Unilever weighs plant relocation option

Unilever Philippines said that maintaining its operations in Paco, Manila will depend on the feasibility of the location and on the ordinance of the city government.

Chito Macapagal, Unilever vice president for business development, told reporters at the launch of the “Sachet Recovery Program” that any plan to relocate its plant from Paco is really a function of climate change.

“It depends on how long will it be feasible for us to stay in Paco and the ordinance of the city government of Manila,” Macapagal said. During the flooding caused by typhoon “Ondoy,” Unilever’s Paco facility, which straddles a river, was affected and work was suspended for three days as it has to ensure the safety of its workers.

Unilever has three other manufacturing facilities. It has two facilities for food manufacturing in Gateway Business Park in General Trias, Cavite and one plant in Mangahan, Pasig for Selecta Ice Cream.

“A city ordinance can kick us out and decision of the bosses,” said Macapagal.

Previously, the city government of Manila has been under pressure to implement a new zoning regulation that would reclassify the area along the Pasig River and Pandacan, which hosts the oil depots of oil firms, that would mean relocating the industrial firms in this area. 

So far, there has been no direction from the new city leadership under Mayor Erap Estrada.

Meantime, Unilever expects to double the recovery of sachets of its products particularly Surf to 20 million to 25 million sachets this year from last year’s 10 million sachets.

Last year, the company was able to collect 4 million sachets of Surf alone.

The “Sachet Recovery Program” is a partnership with Smart Communications and Cebuana Lhuillier to recover Surf sachets in an effort towards greener living.        

Under this program, end-users are encouraged to trade their empty Surf sachets in any of the 1,800 Cebuana Lhuillier branches nationwide in exchange for 25 Free texts. The sachets would then be recycled to become building blocks like cement pavers to be donated to 30 beneficiary public schools nationwide.

Smart and Cebuana Lhuillier will also aid Unilever in creating scale for its long-term sachet conversion capabilities such as the conversion into other useful items like construction boards and fuel. At least 170 kilos of sachets are needed to create 1,000 cement pavers.     

Unilever Surf brand manager Benjie Yap said that Surf is the country’s number one detergent brand.

“We are growing very well,” he said adding the partnership with Smart and Cebuana Lhuillier is expected to further strengthen the brand’s awareness and market position.

Overall, Unilever Philippines chairman and president Peter Cowan said they are growing ahead of market. Both company officials refused to give exact sales and market share figures.

Yap further said they plan to include other Unilever products such as shampoos under this program, but for now this is only limited to Surf, which is a Unilver global brand.

Cebuana Lhuillier president and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier noted that: “Not only does the Sachet Recovery Program address our challenges on waste, it also encourages Filipinos to take a positive action to have healthier surroundings.”

“Through the use of Smart SMS service as a means to reward customer participation in a worthwhile cause,” added Smart co-founder and chief wireless advisor Orlando B. Vea.

 

Source: Manila Bulletin

Unilever mulls over relocating Paco plant

Unilever Philippines is studying the relocation of its manufacturing hub from Paco, Manila, following the floods that hit the area in the past three years.

“That will be a management decision should the company move to another site. There are many reasons and one of the most pressing is climate change,” Unilever vice president for business development Chito Macapagal said in an interview in Makati City.

Macapagal made the statement during the signing of partnership agreement between Unilever, Smart Communications and Cebuana Lhuillier for the sachet recovery program.

Unilever’s main office and manufacturing hub is located along UN Ave. in Paco, Manila.

Macapagal said following the onslaught of typhoon Ondoy in 2009, the company was thinking of transferring its Paco hub to another location that is “relatively safe” from the vagaries of weather.

The company’s office and detergent plant were affected by the floods caused by typhoon Ondoy. The company also has two adjacent leased properties at the Gateway Industrial Park in General Trias, Cavite while its ice cream plant is located in Manggahan, also in General Trias.

A Manila City ordinance on zoning earlier asked manufacturing companies to move operations to another place.

“A city ordinance can kick us out although we have heard nothing yet from the city government. They have reclassified the area based on a new zoning plan,” said Macapagal.

