans to open another kiosk within Iloilo to reach more customers, while continuing to join trade fairs such as World Food Bazaar and Arte Fino in Manila.
\nThe company previously operated five outlets but closed three during the coronavirus pandemic. It maintains branches including one at the redeveloped La Paz Public Market. \u2014 Almira Louise S. Martinez
\n", "content_text": "ILOILO CITY \u2014 Netong\u2019s Original Special La Paz Batchoy is seeking partnerships with hotels and private companies to sustain operations as rising ingredient costs squeeze margins, its owner said.\n\u201cIt\u2019s expensive now, and you cannot just have a price increase,\u201d third-generation owner John Patrick Guillergan told reporters.\nMr. Guillergan said the Iloilo-based brand, known for its warm noodle soups, is exploring tie-ups with hotels and corporate clients, while continuing to work closely with the local government.\nHe said the strategy could help stabilize demand and offset higher input costs without passing the full burden to customers.\nFounded in 1948 by his grandfather Leonito, Netong\u2019s has built its reputation on affordable servings of La Paz batchoy using ingredients bought from local public markets. The brand said its supply setup allows it to maintain operations even during supply disruptions.\n\u201cThe only advantage is that when we run out of soup, we have a backup because our ingredients are here in the market; that\u2019s our traditional practice,\u201d Mr. Guillergan said, adding that the dish\u2019s broth remains its key differentiator.\nEach bowl, priced from P115 to P155, includes egg noodles, pork, beef and innards, topped with pork cracklings, spring onions and toasted garlic. Customers may also opt for thin wheat or glass noodles and add bone marrow.\nDespite rising costs, the company has yet to decide on price increases.\n\u201cWe are actually talking about the price because you also need to consider that the salary of our customers has yet to increase,\u201d Mr. Guillergan said. \u201cWe also cannot reduce the serving and quality because it might trigger bashers on social media.\u201d\nData from the local statistics office showed the average retail price of fresh beef rose to P376.34 per kilo in the second phase of March, slightly higher than earlier periods. The Department of Agriculture has also warned that pork prices could climb sharply if geopolitical tensions from the Iran war worsen.\nThe company said it has no immediate plans to expand outside Iloilo, citing high capital requirements and uncertain market conditions.\n\u201cIt\u2019s hard to open a business right now because there are a lot of expenses,\u201d Mr. Guillergan said. \u201cYou have to shell out a lot of money.\u201d\nInstead, Netong\u2019s plans to open another kiosk within Iloilo to reach more customers, while continuing to join trade fairs such as World Food Bazaar and Arte Fino in Manila.\nThe company previously operated five outlets but closed three during the coronavirus pandemic. It maintains branches including one at the redeveloped La Paz Public Market. \u2014 Almira Louise S. Martinez", "date_published": "2026-04-15T00:01:48+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-04-14T19:11:08+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/netong.jpg", "tags": [ "almira louise s. martinez", "BW Launchpad", "Editors' Picks" ] }, { "id": "/?p=741325", "url": "/bw-launchpad/2026/04/08/741325/naturloop-turns-coco-waste-into-wood-panels/", "title": "NaturLoop turns coco waste into wood panels", "content_html": "By Edg Adrian A. Eva, Reporter
\nNATURLOOP, a Swiss\u2011based material science startup with deep Filipino links, is turning coconut husk waste from the Philippines into sustainable wood panels, offering a lower\u2011carbon alternative to conventional building materials while addressing deforestation and agricultural waste.
\nFounded in 2014 at Bern University of Applied Sciences by faculty members and graduate students, NaturLoop was built around the idea of converting agricultural byproducts into construction materials that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
\nIts flagship product, Cocoboard, is the first commercial result of that research, according to Filipino entrepreneur Charmaine Cu\u2011Unjieng, who is co\u2011founder and chief strategy officer at NaturLoop.
\nThe product arrives as pressure intensifies on the global construction sector, which accounted for 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2023, according to the United Nations Environment Programme.
\nNaturLoop positions Cocoboard as an emission\u2011reducing alternative that also creates value from waste streams in coconut\u2011producing countries.
\nCocoboard is made of 90% coconut husks and 10% bio\u2011based resin, derived largely from tannin, a naturally occurring compound found in plants. Coconut husks were selected for their strong natural fibers, which can replace wood fibers used in conventional panels.
\n\u201cWe use these to make panels that are completely circular and sustainable,\u201d Ms. Unjieng told 大象传媒 in a Microsoft Teams interview. \u201cThis can be used for furniture and interior architecture.\u201d
\nAlthough NaturLoop is headquartered in Switzerland, much of its development and sourcing is rooted in the Philippines.
\nCocoboard was developed in partnership with Filipino researchers, universities and organizations, including the Philippine Coconut Authority. The company works with local supply partners in Quezon province, Zamboanga and Agusan del Norte, where its processing plant is also located.
\nThe Philippines is the world\u2019s second\u2011biggest coconut producer after Indonesia, making it a natural base for NaturLoop\u2019s raw materials. Ms. Unjieng said the country generates about 15 billion coconut husks each year, most of which are treated as waste or burned, releasing carbon into the atmosphere.
\n\u201cThat translates to around 80 million 4\u00d78 Cocoboard panels that can be produced from available raw materials,\u201d she said, assuming 222 factories operating around the clock. \u201cInstead, we burn this waste and import wood panels when we could be producing what we need from waste materials.\u201d
\nCocoboard is designed to match the performance of medium\u2011density fiberboard (MDF), commonly used for furniture, cabinetry and interior finishes.
\nBased on NaturLoop\u2019s internal estimates, Cocoboard can be produced with up to 70% lower carbon emissions than standard MDF and about 30% lower emissions than colored MDF.
\n\u201cRegardless of the parameters used, emissions are reduced because no trees are felled,\u201d Ms. Unjieng said. She added that turning coconut waste into panels locks in carbon that would otherwise be released during decomposition or burning.
\nThe panels use renewable, biodegradable adhesives rather than synthetic binders derived from fossil fuels. Production also requires less energy, as coconut husks already contain naturally formed fibers, eliminating several processing steps used for wood products.
\nCocoboard meets European Union fire safety standards, with low smoke production and no flaming droplets, according to the company. It is also termite\u2011resistant and more moisture\u2011resistant than conventional MDF, though protective coatings are recommended for outdoor use.
\nEach panel measures 2,440 \u00d7 1,220 \u00d7 12 millimeters, using the equivalent of about 100 coconuts. NaturLoop used eight to 20 tons of dried coconut fiber and pith annually and plans to raise this to 20 to 50 tons within the year.
\nMs. Unjieng said Filipinos stand to benefit most if more processing happens locally.
\nNaturLoop is seeking investors to build a Philippine\u2011based manufacturing facility to convert husks directly into finished panels. At present, some materials still need to be shipped to Europe for processing, raising costs amid expensive fuel and slower global shipping.
\nShe cited the lack of local processing infrastructure, the need for strategic partners and limited market research as hurdles.
\nGovernment investment in research, funding coordination and market development could boost the country\u2019s coconut sector and position Philippine\u2011made sustainable materials on the global stage, she added.
\n", "content_text": "By Edg Adrian A. Eva, Reporter\nNATURLOOP, a Swiss\u2011based material science startup with deep Filipino links, is turning coconut husk waste from the Philippines into sustainable wood panels, offering a lower\u2011carbon alternative to conventional building materials while addressing deforestation and agricultural waste.\nFounded in 2014 at Bern University of Applied Sciences by faculty members and graduate students, NaturLoop was built around the idea of converting agricultural byproducts into construction materials that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.\nIts flagship product, Cocoboard, is the first commercial result of that research, according to Filipino entrepreneur Charmaine Cu\u2011Unjieng, who is co\u2011founder and chief strategy officer at NaturLoop.\nThe product arrives as pressure intensifies on the global construction sector, which accounted for 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2023, according to the United Nations Environment Programme.\nNaturLoop positions Cocoboard as an emission\u2011reducing alternative that also creates value from waste streams in coconut\u2011producing countries.\nCocoboard is made of 90% coconut husks and 10% bio\u2011based resin, derived largely from tannin, a naturally occurring compound found in plants. Coconut husks were selected for their strong natural fibers, which can replace wood fibers used in conventional panels.\n\u201cWe use these to make panels that are completely circular and sustainable,\u201d Ms. Unjieng told 大象传媒 in a Microsoft Teams interview. \u201cThis can be used for furniture and interior architecture.\u201d\nAlthough NaturLoop is headquartered in Switzerland, much of its development and sourcing is rooted in the Philippines.\nCocoboard was developed in partnership with Filipino researchers, universities and organizations, including the Philippine Coconut Authority. The company works with local supply partners in Quezon province, Zamboanga and Agusan del Norte, where its processing plant is also located.\nThe Philippines is the world\u2019s second\u2011biggest coconut producer after Indonesia, making it a natural base for NaturLoop\u2019s raw materials. Ms. Unjieng said the country generates about 15 billion coconut husks each year, most of which are treated as waste or burned, releasing carbon into the atmosphere.\n\u201cThat translates to around 80 million 4\u00d78 Cocoboard panels that can be produced from available raw materials,\u201d she said, assuming 222 factories operating around the clock. \u201cInstead, we burn this waste and import wood panels when we could be producing what we need from waste materials.\u201d\nCocoboard is designed to match the performance of medium\u2011density fiberboard (MDF), commonly used for furniture, cabinetry and interior finishes.\nBased on NaturLoop\u2019s internal estimates, Cocoboard can be produced with up to 70% lower carbon emissions than standard MDF and about 30% lower emissions than colored MDF.\n\u201cRegardless of the parameters used, emissions are reduced because no trees are felled,\u201d Ms. Unjieng said. She added that turning coconut waste into panels locks in carbon that would otherwise be released during decomposition or burning.\nThe panels use renewable, biodegradable adhesives rather than synthetic binders derived from fossil fuels. Production also requires less energy, as coconut husks already contain naturally formed fibers, eliminating several processing steps used for wood products.\nCocoboard meets European Union fire safety standards, with low smoke production and no flaming droplets, according to the company. It is also termite\u2011resistant and more moisture\u2011resistant than conventional MDF, though protective coatings are recommended for outdoor use.\nEach panel measures 2,440 \u00d7 1,220 \u00d7 12 millimeters, using the equivalent of about 100 coconuts. NaturLoop used eight to 20 tons of dried coconut fiber and pith annually and plans to raise this to 20 to 50 tons within the year.\nMs. Unjieng said Filipinos stand to benefit most if more processing happens locally.\nNaturLoop is seeking investors to build a Philippine\u2011based manufacturing facility to convert husks directly into finished panels. At present, some materials still need to be shipped to Europe for processing, raising costs amid expensive fuel and slower global shipping.\nShe cited the lack of local processing infrastructure, the need for strategic partners and limited market research as hurdles.\nGovernment investment in research, funding coordination and market development could boost the country\u2019s coconut sector and position Philippine\u2011made sustainable materials on the global stage, she added.", "date_published": "2026-04-08T00:02:01+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-04-07T18:42:55+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/NaturLoop.jpg", "tags": [ "Edg Adrian A. Eva", "BW Launchpad", "Editors' Picks" ], "summary": "NATURLOOP, a Swiss\u2011based material science startup with deep Filipino links, is turning coconut husk waste from the Philippines into sustainable wood panels, offering a lower\u2011carbon alternative to conventional building materials while addressing deforestation and agricultural waste." }, { "id": "/?p=741324", "url": "/bw-launchpad/2026/04/08/741324/startup-orderly-pitches-ai-ordering-tool-to-restaurants-to-cut-labor-costs/", "title": "Startup Orderly pitches AI ordering tool to restaurants to cut labor costs", "content_html": "By Almira Louise S. Martinez, Reporter
\nORDERLY, an artificial intelligence (AI) voice-ordering system, is helping restaurants streamline order-taking by replacing traditional counter transactions with automated voice agents, a shift the startup says can cut labor costs and lift sales.
