MANILA, Philippines — The First Pacific Human Resource Congress was recently held at the Meralco Development Center in Antipolo. Top CEO speakers, led by First Pacific Executive Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, stressed the importance of time-honored values such as honesty, integrity and respect as qualities that must define a leader CEO.

Together with Pangilinan were other leaders noted for their ability to inspire people and transform any organization they manage from better to best.

Aside from inspiring the participants to bring “their business to the next level,” the CEOs also encouraged them to “show the world what Filipinos can do” and be involved in nation-building. For more information about Meralco Development Center, log on to www.mmldc.org.

USANA Posts 90 Percent Sales Increase

Last year, American pharmaceutical grade company USANA Health Sciences posted a 40 percent increase in its gross sales compared to the same 12-month period in 2009 due to the growing network of distributors that do multi-level marketing across the Philippines.

This year, USANA Philippines registered a remarkable growth of 90 percent year-to-date versus same period last year. In 2010 alone, the U.S.-based nutritional company was able to enlist 15,000 distributors. Significantly contributing to its aggregate revenue is the Sense beauty skin care product line, which was launched in the Philippines last year. For more information, log on to www.usana.com.

EastWest Bank Expands Branch Network

EastWest Bank, one of the fastest-growing financial institutions in the country today, continues to expand its branch network with the opening of three more branches, bringing the nationwide total to 115.

EastWest Bank recently inaugurated its branch at the 168 Mall in the bustling market district of Divisoria in Manila. The 168 Mall Branch is the second to be opened this year. “We are honored to service the banking needs of the businesses operating within 168 Mall and its immediate vicinity,” says EastWest Branch Banking Cluster Head and EVP Gerardo Susmerano.

Earlier this year, Eastwest Bank also opened separate branches in Cauayan, Isabela and Urdaneta, Pangasinan, which strengthens its presence in northern Luzon.

2,140 Families Benefit from Maynilad

Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) launched Samahang Tubig Maynilad (STM) in 2009 to provide informal settlers in its concession area with safe, affordable water. To date, around 2,140 households in nine marginalized communities have benefitted from STM, with another 2,264 households targeted to become beneficiaries of the community development program.

From P30 to P35 per drum, beneficiaries now only pay P10 per drum. And unlike the water bought from illegal water vendors, the water supplied by Maynilad is potable and fit for domestic consumption. Aside from generating savings for its beneficiaries and improving their sanitation conditions, STM has also been instrumental in empowering informal settlers through the values formation, skills training and livelihood components of the program.

20th Philippine Retail Conference Slated

The Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) holds the 20th National Retail Conference and Stores Asia Expo (NRCE) this 2011, slated on August 11 to 12 at the SMX Convention Center. With the theme, “The New Frontier: Taking Retail to the Next Level,” this year’s conference and expo is supported by the country’s leading companies.

Dubbed as the biggest retail industry event of the year, the 20th NRCE will bring Asia’s leading thought leaders, and the biggest retailers and suppliers under one roof. Highlighting this year’s retail conference are some of the biggest names and most respected brand experts and strategists in the country and around the Asia Pacific.

There will also be a two-day exhibit showcasing the most innovative and updated “tools for global retailing.” For more information, visit www.nrceph.com, call (2) 687-4180/4181 or e-mail ebbs@philretailers.com.ph.