BIZ BUZZ: Drone delivery coming to you
MANILA, Philippines — With technology getting better and smarter everyday, everything has become more connected. Still, there are places literally far from our reach, which only means we need to find a solution to close the gap.
And this is something that drone deliveries address. These aerial vehicles can deliver parcels to remote areas in the country like trucks or bikes without having to worry over road connectivity and …traffic congestion.
Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda, on the sidelines of an event hosted by the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines, said that a logistics company is set to conduct a pilot testing of drone deliveries in the country this year.
These are seen to help facilitate easier transport of critical items like medicines and food to remote areas across the archipelago.
READ: DICT launches first drone-assisted medicine delivery in SEA
To allow this service, Aguda said the logistics company must also secure approval from both the Department of Information and Communications Technology and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.
Aguda did not name the company but noted that drone delivery is already a proven technology in other markets abroad.
A quick Google search will let you know that big logistics companies like Amazon, UPS and DHL are already flying parcels using drones.
READ: Drone Delivery – Your Takeout Is Taking to The Skies
So, the question is: Who is this player coming to town? We’ll find out soon. —Tyrone Jasper C. Piad
Stanley’s award, Robina’s adventure
Although the top officials of Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. (RRHI) attended the same event recently, they had vastly different experiences.
RRHI president and CEO Stanley Co went back to his alma mater, the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, on June 13 to receive the so-called Ka-Komersyo Inspiration Award 2025.
It was one of the awards given to notable alumni of UST College of Commerce and Business Administration (CCBA).
But if we look to his left in photos, standing beside him is Robina Gokongwei-Pe in a stunning yellow (or yellow-green, as she says) dress. She also offers a completely different lens.
“Before the ceremony, CCBA assistant dean Francis de Jesus gave us a quick tour of campus,” Pe says in a Facebook post.
“I walked slowly and very respectfully … like someone who didn’t go to school there,” she adds.
If you haven’t figured it out yet, Pe, chair of RRHI, is an alumna of the University of the Philippines and the godmother of the UP Men’s Basketball Team.
“Got to stand next to the Growling Tiger and managed to not get bitten (as a certified UP Maroon).”
Good thing it wasn’t UAAP season! —MEG J. ADONIS
READ: Robina Gokongwei-Pe: From ‘bodegera’ to retail empire CEO
PAL beefs up cargo tech
The cargo business arm of Philippine Airlines (PAL) has officially launched an online platform where its customers can conveniently book, pay and track their shipments.
“In today’s digital-first economy, our revitalized business reflects PAL Cargo’s support for digital innovation, broader reach and tailored logistics solutions that help local entrepreneurs grow and compete in both local and global markets,” PAL vice president for cargo Jason Siy said.
The Lucio Tan-led airline offers freight services for individuals, freight forwarders and corporate clients. It delivers high-value commodities, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce and perishables, among others.
It is also teaming up with logistics company Airspeed and Department of Trade and Industry to help small businesses bring their products to local and overseas markets.
PAL Cargo currently operates in Manila, Clark, Cebu and Davao. — Tyrone Jasper C. Piad
