FEATURES

SM Foundation, IBM drive inclusive digital learning for Filipino Youth

Future-READY, Now! is one of several SM Foundation education programs supporting scholars’ comprehensive development, including mentoring, networking initiatives, and regular assemblies that strengthen their core skills and professional readiness.

Recent studies show a mismatch between the skills industries demand and what workers and students currently possess, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science.

Infrastructure challenges, uneven access to quality training, and other barriers continue to limit digital learning opportunities.

To help address these challenges, SM Foundation has ramped up its education initiatives to equip and future-proof its scholars for the digital economy.

In collaboration with IBM, Asia Pacific College (APC), SM Group business units, the Foundation recently launched Future-READY, Now!, an upskilling program that integrates digital training and workforce development for its scholars.

The program is designed to align education with market needs by providing scholars with globally recognized digital and professional credentials through IBM SkillsBuild, IBM’s free education program aimed at increasing access to technology education. It ensures access to relevant training and career pathways across the country while reinforcing SM Foundation’s commitment to inclusive education. The initiative also supports the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) 2025 micro-credentialing framework and the Private Sector Advisory Council’s inclusive development agenda.

Built around a three-phase framework, the initiative develops digital, professional, and industry-specific competencies—from foundational learning to specialized courses and ongoing assessment to ensure scholars gain practical, workforce-relevant experience.

SM Foundation Scholars will have access to more than 1,000 free courses and digital credentials in IBM SkillsBuild including foundational coursework in AI literacy, digital mindset, digital literacy, as well as specialized courses relevant to each learner’s field of study across business and accountancy, engineering, IT, and education.

IBM Philippines Country General Manager and Technology Leader Aileen Judan-Jiao said the collaboration reflects IBM’s global effort to close the digital skills gap.

“Through IBM SkillsBuild and our collaboration with SM Foundation and APC, we hope to address the widening skills gap and equip Filipino learners with professional skills through customized practical learning experiences that would enable them to thrive in the rapidly changing world and workplace,” Judan-Jiao said.

“Together, we are building a future-ready Filipino workforce through flexible, industry-relevant education that meets the evolving needs of the job market,” she added.

APC President Dr. Teresita Medado said that the initiatives pave the way for inclusive education pave the way for inclusive education by opening opportunities for underserved learners to gain vital digital skills and globally-recognized credentials.

APC President Tata Medado shares the program helps build future-ready Filipino workforce through flexible, industry-relevant education that meets the evolving needs of the job market.

“It is a strategic opportunity to drive equity, empathy, and empowerment,” Dr. Medado said. “It allows us to reach students who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to study at all. That is the heart of inclusive education.”

SM Foundation Executive Director for Education Programs Carmen Linda Atayde said that the Future-READY, Now! is a continuation of the foundation’s mission to develop a career-ready scholars equipped with globally recognized credentials and adaptable skills.

“By transforming education into opportunity, and opportunity into impact, we aim to prepare scholars for meaningful employment while empowering them to contribute to meaningfully to their families and the community,” Atayde said.

Future-READY, Now! is one of several SM Foundation education programs supporting scholars’ comprehensive development, including mentoring, networking initiatives, and regular assemblies that strengthen their core skills and professional readiness.

IBM Philippines Country General Manager and Technology Leader Aileen Judan-Jiao guides an SM Scholar through the IBM SkillsBuild platform, reinforcing IBM’s global commitment to skill 30 million people by 2030, including training 2 million individuals in AI by 2026.

Future-READY, Now! advances the foundation’s mission by developing career-ready scholars with globally recognized credentials and adaptable skills.

(From left) APC Executive Director of School of Computing & Information Technologies Rhea-Luz Valbuena, APC President Dr. Teresita Medado, IBM Philippines Country General Manager and Technology Leader Aileen Judan-Jiao, and SMFI Executive Director for Education Programs Carmen Linda Atayde lead the opening of the Future-READY, Now!, an upskilling program that integrates digital training and workforce development for its scholars.

October 26, 2025 0 comment

FEATURES

SM Foundation recognizes 199 new graduates of its scholarship program

written by DWIZ 882

The SM Foundation lauded 199 graduates under the SM College Scholarship Program
in an event at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay on Oct. 23, 2025.
This is the most decorated batch in the program’s history, with a record number of
awardees — 8 Summa Cum Laude, 33 Magna Cum Laude, 47 Cum Laude, and 14
Academic Distinction recipients.
The event opened with a job fair, connecting graduates with potential career
opportunities across SM Group business units.
The program strengthens SM Foundation’s mission to nurture scholars into well-
rounded professionals, equipping them with real-world experience, unlocking their
potential, and supporting them in uplifting their families and communities.

