Manila Standard @ 33: Our Perfect Vision for 2020 by Manila Standard

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Initiatives to fuel Corporate Social Responsibility

CCORDING to the world bank, social inclusion is the process of improving the terms on which individuals and groups take part in society— improving the ability, opportunity, and dignity of those disadvantaged on the basis of their identity. In this day and age of globalization through social media and the ever widening net of intricacies created by the internet, staying connected and keeping relevant with the trends of cyberspace is easier than ever. Literally, everything is one click away. Further, our inkling for inclusion is rooted in human psychology. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a theory in psychology proposed by Abraham Maslow in his 1943 paper “A Theory of Human Motivation” in Psychological Review. Maslow subsequently extended the idea to include his observations of humans’ innate curiosity. In the middle of Maslow’s pyramid model is our need to be loved and feel we belong, further broken down to five categories, are physiological, safety, love and belonging esteem and self-actualization. The theory states that higher needs in the hierarchy begin to emerge when people feel they have sufficiently satisfied the previous need. In the context of corporate social responsibility, companies go beyond what can be done and give, other than basic human and safety needs. That’s why various enterprises, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations, make it their commitment to spearhead social inclusion initiatives present in their Corporate Social Responsibility programs. As an example is the Clark Development Corporation, which has made it its quest to improve the lives of the Aeta communities that they cater to. This is just one example of the many more projects aimed at social inclusion for marginalized sectors. Read on, to know more of these wonderful undertakings. Peter Paul Duran

Photos credit Merce Pascual

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Ayala Foundation: Creating a better society By Charles Dantes

OR years, companies attain progress, but still give back to the community.

One such notable group is the Ayala Foundation, created in 1961 and was then known as Filipinas Foundation Inc., founded by the visionary Joseph McMicking and his wife Mercedes ZobelMcMicking. Filipinas Foundation Inc. advocates the need to “push the frontiers of knowledge and abolish poverty and privation in whatever form among the people of the Philippines.” In 1990, FFI was renamed into Ayala Foundation Inc., to outline the responsibility and commitment of the Ayala group in creating a better society. Fast forward to the present, the AFI carries on its vision for a better future—a land of productive, selfreliant and proud Filipinos. Ayala Foundation Inc. has helped different communities around the country. From indigenous people to victims of typhoons, AFI’s aid extends further into the future of their beneﬁciaries. Iraya-Mangyan Program.

Started back in 1991, the IrayaMangyan Program is devoted to the education and skills’ training of the indigenous group in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. For the Mangyans’ sustainable livelihood, Ayala Foundation provides the Talipanan community in the revival of its traditional weaving of beautiful and useful nito products. With the help of different partners, Ayala Foundation also taught the Iraya-Mangyans dressmaking, electrical skills, masonry, agriculture and many others. As of 2016, more than 280 families have been reached by the program and around P5.2 million of total sales of indigenous products have been sold. Weaving girls of Palawan Another program of the AFI is to rejuvenate the weaving prowess of the women in barangay Sibaltan in El Nido, Palawan. In an effort to help level up the the ladies of Sibaltan’s craftmanship of buri bags and buri products, Ayala Foundation helped the women

Manila Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna (front, third from right) and NHCP Chairman Rene Escalante (front, fourth from left) celebrated National Heroes Day with Ayala group officials by laying a wreath at the foot of the Bonifacio Monument at Tutuban Center. Also in photo are (front, from left): Jason Ngo, Tutuban Center deputy general manager; Norie Raniel, Tutuban Center general manager; Charmaine Bauzon, Ayala Malls assistant vice president for Luzon operations; John Philip Orbeta, Ayala Corporation group head for Corporate Resources; and Cel Amores, Ayala Foundation senior director for corporate communications. ayalafoundation.org

improve their product-making processes and then connected them to different local markets. AFI also assisted the Sibaltan Heritage Council in their tourism initiatives. Livelihood in Laguna Since 2012, more than 107 hectares of land in Calauan, Laguna

have been used for the Pasig River Rehabilitation Program and the relocation of families displaced by Typhoon Ondoy. Rather than sulk from their misfortune, some 4,500 families of Southville 7 received aid from the Ayala Foundation, through its sustainable livelihood projects, that

gave employment to citizens and enterprise to the family. In partnership with the Makati Development Corporation, one of AFI’s biggest programs is the MDC Greens Project that constructed an ornamental plant farm which provided jobs for the people of Calauan.

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DTI helps integrate Persons with Disabilities to mainstream society By Charles Dantes

“J

UST because a man lacks use of his eyes doesn’t mean he lacks vision.”

That is the words of the blind American singer Stevie Wonder on how he coped with his disability and to reach success that for him, almost seemed impossible. There are times when a person

with special needs is neglected badly by society, seeing them as worthless and incapable of casual work. Deprived of the chance to work independently and have their own businesses, persons

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with disabilities struggle for a fair shake in life. But the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has made their wishes come true. The trade department has launched its “Persons with Disabilities Economic Empowerment Program” to help the integration of PWDs into the mainstream society. The program provides the following interventions—enterprise-level assistance, enabling environment and policy advocacy. In a simple ceremony that took place last July, DTI ROG Undersecretary and Permanent PWD Focal Person Zenaida C. Magla-

ya provided Myrla P. Sedenio of the National Council for Disability Affairs with a copy of the DTI Manual on Disability Inclusive Governance. Witnesses to the said event were DTI-Resource Generation and Management Service staff, led by Zenaida F. Pre and Aurora A. dela Rea, with Randy Calsena of NCDA. The ceremony was held at the DTI Main Lobby wherein the DTI Mural on Disability Inclusive Governance is displayed. The DTI Mural on Disability Inclusive Governance features persons with disabilities/organizations in the various parts of the country that DTI helped through its programs and services. Both the handover ceremony and the mural are part of the DTI Calendar of Activities in support of the 41st National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week Celebration last July.

Allianz.. From D2

Absolut Distillers Inc. Overall Head, Gerry Tee (fourth from left), Two Degrees President, Lucio Tan III (center) and Allianz President and CEO, Alex Grenz (seventh from left) along with the volunteers during the tree planting photo op - Paul Gelario

Some 50 employees, including executives from the three companies all joined together to plant aromatic coconut trees imported from Thailand as part of the project’s ceremonial start. The project lasts up to ﬁve years with three major locations, each with different species of trees. The ﬁrst location is in Batangas, where the aromatic coconut trees will be planted.

The celebration was geared “to strengthen national efforts towards disability prevention and rehabilitation to enable the effective integration of persons with disabilities into the mainstream of society.” The theme for last year, “Lokal na Pamahalaan: Kabalikat sa Pagtupad ng Karapatan ng mga Taong Maykapansanan,” focused on regional/local efforts, particularly of local government units in increasing awareness about persons with disabilities and promoting their rights. DTI started to improve its catalog during its yearly trade fairs and exhibits by putting and adding products locally-crafted here in the Philippines and created by disabled workers. This won the hearts of different business owners and employers to start treating PWDs as normal working individuals.

The second one is in the Cagayan region, where over 24,000 hectares of land will be planted with rubber trees, while the last is in Boracay, where mangroves will be planted. “As of today, 500,000 trees have been planted in the area, which cover over 24,000 hectares of land,” Two Degrees President, Lucio Tan III said. “Rest assured, I intend to follow my father’s green advocacy and other efforts that promote sustainability.”

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Allianz President and CEO, Alex Grenz (left) planting Thailand’s Aromatic Coconut while being assisted by Absolut Distillers Inc. Overall Head, Gerry Tee (right) during the tree planting ceremonial - Paul Gelario

Absolut Distillers Inc. Overall Head, Gerry Tee (second from left), Two Degrees President, Lucio Tan III (third from left), and Allianz President and CEO, Alex Grenz (rightmost) during the tree planting ceremonial - Paul Gelario

Allianz PNB Life: Honing talents of minority, oppressed thru sports

By Paul David L. Gelario

LLIANZ PNB Life has always been at the forefront of social inclusion by developing the talents of the indigenous minority and the oppressed through sports. Last year, the insurance company’s corporate social responsibility has touched the lives of hundreds by helping their quest in ﬁnding their passion for sports.

Placing Top 20 in Allianz OCR One of the most successful parts of Allianz’s social inclusion initiative was when one of the Aetas turned heads during the Allianz Obstacle Course Racing on March 31, 2019. One of the participants, Danilo Yugyug from Porac, Pampanga, landed in the Top 20, giving him a chance to compete for a slot in

the national pool for the Southeast Asian Games. Yugyug thanked Allianz for giving them the chance to compete even if their location was at the remotest part of the mountain. “Maraming salamat po, dahil kahit nasa pinakasulok kami ng bundok, kinuha nila (Allianz) kami para makilahok,” the 20-year-old Yugyug said.

Allianz’s chief marketing ofﬁcer nodded in agreement, that as part of Allianz’s social inclusion, they will always give the minority the opportunity. “Allianz is here for them to give the opportunity,” said Allianz Chief Marketing Ofﬁcer, Gae Martinez. Allianz invites FC Bayern Legend to play with Tuloy Foundation Kids What could make playing football more memorable? By playing with a former Bundesliga superstar who treats children like his sons and daughters. That is what exactly happened to all 27 kids aged 15 to 18 at the Tuloy Foundation on June 29, 2019. With the help of Allianz,

Giovane Elber came to the country to conduct a football clinic with the Tuloy Foundation. The football clinic had two parts, with the first composed of dribbling, where he set up obstacles the kids must navigate through. The second part was an exhibition matchup, where he played with the kids, demonstrating his superior dribbling skills slicing through the kids’ defenses, but never attempting to take a shot. In the end, Elber congratulated the children for playing well, advised them to always have teamwork and never neglect their studies. The children loved approaching Elber and later gave them an autographed picture. Tuloy Foundation is a center

for the abandoned, neglected, abused and out-of-school children. Allianz, ADI, Two Degrees to plant 12M trees Allianz, Absolute Distillers Inc. and Two Degrees all joined forces last November 23, 2019 in Lian, Batangas to combat climate change and continue the legacy of Lucio “Bong” Tan, whose unexpected passing made the companies continue his vision of a greener future. “Bong has left us for a better place. His legacy for sustainability will live on,” Allianz President and CEO, Alex Grenz said. “We at Allianz will be very honored if we can further support his vision.” Continued on D2

WHEN MISSION BECOMES A VOCATION

T WAS mid-morning in late November and many patients attending the medical mission held at the rural health unit (RHU) in Passi City, Iloilo are either having their vitals checked or waiting their turn to advance in the queue. It was humid, and people are quickly filling up the venue. Normally, these make up for a combustible combination: nobody likes to wait especially in hot weather. But this is unlike any ordinary day. Just across the main medical check-up area are rows of chairs filled with patients waiting for their names to be called. Instead of the usual irritated groans from an impatient horde, the waiting area pervades with sounds of singing, laughter, and snappy answers to trivia questions from townsfolks. It was as if they are participating in a noontime TV variety show instead of a medical mission. They might as well be. BDO Unibank collaborated with the local government unit of Passi to hold the second leg of the BDO Barangay Day, the bank’s way of maximizing the RHUs rehabilitated by its corporate social responsibility arm, BDO Foundation, by offering medical missions in the center, sprinkled with entertainment numbers, games, and financial education videos. “When we were told that the next Barangay Day would be here in Passi, we felt very excited and we looked forward to it because we never expected that out of the many hundreds of branches, we would be chosen to be the beneficiary of this medical mission,” Iloilo-Passi branch head Lilie Marie Abad said. “We already heard several feedbacks from the people of the rural health unit that they are very grateful that BDO is doing this medical mission for them.” BIGYAN NG JACKET YAN! “What is the correct answer: one, i-pang gimmick? Two, i-pang shopping? Or three, tipunon (ipunin or save)?” Jojie Aga-in, head of the Roxas-Pueblo De Panay branch and one of the program’s hosts, asked the crowd shortly after a BDO Foundationproduced video on the best way to use

Christmas bonus was played. “Tipunon!” Merlina Dopamayco, 64, answered with gusto after she was picked from a group of enthusiastic hand-raisers, like a group of schoolchildren actively participating in a class recitation. “Correct!” replied Aga-in. Afterwards, Dopamayco was awarded with a token to the cheers of the crowd. Though it was her first time to be recognized, Dopamayco has been actively participating in the Q&A portion of the program ever since it started. And even before that, she was dancing and singing in chorus with the BDO performers who serenated the crowd with a number of pop songs. Dopamayco was a bundle of energy even at her age. “I’m diabetic,” she said, providing yet another surprise. “Nonetheless, that (my health condition) doesn’t deter me from enjoying these festivities. I’m really grateful that they hold a medical mission for indigenous people here in Passi.” Aside from availing of the free medical consultation, Dopamayco stressed she actively participated in the Q&A not because of the prize, but because she was eager to learn the financial lessons shared in the videos. “I wanted to know if my answers are

correct,” she explained. “These lessons are really valuable for me because money’s hard to come by. Once you have money, you have to save it. Open a bank account and put your money there. I will impart these lessons to my children as well. (They should) deposit the money they saved from their allowance to their bank account.” HEALING OF THE BODY, MIND AND SOUL For Elenita Gepulgase, 55, the Barangay Day provided a much-needed respite for her aching body. “I have a terrible headache and pain in different parts of my body. I hope to see a doctor about this. There’s no other bank that has come to our place to offer this kind of service, only BDO. Thank you for giving us medicines. Thank you BDO, for holding this medical mission here in Passi,” she said. Teresita Baybay, 67, who came with her husband Bienvenido, echoed that feeling.

