Cebu Landmasters expands footprint to downtown Iloilo City with residential tower

CLI signs JV agreement with leading Iloilo City builder

Leading Visayas-Mindanao developer Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) intends to further strengthen its presence in Western Visayas with the development of a P1.5 billion residential condominium project anchored by high-visibility retail spaces in a strategic Iloilo City location.

The listed firm recently signed a joint venture agreement with businessman Alfonso Tan, chairman of International Builders Corporation (IBC), for a high-rise residential tower on a prime corner lot in the city’s downtown area. CLI will own 50% of the residential development and will manage the development. IBC, who recently developed the GT Town Center Mall in Pavia, will simultaneously develop a downtown mall that connects to the residential tower. The tower will be the first condo offering in the highly accessible downtown area.

CLI chief executive officer Jose Soberano III disclosed: “We are very proud to forge this partnership with Mr. Alfonso Tan and his family. He has established IBC as the leading construction firm in the region, and both our homegrown companies are motivated by the opportunity to contribute further to Iloilo’s exceptional growth.”

The project will be planned and completed within a four-year time frame. Over the same period, CLI will also establish close to 1200 units of its top-selling economic house and lot Casa Mira Iloilo in a 14-hectare lot in Jaro. The project is wholly owned by CLI and land development has already commenced.

Cebu Landmasters which began two decades ago catering to the housing needs of employees in Cebu province’s industrializing areas currently has projects in nine VisMin cities outside of its home base Cebu City. From employee housing, it popularized residential condominium living in strategic urban locations in Cebu City, Cagayan de Oro and Davao City.

Currently, CLI has a range of housing brands from starter homes in the economic segment, to residential condominiums targeted towards mid-market dwellers to top-end residential units in prime city locations. Its versatility in the residential development prompted the firm to launch P14 billion worth of projects in the first nine months alone of 2019 in key VisMin cities including mixed-use complexes that integrate residential, office and commercial uses.

A number of these integrated developments in Cebu, Davao and Bacolod will include hotels. CLI’s first hotel opened in September this year with 180 rooms. The listed company is projected to have 1,350 rooms in seven locations by 2022.

CLI was named as Best Developer in Visayas and Mindanao in the recently concluded The Outlook 2019 Awards

Ford Philippines Brings Back Safe Driving Program In Iloilo

ILOILO CITY, Philippines, 28 October 2019 – Ford Philippines is bringing back its Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) program in Iloilo City with an aim to educate more drivers to become safer and more responsible while on the road.

The DSFL, now on its second year in Iloilo, will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at the Iloilo Convention Center, Megaworld Boulevard, Mandurriao, Iloilo City with three (3) training sessions at 10:00am, 12:30pm, and 2:00pm. Interested participants can send a text message Tuason Racing School via 0956-5644385 to reserve a slot for free.

The automotive company first brought its safe driving program in Iloilo last year, training close to 500 private and public utility drivers, student drivers, and traffic and road management personnel. The participants learned more about the benefits of smart, safe, and fuel-efficient driving as well as the necessary driving skills to help minimize road accidents, altercations, and traffic congestion.

This year, Ford is looking to partner with taxi, bus and transport network vehicle services (TNVS) companies as well as with traffic management bureaus and colleges and universities within Iloilo to reach more drivers and instill to them the importance of road safety – either as a driver or as part of the commuting public.

Ford is also reaching out to various call center companies to enjoin its employees as DSFL participants and train them to be road safety advocates. Ford is also tapping its customers in its dealerships and Ford car clubs in Iloilo to make them part of the training audience.

DSFL participants can expect to learn more about the dangers of distracted driving and drunk driving, as well as tips and techniques in driving under special conditions and vehicle handling in this year’s sessions. They will also be refreshed with road statistics and relevant regulations such as the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act.

Flagship corporate social responsibility program

The DSFL program is one of Ford’s biggest corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs globally, bringing to life its long-standing advocacy on road safety. A United Nations-recognized training program, the DSFL is now on its 12^th year in the Philippines and has successfully trained over 23,000 Filipino drivers since 2008. Over the years, the program has made itself relevant with the changing road conditions, policies, and government regulations.

The DSFL program is a combination of classroom training that includes modules on vehicle handling, driving in special conditions, anti-distracted driving, and fuel-efficient driving, as well as a hands-on driving simulation that allows participating drivers to apply their learnings from the classroom sessions. The DSFL program is offered to participating drivers for free.

