AXA Philippines recognized for protecting MSMEs

Dally Dalisay, Senior Relationship Manager of AXA Philippines (left), receives a plaque of appreciation from Dr. Alexander Jaeger, Program Director of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit’s (GIZ) Regulatory Framework Promotion of Pro-poor Insurance Markets in Asia (GIZ RFPI Asia) (right).

AXA Philippines was recently recognized by its partner Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) during the latter’s Regulatory Framework Promotion of Pro-poor Insurance Markets in Asia (RFPI) Closing Ceremony held at the New Coast Hotel in Manila.

Through GIZ RFPI, AXA was lauded for its development of MicroBiz Protek Jr., a property microinsurance product designed for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in partnership with Cebuana Lhuillier. It insures microenterprises against calamities and provides coverage for burglary and robbery. The product also offers emergency assistance available in the Emma by AXA PH mobile app, which gives users free access to services such as ambulance, roadside, fire, and police assistance, while policyholders can pay their premiums through the app, among other things.

EastWest Ageas Insurance: Marked growth in the time of Covid

EastWest Ageas Insurance has posted tremendous growth over the last two years, despite the global pandemic threat.

In just over six years, EastWest Ageas has protected the lives of over 250,000 Filipinos across the country. The company began operations in 2016 with only five insurance solutions, including its Group Mortgage Redemption Insurance (MRI). It now has 13 financial solutions that help Filipinos live their best lives today.

Over the past two years, EastWest Ageas has been the fastest-growing insurance firm among the top 15 insurers in Annual Premium Equivalent (APE). According to the Insurance Commission’s Life Insurance Sector Quarterly Statistics, it has grown by 35% over the same period last year and is now the tenth largest insurer in terms of APE.

UBX appoints digital transformation and A.I. expert Mario Domingo as new global CTO

UBX, the leading open finance platform in the Philippines, has appointed digital transformation and artificial intelligence expert Mario Domingo as its new Global Chief Technology Officer.

With over three decades of experience under his belt, Domingo is one of the most successful digital transformation executives in the Asia Pacific Region, having played multiple roles in various organizations in Asia and the US. 

Domingo is now responsible for the management of product development and technology services at UBX and will spearhead the company’s platform and ecosystem development initiatives.

“Innovation is at the core of UBX’s existence. Domingo’s vast exposure to and experience in technology will certainly complement and strengthen our continuous pursuit for innovation to promote financial and social inclusion,” UBX President John Januszczak said. 

Allianz PNB Life, Xavier School, and the Tzu Chi Foundation partner together for a cleaner environment

As a champion for sustainability, Allianz PNB Life teamed up with Xavier School and the Tzu Chi Foundation in a recycling activity that encouraged students to reduce and recycle the clutter in their homes and make proper waste disposal a lifelong habit. More than 15,000 kilos of recyclable material were collected for reuse or responsible disposal during the four-week period. 

See a video documenting the clean-up efforts here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJnJuR2XNZ8

Xavier School President, Fr. Aristotle Dy, S.J., said, “Waste management is one of the most basic practices that needs to be pushed in a big way.” He tied this to the lesson of the church and the Jesuits that we must take care of God’s creations as they are a gift to mankind. “This recycling activity proposed by Allianz PNB Life was very timely in light of the transition to the need for a cleaner post-pandemic world.” 

AXA Philippines and M2 Insurance offer best value car protection for Toyota customers

AXA Philippines and M2 Insurance Agency Inc. (M2IA) inked a partnership last October 18, 2022 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in BGC to provide a comprehensive insurance program to Toyota vehicle owners and employees. (L-R) AXA Philippines Head of Dealers and Partnerships AXA Johanna Janeo; AXA Philippines Chief of Commercial Business Rose Musico; AXA Philippines CEO In-Charge and Chief Financial Officer Gael Lapie; President of Toyota Pasong Tamo (TPT), Toyota Global City (TGC), Toyota Angeles, Pampanga (TAP), and M2IA Alex Macapagal; Toyota Pasong Tamo and Toyota Global City Executive Vice President & Chief Planning Officer  Eiichi Fukuda; TPT, TGC, TAP, and M2IA Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Emmanuel Sarte; and Executive Vice President & Chief Finance Officer of TPT, TGC, TAP, and Chief Operating Officer of M2IA, Johann Sale.

The Asian Banker recognizes UnionBank as 3-time Best Retail Bank in the Philippines and Best Digital Banking Services in the Philippines

Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) received two major awards at The Asian Banker Excellence in Retail Financial Services and Technology Innovation Awards 2022, the most rigorous, prestigious, and transparent country level award programme for consumer financial services and technology in the Philippines, at its first in-person event held at the Ballroom of Fairmont Makati.

Best Retail Bank in the Philippines

For ‘demonstrating a long-term, sustainable, profitable franchise with customers as its core proposition,’ The Asian Banker awarded UnionBank as the Best Retail Bank in the Philippines for the third consecutive year. 

Based on The Asian Banker’s research, UnionBank ‘sustained above-industry performance despite setbacks brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

UnionBank Techs Up with Globe Fleet Management Solutions

Partnership to promote better efficiency, personnel productivity in company managed vehicles.

UnionBank is known for bringing digital banking innovations that have an immediate impact to clients. On the back-end of things operational and technical innovations that ultimately benefit the clients are also what the bank constantly works on.  Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) has tapped Globe Business for a partnership that will help the Bank in making the operation of their vehicles more efficient. The partnership was made official through a contract signing ceremony that took place last November 16 at the UnionBank Plaza in Pasig City.

PA Properties commits to contribute in PH govt’s efforts to curb housing backlog from reaching 10-M

Laguna-based property developer P.A. Alvarez Properties and Development Corporation (P.A. Properties) dedicates itself to be a partner of the government in its efforts to curb the country’s housing backlog that is now at 6.5 million units. Recently, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) reported that it could reach the 10-million mark by the end of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s term if not addressed properly.

For the country’s backlogs to ease slowly, the government would need to produce at least 1 million units. To add, the current program budget only supports about 17 percent of the country’s housing needs and housing production.

UnionBank raised $358 million in syndicated loan facility

Union Bank of the Philippines (“UnionBank”) has successfully tapped the syndicated bank market through a $358 million 3-year syndicated loan facility. Despite prevailing market uncertainty and volatility, UnionBank’s syndicated financing was well-received with an overwhelming response during syndication, attracting 15 lenders. The facility was upsized to $358 million, or almost 2.5 times the original launch size of $150 million. 

The proceeds will be used to refinance its maturing USD loan and existing USD bonds, and fund its general corporate purposes.