“We learned about this Barangay Day from a midwife. We have coughs so we want to have it checked up. My husband is also experiencing some pain in his legs so we want a doctor to take a look at it as well,” she noted. “We’re very happy that BDO held this type of event for our community. This gave us a chance not only to have our illnesses checked up by a doctor, but also afforded us the opportunity to watch some entertainment.” Even for those who were not participating in the medical mission came away impressed at the activities provided by the Bank. “My eyes were opened on the importance of saving. The future, especially for us in the police force, is so uncertain,” said Patrolwoman Sheryll Joy Cape, 28, of the Passi City Police Station. The station is just

beside the Passi RHU, thus Cape had a good view of the activities that was transpiring. “These lessons will really help us. I have a family and our kids are already going to school. I’m interested in opening a Junior Savers account for my sixyear old son. That’s the first step to secure his future because he will learn to appreciate the value of money even at an early age. The money he will receive from Christmas, I hope he’d rather save them in the bank rather than ask me to buy him new toys of clothes.” “I will also share the things I’ve learned here to my husband Nico who is an OFW in Dubai for eight years now,” she added. Jobelle Aiko Gallardo, 22, who works as Staff 2 at the Roxas Ave. branch in Iloilo and was hired by BDO just last August 16, said she doesn’t mind spending her weekend outside serving those in need, rather than staying at home to rest after a week’s work. “This is a great feeling. Instead of just staying at home doing nothing, we’re here serving the people in the barangay. When I first got to a big company like BDO, I thought it would be just work, work, work. I didn’t realize we also do outreach programs like this medical mission. It’s a good feeling knowing you’re out there helping other people, and not just your clients,” she said. “I know I can share this (experience) to other and future employees of BDO. Even if this happens just once in my life and the people I’ve helped don’t even remember me, I know there was that one day that I went out of my way, out of my comfort zone, to help other people.” WHERE DID THEY GET THE ENERGY? When the Passi Barangay Day ended slightly past noon, none from the branch-

es that participated in the event showed any sign of fatigue. The mere thought of serving the underprivileged served as an elixir. “I don’t feel tired at all. Initially, we thought we would be the ones to provide fun to all the participants. But as the activities went on, it was us who were inspired, who had fun. We feel fulfilled,” said Aga-in. “Honestly, we did not expect this much participation because there was an incoming typhoon and due to other issues and considerations. But as early as 7AM, there were already plenty of participants coming from different barangays. Seeing that, it was reason enough for us to feel energized and to keep on going all throughout this half day.” “We embraced the tasks, we embraced the objective. Not just as a matter of obligation but also as a matter of self-giving to the community because it’s going to be Christmas time and we are again reminded of the relationship that we have with the community,” he pointed out. Aga-in’s program co-host, Mary Jane Babalo, also head of the Iloilo-Citymall Pavia branch, shared the same sentiment. “I don’t feel tired because we’re focused on the things that we had to do, on the purpose on why we’re here. I’m happy that the people were very receptive. It just shows that your message got across, that they appreciate this. And then, more importantly, we saw that they really enjoyed this activity,” she said. “To the next venue of the next Barangay Day, keep an open mind, especially for those in need. We have to find in our hearts to serve the people. It’s our civic duty to serve in the community that we’re in. It’s not about selling your product. It’s about volunteerism, then you get a sense of fulfillment.”

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Pawnshops evolve with the times, serve as key players in financial inclusion initiatives

local pawnshops are actually highly professional organizations that follow one of the strictest codes of operations, based on BSP guidelines, and likewise comply with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s requirements on corporate governance. Cebuana Lhuillier, one of the country’s major players in the pawning industry with all of its 2,500 branches nationwide, undergo regular trainings and armed with the highest standard of appraisals, so clients are assured of getting the best value for their pawned items at any time and at any branch. “Over the years, pawning has evolved to become the fastest

CCORDING to the latest Anti-Money Laundering Council’s Strategic Analysis Report published in 2018, pawnshops along with money service businesses are crucial to the promotion of financial inclusion. These alternative financial service access points contribute to the further expansion of the formal financial system. In fact, pawnshops have become one of the biggest supporters of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ program in promoting microfinancial services and providing financial access to the poor and micro and small entrepreneurs, something that is not otherwise possible via banks and bigger financial organizations. Contrary to the misconception,

and easiest means to get access to cash. With our wide network, we are able to reach the vast majority of people who have little to no access to financial services. This, in turn, helps Filipinos level up and take the first step towards financial wellness,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, president and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier. As the coming of a new decade beckons a myriad of opportunities for Filipinos to take control of their own fate, the support of government entities such as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, alongside private institutions like Cebuana Lhuillier, remain invaluable as they continue to pave the road to financial inclusion for every Filipino.

Cebuana Lhuillier CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier (center)

OWNDAYS hands over proceeds of ‘Cases for Change’ to beneficiaries EYEWEAR retailer supports partners that cater to the more vulnerable parts of the society. In line with its belief that change can make the world look more beautiful, OWNDAYS Philippines has culminated the pilot year of its ‘Cases for Change’ campaign by handing over the full proceeds from the two-month promo to its three chosen partner-organizations. The Philippine Animal Welfare Society, World Vision, and World Wide Fund for Nature were the beneﬁciaries the eyewear retailer chose to collaborate with for the specialized cases. ‘Cases for Change’ was rolled out in all OWNDAYS stores nationwide from April to May last year. These collaboration cases were sold for P250 each for every purchase of any prescription glasses and P500 for just the case. The goal was to generate funds for the non-proﬁt organizations’ causes and to create awareness about those groups’ advocacy. “We are a brand that gives back,” said OWNDAYS Philippines Managing Director Vohne Yao. “I reiterate that though the company has contributed as well to this campaign, we are merely a channel. Our customers who actually purchased the specially-designed cases have supported the organization of their choice.” World Vision Philippines For World Vision Philippines, the proceeds from the campaign came just in time for Continued on D6

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Taking care of children’s welfare

By MJ Blancaflor

EVERAL non-governmental organizations support initiatives for children’s welfare such as empowering outof-school youth and alleviating them from poverty. These NGOs initiate projects to ensure that children’s needs are taken care of, with the goal of giving them digniﬁed lives to become assets in society. Thinking of supporting an NGO? We listed these organizations, their goals, and where you can

ﬁnd them: 1. World Vision. It believes that the child sponsorship program

facilitates overall growth and development in the community. By pooling together all

sponsorship donations, selected children, and their communities acquire access to education. Like in other countries, World Vision works with communities in the Philippines. To select the children who will become scholars, the organization partners with local staff and families. The sponsorship may last several years depending on the sponsor. It may end for various reasons, but the newfound friendship between the sponsor and the beneﬁciary will

last a lifetime. In case the sponsor misses his pledge, World Vision starts looking for another sponsor. The organization was founded in 1950 by Rev. Robert Pierce, an American Baptist minister and relief worker. It performs as a service group to meet the emergency needs of Christian missionaries. In 1975, development work was added to World Vision’s objectives. Visit worldvision.org.ph for more info. Continued on D8

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Children’s safety, protection a must By Charles Arvin Dantes

ATIONAL hero Dr. Jose Rizal believed in the power of youth, as evident in his famous quote “the youth is the hope of our future.” It may sound cheesy to some, but Rizal made sure that his message will make waves up to the present day. Believing that the youth will be the backbone of a thriving society is great, but children’s safety and protection are a different matter. As of 2017, the World Health Organization released an estimated number of abuses and violence perpetrated towards minors aged 2 to 17 worldwide. In the report showed to the public, up to a billion kids have endured

different forms of physical, emotiona,l and mental attacks. In the Philippines, the United Nations Children’s Fund found out that 8 in 10 children and young people have experienced different forms of maltreatment in their lifetime. And it usually begins at home. The continuous build-up of victims all over the world pushed the Save the Children Foundation to ﬁght for what is right for the youth. Save the Children has been safeguarding kids in the

Philippines for more than three decades. The foundation aims to protect and support children that are in need, save lives that are in danger, ﬁght for the right of a child and create better lives for the youth in the country. Humanitarian Response Save the Children is always ready to show up when disasters and armed conﬂicts affect the lives of the young ones. The group focuses on giving the victims the long-term support that they need in the form of livelihood, education and a stronger community resilience program. Other than the long-term support, Save the Children provides access to food, shelter, clean water, education and healthcare. Another program they have is the Preparedness,

Risk Reduction and Resilience Building lectures to ready the whole country in facing dangers and threats. Health and Nutrition A healthy child is a happy child-that is the proper way to explain how important nutrition and health for children. Save the Children also teaches parents and teachers on the signiﬁcance of proper childcare and nutrition, while training kids and teens on hygiene and dental care. They also carry out malnutrition treatment programs for the less fortunate. And lastly, they give emergency healthcare for children and families affected by armed or natural disasters. Education Learning begins before birth! Now more than ever, the early

years are being recognized as the foundation of human development and life-long learning. All children should have access to appropriate support right from birth. Save the Children works with relevant service providers to support female and male caregivers and ensures that young children’s needs for good health, optimal nutrition, security and safety, opportunities for early learning, and responsive caregiving are provided from age 0. Save the Children creates breakthroughs in developing mother tongue books, which are developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive. A Book Development Review Committee for mother tongue languages in Mindanao was even established, Continued on D8

OWNDAYS... From D4

the humanitarian development and advocacy organization’s ongoing relief response for affected families in a recent major earthquake that hit Mindanao. “World Vision Philippines is currently setting up child-friendly places and temporary learning facilities where thousands of children in earthquake-hit areas can undergo psychological support and still attend classes,” said World Vision Philippines Executive Director Rommel Fuerte. “We are very happy and grateful to OWNDAYS and its customers for believing in our cause. We commit ourselves to be accountable to every centavo given to us,” he added. The Philippine Animal Welfare Society PAWS Executive Director Anna Hashim-Cabrera thinks the overwhelming support from OWNDAYS Philippines and the customers who bought the PAWS cases is an affirmation that a lot of Filipinos now recognize that their pets give so much to them, thus the need to give back. Proceeds from ‘Cases for Change’ will help PAWS fund its core initiatives: operating its animal assisted program in its headquarters in Quezon City, rolling out lowcost spay and neuter efforts to curtail pet overpopulation, educating communities about animal welfare, filing legal cases against animal offenders, and lobbying for legislations that will protect animals. World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines Kabang Kalikasan ng Pilipinas Foundation or World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines) is allocating the fund it received from ‘Cases for Change’ for environmental education across the country. The non-profit environmental organization serves up to 20,000 public schools, where it trains students and teachers of ways to preserve Mother Nature. “We are happy as this campaign somehow shows that there is an increased consciousness, trigger, and mindset among local consumers to help the environment in their own little ways,” said WWF-Philippines President and CEO Jose Angelito Palma. “WWF aims to change behaviors. First, we impart knowledge, then we provide skills, leading to an eventual change in behavior.” After the overwhelming success of the first ‘Cases for Change’ campaign, OWNDAYS is considering the possibility of launching a second edition of the program, with a different set of beneficiaries, soon.

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Marawi’s ‘Bakwit Village’ gets additional residential, educational and livelihood facilities

Ronald Mascariñas, BAVI president and Special Olympics executive Kaye Samson open the inaugural Unified Basketball clinic under Chooks-to-Go’s “Kaya ‘Yan, Manok ng Bayan” program. Joining them are brand ambassador Kiefer Ravena and the FIBA 3X3 national team.