October 24, 2025 0 comment

EVENTS FEATURES

Our Market launches OMG!: Campus Tour with a Chocolate-Making Class at De La Salle College of Saint Benilde

written by DWIZ 882

To go against the culture of fast takes and fleeting trends, digital publishing platform Our Market
focuses on stories with real value and information with lasting credibility. It features content across
business, food, health, lifestyle, culture, and learning, offering relevant reads from timely event
highlights, smart product must-haves, successful entrepreneurial journeys, and even societal
knowledge. It’s made to serve readers of all ages who appreciate facts and credibility just as much as
entertainment and motivation.
Since its launch in September 2020, Our Market has operated as a storefront for MSMEs under the
e-commerce platform Iskaparate.com. Today, it officially transitions into an online magazine, serving
as the main site.
Our Market now redirects its priorities toward providing factual and inspirational information grounded
in local knowledge to continue uplifting the community in both cultural and entrepreneurial senses.
Apart from this, Our Market also serves as an online resource hub that directly connects users to
companies across different industries, some partners including Unox, Mayani, Magna Prime, and
more, which can be reached for special assistance, consultancy, and collaboration needs.
While implementing a new focus, this does not signal an exit from commerce. Iskaparate.com, which
was originally established to help entrepreneurial mothers sustain their businesses during the
COVID-19 pandemic, now serves as the umbrella e-commerce platform within Our Market.
With over 3,000 vetted vendors and partnerships led by the marketing of DTC Promos, Inc. and the
automation expertise of ConnectSys, its legacy of supporting community sellers continues to shape
the infrastructure of Our Market’s online commerce. However, exponential growth is sought through
partnerships with global and bigger brands for a wide audience reach.
Currently, the platform’s consistent efforts in audience and seller engagement, such as offering
product deals, brand promotions, and physical and virtual workshops, will remain in Our Market’s
network.
In line with this mission, Our Market officially kicks off OMG!, a campus tour of various schools
around Metro Manila, to engage with students and institutional staff via activities and giveaways.

This campaign is a product of collaboration with Tagumpay IT’S ALL GOOD, a digital media channel
operated by ARDA Media Solutions Corporation, for promoting Filipino values, faith, family,
education, wellness, and public service, Unox, Selecta, Barilla, Tulip, Search Commercial Inc.,
Mayani, Mo & Bear, and Nayong Kalikasan.
To officially kick off OMG!, Our Market holds an opening event to a select student audience at De La
Salle College of Saint Benilde on October 17, 2025, with a free chocolate-making demo featuring
CMV Txokolat’s talented chocolatier, Elaine Santiago, through the partnership of DTC Promos Inc.
and previous collaborators mentioned.
A surprising addition, however, was a co-developed superfood snack that was softly introduced at the
event. Pili Poppers is a product that excellently combines quality, taste, and nutrients in a munchable
made with seaweed, puff rice, and activated roasted pili nuts — highlighting the potential of local
produce. Developed and formulated in Singapore by Unicorn Connect Pte Ltd., Pili Poppers was
then manufactured and distributed in the Philippines by Azius Ventures Corporation. Though not yet
officially launched, Pili Poppers is being slowly introduced through sample distributions in select
groceries, cafés, and malls, as part of a broader goal to empower Filipino entrepreneurs and create
meaningful products built from the ground up.
The chocolate-making demowas meant to encourage students, those who are keen on building their
own businesses in the future or are potential successors of family-run businesses, to see the value of
raw materials available to them and learn to transform them into their own unique product.
This is in line with the upcoming 30th anniversary of Export and Global Business Management, a
program under Business Administration of De La Salle College of Saint Benilde. The program equips
learners with the knowledge and skills to create effective business plans and bring Filipino products to
the global stage by integrating business concepts in finance, management, marketing, human
resources, production, IT, and strategic planning.
Through this program, students gain insights into international trade trends, best practices, and ethical
frameworks. This is the program where participants learn to design business strategies and develop
sustainable enterprises that address customer needs in the export market.
The event was held with more than 400 students in attendance at the Augusto Rosario Gonzalez
Theater of DLS College of Saint Benilde, broadcast via theater projector while actual cooking was
executed with Unox Philippines, the leader in oven innovation and design.
There are 10 institutions lined up for the OMG! Campus Tour, which will be sustained until or beyond
the platform’s official grand launch set to take place in May 2026.