“One of our commitments at Ford is to help promote and improve road safety in the country. Our aim every year is to increase driver safety awareness with the DSFL, practicing the proper skills required of anybody who gets behind the wheel and ensuring that drivers and their passengers get to their destinations safely all the time,” shares EJ Francisco, AVP, Communications, Ford Philippines.

The DSFL has been a consistent recipient of awards in the country. Early this year, it bagged a Gold Award in the road safety category of the 3^rd Driven to Serve Awards of the Society of Philippine Motoring Journalists (SPMJ).

Driving Skills for Life was established in the United States in 2003 by Ford Motor Company Fund, the U.S. Governors Highway Safety Association, and a panel of safety experts, to teach newly licensed drivers the necessary skills for safe driving beyond what is learned in standard driver education programs.

For more information on Ford Driving Skills for Life, interested parties can visit Ford Philippines’ Facebook page or send an e-mail to fgpcomms@ford.com.

TMC Iloilo showcases employees’ passion, talents thru photo exhibit

ILOILO CITY – As its way of giving back to its employees who share their talents, skills and passion to their work, The Medical City (TMC) Iloilo staged “Scene and Seen: Expressions of Pride, Purpose and Pleasure” on September 26.

TMC Iloilo employees, doctors and featured artists

The photos were exhibited at TMC Iloilo townhall during the launching and will soon be displayed in the different areas of the hospital.

The said photo exhibit showcased the works of TMC Iloilo present and past employees who shared their talents in photography.

Through “Scene and Seen”, TMC Iloilo was able to give the spotlight mainly to artists who devoted themselves in service of TMC Iloilo’s patient partners. These were Leo Anthony Biaco and Dr. Don Garcia.

Leo Anthony Biaco was formerly part of TMC Iloilo Marketing team as Brand Specialist. Being his home for four years, Biaco was able to hone his skills in digital arts and photography being part of the hospital’s creative team. With his background in layouting and photography, he further pursued his passion leading him to focus on being a freelance photographer and layout artist.

(Left to right) TMC Network CEO and President Dr. Eugene Ramos, Stacky John Fernandez who represented Leo Anthony Biaco, Dr. Don Garcia, TMC Iloilo CEO Dr. Felix Ray Villa and Christian Jess Dadivas lead the ribbon cutting ceremony of the "Scene & Seen" Photo Exhibit.

Photo by Leo Anthony Biaco

Meanwhile, Dr. Don Garcia is an Internal Medicine resident trainee of TMC Iloilo. His passion in photography roots back in 2001 when he got his first digital camera. From being a hobby, his love for photography became a passion and his way of expression at times when he feels bored and depressed. Most of his subjects were portraits of people that he sometimes combines with poetry.

“This photo exhibit is not just a showcase of talent of our employees. It is our way of paying homage to our employees who devoted themselves for TMC Iloilo while pursuing their passions. We, at TMC Iloilo give importance to what also matters to our employees. We let them explore and discover more of their passions and find their purpose while enjoying life’s simple pleasures”, TMC President and CEO Dr. Eugene Ramos noted.

Aside from the works of Biaco and Dr. Garcia, photographs of TMC Iloilo Chief Executive Officer Dr. Felix Ray Villa and TMC Iloilo Ambulatory Care Center Head Christian Jess Dadivas were also on display during the photo exhibit launch.

Photo by Dr. Don Garcia

Photo by Dr. Felix Ray Villa

Photo by Christian Jess Dadivas

The photographs in the exhibit will be displayed in the different areas in the hospital to give inspiration and to create better ambiance of healing for patients and their family through works of art that reflect culture, environment, beautiful scenes and many more.

Learn more about the programs and services of TMC Iloilo, call (033) 500-1000 or email info@themedicalcityiloilo.com. Also log on www.themedicalcityiloilo.com for updates. (TMCI)

ABOUT THE MEDICAL CITY ILOILO

TMC Iloilo is one of the five local hospitals of The Medical City brand. Its other hospitals are located in Ortigas, Clark, South Luzon and Pangasinan.

Entered Iloilo in 2009, it is the first hospital in Iloilo City to introduce “Patient Partnership” service philosophy, a value of care that focuses on making every patient a partner in their journey towards wellness.

