Angkas Thanksgiving Concert packed by 15,000 people!

ANGKAS GETS MASSIVE SUPPORT FROM COMMUTERS, LAWMAKERS, CELEBS, VARIOUS GROUPS

Yesterday, December 22, 2017 Angkas held a Free Thanksgiving concert at the Quezon City Memorial Circle. Before the concert began an intimate presscon which comprises of TV networks, journalist and Online bloggers with  Angkas Operations Head Mr. David Medrana and  Angkas Head of Regulatory and Public Affairs Mr. .George Reyoca . They are happy to announce that people around the Metro was behind their clean intentions of making the riding public more safety and have more convenient kind of motorcycle service.

Popular app-based ride-hailing service Angkas has been getting overwhelming support from commuters, lawmakers, government officials, celebrities, and various other groups in light of the recent TRO issued by the Supreme Court in favor of the LTFRB.

The massive support that Angkas has been getting was evident in a free concert that the ride-hailing service held last Saturday at the Quezon City Circle main stage. Thousands of people--all Angkas customers and supporters--went to the free concert that featured top celebrities such as Nadine Lustre, Sam Concepcion, Hale, Ella Cruz, Shanti Dope, Mayonnaise, Quest, Ex Battalion, Gab Valenciano, and Andrew E.

In short videos shown during the concert, other prominent stars expressed their support for Angkas including Dingdong Dantes, Yassi Presman, Matteo Guidicelli, Tim Yap, Rovilson Fernandez, Marc Nelson, Phoemela Barranda, Kim Atienza, Myrtle Sarasa, Sabbie Rodriguez, Shawn Yao, Fabio Ide, and Jinno Rufino.  The said concert was jam packed by  members and non members estimated 15,000 .
Lawmakers and government officials threw in their support for Angkas.  Congressmen Winston Castelo, Cristal Bagatsing, Rodel Batocabe, Johnny T. Pimental, Xavier Jesus Romualdo, and Cebu Mayor Tomas Osmeña all issued statements in favor of the continued operation of Angkas considering the sorry state of mass transport in the country today and the benefits that the service has been providing local commuters.

“Government is supposed to make the people’s lives better, not worse. Angkas was a cleaner, safer version of what is the only practical mode of transportation for many Cebuanos, especially those who live in remote barangays,” Osmeña said in a news interview.
Former LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez reiterated in his post that Angkas should be allowed to operate and that the LTFRB and the DOTr have the power to legitimize and regulate the ride-hailing service.

Congressman Castelo, Chairman of the House Committee on Metro Manila Development, likewise urged the DOTr to allow Angkas to continue its operation for the sake of public interests.
In a recent statement, Castelo said the DOTr can issue a Department Order to allow Angkas’ ride-hailing operations in the same manner that transportation network companies (TNC) or transport network vehicle services (TNVS) like Grab were allowed to do so.

“A mere DO can suffice to lessen the suffering of the commuting public. DOTr should realize this. If they cannot provide efficient and reliable mass transportation system as they are mandated to do, they should at least be creative and use modern technology. We should not be technical and legalistic on this while millions of Filipinos are suffering from traffic and losing PHP2 billion in lost opportunities,” Castelo said.

Rep. Johnny T. Pimentel of Surigao del Sur, in turn, decried the timing of the SC order. “Actually, the TRO is only temporary, however, the timing is not right considering the Christmas rush. Many commuters are having a hard time getting a ride. This will again be a big burden to our traveling public,” Pimentel said in a news report.

The Mobility Coalition, an alliance of organizations supporting commuter welfare, also recently issued a statement supporting Angkas. In the statement, the group said that they are disheartened by the recent Supreme Court decision and declared their support of the "regulation of motorcycle taxis as a public transport option"

The online community was abuzz with tremendous support for Angkas, acknowledging the help that the ride-hailing app has given commuters like them.  In fact, the hashtag #SaveAngkas has trended on Twitter recently, and most tweets have been in support of moves to allow the operation of Angkas and to work for its regulation.

Moreover, around 130,000 netizens have signed an online petition calling on the government to “Save Angkas” and regulate motorcycle taxis instead of prohibiting them from operating. The number of signatories continue to increase for the change.org petition.