October 23, 2025 1 comment

EVENTS FEATURES

IKEA opens first Plan and Order Shop at TriNoma for shoppers north of Metro Manila

written by DWIZ 882

IKEA just opened its first Plan and Order Shop at TriNoma in Quezon City, making its signature style of affordable, sustainable, and Scandinavian-coded home furnishings accessible to more people—especially those living in the north of Metro Manila who are looking for expert planning advice and to shop select IKEA products available in the store.

The 500-square-meter IKEA Plan and Order Shop is like a gateway to the full IKEA experience that customers can find in the Pasay City branch. Its main feature is the planning service for kitchen cabinets and wardrobes for bedrooms and living rooms. It also has inspiring vignettes that show how furniture pieces, lighting, and décor can come together. Customers can also browse and order from the full IKEA range of more than 8,500 articles, and have items delivered in the store.

IKEA Philippines Country Retail Manager Ricardo Pinheiro says, “Almost four years ago, IKEA said its first ‘hello’ to the Philippines when we opened our first store in Pasay City. Today, I’m proud to share that we’re now in Quezon City with our first Plan and Order Shop at TriNoma, in collaboration with Ayala Malls.”

Pinheiro explains that while the compact shop offers select cooking and eating accessories, all products can be ordered online for free collection at the shop. It is also designed as a pick-up and planning hub. “They can sit down with our design specialists at the consultation and planning zone. They can also shop and take away on the same day items in the curated displays,” he says.

“Our philosophy is to make great design available to the many Filipinos who dream of spaces that bring them joy and closer to each other, especially around Christmastime,” Pinheiro adds.

The store opening was marked by a ceremonial tape-cutting led by QC Mayor Joy Belmonte, Ambassador of Sweden to the Philippines Anna Ferry, Ayala Land SVP and Head of Leasing and Hospitality, Mariana Zobel Ayala, and IKEA Philippines Country Retail Manager Ricardo Pinheiro.

TriNoma serves the large residential markets of Quezon City, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela. It is also a gateway to the northern provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga, and the rest of Central Luzon, with easy access via the North Luzon Expressway and Skyway 3.

The IKEA Plan and Order Shop is a cashless shop — it accepts only digital and cards payments. Located on Level 1, TriNoma Mall, North Avenue corner EDSA, Quezon City. Shoppers can also order online on IKEA Philippine’s website.

October 23, 2025 0 comment

EVENTS FEATURES

LSGH, Ortigas Malls launch ‘AnimoExpress’ to boost student safety and ease traffic

written by DWIZ 882

La Salle Greenhills (LSGH) has launched a point-to-point shuttle service called “AnimoExpress” in partnership with Ortigas Commercial Corporation (OCC) to further enhance student transportation and safety. The initiative includes the provision of designated loading and unloading bays, as well as a student holding area called “Think Space” within Tiendesitas and Promenade. This collaboration aims to ease traffic congestion along Ortigas Avenue and provide a safe and convenient waiting area for students.

The agreement outlines shared responsibilities in operations, supervision, and safety, and will be in effect from October 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026, with options for renewal.

The AnimoExpress Memorandum of Agreement Signing was held on October 17, 2025, at La Salle Green Hills.

October 23, 2025 0 comment

EVENTS FEATURES

An Early Halloween Escape: Outdoor Movies, Music, and Costumes at Capitol Commons

written by DWIZ 882

MANILA, Philippines – Get ready for chills, thrills and screams under the stars! The city’s spookiest movie night is rolling out at Capitol Commons as Openair Cinema One celebrates Halloween outdoors for the first time. Now in its third year, the much-loved screening event swaps its usual holiday theme for a night of costumes, treats, and back-to-back films under the October sky. For those eager to get into the Halloween spirit early, Capitol Commons and Cinema One have just the thing on Saturday, October 25, 2025, starting at 4:00 PM with an afternoon of games, music, and family-friendly fun, followed by an evening of movies under the stars.

