Thoughts on being a steward

 Economy
Jun 252017
 

After some 34 years in SGV, I will be retiring from the firm in five days. Many thoughts crowd in my head — my mentors through the years, the lives of people whom I have touched, the opportunities won and lost, the challenges and lessons learned, the ups and downs of the economy, the technological advancements that reshaped the work force, the disruptions facing the professional services sector and business in general, and most importantly, if I had fulfilled my role as a steward because it is one that I have never taken lightly.

Seventy and beyond

 Economy
Dec 182016
 

Organizations measure success in quantifiable terms, such as revenue, margins, production volumes, brand, reputation, and more importantly, longevity. This is something that we in SGV understand and appreciate, having celebrated our 70th anniversary in 2016. If an entity thrives for seven decades, one can assume that it has followed a viable and sustainable business model. Yet, given the lightning speed at which global business is evolving, even long-running companies need to develop strategies for maintaining their lead in a highly competitive market. Keeping up with modern business paradigms is not something that can be taken for granted; instead, it needs to be actively and constantly pursued, no matter how long one has been in the game. In fact, part of the journey is learning from mistakes and moving on with more passion and determination to succeed.

‘Yolanda’ multi-donor fund created to fast-track rehab efforts

 Entertainment
Jan 232014
 
‘Yolanda’ multi-donor fund created to fast-track rehab efforts

Aerial shot of the province of which was heavily damaged by super typhoon Yolanda (MNS photo) MANILA, Jan 23 (Mabuhay) -– A multi-donor fund has been created to fast-track rehabilitation efforts in areas devastated by super typhoon “Yolanda,” Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PARR) chief Panfilo Lacson said. In his keynote speech at the Experts Forum on Rebuilding Communities and Ecosystems After “Yolanda” at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), Lacson said the fund was created for those “who want to just part with their money out of the goodness of their hearts but do not have the organization or time to commit to this humanitarian effort.” Lacson said the fund will be managed by “very credible and top executives” from ABS-CBN Corp., GMA Network, Philippine Long Distance Company, Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, as well as SGV founder Washington SyCip. The rehabilitation chief said the fund will be opened as soon as the initial donations entrusted to Taiwan-based Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) arrive. The first set of accounts (Dollar savings account no. 105-310-463-926 and Peso savings account no. 005-310-633-988) have been opened at the BDO Ayala Avenue branch. Lacson said other savings account will be opened soon in Metrobank, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, Philippine National Bank, and Bank of the Philippine Islands. Lacson said some companies, meanwhile, have committed to get directly involved in rehabilitation efforts. He said 9 sponsors have agreed to take the lead in the reconstruction and rehabilitation works in 16 of the 24 Read More …