FEATURES

PackPrintPlas Philippines 2023, the 29th edition, is gearing up for an exciting three-day event set to take place from October 5 to 7, 2023, at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City. With daily opening hours from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., this year’s edition promises to be the country’s premier trade show for the packaging, printing, and plastics industries.

Here are some key highlights of PackPrintPlas Philippines 2023:

Diverse Participation: The event boasts over 150+ participating brands from related industries, spanning from packaging, printing, plastics, machinery, and technology. These exhibitors will collectively occupy a vast exhibition space exceeding 10,000 square meters, making it a must-visit for tens of thousands of visitors and potential buyers.

International Presence: The trade exhibition will feature technologies and products from both local and international suppliers and manufacturers, hailing from countries such as Austria, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam, among others.

Showcase of Products: Attendees can expect to see a wide array of sought-after products, including large-format printers, industrial printers, lamination equipment, air compressors, engineering plastics, printing machinery, wooden pallets, solar installations, and refrigeration dryers. Numerous local and international companies, including Advanz Tool & Die Supplies, Big Pix Graphics Systems Incorporated, Kaeser Kompressoren Philippines Inc., and Engel Singapore Pte. Ltd, will be part of this exciting expo.

Conferences and Workshops: PackPrintPlas Philippines 2023 continues its tradition of organizing side-conferences and workshops, offering valuable insights into the packaging, printing, and plastics industries. The Asian Packaging Conference with the theme ‘Sustainability and Innovation’ is set for October 5 and 6. Additionally, there will be events like the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Seminar, Asian Symposium on Printing Technology, and a basic course for Designated Pollution Control Officers.

Industry Recognition: The event will also feature notable industry awards, such as the APF Asia Star Awards Night, organized by the Packaging Institute of the Philippines (PIP) and the Asian Packaging Federation (APF). A PPP Networking Night aims to foster networking opportunities among participants and stakeholders.

PackPrintPlas Philippines 2023 is organized by Global-Link MP, the country’s top exhibition, events and marketing agency and a partner of Singapore’s MP International Pte Ltd, in partnership with Messe Dusseldorf Asia Pte Ltd, a regional trade fair group with a history spanning over 20 years.

For those interested in attending, free-access passes can be obtained by registering at event.packprintplasphilippines.com. For inquiries and concerns, you can reach out to info@packprintplasphilippines.com. This year’s event promises to be a dynamic and informative platform for industry leaders, professionals, and enthusiasts in the packaging, printing, and plastics sectors.

NAGING panauhing pandangal si SEAMEO INNOTECH Director Leonor Magtolis-Briones sa 12th annual Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua Gintong Parangal para sa Edukasyon na ginanap kamakailan sa Bulwagan ng Karunungan, Department of Education (DepEd), Pasig City.

Ang Marylindbert International, katuwang ang Fortune Life Insurance Co. Inc., at DepEd, ang nag-orgnisa ng event para kilalanin ang natatanging tagumpay at nagawa ng mga edukador at administrator sa bansa.

Ang awarding ceremony ay sinasabing bahagi ng Value of Hard Work and Discipline Advocacy Program na layuning ituro sa mga mag-aaral at guro ang kasipagan at disilipina.

Bilang guest of honor, dumalo naman sa aktibidad si Briones para maging inspirasyon sa mga edukador at administrators habang ipinagpapatuloy ang pagiging kampeon sa edukasyon sa hinaharap.

Hinimok din ng dating kalihim ng DepEd ang lahat na ipagpatuloy ang pasisikap at maging mabuting halimbawa sa mga bata at kapwa edukador sa bansa.

Pinarangalan naman sa seremonya ang nasa limang outstanding DepEd administrators (Division Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, Division Administrators, DepEd Division Staff, Education Supervisors, Principals at Assistant Principals) at lima pang guro (Teacher 1 hanggang Master Teacher). (Gilbert Perdez)

Mga ka-TikTok, dahil sa inyong mainit na suporta ay extended na ang #SeniorDigizen: Teach Me How To Digi TikTok contest ng Globe hanggang Oktubre 8, 2023.

