IC Design Workforce Media Roundtable “Boosting Semiconductor Industry Through Upskilling and Career Development”

Government and Private Sector Come Together to Regain PH High-Value Market Position and Reach Target 128,000 Semiconductor Engineers and Technicians By 2028. Officials from DTI/BOI, DOST-PCIEERD, industry associations, integrated circuit (IC) design companies and the academe exchange views about boosting the semiconductor industry through upskilling and career development. Present during the press briefing were (L-R) Engr. Robert James Y. Lomoton, Dean, Colegio de Muntinlupa; Dr. Alex Co Abad, Asst. Professor, Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering, Gokongwei College of Engineering, De La Salle University – Manila; Executive Director Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa, DTI-Board of Investments; Earl Qua, President, EIAPI (Electronics Industries Association of the Philippines Inc.); Dr. Dan Lachica, President, SEIPI (Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines, Inc.); Engr.  Niñaliza H. Escorial, Deputy Executive Director, DOST PCIEERD (Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development); Dr. Louis Alarcon, Head - Microelectronics Department, University of the Philippines and Director, CIDR (Center for Integrated Circuit and Devices Research and Charade Avondo, President and General Manager, Xinyx Design.

IC Design Workforce Media Roundtable is a collaborative effort involving officials from government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), and the Center for Integrated Circuits and Devices Research (CIDR). The event is also joined by industry associations, the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI) and the Electronics Industries Association of the Philippines Inc. (EIAPI), along with key academic and industry stakeholders.

WHAT IS IC?

Integrated circuits (ICs), microchips, or chips are millions, or even billions, of microscopic semiconductor devices crammed very densely into a single package.

The often-overlooked diminutive integrated circuit is the cornerstone of all our modern electronic devices and is continuously enabling advancements in computing, telecommunications, automotive, power, and other industries.

DOST INVESTMENTS ON ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY R&D

2011 to 2022 - 894M pesos to 29 projects

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM OF DOST – PCIEERD

The program aims to develop and enhance Filipino Research and Development (R&D) capabilities of academic/research institutions and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) agencies through degree programs, the conduct of research activities, and expert mobility in the industry, energy and emerging technology sectors to meet the present and future human resource requirements.

1. Visiting Expert Program

Open to institutions needing faculty members or experts from another institution wh

2. Research Attachment or Fellowship

Open to MS and PhD students, degree holders, and project staff of a DOSTPCIEERD or DOST-funded project, in the science and engineering sectors, who need to conduct their research in a host institution, including foreign universities and research institutions to avail of the host institution’s facilities and research expertise. 

3. Regional Consortia R&D Program for new researchers and institutions in the Region

The program aims to develop research capabilities and increase the available researchers, scientists and engineers in the PCIEERD priority sectors through regional consortia program. 

4. Expert Intervention for Scientific Engagement (ExpertISE) for PCIEERD Regional Consortia

The PCIEERD Expert Intervention for Scientific Engagement (ExperTISE) Program for PCIEERD Regional Consortia is a consortia development program that will be spearheaded by PCIEERD in collaboration with industry partners in the regions and DOST Regional Offices

5. Institution Development Program (IDP)

IDP aims to strengthen the capability of institutions to undertake research in S&T fields included in DOST-PCIEERD’s priority areas.

6. DOST Facilities and Lab Access Grants (FLAG)

For BS and graduate (MS/PHD) students who will conduct research projects directed towards developing emerging technologies and exploring innovations in areas such as, but not limited to, materials research, electronics and applied physics.

7. Researchers on Industry, Energy Emerging Technologies - Opening Opportunities for Learning (RIEETOOL)

RIEETOOL provides support to researchers, scientists, engineers, faculty, students, and personnel from academic, research, government, and private institutions. Training duration ranges from one week to one month for regular training and up to one year for priority and emerging fields.

