Bb. Pilipinas 2022 candidate Chelsea Fernandez is this year’s Ms. Ever Bilena

Bb. Pilipinas 2022 candidate Chelsea Fernandez is this year’s Ms. Ever Bilena

Binibining (Bb) Pilipinas 2022 candidate Chelsea Fernandez of Tacloban City took home the highly-coveted Ms. Ever Bilena 2022 award during the beauty tour held recently at the Ever Bilena headquarters in Caloocan City.

Ever Bilena Cosmetics Inc. (EBCI) president and CEO Dioceldo Sy welcomed the Bb. Pilipinas candidates and thanked them for being part of the beauty tour. After this brief welcome, EBCI chief operating officer Silliman Sy said: “The Ever Bilena award has always been a stepping stone towards a higher goal and higher achievement. So good luck to all the candidates who won today.”

Ever Bilena Beauty Tour 2022 corporate awardees with Ever Bilena executives. (L-R) Ms. Hyaloo Nyca Bernardo, Ms.Spotlight Roberta Tamondong, Ms. Hello Glow Karen Laurrie Mendoza, Ever Bilena Cosmetics Inc. (EBCI) Chief Operating Officer Silliman Sy, EBCI chief sales & marketing officer Denice Sy Munez, Ms. Ever Bilena Chelsea Fernandez, EBCI President and CEO Dioceldo Sy, Ms. Blackwater Herlene Nicole Budol, Ms.Careline Nicole Borromeo, and Ms. Ever Organics Diana Mackey.

Joining Fernandez were fellow candidates who also took home the sub-awards from the Ever Bilena Cosmetics Inc. (EBCI) brands: Herlene Nicole Budol from Angono, Rizal as Ms. Blackwater 2022, and Nicole Borromeo from Cebu City as Ms. Careline 2022. This year, the company also added new sub-awards for four new brands, namely Hello Glow, Ever Organics, Spotlight Cosmetics, and Hyaloo. Receiving these titles were Karen Laurrie Mendoza from Iloilo City who was named Ms. Hello Glow 2022, Diana Mackey from Nueva Ecija as Ms. Ever Organics 2022, Roberta Tamondong from San Pablo, Laguna as Ms. Spotlight 2022, and Nyca Bernardo of Guiguinto, Bulacan as Ms. Hyaloo 2022.

During the beauty tour, the Bb. Pilipinas candidates also had a  photoshoot and media interview sessions. The tour culminated with a fun fashion show and corporate awards.

For four consecutive years, Ever Bilena has been the official sponsor of the prestigious Bb. Pilipinas pageant. Its advocacy of celebrating every beauty is in line with Bb Pilipinas’ platform of uplifting women and inspiring Filipinos. Thus, the cosmetics brand continues to give its full support to the Bb. Pilipinas Organization in its quest to discover and unveil the country’s future ambassadors and beauty queens.

Historically, Ms. Ever Bilena title holders have gone on to represent the country on international stages such as Catriona Gray in 2018, Vickie Rushton in 2019, and Samantha Bernardo in 2020.

For 39 years, Ever Bilena has catered to the Filipinas to help enhance their individual beauty with quality and affordable cosmetics. As a pioneer in the local beauty industry, Ever Bilena is ever-evolving as it lives by its new tagline, “for every beauty” to speak to a diverse and dynamic audience.

To know more about Ever Bilena, visit www.everbilena.com.ph, Facebook page  (@everbilenacosmetics), and Instagram (@everbilenaofficial).

Cleanfuel Celebrates the Yuletide with Paskong Panalo e-Raffle Promo

Cleanfuel Celebrates the Yuletide with Paskong Panalo e-Raffle Promo

Cleanfuel is celebrating the Christmas season with its Paskong Panalo ng Cleanfuel e-Raffle Promo starting November 17, 2021.

Cleanfuel VIP cardholders have a chance to win a one-year supply of fuel, a motocross training course at Cleanfuel Motocross Park, mountain bikes, full-face helmets, and air purifiers.