Chooks-to-Go, Special Olympics roll out unified basketball clinic for PIDs, BAVI employees

HOOKS-TO-GO and Special Olympics Asia Pacific have conducted a sports clinic for persons with intellectual disabilities, their families, and employees of Bounty Agro Ventures, Inc., operator of the country’s largest roasted chicken chain. The first in a series of activations nationwide under BAVI’s flagship corporate social responsibility program “Kaya ‘Yan, Manok ng Bayan”, the Unified Basketball Clinic saw more than 35 PIDs team up with their family members and BAVI employees as they went through a set of basketball-related games and drills. “This unified basketball clinic is

our way of helping PIDs develop their sports skills as they gain selfconﬁdence. For BAVI employees and other stakeholders, it is an opportunity to better appreciate the abilities of PIDs as they bond together through this activity and develop their camaraderie,” said Ronald Mascariñas, BAVI president and general manager. The uniﬁed basketball clinic was

facilitated by Special Olympics and BAVI basketball coaches, including Chooks-to-Go brand ambassador, Kiefer Ravena. It was held at The Upper Deck in Ortigas Center, Pasig City. Special Olympics executive, Kaye Samson welcomed the sports clinic participants, while Special Olympics powerlifting athlete and BAVI administrative assistant, Henry Munarriz gave an inspirational message to his fellow PIDs and their families. The ‘Kaya ‘Yan, Manok ng Bayan’ campaign is a year-long sports development and employment program that aims to benefit PIDs through nationwide sports fests, training sessions, and job recruitment activities of BAVI offices. The company hopes to offer at least 20 positions to qualified PIDs from Special Olympics Asia Pacific.

AS THE locals of war-torn Marawi City continue to rebuild their lives after being displaced by the ﬁvemonth war in 2017, many affected families saw a glimmer of hope when the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, in partnership with the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, completed the second phase of the ‘Bakwit Village.’ Recently, PAGCORs Board of Directors led by Chairman and CEO Andrea D. Domingo and President and COO Alfredo Lim, together with the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators group, turned over a total of 130 housing units measuring 22.75 sqms. each to the displaced families. Aside from the housing units, 20 livelihood stalls and two educational buildings were donated by the POGO group to help create livelihood and educational opportunities for the

locals. Financial assistance worth P50,000 each was also given to 20 families as start-up fund for their intended small businesses. A three-hectare community with modular units and houses made of light wooden materials, the ‘Bakwit Village’ serves as (POGOs) temporary home of families who lost their properties or were forced to flee Marawi City when fighting erupted between government forces and the ISIS-inspired Maute terrorist group in May 2017. In December 2017, PAGCOR and POGO initially awarded 300 housing units to the affected families. The recipients of the temporary shelters were identified by representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The POGO group also committed to shoulder the water and electricity bills of the families in ‘Bakwit Village.’

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Taking care...

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Childrens’...

From D5

From D6

2. All Together in Dignity. ATD Fourth World is a movement of solidarity among and in collaboration with the most excluded families around the world. The group is composed of volunteers who work with impoverished communities to create solutions to ﬁght poverty. It conducts street libraries, fora, workshops, and art activities for children through the help of volunteers. In Asia, ATD Fourth World has teams in the Philippines and Thailand and coordinates with the Asian network of the Forum for Overcoming Poverty.

over 1.9 million Filipino kids and directly impacted the lives of 560,000 children. The organization started its first program in the country for impoverished children and families on Guimaras Island in Western Visayas through health, education, and livelihood projects that benefited over 3,000 children. Later on, it expanded to new areas like Ilocos Norte and Metro Manila in partnership with government agencies and organizations like UNICEF to support children growing up in the poorest and most challenging circumstances. To help, visit savethechildren.org.ph. 4. Edicute Incorporated. It is a nonprofit volunteer organization, which seeks to promote education and reduce illiteracy rate among Filipino indigenous peoples, with the goal of empowering them. It has conducted

Founded in 1957 by Joseph Wresinski, the organization brings together women and men from all cultures and social classes and is active in 34 countries. It is an international nongovernmental organization with no religious or political afﬁliation. The organization accepts either one-time and recurring donations, as well as partnerships with the private sector. For more info, visit www.atd-fourthworld. org or send an email at philippines@atdfourthworld.org. 3. Save the Children. It is an independent organization which opposes all forms of violence against children. Present in the Philippines since 1981,Ad-theManila group has reached Standard.pdf 1 2/5/20

outreach programs that benefited more than 5,500 IP schoolchildren and over 2,700 families nationwide. Annually, it offers three major outreach projects every May, August and December. Founded in 2011, Edicute offers out-of-theordinary outreach activities that will challenge any volunteer, including travel to via roro, dump truck, and habal-habal. Volunteers are expected to prepare meals, conduct gradelevel specific activities for kids, and immerse with the community through foster families. For more information, contact edicute. incorporated@gmail.com. 5. Global Peace Philippines. It’s an international non-sectarian, non-partisan, nonprofit organization, which promotes an innovative and values-based approach to

peace-building. Founded in 2009, Global Peace Foundation engages and organizes a global network of public and private sector partners in a bid to develop peace building models. Visit globalphilippines.org for more information.

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ensuring an inclusive process comprised of tribal chieftains, community leaders, teachers, parents, and elders. These books cover topics on indigenous games, culture, and traditions. Childs’ Rights and Protection All children, especially the most vulnerable, must be protected at all costs. Hence, Save the Children works with government, non-government organizations, children’s groups, schools and communities to strengthen the protective environment for children. The group also joins forces with the government at national and local levels to pass and implement laws and policies that will protect children from all forms of violence. Presently, Save the Children is persuading Congress to pass a law that would protect children from physical and humiliating punishment, while promoting positive discipline. With the partnership with government agencies and NGOs, the foundation assists parents, caregivers and teachers to change the way they discipline children into more positive and non-violent ways through its Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting and Positive Discipline in Everyday Teaching trainings all over the country. To know more about Save the Children Philippines, visit its website https://www. savethechildren.org.ph/

We do health. Because you’ll be stronger for your loved ones. When you take care of your body today, you’ll be more prepared for what tomorrow may bring. That’s why at Pru Life UK, we’re doing more to help you live a healthier and more secure life. See more of what we’re doing at www.prulifeuk.com.ph.

Listening. Understanding. Delivering.

CMY

www.prulifeuk.com.ph

Pru Life UK - Official

@PruLifeUK

Pru Life UK

Established in 1996, Pru Life UK is the pioneer of insuravest, or investment-linked life insurance products, in the Philippines and is one of the first life insurance companies approved to distribute US dollar-denominated investment-linked life insurance policies in the country. Since its establishment, Pru Life UK has expanded its reach to over 170 branches in the Philippines, with the biggest life agency force of more than 34,000 licensed agents. The company is also one of the country’s top three life insurers based on the Insurance Commission’s 2018 rankings in terms of new business annual premium income. Pru Life UK is headquartered in Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City. Pru Life UK and Prudential plc are not affiliated with Prudential Financial, Inc. of the United States, Prudential Assurance Company (a subsidiary of M&G plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom), Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Company, Prudentialife Plans, Inc. or Prudential Guarantee and Assurance, Inc. (all Philippine-registered companies). Pru Life UK is a life insurance company and is not engaged in the business of selling pre-need plans. For more information: www.prulifeuk.com.ph

SD Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program: Poor households get shot in arm By Charles Dantes

OVERTY is one of the main reasons why the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps has flourished. For 12 sustainable years, the initiative has been embracing fellow Filipinos with open arms.

The 4Ps is a human development program that invests in the health and education of poor households, particularly minors aged 0-18. The government patterned the program from developing countries to fight poverty and provide assistance through cash grants given to the families or beneficiaries that comply with the conditions set by the project. In the Philippines, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program serves as a vehicle to combat the poverty cycle in Filipino households. Implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), it is one of the key poverty alleviation programs of the national government that seeks to contribute in breaking the intergenerational transmission of poverty in the country. The social welfare department continues to improve the service of 4Ps, from back-to-school projects, to small enterprises, and with it, the battle against poverty alleviation has come a long way. In the statistics posted on the official website of the DSWD, around 4.9 million poor households have received benefits from the program since its inception in 2008. The social developmental campaign has four different packages that supply different aids to those who need them. A household is entitled to receive the following grants: Health Grant With the health grant, every household beneficiaries receive P500 per month and a requirement to attend the monthly Family Development Session. Education Grant Every child, part of the grant from a household with a maximum of three persons, receives a total of P300 for elementary students, and P500 per pupil in high school. The grant will also run for the whole academic year only or 10 months. Rice Subsidy An active, compliant and registered Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program household beneficiary will also collect a rice subsidy that amounts to P600 per month or P7,200 a year. Unconditional Cash Transfer Subsidy or UCT Subsidy The governmentâ€™s Unconditional Cash Transfer program is the tax subsidy provided under the TRAIN law to help the poor cushion the adverse economic effects of the policy. The top-up cash subsidies amount to P200 a month for 2018 and P300 a month for 2019 and 2020. Conditionalities Listed here are the main conditions needed by a beneficiary to comply in order to receive full access to the social assistance: 1. Parents must attend family development sessions. 2. Pregnant women must avail of pre- natal and post-natal care and be attended during childbirth by a trained health professional. 3. 0-5-year-old children must receive regular preventive health check-ups and vaccines. 4. 6-14 years old children must receive deworming pills twice a year. 5. All child beneficiaries (0-18 years old) must enroll in school and maintain class attendance of at least 85% per month. As of March 2019, there are 4.2 million active households/beneficiaries in 41,539 barangays from 1,482 municipalities receiving grants from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. To know more about the 4Psâ€™ initiative, visit official website https:// pantawid.dswd.gov.ph/about/.

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Changing the world by learning

T WAS American public school system pioneer Horace Mann, who said in the 19th century that education is the great equalizer.

However, opportunities don’t usually come knocking for the minority to enjoy this right and consequently, privilege. One cannot emphasize the importance of eduction enough, as a philosopher once said: “The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.” Benjamin Franklin opines: “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Take it from one of the founding fathers of the United States of America, who valued his learning more than anything. A testament to this was his accomplishments as a profound polymath, inventor, scientist, printer, politician, Freemason and diplomat. But times have changed, and in a fast-paced and modern world, we tend to overlook the important things in life. The ones that are supposed to be a right and necessity have become luxury to some, just like having access to quality education. These days, education is considered a luxury and not a right. That’s why companies, believing in the power of education, have leveled the playing field for those armed only with potential and perseverance to pursue their dreams through education. Through the years, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the Philippines has created a long-term, sustainable change to help provide and enrich the quality of education in the country. From the public to the private sector, companies and agencies have been actively involved in the growth and development of education in the Philippines. And to help prevent the looming serious problem of shortage of a skilled and smart workforce, companies have included education in their social responsibility programs. Education is often seen as their ticket out of poverty. However, for those living in poverty, access to education is easier said than done. With limited resources, many of them go to school on an empty stomach, and with incomplete school supplies. Some even skip going to school altogether on days when they have absolutely no money for their commute and meal. The main purpose of CSR is to create a support system that comes full circle. To these agencies and companies, education is a right for everyone to appreciate and enjoy, and a powerful weapon to help change the world. Peter Paul Duran

Health, wellness for progress

EALTH is wealth. And if you ask companies that have made it their commitment to spread the importance of health and wellness through their corporate social responsibility programs, this is one aspect that everyone’s concerned with.

There is an ethical obligation of hospitals, businesses and other organizations to deliver quality healthcare to those who need it most, creating avenues for every individual to partake in a healthy lifestyle and do something beneﬁcial for the overall well-being of their employees and immediate touchpoints. Companies directly involved in industries such as sports, pharmaceuticals, primary and urgent care, as well as enterprises that put premium on the health of their people, have a conscious effort to improve the understanding of nutrition towards a healthy and balanced lifestyle and extend help to the countryside. But this does not just stop there, as these industries could be an avenue to inspire the next generation, especially those who are underprivileged. Schools, for example, give out athletic scholarships for student athletes. As an essential part of doing their businesses, companies reach out in ways they can do best, and with the tools they already have in their hands. In health and wellness, they have, no doubt, come a long way in the promotion of a healthy and balanced lifestyle ﬁt for the community they serve. Peter Paul Duran

Champions of Education Metrobank scholars, with George Ty, the late founder and chairman of Metrobank http://www.mbfoundation.org.ph

By MJ Blancaflor

IVE a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

The first recorded English version of this proverb can be found in a novel called “Mrs. Dymond” published in 1885 by Victorian writer Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie. The proverb is at least 135 years old, but many of us would still agree that educating a person is more beneficial in the long run than temporarily satisying a need. Opportunites, however, are not served in a silver platter. Thankfully, the private sector

has been initiating efforts to fill this gap. After all, corporate social responsibility empowers employees to leverage resources at their disposal to do good. In the Philippines, some companies have made their mark in championing education through their CSRs. 1. SM Scholarships Scholarships from companies as a form of a CSR project allow many poor but deserving students to finish their studies—just like

how the SM Foundation does it. SM Scholarships began in 1993 as the late business tycoon Henry Sy, Sr. with his spouse Felicidad T. Sy accepted scholars. The Sy patriarch believed that if somebody who can graduate from college, would soon, lift his family from poverty. SM now offers scholarships dubbed as the SM College Scholarship and the SM TechnicalVocational Scholarship. College scholars should take any of these programs: computer science, information technology, electronics and communications engineering or electronics engineering, computer engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, elementary education or secondary education major in biology, chemistry, general sciences, physics, mathematics, and English.