\nThe system lets customers place orders by speaking to an AI agent, reducing the need for staff to manually take orders.
\nOrderly AI co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Math Z. Heramia said the idea grew from his family\u2019s experience running restaurants in the Philippines and the difficulties of managing workers.
\n\u201cWe wanted to use AI to build a solution within restaurants and to solve ordering, which was like the biggest pain point,\u201d Mr. Heramia told 大象传媒 in a Zoom interview.
\nMr. Heramia, 21, is a Filipino-American based in the US and comes from a family of restaurateurs who, he said, faced recurring staffing issues.
\n\u201cWhat we saw in the Philippine market is they\u2019re facing the same thing as the US and the rest of the world, having to deal with labor,\u201d he said.
\nWaiters in the Philippines earn an average base salary of P15,956 a month, according to job platform Indeed. Orderly estimates that mid-sized restaurants using its system can save more than P380,000 a year in labor costs while increasing average order value by as much as 38%.
\n\u201cInstead of having five wait staff, you could maybe half that or replace two,\u201d Mr. Heramia said. He added that the AI could also suggest add-ons and upgrades during ordering.
\n\u201cWe\u2019re able to understand what the consumer wants at a very high level and down to the details,\u201d he said.
\nCustomers access the system by scanning a quick response code and choosing between a digital menu, chat interface or AI voice agent. Orders are sent directly into a restaurant\u2019s point-of-sale system (POS), reducing error rates and preparation time.
\n\u201cIf you already have a POS system, we can integrate and run as a layer on top of what you have,\u201d Mr. Heramia said, adding that setup requires little effort from restaurant owners.
\nThe voice agent supports Filipino and English, with plans to expand coverage as the company gathers linguistic data.
\n\u201cWe would have to capture more speech data and train models to interact with customers across dialects,\u201d Mr. Heramia said.
\nWhile automation reduces demand for frontline staff, Mr. Heramia said the lower operating cost could help displaced workers start businesses of their own. \u201cThose people who may have lost that job could open their own restaurant now because it becomes much cheaper,\u201d he said.
\nAbout 12.7 million jobs in the Philippines are exposed to generative AI, though only 3.6% face a high risk of displacement, according to data from the International Labour Organization.
\nOrderly aims to work with 500 local businesses and expand to 2,500 restaurants worldwide by year-end.
\n", "content_text": "By Almira Louise S. Martinez, Reporter\nORDERLY, an artificial intelligence (AI) voice-ordering system, is helping restaurants streamline order-taking by replacing traditional counter transactions with automated voice agents, a shift the startup says can cut labor costs and lift sales.\nThe system lets customers place orders by speaking to an AI agent, reducing the need for staff to manually take orders.\nOrderly AI co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Math Z. Heramia said the idea grew from his family\u2019s experience running restaurants in the Philippines and the difficulties of managing workers.\n\u201cWe wanted to use AI to build a solution within restaurants and to solve ordering, which was like the biggest pain point,\u201d Mr. Heramia told 大象传媒 in a Zoom interview.\nMr. Heramia, 21, is a Filipino-American based in the US and comes from a family of restaurateurs who, he said, faced recurring staffing issues.\n\u201cWhat we saw in the Philippine market is they\u2019re facing the same thing as the US and the rest of the world, having to deal with labor,\u201d he said.\nWaiters in the Philippines earn an average base salary of P15,956 a month, according to job platform Indeed. Orderly estimates that mid-sized restaurants using its system can save more than P380,000 a year in labor costs while increasing average order value by as much as 38%.\n\u201cInstead of having five wait staff, you could maybe half that or replace two,\u201d Mr. Heramia said. He added that the AI could also suggest add-ons and upgrades during ordering.\n\u201cWe\u2019re able to understand what the consumer wants at a very high level and down to the details,\u201d he said.\nCustomers access the system by scanning a quick response code and choosing between a digital menu, chat interface or AI voice agent. Orders are sent directly into a restaurant\u2019s point-of-sale system (POS), reducing error rates and preparation time.\n\u201cIf you already have a POS system, we can integrate and run as a layer on top of what you have,\u201d Mr. Heramia said, adding that setup requires little effort from restaurant owners.\nThe voice agent supports Filipino and English, with plans to expand coverage as the company gathers linguistic data.\n\u201cWe would have to capture more speech data and train models to interact with customers across dialects,\u201d Mr. Heramia said.\nWhile automation reduces demand for frontline staff, Mr. Heramia said the lower operating cost could help displaced workers start businesses of their own. \u201cThose people who may have lost that job could open their own restaurant now because it becomes much cheaper,\u201d he said.\nAbout 12.7 million jobs in the Philippines are exposed to generative AI, though only 3.6% face a high risk of displacement, according to data from the International Labour Organization.\nOrderly aims to work with 500 local businesses and expand to 2,500 restaurants worldwide by year-end.", "date_published": "2026-04-08T00:01:00+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-04-07T18:42:12+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Orderly-AI.jpg", "tags": [ "almira louise s. martinez", "BW Launchpad", "Editors' Picks" ], "summary": "ORDERLY, an artificial intelligence (AI) voice-ordering system, is helping restaurants streamline order-taking by replacing traditional counter transactions with automated voice agents, a shift the startup says can cut labor costs and lift sales." }, { "id": "/?p=740169", "url": "/bw-launchpad/2026/04/01/740169/pasahero-turns-jeepneys-into-qr-ad-platforms/", "title": "PasaHero turns jeepneys into QR ad platforms", "content_html": "By Almira Louise S. Martinez, Reporter
\nPASAHERO PASSENGER, a commuter reward app, is helping jeepney drivers generate additional income through quick response (QR) code advertising as fuel prices continue to climb.
\n\u201cWe can\u2019t control gas prices; the only thing we can control is whether we can help them earn additional revenue,\u201d PasaHero founder Michael \u201cMicray\u201d Gonzalez told 大象传媒.
\nThe platform links advertisements to QR codes posted inside jeepneys, which commuters can scan during trips. Drivers, operators and cooperatives get as much as 20% of the ad revenue, Mr. Gonzalez said.
\n\u201cWe\u2019re trying to connect modern technology with public transportation and help jeepney drivers earn more through advertising,\u201d he said via Zoom.
\nThe initiative comes as surging fuel costs due to the Iran war erode drivers\u2019 earnings. Jeepney drivers are losing about P400 to P500 from an average daily income of P800 due to successive oil price increases, according to transport group Manibela.
\nFuel prices rose further this week as oil companies announced a P12.50\u2011a\u2011liter hike in diesel and a P2.50 increase in gasoline, adding pressure on public transport operators amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
\nUnder PasaHero\u2019s model, drivers do not need to change their routes or routines to earn additional income.
\n\u201cFor this to work, the business model has to be simple,\u201d Mr. Gonzalez said. \u201cIf the app is complicated, you lose the attention of drivers, operators and passengers.\u201d
\nHe said the platform has the potential to significantly supplement incomes. \u201cWith the right advertisers, we don\u2019t see why a jeepney driver\u2019s earnings can\u2019t double or triple,\u201d he added.
\nCommuters also benefit by earning points each time they scan a QR code. These points can be redeemed for rewards or discounts at partner establishments, including fastfood chains such as McDonald\u2019s.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s similar to frequent-flyer miles or credit card rewards,\u201d Mr. Gonzalez said. \u201cCommuters are willing to participate if it helps them reduce expenses.\u201d
\nThe app posted a 15% increase in users at the Market\u2011Market terminal in Taguig City following recent fuel hikes, as more workers shift to public transport to cut costs, he said.
\nPasaHero works with about 2,500 jeepney drivers in Makati, Taguig and Alabang in Muntinlupa, and is targeting 10,000 partnerships by mid-year. The company also plans to expand to Cebu City and Davao.
\n\u201cIf we can show that the ecosystem helps communities and drivers, adoption across the rest of the country will follow,\u201d Mr. Gonzalez said.