For every Php 500 spent on fuel products, such as AutoLPG, Diesel, Clean 91, and Premium 95 or any Motul engine oil products, Cleanfuel VIP members may earn one (1) e-raffle entry. For customers who are non-VIP cardholders, Cleanfuel encourages the customers to apply to have a validated raffle entry.

After purchasing, Cleanfuel VIP card members can automatically scan the QR Code (Paskong Panalo wobbler design) attached at every Cleanfuel dispenser that will lead them to Cleanfuel’s Paskong Panalo Sign Up Page (https://cleanfuel.ph/raffle) to fill out the necessary information needed. Once completed, the VIP cardmember will receive an SMS notification stating that their entry has been approved.

The Paskong Panalo ng Cleanfuel promo is applicable to cash, credit card, or any e-payment transactions.

The promo runs until January 26, 2021, and the electronic raffle draw will be held at Cleanfuel Head Office in the presence of a DTI representative scheduled on January 28, 2022. Winners of the raffle draw will be notified via SMS or email that is registered to the system of Cleanfuel.

Raffle winners may redeem their prize within sixty (60) days upon receiving the notification of their prize. Winners must physically visit the head office of Cleanfuel at Marcos Highway, Sitio Daan Cainta, Dela Paz, Pasig City to claim the prize and must present a valid ID, a Cleanfuel VIP card, and a screenshot of the SMS Notification.

The promo is not valid in conjunction with other Cleanfuel promotions or discount offers.

“As the Christmas season approaches, we want to show our gratitude by bringing joy to our valued customers through the Paskong Panalo ng Cleanfuel e-Raffle Promo. We are thanking you for your continuous support of Cleanfuel. We are also encouraging our customers to become our VIP members to enjoy rewards and these raffle prizes,” said Atty. Jesus Suntay, president and CEO of Cleanfuel.

Paskong Panalo ng Cleanfuel e-Raffle Promo is registered with DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB 130937 Series of 2021.

AXN Ultimate Challenge Indonesia highlights Indonesia’s iconic islands

AXN Ultimate Challenge Indonesia highlights Indonesia’s iconic islands

In partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia (MOTCE), KC Global Media announced the launch of new original television and digital series titled, AXN Ultimate Challenge Indonesia, premiering on 25th November at 8:30pm (PHT), on the leading English-language general entertainment channel, AXN Asia and streaming worldwide on its official YouTube channel starting 27th November.

Indonesian Celebrity, actor, and singer-songwriter Afgansyah Reza

Indonesian Celebrity, actor, and singer-songwriter Afgansyah Reza

Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and London’s Royal College of Music alumni Isyana Sarasvati

Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and London’s Royal College of Music alumni Isyana Sarasvati

Hosted by Richard Kyle, the six-part multimedia series stars award-winning Indonesian Celebrity, actor and singer-songwriter Afgansyah Reza (aka Afgan) and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and London’s Royal College of Music graduate, Isyana Sarasvati – the award-winning singer who sang the Indonesian soundtrack A Whole New World, for the 2019 live-action remake of Aladdin.

From left:Indonesian host, podcaster and content creator Reza Chandika, musician and researcher Rara Sekar, singer Isyana Sarasvati and singer-songwriter Afgansyah Reza

From left: Indonesian host, podcaster and content creator Reza Chandika, musician and researcher Rara Sekar, singer Isyana Sarasvati and singer-songwriter Afgansyah Reza

The pair and their respective travel partners Reza Chandika (#TeamAfgan) and Rara Sekar (#TeamIsyana),  will take global audiences on an ultimate journey, including epic adventures and heart-pounding challenges as they experience and capture the social media worthy sights and sounds of Indonesia’s stunning island destinations – Labuan Bajo (known for the Komodo National Park, snorkeling points and flying fox bats), Mandalika in Lombok (known for thrilling racing circuits, water parks, and water sports activities), and Bali (without a doubt every traveler’s favorite getaway beach destination).