Tamang-tama ito sa pagdiriwang ng Elderly Week.

Kaya may extra time pa para gumawa ng mas maraming masasayang video na nagpapakita ng tech journey nina lolo at lola.

Inilunsad noong Setyembre 10, 2023 kasabay ng Grandparents Day, ang #SeniorDigizen challenge ay isa nang hit at marami nang Gen Z at millennials na nag-share ng kuwento ng kanilang mga lolo, lola, o magulang sa mundo ng digital.

Dahil dito, naka 2 milyong views na agad ang video sa TikTok.

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa mainit na pagtanggap ng mga tao sa #SeniorDigizen campaign kaya naman ini-extend pa namin ang deadline ng contest. Hindi lang ito magbibigay daan para mas maraming pamilya ang makasali, ipinapakita rin nito ang aming dedikasyon sa pag-promote ng digital literacy sa mga senior. Nakakataba ng puso na makita ang mga kabataan na tinutulungan ang kanilang elders na matuto ng digital,” ayon kay Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability at Corporate Communications Officer ng Globe Group.

Ang top 25 entries ay may pagkakataong manalo ng mga premyo mula sa Globe na aabot sa Php 75,000.

At siyempre, dapat handa rin ang mga winning lolo at lola na lumahok sa mga learning session bilang parte ng #SeniorDigizen Ambassador program.

Bilang bahagi ng partnership kasama ang KonsultaMD, ang mga masuwerteng seniors ay makakakuha ng one-year family health subscription, essential medicine, vitamins, cataract screenings, arthritis screening, at ultrasound sa anumang parte ng katawan sa RVEC Specialty Clinics, hearing test sa isa sa 15 Manila Hearing Aid Centers, at free eye check-up mula sa Ideal Vision.

Kung nasa edad 15-50 ka, pwedeng sumali.

Samahan ang iyong lolo, lola, o magulang na 60-anyos pataas at gumawa ng video na 15 hanggang 60 seconds.

Ipakita lang kung paano mo sila tinuturuan na maging techie gaya ng paggawa ng social media account, paggamit ng bagong apps, pag-compose ng mga instant message, at marami pang iba. Basta gawin itong exciting at genuine. Kapag ready na, i-tag ang @globeofgood sa TikTok at gamitin ang hashtags na #SeniorDigizen.

Game ka na ba? Bumisita sa mga official social channels ng Globe sa Facebook: .facebook.com/globeofgood at sa TikTok: tiktok.com/@globeofgood para sa full mechanics.

It’s October and it only means one thing at SM-SuperMonth!

Suit up for some super-sized deals, treats, and fun as SM celebrates its 65th anniversary. Check out the month-long festivities filled with spectacular activities, immersive attractions, and unforgettable experiences that will leave you thrilled and excited.

SM lights up the sky with Super Blue Illumination

Signaling the start of SM’s 65th celebration, key malls and iconic landmarks will bathe in a brilliant shade of blue starting October 1. A sight to behold and an event to watch out for, the Super Blue Illumination is a captivating display of dazzling lights that signify SM’s enduring legacy and commitment to bringing fun, awesome, and memorable malling experiences for over six decades.

SM MOA Globe

SM City North Edsa

SM MEGA Tower

SM Aura

SM Seaside City Cebu

SM Makati

Baguio Eye

SM Lanang

It’s a shopper’s paradise with Super Buy 1 Get 1 Deals

October isn’t complete without a month-long parade of super-sized deals and promos at SM Deals! Expect Buy 1 Get 1 Deals from your favorite dining, shopping and entertainment brands, extravagant discounts, exclusive bundles, and exciting freebies you can swipe to redeem in-store when you download and register on the SM Malls online app. And with a diverse range of brands and product offerings at SM, surely there’s something for everyone in everyone’s shopping paradise.