\n", "content_text": "By Almira Louise S. Martinez, Reporter\nPASAHERO PASSENGER, a commuter reward app, is helping jeepney drivers generate additional income through quick response (QR) code advertising as fuel prices continue to climb.\n\u201cWe can\u2019t control gas prices; the only thing we can control is whether we can help them earn additional revenue,\u201d PasaHero founder Michael \u201cMicray\u201d Gonzalez told 大象传媒.\nThe platform links advertisements to QR codes posted inside jeepneys, which commuters can scan during trips. Drivers, operators and cooperatives get as much as 20% of the ad revenue, Mr. Gonzalez said.\n\u201cWe\u2019re trying to connect modern technology with public transportation and help jeepney drivers earn more through advertising,\u201d he said via Zoom.\nThe initiative comes as surging fuel costs due to the Iran war erode drivers\u2019 earnings. Jeepney drivers are losing about P400 to P500 from an average daily income of P800 due to successive oil price increases, according to transport group Manibela.\nFuel prices rose further this week as oil companies announced a P12.50\u2011a\u2011liter hike in diesel and a P2.50 increase in gasoline, adding pressure on public transport operators amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East.\nUnder PasaHero\u2019s model, drivers do not need to change their routes or routines to earn additional income.\n\u201cFor this to work, the business model has to be simple,\u201d Mr. Gonzalez said. \u201cIf the app is complicated, you lose the attention of drivers, operators and passengers.\u201d\nHe said the platform has the potential to significantly supplement incomes. \u201cWith the right advertisers, we don\u2019t see why a jeepney driver\u2019s earnings can\u2019t double or triple,\u201d he added.\nCommuters also benefit by earning points each time they scan a QR code. These points can be redeemed for rewards or discounts at partner establishments, including fastfood chains such as McDonald\u2019s.\n\u201cIt\u2019s similar to frequent-flyer miles or credit card rewards,\u201d Mr. Gonzalez said. \u201cCommuters are willing to participate if it helps them reduce expenses.\u201d\nThe app posted a 15% increase in users at the Market\u2011Market terminal in Taguig City following recent fuel hikes, as more workers shift to public transport to cut costs, he said.\nPasaHero works with about 2,500 jeepney drivers in Makati, Taguig and Alabang in Muntinlupa, and is targeting 10,000 partnerships by mid-year. The company also plans to expand to Cebu City and Davao.\n\u201cIf we can show that the ecosystem helps communities and drivers, adoption across the rest of the country will follow,\u201d Mr. Gonzalez said.", "date_published": "2026-04-01T00:02:52+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-04-01T00:42:57+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/jeep-passenger-1.jpg", "tags": [ "almira louise s. martinez", "BW Launchpad", "Editors' Picks" ], "summary": "PASAHERO PASSENGER, a commuter reward app, is helping jeepney drivers generate additional income through quick response (QR) code advertising as fuel prices continue to climb." }, { "id": "/?p=740168", "url": "/bw-launchpad/2026/04/01/740168/bangsamoro-negros-power-surge-in-2025-mom-and-pop-store-activity/", "title": "Bangsamoro, Negros power surge in 2025 mom-and-pop store activity", "content_html": "MOM-AND-POP stores in the countryside outperformed their Metro Manila counterparts in sales and transaction activity last year, driven by rising digital adoption and improving connectivity outside the Philippine capital, according to a study by Philippine tech startup Packworks.
\nIn a report released on Tuesday, Packworks said 213,051 mom-and-pop stores in its network actively transacted through its mobile platform in 2025, up 21% from a year earlier.
\nStores in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao posted the strongest gains. Transactions there more than doubled, while gross merchandise value or store sales climbed 2.2 times. App usage in the region surged 77%, Packworks said.
\nThe company attributed this growth to improved internet access following the rollout of regional connectivity projects, which allowed more store owners to adopt digital tools for inventory, ordering and customer engagement.
\nThe Negros Island Region also posted strong performance. Store sales jumped 2.3 times last year, while the number of active stores grew 58%. Transactions and app usage more than doubled, according to the study.
\nIn contrast, mom-and-pop stores in Metro Manila posted more modest gains. Transaction volumes rose 37% year on year, while sales increased 31%. App usage grew 15% in the capital region.
\nThe findings suggest that regional economies are becoming more active growth drivers for the country\u2019s small retail sector, Packworks Chief Data Officer Andres Montiel said.
\n\u201cWe are seeing a trend where regional economies are becoming the new centers of growth for the sari-sari (mom-and-pop) store sector,\u201d he said in a statement.
\nRegional store owners are adopting digital tools faster to expand their customer reach and improve operations, he pointed out.
\nThe study also highlighted resilience among regional stores despite natural disasters that disrupted parts of the country last year.
\nCentral Visayas recorded a 7% increase in gross merchandise value (GMV) in 2025 despite a magnitude\u20116.9 earthquake that struck the region in September.
\nMeanwhile, stores in Central Luzon posted a 15% increase in GMV.
\nHowever, growth was uneven across regions. App usage in the Caraga Region, northeastern Mindanao, declined 15%, which Packworks linked to lower internet penetration and connectivity challenges.
\nThe results underscore the evolving role of mom-and-pop stores as contributors to regional economic activity, Packworks co\u2011founder Hubert Yap said.
\n\u201cSari\u2011sari stores are no longer just neighborhood fixtures,\u201d he said in the statement. \u201cThey are evolving businesses capable of driving regional economic momentum.\u201d
\nMom-and-pop stores are typically classified as micro, small and medium enterprises, which account for more than 99% of businesses in the Philippines and contribute roughly 40% to gross domestic product, making them a key pillar of economic growth. \u2014 B.M.D. Cruz
\n", "content_text": "MOM-AND-POP stores in the countryside outperformed their Metro Manila counterparts in sales and transaction activity last year, driven by rising digital adoption and improving connectivity outside the Philippine capital, according to a study by Philippine tech startup Packworks.\nIn a report released on Tuesday, Packworks said 213,051 mom-and-pop stores in its network actively transacted through its mobile platform in 2025, up 21% from a year earlier.\nStores in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao posted the strongest gains. Transactions there more than doubled, while gross merchandise value or store sales climbed 2.2 times. App usage in the region surged 77%, Packworks said.\nThe company attributed this growth to improved internet access following the rollout of regional connectivity projects, which allowed more store owners to adopt digital tools for inventory, ordering and customer engagement.\nThe Negros Island Region also posted strong performance. Store sales jumped 2.3 times last year, while the number of active stores grew 58%. Transactions and app usage more than doubled, according to the study.\nIn contrast, mom-and-pop stores in Metro Manila posted more modest gains. Transaction volumes rose 37% year on year, while sales increased 31%. App usage grew 15% in the capital region.\nThe findings suggest that regional economies are becoming more active growth drivers for the country\u2019s small retail sector, Packworks Chief Data Officer Andres Montiel said.\n\u201cWe are seeing a trend where regional economies are becoming the new centers of growth for the sari-sari (mom-and-pop) store sector,\u201d he said in a statement.\nRegional store owners are adopting digital tools faster to expand their customer reach and improve operations, he pointed out.\nThe study also highlighted resilience among regional stores despite natural disasters that disrupted parts of the country last year.\nCentral Visayas recorded a 7% increase in gross merchandise value (GMV) in 2025 despite a magnitude\u20116.9 earthquake that struck the region in September.\nMeanwhile, stores in Central Luzon posted a 15% increase in GMV.\nHowever, growth was uneven across regions. App usage in the Caraga Region, northeastern Mindanao, declined 15%, which Packworks linked to lower internet penetration and connectivity challenges.\nThe results underscore the evolving role of mom-and-pop stores as contributors to regional economic activity, Packworks co\u2011founder Hubert Yap said.\n\u201cSari\u2011sari stores are no longer just neighborhood fixtures,\u201d he said in the statement. \u201cThey are evolving businesses capable of driving regional economic momentum.\u201d\nMom-and-pop stores are typically classified as micro, small and medium enterprises, which account for more than 99% of businesses in the Philippines and contribute roughly 40% to gross domestic product, making them a key pillar of economic growth. \u2014 B.M.D. Cruz", "date_published": "2026-04-01T00:01:52+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-04-01T00:46:41+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/sari-sari-store.jpg", "tags": [ "Beatriz Marie D. Cruz", "BW Launchpad", "Editors' Picks" ] }, { "id": "/?p=738332", "url": "/bw-launchpad/2026/03/25/738332/more-msmes-turn-to-influencers-to-drive-growth/", "title": "More MSMEs turn to influencers to drive growth", "content_html": "By Almira Louise S. Martinez, Reporter
\nMORE MICRO, small and medium enterprises (MSME) are tapping influencers to boost revenue and business growth, as content creators continue to gain traction in the Philippines, according to marketing firm Blogapalooza, Inc.
\n\u201cBusinesses are also starting to see that creators are becoming an integral part of marketing,\u201d Blogapalooza Chief Executive Officer Hazel Bernadette B. Gapuz told 大象传媒 via Zoom. \u201cThe way that consumers decide has already evolved.\u201d
\nBlogapalooza is a Philippine-based influencer marketing and talent management firm.
\nUnlike traditional advertising that relies on celebrities, influencers can build more personal connections with audiences, making them particularly effective for small brands seeking to strengthen their online presence, Ms. Gapuz said.
\n\u201cConsumers trust content creators, who are like their peers,\u201d she said. \u201cThat\u2019s their edge over traditional celebrities because when you\u2019re digital\u2011first, you speak internet language.\u201d
\n\u201cThe traditional way of doing advertising won\u2019t work anymore,\u201d she added.
\nAs demand for influencer marketing grows, Ms. Gapuz noted that the industry remains fragmented and largely unstandardized, particularly in terms of pricing.
\n\u201cCreators are starting to think of themselves as media entities,\u201d she said. \u201cSome of them really professionalize it \u2014 even to the point of hiring a team or setting up their own studio.\u201d
\nShe said the influencer market is becoming more professionalized, with many of them investing more in their businesses. \u201cIt just makes sense that the cost is increasing.\u201d
\nDespite rising fees, many MSMEs continue to invest in influencer marketing because of its results\u2011driven nature.
\n\u201cSmaller businesses obviously don\u2019t have a lot of money to pay these big names,\u201d Ms. Gapuz said. \u201cThey need sales right away, or if sales don\u2019t come, they need a specific path to justify the influencer spending.\u201d
\nSome small brands are also turning to in\u2011house creators or collaborating with influencers through X\u2011deals, where content is exchanged for products or experiences instead of cash.
\n\u201cWhile costs are the primary barrier to most small businesses, there are creative ways of going around them,\u201d she said.
\nData from consumer intelligence firm Meltwater showed that influencer marketing spending in the Philippines reached $109 million in 2024, up 15.9% from the previous year.
\nInfluencer advertising also accounted for 5.6% of total digital advertising spending in the country.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s a massively growing industry,\u201d Ms. Gapuz said. \u201cWe\u2019ve seen how much it has grown over the past couple of years. There\u2019s a lot of potential, even if the industry isn\u2019t fully mature yet.