The indigenous Indonesian art of stick fighting called Caci practiced in Mandalika in Lombok Indonesia

The indigenous Indonesian art of stick fighting called Caci practiced in Mandalika in Lombok Indonesia

George Chien, Co-founder, President, and CEO of KC Global Media Asia said, “The series demonstrates AXN Asia’s continued commitment to Asian original productions across multimedia platforms to put Asian personalities and destinations in the spotlight. Indonesia is one of the Asian countries with diverse landscapes and cultures, offering exciting and unique adventures. Our partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia provides us with greater opportunities to showcase the picturesque sceneries of Indonesia, as viewers follow Afgan and Isyana explore the magnificent islands and cultural insights while performing ultimate challenges in their adventure.”

Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia said, “We hope that through AXN Ultimate Challenge Indonesia we can introduce the top destinations in Indonesia, in particular Labuan Bajo, Mandalika, and Bali. Labuan Bajo, the entrance to see the Komodo, the largest lizard in the world, and where you can also enjoy life on board to get around Komodo National Park. We also have Mandalika. A place where there is a stretch of soft white sand and at the same time a surfing beach with the beauty of coral cliffs. Finally, Bali, who doesn’t know Bali? Known as the Land of the Gods, Bali appeals through its sheer natural beauty where you can enjoy a lot of activities here from adventure, culinary, and enchanting culture. From here you can see many ways to enjoy the beauty of Indonesian beaches. Wonderful Indonesia awaits you to feel your wonderful experience.”

Each episode promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats as Afgan and Isyana, alongside their travel partners, are pushed past their comfort zones through challenges that put their minds, brawn, and social media prowess to the test. In the process, discover the incredibly diverse cultures, mouth-watering gastronomic delights, and magnificent wonders of nature that Indonesia has to offer. From exploring the iconic Pink Beach in Labuan Bajo to flyboarding at Tanjung Benoa Beach to paragliding in Nusa Dua, Bali; fans may relive their fondest memories of Indonesia across land, sea, and sky with Afgan and Isyana and be entertained by non-stop drama, action, and adventure.

In conjunction with the show’s premiere, AXN Asia and local Instagram communities @CameraIndonesia (Indonesia), @InstaSG (Singapore), @IGersMalaysia (Malaysia), and @IGersManila (the Philippines) will unite to ignite the ultimate virtual “ASEAN Insta-meet”, a community-led social movement crowdsourcing ASEAN Instagrammers to share their point of view (POV) on a beloved memory of their favorite destination in Indonesia through the art of photography.

One winning post with the most heart-warming memory will be selected from each country and the winning Instagrammer will be crowned as AXN Asia’s Ultimate Travel Insider of their country and awarded with DJI’s Pocket 2 (TBC), the smallest 3-axis stabilized handheld camera, perfect for capturing precious memories on trips around the world. The “ASEAN Insta-meet” social movement will commence from 25th November to 13th December and open to all Instagrammers residing in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Be sure to also tune in to AXN Asia’s Instagram account for unaired scenes from Afgan’s and Isyana’s unforgettable trip and discover the authentic heartwarming stories of tenacity and resilience of the everyday Indonesians they meet along the way.

AXN Ultimate Challenge Indonesia premieres on 25th November, with new episodes every Thursday and Friday on the AXN Asia channel across Southeast Asia. Global fans may also catch the digital premiere every Saturday on AXN Asia’s YouTube channel from 27th November.

About KC Global Media

KC Global Media logoKC Global Media Entertainment LLC is a global multi-media company based in the United States. The brainchild of former Sony executives Andy Kaplan and George Chien, KC Global Media Asia (KCGM Asia) is primed to be Asia’s leading entertainment hub through the production, distribution, and programming of quality, ground-breaking content. Backed by more than two decades of industry experience, KCGM Asia boasts an impressive portfolio of premium pay-TV channels in South-East Asia and Korea, including English-language general entertainment network AXN, anime channel Animax, South Korea’s ONE, and Japanese entertainment channel GEM. By combining award-winning and well-loved entertainment formats with extensive knowledge and insight into the Asia Pacific market, KCGM Asia is paving the way for a new standard of entertainment in Asia and beyond.