They could also take a degree in accountancy, accounting technology, accounting information systems, internal auditing, financial management, or management accounting. College scholars benefit from full tuition, a monthly allowance, the choice of specialization, part-time jobs during semestral or holiday breaks and exclusive job offers when they graduate. Senior high school applicants should have a general weighted average of 88 percent and an annual household income amounting to or less than P150,000. 2. PLDT-Smart Foundation’s Gabay Guro Believing that behind every great Filipino is a great teacher, PLDTSmart Foundation established Gabay Guro in 2007 to recognize

and honor the country’s educators for their role in nation-building. PLDT Gabay Guro supports and honors teachers through its seven pillars of learning; namely, scholarship grants, teachers’ training, livelihood projects, teachers’ tribute, housing, and of course, broadbanding and computerization, and the newly launched innovations pillar where the goal is to equip teachers, school leaders, school staff, and other stakeholders with an empowering innovation mindset. Over the years, more than 50,000 educators have benefited from PLDT Gabay Guro’s regular training programs, which include personality development, emotional intelligence, English proficiency, information technology, Next page

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Health is wealth The Philippines sets another world record for the largest Zumba class with 12,975 participants in a single venue. With the turnout on Sunday, July 19, Mandaluyong City now holds the Guinness world record, surpassing the one set by Cebu in 2014, with 8,200+ participants. Ey Acasio

By Jobe Regondola Garcia

UST as the saying goes, “Health is wealth.” The healthier you are, the more wealthier you can be in life.

So today we shall be tackling about some of the different health care programs of the Department of Health (DOH) that you might not know. First off would be the Smoking Cessation Program. Tobacco, as we all know it, is the major cause of health problems globally. According to WHO’s 2005 report entitled The Role of Health Professionals in Tobacco Control, there is

a whopping estimate of a billion smokers in the world and a shocking 4.9 million deaths per year and if consumption patterns do not change, by the year 2020, the total number of deaths shall rise by 10 million people. Due to the highly addictive substance of tobacco, users need support in kicking the habit off their system. A survey by The Philippine Global Adult Tobacco revealed that in 2009, 28.3% of the populace currently smoke tobacco, as young as 15 years old. 47.7 percent are men, while 9% are women. The mandate of this program is to promote and advocate the termination of the use of tobacco in the Philippines and to provide smoking cessation services to current smokers,

starting at the Primary Level, which is the Barangay Health Clinics, conducting Risk Assessments and Screenings, Quit Clinics and leveraging on Nicotine Replacement Therapy. Then on the Secondary Level, which would be the nurses, doctors and other health personnel that would be in-charge of their intervention package called “Quit Day,” a pharmacologic, psychological and behavioral intervention. Next off would be the National TB Control Program. Before we dive into details, we must first know what is TB or Tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a disease caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The latter’s mode of transmission is through the air

when a person with TB coughs, sneezes or talks. Be forewarned that TB is NOT hereditary, TB cannot be acquired from sleeping late at night, vomiting or by simply having dry sweat in the back and most of all, it is NOT acquired through mosquito bites. This program aims to have a TB-free Philippines by achieving zero deaths, disease and suffering due to tuberculosis, a decreased 95% TB mortality rate by 2035, reduced number of TB deaths by 50% and its incidence rate by 15%. Worry not because of the very accessible modern scientific breakthroughs, TB CAN be eradicated, which reminds me of Mitch Valdes’ comical yet catchy TB-DOTS commercial stinger, “Pag may DOTS, TB nagagamots. Anim

na buwang gamutan ipairal!” Yes! It would only take 6 months of consistent treatment and you can live your life once again. Another would be the Cancer Control Program. We all know that cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally, with 14 million new cases and 8.2 million deaths linked to different types of cancer. According to the World Health Organization, annual cancer cases would arise from 14 million in 2012 to 22 million in the next two decades. Having said that, cancer remains a top national health priority in our country with implications for everyone. In response to that, the said

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TeaM Energy rehabilitates Sual dam for improved farming irrigation THE newly rehabilitated Logolog Dam in Sual, Pangasinan will soon help Sual farmers effectively irrigate their crops for improved growth, yield, and quality. The dam, which can potentially irrigate 50 hectares of farmland, was rehabilitated through the Logolog Riverbank Rehabilitation Program of TeaM Energy, in partnership with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA). “We envision the Logolog Dam to be one of TeaM Energy’s legacy projects,” shares Ruben H. Licerio, Station Manager of the Sual Power Station in Pangasinan that is operated by TeaM Energy. “Through this project, we hope to improve the livelihood of Sual farmers by enabling them to have three crop harvest cycles throughout the year to boost their productivity,” he adds. The project was recently

Furthering literacy, education in 9th Jollibee Family Values Awards

“L

ITERACY is a bridge from misery to hope,” thus articulated Kofi Annan, the late United Nations Secretary-General.

This profound message could very well have been said in the recent Jollibee Family Values Awards, now on its 9th year, as four Filipino families, who selflessly advocate for literacy, and the

ity which trains Grade 4-6 students to become their own storytellers and writers. A proud product of this initiative is “Super Labandera,” the first book written by TSP participant Jim Carolino.

Ruben H. Licerio, Station Manager of TeaM Energy’s Sual Power Station (center) and Liseldo DQ. Calugay, Mayor of Sual, Pangasinan (right) formally turn over the newly rehabilitated Logolog Dam to Benjamin Reynaldo, President of the Mabilay Danum Logolog Farmers Irrigators Association. Sual farmers will greatly benefit from the newly rehabilitated dam which will provide communal irrigation.

turned over by TeaM Energy to the Mabilay Danum Logolog Farmers Irrigators Association. Present during the turnover were Sual Mayor Liseldo DQ. Calugay, and Gaudencio M. de Vera,

The newly rehabilitated Logolog dam, located on the Logolog River in Sual, Pangasinan, has the capacity to irrigate 50 hectares of farmlands.

head of the Pangasinan Irrigation Management Office of NIA. The Logolog Dam was constructed in the 1980s by local farmers in Sual, Pangasinan but has never undergone any modification or rehabilitation. It is located along the Logolog River, which also underwent streambank rehabilitation through the Adopt-a-River program of TeaM Energy. TeaM Energy is the single largest Japanese investment in the country with over 2,000 MW of installed generating capacity in Luzon. It operates two coalfired power plants: the 735 MW Pagbilao Power Station in Quezon Province and the 1,200 MW Sual Power Station in Pangasinan. It also has a 50% stake in the 420 MW Pagbilao Unit 3 Power Project in Quezon, and a 20% stake in the Ilijan natural gas project in Batangas.

Eager kids excitely participate in a reading session organized by the Bufi Family as part of the storytelling project that aims to spark hope and inspiration though books, reading and writing.

value of reading and education, were among those deservingly honored—the Bacudios of Malate, Manila, the Bufis of Taguig City, the Mansings of Negros Oriental and the Manuels of Cagayan Province. It could be said that the sharing of knowledge and education was the order of the evening, as the inspiring stories of hope that emanated from these families touched the hearts not only of the JFVA Board of Judges, but everyone involved and present during the awards night. Bacudio Family The Dagdag Dunong Project of the Bacudio family came into fruition in 2016. Through this, the family’s garage took the form of a neighborhood library and reading room for children. The facility, now known as the Dagdag Dunong Learning Center, proudly contains over 2,000 books ranging from children’s titles, encyclopedias, reference materials, religion, and history. They have ventured beyond Metro Manila, providing libraries and other material donations to communities in Mindoro, specifically to the Mangyan Tribe. They have also provided free educational trips to museums, zoos, and parks. Currently, the family has started building its second learning center, in Baco, Mindoro. Bufi Family Similarly, Rey and Grace Bufi have taken upon themselves the challenge of harnessing storytelling to spark hope and inspiration in the face of challenges, while giving kids enjoyable experiences through books. Thus, The Storytelling Project was born. One of the key components of this project is the 3-phase core program, where children are taught to develop reading habits. Incorporated in the program is Little Helpers, an activ-

Health... From E1

agency has voluminous awareness campaigns that is slated for each month for each type of cancer, partnerships with the DepEd, CHED, DOLE and the Civil Service Commission and goals such as reducing premature mortality from cancer by 25%, reduction of risk factors for cancer such as the harmful use of alcohol, physical inactivity and tobacco use, access to vaccination for HPV and Hepatitis B, and access to selected cancer screening. Last would be the National Dengue Control Program. Before we go on with this topic, some people mistake Dengue and Malaria as one and the same. Dengue and Malaria are two different strains. Dengue is caused by viral infection, while Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasite and ma-

Mansing Family Over at Negros Oriental, the Mansing family has been actively engaged in school outreach programs led by the Book for Kids Project, which was started as a response to DepEd’s Brigada Eskwela. Seeing the positivity of education and its long-term impact, the project is focused on donating children’s books to public schools, especially those located in remote areas around their community. With two disabled family members, the Mansings also provide motivational talks that promote disability awareness and anti-bullying inclusive education. Manuel Family With a former scholar and teacher as the Manuel family patriarch, it’s not surprising that John Mauro, together with his family, would start I-Saved (Saving Vulnerable, Education and Dreams), which helps kids from the Aeta community and ‘severely wasted students’ by providing meaningful literacy and tutorial programs. They’ve also spearheaded feeding programs that seek to address the problem of hunger, while mounting seminars on proper hygiene— initiatives that help children perform better in school. Already, I-Saved has helped 320 student beneficiaries from the Aeta Community and severely wasted students from five chosen schools in Cagayan. Indeed, the advocacies, initiatives, and stories of the Bacudio, Bufi, Mansing, and Manuel families serve as true inspirations as they embody the spirit that has driven the Jollibee Family Values Awards—honoring those who exemplify positive Filipino family values such as generosity and compassion—proving to all that literacy can indeed be a powerful bridge from misery to hope.

larial mosquito is active between dusk and dawn while the dengue carrying mosquito is active during the day time. Remember that 4S acronym? S-earch and Destroy, Seek Early Consultation, S-elf Protection Measures, S-ay Yes to fogging during outbreaks. Going back, this program aims to reduce the burden of dengue disease and reduce morbidity rate by 25% come 2022 and conduct lab-based surveillance and virus surveillance hand-in-hand with the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine’s Virology Department, Case Management and Diagnosis such as Dengue Clinical Management Guidelines training for hospitals, Integrated Vector Management such as distributing Insecticide Treated Screens or ITS to schools as its control strategy for dengue and continuous distribution of larvicides and adulticides to LGUs to combat the said outbreak. Stay healthy and be well.

PLDT Group aligns 2020 CSR programs with UN SDGs

HROUGHOUT its 91-year history, the Philippines leading digital services provider PLDT has worked tirelessly to instill a sense of belongingness among Filipinos. From making the first domestic phone call possible, to being the first to connect the Philippines to the world via the Internet, and to revolutionizing mobile connectivity, PLDT has always recognized its influence on the way Filipinos communicate and on Philippine society as a whole.

As 2020 begins, the group continues to build on its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs that play a pivotal role in helping the country attain the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) in four key areas: education, livelihood, innovation, and environment. EDUCATION With a strong emphasis on digital literacy, Education continues to be the flagship CSR program of the PLDT Group. Gabay Guro provides teachers with scholarships, livelihood programs, connectivity and computerization, housing and educational facilities, training and innovation, and annual tribute events for teachers. Now on its 12th year, the program has trained over 60,000 teachers and granted 1,770 scholarships to date. PLDT Infoteach reaches out to high school students, primary to secondary level teachers, and out-of-school youths through digital literacy trainings. Since its inception in 2004, the initiative has produced over 32,000 program graduates. Wireless services subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has the School-in-

a-Bag program, which bridges the so-called ‘digital divide’ by providing portable digital classrooms and trainings for remote and underserved learning communities. The flagship #LearnSmart initiative of the company's Public Affairs Group has deployed over 200 technology packages, trained more than 2,000 teachers, and reached over 60,000 students to-date.