\n", "content_text": "By Almira Louise S. Martinez, Reporter\nMORE MICRO, small and medium enterprises (MSME) are tapping influencers to boost revenue and business growth, as content creators continue to gain traction in the Philippines, according to marketing firm Blogapalooza, Inc.\n\u201cBusinesses are also starting to see that creators are becoming an integral part of marketing,\u201d Blogapalooza Chief Executive Officer Hazel Bernadette B. Gapuz told 大象传媒 via Zoom. \u201cThe way that consumers decide has already evolved.\u201d\nBlogapalooza is a Philippine-based influencer marketing and talent management firm.\nUnlike traditional advertising that relies on celebrities, influencers can build more personal connections with audiences, making them particularly effective for small brands seeking to strengthen their online presence, Ms. Gapuz said.\n\u201cConsumers trust content creators, who are like their peers,\u201d she said. \u201cThat\u2019s their edge over traditional celebrities because when you\u2019re digital\u2011first, you speak internet language.\u201d\n\u201cThe traditional way of doing advertising won\u2019t work anymore,\u201d she added.\nAs demand for influencer marketing grows, Ms. Gapuz noted that the industry remains fragmented and largely unstandardized, particularly in terms of pricing.\n\u201cCreators are starting to think of themselves as media entities,\u201d she said. \u201cSome of them really professionalize it \u2014 even to the point of hiring a team or setting up their own studio.\u201d\nShe said the influencer market is becoming more professionalized, with many of them investing more in their businesses. \u201cIt just makes sense that the cost is increasing.\u201d\nDespite rising fees, many MSMEs continue to invest in influencer marketing because of its results\u2011driven nature.\n\u201cSmaller businesses obviously don\u2019t have a lot of money to pay these big names,\u201d Ms. Gapuz said. \u201cThey need sales right away, or if sales don\u2019t come, they need a specific path to justify the influencer spending.\u201d\nSome small brands are also turning to in\u2011house creators or collaborating with influencers through X\u2011deals, where content is exchanged for products or experiences instead of cash.\n\u201cWhile costs are the primary barrier to most small businesses, there are creative ways of going around them,\u201d she said.\nData from consumer intelligence firm Meltwater showed that influencer marketing spending in the Philippines reached $109 million in 2024, up 15.9% from the previous year.\nInfluencer advertising also accounted for 5.6% of total digital advertising spending in the country.\n\u201cIt\u2019s a massively growing industry,\u201d Ms. Gapuz said. \u201cWe\u2019ve seen how much it has grown over the past couple of years. There\u2019s a lot of potential, even if the industry isn\u2019t fully mature yet.", "date_published": "2026-03-25T00:02:30+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-03-25T00:33:35+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/4-influencer-posting-social-media-1.jpg", "tags": [ "almira louise s. martinez", "BW Launchpad", "Editors' Picks" ], "summary": "MORE MICRO, small and medium enterprises (MSME) are tapping influencers to boost revenue and business growth, as content creators continue to gain traction in the Philippines, according to marketing firm Blogapalooza, Inc." }, { "id": "/?p=738333", "url": "/bw-launchpad/2026/03/25/738333/rimini-street-helps-firms-optimize-legacy-it-systems/", "title": "Rimini Street helps firms optimize legacy IT systems", "content_html": "By Edg Adrian A. Eva, Reporter
\nRIMINI STREET, INC., a global provider of enterprise software support, is helping companies extract more value from their existing information technology (IT) systems as many firms struggle to realize returns on artificial intelligence (AI) investments.
\nMichael L. Perica, executive vice-president and chief financial officer at Rimini Street, said many organizations fail to generate meaningful benefits from early AI initiatives due to the absence of a clear strategic roadmap and inadequate data infrastructure.
\n\u201cOne will not have success unless you have an overall roadmap, a strategy, and the appropriate preparedness to fully realize the benefits of investing in this technology,\u201d he told 大象传媒 via Microsoft Teams.
\n\u201cAt Rimini Street, we support clients, optimize their existing systems, and then prepare them for innovation,\u201d he added.
\nOnly 20% of chief financial officers are satisfied with their technology investments including security, AI, customer-facing software-as-a-service (SaaS) platforms and enterprise resource planning systems, according to the Rimini Street Survey 2024, which polled almost 3,000 global finance and IT leaders.
\nThe survey found that companies often experience negative consequences from these investments, such as rising costs, limited future flexibility and significant organizational disruption.
\nTo address these challenges, Mr. Perica said Rimini Street offers a vendor\u2011independent support model that lets organizations continue using their software releases for as long as needed, without being forced into costly upgrades or system migrations.
\n\u201cWe have our own innovative solutions that use agentic AI and workflows on your own data and systems, maximizing your customizations or even those of others,\u201d he said.
\nThey also work with partners for agentic AI, allowing organizations to prioritize and invest at their own pace with their data, while achieving the appropriate level of preparedness, he pointed out.
\nThis approach, he said, lets firms recover 80% to 90% of their maintenance and support spending, freeing up what he described as \u201csacred dollars\u201d that could be redirected toward strategic initiatives such as digital transformation and AI deployment.
\n\u201cRedeploying those savings is what puts one in a position to optimize preparedness and ultimately fund innovation,\u201d he said.
\nAmong Rimini Street\u2019s offerings is Rimini Consult, an advisory service focused on preparing legacy systems for modern technologies.
\nThe firm\u2019s enterprise architects and data specialists clean and standardize existing databases and build custom digital integrations that allow older systems to work seamlessly with newer AI tools.
\nAmong Rimini Street\u2019s clients in the Philippines is Philippine Airlines, which it provided with third-party support for its core enterprise software, allowing the carrier to cut maintenance costs and fund its digital transformation, Mr. Perica said.
\nHe advised companies to maintain control over their data and avoid \u201cvendor lock\u2011in\u201d arrangements that limit flexibility and long\u2011term value from technology investments, including AI.
\nHe further urged firms to align technology spending with their own strategic priorities rather than adapting their business models to match a software provider\u2019s roadmap.
\nThe Philippines and the broader Southeast Asian region, Mr. Perica said, represent an \u201cemerging and exciting market\u201d for Rimini Street.
\nThe company plans to deepen engagement with Filipino partners, monitor regional technology trends, and tap into local talent to support its global operations, he said.
\n", "content_text": "By Edg Adrian A. Eva, Reporter\nRIMINI STREET, INC., a global provider of enterprise software support, is helping companies extract more value from their existing information technology (IT) systems as many firms struggle to realize returns on artificial intelligence (AI) investments.\nMichael L. Perica, executive vice-president and chief financial officer at Rimini Street, said many organizations fail to generate meaningful benefits from early AI initiatives due to the absence of a clear strategic roadmap and inadequate data infrastructure.\n\u201cOne will not have success unless you have an overall roadmap, a strategy, and the appropriate preparedness to fully realize the benefits of investing in this technology,\u201d he told 大象传媒 via Microsoft Teams.\n\u201cAt Rimini Street, we support clients, optimize their existing systems, and then prepare them for innovation,\u201d he added.\nOnly 20% of chief financial officers are satisfied with their technology investments including security, AI, customer-facing software-as-a-service (SaaS) platforms and enterprise resource planning systems, according to the Rimini Street Survey 2024, which polled almost 3,000 global finance and IT leaders.\nThe survey found that companies often experience negative consequences from these investments, such as rising costs, limited future flexibility and significant organizational disruption.\nTo address these challenges, Mr. Perica said Rimini Street offers a vendor\u2011independent support model that lets organizations continue using their software releases for as long as needed, without being forced into costly upgrades or system migrations.\n\u201cWe have our own innovative solutions that use agentic AI and workflows on your own data and systems, maximizing your customizations or even those of others,\u201d he said.\nThey also work with partners for agentic AI, allowing organizations to prioritize and invest at their own pace with their data, while achieving the appropriate level of preparedness, he pointed out.\nThis approach, he said, lets firms recover 80% to 90% of their maintenance and support spending, freeing up what he described as \u201csacred dollars\u201d that could be redirected toward strategic initiatives such as digital transformation and AI deployment.\n\u201cRedeploying those savings is what puts one in a position to optimize preparedness and ultimately fund innovation,\u201d he said.\nAmong Rimini Street\u2019s offerings is Rimini Consult, an advisory service focused on preparing legacy systems for modern technologies.\nThe firm\u2019s enterprise architects and data specialists clean and standardize existing databases and build custom digital integrations that allow older systems to work seamlessly with newer AI tools.\nAmong Rimini Street\u2019s clients in the Philippines is Philippine Airlines, which it provided with third-party support for its core enterprise software, allowing the carrier to cut maintenance costs and fund its digital transformation, Mr. Perica said.\nHe advised companies to maintain control over their data and avoid \u201cvendor lock\u2011in\u201d arrangements that limit flexibility and long\u2011term value from technology investments, including AI.\nHe further urged firms to align technology spending with their own strategic priorities rather than adapting their business models to match a software provider\u2019s roadmap.\nThe Philippines and the broader Southeast Asian region, Mr. Perica said, represent an \u201cemerging and exciting market\u201d for Rimini Street.\nThe company plans to deepen engagement with Filipino partners, monitor regional technology trends, and tap into local talent to support its global operations, he said.", "date_published": "2026-03-25T00:01:30+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-03-25T00:32:00+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/computer-laptop-charts-graphs.jpeg", "tags": [ "Edg Adrian A. Eva", "BW Launchpad", "Editors' Picks" ], "summary": "RIMINI STREET, INC., a global provider of enterprise software support, is helping companies extract more value from their existing information technology (IT) systems as many firms struggle to realize returns on artificial intelligence (AI) investments." }, { "id": "/?p=736944", "url": "/bw-launchpad/2026/03/18/736944/philippine-startup-turns-coastal-litter-into-artwork/", "title": "Philippine startup turns coastal litter into artwork", "content_html": "By Almira Louise S. Martinez, Reporter
\n![\"\"](\"/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Kalaw-Coastal-Litter-Driftwood-Art.jpg\")
A SMALL ENTERPRISE in Marinduque province south of the Philippine capital is converting driftwood and coastal litter into saleable artwork, offering an alternative use for marine waste while providing income to seaside communities.
\nMelvin Upcycled Coastal Litter Handicrafts, founded by Melvin M. Vitto, collects discarded materials such as driftwood and dried leaves \u2014 much of it washed ashore during typhoons \u2014 and turns them into portraits and decorative pieces.
\n\u201cI\u2019m the only person who likes a typhoon because I get to collect my materials,\u201d Mr. Vitto told 大象传媒 in Filipino.
\nThe initiative reflects a shift in how coastal cleanups are approached. Instead of discarding collected debris, the business treats biodegradable waste as raw material for craft production.
\n\u201cWe\u2019ve changed the way we used to do coastal cleanups,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ve turned biodegradable trash into something more valuable.\u201d
\nMr. Vitto, who works at the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office in Marinduque, said the idea came from the volume of driftwood that accumulates along the province\u2019s coastline after storms.
\nHe began experimenting with driftwood in 2022 but initially struggled to secure support. Government programs could not help while the activity remained outside a formal business structure, he said.