The afternoon begins with trick-or-treating, a lively Halloween bazaar, and a costume fashion show where pets and their humans show off their looks. Watch them strut matching ghost blankets, witch hats and vampire capes, and you decide who wore it best. As the sun sets, the stage comes alive with performances from Jeremy G, the OPM act whose soulful voice and boy-next-door charm have made him a fan favorite since his The Voice Teens run, together with Sugarcane, a six-piece folk pop band from Manila with hits like ‘Leonora’ and ‘Paruparo,’ which have been streamed millions of times across various music platforms. who will add to the festive mood. Hosting the program is Aiyana Perlas, a familiar Kapamilya face known for her natural energy and easy rapport with live audiences.

When night falls, the lawn becomes an open-air cinema. Families can settle comfortably and sing their hearts out with the Madrigals as they watch Encanto, followed by frosty ghosts to bring the mischievous fun and scares in Ghostbusters: The Frozen Empire — all on the big screen! Blankets, snacks, and costumes are welcome, and the entire space is designed for people to gather with loved ones, take photos, and soak in the Halloween vibe.

This special edition of Openair Cinema One adds a playful twist to Capitol Commons’ reputation as a lifestyle destination. With about 1,500 guests expected, it promises to be more than just a seasonal gathering. It is a chance to spend time outdoors, enjoy music and film in the cool October air, and create memories that last well beyond Halloween.

Cinema One and Capitol Commons present Openair Cinema One: An Eerie-sistible Halloween Movie Night on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Gates open at 4:00 PM. Costumes are encouraged — the atmosphere will be festive, and everyone is invited to mark the date for an early Halloween treat that brings friends, families, and pets together under the stars.

October 23, 2025 0 comment

FEATURES

TI DLP® technology delivers high-precision digital lithography for advanced packaging

written by DWIZ 882

New digital micromirror device with real-time correction enables equipment manufacturers to achieve high-resolution printing at scale, maximizing throughput and yield

Caption: TI’s DLP® technology enables maskless digital lithography systems for advanced packaging.

What’s new

Texas Instruments is enhancing the next generation of digital lithography with the introduction of the DLP991UUV digital micromirror device (DMD), the company’s highest resolution direct imaging solution to date. With 8.9 million pixels, sub-micron resolution capabilities and a data rate of 110 gigapixels per second, the device eliminates the need for expensive mask technology while delivering the scalability, cost-effectiveness and precision needed for increasingly complex packaging.

Why it matters

Maskless digital lithography machines – which project light for etching circuit designs on materials without a photomask or high-end stencil – are becoming increasingly popular for the manufacturing of advanced packaging. Advanced packaging combines multiple chips and technologies into a single package, enabling high-computing applications, such as data centers and 5G, to have systems that are smaller, faster, and more power-efficient.

With TI DLP technology, system assembly equipment manufacturers can leverage maskless digital lithography to achieve the high-resolution printing at scale necessary for advanced packaging. The new DLP991UUV acts as a programmable photomask, offering precise pixel control with reliable high-speed performance.

“Just as we redefined cinema by enabling the transition from film to digital projection, TI’s DLP technology is once again at the forefront of a major industry shift,” said Jeff Marsh, vice president and general manager of DLP technology at TI. “We’re enabling the creation of maskless digital lithography systems that empower engineers around the world to breakthrough the current limits of advanced packaging and bring powerful computing solutions to market.”

For more information, read the company blog, “Beyond the mask: How DLP® technology is enabling new computing solutions with advanced packaging.”

More details

Improving advanced packaging requires lithography technology to be more cost-effective, scalable and precise. By eliminating mask infrastructure and its associated expenses, TI’s DLP technology helps significantly reduce manufacturing costs while providing the flexibility to make real-time design adjustments without physical mask changes. The technology can achieve sub-micron precision on a substrate of any size, which directly translates to higher throughput, improved yield and fewer defects.

These are significant advantages as advanced packaging manufacturers seek to meet escalating demands for high-bandwidth, low-power components in AI systems and 5G networks.

The DLP991UUV is the latest and leading device of TI’s direct imaging portfolio. Key features of the device include:

Highest resolution in the portfolio, offering more than 8.9 Megapixels
Fastest processing speed of up to 110 Gigapixels per second
Power levels of 22.5W/cm² at 405nm
Ability to operate at wavelengths as low as 343nm
Smallest mirror pitch in the portfolio of 5.4um

Texas Instruments DLP® technology harnesses the power of millions of microscopic mirrors to deliver leading high-resolution display and advanced light control solutions. The technology enables applications ranging from the projection of brilliant 4K content in home theaters to enhanced road safety with intelligent automotive lighting and high-precision lithography and machine vision systems for next-generation industrial manufacturing.