For tertiary level learners, Smart empowers colleges and universities to produce industry-ready engineering and IT graduates through the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program or SWEEP. This internationally-recognized program holds the annual SWEEP Awards, which presents budding technopreneurs with a platform to develop innovative applications. Now on its 19th year, the program has trained more than 36,000 engineering and IT students and teachers. Over 1,000 SWEEP trainees have been directly hired under Smart's technology group. LIVELIHOOD With the UN’s goal for decent work and economic growth, the PLDT Group also strives to promote sustainable livelihood. PLDT-Smart’s Ka-Partner Rewards Program gives incentives to the company’s electronic or e-load sellers to help them grow their business and enhance their livelihood. The sales team-led project has produced 19 retailers-turned-millionaires as of end-2019. Under PLDT Community Relations and in partnership with Sew Mates of the Davaobased Philippine Eagle Foundation Conservation Program, selected indigenous women from partner communities in Mindanao were trained to make Philippine Eagle plush toys. Similarly, trainings with women of the Rural Workers Muladbucad Pequeno Association were also conducted to produce PLDT Ecobags and start businesses through a partnership with PBSP and the Coalition for Bicol Development. A joint project with the Department of Agriculture—Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) and Probe Media Foundation, Smart’s Digital Farmers Program aims to expedite the agriculture sector's adoption and use of innovative means

of farming. These include the use of drones, analytics, precision farming, artificial intelligence or A.I., climate and weather monitoring I.T. solutions, digital apps, e-money, blockchain, and other multi-layer platforms. Smart has implemented DFP 101 trainings in 14 areas nationwide within its first 5 months.

INNOVATION The UN deems Innovation as among the crucial factors to achieving sustainable development. LearnSmart Literacy Apps are mobile applications developed in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) regional offices, and academic institutions nationwide. To date, Smart has launched 10 literacy applications featuring alphabet and number exercises, short stories, songs, and games all in the mother tongue. These apps are Bahay Kubo (Filipino), Kaalam (Cebuano), Ta’allam and Tahderiyyah (Arabic), Matisalug (Matigsalug indigenous peoples Tribe of Davao and Bukidnon), Kaaram (Waray), Katao (Inabaknon), Singsing (Kapampangan), Sanut (Ilokano), and Gnare Blaan (Blaan). Connected Mangroves, a joint initiative of Smart and network vendor Ericsson, helps in environmental conservation by using Internet of Things or IoT solutions. These include attaching electronic sensors onto

mangrove plants, which can detect and record information vital to the tree formation, such as temperature, water salinity, and other factors that may be hazardous to its condition. The information is then uploaded to an online dashboard, which may be accessed by authorities and stakeholders. Among Smart’s major disaster preparedness and response initiatives is Nokia Saving Lives (NSL), a program with the com Philippine Red Cross that provides communication and technical assistance to emergency response teams. NSL includes drones with cameras and speakers that di can capture real-time information on disaster areas. They can also carry items such as first aid kits. ENVIRONMENT Under the UN’s LIFE ON LAND SDG, companies such as PLDT are encouraged to help care for the planet. Recent major tree-planting activities include PLDT Telepuno, where 900 trees were planted in celebration of PLDT’s 90th anniversary, at the Central Cebu Protected Landscape. plant In 2019, Smart led a nationwide tree plantTy ing activity on the 10th anniversary of Typhoon Ondoy. The company has been planting trees since 2004 to offset its greenhouse gas emissions from cellsite operations. A homegrown innovation created by PLDT-Smart employees, the #SmartPlanet phone recycling device presents a proper way of disposing discarded mobile devices to avoid harmful effects of electronic waste on health and the environment. With electronic sensors, the bin sends out e-load in exchange for used phones, chargers, and tablets. Similarly, #SmartPlanet offers a plastic bottle counterpart to the said device, with bottle-recycling bins deployed to different Smart events, such as festivals. The PLDT Group’s CSR programs are diverse, and the challenges are daunting, but they all start with one small step. To know more about how you can be part of PLDT and Smart’s CSR activities, send an email to media@pldt.com.ph or publicaffairs@ smart.com.ph.

Smart brings you the most exquisite Filipino contemporary art at ALT Philippines 2020

FTER a multitude of reimagined experiences it has brought to its customers, Smart Signature now dares consumers to reimagine the way they see local art. Introducing ALT Philippines 2020, a firstof-its-kind collaborative project among 10 galleries in Manila that aims to not only showcase contemporary Filipino art, but also to reframe the notion of the art show itself. The landmark art event, which will be held at the SMX Convention Center at SM Aura on February 13 to 16, brings together galleries Artinformal, Blanc, Finale Art File, Galleria Duemi-

la, MO_Space, The Drawing Room, Underground, Vinyl on Vinyl, West Gallery, and 1335 Mabini. This epic collaboration will result in a showcase of over 150 leading contem-

porary Filipino artists, in a groundbreaking and dynamic way that involves the immersion of viewers and the engagement of artists and professionals. “We are truly excited to be part of this momentous event in the local art scene. This is just one of the many ways we provide meaningful connections by bringing subscribers closer to their passions,” said Smart President Alfred S. Panlilio. “Through this, we enable our subscribers to live the life they want, including the kind of life fueled by art.” Amongst the anticipated highlights at ALT Philippines 2020, is the digital art wall that will be brought to life by artist Derek Tumala. “Derek’s work in collaboration with Smart is a coming together of art and technology. His “Pure Impermanence” 10-channel video in portrait orientation mirrors how we view images on our mobile phones. It represents the endless cycle of experience and image-making through a network of fleeting connections,” according to a statement released by ALT Philippines 2020. REIMAGINE THE WAY YOU SEE ART Smart subscribers will have the opportunity to freely reimagine the way they see art, as they can avail of exclusive passes to ALT Philippines 2020 as part of the elevated customer experience that Smart provides its valued customers. With Smart Signature Plans, subscribers can also enjoy the best postpaid and overall experience. Smart Signature affords for its subscribers the capacity to live the life they want because their passions are supported by Smart Signature's bigger data allocation and Smart LTE, the undisputed fastest mobile network in the country, as awarded by third-party organizations such as

Ookla, OpenSignal, Tutela, and P3 in their respective crowdsource-based studies on mobile internet services in the Philippines. But Smart doesn’t stop with data and network speed that customers deserve. Smart also serves perks and privileges to its subscribers, in this case, the levelled-up Signature lifestyle that allows loyal customers to pursue their love for art by getting free tickets and ticket discounts to ALT 2020 Philippines. To score tickets and discounts to ALT 2020, Smart Postpaid subscribers may submit their entries by an-

swering the question, “What are you looking forward to the most at ALT 2020?” Just go to the comment’s section of Smart’s ALT 2020 ticket giveaway post on Facebook and include the hashtag #SmartALTPH2020. For more levelled-up love-for-art experiences, follow Smart on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SmartCommunications or @ReimaginePH on Instagram. Keep tabs on the hashtags #Reimagine and #SmartALTPH2020 for more updates as well as ALT Philippines on social media at Alt Philippines on Facebook and @ altphilippines on Instagram.

BPI: Banking on sustainability Responding to the call for BAYANihan recently, BPI employee-volunteers gathered for the repacking of relief goods for families affected by the recent Taal volcano eruption.

By Paul Duran

T WAS paradise on earth. With seven white sand beaches, three awe-inspiring water-falls, two picturesque saltwater lakes, and extensive coral reefs, many would like to live there.

But until last year, some tourists were still reluctant to visit. With 10-hour

on financial inclusion and wellness (for the benefit of underserved segments and clients who want to grow and protect their assets), scaling up enterprises (for enterprises, who want to bring their businesses to the next level), and sustainable development financing (for sustainable development projects.)

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER ability? BPI, through the launch of its SDF It started a few years ago with institutional investors carrying scorecards for program in November last year, has

Through its Tech-Voc program, BPI Foundation helps MSME’s in providing basic financial management trainings to unemployed individuals in various communities to expand opportunities for the underemployed and unemployed sectors and individuals.

blackouts everyday, the island of Tablas in Romblon was largely undeveloped and under-appreciated. Fortunately, the blackouts finally ended when, after a long wait, Sunwest Water and Electric Co. (SUWECO), through its subsidiary, Suwesco Tablas Electric Corporation (STEC) tapped the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) to partly finance the biggest solar off-grid facility in the country on the island. STEC’s 10-year P360-million loan for its 7.5 megawatt solar hybrid off-grid power plant further expanded BPI’s loan portfolio for renewable energy. This is just one of the many projects that help the country become more sustainable. For BPI, this focus on sustainability has been further strengthened by four events in 2019; the establishment of its Green Finance Framework in June, the Swiss franc-de-nominated ASEAN Green Bond in August, the US-dollar-green bond in September, and the launch of the bank’s Sustainable Development Finance program in November. All these demonstrate a shifting and deepening focus on sustainability, on going beyond financing projects that only have a clear economic benefit. More than economic progress, BPI is fueling a more sustainable kind of growth that considers the impact on the environment and the responsible use of natural resources. But why this focus now on sustain-

rating local banks on how they contribute to a sustainable world. It was deliberate and it became de rigueur. BPI, which has long had its sustainability initiative, began to take a closer look.

consolidated its financing activities for renewable energy, energy efficiency, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture in response to the increasing need for creating sustainable businesses across all industries.

For the Bank, sustainability is now an essential part of the discussions in its credit committee, where a company’s credit is assessed based on how sustainable they are, and in how BPI assesses projects that affect the renewable energy mix in its loan portfolio. BPI is ready to include more green projects that will result in a double benefit: less carbon emissions and sustainable business profit. Financing a green project is no longer considered charitable work or part of corporate social responsibility, but an investment with a strong business case for both financial and environmental impact, reflecting the bank’s commitment towards sustainability. TRACKING ESG All these activities are reported by the Sustainability Office (SO), which ensures the quarterly and annual monitoring and analysis of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) data as well as contributions to the UN SDGs mentioned above. The SO also oversees sustainability employee engagement and initiating conversations on innovation with regard to sustainability. It helps create a culture of sustainability in the employees through learning sessions and exposure trips that open minds to sustainable living and business practices. There are regular fairs, where employees can bring their recyclables—used paper, plastics, glass bottles, metal cans, electronic waste, etc. Other initiatives include the installation of LED lights and inverter-type air-conditioning units to reduce energy consumption. Efficient use of water and carbon emissions are also closely monitored tominimize impact to the environment. Soon, the old head office building of BPI will be torn down to give way to a new high-tech, environmentally friendly edifice. Complementing all these are the programs under the BPI Foundation, which has its own projects that contribute to sustainability by catering to the underserved segments of society. BPI Foundation focuses on programs that create a culture of financial wellness and sustainable positive social change. BPI Sinag, an annual competition for social enterprises, is one of the Foundation’s flagship projects. It seeks to encourage and support businesses that focus on the triple bottomline: people, planet, and profit. The Foundation has programs for financial literacy, starting with elemen-

tary and high school students as well as teachers who benefit from sessions on financial wellness, entrepreneurship, and integrating lessons on finance in classroom teaching. The foundation also has specific projects that look after environmental sustainability. There is the Mindanao reforestation, which is committed to rehabilitate 100 hectares of denuded watershed in the Lanao del Sur mountain range, and the Business Risk Assessment and Management of Climate Change impact study, which assesses the environmental risks of key cities all over the country. By looking at potential risks that climate brings to the identified cities—which include Baguio, Batangas, Iloilo, Cebu, Davao, General Santos, and others—BPI helps businesses and government agencies plan for the future. The study covers an extensive analysis of factors that include climate exposure, socio-economic sensitivity, and adaptive capacity, with scenarios and an overall assessment of each city. Another project is the Climate-Proofing Agricultural Landscapes (AgriClima) together with WWF-Philippines. It seeks to implement a landscape approach to managing the natural capital of the sugarcane ecosystems in Negros Occidental. SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH VOLUNTEERISM BPI also empowers its employees to create need-based volunteer programs, a vital component of the bank’s performance on ESG indicators. Recently, through BPI Foundation, employee volunteers were activated to support the “BAYANihan para sa Taal” program to distribute relief goods to some 3,000 individuals, who were displaced by the ash spewed by the Taal Volcano. It is a holistic program providing relief sending reminders on disaster preparedness, and giving assistance for recovery. Part of the program was an employee-led fund drive to raise at least P1 million until February 7, 2020, wherein proceeds raised will be matched by BPI Foundation. With the whole gamut of sustainability projects and initiatives in place, clearly, BPI is banking on sustainability. There’s a long way to go. A challenge remains finding the right mix of financing for the nation’s progress and financing for sustainability. It’s not going to be easy, but for the sustainability of our nation, it’s all worth it.

