Sharing with you the livestreaming link during guesting of STC at Business Roadshow on 30 October 2024: https://www.youtube.com/live/3dQ_jIdimBA?si=bH_TaD9OwtAIZ94e STC comes out at the 23.30 mark of this video.

On 23 October 2024, PAGASA's STC was invited to speak via Microsoft Team at a Webinar organized by Retail Associates looking into the future of Philippine retailing.

On 19 October 2024, PAGASA Executive Director Steven T. Cua was a guest at ABS CBN studios live and in-person after a real long time since the pandemic. Topic centered on the -ber months and the supply/prices of goods for the Yuletide Season.

PRA held its third and last General Membership Meeting for 2024 at Okada Resort & Casino on 17 October 2024. DTI Undersecretary Mary Jean Pacheco was invited as keynote speaker. She presented initial results of the Foc5us Group Discussion at the BGC Campus of the University of the Philippines just a week earlier.

In the morning of 10 October 2024, PAGASA's Executive Director Steven T. Cua attended the Opening Ceremonies of the Three-fold Trade Show featuring the latest in packaging, printing and plastics. DTI Head for Regional Operations Usec. Blesila Lantayona, Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Pres. Cecilio Pedro, PhilExport Pres. Sergio Ortiz-Luis headed the delegation of VIPs who graced the occasion. The Show was a collaboration of the stalwarts of the three industries represented by their exhibitors. The supermarket industry stands to gain from the innovative and attractive packaging designs, clearer and smarter labelling and the introduction of sustainable packaging materials used to push FMCG.

A VISIT BY DIPLOMAT FROM INDIAN EMBASSY IN MANILA

PAGASA Office was visited on the afternoon of 9 October 2024 by a dignitary. Counsellor Dr. Sadre Alam is the Head of the Economic & Commerce Wing of the Embassy of India in Manila. He briefly served as Chargè d'affaires (acting as Ambassador to the Phils.) in the early part of 2024. He visited the Office to commence commercial ties with PAGASA. India is now 5th in the world's GDP rankings. Dr. Alam, a medical doctor trained in New Delhi, also studied in The American University in Cairo. He speaks Arabic, English, Hindi & Tamil.

FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION INITIATED BY DTI FOR RETAILERS ON HOW TO GROW THE INDUSTRY

PAGASA's Executive Director Steven T. Cua was invited on 8 October 2024 to participate in DTI's FGD: "Section G: Job Blueprint on Wholesale & Retail Trade" for non-specialized retail store category held at the University of the Philippines, BGC Campus. This was a two-day project run by 3rd party consultants.

Brainchild of Usec. Mary Jean Pacheco, DTI's e-Commerce Lead for the e-Commerce Group (ECG) which includes managing the E-Commerce Bureau (ECB) and the Office of Supply Chain and Logistics (SCL), this Supermarket Session was moderated by (former DTI Usec.) Ed Sunico and Mike Dimagiba. Other retailers included in Section G were representatives from SM Retail, Robinsons Retail, Alfamart, Globe Telecom, Francorp & DILG.

On 3 October 2024, Retail Asia Publications, a division of Charlton Media Group, hosted a Forum at the Makati Shangrila. Talks focused on omnichannel efficiencies and application of AI in retail excellence. Group pose shows (L-R) Monde Nissin's Chief Business Officer, Rico A. Gonzales, PAGASA Dir./Prince Retail CEO Robert Go, PAGASA Exec. Dir. Steven T. Cua, Estela Sarah Galura/Sales & Mktg. Dir. of Aficionado, Wilcon COO Rose Bosch Ong and Aficionado Operations Director.

Mr. Pavan Powar, Online Retail Director of Sarisuki, was also a panelist in the forum on omnichannel strategies.

The ASEAN Inclusive Business Forum based in Lao People's Democratic Republic recognizes Prince Retail Group (representing the Phils.) as the only retailer serving the Base Of the economic Pyramid (BOP) or the poorest bottom population of the Philippines helping alleviate poverty, uplifting the poor and marginalized brother-Filipinos in the far flung communities of our country's lowly farmers and fishermen. Today, more than 10 million Filipinos living in the periphery of the country benefited economically notwithstanding the apparent improvement of the municipalities concerned. Direct employment by the Prince Group of 9,000 souls as bread winners has also impacted more than 12,000 families including services from principals, agencies and micro entrepreneurs- the very essence of inclusive business for economic growth. PAGASA warmly congratulates Robert/Judith Go and Family for this economic and social feat.

PAGASA Member Prince Retail Holdings is Philippines Awardee at the 7th ASEAN INCLUSIVE BUSINESS FORUM and Awards held in Vientiane, Laos on 23 September 2024. PAGASA Director Robert Go of Prince attended the Awards with wife, Judith, and family. Bravo to the Prince Retail Group!