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Generika Drugstore, winner of the Most Promising Filipino Franchise Award for 2011, is strengthening its market presence with a major push for nationwide store expansion.

Founded in 2003, Generika Drugstore is a pioneer in the retail distribution of quality affordable medicines in the country, and has consistently taken the extra step to provide better quality and service.

Compared to other generics outlets, Generika Drugstore is distinguished by its air-conditioned stores that protect the therapeutic value of its medicines while ensuring customer comfort and convenience.  Store personnel are well-trained to offer patient counseling and other value-added services.

The success of Generika's business model was recognized recently when it was named the Most Promising Filipino Franchise by the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Philippine Chambers of Commerce & Industry (PCCI), and the Philippines Retailers Association (PRA).  This award was based on a set of carefully-crafted criteria, including the franchise concept, sales and marketing, franchise operating system, corporate social responsibility, ethical practices and reputation, growth and financial performance, and profitability.  

The award is the only latest recognition for Generika. In 2009, it was awarded the Best in Franchise Support and Most Promising Franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine. In 2010, its president Teodoro Ferrer became a Finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award administered by SGV Foundation. 

Earlier this year, Generika announced plans to expand its franchising operations nationwide, particularly to key cities in Visayas and Mindanao, as well as untapped areas of Luzon to augment its strong presence in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. 

In line with this plan of accelerating the number of new franchise stores, the company has rolled out affordable investment packages – Satellite, Drugstore Conversion and Small Town – that significantly reduce the capital requirements for opening a Generika outlet. The Satellite package is offered to Generika franchisees who would like to have one more branch near his/her main outlet.  The Drugstore Conversion package applies to existing pharmacies that wish to convert to a Generika Drugstore, while the Small Town package is recommended for Generika outlets to be located in a rural area with a population of less than 50,000.

For all the franchise packages, Generika provides marketing and operations assistance to help new stores in their promotional efforts and revenue-enhancing efforts, especially in areas where Generika is just starting to thrive. 

Starting out with a single outlet in Alabang in 2004, Generika Drugstore expanded to 16 company-owned stores in 2008. Since then, Generika opened up franchising opportunities to Filipino entrepreneurs. With 210 branches nationwide, Generika plans to add at least 180 stores annually.

Its goal is to become a nationwide chain that performs a vital service to the community by providing access to affordable, quality medicines as well as superior service driven by a strong sense of social purpose.

To explore the Generika franchise business, interested entrepreneurs may contact the Generika Franchising Services Corp (GFSC) at 824-4685 / 0922-8984982.  You may also visit the company website at www.generika.com.ph. A dedicated team of Generika Business Development staff will help you understand the business operations as well as support services towards a successful Generika venture.

Petron, the country's leading oil company, recently announced its biggest marketing promotion for the year with the Petron Doble-Panalo promo.  Starting 01 November 2011 to 31 January 2012, Petron customers have two chances to win prizes from  Petron stations nationwide.

First, with every P1,000 single or accumulated purchase of Petron fuels — Petron Xtra, Petron XCS, Petron Blaze, Petron DieselMax and Petron Turbo Diesel — a customer is entitled to "Pick a Raffle Coupon" with an instant prize from the bunot box.  Instant giveaways include: free 1-liter fuel, Petron t-shirt, Petron sticker, San Mig 3-in-1 coffee, and Petron 2012 calendar.

The same Raffle Coupon can then be used to participate in the Doble Grand Draws, which will have separate draws and separate winners of same set of prizes for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.  The First Grand Draw to be held on 20 December 2011, will have the following prizes at stake: Toyota Hi-Lux (3), Honda Civic (3), Yamaha Mio Soul motorcycle (3), 47-inch LG LED TV (6); Samsung Galaxy Tab (6), Apple IPad 2 - 32GB (9), and Petron E-Fuel Card worth P10,000 each (48).

The Second Grand Draw, for entries submitted by 31 January 2011, will be held on 14 February 2012.   Grand prizes include: Mitsubishi Montero Sport (3), Yamaha Mio Soul motorcycle (3), 47-inch LG LED TV (6), Samsung Galaxy Tab (6), Apple IPad 2 - 32GB (9), and Petron E-Fuel Card worth P10,000 each (48). 

Only motorcycle riders can fully appreciate the joys of riding, and you can experience this only when you have confidence that your riding skills will keep you safe and prepared to face the challenges of the open road. 

This is the philosophy behind Safe-T-Ryders Motorcycle Training Center, which offers basic and enrichment riding courses that will give motorcycle riders a sound foundation to be safer road users. By delivering quality training in a controlled and fun environment, Safe-T-Ryders instructors ensure that trainees learn defensive riding as an enjoyable experience. 

Located at the Ortigas Home Depot along Julia Vargas Avenue in Pasig City, Safe-T-Ryders offers training programs that are very affordable to average motorcycle users. The basic and enrichment courses, which include theory inputs and practical riding exercises, are priced at only P750 for each two-day program. For those who want to refresh their knowledge about riding safety, there is also a three-hour lecture for only P200.