Dr. Ceferino S. Rodolfo, DTI Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head

ONGOING R&D PROGRAM

Center for Integrated Circuit and Device Research (CIDR)

The Center for Integrated Circuits and Devices Research or CIDR is an innovation infrastructure that enables joint ecosystem development design to produce and maintain a critical mass of graduate-level IC designers. It is also an avenue of sharing resources between the academe, industry, and government, to reduce the risk of bringing new technologies from discovery to commercialization

DOST-PCIEERD R&D INITIATIVES 

1. Automated Emergency Ventilator (TIP-VentsForPhil)

Developed by engineers from the Technological Institute of the Philippines-Manila. This ventilator can assist patients with breathing-related illnesses, including those caused by diseases like COVID-19. 

2. Spiritus Vitae Ventilators

Developed by the engineers of Don Bosco Technical College. The design of the Don Bosco ventilator automates a manual resuscitator - the balloon that nurses squeeze during emergencies - to help people breathe when their lungs could not do it for them.

3. Breathing Simulation Machines

A breathing simulation machine developed by the ASTI and EIAPI with the same goal to provide solutions against the pandemic.

4. Neuronvent System

The project focuses on creating an emergency ventilator system based on a BVM. A BVM is a manually operated resuscitator used for patients needing respiratory assistance. The goal is to automate the BVM’s compression procedure, eliminating the need for human operators.

5. LISA Robot

LISA is a telepresence robot delivering medicine and enabling remote communication between health workers and patients. It can be easily reproduced for hospitals. UST researchers are enhancing LISA with UVC bulbs for disinfection and shelves for increased carrying capacity, suitable for hospitals and quarantine facilities.

6. Micro-C IC

We can now produce micro-C IC, a chip previously imported. MSU-IIT developed an IC chip with a microcontroller, power management, and energy harvesting units. This chip supports IoT applications for monitoring environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, pressure, and light, with a mobile app for seamless monitoring. Applications include smart buildings, agriculture, healthcare, and transportation.

7. Novel CIM Architecture

TUP researchers are developing a novel Computing in Memory (CIM) architecture using FinFET-based OTP ROM in the TSMC 16-nm CMOS process.

ESTABLISHED FACILITIES

1. Advanced Device and Materials Testing Laboratory (ADMATEL)

ADMATEL was established in December 2012 in response to the needs of the semiconductors and electronics industry in the Philippines. It provides Failure Analysis (FA) laboratories within the country. ADMATEL houses sophisticated and advanced analytical instruments for failure analysis and materials characterization.

2. Electronics Product Development Center (EPDC)

The EPDC was established to strengthen product development activities in the local electronics and semiconductor industries. The EPDC offers prototype design and fabrication of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and assemblies, as well as electronic product testing for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and product safety.

3. Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCen)

AMCen established in 2020 enhanced the country’s technological readiness, business sophistication, and innovation by focusing on additive manufacturing (commonly known as 3D printing). It serves as a collaborative research center, jointly operated by the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) and the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) under DOST.

4. Advanced Mechatronics, Robotics, and Industrial Automation Laboratory (AMERIAL)

AMERIAL serves as a complementary facility, making enabling technology-based processes accessible to various industries. It aims to be a national facility for capability development in the field mechatronics and robotics as they apply to industrial automation.

FUNDING MECHANISMS FOR CAPABILITY BUILDING

Philippine Institute for Integrated Circuits

PIIC is funded by the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOSTPCIEERD) and implemented and managed by the University of the Philippines Diliman - Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute (UPD EEEI). Its goal is to create a pool of competent professionals who can contribute to the advancement of IC technology.

WAYS FORWARD

We supported the development of the PATHS roadmap, which stands for Products, and Technology Holistic Strategy. This comprehensive plan aims to enhance the country's industrial competitiveness and ensure sustainable economic growth. It embodies DOST’s commitment to establishing the Philippines as a key player in the global electronics market, promoting the "Made in the Philippines" brand to attract endproduct manufacturers and end-users. Through our diverse strategies and R&D solutions, both now and in the future, we demonstrate our unwavering support for the sector's advocacy towards its 2030 vision.

Moving forward, there are three ways to uplift the electronics sector, 1) More Collaboration with Industry, 2) additional funds for R&D, and 3) Development of Programs for Filipino Innovators.