Availability

Preproduction quantities of the new DLP991UUV DMD are available for purchase now on TI.com. Multiple payment and shipping options are available.

About Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments Incorporated (Nasdaq: TXN) is a global semiconductor company that designs, manufactures and sells analog and embedded processing chips for markets such as industrial, automotive, personal electronics, enterprise systems and communications equipment. At our core, we have a passion to create a better world by making electronics more affordable through semiconductors. This passion is alive today as each generation of innovation builds upon the last to make our technology more reliable, more affordable and lower power, making it possible for semiconductors to go into electronics everywhere. Learn more at TI.com.

Trademarks

DLP is a registered trademark of Texas Instruments. All registered trademarks and other trademarks belong to their respective owners.

October 20, 2025 0 comment

FEATURES

JRT Foundation Inc.: Preserving Dreams, Building Communities

written by DWIZ 882

Coolaire Consolidated Inc., the country’s leading refrigerated truck supplier, has officially launched its charitable arm, the JRT Foundation Inc., on October 14, 2025, at the Left Wing, Celebrity Sports Plaza.

The event marked a significant milestone for the Coolaire family as it formalized its long-standing commitment to community building, quality education, and environmental sustainability through a foundation that embodies the legacy of the late Jerry R. Tugade, Coolaire’s visionary president.

Named after Mr. Tugade’s initials, the JRT Foundation Inc. was formally established in 2024 to serve as Coolaire’s platform for social responsibility and common shared value-advancing programs aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A highlight of the event was the Partners Signing Ceremony between the JRT Foundation and like-minded organizations that share its vision, marking the beginning of a collective effort to create meaningful and lasting change. The foundation acknowledged its partners Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (through its Iskolar ni Juan Tech Voc Program) and Akioshi Insurance Services and Consultancy whose generous support and common advocacy for education, empowerment, and sustainability will help in driving the JRT Foundation’s programs nationwide — particularly its flagship initiative, the Tikyo Scholarship Program, which continues to support students and families across the country. “This foundation is a reflection of Mr. Tugade’s heart — a man whose leadership went beyond business and extended into genuine care for others,” said Patrick Joseph E. Tugade, JRT Foundation Vice President. “Through the JRT Foundation, we continue his mission to preserve dreams and build communities for generations to come.”

A Legacy of Leadership and Service

Jerry R. Tugade was known not only as an engineer and entrepreneur but also as a civic leader deeply rooted in faith and service. A University of the Philippines Mechanical Engineering graduate, he transformed Coolaire Consolidated Inc. into a major player in the fields of fire protection and refrigeration. His passion for innovation and community empowerment earned him recognition among the Letran Quadricentennial Grandes Figuras Awardees, a testament to his lifelong pursuit of excellence, service, and faith-driven leadership. He was involved in various church, business and civic organizations where he actively participated in programs and projects that reflected his dedication to uplifting communities and safeguarding the welfare of the least, the last and the lost.

First Major Program: The Tikyo Scholarship

Among its first initiatives is the Tibay ng Isip bunga ng Karunungang Yaman at Oportunidad (Tikyo) Scholarship Program, launched in 2021 under Coolaire’s Caring Campaign Initiatives (CCI). The program was named in memory of a fallen Coolaire employee whose child became its first scholar. Starting with 19 beneficiaries, it has now expanded to 66 students nationwide, covering Metro Manila, Bulacan, Visayas, and Mindanao with the goal of expanding further to at least 100 in the next 3 months.

Through monthly educational subsidies, the Tikyo Scholarship supports students in both basic and tertiary education — empowering families and communities to rise above economic barriers.

“Each scholar represents a dream preserved, a family sustained and a future strengthened,” shared Joel Ryan E. Tugade, JRT Foundation Vice Chairman . “This is just the beginning of the JRT Foundation’s mission to reach more lives and communities so that we leave no one behind.”

A Living Legacy

The launch concluded with the debut of the JRT Foundation Official Video, which highlighted the life and vision of Jerry R. Tugade and featured stories of Tikyo Scholars whose lives have been transformed through the foundation’s initiatives.

As the JRT Foundation embarks on its journey, it carries with it a promise — to turn compassion into action, and to continue preserving dreams and building communities for generations to come.