Novice riders who want to have a good start will benefit from the Basic Safety Riding Course, a comprehensive introductory program that emphasizes a safety-oriented mindset. The lecture inputs cover (a) respect for traffic rules; (b) consequences of accidents; (c) road usage principles; (d) stopping and following distance; (e) mirrors, signals and blind spots; (f) right of way rules; (g) alcohol and fatigue; and (h) qualities of a good rider. The practical training includes (a) physical exercise, preparation and check-up; (b) riding position; (c) basic operations for moving, stopping and gear-shifting; (d) practice running S-curve and Figure-8; (e) cornering and speed control; and (f) slalom.

For more experienced riders who want to enhance their riding skills, Safe-T-Ryders has two levels of Enrichment Riding Courses. Designed as fast-track programs, these enrichment courses tackle more advanced topics on how to handle difficult road conditions, anticipate risks and avoid accidents. The lecture contents consist of (a) motorcycle inspection; (b) behaviour of various road users; (c) lane changing and overtaking; (d) defensive riding; (e) turning of long wheel base vehicles; and (f) risk forecasting. The practical training covers higher-level riding skills such as (a) balancing and low speed control; (b) blind spot, turning and lane-changing; (c) braking in different conditions; (d) deceleration after acceleration; and (e) vehicle handling with backrider.

Safe-T-Ryders is established by Arnel Doria, a respected marketing executive who played a key role in establishing Honda as a leading car brand in the Philippines and was instrumental in setting up the country’s first integrated vehicle training center, the Honda Safety Driving Center.  

The center manager is Julius Ballesteros, a TESDA-certified instructor, who has just returned from a two-year stint as a safety driving instructor of a large Saudi Arabian company. He is assisted by Sulfikar Guiabel, an experienced LTO-accredited riding/driving instructor.

Those who wish to enrol in any of the Safe-T-Ryder courses may call 208-8035 or (932) 872-3389.  

The Boracay Beach Management Program (BBMP), a multi-sectoral initiative for the protection, sustainability and enhancement of the island's coastal and marine resources, celebrated its first anniversary last 24 September 2011, with an impressive list of accomplishments in seven priority areas.

Following a comprehensive strategy, Malay Mayor John P. Yap recognized the importance of dynamic public-private partnership in achieving tangible improvements after just one year of program implementation.  The Boracay Beach Management Council (BBMC) rallied under the call to action, "Para Sa Boracay Ako! For Boracay I Will...", and reported the following achievements:

Local Governance.  With strong leadership and political will, Malay Mayor John P. Yap has pushed for the implementation of the BBMP priority programs. Visitors and residents are reminded to observe municipal ordinances against littering, smoking, extracting sand and pebbles, etc.

Coastal Resources. Regular beach and underwater clean-up drives have been performed by various volunteer groups. Coastal nurseries supply new corals that are transplanted in degraded reef areas.  Artificial reef domes, deployed in strategic areas, have encouraged the reemergence of new coral species and provide excellent breeding grounds for many fish varieties.  Mangrove growth has been closely monitored.

Watershed. A comprehensive reforestation plan for 260-hectares is in place.  For 2011, the target is to reforest 63-hectares with 30,000 seedlings produced from the seedling nursery. During the anniversary celebrations, Mayor Yap launched the Adopt-A-Tree program and distributed some 3,000 seedlings to Boracay students and foresters to be planted in their backyards and school grounds.

Water and Waste Water.  Access to potable water has reached 96% of households, and the sewage treatment plant has been upgraded for environmentally compliant waste water effluent quality.

Solid Waste. New equipment and upgraded facilities have made garbage collection and processing more effective.

Hazard Protection.  A Philippine National Red Cross office is now present in Boracay, and emergency response capabilities have been enhanced with trained personnel, new sea patrol craft and upgraded communications equipment.

Information, Education & Communication.  The "For Boracay I Will" advocacy generated public awareness and cooperation from various stakeholders, and is now ready to reach out to a wider audience with an expanded campaign themed "Sali Ako Dyan!"  For greater social media visibility, a FaceBook page "For Boracay I Will" welcomes posts from the public about their happy memories of Boracay and how to preserve this island paradise for future generations.

With its previous experience in the United Nations Development Programme's Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) framework, Petron played a key role in facilitating the formation of the BBMP.  Starting out with a handful of members from the local government units, national government agencies, community organizations, youth groups and the private sector, the Boracay Beach Management Council (BBMC) now counts about 30 proponents.

These include:  The Municipality of Malay, Aklan; San Miguel Corporation; Petron Corporation; Petron Foundation Inc.; Provincial Government of Aklan; Department of Environment & Natural Resources; Boracay Foundation Inc.; Akelco Boracay; Aklan Provincial Tourism Council; Barangays Balabag, Caticlan, Kabulihan, Manoc-Manoc & Yapak; Boracay Association of Sucba Diving Schools; Boracay Island Hopping Association; Boracay Island Water Company; Boracay Island Special Fire Protection Unit; Boracay Land Transportation Multi-Purpose Cooperative; Boracay Solid Waste Management Team; Boracay Special Tourist Police Office; Boracay Yuppies; Coast Guard Detachment-Boracay; Department of Tourism-Boracay; Islander Boracay; Kiwanis Club of Boracay; Lifeguard Boracay; Malay Auxiliary Police; Malay Farm-C; Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PCCI)-Boracay; Rotary Club of Boracay; YES FM 91.1; 605th MARPSTA (Maritime Police); and 61st 1B 31D PA Task Force Boracay.