Industry adoption is a two-way effort between the researcher/scientist and the industry. Strengthening partnerships between academic institutions, government agencies, and private companies will foster innovation, improve knowledge transfer, and facilitate the commercialization of new technologies.

Moreso, there needs to be more funds allocated for R&D for electronics as their continuous innovation enables us to swiftly adjust to digital transformation.

And lastly, it is essential to establishing initiatives and training programs specifically for Filipino innovators that will empower them to create competitive, high-quality electronics products.

McDonald’s Now Serves McSavers Sulit Busog Meals All Day

Enjoy McSavers Sulit-Busog Meals from breakfast to dinner as McDonald's extends its offers all day long, each at a sulit price of PHP 99 in all stores nationwide.

“Since the launch of McSavers Sulit Busog Meals last April, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Building on that, customers can now enjoy the sulit price of Php99 during breakfast hours as we add two new breakfast offers in the line-up: our Cheesy Eggdesal with Hash Browns and Drink meal and Longganisa with Egg and Drink meal.” ~Yves Nacpil, McDonald’s Philippines Marketing Manager

The two new breakfast McSavers Sulit-Busog Meals join Crispy Chicken Fillet Ala King with extra rice, 1-pc. Chicken McDo, Cheeseburger with fries, and 1-pc. Mushroom Pepper Steak with fries Meals! 

With McSavers Sulit Busog Meals delivering filling meals of McDonald’s best sellers at PHP 99 in all stores nationwide, it’s always a good time to go all in on McSavers Sulit Busog Meals all day! 

About McDonald’s Philippines

McDonald’s Philippines master franchise holder Dr. George T. Yang -who oversees and sits as chairman for 40 years- founded and brought the first McDonald’s store to the country in 1981. Since then, McDonald’s in the Philippines has been a formidable player in the country’s quick-service restaurant industry, having grown a store network of over 700 nationwide. McDonald’s Philippines continues to aspire to make a difference in communities where it operates through its charity of Choice, Ronald McDonald House Charities Philippines.

League of Corporate Foundations launches LIFE initiative to target child wasting and stunting in the PH

L-R: Edric Calma, LCF Board Trustee and Vice President, Knowledge Channel Foundation; Shem Jose Garcia, LCF Vice Chairperson and Executive Director, Vivant Foundation; Elena Van Tooren, Managing Director, East West Seed Foundation; Dyan Tee, Assistant Executive Director, Metrobank Foundation; Myn Garcia, Deputy Country Representative, Asia Foundation; Jose Gabriel Dimalanta, Scaling Up Nutrition Business Network Secretariat (SUN Network); Joanna La O, Director for Strategy and Program Innovation, Jollibee Group Foundation; Ramon Derige, LCF Board Treasurer and Executive Director, SEAOIL Foundation; Hon. Jim S. Hataman-Salliman, Governor, Province of Basilan; Angie Sapitula-Evidente, Lead Manager, HAPAGASA Program, Assisi Foundation; Enrique O. Canoy, Corporate Communications Head, RMN Networks; Rina Lopez-Bautista, President and Executive Director, Knowledge Channel Foundation; Sebastian C. Quiniones, Jr., LCF Chairperson and Executive Director, Pilipinas Shell Foundation; Austere Panadero, LCF Board Trustee and President, Zuellig Family Foundation; Patrick Aurelio, CSR Officer, RMN Foundation; Suyin Lui Lee, Philippines Country Representative, Asian Philanthropy Circle; Antonio Lambino, President, Ayala Foundation.

Coinciding with the 50th year of National Nutrition Month in the Philippines, the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) has announced the LIFE initiative—which stands for LCF’s Intervention for Food Security, Nutrition, and Empowerment—at the LIFE launch held on Friday, July 5, 2024, at the CSR Expo at the Glorietta Activity Center, Glorietta Mall, Makati City.

LIFE is the League of Corporate Foundations’ flagship project moving forward into 2024 and beyond. LIFE is a League-wide effort to prevent wasting and stunting.  Stunting can have dire and lasting consequences for afflicted children—as well as Philippine society as a whole—if these concerns are not addressed. LIFE aims to decrease, if not eliminate stunting, wasting and malnutrition—one province at a time, based on the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN).