“We have received tremendous support from our customers and from the general public and we are truly grateful about this,” noted George Royeca, Angkas head of Regulatory and Public Affairs. “Rest assured that we will do our best to come up with a course of action that's within the bounds of law so that we can once again serve the Filipino commuters," he added.

Without the legitimate Angkas ride-hailing service, passengers are forced to use underground habal-habal services, according to Angkas Operations Head David Medrana.

"These habal-habals are riskier for our commuters because many of these bikers have no drivers' licenses, have had no training in proper motorcycle safety procedures and proper motorcycle regulations, and offer no insurance at all," he added.

The LTFRB continues to insist that motorcycles are unfit for passenger transport due to safety issues. Angkas officials stress, however, that the LTFRB has consistently ignored Angkas' safety record as well as proof of the precautions it takes to ensure passenger safety, including biker training and assessment, quality helmets, and accident insurance.

Angkas' safety record currently stands at 99.997%, above and beyond the rates cited by government agencies to claim otherwise. “Our safety record is a testament not only to the viability of using motorcycles for safe passenger services, but also of the massive improvements that a single committed organization can make to professionalize an industry,” stressed Royeca.

The Angkas petition can be found on this link: https://www.change.org/p/ltfrb-saveangkas-and-support-the-regulation-of-motorcycle-taxis-in-the-philippines.

ANGKAS COMPLIES WITH SC TRO ANGKAS RIDERS JOIN UNITY RIDE TO DECRY GOV'T DISCRIMINATION

Yesterday, Angkas and the Bikers group had their unity ride asking for the Supreme court and LTFRB to make them legal . During the press launch they are very much willing to undergo certain rules that would make them more reliable and undergo measures on every member in order to lessen and or minimize such road accidents, cause of crimes ECT.

Around a thousand Angkas riders, who suddenly found themselves at the receiving end of LTFRB apprehensions, joined a massive Unity Ride this Sunday as they decry the LTFRB's continued drive to shut down their operations permanently.

The Unity Ride, which denounced government discrimination of motorcycle riders, saw around 2,000 bikers from different motorcycle clubs in Metro Manila and nearby provinces going from the Kalayaan Shrine on EDSA, heading northward towards Centris near Quezon Avenue, then making a U-turn to head back to the Kalayaan Shrine.

The Angkas riders have been airing their frustration over not being able to serve the commuters and earn a living, in the light of a recent Supreme Court Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) junking a previous RTC injunction that prevented the LTFRB from apprehending Angkas riders.

Angkas officials, on the other hand, clarified that they are not in defiance of the SC TRO, despite their frustration over its issuance.

"We are will and continue to comply with the Supreme Court TRO" Angkas Head of Regulatory and Public Affairs George Royeca clarified.
"As such, we will not prevent the LTFRB from apprehending our bikers and have instructed them to comply with the authorities should they be apprehended and always be courteous and respectful of the officers."

Royeca also revealed that Angkas officials have been reaching out to DOTR and LTFRB for an open dialogue with them to find solutions for the Filipino riding public.
"Using various media channels, the LTFRB has made clear its intent to crack down on Angkas bikers, citing a very narrow interpretation of the law. Yet we have on various occasions presented the LTFRB with different options to move forward together," Royeca noted. "We have always believed that regulation, not prohibition, is key," he added.

Because of the apprehensions initiated by the LTFRB, many of the Angkas bikers are scared of going out and taking rides from commuters. "This has put around 25,000 0f our rider-partners out of a decent livelihood, and during the holiday season, too, when their families need their income the most," David Medrana, Angkas Operations Head, stressed.
"It is also unfortunate that the Supreme Court issued the TRO at a time when hundreds of thousands of commuters need the Angkas service to beat the worsening holiday traffic," Medrana rued.