Facebook: @KCGlobalMedia | Instagram: @KCGlobalMediaAsia | Linkedin: @KCGlobalMediaAsia

About AXN

AXN-Asia logoAXN features exclusive top-rated drama series, blockbuster features, reality programs, and groundbreaking original productions. The channel appeals to a discerning audience seeking content that is smart, intriguing, and unexpected, and all delivered close to U.S telecasts. From SEAL Team and MacGyver to The Amazing Race Asia and Asia’s Got Talent, AXN is defined not by a genre, but by an attitude that truly redefines action. In Asia, AXN is enjoyed in 38 million households across 17 territories and is available in both SD and HD.

For more information, visit AXN-Asia.com or follow @AXNAsia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

About Indonesia Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy

[Wonderful Indonesia]

Indonesia is a huge nation comprised of hundreds of cultures derived from local regions, making it one of the most diverse countries in the world. The “Wonderful Indonesia” concept highlights Indonesia’s wonders, There are:

  • Nature, Scenic Landscape & Wildlife. In this exotic tropical country, you can explore the magnificent white sandy beaches, great volcanoes, or colorful marine treasures. One lifetime would not be enough to explore Indonesia’s natural wonders.
  • Culinary & Wellness. This is where you spoil your senses: hearing, sight, touch, smell, and taste. Explore the many flavors Indonesia has to offer by taking a bite out of some local delicacies or delighting in traditional spa treatments.
  • Arts, Culture & Heritage. Indonesia is a huge nation comprised of hundreds of cultures derived from local regions, making it one of the most diverse countries in the world. Explore the unique culture and heritage of each region in Indonesia!
  • Recreation & Leisure. A nation is often measured by how advanced its technology is. Indonesia’s major cities adopt a modern lifestyle that is complete with stunning skyscrapers, vibrant nightlife, and technologically advanced offices.
  • Adventures. One would never get bored exploring Indonesia. Plunge into thrilling caving adventures, exotic diving escapades, challenging volcano climbs, intriguing jungle treks, and many more!

For more information, visit indonesia.travel, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

About InDOnesia CARE

[InDOnesia Care]

Currently, most parts of Indonesia are entering the transition phase, an adaptation period towards the new normal. A new phase where several activities resume with fewer boundaries. Moments of slowly restarting the economy with the ease of restrictions in some public areas.

The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy introduced InDOnesia CARE, a symbol of support for Indonesia’s strong effort in implementing the cleanliness, health, safety, and environmental protocols across the tourism industry as mandatory precautions, to assure travelers’ comfort.

Several customized InDOnesia CARE protocols were prepared to be implemented well across the tourism and creative economy elements as an effort to elevate travelers’ comfort amidst the new normal transition period. Cleanliness, health, safety, and environment are InDOnesia’s CARE main priorities with the hope of gaining support from visitors as they grow into wiser travelers.

Two Philippine teams reach finals in global COVID-19 space data competition

Two Philippine teams reach finals in global COVID-19 space data competition

global finalistTwo teams from the Philippines, GiveSight and World MAQI, are selected by the United States space agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), European Space Agency (ESA), and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) as global finalists for the all-virtual Earth Observation Dashboard Hackathon held last June 23-29. With 4,300+ participants from 132 countries and territories, the week-long event featured 233 projects to solve challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic using data from the Earth Observing (EO) Dashboard, an interactive data resource giving policymakers and the public a unique tool to probe the impacts of pandemic-related restrictions implemented around the world through the lens of Earth observation satellites.