The Province of Basilan is one of the League’s first areas of focus. It will work together with the provincial government and other concerned groups to bring the program to the people of Basilan. Present at the launch was Hon. Jim S. Hataman-Salliman, the Governor of the Province of Basilan.

Stunting affects 26 per cent of Filipino children younger than 5 years. Stunted children can struggle to learn, often perform poorly in school, and may miss many days of school due to ill health. The condition is irreversible; stunted children who reach adulthood may be less healthy and less productive and can earn less than adults who were not stunted as children. Stunting results from poor nutrition of both young children and mothers-to-be, including deficiencies in the consumption of vital micronutrients such as iron and Vitamin A. 

LIFE encompasses nutrition specific interventions including supplementary feeding, micronutrient supplementation, nutrition promotion for behavior change, and nutrition during emergency situations; nutrition sensitive interventions such as a “Greenlihood Program” (provision of vegetable seedlings to target FK1D groups) and WASH interventions; and enabling mechanisms such as the establishment of a nutrition office that will undertake relevant activities such as the conduct of trainings in nutrition.

“Concerned members of the League are working to collaborate on LIFE. We also endeavor to identify, reach out to, and work with other like-minded groups, corporates and government organizations, individuals and civil society groups.“ ~Sebastian C. Quiniones, LCF Board Chairperson and Executive Director, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. 

The LIFE launch was held back-to-back with the launch of the inaugural Medal of Recognition, which upholds outstanding corporate social responsibility initiatives undertaken by organizations which are not members of LCF, and as part of the celebration of National CSR Week in the Philippines. LCF is mandated to lead the celebration of National CSR Week on the first week of July by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 299, s. 2000, including through organizing the yearly CSR Conference and Expo.

For more information please visit the LIFE microsite at bit.ly/lcflife, or contact Celine A. Santillan, LCF Executive Director, at execdirlcf@gmail.com. 

National Fried Chicken Day: All the things you need to know about your favorite chicken dish and cooking style!

Celebrating Ajinomoto’s Crispy Fry®’s 20th Anniversary

Chicken cooked in this style has made its way all over the world by simply being that “go to” dish which everybody can enjoy. From variations on the way that it’s made, to the flavorings added, to the simple yet very familiar dish, as well as ways this meal is presented, Fried Chicken, is without a doubt, a meal that everyone knows about. This National Fried Chicken Day is the perfect opportunity to know more about the rich history and global variations of a dish so well-loved.

Fried chicken can be traced back to the Middle Ages, specifically in Europe with the Scottish immigrants bringing their frying techniques to the Americas in the 18th century. Since then, many versions of this dish has been shared. From just simply frying the chicken meat, a variety of spices and herbs have now been introduced to make the traditional recipe taste better.

Fried chicken has also been adapted in various cultures worldwide. The Koreans cook their chicken by double-frying the meat and then later dipping it in sweet and spicy sauces. The Japanese karaage, on the other hand, features marinated chicken pieces covered in potato starch that has light and crispy textures. The style found in Indonesia is fried chicken called ayam goreng, where the chicken is deeply marinated in local spices. Later on, distinct versions were made including the Southern Fried Chicken with its crispy coating and juicy meat marinated in buttermilk and spices. Even fried chicken found its pair, with the dish called chicken & waffles, wherein fried chicken is served with golden waffles with syrup complementing the savory experience.

Fried chicken even became more popular globally with the rise of fast-food chains, having their own take on the comfort-giving dish that truly made everyone find their perfect and favorite fried chicken of choice. Some people even became loyal to one fast food chain because of their version of fried chicken.

This July, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) celebrates the 20th anniversary of Crispy Fry ́®, and just like the many variations of fried chicken that exists all over the world, APC has made sure that there’s one variant of Crispy Fry ́® fit for everybody’s taste.