SUSTAINABILITY A BUSINESS IMPERATIVE It was then that the Bank fully realized the wisdom of sustainability. It meant more profits and greater efficieny in the use of resources for clients, leading to sustainable businesses that will be a boon to the environment and generations to come. Sustainability, which used to be on the sidelines for BPI, has become front and center in every aspect of the Bank’s business. With the Bank’s chairman, Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, as a corporate champion of the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs), the focus on sustainabilty trickled down the whole organization. BPI now contributes to 12 SDGs: 1.) No poverty, 2.) Zero hunger, 3.) Good health and well-being, 4.) Quality Education, 5.) Clean water and sanitation, 6.) Affordable and clean energy, 7.) Decent work and economic growth, 8.) Industry innovation and infrastracture, 9.) Reduced inequalities, 10.) Sustainable cities and communities, 11.) Responsible consumption and BPI Foundation’s “Show Me, Teach Me”, has a capacity-building program that empowers entrepreneurs to be more globally production, and 12.) Climate action. Under the BPI’s Sustainability Strat- competitive through trainings for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that incorporates business discipline, entreegy Framework, value creation centers preneurship, and financial management.

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Filipino youth on the RISE F

OR 73 years, the Development Bank of the Philippines has played a pivotal role in funding the evolving development needs of the country. The Bank has supported not only infrastructure development, but human development as well. As a developmental funding institution, DBP is committed to broadening not only financing options and investment opportunities but to also extending financial assistance to support government reforms and priority initiatives. Carrying on with its commitment to promote the welfare of Filipinos particularly the underprivileged and undereducated, DBP signed a memorandum of agreement with 19 partner-schools across the archipelago for the implementation of the second phase of the DBP Resources for Inclusive and Sustainable Education (DBP RISE) program. The DBP RISE scholarship program is financed by a P500-million seed fund, and targets underprivileged but deserving high school graduates who will specialize in courses that are geared towards the national government’s “Build, Build, Build!” infrastructure program including: engineering, architecture, real estate management, accountancy, education, agriculture and forestry, allied medical courses, hospitality, and information technology. “DBP RISE is a testament to DBP’s belief that every Filipino is capable of achievements that will lead to developmental feats,” said DBP Presi-

dent and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel G. Herbosa. “Through the program, DBP hopes to be able to improve not only the lives of the scholars but to contribute in their transformation as productive members of society that would share in the advocacy of advancing country-wide growth.” The program was launched as an off-shoot of the Bank’s long-standing CSR flagship program—the DBP Endowment for Education Program (DEEP)—which is nearing its completion after more than a decade of empowering youth. Since its inception in 2008, DEEP has supported the studies of 3,613 scholars coming from 39 partner institutions from all over the country, and has already produced 3,375 graduates with 94% now gainfully employed. “Taking into consideration the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal indicators that would contribute to the full implementation of the Philippine Development Plan

Some of the first batch of DBP Resources for Inclusive and Sustainable Education (DBP RISE) scholars are shown during the DBP RISE Orientation Program. Joining the scholars are DBP CSR Head/Senior Manager Merly J. Nonoy (seated, center), DBP RISE Program Coordinator Ehmczee Sancha (seated, extreme right) together with the Our Lady of Triumph Institute of Technology representativesChris Junn S. Puelas, Lucile A. Maglasang, and Engr. Galileo A. Maglasang (seated, from left to right, respectively).

(PDP) 2017-2022, we’ve re-calibrated and re-designed DEEP, and reintroduced the program in 2018 with greater focus on priority courses such as allied medicine and infrastructure development in support of the government’s national build-up program,” Herbosa added. Through its creative collaboration with selected partner-schools,

DBP aims to support the education of 2,500 scholars by the end of DBP RISE’s run in 2023, thereby responding to the growing demand for Filipino professionals both in the local and international global markets. “To date, the Bank has already released P40.44-million to cover the financial requirements of DBP

RISE scholars—including tuition, board and lodging expenses, living allowance, cost of apprenticeship, residency training, and expenses during review for board exams—which should all be adequately addressed in order that students may focus on staying fit and competitive in their respective academic endeavors,” said Herbosa.

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Safer environment, better health

A thick fog covering Manilaâ€™s horizon

By Paul David L. Gelario

HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Health are optimistic that the Health and Pollution Action Plan will build a safer and healthier environment as it compliments the National Environmental Health Action Plan of 2017-2022.

HPAP is supported by a triad of worldwide organizations, such as United Nations Industrial Develop-

ment Organization, European Commission, and the World Health Organization. Its aim is to outline the specific

situational analysis and action plans of NEHAP. NEHAP focuses on seven thematic areas primarily water supply, air quality, solid waste management, chemical safety, food safety, occupational health, and climate change. The complementary HPAP focuses on sector areas such as outdoor air pollution, wastewater and sanitation, occupational exposure, indoor air pollution, and soil pollution.

MITIGATING OUTDOOR AIR POLLUTION Data released by the National Air Quality Status Report for 2008-2015, showed outdoor pollution has caused about 2,000 premature deaths, with 9,000 suffering from chronic bronchitis. In 2009, it was reported that a million people were greatly affected with about 15,000 prematurely dying, due

to outdoor air pollution in the country. It was reported that 55 percent of Filipinos use traditional cooking fuels and technologies that were proven to be detrimental to health. Smoke from solid fuels such as wood, dung, crop, waste, or coal in poorly ventilated homes contains harmful compounds such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and sulfur oxide. The burning of solid fuels contributed to 4.3 million premature deaths globally. To address outdoor air pollution, DENR has set up 51 real-time ambient air quality monitoring systems nationwide. Hazardous gas compounds such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, and lead will then be monitored. All new vehicles will be evaluated for compliance on emission standards in order to obtain a Certificate of Conformity before being introduced to the market. DENR also plans to designate a responsible agency assigned solely for indoor pollution. Government agencies such as the Department of Health and the Department of Interior and Local Government also develop household standards for indoor pollution. With half of the population using traditional cooking fuels, a massive information campaign is planned to inform the community about the hazards of biomass burning regarding indoor air quality. This campaign will include the media or electronic display boards of the Manila Metropolitan Development Authority. ADDRESSING WASTEWATER AND SANITATION DENR stated that a significant portion of the countryâ€™s surface waters and groundwaters are contaminated due to low levels of wastewater treatment and improper sewage management. Rural areas were most vulnerable with tropical diseases such as Schistosomiasis and Lymphatic Filariasis becoming

Turn to E7

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SM Foundation provides free medical services to students in Zamboanga COMMITTED to help the Filipino learners achieve their fullest potential, SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI) complemented its recent new school building turnover in Zamboanga Central School-SPED Center with a two-day medical mission which targeted the more than 620 malnourished schoolchildren, including their parents and siblings. According to a UNICEF study, “The State of the World’s Children: Children, Food and Nutrition,” Filipino children are increasingly suffering from poor diet, inadequate nutrition, and food systems—that one in three Filipino children under five years old have stunted growth, while roughly 7 per cent of children are too thin for their height. In addition to this, UNICEF found out that a tenth of Filipino adolescents are now overweight. More so, the 8th National Nutrition Survey revealed that the highest prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting are among those in the rural areas. The Zamboanga Peninsula was among the top three regions with the highest prevalence for stunting. In relation to these challenges on malnutrition, SM Foundation believes that the said findings play a vital role in the holistic development of the learners, and that by executing various health and wellness program for students in their adopted schools will help battle this dilemma. Student-beneficiaries underwent medical tests, including x-ray, to determine the cause of their malnutrition. Multivitamins and full medication were given afterwards. Lectures and demonstrations on proper food nutrition were also conducted. The progress of the schoolchildren will be monitored for a period of 6-9 months. The Zamboanga Central School-SPED Center is a beneficiary of a two-story, four- classroom school building from SM Prime, through SM Foundation. The building is complete with essential school facilities and equipment like the Home Economics Room and a Science Laboratory Room.

Safer... From E6

widespread in many of the poorest provinces. The country now has two frameworks, namely the National Sustainable Sanitation Plan and the Philippine Sustainable Sanitation Roadmap, which aim to solve sanitation challenges from ending open defecation, treating sewage markets, agriculture, industry, and other water pollutants. About 50 percent of the national government cost-share is allocated for sewage projects for all cities and first-class municipalities. PROTECTING WORKERS FROM WORK-RELATED ILLNESSES Occupational exposure is focused on the protection of workers from work-related illnesses, where blue-collar workers are most vulnerable. In a study in the industrial sector, workers in nine cement plants were exposed to heat, noise and dust. The semiconductor manufacturing industry, based on DENR’s study, reported 399 female workers of having abnormal health effects such as abortion and ectopic pregnancy. The Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) is mandated to prevent and reduce work-related injuries, deaths, and effectively implement occupational health. OSHC has provided training for the private and public sectors, while also providing technical assistance and services on occupational safety and health. Programs regarding chemical safety management such as fundamentals of industrial hygiene, work environment measurement, ventilation, chemical safety, and globally harmonized system of labeling chemicals were offered to the workers. NEHAP was first published in 2005 under the watchful eye of the Inter-Agency Committee on Environmental Health. Since then it underwent revisions until its latest in 2018.

Students of Zamboanga Central School-SPED Center availed of the free medical services brought by SM Foundation.

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Unilab Foundation continues doing well in doing good By Paul David L. Gelario THE largest pharmaceutical company in the Philippines consistently upholds its commitment to sustain a healthier Filipino community with the Unilab Foundation. Since 2011, Unilab Foundation has made it a top priority to make health and education within reach for communities that desperately need them. CELEBRATING CHILDREN’S EVENTS IN STYLE One of the foundation’s first programs is Play It Forward. Launched in 2012, that first offered development and therapy for children afflicted by natural calamities. Since then, it expanded further by celebrating children’s months or days so they can enjoy their childhood.

During the official launch of Philippine Play Coalition at Quezon City Memorial Circle where Unilab Foundation is a steering committee

Last November 20, it celebrated World Children’s Day with an event called ‘Kiddielympics,’ where 30 to 40 children played Filipino-inspired games at the Fe Del Mundo Medical Center in Quezon City. Then on November 22, it commemorated National Children’s Month and National Play Advocacy Week at the Philippine Heart Center’s PediaCare by organizing a party. At the last day of the National Play Advocacy Week, PIF made a joint activity celebration called “Bata, Kasali Ka” with the Council For the Welfare of Children, National Youth Commission, World Vision, Museo Pambata along with other National Steering Committee on Children’s Rights Advocacy (NSC-CRA). GIVING NEW HOPE TO PWDS Formerly Project Inclusion, the Project Inclusion Network aims to provide employment opportunities to persons with disabilities (PWDs). One of its core beliefs is that if a person with disabilities when given proper support and the right condition can thrive in the workplace. It has now over 137 partner organizations ranging from government, advocacy groups, and academe sectors. Since its launch in 2013, some 1,809 people with disabilities were given the opportunity to work from more comprehensive backgrounds including ice cream shops, corporations, and social enterprises. IDEAS POSITIVE 10TH ANNIVERSARY The 10th anniversary of Ideas Positive invited Sangguniang Kabataan Councils who exhibit passion, creativity, and innovation about health to join the competition. The contest received a total of 144 entries and then after a twotier screening process, about 31 made it to the live screening round. Last December 20, 10 finalists hailing from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao were announced. The top 10 finalists with their project names and teams are as follows: Project Daloy by the Water Mech Team from Bataan, Project Tuklas by team Life Pals from Sultan Kudarat, Project Cli+Med by team Cli+Med from Leyte, Vaccination Alternative Classrom Learning Activities by team Backto-Vacc champions from Nueva Ecija, Project Iqrah by team 3i from Tawi-Tawi, MENtalk Movement by team BSYO from Rizal, Project KaiSAFEpan by team Red Cats from Camarines Norte, Project Saguna by team Hikma from Cotabato, Project Hello Yosi, Goodbye by team Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat from Bataan, and Project Makakaya by team Gabay from Aklan. HEADS UP PH LAUNCHES PHILIPPINE PLAY COALITION Heads Up PH celebrated Children’s Month last November to promote play as a children’s right. It was held at Quezon City Memorial Circle where 300 Filipinos of all ages flew hundreds of paper planes to commemorate the launch of Philippine Play Coalition. About 198 partners from public, private, and government sector joined the launch like Council for the Welfare of Children, World Vision Development Foundation, Unilab Foundation, Unang Hakbang Foundation, Educo Philippines, Kythe Foundation, and Tukod Foundation.