Angkas rider-partner Romeo Maglungsod, Chairman of Solid Manila Riders Club, denounced the harassment of the LTFRB and decried his sudden loss of livelihood. "Napakasakit po ng nangyari sa amin. Sa isang iglap, bigla na lang kaming nawalan ng hanapbuhay," Maglungsod said.
"Hindi man lang kami nabigyan ng abiso. Biglang-bigla. Kung kelan magpa-Pasko, saka pa kami natanggalan ng disenteng kabuhayan. Ang saklap naman ng aginaldo ng LTFRB," Maglungsod added.

The LTFRB has been claiming that they are doing this because of safety reasons," Medrana also noted. "But, we are proud to say that Angkas has a safety record of 99.997%—considering all our rider-partners and all their trips. This is much higher than the safety record of all non-Angkas motorcycle riders in the country and proves how serious we are in our commitment to the safety of our riders and their passengers," he revealed.

Innovative fishball maker from Bulacan named top winner of 2018 Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards

An entrepreneur’s innate ability to fish deep for innovative ideas to propel his fishball-making business to success earned him the top spot in the 2018 Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards (CMA), a program funded by the Citi Foundation and hosted in partnership with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc (MCPI).

The CMA is a signature initiative of the Citi Foundation aimed at generating economic opportunities for low-income people, including youth, around the globe. The awards program provides entrepreneurs with resources to strengthen their business, including access to networks, capital, tools and training; and enables individuals to create economic sustainability for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Erwin Ramos, who turns bidbid fish into fishballs and other processed products, was presented the CMA Microentrepreneur of the Year award in ceremonies held at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex, Manila.

Ramos was joined by other awardees: Maria Elena Estadola, nito handicrafts business owner, Regional Awardee for Luzon; Rosario Amoroto, calamansi processing business owner, Regional Awardee for Visayas; Arnold Viado, balut producer, Regional Awardee for Mindanao; and Mary Grace Bayalas, midwife and owner of a birthing home, Youth Microentrepreneur of the Year.

The Special Award for Agri Micro-business was given to two equally deserving winners this year: Estrella Balnao, a coffee farmer and producer; and Romeo Ponio, a corn and vegetable farmer. The Special Award for Community Leadership went to Jessette Oquendo, owner of a pasalubong (souvenir) center for Palawan crafts; while Marisa Ganding, a spa and wellness center owner, received the Special Award for Startup Micro-business.

During the launch of the 2018 CMA, BSP governor Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr. pointed out that "It is only appropriate that we continue to showcase truly inspiring success stories of our microentrepreneurs. Since its creation in 2002, the CMA program has served as a vehicle to encourage other aspiring microentrepreneurs nationwide and to spread the message that through the value and nobility of hard work, anything is possible.” He added that “our partnership with MCPI and Citi Foundation is a significant contribution to the BSP's Continuity Plus-Plus Agenda - one aspect of which is ensuring that our financial system is inclusive and leaves no one behind."     

“We are honored to recognize and celebrate successful entrepreneurs whose perseverance, determination and conviction to pursue their dreams serves as an inspiration to others. These outstanding entrepreneurs have made a difference for their families and now serve as catalysts to encourage and motivate other entrepreneurs to follow in their footsteps.  Citi Philippines is dedicated to supporting financial inclusion initiatives that help Filipinos achieve financial independence and enable them to make a contribution to their communities,” said Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed.

In 2011, Ramos, together with his wife Lanie, experimented with the use of bidbid fish—considered a nuisance in bangus fishponds—as base ingredient for fishballs. In time, they ventured into dried fish processing and fish chicharon (crispy skin)-making. An initial loan of PhP5,000 from UPLIFT Philippines, Inc. helped Ramos launch their own brand, Erwin and Lanie’s Fishball. His production facility in Paombong, Bulacan churns out freshly made fishballs and other products on a daily basis. No part of the bidbid fish goes to waste; even the innards are used as feeds in prawn farms. To this day, Ramos continues to make product innovations while relentlessly marketing his products to clients in person.

This year’s winners received close to PhP2 million in cash and non-cash prizes that include life and health insurance coverage for one year; laptops and IT training; and grassroots entrepreneurship training at the Citi Microenterprise Development Center, another Citi Foundation program in partnership with Bayan Academy. The winners will also be highlighted during celebratory town halls in their respective hometowns after the awarding ceremony.