Crispy Fry® Garlic is made with a more delicious, special blend of flour, starch, and seasoning, for those who ought to enjoy a more garlic-y flavor to their fried chicken, elevating the experience of having that crispy-sarap fried chicken in every bite. The Crispy Fry® Garlic variation is perfect for those who want that right amount of kick of heat. Truly a spicy-food lovers’ partner, this flavor is indeed fiery in all the right ways. Finally, the Crispy Fry® Garlic flavor is one that is dear to the Filipino household which you most probably would find in the cupboards of Pinoy home, waiting to be used, on-call, on-standby for all the best reasons. This product could easily make one receive compliments about their cooking; while also maintaining that home-y and original tasting recipe at home you yearn for after a long day at work.

No matter how many variations of fried chicken there may be in the world, the Filipino household can easily recognize fried chicken made with Crispy Fry®, simply because most of the customers catered by this product have grown up with it, and know how adding Crispy Fry® to their fried chicken dishes is the best option especially when you’re cooking for your family or friends, or even a whole team or barkada! National Fried Chicken Day is an important celebration for APC, given how Crispy Fry® continues to be supported by its market. 

Somehow, it is common knowledge in the Philippines that by adding this special ingredient to a fried chicken dish will make everything fall into place, regardless of if you know your ways around the kitchen or not!

APC wishes everyone a Happy National Fried Chicken Day! Wait, is that fried chicken we smell and hear sizzling in oil ready to give you that crispy-sarap bite?

The Ajinomoto Group is a global company with specialties in the business of food and amino acids, guided by our leading-edge bioscience and fine chemical technologies.

Based on the corporate message “Eat Well, Live Well.”, we have been scientifically pursuing the possibilities of amino acids in supporting the healthy lives of people all around the world. We aim for future growth and continuous contribution to greater wellness by creating value through sustainable and innovative solutions for communities and society.

The Ajinomoto Group has offices in 36 countries and regions, and sells products in more than 130 countries and regions. In fiscal 2021, sales were 1.1149 trillion yen (8.73 billion U.S. dollars). To learn more, visit www.ajinomoto.com.

New Kitchen Magic Sphagetti Sauce Launches with Philippines King of Talk, Tito Boy Abunda as Celebrity Endorser

Kitchen Magic Spaghetti Sauce launches in the Philippine market today with a commitment to food excellence and flavorful innovations. The brand is thrilled to also introduce Tito Boy Abunda as the celebrity endorser who shares about how Kitchen Magic Spaghetti Sauce will become a new household name that will deliver unparalleled food taste and quality through spaghetti dishes and Filipino favorites such as the Mechado, Afritada, Kaldereta, Menudo, Pochero, and many more. The variety Kitchen Magic Spaghetti Sauce is capable of bringing to Filipino homes is endless, hence the expression that it is projected to bring to everyone…”SuuusSarap!” 

“As someone who appreciates good food, I am truly excited to be part of this milestone with the Kitchen Magic Spaghetti Sauce Family. Sa unang tikim ko pa lang, alam ko na agad, ito ang bagong spaghetti sauce #ParaSaBayan. Their spaghetti sauce is more than just a special mix of naturally sourced ingredients, it is made with love, it is made for the Filipino’s taste—and will surely transform ordinary meals beyond just spaghetti, into extraordinary experiences.” ~Tito Boy Abunda, Celebrity Endorse of Kitchen Magic Spaghetti Sauce

Kitchen Magic Spaghetti Sauce’s culinary team has meticulously sourced and brought together the finest ingredients, ensuring that each pack will deliver a symphony of taste that will delight moms, dads, kuyas, ates, lolos and lolas, food enthusiasts, home cooks and food professionals alike. Not only that, but the product is also naturally rich in Lycopene and is Halal-certified to ensure that everyone can have a taste of this sauce in their meals. 

“We are all excited for every household in the Philippines to get a taste of what Kitchen Magic Spaghetti Sauce has to offer. It took us many months to get us to where we are today, and we are sure that this is the Spaghetti Sauce that Filipinos are looking for, and we are working hard to get this to as many kitchens in the Philippines as possible.” ~Ron Ferrer, Marketing Head of Kitchen Magic Spaghetti Sauce 

In partnership with All Day Supermarkets, Kitchen Magic Spaghetti Sauce will be available in their select stores nationwide. 