The Medical City is the largest healthcare network which owns and operates Guam Regional Medical City, the first Filipino-owned hospital in the United States and an ambulatory Clinic in Dubai.

TMC Iloilo unveils ‘CheckApp’ Setting appointments with TMC Iloilo doctors now more convenient

ILOILO CITY – The Medical City (TMC) Iloilo is leading another trailblazing initiative that will bring more ease and convenience to its patient partners with the launching of Western Visayas’ first hospital-based online scheduling application on September 12.

TMC Iloilo Chief Executive Officer Dr. Felix Ray Villa talks about how TMC Iloilo adapts to
digitalization being a trailblazer in healthcare in Western Visayas.

 Coined as “CheckApp”, the said web-based application lets both existing and future patients of TMC Iloilo easily set an appointment with their doctors at Ambulatory Care Center (ACC), the hospital’s outpatient department (OPD).

The said app displays the time and date of doctors’ availability so that patients can easily book their visit to their doctors ahead of time. 

TMC Iloilo Asst. Brand Manager and Digital Marketing Officer Raymart Escopel explains to the
doctors, patients and members of the media how CheckApp works.

“With CheckApp, patients will no longer need to call for reservation and wait for long hours at the OPD for their queues as they will already have guaranteed slots once they schedule using CheckApp,” TMC Iloilo Chief Marketing Officer Prince Juliene Hermaine Celo said.

Cebu Doctors University partners with Globe for a future-ready institution

Globe and Cebu Doctors University (CDU) have joined hands in creating a future-ready institution that provides students and faculty members with digital education solutions and free, high-quality data connectivity.

From L-R:  Janis Racpan, Director, Business Development & Marketing, Globe WiFi Business Group; Chai Alano. Globe Cluster Sales Head Visayas; Cleo Celeste Santos, Vice President- Sales for Globe myBusiness; Bettina L. Veloso, Globe Vice President for Finance; Mrs. Zenaida Sto. Domingo Larrazabal, Secretary of the Board, CDU; Dr. Philip Anthony SD Larrazabal, Chairman of the Board and President, CDU; Dr. Enrico B. Gruet, VP for Academic Affairs, CDU; Jojit Lañas, Sales Cluster Head for Visayas & Mindanao -Globe myBusiness; and Engr. Oscar A. Tuason, VP for Administration, CDU.

“The new generation of technology-savvy students and teachers use the internet as a tool for communication, learning, and information. We at Globe realize this, that is why we continue to help communities and schools like CDU to embrace the convenience and advantages brought about by digital technology,”  said Cleo Santos, VP, Globe myBusiness.

Through GoWiFI, Globe enables CDU students and teachers to access online educational materials and references as well as collaborate online. GoWiFi is Globe’s public WiFi service which supports national development by providing easy to use and cost-effective internet connectivity to Filipinos. GoWiFi is accessible in over 2000 establishments nationwide including major malls, airports, LGUs, coffee shops, convenience stores, transportation terminals and schools.

On the other hand, Globe myBusiness equips CDU with digital tools such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) for enhanced security.  All campus entry points are now equipped with RFID-enabled turnstiles with RFID reader monitoring system which records the time, location and date of entry of each student and faculty member. Through a mobile app, parents can easily track if their children have entered the school premises.  RFID readers are also placed in libraries and restricted areas.

“Globe continues to fulfill its vision of helping create an interactive and competitive learning environment for Philippine schools by introducing world-class educational solutions made possible by technology.  This is in support of UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 which ensures inclusive and equitable education and promotes lifelong learning opportunities for all,” said Cleo Santos.

To bridge the ICT gaps in schools, Globe myBusiness launched its suite of educational solutions a few years ago to harmonize the learning environment with the digital world and create a more interactive experience for students.

These solutions, ranging from campus-wide WiFi, automated processes, and a learning management system, benefit the entire education ecosystem as they help ease school operations and promote digital learning. 

To learn more about the tools and solutions for education, please visit https://mybusiness.globe.com.ph/.

iQor Iloilo Gears Up For Major Q4 Expansion, Opens More Jobs to the Ilonggos

loilo City, September 4, 2019— iQor Iloilo (RMS Collect Philippines Inc.), a fast-growing Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company in Iloilo Business Park, announced today its plan to hire additional employees in the next four months in anticipation of its major population expansion.  