\nThe venture was launched in 2025 with an initial capital of P5,000. Since then, Mr. Vitto has produced customized portraits of politicians and pets using assembled pieces of wood shaped and arranged to form detailed images.
\nSupport followed once the activity became a registered enterprise. \u201cWhen it became a business, that\u2019s when they helped us,\u201d he said, referring to assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry.
\nStill, Mr. Vitto said products tied to environmental advocacy could be difficult to market.
\n\u201cBusinesses with good advocacy sometimes remain just ideas,\u201d he said. \u201cIf it\u2019s not widely promoted, it\u2019s hard to sell.\u201d
\nThe enterprise also creates a secondary income stream for coastal residents. Locals collect driftwood and other usable debris, which the business buys at about P500 per sack.
\nThis model links waste recovery with livelihood, particularly in areas where income opportunities are limited.
\nMarine litter remains a persistent issue in the Philippines. Data from the International Coastal Cleanup showed more than 306,600 kilos of waste were collected across 298 coastal sites nationwide in 2025. Metro Manila accounted for more than 135,000 kilos, while Central Visayas collected about 42,000 kilos. The Mimaropa region, which includes Marinduque, collected more than 12,000 kilos.
\nMr. Vitto said changing perceptions of waste remains a challenge, noting that reusable materials are often still discarded.
\n\u201cWhat\u2019s hard with trash is even if it\u2019s reusable, people still see it as waste,\u201d he said.
\nFor him, driftwood carries symbolic value beyond its commercial use.
\n\u201cAfter everything it went through, it gets a new life,\u201d he said.
\n", "content_text": "By Almira Louise S. Martinez, Reporter\nKALAW COASTAL LITTER DRIFTWOOD ART \u2014 MELVIN UPCYCLED COASTAL LITTER HANDICRAFTS FB PAGE\nA SMALL ENTERPRISE in Marinduque province south of the Philippine capital is converting driftwood and coastal litter into saleable artwork, offering an alternative use for marine waste while providing income to seaside communities.\nMelvin Upcycled Coastal Litter Handicrafts, founded by Melvin M. Vitto, collects discarded materials such as driftwood and dried leaves \u2014 much of it washed ashore during typhoons \u2014 and turns them into portraits and decorative pieces.\n\u201cI\u2019m the only person who likes a typhoon because I get to collect my materials,\u201d Mr. Vitto told 大象传媒 in Filipino.\nThe initiative reflects a shift in how coastal cleanups are approached. Instead of discarding collected debris, the business treats biodegradable waste as raw material for craft production.\n\u201cWe\u2019ve changed the way we used to do coastal cleanups,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ve turned biodegradable trash into something more valuable.\u201d\nMr. Vitto, who works at the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office in Marinduque, said the idea came from the volume of driftwood that accumulates along the province\u2019s coastline after storms.\nHe began experimenting with driftwood in 2022 but initially struggled to secure support. Government programs could not help while the activity remained outside a formal business structure, he said.\nThe venture was launched in 2025 with an initial capital of P5,000. Since then, Mr. Vitto has produced customized portraits of politicians and pets using assembled pieces of wood shaped and arranged to form detailed images.\nSupport followed once the activity became a registered enterprise. \u201cWhen it became a business, that\u2019s when they helped us,\u201d he said, referring to assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry.\nStill, Mr. Vitto said products tied to environmental advocacy could be difficult to market.\n\u201cBusinesses with good advocacy sometimes remain just ideas,\u201d he said. \u201cIf it\u2019s not widely promoted, it\u2019s hard to sell.\u201d\nThe enterprise also creates a secondary income stream for coastal residents. Locals collect driftwood and other usable debris, which the business buys at about P500 per sack.\nThis model links waste recovery with livelihood, particularly in areas where income opportunities are limited.\nMarine litter remains a persistent issue in the Philippines. Data from the International Coastal Cleanup showed more than 306,600 kilos of waste were collected across 298 coastal sites nationwide in 2025. Metro Manila accounted for more than 135,000 kilos, while Central Visayas collected about 42,000 kilos. The Mimaropa region, which includes Marinduque, collected more than 12,000 kilos.\nMr. Vitto said changing perceptions of waste remains a challenge, noting that reusable materials are often still discarded.\n\u201cWhat\u2019s hard with trash is even if it\u2019s reusable, people still see it as waste,\u201d he said.\nFor him, driftwood carries symbolic value beyond its commercial use.\n\u201cAfter everything it went through, it gets a new life,\u201d he said.", "date_published": "2026-03-18T00:02:21+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-03-18T00:44:05+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Kalaw-Coastal-Litter-Driftwood-Art-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "almira louise s. martinez", "BW Launchpad", "Editors' Picks" ], "summary": "A SMALL ENTERPRISE in Marinduque province south of the Philippine capital is converting driftwood and coastal litter into saleable artwork, offering an alternative use for marine waste while providing income to seaside communities." }, { "id": "/?p=736945", "url": "/bw-launchpad/2026/03/18/736945/nephroplus-rolls-out-reward-based-app-as-dialysis-demand-rises/", "title": "NephroPlus rolls out reward-based app as dialysis demand rises", "content_html": "By Almira Louise S. Martinez, Reporter
\nINDIA-BASED dialysis provider NephroPlus Dialysis Centers Pvt. Ltd. has launched a mobile app to help patients manage their condition, as demand for treatment rises in the Philippines.
\nThe app combines health monitoring with a reward system designed to encourage patients to stick to strict care routines required for chronic kidney disease.
\n\u201cWe want to build a community of dialysis guests, and we want to give them information on how to take care of themselves,\u201d Country Head Gowtham Arumugam told 大象传媒 in an interview.
\nPatients can log vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse, track fluid intake and monitor their health over time.
\nThose who stay within recommended ranges earn \u201cwellness tokens,\u201d which can be used for transport, food, retail and health services.
\n\u201cIf you\u2019re maintaining the range, you will get rewarded,\u201d Mr. Arumugam said. \u201cYou are building that habit.\u201d
\nThe rollout comes as chronic kidney disease cases remain widely underdiagnosed. Data from AstraZeneca Philippines estimates about 7 million Filipinos are living with stage 3 and above kidney disease, with roughly 90% unaware of their condition.
\nAt the same time, the number of dialysis patients is expected to climb sharply. Estimates from Ken Research show cases rising to almost 150,000 by 2030 from 40,000 in 2020, making dialysis one of the fastest-growing healthcare segments in Southeast Asia.
\nThe app, called the NephroPlus Guest App, integrates clinic services with a learning platform and support network.
\nPatients \u2014 referred to by the company as \u201cguests\u201d \u2014 can upload laboratory results, with abnormal readings flagged for follow-up with doctors.
\n\u201cGuests can enter their own vital signs into the app, allowing them to track their health regularly and monitor changes over time,\u201d Alvin Marcelo, senior quality manager at NephroPlus Philippines, told a news briefing on March 13.
\nManaging fluid intake is a key part of dialysis care. Excess fluid between sessions can lead to swelling, breathing difficulties and added strain on the heart, Mr. Marcelo said.
\nThe platform also offers video consultations with nephrologists, dietitian support, session booking and access to dialysis-friendly recipes.
\nNephroPlus said the reward feature is meant to improve adherence to treatment routines, which often require strict discipline.
\n\u201cDialysis requires controlling fluid intake, maintaining weight and attending sessions regularly,\u201d NephroPlus Philippines Operations Head Mae Eileen Grace Torre told the same briefing. \u201cThe goal isn\u2019t just rewards; it\u2019s about keeping our guests motivated and engaged in their dialysis journey.\u201d
\nNephroPlus Philippines conducts about 29,000 treatments monthly across 43 centers nationwide. The company plans to expand to 150 clinics by 2028 as it seeks to capture rising demand.
\n", "content_text": "By Almira Louise S. Martinez, Reporter\nINDIA-BASED dialysis provider NephroPlus Dialysis Centers Pvt. Ltd. has launched a mobile app to help patients manage their condition, as demand for treatment rises in the Philippines.\nThe app combines health monitoring with a reward system designed to encourage patients to stick to strict care routines required for chronic kidney disease.\n\u201cWe want to build a community of dialysis guests, and we want to give them information on how to take care of themselves,\u201d Country Head Gowtham Arumugam told 大象传媒 in an interview.\nPatients can log vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse, track fluid intake and monitor their health over time.\nThose who stay within recommended ranges earn \u201cwellness tokens,\u201d which can be used for transport, food, retail and health services.\n\u201cIf you\u2019re maintaining the range, you will get rewarded,\u201d Mr. Arumugam said. \u201cYou are building that habit.\u201d\nThe rollout comes as chronic kidney disease cases remain widely underdiagnosed. Data from AstraZeneca Philippines estimates about 7 million Filipinos are living with stage 3 and above kidney disease, with roughly 90% unaware of their condition.\nAt the same time, the number of dialysis patients is expected to climb sharply. Estimates from Ken Research show cases rising to almost 150,000 by 2030 from 40,000 in 2020, making dialysis one of the fastest-growing healthcare segments in Southeast Asia.\nThe app, called the NephroPlus Guest App, integrates clinic services with a learning platform and support network.\nPatients \u2014 referred to by the company as \u201cguests\u201d \u2014 can upload laboratory results, with abnormal readings flagged for follow-up with doctors.\n\u201cGuests can enter their own vital signs into the app, allowing them to track their health regularly and monitor changes over time,\u201d Alvin Marcelo, senior quality manager at NephroPlus Philippines, told a news briefing on March 13.\nManaging fluid intake is a key part of dialysis care. Excess fluid between sessions can lead to swelling, breathing difficulties and added strain on the heart, Mr. Marcelo said.\nThe platform also offers video consultations with nephrologists, dietitian support, session booking and access to dialysis-friendly recipes.\nNephroPlus said the reward feature is meant to improve adherence to treatment routines, which often require strict discipline.\n\u201cDialysis requires controlling fluid intake, maintaining weight and attending sessions regularly,\u201d NephroPlus Philippines Operations Head Mae Eileen Grace Torre told the same briefing. \u201cThe goal isn\u2019t just rewards; it\u2019s about keeping our guests motivated and engaged in their dialysis journey.\u201d\nNephroPlus Philippines conducts about 29,000 treatments monthly across 43 centers nationwide. The company plans to expand to 150 clinics by 2028 as it seeks to capture rising demand.", "date_published": "2026-03-18T00:01:22+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-03-18T00:43:19+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/nephroplus-health-worker.jpg", "tags": [ "almira louise s. martinez", "BW Launchpad", "Editors' Picks" ], "summary": "INDIA-BASED dialysis provider NephroPlus Dialysis Centers Pvt. Ltd. has launched a mobile app to help patients manage their condition, as demand for treatment rises in the Philippines." }, { "id": "/?p=735337", "url": "/bw-launchpad/2026/03/11/735337/matts-coffee-targets-students-professionals-with-work-friendly-space/", "title": "Matt\u2019s Coffee targets students, professionals with work-friendly space", "content_html": "By Edg Adrian A. Eva, Reporter
\nA NEWLY opened caf\u00e9 in Quezon City is seeking to stand out in the city\u2019s crowded coffee scene by positioning itself as a place where customers can linger and work.