As part of the launch, news and updates about Kitchen Magic Spaghetti Sauce can be found in their Facebook and TikTok Pages.

Jollibee Group Reinforces Global Food Safety Standards and Practices

National Sanitation Foundation APAC Managing Director Jyoti Bhasin said food safety is a collective responsibility that requires transparency, commitment, consistency, and communication. Through collaboration, individuals and organizations can improve their problem-solving capabilities, enhance communication processes, and develop consistent food safety standards.

As part of its commitment to serving food that people trust and harnessing a culture of food safety across its global operations and supply chain, the Jollibee Group has reinforced its global food safety standards and practices coinciding with the celebration of World Food Safety Day (WFSD) last June 7, 2024. 

This year’s WFSD, aptly themed, “Food safety: prepare for the unexpected,” underscores the importance of being prepared for food safety incidents where there is a potential or confirmed health risk associated with food consumption. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in ten people worldwide fall ill from unsafe food each year, and over 200 diseases are caused by eating contaminated food. 

“We have always believed in harnessing the collaborative power of our employees, partners, and stakeholders in advocating and adopting solutions that enhance food safety in our organization. We hope to nurture these commitments further. With programs that center on proper labeling, minimizing food waste and loss, as well as food security, we aim to raise awareness on food safety issues that affect not just our stores but also the entire enterprise. Food safety has always been Jollibee Group’s anchor in serving great-tasting food and maintaining customer satisfaction. The Company will continue building on its strong foundation of food safety and quality practices to live its mission of bringing the joy of eating to everyone––now and in the future. To all our JFC colleagues, may our collective efforts pave the way for a resilient and sustainable future, where both our plates and the planet thrive harmoniously.” ~Wally Mateo, Jollibee Group Vice President and Head of Global Quality Management

Commitment to Food Safety. As part of its commemoration of World Food Safety Day celebration in June, the Jollibee Group extended its promotion of food safety standards to its customers through food safety stickers that its brands like Jollibee in the Philippines, Vietnam, and UAE, Tim Ho Wan and Yonghe King in China, placed on delivery orders. The sticker included a scannable QR code that links to the Company’s commitment to food safety.

Jollibee Group Vice President and Head of Global Quality Management Wally Mateo emphasized the importance of collaboration in promoting a culture of food safety.

Cultivating consciousness on food safety standards

The Jollibee Group centered its 2024 WFSD celebration on three focus areas, namely Food Safety, Food Quality, and Transparency & Traceability. These focus areas are guided by the Company’s global sustainability agenda, called Joy for Tomorrow. One of the three pillars under Joy for Tomorrow is on Food––to ensure the Company continues to serve food that people trust. 

Last June 3, the Jollibee Group organized a webinar led by BioMedix Founder and CEO Dr. Claver E. Bundac and National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Asia-Pacific (APAC) Managing Director Jyoti Bhasin. 

BioMedix is a biotech manufacturing and distribution company that specializes in food safety testing systems, while NSF is an independent organization that facilitates standards development, product certification, testing, auditing, education, and risk management for public health and the environment. 

The webinar was attended by over 1,800 participants from Jollibee Group operations and support functions, and global suppliers. The resource experts shared insights on sustainable practices and technologies in food processing and the importance of collaboration in mitigating food safety issues. 

During the webinar, Biomedix Founder and CEO Dr. Claver Bundac (top right frame) emphasized the importance of sustainability in food processing to ensure a safe and viable future for subsequent generations. The WFSD activities were organized by the Global Quality Management Team led by Wally Mateo, Vice President and Head of Global QM (bottom center).

Dr. Bundac of BioMedix emphasized the need to integrate sustainable practices in food processing and business operations to ensure a safe and viable future for subsequent generations. For her part, Director Bhasin of NSF APAC talked about how collaboration among enterprises, authorities, and consumers is crucial in enhancing food safety protocols, overcoming challenges, and reducing food safety risks. 

The Jollibee Group has also released an instructional video to its operations teams on the enhanced Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) requirements, integrating the clean design standards for the Jollibee Group’s new stores. 