 

Source: Manila Standard Today

Cebuana Lhuillier-Surf-Smart: Synegry of Change

(From L-R) Smart Communications Co-Founder and Chief Wireless Advisor Orlando Vea, Unilever Philippines, Inc. CEO Peter Cowan, and Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier
 
August 27, 2013–Three of the largest and leading companies in their respective industries in the Philippines–Cebuana Lhuillier, Surf, and SMART–joined forces to push for a greener environment as they officially launched the sachet recovery program “Building Blocks for Change.”
 
The program was born out of Surf’s sachet redemption promo where consumers were encouraged to collect empty Surf detergent sachets and trade them for SMART text credits in any of Cebuana Lhuillier’s wide network of more than 1,500 branches nationwide.
 
The projects’ triumph was marked by 4 million collected sachets. The sachets will be reproduced into 30,000 cement pavers and will be donated to 30 beneficiary public schools nationwide.
 
The three companies are hoping to continue with the project and convert the recovered sachets to other materials like construction boards, chairs, and fuels.

 

Unilever mulls relocation of plant to flood-free area

MANILA, Philippines – Unilever Philippines is studying the possible relocation of its plant in Manila to another location, as it looks into the impact of weather disturbances and other developments to its operations, a company official said.

Unilever Philippines vice president for corporate affairs Chito Macapagal told reporters yesterday the company is continuously studying whether it should stay or move out of Pandacan in Manila.

“It is always part of the strategy to evaluate the sustainability in your site,” he said.

 

“We have to look at what is ongoing. We have to look at not just the climate but the climate change itself,” he added.

He noted that in 2009, the company had to stop operations in its plant in Pandacan for two to three days due to the floods brought by Tropical Storm Ondoy.

The Manila City government’s zoning ordinance is likewise a consideration of the firm.

Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 Last year, the Manila City Council approved Ordinance No. 8283 which would reclassify Pandacan into a commercial area from an industrial area.

The ordinance, however, was vetoed by then Mayor Alfredo Lim.

Asked if Unilever plans to consolidate its operations since it has three other plants in the country, Macapagal said “the decision will be based on what best can actually serve customers and what can best serve our manufacturing requirements.”

Apart from its facility in Pandacan, Unilever Philippines has two plants in Cavite and one in Manggahan in Pasig.

Meanwhile, Macapagal said that as part of the firm’s commitment to reduce its carbon footprint, Unilever Philippines has partnered with Cebuana Lhuillier and Smart Communications, Inc. for a sachet recovery program.

Under the program, consumers could exchange their Surf sachets in any of the Cebuana Lhuiller pawnshops for 25 free text messages from Smart.

The recovered sachets would then be recycled and converted into cement pavers which could be used for construction of 30 beneficiary schools.

“Our target is to collect 25 million sachets this year,” Macapagal said.

Aside from Surf, Unilever Philippines’ other brands are Selecta, Knorr, Dove, Sunsilk, Lipton, Rexona, Ponds and Axe.

 

 

Source: Philippine Star

Buy 5 Alagang Cebuana Plus Promo

1. The promo period is from August 15, 2013 to November 15, 2013.
2. Every five (5) Alagang Cebuana Plus (ACP) certificates PURCHASED ON A SINGLE TRANSACTION merits the client to join the electronic raffle.
• 5 ACP certificates = 1 Electronic Raffle Entry.
3. ACP Transactions in any Cebuana Lhuillier branch, Cebuana Lhuillier Express or Cebuana Lhuillier Pera Padala branches are valid for the promo.
4. Nine (9) tricycles will be given away as follows:
• 3 tricycles- Metro Manila
• 3 tricycles- Luzon
• 2 tricycles- Visayas
• 1 tricycle- Mindanao
5. Customers can earn as many raffle entries based on their number of qualified transactions, but can only win once in the entire promo period. If a person is drawn more than once, the second winning is invalid.
6. Draw date is on November 20, 2013 at the P.J. Lhuillier, Inc. ICT Office 3/F SRVI Bldg. 156 Jupiter cor. Comet Sts., Bel-Air, Makati City 1209