GiveSight

The Geo-Intelligent Visualization of Earth Systems in Graphical and Historical Timelines (GiveSIGHT) seeks to improve the current EO dashboard by highlighting significant changes of the COVID-19 pandemic through visualizations and guided insight for prospective users. The proposed dashboard is intended to visualize economic proxies through night lights, economic activities, and a lock-down timeline in the Philippines.

The team is led by Gabriel Kristopher “Cricket” Soong, an electrical engineer and emerging technologies consultant, and members include software engineer Mark Barretto and Adamson University computer engineering students Angelica Mhay Salazar, Karl Adrian de Guzman, and Joshua Bungcaras.

Mobility over Air Quality Index

The Mobility over Air Quality Index (MAQI) is derived from the fusion of mobility statistics provided by Google with air pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from Earth observations.  While the COVID-19 pandemic initially led to decreased mobility and improved air quality, countries around the world have begun to lift their quarantine restrictions, triggering air pollution once again. Through MAQI areas and communities with improved mobility and air quality may be identified and recognized.

The team is composed of space data researchers and hackathon veterans. Data analyst Dominic Vincent “Doc” Ligot and data engineer Mark Neil Pascual led the conceptualization and prototype development, while Michael Lance M. Domagas, a computer science master’s student, reunited with his undergraduate thesis adviser, Arturo “Art” Caronongan III, an assistant professorial lecturer from De La Salle University, to do research and concept validation for MAQI.

Pinoy pride and ingenuity

In 2020, Art Caronongan’s team placed as a global finalist in the NASA Space Apps COVID-19 Challenge for Snail Space, an app giving a “safe space” by providing mental care and comfort during times of social isolation brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2019, Doc’s team developed Advanced Early Dengue Prediction and Exploration Service (Project AEDES) which used Earth observations for data-driven dengue detection and nowcasting, bagging the global award for the best use of data in the prestigious NASA International Space Apps Challenge. Since then, the initiative has garnered more accolades: recognized in 2020 by the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) for applying Earth observations towards the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), and more recently last May 2021, vetted and approved by the Digital Public Goods Alliance (DPGA), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), as a Digital Public Good (DPG), putting the Philippines on the map as a DPG pathfinding pilot country.

A team from CirroLytix Research Services, a Philippine-based startup leading the charge in using big data for social impact founded by Doc, developed Global Impact Detection from Emitted Light, Onset of COVID-19, and Nitrogen Dioxide (GIDEON), a data portal that used satellite data and news feeds to measure economic and social impacts of lockdowns and pandemic interventions. In 2020, GIDEON also won the best use of data global award in the NASA Space Apps COVID-19 Challenge.

Cricket Soong and Mark Pascual are also from CirroLytix, and in late 2020 were Space Apps global nominees for Global Hazard Exposure and Resiliency Trends by Earth observation and Analysis Tools (Global HEARTBEAT), an interactive tool providing geo-located information on natural and human hazards surrounding communities within the Philippines and Canada.

Winners of both space hackathons are invited to visit NASA and partner agencies’ facilities but are responsible for covering their own costs. Although travel has been on hold since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, invitations shall resume once travel is deemed safe.

Michael Lance, a lead local organizer of Space Apps, appeals for support in recognizing these global winners and finalists, “Having both led and participated in these hackathons, I can attest to the world-class quality of our local innovators but sadly support for these innovators has been minimal. In the same way, we Filipinos love to cheer our athletes and beauty queens who represent our country, I hope we can find value in supporting our Philippine technologists, who also bring our country pride through their innovation.”

EO dashboard hackathon winners shall be announced in early August 2021.

About EO dashboard hackathon

EO dashbord hackathonFrom June 23- 29, coders, scientists, entrepreneurs, designers, storytellers, makers, builders, artists, technologists, and space enthusiasts from around the world joined the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), European Space Agency (ESA), and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for the all-virtual, global Earth Observation Dashboard Hackathon.

During this week-long event, participants will create virtual teams and solve one of 10 challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic using data from the Earth Observing Dashboard (the “EO Dashboard” for short). The EO Dashboard is an interactive data resource that gives the public and policymakers a unique tool to probe the short-term and long-term impacts of pandemic-related restrictions implemented around the world through the lens of Earth observation satellites.

During the hackathon, participants will have the opportunity to form virtual teams, interact with experts from NASA, ESA, and JAXA in our chat channels, and submit projects. The winning teams will have the opportunity to incorporate their solutions into the EO Dashboard – making a lasting impact on its long-term legacy!

The EO Dashboard Hackathon celebrates the one-year anniversary of the EO Dashboard’s launch and builds on the success of the Space Apps COVID-19 Challenge.

About CirroLytix

CirrolytixCirroLytix Research Services is a social impact data analytics company. Its mission is to help governments, non-profits, researchers, international and local organizations succeed at addressing collective social problems around the world by harnessing the full power of their data. CirroLytix strives to enable social impact professionals and entities to make a positive data-driven change in the lives they seek to uplift.

About Dominic Vincent “Doc” Ligot

Dominic Vincent "Doc" LigotDominic Vincent “Doc” Ligot is the Founder and Chief Technology Officer of CirroLytix Research Services. A former bank risk manager and technology executive turned data scientist and researcher, Ligot has made it his life’s mission to push data-driven innovation for the Philippines and apply data to social development areas such as public health, human rights, education, and fighting disinformation.

A co-founder of the Analytics Association of the Philippines (AAP), and co-developer and active faculty of the Master in Applied Business Analytics (MABA) program of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P), Doc envisages the Philippines as a global talent pool for data science and artificial intelligence. According to him, “What we’ve always tried to do, ever since we started our work at CirroLytix, is show that social problems are data problems, and our local talent is up to the task in solving these data problems. Data science and AI are great equalizers, and the disruption brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic is the glaring opportunity for the Philippines to flex its muscles in STEM and we should make a massive effort to push data education and literacy for all.”

Doc is also a key resource of Smarter Philippines through Analytics R&D Training and Adoption (Project SPARTA), a nationwide initiative to train 30,000 Filipinos in Data Science and Analytics funded by the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCIEERD), and implemented by the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), the Analytics Association of the Philippines (AAP), and Coursebank with key partnerships in the national government and local government units.

About Michael Lance M. Domagas

Michael Lance Domagas

Michael Lance Domagas

He is a freelance software developer, digital marketer, events host, and community leader, organizing events and activities supporting the technology and developer community in the Philippines. He is the lead organizer of NASA’s International Space Apps Challenge and a participant in the EO dashboard hackathon.

AYDA2020 is the year for human-centred design

AYDA2020 is the year for human-centred design

2020 is a unique year for AYDA as the world was plunged into the COVID-19 pandemic.  Our participants were challenged to create designs that address the needs of society and the end-user.  Many participated in both Architecture and Interior Design and Paul John Jandoc of the University of Baguio and Margarita Therese “Maita” Hagad of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde bagged the Gold Award in Architecture and Interior Design respectively.

That was in February.  Several months pass and in the meantime, our local judges mentored Paul and Maita to prepare them for the regional competition.  In previous years our winners traveled to the host country and had the opportunity to interact with their fellow finalists and presented their designs to the judges in person.

Regional presentation and judging

Architecture category

On June 23, 2021, Paul John Jandoc and the 12 other finalists from the participating countries presented their designs to the judges.  You can view his presentation in the video below along with the comments of the judges.

I had the opportunity to watch his presentation and he made me feel really proud!  I felt that he represented the Philippines really well and his design proposal is buildable and provides a solution to our local needs.

Interior Design category

The following day, June 24, 2021, Maita Hagad, along with 9 other finalists from participating countries presented their designs to the Interior Design judges.

Even during the local competition, Maita’s confidence was apparent and it showed even as she presented her design to the international judges.  You can watch her presentation and the comments of the judges below.