Be part of our mission to uplift lives and build sustainable communities. For more information about JRT Foundation Inc. and its ongoing programs and possible collaborations and partnerships, you may contact:

- Ms. Marianne Estacion, Lead Coordinator for Programs and Partnerships – 0917 134 5226

- Mr. Gerald Orbe, Executive Director – 0917 137 3318

October 20, 2025 0 comment

FEATURES

IKEA PH Set to Open Its First Plan and Order Shop in Quezon City

written by DWIZ 882

IKEA and Ayala Malls partner up to open the IKEA Plan & Order Shop in Quezon City. (L-R) Mark Anthony Sablan, Ayala Malls Head of Key Accounts; Paul Birkett, Ayala Malls Chief Operating Officer; Ricardo Pinheiro, IKEA Philippines Country Retail Manager; and Gelo Gacad, IKEA Plan & Order Shop General Manager.

IKEA is set to open its first Plan and Order Shop in the Philippines at TriNoma Mall on October 23, bringing affordable and sustainable design closer to northern Metro Manila residents and the provinces beyond.

The IKEA Plan and Order Shop features small scale store with room vignettes and products that shoppers can purchase in-store and also functions as a free Collection Point for online orders. It is also a space for customers to plan their dream kitchens, wardrobe, and storage cabinet with the same expert guidance as offered from IKEA’s sprawling store in Pasay City. The IKEA Plan and Order Shop aim to make affordable home furnishing even more accessible to shoppers from every corner of Metro Manila, one neighborhood at a time.

“I am happy that we are now getting closer to the many more Filipinos, especially in the north of Manila. This partnership between IKEA and Ayala Malls allow us to create spaces that are accessible, convenient, and inspiring. This enables us to be true to our vision of creating a better everyday life for the many people.” said Ricardo Pinheiro, IKEA Philippines Country Retail Manager.

IKEA and Ayala Malls believe in inclusivity, catering to both thick and thin wallets or budget-conscious customers. Pinheiro adds that from the start, IKEA has been about bringing quality, affordable, sustainable and good design to the many people. “The new Plan and Order Shop at TriNoma reflects our Democratic Design philosophy and offers a convenient alternative for those who live in the north of Metro Manila. TriNoma’s strategic location aligns with our sustainable philosophy in the most practical sense — it saves our customers gas, time, and effort while still giving access to IKEA’s well-designed, affordable home solutions,” Pinheiro added.

Likewise, TriNoma serves the large residential markets of Quezon City, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela. It is also a gateway to northern provinces such as Bulacan and Pampanga, and the rest of Central Luzon, with easy access via the North Luzon Expressway and Skyway 3, making it the ideal location for the IKEA Plan and Order Shop.

The timing of IKEA’s Plan and Order Shop opening couldn’t be better as the Philippines is in the beginning of the celebration season, when Filipinos start preparing for a lot of cooking and eating at home. The IKEA Plan and Order Shop comes in handy as it features kitchen and dining range — giving customers more reasons to visit this newest IKEA store.

IKEA’s Plan and Order Shop is located at ground level of TriNoma Mall on North Avenue corner EDSA, Quezon City. Shoppers can also order online on IKEA Philippine’s website.

Opening soon: IKEA Plan & Order Shop is coming to TriNoma Mall in Quezon City on October 23, 2025.

IKEA Philippines Country Retail Manager Ricardo Pinheiro shares that the IKEA Plan & Order Shop brings the brand closer to the many Filipinos living in Quezon City and nearby areas.

October 15, 2025 0 comment

FEATURES

A blueprint for holistic healthcare

written by DWIZ 882

A multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, nutritionists, therapists, fitness coaches, and counselors mans the Wellness Hub built through the collaboration of San Juan Medical Center and SM Foundation.

Eradicating diseases is like going into battle: the best path to victory is to prevent the conflict from erupting in the first place. And who could be more suited to lead this charge than a seasoned doctor who has spent most of his career in the military?

When Dr. Joseph Acosta, a retired general, became the new director of the San Juan Medical Center (SJMC) in 2019, he initially thought that the job would not be a challenge. After all, he had been the director of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center, commonly known as the V. Luna General Hospital, a primary care facility for military personnel and their dependents.

But when the San Juan City government outlined its vision for SMJC, the retired military doctor – fondly called Doc Gen by colleagues – saw the magnitude of the task before him.