The company is currently 3,300 strong here in Iloilo since its inception in 2016. The employees are scattered across four sites, one of which was launched just last week to accommodate the influx of new hires. The rapid expansion is brought about by the success of their program acquisitions from two (2) in 2016 to six (6) this year. Worldwide, iQor is home to 45,000 employees, more than half of which are distributed among 14 sites here in the Philippines. 

                                                 

“We're very excited about the sustained growth of our company, and now we're on a mission to make our career opportunities more accessible to jobseekers by providing different avenues for them to enter the BPO industry,” says Roselle Lao, Director for Recruitment at iQor Iloilo. 

“Here in our city, we see other call centers closing down or laying off employees, which is a sad affair, so we’re very thankful to still be here, that we’re actually continuing to grow in an unprecedented rate,” she added. 

Tapping into the mentality of the millennial jobseeker  

One of the company’s main focus right now is to attract young people to venture into the call center world. Under its seasonal programs, iQor offers short-term contracts to college students and fresh graduates for them to gain enough experience and eventually step up the career ladder.  

iQor takes on this challenge by partnering with local establishments that would give the company more exposure among younger target markets. Locally, iQor is known for its distinctive and quirky approach to recruitment, from serving food to all applicants, themed parties, raffle promos to holding speed hiring events across different venues in the city. 

“Wooing millennials can be quite a challenge,” says Jan Rae Aguilos, Sourcing Manager at iQor Iloilo. “Call center veterans are usually attracted to monetary incentives, good health insurance packages and career advancement opportunities. Whereas, millennials have a slightly different frame of mind, and we’re doing everything we can to reach out to them and speak their language,” he added. 

                                       

Plans for the last stretch of 2019 

iQor is currently the highest-paying call center in Iloilo. They have already pegged several recruitment activities for the next couple of months to fill the big number of upcoming job vacancies.

Jobseekers can find out more about iQor Iloilo on their Official Facebook Page, facebook.com/iqoriloilo. 

Globe conducts relief ops in Northern Iloilo, Ilocos Norte

Globe has conducted relief operations in three towns of northern Iloilo which were placed under State of Calamity after prolonged bad weather disrupted the livelihood of fishermen in the coastal areas, resulting in food shortage which affected 18,000 families.

The company turned over 10 sacks of rice each to the municipalities of Carles, Estancia, and Concepcion to help a total of 15,034 families in 32 barangays.

The telecom firm, through ABS-CBN Foundation’s Sagip Kapamilya, also distributed meal packs containing five kilos of rice and five assorted can goods each to 486 families in Vintar, Ilocos Norte.

Globe, likewise, provided Libreng Tawag and Charging Services in Brgy. 35 Gabu Sur, Laog City. Laoag City was also placed under State of Calamity due to heavy rains and massive flooding caused by severe Tropical Storm Ineng.

CIGNAL TV LAUNCHES ONE PH—ANG BOSES NG NAGKAKAISANG PILIPINAS

CIGNAL TV, the country’s no.1 Pay TV Provider, formally launched the latest addition to its exclusive lineup of news channels, ONE PH.

The all-Filipino news channel is the third Cignal channel under the One branding, complementing One News, the English-language news channel and its sports channel One Sports.

“One PH furthers our commitment to deliver reliable news and public affairs programs that matter most to Filipinos,” says Sienna G. Olaso, Cignal TV Vice President of Channel Management.

“True to our goal to be ‘Ang Boses ng Pinagkakaisang Pilipinas’ One PH will be home to news programs that inform and educate, talk shows that inspire and entertain, and public service programs that will provide our fellow Filipinos a venue where they can seek help for their problems,” Olaso added.

One PH will continue its partnership with Pilipino Star Ngayon, Radyo 5 92.3 NewsFM, The Freeman and News5, to create more exclusive and engaging content for the channel.

ALL IN ONE PH:  NEWS, PUBLIC SERVICE AND ENTERTAINMENT

ONE PH’s programming block will be headlined by its news and commentary programs such as “One Balita” the noontime daily news program hosted by Raffy Tulfo and Jamie Herrell and primetime news “Sa Totoo Lang” with Cheryl Cosim and Jove Francisco.