REMINDERS:
1. Raffle entries are system-generated and are based on the transaction control numbers. 
2. Claiming of Prize:
• Winners should keep their code bearing COCs as proof in claiming their prize.
• Winners will be notified through registered mail and SMS on how and where to claim their prize.
• Winners must follow the claim instructions indicated in the registered mail.
• Winners must present a valid photo-bearing ID and its photocopy together with the original notification letter.   
3. Expenses incurred in transporting the prize (Tricycle) from the claiming site to the winner’s desired location shall be at winner’s own cost.
4. Winners have ninety (90) days upon receipt of notice to claim their prizes. Otherwise, it will be forfeited in favor of Cebuana Lhuillier. 
5. Prior to the promo, clients must ensure that they have updated their personal information (e.g. name, address, active mobile/telephone no., and birthday) in the Cebuana Lhuillier, Cebuana Lhuillier Express or Cebuana Lhuillier Pera Padala branch where they transacted. The information of the client in the system will be considered correct and this will be the basis in sending the winners’ notification letters.
6. Employees of P.J. Lhuillier Group of Companies, Ad/Creatives Agency, PR and Media agencies, and their relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity or affinity are disqualified from joining the promotion.
7. Tax on prizes shall be shouldered by Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions (CLIS).
8. Deadline for earning of entries is until November 15, 2013.

 

CORPORATE AGENT PARTNERS

  • ACTION.ABLE, INC.
  • ALL ACCESS GATEWAY INC.
  • ANTRECCO (AGUSAN DEL NORTE TEACHERS, RETIREES, EMPLOYEES & COMMUNITY COOPERATIVE)
  • ACM VIP
  • ALL CASH
  • AGRILIFE/ AGRIVET
  • ASENSO PINOY STORE, INC. (EASY DAY SHOP)
  • AVICOM ENTERPRISES
  • AYALA ALABANG VILLAGE ASSOCIATION
  • BAUG CARP MULTI PURPOSE COOPERATIVE
  • BAGUIO BENGUET COOP
  • CARD BANK INC
  • CARD MRI RIZAL BANK INC
  • CARD SME BANK
  • CARITAS BANCO NG MASA, INC.
  • CEBU PEOPLE’S MULTIPURPOSE COOPERATIVE
  • CIS BAYAD CENTER, INC
  • COOPERATIVE BANK OF BOHOL, INC
  • COUNTRY BUILDERS BANK
  • CREDENCE FINANCING, INC.
  • CURAMED PHARMACY
  • DALTON PAWNSHOP AND JEWELRY INC.
  • DANIELA PAWNSHOP
  • DIRECT AGENT 5 (DA 5)
  • DEVELOPMENT BANK OF THE PHILS.
  • EXPRESSPAY INC.
  • EVRIJEM FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND MONEY REMITTANCE
  • FILHAI MULTI PURPOSE COOPERATIVE
  • GLOBAL PINOY REMITTANCE AND SERVICES (GPRS)
  • GEMARY PAWNSHOP AND JEWELRY (CORP.)

OVER 600 BILLER PARTNERS NATIONWIDE

  • 123 FINANCE CORPORATION
  • 123 LENDING CORPORATION
  • 2C2P
  • 8AMC (VIA ECPAY)
  • ABEJO WATERS CORP.
  • ABRA
  • ACOM CONSUMER FINANCE CORPORATION
  • ACTIVE REALTY & DEVELOPMENT CORP.
  • ADA MANUFACTURING CORPORATION (VIA ECPAY)
  • AEON CREDIT SERVICE
  • AETERNITAS CHAPELS AND COLUMBARIUM (VIA ECPAY)
  • AFC SME FINANCE INC
  • AFTERWEST MICROLOANS INC
  • AGODA – DRAGONPAY
  • AGRIBANK
  • AGRO-INDUSTRIAL FOUNDATION COLLEGE OF THE PHILS.
  • AGUSAN DEL NORTE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
  • AIR YOU GO TRAVELS PHILIPPINES CO.
  • AKLAN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
  • ALAMINOS CITY WATER DISTRICT (VIA ECPAY)
  • ALLIANZ PNB LIFE INSURANCE INC.
  • ALPHA FUND SAVINGS & CREDIT COOPERATIVE (VIA ECPAY)
  • AMADEO WATER DISTRICT (VIA ECPAY)
  • AMYA POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE, INC. AND FINANCING CORPORATION (LENDPINOY)
  • ANGAT WATER DISTRICT (VIA ECPAY)
  • ANGELES ELECTRIC COMPANY ANGELICUM SCHOOL , INC. ILOILO CITY (VIA ECPAY)
  • ANJELMAN REAL ESTATE LEASING
  • ANTIQUE ELECTRIC COOP, INC ANTRECCO (BILLS PAYMENT)