The National Selection Committee (NSC) that chose this year’s winners is composed of Gov. Espenilla and Mr. Ahmed as co-chair; with members Mr. Jose Ma. A. Concepcion III, president and CEO, RFM Corporation; Ms. Teresita T. Sy-Coson, vice chairperson, SM Investments Corporation; Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, chairman and CEO, GMA Network, Inc.; Hon. Ramon M. Lopez, secretary, Department of Trade and Industry; Ms. Mary Ann M. Montemayor, Mindanao Private Sector representative, National MSME Development Council; Ms. Imelda M. Nicolas, president, Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran; Ms. Marixi Rufino-Prieto, former chair, the Philippine Daily Inquirer; Dr. Michael L. Tan, chancellor, University of the Philippines Diliman; Mr. Orlando B. Vea, president, Voyager Innovations, Inc.; and Mr. Fernando Zobel de Ayala, president, Ayala Corporation.

CMA is now on its 16th year of recognizing outstanding microentrepreneurs across the Philippines. Through the years, this awards program has highlighted the efforts of multiple stakeholders working together to strengthen microfinance and enterprise development, and financial inclusion in the country. CMA has given recognition to over one hundred microentrepreneurs across the country, including youth microentrepreneurs and those with notable contributions in community leadership, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.

1CISP AMONG TOP 10 FASTEST GROWING COOP INSURERS IN THE WORLD Local coop insurer breaches P2B in assets for Q3

The 1Cooperative Insurance System of the Philippines (1CISP), the largest cooperative insurance organization in the country, is one of the 10 fastest-growing insurance cooperatives in the world, based on the prestigious International Cooperative and Mutual Insurance Federation’s (ICMIF) 2018 rankings. 

This signifies that we as a citizen of this country  the middle class and most specially the poor sector of our society  needs to be educated that we just have to be a part of their list of accredited cooperative and have our whole family be protected by an insurance that they have prepared in whatever kind of status you may be,  will be covered on health,  life insurance and memorial plans .

1CISP President and CEO Roy S. Miclat revealed this achievement during a press briefing held at the Romulo Cafe in Makati City last December .4, 2018.

Published last November 20, ICMIF’s Key Statistics Report surveyed its largest and fastest-growing members across product and regional lines, with 1CISP among the top performers, placing 8th for fastest-growing life insurers, and 17th overall for emerging markets, at a 23.8% premium growth from 2016-2017.

Out of ICMIF’s network comprised of 197 members worldwide, 1CISP is among only a handful of Asia-based members with growth stacking up against the international rankings.

He further explains that their existence on the Insurance was such a great task and achievement they have done as an institution . Their employees  also benefited with the business they have had with it. As an example he mentioned that their messenger is receiving an above minimum and the raise of income is computed higher than the GDP or the economic situation of the country. 

“ICMIF is one of the industry benchmarks we hold ourselves to, as the only global representative body of the cooperative and mutual insurance sector," Miclat shared. "And their 2018 report validates the sustained momentum 1CISP has achieved,” he added.

Miclat also announced that 1CISP breached the 2-billion-peso mark in terms of total assets in the third quarter of the year. The insurance cooperative registered total assets of Php2.04 billion as of end-September 2018, a huge 50% growth from the Php1.36-billion asset level in the same period last year.

With this asset surge, 1CISP has outpaced the 18-20% overall growth of the local insurance industry, according to Miclat.

“1CISP, in comparison to corporate insurance counterparts, is growing at a remarkable rate, and believe it or not, this is not an isolated phenomenon in the country. It is a lot more common across the world than previously thought, with a precedent since 2007,” said Miclat, citing the ICMIF outline of industry trends.

Based on ICMIF analysis over a ten-year period (2007-2017), ICMIF members not only experienced exponential growth, but also outperformed the overall insurance industry average, including non-cooperative insurers. The Key Statistics Report outlines, “ICMIF members have grown at a significantly faster aggregate rate than the global insurance market as a whole. During this 10-year period, ICMIF members increased their collective premium volume by 39.3%, considerably greater than the total market average, which grew by a total of 16.8%.”