Make your weekday evenings more interesting with veteran journos Ed Lingao, Patrick Paez, Lourd de Veyra, Melvyn Calderon, Manny Mogato, and Jove Francisco as they talk about the day’s top headlines in “Wag Po”.

When it comes to public service, no other show comes close to Wanted Sa Radyo, as “Idol” Raffy Tulfo brings a different kind of drama every afternoon and proves why he is the true “Sumbungan ng Bayan”.

In need of advice? Mr. Chink Positive Chinkee Tan and Christine Bersola-Babao will teach you how to manage your finances in Mag-Badyet Tayo!, while millennial moms Jennica Garcia and Pat Fernandez give parenting tips in Inay Ko Po! And for those who have questions about legal procedures, Atty. Ted Te has the answers in Usapang Kapa-TED.

As they say, “There’s no business like showbusiness,” and the Pambansang Iskupera and Reyna ng Intriga Cristy Fermin will make sure you are always updated with the latest happenings in the local entertainment scene in Cristy Ferminute as well as the juiciest blind items as she teams up with Manay Lolit Solis and Mr. Fu in Take It Per Minute.

Finally, for sports and motoring enthusiasts, you can catch all the exciting highlights with Zaldy Perez in Isport Lang and Chase Down, get motoring tips from Mike Potenciano and Lindy Pellicer in Turbo Time and ride with Jay Taruc in the first weekly motorcycle show Ride Radio.

ONE PH is a  24-hour news service on Cignal channel 6.

ABOUT CIGNAL

Cignal TV was launched in 2009 and is currently the country's premier DTH satellite provider. It transmits 122 channels including free-to-air, SD and HD channels to household and commercial venues nationwide. Cignal is owned by Cignal TV,  a subsidiary of MediaQuest Holdings, the media partner of PLDT Group. 

iQor Iloilo Teams Up With PESO, DOLE in JobStart Program for BPO Aspirants

Largest call center in Iloilo seeks to nurture potential employees in response to Q4 2019 expansion 

(L-R) Jayrel Encontro, PESO Iloilo; Agnes Dimzon, TESDA; John Marc Alfaro, iQor Iloilo, Marithe Kyla Sena, Resource Speaker DOLE-BLE; Jan Rae Aguilos, Sourcing Manager, iQor, Glenmar Padios, DOLE-FO; Shane Fantilaga, DOLE-TSSD; Edzel Diaday, PESO Iloilo

Iloilo City, August 5, 2019— iQor Iloilo (RMS Collect Philippines Inc.), a fast-growing BPO company in Iloilo Business Park, is partnering with the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the implementation of JobStart, a government-initiated program that aims to help unemployed youth in their job search by enhancing their knowledge and skills acquired in formal education or technical training.

According to DOLE’s official website, JobStart is designed to increase the capacity of PESO in providing full cycle employment facilitation services. 

“Trainees shall receive an allowance for the duration of life skills training and technical skills training and shall undertake internship with establishments for a maximum of three months with stipend not less than 75% of the prevailing minimum wage in the locality,” the website also states. 

Going full throttle in 2019 

iQor's move to partner with PESO is inspired by its target to increase its population by more than 50% in the coming months, opening thousands of career opportunities for Ilonggo jobseekers, especially those without prior contact center experience.  

“Our company is facing an unprecedented growth in 2019, and we need all the support we can get from the local government to provide jobs to our fellow Ilonggos,” says Roselle Lao, Director for Recruitment at iQor Iloilo.  

“The fact that we’re acquiring more business is a testament to the quality of skill and talent that the Iloilo working class has to offer, and we’re aiming to maximize that through JobStart,” she added. 

The BPO giant currently occupies four office building in Iloilo Business Park. The rapid expansion is brought about by the success of their program acquisitions from two (2) in 2016 to six (6) this year. Worldwide, iQor is home to 45,000 employees, more than half of which are distributed among 14 sites here in the Philippines. 

The company prides itself in upholding certain standards of behavior, or ‘iQorian Values’ as they call them, such as Integrity, Open Communication, Customer Dedication, Respect, Innovation, Accountability and the Need to Give Back. Presently, iQor Iloilo offers its Customer Service Representatives the highest compensation and benefits package in the region. 

Jobseekers can find out more about iQor Iloilo on their Official Facebook Page, facebook.com/iqoriloilo.