\nMatt\u2019s Coffee opened on March 7, with co-owner and director Katrina P. Abalayon saying the family-run caf\u00e9 was designed to double as a workspace for students and professionals.
\nPart of the caf\u00e9 includes a separate office-style room that can be used as a co-working area, allowing patrons to study or work for longer periods.
\n\u201cUnlike other coffee shops where you\u2019re always in a rush, people can come here for quiet time \u2014 to work or study,\u201d Ms. Abalayon said in an interview during the caf\u00e9\u2019s launch.
\nThe concept grew out of Ms. Abalayon\u2019s own search for comfortable places to spend time while working outside the home. Seeing what she viewed as a gap in the market, she decided to build a caf\u00e9 with that purpose in mind.
\nShe initially explored franchising a Filipino coffee brand but later decided to start her own venture to better shape the concept. The caf\u00e9 is named after her seven-year-old son, Matthew James.
\n\u201cFor people who want to build a coffee shop, wanting it is not enough,\u201d she said. \u201cYou need a deeper purpose to set it up.\u201d
\nLocated along Examiner Street near West Avenue, the caf\u00e9 features an industrial-modern interior design with furniture and d\u00e9cor partly sourced from the family\u2019s home to create a more relaxed atmosphere.
\nSince its soft opening on Feb. 7, the caf\u00e9 has offered hot and iced coffee drinks along with pastries. The owners plan to introduce full meals with the opening of a food stall on the caf\u00e9\u2019s upper floor.
\nMs. Abalayon said customer reception has been positive during the first month of operations.
\nCompetition in the area is strong, she said, noting that an international coffee chain operates nearby, though the caf\u00e9 aims to differentiate itself through its workspace-focused concept and by adjusting its offerings based on customer feedback.
\n\u201cCompetition is always there,\u201d she said. \u201cIt shouldn\u2019t stop you from pursuing what you want.\u201d
\nDemand for coffee in the Philippines continues to grow. Market researcher Data Intelo estimates the Philippine coffee market could become a $134.2-billion industry by 2032, or a yearly growth of 4.6% from $97.5 billion in 2023.
\n", "content_text": "By Edg Adrian A. Eva, Reporter\nA NEWLY opened caf\u00e9 in Quezon City is seeking to stand out in the city\u2019s crowded coffee scene by positioning itself as a place where customers can linger and work.\nMatt\u2019s Coffee opened on March 7, with co-owner and director Katrina P. Abalayon saying the family-run caf\u00e9 was designed to double as a workspace for students and professionals.\nPart of the caf\u00e9 includes a separate office-style room that can be used as a co-working area, allowing patrons to study or work for longer periods.\n\u201cUnlike other coffee shops where you\u2019re always in a rush, people can come here for quiet time \u2014 to work or study,\u201d Ms. Abalayon said in an interview during the caf\u00e9\u2019s launch.\nThe concept grew out of Ms. Abalayon\u2019s own search for comfortable places to spend time while working outside the home. Seeing what she viewed as a gap in the market, she decided to build a caf\u00e9 with that purpose in mind.\nShe initially explored franchising a Filipino coffee brand but later decided to start her own venture to better shape the concept. The caf\u00e9 is named after her seven-year-old son, Matthew James.\n\u201cFor people who want to build a coffee shop, wanting it is not enough,\u201d she said. \u201cYou need a deeper purpose to set it up.\u201d\nLocated along Examiner Street near West Avenue, the caf\u00e9 features an industrial-modern interior design with furniture and d\u00e9cor partly sourced from the family\u2019s home to create a more relaxed atmosphere.\nSince its soft opening on Feb. 7, the caf\u00e9 has offered hot and iced coffee drinks along with pastries. The owners plan to introduce full meals with the opening of a food stall on the caf\u00e9\u2019s upper floor.\nMs. Abalayon said customer reception has been positive during the first month of operations.\nCompetition in the area is strong, she said, noting that an international coffee chain operates nearby, though the caf\u00e9 aims to differentiate itself through its workspace-focused concept and by adjusting its offerings based on customer feedback.\n\u201cCompetition is always there,\u201d she said. \u201cIt shouldn\u2019t stop you from pursuing what you want.\u201d\nDemand for coffee in the Philippines continues to grow. Market researcher Data Intelo estimates the Philippine coffee market could become a $134.2-billion industry by 2032, or a yearly growth of 4.6% from $97.5 billion in 2023.", "date_published": "2026-03-11T00:02:42+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-03-11T00:12:00+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/coffee-restaurant-customer.jpg", "tags": [ "Edg Adrian A. Eva", "BW Launchpad", "Editors' Picks" ], "summary": "A NEWLY opened caf\u00e9 in Quezon City is seeking to stand out in the city\u2019s crowded coffee scene by positioning itself as a place where customers can linger and work." }, { "id": "/?p=733956", "url": "/bw-launchpad/2026/03/04/733956/julies-bakeshop-plans-more-stores-amid-steady-demand/", "title": "Julie\u2019s Bakeshop plans more stores amid steady demand", "content_html": "\r\n \r\n\r\nJULIE\u2019S BAKESHOP plans to accelerate franchise growth across the Philippines this year, targeting more branches in Luzon and Mindanao as it seeks to broaden its nationwide footprint.
\nThe Cebu-based bakery chain, approaching its 45th anniversary, now operates more than 600 stores, with 80% of franchisees running multiple branches.
\nJulie\u2019s Bakeshop began in 1981 when the first branch opened in the Wireless area of Mandaue City, Cebu in central Philippines. It was started by Julia \u201cJulie\u201d Gandionco, who had been running several canteens and saw a strong demand for fresh bread \u2014 so she ventured into the bakery business even if she was not a baking expert.
\n\u201cHaving a Julie\u2019s Bakeshop in every village may take more than five years, but growing our presence in more locations would be a milestone worth celebrating,\u201d Angelo Jose C. Gandionco, senior regional director for nationwide operations at Julie\u2019s Franchise Corp., told 大象传媒.
\nHe added that the bakery chain is exploring ways to diversify distribution channels to make products more accessible to Filipinos.
\nMr. Gandionco, grandson of the Gandionco matriarch, expects the Philippine baking sector to grow steadily this year despite slower overall economic expansion and evolving consumer tastes.
\n\u201cWhile we are seeing steady growth in our industry that will continue this year, we are also taking note of changing consumer preferences and exploring how we can diversify our distribution channels to ensure that our products are easily accessible to more Filipinos,\u201d he said in an\u00a0 e-mailed reply to questions.
\nThe US Department of Agriculture projects retail sales in the country\u2019s baking industry to grow 5% annually to $2.5 billion by 2027, outpacing Philippine economic growth of 4.4% in 2025.
\nJulie\u2019s, headquartered in Mandaue City, Cebu, faced natural disruptions last year, including the magnitude-6.9 Bogo earthquake in September and Typhoon Tino in November.
\n\u201cMany of our stores had to close temporarily, while some employees had to be relocated,\u201d Mr. Gandionco said.
\nDespite these setbacks, the bakeshop expanded through more franchise openings, bringing its total network to more than 600 stores nationwide, with 80% of franchisees operating multiple branches.
\nConsumer preferences vary by region. Data from franchise owners indicate that Visayas and Mindanao customers tend to favor Filipino classics like pandesal, while those in Luzon show more openness to global and hybrid flavors.
\nRising urban incomes are also driving demand for convenient, ready-to-eat breads and snacks, with a growing segment willing to pay for premium options alongside traditional products.
\nJulie\u2019s said it remains focused on balancing innovation with affordability. Mr. Gandionco said they aim to keep their products accessible, affordable and fresh, even as ingredient costs rise and consumer tastes shift. \u2014 Edg Adrian A. Eva
\n", "content_text": "1 of 2\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n FACEBOOK.COM/JULIESBAKESHOP\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n FACEBOOK.COM/JULIESBAKESHOP\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \nJULIE\u2019S BAKESHOP plans to accelerate franchise growth across the Philippines this year, targeting more branches in Luzon and Mindanao as it seeks to broaden its nationwide footprint.\nThe Cebu-based bakery chain, approaching its 45th anniversary, now operates more than 600 stores, with 80% of franchisees running multiple branches.\nJulie\u2019s Bakeshop began in 1981 when the first branch opened in the Wireless area of Mandaue City, Cebu in central Philippines. It was started by Julia \u201cJulie\u201d Gandionco, who had been running several canteens and saw a strong demand for fresh bread \u2014 so she ventured into the bakery business even if she was not a baking expert.\n\u201cHaving a Julie\u2019s Bakeshop in every village may take more than five years, but growing our presence in more locations would be a milestone worth celebrating,\u201d Angelo Jose C. Gandionco, senior regional director for nationwide operations at Julie\u2019s Franchise Corp., told 大象传媒.\nHe added that the bakery chain is exploring ways to diversify distribution channels to make products more accessible to Filipinos.\nMr. Gandionco, grandson of the Gandionco matriarch, expects the Philippine baking sector to grow steadily this year despite slower overall economic expansion and evolving consumer tastes.\n\u201cWhile we are seeing steady growth in our industry that will continue this year, we are also taking note of changing consumer preferences and exploring how we can diversify our distribution channels to ensure that our products are easily accessible to more Filipinos,\u201d he said in an\u00a0 e-mailed reply to questions.\nThe US Department of Agriculture projects retail sales in the country\u2019s baking industry to grow 5% annually to $2.5 billion by 2027, outpacing Philippine economic growth of 4.4% in 2025.\nJulie\u2019s, headquartered in Mandaue City, Cebu, faced natural disruptions last year, including the magnitude-6.9 Bogo earthquake in September and Typhoon Tino in November.\n\u201cMany of our stores had to close temporarily, while some employees had to be relocated,\u201d Mr. Gandionco said.\nDespite these setbacks, the bakeshop expanded through more franchise openings, bringing its total network to more than 600 stores nationwide, with 80% of franchisees operating multiple branches.\nConsumer preferences vary by region. Data from franchise owners indicate that Visayas and Mindanao customers tend to favor Filipino classics like pandesal, while those in Luzon show more openness to global and hybrid flavors.\nRising urban incomes are also driving demand for convenient, ready-to-eat breads and snacks, with a growing segment willing to pay for premium options alongside traditional products.\nJulie\u2019s said it remains focused on balancing innovation with affordability. Mr. Gandionco said they aim to keep their products accessible, affordable and fresh, even as ingredient costs rise and consumer tastes shift. \u2014 Edg Adrian A. Eva", "date_published": "2026-03-04T00:02:13+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-03-04T00:27:08+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Julies-Bakeshop-1-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Edg Adrian A. Eva", "BW Launchpad", "Editors' Picks" ] }, { "id": "/?p=733957", "url": "/bw-launchpad/2026/03/04/733957/filipiniana-dress-code-memo-boosts-sassys-creation-sales/", "title": "Filipiniana dress code memo boosts Sassy\u2019s Creation sales", "content_html": "\r\n \r\n\r\nSASSY\u2019S CREATION, a Philippine startup, has experienced a surge in demand for its Filipiniana tops since a 2024 Civil Service Commission memo that requires government employees to wear Filipiniana-inspired attire on Mondays.