The brands of the Jollibee Group in the Philippines, China, and Europe, Middle East, Asia, and Australia (EMEAA) Regions also handed out delivery safety seal stickers with a scannable QR code that contains short information on WFSD and the Company’s commitment to global food safety standards. 

About Jollibee Group 

Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC, also known as Jollibee Group) is one of the fastest-growing restaurant companies in the world. Its mission is to serve great-tasting food and bring the joy of eating to everyone through its 18 brands with over 6,900 stores across 33 countries. 

The Jollibee Group has eight wholly owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger); four franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, and Yoshinoya in the Philippines, and Tim Ho Wan in certain territories in China); 80% ownership of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf; 60% ownership in the SuperFoods Group that owns Highlands Coffee; and 51% ownership of Milksha, a popular Taiwanese bubble tea brand. JFC also has a business venture with award-winning Chef Rick Bayless for Tortazo, a Mexican fast-casual restaurant business in the United States.

The Jollibee Group, through its subsidiary Jollibee Worldwide Pte. Ltd. (JWPL) owns 92% participating interest in Titan Dining LP, a private equity fund that owns the Tim Ho Wan brand. The Jollibee Group has a joint venture with the THW Group to open and operate THW restaurants in Mainland China. The Company also established a joint venture company that will own and operate Tiong Bahru Bakery and Common Man Coffee Roasters in the Philippines. Recently, the Jollibee Group signed agreements to own 10% ownership in Botrista, a leader in the beverage technology space. The Company also owns a 90% participating interest in Titan Dining Partners II Ltd to further grow Asia Pacific food service brands and/or bring strong global food service brands to Asia Pacific.

The Jollibee Group has launched its global sustainability agenda dubbed Joy for Tomorrow, which aims to strengthen the Company’s commitment to sustainable business practices. The agenda centers on the key pillars of Food, People, and Planet, and consists of 10 focus areas namely: food safety, food quality, nutrition & transparency, employee welfare, farmers livelihood, community support, good governance, packaging & recycling, waste reduction, and energy & water efficiency. Each focus area sets goals and initiatives that contribute and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

The Jollibee Group was named the Philippines' Most Admired Company by the Asian Wall Street Journal for ten years. It was also honored as one of Asia's Fab 50 Companies and among the World's Best Employers and World’s Top Female-Friendly Companies by Forbes. The Company is also a three-time recipient of Gallup’s Exceptional Workplace Award and was recently cited in TIME’s List of the World’s Best Companies and Fortune Southeast Asia 500 List. 

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com

Exciting New Stores to Explore at SM

SM City Grand Central and SM City Valenzuela are elevating the shopping experience with the launch of exciting new store concepts, providing shoppers with more options and a thrilling shopping adventure.

CLN

For those who understand the importance of good shoes and bags, CLN at SM City Valenzuela is a must-visit. This local footwear brand, a household name for the past 50 years, is renowned for providing stylish, high-quality footwear and bags that are both fashionable and affordable. 

The new store at the ground floor of SM City Valenzuela continues CLN's tradition of delivering fashion-forward products that don’t break the bank. Shoppers are invited to check out the latest collections and enjoy the timeless appeal of CLN’s offerings.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore these exciting new stores at SM City Grand Central and SM City Valenzuela. Whether it's the aromatic delights of Scentsmith Perfumery or the stylish essentials from CLN, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Visit today and elevate your shopping experience!

SCENTSMITH PERFUMERY

Scentsmith Perfumery, located on the 2nd  floor of SM City Grand Central, offers an olfactory experience that transcends the sense of smell. The perfumery is dedicated to harnessing the positive effects of aromas on human emotions and behaviors. Scentsmith's mission is to promote physical and psychological well-being through carefully crafted scents that evoke relaxation, exhilaration, sensuality, happiness, and fulfillment.

Scentsmith Perfumery prides itself on using safe, premium-quality ingredients sourced from nature. Their products, which include body lotions, washes, oils, shampoos, conditioners, hand washes, aroma mists, reed diffusers, candles, and loo drops, are all formulated without harmful chemicals, adhering to international safety and efficacy standards.