Indulge yourself with Super Treats

Fun and frenzied October awaits as SM unleashes its Super Treats! On October 15, indulge the movie buff in you as SM Cinema offers a Php 65 movie ticket deal and a Php 65 caramel popcorn combo. It’s truly a match made in cinema heaven!

From October 1 to 30, knock down pins all you want as SM Game Park and SM Bowling offer Php 65 off on unlimited bowling for one hour. For the skating aficionados, SM Skating will also be slashing off Php 65 on the all-day pass.

And for the thrill seekers, you are in for a super treat! Have a whole day of wonder and excitement with a Php 65 entrance fee at Skyranch Tagaytay for all Mondays of October until 12 noon.

Create core memories at the Super Play Spots

Gather your squad and have fun at the Super Play Spots. With well-lit, Instagrammable areas, you’ll have the perfect backdrop for your Super Month memories. These Super Play Spots promise hours of entertainment whether you’re a social media maven or simply looking for a fun day out. Check out the Super Play Spots at SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM City North Edsa, SM Aura, SM Southmall, SM City Dasmariñas, SM Seaside City Cebu, SM Cagayan Downtown Premier, SM Lanang, SM City Clark, SM City Marikina, and SM City Iloilo.

Experience the magic of SM City Marikina’s Super Play Spot’s Kaleidoscope Tunnel  – a dazzling experience for family and friends of all ages!

Take your instagrammable photos at SM Mall of Asia’s Super Play Spots.

Drive away in style at the Super Raffle Giveaway with VISA

From October 1 to November 30, eleven lucky shoppers can get a chance to drive away in style at SM’s Super Raffle Giveaway with VISA. All you need to do is to shop for a minimum single receipt purchase of Php 2,000 via tap to pay using your VISA card at participating SM Retail Stores in 75 SM Malls nationwide. Get a chance to win one of the six (6) brand-new Hyundai Stargazers and one of the five (5) brand-new Hyundai Cretas. These brand-new Hyundai cars will really make your daily commute a super experience so shop till you drop and maybe drive away with a new set of wheels!

SM’s Super Month promises to be a 65^th-anniversary celebration like no other. Don’t miss out on the super-sized deals, indulgent treats, and the chance to win big. Mark your calendars and get ready for a super malling experience at your favorite SM mall.

To stay updated for everything SUPER this October, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.

SMFI Executive Director for Health and Medical Programs hands over free medicines to beneficiaries.

SM Foundation’s medical missions are part of its commitment to providing accessible healthcare to underserved communities to help improve their overall health and enable them to contribute to the country’s development.

 Strengthening this, the social good arm of SM group recently conducted two medical missions in SM City Consolacion and San Fernando, Cebu, providing over 1120 services to residents.

In SM City Consolacion, over 590 services were provided, including blood tests, medical consultations, and dental check-ups and procedures. Beneficiaries also received free medicines and vitamins.

Free medical check-ups were provided by volunteer doctors and other medical practitioners to help relieve beneficiaries from their complaints.

In San Fernando, Cebu, over 530 residents received free medical consultations, X-rays, EGCs, blood tests, and dental procedures. The medical mission was held alongside the reopening of the San Fernando, Cebu Primary Health Facility, which was refurbished by the SM Foundation.

 Also joining SM Foundation in the social good initiatives are its partners from DMIRIE Foundation (MX3), Cebu City and San Fernando LGUs, and other partners.

Beneficiaries received free ECGs through SM Foundation’s Mobile Clinic.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) held the first-ever Tourism Pride Summit in line with the inclusive development thrust of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

The Summit held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel on September 28, 2023 gathered leading figures from the government, academe, tourism, and the LGBTQIA+ community, highlighting how government investment toward this niche market that spends around $200 billion a year can contribute significantly to the growth and development of Philippine tourism. Panel discussions are slated for promoting an inclusive and progressive tourism industry, expanding opportunities through benchmarking successful pride tourism initiatives of other countries, and the role of the creative industry in developing the LGBTQIA+ tourism market, which is projected to reach over $.5 trillion by 2030.