\n\u201cIt was a good thing for us local MSMEs because it\u2019s hard to market pi\u00f1a tops,\u201d Joy L. Rapsing, owner of Sassy\u2019s Creation, told 大象传媒 in Filipino. \u201cBack then, it was only for special occasions, but now that the government mandated showcasing cultural heritage, it really helped us.\u201d
\nThe brand\u2019s sales have more than doubled because of the dress code. \u201cThe only downside is the competition from online shops offering low-quality materials,\u201d Ms. Rapsing added.
\nSassy\u2019s Creation uses indigenous handloom fabrics such as\u00a0 pineapple, jusi and cocoon for its tops, while upcycled scrap fabrics are transformed into boleros as part of its sustainable fashion advocacy.
\nEach piece, priced at P3,500 and above, is crafted by stay-at-home women, local weavers and 10 prisoners from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Antipolo City.
\n\u201cWe support cooperative communities,\u201d Ms. Rapsing said. \u201cWe source many of our materials directly from manufacturers and ensure fair practices in workers\u2019 salaries.\u201d
\nThe handcrafted textile used in these garments is also seeing growing international demand. The US accounted for 49% of Philippine textile exports last year, according to DHL Express.
\nThe Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines expects exports of garments, textiles and apparel to grow 2-5% this year from a projected $1 billion in 2025. \u2014 Almira Louise S. Martinez
\n", "content_text": "1 of 2\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n FACEBOOK.COM/SASSYSCREATIONPH\n\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n FACEBOOK.COM/SASSYSCREATIONPH\n\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \nSASSY\u2019S CREATION, a Philippine startup, has experienced a surge in demand for its Filipiniana tops since a 2024 Civil Service Commission memo that requires government employees to wear Filipiniana-inspired attire on Mondays.\n\u201cIt was a good thing for us local MSMEs because it\u2019s hard to market pi\u00f1a tops,\u201d Joy L. Rapsing, owner of Sassy\u2019s Creation, told 大象传媒 in Filipino. \u201cBack then, it was only for special occasions, but now that the government mandated showcasing cultural heritage, it really helped us.\u201d\nThe brand\u2019s sales have more than doubled because of the dress code. \u201cThe only downside is the competition from online shops offering low-quality materials,\u201d Ms. Rapsing added.\nSassy\u2019s Creation uses indigenous handloom fabrics such as\u00a0 pineapple, jusi and cocoon for its tops, while upcycled scrap fabrics are transformed into boleros as part of its sustainable fashion advocacy.\nEach piece, priced at P3,500 and above, is crafted by stay-at-home women, local weavers and 10 prisoners from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Antipolo City.\n\u201cWe support cooperative communities,\u201d Ms. Rapsing said. \u201cWe source many of our materials directly from manufacturers and ensure fair practices in workers\u2019 salaries.\u201d\nThe handcrafted textile used in these garments is also seeing growing international demand. The US accounted for 49% of Philippine textile exports last year, according to DHL Express.\nThe Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines expects exports of garments, textiles and apparel to grow 2-5% this year from a projected $1 billion in 2025. \u2014 Almira Louise S. Martinez", "date_published": "2026-03-04T00:01:14+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-03-04T00:33:46+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Sassys-Creation-1.jpg", "tags": [ "almira louise s. martinez", "BW Launchpad", "Editors' Picks" ] }, { "id": "/?p=732468", "url": "/bw-launchpad/2026/02/25/732468/pampanga-startup-transforms-deadstock-into-reusable-pads/", "title": "Pampanga startup transforms deadstock into reusable pads", "content_html": "By Almira Louise S. Martinez, Reporter
\nA PAMPANGA-BASED startup is turning to excess textiles to address one of the country\u2019s most persistent waste problems: disposable menstrual pads.
\nEcopad Gaia produces reusable sanitary pads made from deadstock fabrics sourced in Taytay, Rizal, aiming to curb plastic waste and offer an alternative for women with sensitive skin.
\n\u201cA woman, from the beginning of her period until the end of her period, when she\u2019s about to menopause, uses around 11,000 to 12,000 pads,\u201d founder Adeline P. Bondoc said in an interview. \u201cImagine, each woman uses 11,000 to 12,000 pads that take 500 to 800 years to decompose in landfills, in our waterways.\u201d
\nMost commercial pads are composed largely of plastic, which Ms. Bondoc said could break down into microplastics that contaminate the environment.
\n\u201cWhen it becomes microplastic, it could be in our airways, we could drink it, we could swallow it, and we could eat it,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s a problem that can be passed on to the next generation if we don\u2019t do something today.\u201d
\nIn 2025, Greenpeace Philippines said Filipino scientists had confirmed the presence of microplastics in water, air and soil across the country, warning that contamination threatens food security.
\nThe World Bank estimated in 2021 that the Philippines generates about 2.7 million tons of plastic waste each year, with roughly 20% ending up in the ocean.
\nFounded in 2021, Ecopad Gaia was born out of Ms. Bondoc\u2019s personal experience with rashes from disposable pads. She said many women, including those with polycystic ovary syndrome, suffer irritation but do not speak up.
\nThe company offers five types of cloth pads: a seven-inch pantyliner for daily use, a nine-inch pantyliner for spotting and menstrual cup users, a 10-inch pad for light flow, and 11-inch and 12-inch pads for heavier flow.
\nPantyliners and light-flow pads are made from woven cotton lined with water-resistant fabric. Heavy-flow variants use cotton velour with Wind Pro fabric, commonly used in winter jackets overseas.
\nUsers are advised to change pads every three to four hours. \u201cIf it\u2019s full, it will come out on the sides, so before it\u2019s full, change to avoid bacterial growth,\u201d Ms. Bondoc said.
\nEach pad can last up to three years with proper care. After use, it can be soaked to remove stains and washed with regular laundry.
\nSince launch, the company has sold about 40,000 pads through partnerships with nongovernmental organizations (NGO) and e-commerce platforms.
\nThis year, it aims to produce 36,000 pads through NGO and corporate social responsibility partnerships in Pampanga, as it shifts focus from retail to institutional buyers.
\n", "content_text": "By Almira Louise S. Martinez, Reporter\nA PAMPANGA-BASED startup is turning to excess textiles to address one of the country\u2019s most persistent waste problems: disposable menstrual pads.\nEcopad Gaia produces reusable sanitary pads made from deadstock fabrics sourced in Taytay, Rizal, aiming to curb plastic waste and offer an alternative for women with sensitive skin.\n\u201cA woman, from the beginning of her period until the end of her period, when she\u2019s about to menopause, uses around 11,000 to 12,000 pads,\u201d founder Adeline P. Bondoc said in an interview. \u201cImagine, each woman uses 11,000 to 12,000 pads that take 500 to 800 years to decompose in landfills, in our waterways.\u201d\nMost commercial pads are composed largely of plastic, which Ms. Bondoc said could break down into microplastics that contaminate the environment.\n\u201cWhen it becomes microplastic, it could be in our airways, we could drink it, we could swallow it, and we could eat it,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s a problem that can be passed on to the next generation if we don\u2019t do something today.\u201d\nIn 2025, Greenpeace Philippines said Filipino scientists had confirmed the presence of microplastics in water, air and soil across the country, warning that contamination threatens food security.\nThe World Bank estimated in 2021 that the Philippines generates about 2.7 million tons of plastic waste each year, with roughly 20% ending up in the ocean.\nFounded in 2021, Ecopad Gaia was born out of Ms. Bondoc\u2019s personal experience with rashes from disposable pads. She said many women, including those with polycystic ovary syndrome, suffer irritation but do not speak up.\nThe company offers five types of cloth pads: a seven-inch pantyliner for daily use, a nine-inch pantyliner for spotting and menstrual cup users, a 10-inch pad for light flow, and 11-inch and 12-inch pads for heavier flow.\nPantyliners and light-flow pads are made from woven cotton lined with water-resistant fabric. Heavy-flow variants use cotton velour with Wind Pro fabric, commonly used in winter jackets overseas.\nUsers are advised to change pads every three to four hours. \u201cIf it\u2019s full, it will come out on the sides, so before it\u2019s full, change to avoid bacterial growth,\u201d Ms. Bondoc said.\nEach pad can last up to three years with proper care. After use, it can be soaked to remove stains and washed with regular laundry.\nSince launch, the company has sold about 40,000 pads through partnerships with nongovernmental organizations (NGO) and e-commerce platforms.\nThis year, it aims to produce 36,000 pads through NGO and corporate social responsibility partnerships in Pampanga, as it shifts focus from retail to institutional buyers.", "date_published": "2026-02-25T00:02:35+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-02-25T00:12:02+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/amigasdegaia.jpg", "tags": [ "almira louise s. martinez", "BW Launchpad", "Editors' Picks" ], "summary": "A PAMPANGA-BASED startup is turning to excess textiles to address one of the country\u2019s most persistent waste problems: disposable menstrual pads." }, { "id": "/?p=732467", "url": "/bw-launchpad/2026/02/25/732467/original-biscocho-haus-eyes-visayas-expansion/", "title": "Original Biscocho Haus eyes Visayas expansion", "content_html": "JARO, ILOILO CITY \u2014 Iloilo-based Original Biscocho Haus, a longstanding name in the region\u2019s pasalubong (souvenir) market, is stepping up its expansion in Western Visayas, building on almost five decades of local brand recognition.