“These numbers speak for themselves and support 1CISP’s mission—a prosperous Philippines is a cooperative Philippines," Miclat stressed. "While we take pride in reaching greater heights together with our peers in cooperative insurance, we are even happier that cooperatives are getting the credit they deserve,” he added.

Miclat also gave an overview of 1CISP’s 2019 business forecast, projecting an upward trajectory in the wake of their 2-billion asset milestone. “Cooperatives have been succeeding away from the limelight all this time, but our time to shine is now. We want to show everyone that Philippine cooperatives are making their mark both here and on the world stage, as globally-competitive organizations,” he concluded.

This comes as 1CISP is injecting new vigor into the local cooperative movement through initiatives such as the 1Koop Leaders Academy, an upskilling training program for future cooperative leaders; and the Coop Kicks, a contest for young innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas on cooperative ventures. Launched at the 14th National Cooperative Summit in Davao City last October 3-5, these programs were officially kicked off, with 1CISP set to host in 2019 a tri-city HR Summit to modernize the cooperative enterprise, and a youth pitch fest, respectively. 

1CISP is also sending a delegation to the biennial ICMIF Asia and Oceania Association (AOS) Seminar 2018 on December 6-7, in Hong Kong. Slated to speak and interact with the youth, Miclat, with other cooperative insurance heads, will lead the Morning Meeting by CEOs and Young Attendees.

Tackling the theme “Impact of Digital Innovation,” the AOS is a forum for exchanging invaluable insights, with 1CISP representing the Philippines as the champion for tech-adoption among coops and engaging the youth.

Maxicare launches new Primary Care Center in Ortigas

Maxicare Healthcare Corporation, the country’s leading healthcare provider, opens its newest Primary Care Center at Bridgetowne in Ortigas, to give members living and working in the area convenient access to the most relaxing healthcare experience through top notch doctors and amenities.

“Maxicare PCCs were put together with patients’ convenience in mind. Through the launch of our latest PCC here in Ortigas, we bring Maxicare’s signature reliable healthcare service closer to our members in the Eastern side of Metro Manila. Now, they don’t have to travel far to avail of their Maxicare privileges and benefits,” said Maxicare president & CEO Christian Argos.

At the new Maxicare PCC in Ortigas, members can get the Maxicare VIP treatment and quality healthcare. The cozy waiting lounge offers a refreshing beverage bar, free WIFI access, and charging stations. Members may also sit back and relax as they get attended to in just an average of a 6-minute waiting time.

Each Maxicare PCC is staffed with well-trained customer care representatives, certified healthcare professionals and Primary Care physicians who specialize in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, OB Gynecology, ENT, and Dermatology.

Other services available at the new PCC include various lab tests and diagnostic procedures supported by e-medical records for a seamless processing, among others.

The newest Maxicare Primary Care Center is located at 2F Zeta Tower, Bridgetowne IT Park C5 corner Ortigas Avenue Extension, Quezon City.

Maxicare has 12 Primary Care Centers including affiliate clinic MyHealth. These PCCs are located at Asian Hospital & Medical Center; Chinese General Hospital; Filomena Building, Makati; Makati Medical Center; St. Luke’s Medical Center, Global City; St. Luke's Medical Center, Quezon City; The Medical City; MyHealth Clinic, Edsa Shangri-La; MyHealth Clinic, Festival Supermall; MyHealth Clinic, North EDSA; MyHealth Clinic, Calamba; and MyHealth Clinic, Cebu.

For more information, visit www.maxicare.com.ph.

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Maxicare Healthcare Corporation: One of the pioneers in the health maintenance organization (HMO) industry was established in 1987 by an esteemed group of doctors and businessmen with the vision to deliver a better healthcare system. Three decades later, Maxicare has progressed into becoming the No. 1 HMO* in the country, continuously providing comprehensive healthcare programs via its wide network of medical providers and strengthened customer support. Maxicare has more than 1.2 Million Members, more than 56,000 affiliated Doctors, more than 1,000 affiliated Hospitals and Clinics, 3,800 Dental providers, 8 Primary Care Centers and 13 Helpdesks, 9 Satellite Offices, 5 Exclusive Wings.