AYDA2020 Regional Awarding Ceremony

2018 was the first time that AYDA had an Honorary Mention Award with Prince Lu of UP Mindanao in the Architecture category.  AYDA2020 had several honorary mentions in both categories.  You can view the highlights of the Awarding Ceremony here:

The Philippines 🇵🇭 wins its first AYDA international award in Interior Design!

Congratulations, Maita! Best Sustainable Award

Congratulations, Maita! Best Sustainable Award

Maita’s design called Bagasse Mountain Resort earned her the Best Sustainable Design Award at the AYDA2020 Regional Award Ceremony.  This is our first award in the competition in the Interior Design category.  She received a trophy and a cash prize of US$1,000.

Congratulations, Maita!  We are so proud of you!

 

CMA launches search for COVID-19 resilient microentrepreneurs

CMA launches search for COVID-19 resilient microentrepreneurs

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Citi Philippines, and the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI) have launched its annual Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards (CMA), which aims to recognize the achievements and contributions of microentrepreneurs all over the country. Now on its 18th edition, this year’s CMA has been modified to respond to community needs resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 crisis.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno

Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed

Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed

Through a virtual launch held via Zoom, BSP governor Benjamin Diokno and Citi Philippines chief executive officer Aftab Ahmed revealed that the 18th CMA will have two components: the COVID-19 rehabilitation support package and the recognition of outstanding microentrepreneurs amid the crisis.

“More than ever, it is vital to sustaining our microentrepreneurs, who provide essential products and services in the “last mile”.  Predominant in low-income areas and serving as engines driving local economies, microentrepreneurs also nurture swathes of the Filipino population depending on them for post-pandemic recovery and rebuilding.   Through CMA 2020, we highlight the creativity and internal fortitude of our microentrepreneurs to serve as a great inspiration,” said BSP governor Diokno.

“We are happy that through the CMA program, we can help microentrepreneurs overcome some of the financial challenges that they are facing and to improve their business proposition, their products, and their services. These businesses need to learn to adapt as well as implement new strategies. This will be particularly important in the coming months as we start moving towards normalization,” added Citi Philippines CEO, Aftab Ahmed.

2018 CMA Regional Awardee for Visayas Rosario Amoroto

2018 CMA Regional Awardee for Visayas Rosario Amoroto

2017 Youth Microentrepreneur of the Year Keith Varias

2017 Youth Microentrepreneur of the Year Keith Varias

The first component focused on responding to the rehabilitation needs of previous CMA winners, with each winner getting a cash incentive of up to ₱50,000 each. Among the COVID-19 rehabilitation support package recipients are the 2017 Youth Microentrepreneur of the Year Keith Gonzales Varias and the 2018 CMA Regional Awardee for Visayas Rosario Amoroto.

On the other hand, the second component will highlight the important role of microentrepreneurs in rebuilding local economies during the COVID-19 crisis. The awards are open to microenterprises with assets less than ₱3 million. Three island group winners from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao and two other special awardees, namely the Youth Entrepreneurship awardee and the COVID-19 response champion, will be recognized.

All five awardees should have successfully rebuilt their enterprise to a level that is now contributing to local economies during the COVID-19 crisis while maintaining a healthy repayment record on their loan even as they continue to rebuild their enterprise. Additionally, the COVID-19 response champion should have supported, innovated, or led pandemic response initiatives to help others.

The three-island group winners, the Youth Microentrepreneur, and the COVID-19 response champion will get ₱100,000 each, as well as one-year microinsurance coverage. A National Winner will be selected from the five winners who will be receiving an additional ₱100,000. All winners will be determined by the NSC and recognized in a simple awards ceremony in June 2021.

Through these efforts, the CMA will ultimately highlight role models for aspiring and hardworking entrepreneurs and generate greater awareness and appreciation of microfinance and microenterprise development as a tool for employment generation and poverty reduction.

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