\nFounded in 1975 in the home of Teresa J. Guadarrama in Jaro, Iloilo, the bakery began as a family venture to support the education of the Guadarrama children.
\nUsing day-old bread, butter, sugar and home kitchen tools, the business gradually grew from a sideline into a regional brand.
\n\u201cBiscocho Haus is a product of my mother\u2019s entrepreneurial spirit,\u201d Jose Gerardo \u201cGerry\u201d J. Guadarrama, the 67-year-old managing director and one of the owners, said in an interview at the family\u2019s ancestral home in Jaro district last month. \u201cShe was always into something. She had sidelines all over the place.\u201d
\nToday, Original Biscocho Haus operates 25 branches and kiosks across Western Visayas. The company, incorporated in 2003 as\u00a0 Original Biscocho Haus Corp., is adding three more locations in Metropolitan Iloilo, including sites at terminal and central markets, and is building a branch in another district.
\nExpansion into Antique province is also planned, broadening its reach in the region.
\nMr. Guadarrama, the sixth of eight children, said the company is deliberately keeping its focus local. Unlike other provincial brands, Original Biscocho Haus does not plan to enter Metro Manila, aiming instead to preserve its identity as a \u201cpasalubong center.\u201d
\n\u201cIf our products are available at supermarkets or stands [in Manila], would you still come here?\u201d he asked. \u201cWe don\u2019t want to become a commodity.\u201d
\nThe brand\u2019s signature product, Bischoco \u2014 day-old bread toasted with butter and sugar \u2014 remains the top seller.
\nDaily production reaches about 36,000 pieces, or about 2,000 packs. Original Biscocho Haus maintains the original recipe, avoiding cheaper substitutes to preserve flavor.
\nThe company has combined traditional methods with efficiency improvements to maintain what Mr. Guadarrama calls \u201cupper-class quality for pedestrian pricing,\u201d a strategy credited to his engineering and accounting background.
\nOriginal Biscocho Haus has also embraced digital trends, rolling out credit card payments and online delivery services to meet evolving consumer behavior.
\nThe strategy appears to be paying off. In 2025, the company posted annual sales growth of as much as 10%.
\nWith further expansion in key regional markets, Original Biscocho Haus aims to strengthen its dominance in Western Visayas while keeping the brand rooted in its homegrown identity. \u2014 Edg Adrian A. Eva
\n", "content_text": "JARO, ILOILO CITY \u2014 Iloilo-based Original Biscocho Haus, a longstanding name in the region\u2019s pasalubong (souvenir) market, is stepping up its expansion in Western Visayas, building on almost five decades of local brand recognition.\nFounded in 1975 in the home of Teresa J. Guadarrama in Jaro, Iloilo, the bakery began as a family venture to support the education of the Guadarrama children.\nUsing day-old bread, butter, sugar and home kitchen tools, the business gradually grew from a sideline into a regional brand.\n\u201cBiscocho Haus is a product of my mother\u2019s entrepreneurial spirit,\u201d Jose Gerardo \u201cGerry\u201d J. Guadarrama, the 67-year-old managing director and one of the owners, said in an interview at the family\u2019s ancestral home in Jaro district last month. \u201cShe was always into something. She had sidelines all over the place.\u201d\nToday, Original Biscocho Haus operates 25 branches and kiosks across Western Visayas. The company, incorporated in 2003 as\u00a0 Original Biscocho Haus Corp., is adding three more locations in Metropolitan Iloilo, including sites at terminal and central markets, and is building a branch in another district.\nExpansion into Antique province is also planned, broadening its reach in the region.\nMr. Guadarrama, the sixth of eight children, said the company is deliberately keeping its focus local. Unlike other provincial brands, Original Biscocho Haus does not plan to enter Metro Manila, aiming instead to preserve its identity as a \u201cpasalubong center.\u201d\n\u201cIf our products are available at supermarkets or stands [in Manila], would you still come here?\u201d he asked. \u201cWe don\u2019t want to become a commodity.\u201d\nThe brand\u2019s signature product, Bischoco \u2014 day-old bread toasted with butter and sugar \u2014 remains the top seller.\nDaily production reaches about 36,000 pieces, or about 2,000 packs. Original Biscocho Haus maintains the original recipe, avoiding cheaper substitutes to preserve flavor.\nThe company has combined traditional methods with efficiency improvements to maintain what Mr. Guadarrama calls \u201cupper-class quality for pedestrian pricing,\u201d a strategy credited to his engineering and accounting background.\nOriginal Biscocho Haus has also embraced digital trends, rolling out credit card payments and online delivery services to meet evolving consumer behavior.\nThe strategy appears to be paying off. In 2025, the company posted annual sales growth of as much as 10%.\nWith further expansion in key regional markets, Original Biscocho Haus aims to strengthen its dominance in Western Visayas while keeping the brand rooted in its homegrown identity. \u2014 Edg Adrian A. Eva", "date_published": "2026-02-25T00:01:34+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-02-25T00:12:53+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/biscocho.jpg", "tags": [ "Edg Adrian A. Eva", "BW Launchpad", "Editors' Picks" ] }, { "id": "/?p=731114", "url": "/bw-launchpad/2026/02/18/731114/xure-targets-500-sellers-as-it-expands-collector-marketplace/", "title": "Xure targets 500 sellers as it expands collector marketplace", "content_html": "By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Reporter
\nXURE, a mobile marketplace for collectors, is seeking to expand the number of sellers and appraisers on its platform, betting on growing demand for a legitimate, tech-driven marketplace tailored to serious collectors.
\n\u201cFor 2026, we are targeting approximately 500 accredited Xstores composed of both local and international sellers,\u201d founder and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Sarmiento said in an e-mailed reply to questions.
\n\u201cAs we expand our auction formats and enhance seller tools such as timed auctions, live auctions, and pre-selling mechanics, we expect continued adoption from independent collectors and established retailers seeking a more trusted, collector-focused platform,\u201d he added.
\nThe company aims to drive growth in its user base and gross merchandise value by expanding collectible categories, strengthening referral and incentive programs and rolling out improved auction formats, Mr. Sarmiento said.
\nSince launching in 2023, Xure has recorded more than 5,600 registered users. It is among six startups selected for the 13th cohort of the IdeaSpace Startup Accelerator Program, backed by MUP Group.
\nThe platform offers Xstore, which lets users sell collectible items through the mobile app, and Xpert, which supports people building networks in authentication and appraisal services.
\nXure aims to address common issues in online collectible trading, including lack of trust in peer-to-peer transactions, counterfeit or misrepresented items and fragmented buying and selling channels.
\n\u201cMany transactions today still happen in informal chat groups and online communities where there is limited protection and transparency,\u201d Mr. Sarmiento said.
\nUnlike traditional marketplaces focused mainly on listings and transactions, Xure allows users to record, share and manage their collections within the app for sale or appraisal.
\n\u201cInstead of being a generic marketplace, Xure integrates community, trust, confidentiality and commerce into a structured digital infrastructure designed specifically for serious collectors,\u201d he said.
\nIts Xchange feature supports timed auctions, pre-order mechanics and best-offer negotiations to better reflect how collectibles are traded in practice. Buyers can also view authentication or appraisal details directly within the platform.
\nCollectors can follow one another, build their profiles and discover rare items.
\nInspired by practices in the art world, Xure lets users remain anonymous or hide pricing information within their \u201cVirtual Closet,\u201d giving collectors control over how visible their holdings are.
\nThe company is also integrating artificial intelligence-driven price analysis and smart pricing recommendations to help sellers benchmark fair market value based on transaction data and market trends.
\n", "content_text": "By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Reporter\nXURE, a mobile marketplace for collectors, is seeking to expand the number of sellers and appraisers on its platform, betting on growing demand for a legitimate, tech-driven marketplace tailored to serious collectors.\n\u201cFor 2026, we are targeting approximately 500 accredited Xstores composed of both local and international sellers,\u201d founder and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Sarmiento said in an e-mailed reply to questions.\n\u201cAs we expand our auction formats and enhance seller tools such as timed auctions, live auctions, and pre-selling mechanics, we expect continued adoption from independent collectors and established retailers seeking a more trusted, collector-focused platform,\u201d he added.\nThe company aims to drive growth in its user base and gross merchandise value by expanding collectible categories, strengthening referral and incentive programs and rolling out improved auction formats, Mr. Sarmiento said.\nSince launching in 2023, Xure has recorded more than 5,600 registered users. It is among six startups selected for the 13th cohort of the IdeaSpace Startup Accelerator Program, backed by MUP Group.\nThe platform offers Xstore, which lets users sell collectible items through the mobile app, and Xpert, which supports people building networks in authentication and appraisal services.\nXure aims to address common issues in online collectible trading, including lack of trust in peer-to-peer transactions, counterfeit or misrepresented items and fragmented buying and selling channels.\n\u201cMany transactions today still happen in informal chat groups and online communities where there is limited protection and transparency,\u201d Mr. Sarmiento said.\nUnlike traditional marketplaces focused mainly on listings and transactions, Xure allows users to record, share and manage their collections within the app for sale or appraisal.\n\u201cInstead of being a generic marketplace, Xure integrates community, trust, confidentiality and commerce into a structured digital infrastructure designed specifically for serious collectors,\u201d he said.\nIts Xchange feature supports timed auctions, pre-order mechanics and best-offer negotiations to better reflect how collectibles are traded in practice. Buyers can also view authentication or appraisal details directly within the platform.\nCollectors can follow one another, build their profiles and discover rare items.\nInspired by practices in the art world, Xure lets users remain anonymous or hide pricing information within their \u201cVirtual Closet,\u201d giving collectors control over how visible their holdings are.\nThe company is also integrating artificial intelligence-driven price analysis and smart pricing recommendations to help sellers benchmark fair market value based on transaction data and market trends.", "date_published": "2026-02-18T00:02:07+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-02-18T01:35:05+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Xure.jpg", "tags": [ "Beatriz Marie D. Cruz", "BW Launchpad", "Editors' Picks" ], "summary": "XURE, a mobile marketplace for collectors, is seeking to expand the number of sellers and appraisers on its platform, betting on growing demand for a legitimate, tech-driven marketplace tailored to serious collectors." } ] }![\"\"](\"/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Bos-Coffee-1.jpg\")
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