Secretary Frasco led the series of panel discussions, where she was joined by Congressman Christopher “Toff” de Venecia of the Fourth District of Pangasinan; Ronil Villacorta of the Philippine Financial and Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP); Regine Carmelli Reyes of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW); Atty. Regal Oliva, President of Cebu Lady Lawyers Association Inc.; Girly Gravador, owner of Cygnal Travel; and Assistant Professor Rielle Alcantara-Castro of the Asian Institute of Tourism, University of the Philippines Diliman.

Also discussed were the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ professionals and advocating for workplace and gender and development inclusivity; the unique experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals and how their travel stories can enrich the DOT’s mission to create an all-encompassing, secure, and forward-looking tourism industry; LGBTQIA+ trends as a niche market in tourism; educational programs that incorporate LGBTQIA+ awareness and sensitivity training; and policies that harness the power of tourism to promote understanding, respect, and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ travelers and tourism workers, making destinations more inviting for everyone.

“We at the Department of Tourism take pride in the enormous contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community across the tourism value chain in all of the regions of the Philippines. With the very first Tourism Pride Summit, we are responding to global trends that present massive opportunities for growth by pursuing niche markets that will create more jobs in tourism,” said Secretary Frasco.

Nilagdaan na ni Pangulong Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. ang “Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act” bilang batas. Layon nitong matugunan ang unemployment at underemployment rate sa Pilipinas. Aprubado dito ang mga netizen at agree silang magiging malaki ang tulong nito sa labor sector.

Ano ang Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act?

Tara, suriin natin yan.

September 27, 2023 pinirmahan ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. ang Republic Act 11962 o mas kilala bilang Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act.

Nakasaad sa batas na ito ang paglikha ng Trabaho Para sa Bayan Inter-Agency Council (TPB-IAC) na pamumunuan ng Director General ng National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Magiging co-chairman nito ang secretary ng Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) at Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). TPB-IAC ang gagawa ng master plan para sa employment generation at recovery ng bansa.

Through upskilling at reskilling, palalakasin ang employability at competitiveness ng mga Pilipino sa ilalim ng Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act. Susuportahan din ng batas ang micro, small, at medium enterprises (MSMEs) sa pamamagitan ng increased access sa financing at kapital na, in return, makakapagbigay ng employment para sa iba.

Sa ilalim ng nasabing batas, magbibigay ng incentives ang pamahalaan sa employers, industry stakeholders, at private partners na magfa-facilitate ng skills development, technology transfer, at knowledge sa mga negosyante at manggagawa.

Kasalukuyang maraming kinakaharap na isyu ang labor sector ng bansa gaya ng low-quality jobs, skills mismatch, underutilization ng kabataan, underemployment, pag-uupdate ng skills kasabay ng digital technologies, at iba pa.

Sa datos na inilabas ng Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) noong August 9, 2023 naipakitang mayroong employment rate na 95.5% ang bansa. Mas mataas ito kumpara sa 94% noong nakaraang taon.

Tumaas nga lang ang underemployment rate ng 15.9% ngayong taon kumpara sa 13.8% last 2022. Tumutukoy ang underemployment sa sitwasyon kung saan napipilitan ang mga manggagawa sa mga trabahong may mababang sahod na taliwas sa kanilang skills o kursong tinapos.

Bukod sa netizens, napahanga rin ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. sa pagpasa ng batas ang labor group na Federation of Free Workers (FFW). Ayon sa National Vice President na si Jun Ramirez, tamang direksyon ang hakbang na ito ng Pangulo dahil naniniwala silang hindi lang necessity kundi fundamental right ang magkaroon ng meaningful employment opportunities.

Para kay Pangulong Marcos Jr., magbibigay ang Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act ng opportunity at new chapter para magkaroon ng maayos, matatag, at marangal na trabaho ang lahat. Sa pagpasa ng batas na ito, talaga namang masasabing papunta na tayo sa Bagong Pilipinas.

Ikaw, ano ang masasabi mo sa bagong batas na Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act?