OVER 600 BILLER PARTNERS NATIONWIDE

  • 123 FINANCE CORPORATION
  • 123 LENDING CORPORATION
  • 2C2P
  • 8AMC (VIA ECPAY)
  • ABEJO WATERS CORP.
  • ABRA
  • ACOM CONSUMER FINANCE CORPORATION
  • ACTIVE REALTY & DEVELOPMENT CORP.
  • ADA MANUFACTURING CORPORATION (VIA ECPAY)
  • CREDIT SERVICE
  • AETERNITAS CHAPELS AND COLUMBARIUM (via ECPAY)
  • AFC SME FINANCE INC
  • AFTERWEST MICROLOANS INC
  • AGODA – DRAGONPAY
  • AGRIBANK
  • AGRO-INDUSTRIAL FOUNDATION COLLEGE OF THE PHILS.
  • AGUSAN DEL NORTE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
  • AIR YOU GO TRAVELS PHILIPPINES CO.
  • AKLAN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
  • ALAMINOS CITY WATER DISTRICT (via ECPAY)
  • CREDENCE FINANCING, INC.
  • CURAMED PHARMACY
  • DALTON PAWNSHOP AND JEWELRY INC.
  • DANIELA PAWNSHOP
  • DIRECT AGENT 5 (DA 5)
  • DEVELOPMENT BANK OF THE PHILS.
  • EXPRESSPAY INC.
  • EVRIJEM FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND MONEY REMITTANCE
  • FILHAI MULTI PURPOSE COOPERATIVE
  • GLOBAL PINOY REMITTANCE AND SERVICES (GPRS)
  • GEMARY PAWNSHOP AND JEWELRY (CORP.)

List of Accepted Government/ Valid IDs

  • Passport
  • Driver’s License
  • Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID
  • National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance
  • Police Clearance
  • Postal ID
  • Voter’s ID
  • Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) ID
  • Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) e-Card
  • Social Security System (SSS) ID
  • Senior Citizen’s ID
  • Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID
  • OFW ID
  • Seaman’s Book
  • Alien Certification of Registration (ACR)
  • Barangay Certificate or ID (with picture and signature)
  • Birth Certificate (applicable to minors only)
  • Firearm License
  • Immigrant Certificate of Registration
  • Marriage License
  • National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons
  • New TIN ID
  • OWWA ID
  • Student ID
  • Alien Certification of Registration (ACR) / Immigrant Certificate of Registration
  • Government Office or Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCC) ID (e.g. AFP ID, HDMF (Pag-ibig Fund) ID, etc.
  • Certification from the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP)
  • Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Certification
  • Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID (IBP)
  • Company IDs issued by private entities or institutions registered with or supervised or regulated either by the BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas), SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) or IC (Insurance Commission)

IDs Accepted

As required by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), clients who engage in a financial transaction with covered institutions for the first time shall be required to present the original and submit a clear copy of at least ONE (1) valid photo-bearing identification document issued by an official authority. For our clients’ convenience, Cebuana no longer requires submission of the photocopied ID. IDs are captured using a webcam in all branches. Clients are also required to submit an updated photo and other relevant information whenever the need for it arises.

Forms of identification accepted are the following;

Pawn Accepted IDs
1. Passport
2. Driver’s License
3. Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID
4. National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance
5. Police Clearance
6. Postal ID
7. Voter’s ID
8. Philippine Identification (PhilID) card
9. Social Security System (SSS) Card / Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID)
10. Barangay Certification
11. Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) e-Card
12. Senior Citizen Card
13. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID
14. OFW ID
15. Seaman’s Book
16. Alien Certification of Registration/Immigrant Certificate of Registration (for foreigners)
17. Government Office and GOCC ID, e.g., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP ID)
18. Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF ID)
19. Certification from the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP)
20. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Certification
21. Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID
22. Company IDs issued by private entities or institutions registered with or supervised or regulated either by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Securities and Exchange Commission or Insurance Commission
23. ID issued by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA)