A Cornerstone: The Role of Media and Information Literacy

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The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to implement the Teacher Effectiveness and Competencies Enhancement Project (TEACEP) which aims to enhance educational support for teachers.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal, head of the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) in BARMM, led the signing ceremony at the DepEd Central Office.

TEACEP, developed in collaboration with the World Bank, is designed to support DepEd’s initiative to improve the quality of education and equitable access to teaching from Kindergarten to Grade 6 through enhanced teacher professional development training.

The project focuses on boosting teacher effectiveness, particularly in literacy and numeracy, by providing in-service training for teachers. It also incorporates a coaching and instructional leadership model aimed at fostering professional growth among teachers and school leaders.

TEACEP is closely aligned with the Basic Education Development Plan 2030 (BEDP 2030) and the National Learning Recovery Program (NLRP), which address the educational challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, TEACEP will support BARMM’s contextualized education initiatives, such as the Bangsamoro Education Reform and Development Plan (BERDP) and the Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP), with the goal of strengthening the region's capacity to deliver effective teaching and learning resources. The MOA outlines the three main components of the project: enhancing teaching practices for teachers and school leaders, providing adequate resources for effective teaching and learning, and establishing a robust framework for project management, monitoring, and evaluation.

As an initial step under Component 1, BARMM will identify public elementary school teachers (Kindergarten to Grade 6), school heads, Education Program Supervisors (EPS), and Public Schools District Supervisors (PSDS) who will participate in the training.

TEACEP will be funded through a loan agreement between the Government of the Philippines, represented by DepEd, and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).

Pilmico and Gold Coin Group Combine Strengths for Integrated Food and Agribusiness Powerhouse with Launch of Aboitiz Foods

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Aboitiz Foods is set to redefine food and agribusiness in Asia, operating across eight countries to nourish the future across the entire value chain.

Pilmico, one of the leading flour and feed manufacturers and meat producers in the Philippines, and Gold Coin Management Holdings Inc., a pioneer in animal nutrition and the manufacturing of scientifically balanced animal feed in Asia, proudly announce the launch of their unified corporate brand, Aboitiz Foods. This strategic move leverages the combined strengths of these industry leaders to create an integrated agribusiness and food ecosystem dedicated to nourishing Asia's future across the entire value chain.

Pilmico, with a rich history dating back to 1962, expanded from flour milling to become a pioneer in animal nutrition in the Philippines. Gold Coin, established in 1953, has grown into one of Asia's largest privately owned agribusinesses. While operating independently since Pilmico's acquisition of Gold Coin Management Holdings Ltd in 2018, the two companies now join forces under the Aboitiz Foods banner.

With combined expertise in trading, feed, specialty nutrition, and food production, Aboitiz Foods is strategically positioned to become a dominant force in the region. The company's 29 facilities span eight countries—the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Brunei—allowing it to meet the diverse and evolving needs of customers and consumers across Asia.

"This significant milestone represents a new chapter in our journey to sustainably feed Asia’s growth from mill to meal," said Tristan Aboitiz, Aboitiz Foods President and CEO. “Building on the 100-year legacy of the Aboitiz Group, we are committed to optimizing all our processes and businesses, constantly improving as we integrate the value chain across Asia, for a more sustainable and food-secure future."

A Legacy of Nourishment, A Future of Shared Progress

Aboitiz Foods carries forward the Aboitiz Group's 100-long dedication to making a positive difference. It embodies the evolution of a legacy that has nourished communities for generations, leveraging sector expertise, world-class technology, and a culture of constant innovation to meet the dynamic demands of the food and agribusiness sector.

“As always, the Aboitiz Values of integrity, teamwork, innovation, and responsibility remain the cornerstones of our culture and the foundation for strong collaboration across our subsidiaries throughout Asia. By working together, let us make sure that we harness the strengths of each site, and each country and foster a powerful network that fuels innovation and delivers impactful results,” added Aboitiz.

This strategic integration translates into tangible benefits for Aboitiz Foods' customers. Combining the resources and expertise of Pilmico and Gold Coin, Aboitiz Foods ensures a consistent and dependable supply of high-quality agricultural and nutritional products, tailored to each customer's unique needs.

With the launch of Aboitiz Foods, employees are joining forces to build a more sustainable and integrated food value chain, ready to serve customers better than ever.

Integrating for Efficiency, Delivering Exceptional Value

For valued customers of Pilmico and Gold Coin, the transition will be seamless. Existing business operations and relationships remain uninterrupted while benefiting from enhanced efficiency and product quality.

Aboitiz Foods optimizes processes across the value chain to ensure maximum efficiency and consistent product quality. By leveraging combined sector expertise and capabilities, Aboitiz Foods delivers reliable, high-quality agricultural and nutritional products, utilizing world-class technology and a culture of constant innovation to meet evolving customer needs.

"Our journey is woven from the stories of over 3,700 partners," added Aboitiz. "We strive to work with our stakeholders for a better, more sustainable future, guided by the principles of efficiency, quality, and community service."

From flour to feeds, meats, and more, Aboitiz Foods offers a diverse range of products. It expanded into the retail market with pet food brands like "Maxime," "Tommy," and "Woofy," and its meat brand "The Good Meat," bringing its quality products closer to consumers.

Nourishing the Future, Together

Under the banner of "Together we nourish the future," Aboitiz Foods is poised to become a driving force for positive change in the industry. "Our brand promise, 'Together We Nourish the Future,' reflects our deep commitment to working collaboratively with our partners and customers to create a more sustainable and food-secure future for all,” Aboitiz emphasized.

This commitment is reinforced by Aboitiz Foods' dedication to promoting sustainable growth across our operations, investing in local communities, and fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and growth for all employees. "This is a time of transformation, growth, and opportunity,” concluded Aboitiz. “Each of us has a crucial role to play in shaping our future." 

The launch of Aboitiz Foods marks a significant milestone in the Asian food and agribusiness landscape. By integrating the value chain across Asia, optimizing processes, and continuously innovating, the integrated regional agribusiness and food company is set to redefine the industry, ensuring that its offerings meet the highest standards and the demands of evolving markets in the region. 

As Aboitiz Foods embarks on this exciting new chapter, it carries the legacy of two industry leaders and the promise of a more prosperous and food-secure tomorrow for Asia, one nourishing meal at a time. 

About Aboitiz Foods

ABOITIZ FOODS is an integrated regional food and agribusiness company driven by its massive transformative purpose, "Sustainably Feeding Asia's Growth from Mill to Meal." The company is committed to growing sustainably alongside Asia's evolving needs.

As one of Asia's largest privately-owned food and agribusiness companies, Aboitiz Foods operates across eight countries: the Philippines, Singapore, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Brunei. Through its subsidiaries, Pilmico and Gold Coin, Aboitiz Foods integrates the value chain, from trading, feeds, specialty nutrition, and food. By leveraging world-class technology and expertise, Aboitiz Foods delivers quality products and services to its customers.

In its journey moving forward, advancing business and communities is how the Aboitiz Group will drive change for a better world, with Aboitiz Foods upholding its promise: "Together we nourish the future."

Learn more: https://www.aboitizfoods.com/ 

Follow us on our social media accounts:

● Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aboitizfoods/

● LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/company/aboitiz-foods/

● YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@AboitizFoods

● Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aboitiz.foods/ 

More APAC beauty trends are sensitive skin focused

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There is a growing demand in the Asia Pacific region for beauty and personal care products addressing various skin concerns with sensitivity being a key focus.

“Brands in the region are increasingly focusing on creating specialised products for sensitive skin, using ingredient-focused communication, and highlighting holistic approaches. This change is fueled by consumer demand for products that not only tackle skin concerns but also resonate with their values and lifestyle,” said Mintel in its APAC 2024 Beauty and Personal Care report.

Mintel research shows that the percentage of Chinese consumers reporting sensitive skin increased from 35% in 2021 to 41% in 2022 and remained relatively stable through 2024. Over 80% of launches in China have moisturising/hydrating claims and this aligns with the growing number of sensitive skin consumers experiencing dry skin issues (54%). The most commonly reported symptom among sensitive skin consumers is poor moisture retention (47%).

In Japan, consumers are affected by fluctuating skin conditions believed to be caused by environmental and hormonal factors. Data from Mintel Global New Products Database shows that between April 2023 and March 2024, Japan led in new product launches featuring ‘free from’ claims for sensitive skin, accounting for 39%, surpassing the US (28%) and France (12%).

In South Korea, consumers reported a higher prevalence of skin conditions such as spots/acne, allergic reactions, and dermatitis compared to Chinese and Japanese consumers. Thus, there has been an increase in skincare products claiming to be tested for sensitive skin and non-comedogenic, along with a focus on products targeting specific skin issues like redness and acne as observed in product launches over the last three years between January 2021 and December 2023, during which ‘for sensitive skin’ claims rose from 26% to 35% during this period.

Over a third of of Thai consumers are interested in dermacosmetics that offer anti-pollution benefits with over half (52%) describing their facial skin as sensitive. Elevated air pollution levels are driving consumer interest in skin protection and sensitive skin treatment. As a result, the growing trend of facial cleansers launched with gentle formulas and claims specifically designed for those with sensitive skin reflects the category's response to growing consumer awareness and demand for these solutions.

“As consumer awareness of various skin issues continues to grow, the sensitive skincare market will evolve to focus more on comprehensive skin health solutions,” said Hwajun Lee, Principal Beauty and Personal Care Analyst at Mintel.

Besides sensitive skin, brands are also shifting their anti-ageing beauty strategies with a broader and more inclusive approach, catering to a wide range of consumer needs and preferences. This shift aligns with the increasing interest in healthy ageing. In China, age-specific solutions are driving innovation, while South Korea and Japan are seeing trends in preventive skincare and skinified colour cosmetics tailored for older women, respectively, according to Mintel.

Science-backed beauty is also one way for brands to foster innovation and build consumer trust in the beauty industry. Consumers are increasingly seeking transparency and scientific validation for the claims made by beauty brands. In India, over half of consumers (51%) turning to science-backed skincare are driven by the perception that such products contain high-quality ingredients.

Mintel’s report suggests that brands are expected to enhance their understanding of local consumers, whether through segmenting products based on specific needs or leveraging technology for ingredient innovation.