“The San Juan City leadership wanted a real charity hospital,” Doc Gen recalled one of his first conversations with the then newly elected mayor. “That has always been on mind.”

And while a charity hospital may seem easy to visualize, the retired military doctor has something else in mind: an institution that provides holistic healthcare to its constituencies.

Therein lies the challenge.

Given the limitations, public hospitals prioritize caring for the sick. This means that very little, if nothing at all, goes to preventive healthcare.

Doc Gen said he understands why, given the limited budget, public hospitals have to prioritize curative services. This, however, did not discourage him from finding means to achieve his goal.

“Ang real charity hospital, dapat may wellness,” he said, referring to preventive healthcare services. “It’s holistic. Ang idea ng wellness kasi, gusto namin ma-prevent ‘yung mga sakit. Para mas kaunti ‘yung gagamutin namin.”

In the long run, investing in preventive healthcare is more cost effective as it can reduce the number of Filipinos requiring expensive care from specialists, according to Doc Gen.

“Kung nape-prevent ‘yung mga sakit na ‘yun, lalo na ‘yung lifestyle diseases… mas matipid para sa gobyerno,” he added.

Thoughtfully positioned within the hospital grounds, the hub is close enough for medical referrals yet set apart from high-stress clinical areas to create a calming, patient-friendly space.

Coming together for the community

To achieve his vision, Doc Gen thought of collaborating with SM Foundation for the possibility of establishing a wellness hub at SJMC.

“Hindi lang ito simpleng project na gagawa lang sila ng kiosk kaya’t mabuti na lang at merong partners tulad ng SM Foundation na tumutulong,” he said, adding that this would be the first of its kind in a public hospital.

In a matter of months, a section of the SJMC’s old hospital building was transformed into a fully functioning Wellness Hub.

Although still located within the premises of the hospital, the Wellness Hub is strategically located in a patient-friendly environment that is separate from high-stress clinical areas.

Among its features are Nursing Lounge for breastfeeding mothers and a designated Changing Area where patients can comfortably change to hospital gowns. For preventive healthcare, the hub has allotted spaces for TeenThrive Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Lifestyle Medicine, Comprehensive Care Suite, Sight & Sound, Diagnostic Suite, and Meditation Chapel.

Part of our holistic approach to wellness, the Meditation Chapel of the Wellness Hub offers a tranquil space for prayer, meditation, and spiritual reflection.

Planned future additions include Bite and Smile (Dental), Clear Imaging (Radiology), and Kinetics and Vitality (Gym).

The hub will provide prevention and wellness services to clients, including health screenings, nutrition counseling, stress management, fitness classes, mental health support and patient education, according to Doc Gen.

A multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, nutritionists, therapists, fitness coaches, and counselors will be available to those who will visit the Wellness Hub.

Healthier future

For Doc Gen, the SMJC Wellness Hub is just the start of a long crusade toward promoting better preventive healthcare in the Philippines, although things are already falling into places. The new facility now becomes an essential part of its goal of becoming a tertiary level training hospital.

With the support of SM Foundation, the hospital is better equipped to support the over 130,000 San Juan population.

To further support the hub’s operations, Doc Gen said they would leverage PhilHealth’s recently launched Yaman ng Kalusugan Program or YAKAP, an enhanced primary care benefit package for Filipinos that seeks to promote preventive health by covering costs for consultations and tests, among others.

Those who will visit the SJMC Wellness Hub will be registered to YAKAP, which will further subsidize the costs of the services.

More than just a room, the newly built facility provides a complete wellness resource, from screenings and counseling for fitness and mental health to healthcare education tailored to patient needs.

An online booking system will also be set up to streamline the process, although walk-ins may be allowed, depending on the availability of slots.

The next step, according to the SJMC director, is to encourage more Filipinos to consider their health even before they become sick.

“This wellness center is part of changing the culture,” Doc Gen said.

With this thrust comes the hope that using the blueprint laid out by SJMC and SM Foundation, more Wellness Hubs will be established in public healthcare institutions across the Philippines.

A resource for patients, hospital staff, and the wider community, the new space aims to extend holistic care that addresses physical, mental, spiritual, and social wellbeing.

The hub promotes preventive care, empowers individuals to take charge of their health, and helps reduce lifestyle-related diseases, improving wellbeing of patients. Meanwhile, through DigiKonsulta, SM Foundation supports SJMC’s implementation of PhilHealth’s YAKAP program.

October 15, 2025 0 comment

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