Champions... leadership, creativity in teaching, environment and climate change awareness among others. To promote an innovative mindset for teachers, school leaders, and staff, PLDT Gabay Guro also links partner schools to communities and industries through a culture of innovation. This is to have an endless possibility in learning, teaching, community building, and education stakeholder development opportunities like workshops, interactive seminars, senseshops and talkshops. PLDT Gabay Guro has also teamed up with various organizations, including companies within the PLDT Group, to improve the quality of life of teachers and their families by launching livelihood programs for them. To aid deserving but financially challenged students, PLDT Gabay Guro has thousands of scholars from various state colleges and universities nationwide, many of whom graduated with honors. It has also donated numerous computers and broadband internet connections to partner schools as part of its seven pillars. PLDT Gabay Guro has also built and donated classrooms nationwide, particularly in typhoon-hit areas. 3. Metrobank‘s Scholarship Program Among the frontrunners in the CSR world is Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI), the corporate social responsibility arm of the Metrobank Group. Established in 1979 by Dr. George S.K. Ty, MBFI runs flagship projects which include the Metrobank Scholarship Program (MSP) which began in 1995, aimed at providing educational opportunities to academically gifted but financially challenged students. MBFI provides a four-year scholarship to students enrolled in accountancy, business management, and education courses; two-year scholarship grants to 141 students majoring in English, Science or Math; a special education assistance package to qualified graduating students in selected Level II or III accredited schools all over the country. The Foundation also established the Share-A-Gift-Education (SAGE) Program, which supported elementary and high school FilipinoChinese students enrolled in 95 schools accredited by the Association of Filipino-Chinese Schools. Metrobank has also granted scholarships to deserving students from Adamson University, Don Bosco Technical College-Mandaluyong, Technological University of the Philippines-Manila, University of the East-Manila, University of Santo Tomas, University of the PhilippinesDiliman, and Central Philippine University in Iloilo. This was made possible in partnership with other companies and organizations. Furthermore, MBFI has teamed up with Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines (MTAP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) to conduct the prestigious Metrobank-MTAPDepEd Math Challenge (MMC). MMC provides a venue for Filipino students to hone their mathematical skills in an atmosphere of friendly competition. For several years, it has produced national winners who get to compete in international tilts. As of writing, MMC is the longest running math competition in the country with more than half a million students participating in the nationwide elimination rounds yearly, attracting students from both private and public schools. Because of their efforts in supporting education, these companies have successfully branded itself as giants in corporate philanthropy. They have also set a good example for other companies to emulate, by taking part in nation-building. “He certainly doesn’t practise his precepts, but I supposed the Patron meant that if you give a man a fish he is hungry again in an hour. If you teach him to catch a fish you do him a good turn.”

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PLDT Gabay Guro chairman Chaye Cabal-Revilla (leftmost) with (from left) Noelle Aujero, head of Marketing of Foton; Miriam Ochoa, chief marketing officer of Inlife Sheros and John Yanez.

‘‘

It’s really what you do with the opportunity given to you. God is not sleeping at all. There are many people who are very much interested in making most of those dreams come true, but it is really up to them to persevere and to do things”—Chito Macapagal, member of the Board of Trustees, SM Foundation Inc.

Uplifting lives through SM’s Social Good Programs

SM Foundation scholars

By Jobe Regondola Garcia

S SM’s socio-civic arm, SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI) celebrates its 37th year, its main focus would be the total education program for both college and technical-vocational including its “Pillar for Change” school building program. The social good programs of SMFI believes that poverty is the biggest hindrance to many young people in the Philippines, so in response to this, SM Foundation, Inc. is poised to address this issue in the education sector by providing quality education within one’s reach for deserving and qualified students. It has also built around 100 schools since 2002 through the “Adopt-A-School Building” program by the Department of Education (DepEd) in order to address the school building shortage in the country. Living by what the founder said, “We should help others. We must also do something to help others in society. I am pleased that SMFI is able to do so many civic projects.” It is evident that Tatang Henry Sy’s passion and dedication to help other people has already been in place since the beginning that helped solidify SMFI’s goal with regards to quality education. They’ve recently turned over their newest school building project in

access to quality education by giving them an environment conducive to learning, as well as scholarships.”

Integrating gender sensitivity in the foundation’s programs

“For SMFI’s Social Good Programs, we always try to integrate gender sensitive components that address the needs of all of our stakeholders. For us, gender equality is not focused only on women. It is promoting the rights

life. Acknowledging the challenges that shape a woman’s experience is critical in implementing effective gender-sensitive CSR programs. Although the concept is complex and challenging to navigate, we believe that by improving gender equality, we improve the social good experience for all of our stakeholders. By applying gender sensitive components in our social good programs, we are not limited in transforming the lives of women and girls in our country. We are also able to promote sustainable development for all,” Chan added.

Pillars of Change Program

Daet which is complete with important amenities like the school clinic, a guidance office, literacy and numeracy corner (pagbasa at pagbilang) which is a thrust of DepEd this year, and not to mention a provision for toilets in every classroom, PWD toilets with a ramp and left-handed armchairs. According to Linda Atayde, Executive Director for Education Programs of SMFI, this effort of providing school buildings in grassroots communities helps alleviate the school building and classroom shortage in the country. “We are taking our lead from Tatang. He wanted to make sure that students have

and needs of both sexes. For example, our restrooms in our school buildings are located inside the classroom. Aside from promoting basic hygiene to students, this strategy is in consideration to young girls that have menstruation, specially those who are in their puberty. And these restrooms are “all gender” restrooms. It benefits a range of stakeholders, with or without special needs,” said Victor Persius Chan, AVP for Corporate Affairs of SM Investments Corp. “CSR can play an important role in advancing gender equality when it is designed for the complexities of real

Chito Macapagal, member of the Board of Trustees, explained the essence of one of the core educational programs of the foundation. “It is not our intention to take over or replace what the government can actually do within these aspects. What you only want to do is to help and support. If you would look at our assets and our resources, it would be very pale compared to the government, but put together the rest of like-minded companies and private citizens, you can actually come up with something considerable. So I think it is the right thing to do.” Macapagal believes that Corporate Social Responsibility is important and is hand-in-hand with personal, social responsibility that a company would stimulate and support people doing their own social responsibilities and would eventually end up collectively being a socially responsible company. He underscores that it is only a matter of being able to create an atmosphere and the opportunities, such as employee engagement.

Importance of CSR

When asked on how to inspire companies to venture on CSR-related activities: “The good thing there is that, first of all, companies also have to realize that we have a lot of terms that we are now using for doing social good. That is the reason why we

would just simplify that kind of word. Before then, we all know of the word philanthropy as simple giving. Personal philanthropy, corporate philanthropy and of course, CSR, which basically is a counterpart for a nonindividual, for a corporation. You’ve also heard of CSV, Creating Shared Value, basically in essence is saying, “If I do something and what I do is something that I am rather competent and there is a community need and that community need is also our expertise, point of intersection is exactly a shared value.” Put together all these three things, are all meant for doing social good. If you add personal social responsibility, then so much the better. The question is what can we do in the foundation? What we can do is to

believe that it is not competing with any other foundation on what we do, but it is also believing that pushing the envelope means working harder, innovating on things that we can do better on our chosen area of activity. It is not competition. It is more of taking action so that more people can actually do the same thing. My only advice to companies that do social good is to choose an area. It does not have to be many. And with the 17 Sustainable Goals of the UN, choose what is actually your ethos. Choose where your company can be of help. If it is only going to be one, I am sure that you are going to be doing the best thing you can on one. “It’s really what you do with the opportunity given to you. God is not sleeping at all. There are many people who are very much interested in making most of those dreams come true, but it is really up to them to persevere and to do things that will enable them to reach their dreams and change their lives as well as that of their families,” said Macapagal. Currently, SM Foundation, Inc. already has a total of more than 3,500 college scholar-graduates and around 1,200 current college scholars for school year 2019-2020. It also has a scholarship for Technical-Vocational (Tech-Voc) courses with almost 3,200 graduates (2,000 tech-voc scholars graduating this year). To know more about their Social Good programs, you can visit their social media accounts @SMFoundationInc (facebook, twitter, Instagram and YouTube). You can also visit their website at www.smfoundation.org.

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Environmental sustainability essential to business

RIVING growth, but still keeping business activities in check have been the primary concern of enterprises in recent years in their promise not to compromise the environment in all their business processes. Though it must be noted, that with the constant industrialization that comes with progress, it is particularly challenging for environmental sustainability to be on top of the agenda, but several industries have made it their priority to do just that. From shifts in manufacturing practices and handling wastes properly to promoting green energy, corporations have realized the importance of taking care of the environment from which they gather most, if not all of their valuable natural resources, essential to their businesses. With the constant industrialization that comes with progress, there’s no denying that environmental sustainability is particularly challenging, but an absolute necessity to address especially in these changing times. Many companies are at the forefront of keeping the environment intact, hand-in-hand, and certainly embodying the mantra of growing their businesses beyond proﬁt. Manila Standard is one with this movement. For years, the broadsheet has initiated various tree-planting activities through its “Adopt-a-Tree” Program. Building on this advocacy, it recently launched a pioneering project aimed at maintaining its values but still promoting the power of print. In every purchase of a Manila Standard newspaper, a tree will be planted under the buyer’s name. This project pizzazz, if vision, has pushed the Manila Standard to kickstart its #MSIntegriTree initiative recently in a momentous event that hopefully paves the way for other print partners to follow suit. Furthermore, #MSIntegriTree is an integration of its former campaign years ago called the ‘Honor System’ and its present corporate social responsibility project ‘Adopt-a-Tree.’ Manila Standard’s OIC for Operations Annie Grefal explained the initiative: “When I started with the Manila Standard, we had a project called ‘Honor System,’ where the copies are being left in establishments, but it’s up to them if they would pay. Come to think of it, our problem is honesty.That’s why I want to resurrect the project where people can get their copies if they want to pay or not. If not, they could just read it. “Then, the Adopt-a-Tree campaign of Manila Standard came to my mind. Why don’t we combine Adopt-a-Tree and Honesty? That’s how #MSIntegrity was born.” Peter Paul Duran

Institutionalizing disaster preparedness

N the times we’re in, it pays to be prepared and resilient.

Disaster resilience is the ability of individuals, communities, organizations and states to adapt to and recover from hazards, shocks or stresses without compromising long-term prospects for development. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, individual health and resilience is important for community resilience because healthy, socially connected, prepared people make for stronger communities that are better able to withstand, manage, and recover from disasters. Moreover, community resilience is the sustained ability of a community to utilize available resources (energy, communication, transportation, food, etc.) to respond to, withstand, and recover from adverse situations (e.g. economic collapse to global catastrophic risks) With this mind, the Philippines is no stranger to natural calamities. From the world’s strongest typhoons to our particularly fortunate (or unfortunate) situation in the Paciﬁc Ring of Fire, the country is at the mercy of the elements. But this does not mean that people in the Philippines only rely on faith to get through any devastating “Act of God.” For this reason, companies, and even local government units with the backing of the national government, have institutionalized Disaster Preparedness in their system. In fact, there is now a growing demand, and lobbying from our politicians for the government to push through with the proposed Department of Disaster Resilience or DDR. But, as we are celebrating the initiatives from various sectors in their social good programs, some have even taken it by heart by implementing it in their Corporate Social Responsibility Programs. Peter Paul Duran

Globe redoubles relief efforts for Taal, partners with Rise Against Hunger

LOBE stands by its commitment to help communities in need by once again partnering with Rise Against Hunger to provide 100 food boxes for 18,000 people affected by the recent eruption of Taal volcano.

Alongside all of the company’s disaster response initiatives since the eruption, one

hundred Ka-Globe together with the company’s senior leaders as well as celebrities Yayo Aguila and Lester Giri, shared their time and effort to help in the meal packing activity. Although the alert status for Taal Volcano was already lowered to Level 3, many residents, especially those who live in areas within the seven-kilometer radius from the main crater, are still prohibited from returning to their homes. Thus, there is a need for continuous assistance to the families who are still in evacuation centers. So far, Globe has conducted relief operations in 39 evacuation centers in Batangas and Cavite, beneﬁtting 4,007 families or 20,035 individuals. It has also reached out to 546 families or 2,730 individuals in three barangays in Batangas in cooperation with Sagip Kapamilya, ABS-CBN Foundation’s emergency humanitarian assistance program. Globe, likewise, enjoins its customers to make their Globe Rewards points more meaningful by donating them to Rise Against Hunger via the Globe Rewards app until February 15, 2020. Proceeds will augment RAH’s meal pack distribution and relief efforts for severely affected areas.

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Globe employee volunteers help create meal packs

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Planting the seeds of environmental awareness

HERE’S no refuting the fact that trees are the source of life and whose value to Mother Earth cannot be denied. In the face of environmental degradation and massive deforestation, instilling the importance of trees and properly caring for the environment among the young are best started early. It’s against this pressing backdrop that fruit-bearing and native trees in different elNatalia Sali, a social worker with an innate ementary schools and forests in the province. love for the environment, took action. To- They have also planted 1,000 cropped plants gether with her family, the One Child, One and 150 trees in different elementary schools Tree movement was born. Launched under in the same area. the auspices of the Fostering Education and “Maganda ‘yung gawain dahil nagiging Environment for Development, Inc., the Sali aware na and mga bata pa at natututo nang family has been supporting environmental magtanim. Na-oorient din sa kahalagahan ng projects in Hagonoy, Bulacan to educate, en- pagtatanim. “The initiative is good as kids courage, and foster awareness on ecological become aware early on, as they are oriented preservation. on the value of planting trees,” said Leonora Alongside tree planting for students as its Robles, a teacher from Sitio Buga Elemenprimary activity, the One Child, One Tree tary School, a beneficiary of the family’s One movement also organizes and facilitates Child, One Tree Movement. events related to training and providing exNo doubt, the selfless and impactful work pertise in bio-intensive gardening as well as of the Sali family for the environment could discussions on environmental protection. not be more timely or relevant. In light of the Targeting teachers, volunteers, and com- world that we live in, initiatives such as the munity residents, the results are relevant ex- One Child, One Tree movement are truly changes on learnings and the latest develop- deserving of emulation and praise, and the ments in the field. honor bestowed on it by the Jollibee Family Similarly, the family also seeks partner- Values Awards. ships between schools, local government units and agencies, NGOs, and private corporations in order to ensure proper support for, and the continued sustainability of their initiatives. The results have been very remarkable thus far. From 2017 to present, the One Child, One Tree movement’s series of mangrove reforestation efforts saw the planting of 5,000 mangrove seedlings along the Tibaguin seashore in Hagonoy, Bulacan, as CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK well as the planting of over 2,000 Manila

Standard

TODAY

PHILAM FOUNDATION’S ALPHA: HELPING FILIPINOS LIVE BETTER THROUGH LATEST PROGRAMS MANILA, PHILIPPINES—AIA Philam Life strengthens its commitment to fulfill its mission of racing against risk and empowering Filipinos to live healthier, longer, and better lives not only through the products it develops, but also through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm, Philam Foundation. Philam Foundation was established in 1997 to commemorate Philam Life’s 50th anniversary and create a business unit solely focused on its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. It focuses on programs that support its protection and wellness advocacies which include the Alliance for the Philippines’ Health and Advocacy (ALPHA). In 2017, ALPHA was institutionalized by Philam Foundation, together with the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) and the Philippine College of Surgeons (PCS), to address the health challenges faced by Filipinos through data-driven and evidence-based health advocacies and projects. “Starting last year, AIA Philam Life has been focused on protection and wellness. With our refreshed brand promise, we are not just concerned about the physical and mental aspects of wellness, we are doing our share to help families achieve their dreams despite untoward life events,” said Max Ventura, President of Philam Foundation. “For the Foundation, it meant establishing ALPHA and creating various programs which will have an impact on health policies and patient care,” he added. For its first salvo, the consortium partnered with Cancer CARE Registry Philippines (CARE) to spearhead the expansion of the country’s first ever hospital-based cancer registry program, with the goal of gathering data on cancer in the Philippines. The project is timely, following the passage of Republic Act No. 11213, the “National Integrated Cancer Control Act”, last year. Its ratification recognizes cancer as one of the leading causes of death, and institutionalizes a program to help control the disease. One of its provisions requires hospitals to have a cancer registry to help gather data that will provide information for best treatment and patient care. “ALPHA will first focus on early detection, screening, and scaling up the cancer registry in the Philippines. Once the project is firmly established, we can venture into projects for non-communicable lifestyle diseases, mainly on Cardiovascular and Diabetes,” explained Ventura. “This year will be about the following primary areas: strengthening the cancer registry program, enhancing cancer surgical outcomes, improving lung cancer patient experience on treatment, eradicating surgical needs, and paving the way for universal health care implementation. By supporting these initiatives, we are able to take concrete actions that address debilitating illnesses that cause death, leading back to protection and wellness.” Strengthening cancer registry and enhancing cancer surgical outcomes Philam Foundation finished 2019 strong with a total of 30 partner hospitals nationwide, a substantial increase from its 20 partner hospitals in the previous year. The Foundation recently forged a new partnership with the PCS–Cancer Commission which will result to 51 additional hospital partners for a more enhanced cancer registry that can cover cancer surgical outcomes. AIA Philam Life will be providing institutional support to develop and document best practices for cancer treatment and centralized training for knowledge sharing among surgeons in the Philippines.

Members of the Board of Directors for PCS - Cancer Commission discuss the different ways to strengthen the surgical outcomes for cancer treatment in the Philippines through an enhanced hospital-based cancer registry system and enhanced Tumor Boards. Represented in the meeting were the following organizations: Philam Foundation, PCS-Cancer Committee, CARE Philippines, and I Can Serve Foundation

AIA Philam Life donates PHP1.5M to Cancer (CARE) Philippines Foundation Inc., based on a committed amount from the sales of Active Joint Critical Protect.

Improving lung cancer patient experience on treatment According to the 2017 data from the World Health Organization, 11,365 Filipinos died due to lung cancer, accounting for 1.84% of total deaths. The Philippine Society of Medical Oncology also states lung cancer among the top 5 cancers causing death in the country. Lung cancer testing can be invasive and can put people at an unnecessary risk. However, since its symptoms don’t usually manifest until the disease has advanced, early detection through screening is the best way for patients to have a higher survival rate. For this, the ALPHA consortium has allocated funds to support a 4-year study which will establish an efficient and effective approach for lung cancer testing.

Partnership between Philam Foundation, the Philippine College of Surgeons (PCS), and the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) form the Alliance of the Philippines Health and Advocacy.

Inspired by its passion to bring to life AIA Philam Life’s brand promise, Philam Foundation is poised to level up its advocacy programs by developing programs that will support its protection and wellnessoriented focus, helping Filipinos live healthier, longer and better lives. Know more about the Philam Foundation by visiting the AIA Philam Life website at philamlife.com, Facebook page at https://www.facebook.

Eradicating surgical needs, one community at a time ALPHA also spearheaded a coalition of various surgical-oriented organizations formed after bringing together experts from different fields for a three-day surgical camp. The group will work to standardize outreach procedures in the country as part of their vision to eradicate surgical needs in grass-roots communities. Paving the way for universal health care implementation ALPHA is in discussion with various organizations on how the Universal Health Care can be implemented at the provincial level. Its pilot run is slated to take place in Agusan del Sur, for roll out to other provinces once best practices have been established. 2019 was closed off with a strategic planning session with the objective of expanding the hospital-based cancer registry system and increasing cancer research in the Philippines. Participants in the session were representatives from Philam Foundation, CARE Philippines, and the PCS.from Philam Foundation, CARE Philippines, and the PCS.

Philam Foundation supports the 2nd General Assembly of CARE Philippines with partner hospitals. Hospitals are trained with a standardized approach thru ICD 10 cancer coding system for the hospital-based cancer registry.

2019 Cancer Data shows top 10 cancer sites in the Philippines gathered by CARE Philippines from 27 participating hospital partners across the country.

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Mitsubishi Motors Philippines partners with Jiggy Manicad Learning Foundation for Taal relief operations

PHOLDING the spirit of Bayanihan, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation together with the Jiggy Manicad Learning Foundation recently went to the provinces of Batangas and Cavite to extend help to the families affected by the eruption of Taal volcano.

The team brought food, drinking water and hygiene kits to over 1,600 families and 4,600 individuals in 10 different evacuation areas. “Our relief operations were able to reach interior areas where evacuation centers are located. These include Barangay Tres ICV and Adventist Elementary School both in Balayan, Batangas. Also, we noticed how relieved evacuees were when we had nebulizers with us for distribution. We hope to help more in the future,” said Manicad. MMPC said they are honored to have collaborated with Manicad’s Foundation and support government efforts to assist affected areas of the Taal volcano eruption.

Seven communities in MM receive ecobricks from Globe Plastic Xchange Program

FTER participating in the Globe Plastic Xchange Program last year, seven communities in Metro Manila were rewarded with ecobricks which they can now use for various construction projects.

These communities are Barangay Magallanes in Makati, Andres Bonifacio Integrated School in Mandaluyong, Barangay 455 in Manila, Barangays Palatiw and San Antonio in Pasig, and Barangays Signal Village and Upper Bicutan in Taguig. “We are glad to be part of Globe’s Plastic Xchange Program. Not only did it help us reduce our single plastic waste but now we have ecobricks which we can use to construct improvements for our urban gardening project,” said Brgy. Signal Village Captain Michelle Odevillas. Alexander Penolio, Barangay Captain of Upper Bicutan said: “In our own little way, we can all help keep our surroundings clean. We believe small steps and actions matter, and together we can start the change and save mother earth from plastic and pollution.” The ecobricks will be used to build community gardens and benches, a waste segregation facility, and a creek fence as well as to rehabilitate day care centers. “Globe continues to look at new ways, such as ecobricks, to help address our country’s plastic waste problem. We started this campaign against single-use plastic with our employees and partners, and now, we are proud to see that our customers and other stakeholders are actively participating in this advocacy,” said

Globe turns over to Brgy. San Antonio, Pasig the ecobricks to be used for building a fence around the creek to prevent people from throwing trash. In photo are: (from left), Kagawad Justin Lanz Galang, Globe Citizenship and Advocacy Marketing Program Lead Arianne Munar, and Brgy. Captain Thomas Raymond Lising.

Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications. During the Plastic Xchange Program, Globe was able to collect 231,419 pieces of single use plastic waste which were turned into 24,500 ecobricks in Arca

South Ecohub; a processing facility by Ayala Land and Green Antz Builders, Inc., a Bulacan-based social enterprise which has developed the ecobricks as a green and more cost-effective alternative to the regular hollow blocks. The ecobricks make use of plastic

laminates which are compressed via a proprietary process. Each ecobrick contains 100 grams of plastic. The Plastic Xchange Program was part of WasSUP (‘Wag sa single-use plastic) advocacy of Globe which tackles the impact of plastics on the environment.

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Manila... From F5

System or MIS of the Manila Standard, the beginning of the digital version of the publication. “The knowledge and experience I was able to develop are things that I humbly contribute to the organization. Now, being head of the manilastandard.net, I am proud to be part of the new journalism in the digital era.” Other 25-Year Awardees are Carlito H. Villaver (March 1, 1995), Priscilla E. Cadungog (March 1, 1995) and Roberto T. Ele (April 7, 1995).

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Roderick T. Dela Cruz, Business Assistant Editor (15 Years, March 16, 2005)

Randy G. Lumacang (20 Years, October 16, 1999)

For more than two decades, Randy has become part of the growing Manila Standard-KPPI Team. Lumacang took his position in October 1, 1999. Riera U. Mallari, Sports and Tech Editor (20 Years, February 15, 2000) “Working for a newspaper will always be a challenge. And so it is important that you are surrounded by people you enjoy working with.”

For 15-year awardee Roderick, or Rod to his colleagues, being committed to survive the deadline of delivering news on a daily basis with the editorial team is what he looks forward to everyday despite the many challenges. “I hope and pray that Manila Standard will continue to be a bearer of fair, accurate and important news in more decades ahead.”

Ferdinand R. Cubinar, Sales Coordinator (15 Years, November 24, 2004)

Chin Wah Wong, one of Manila Standard’s associate editors, and hired by the company on October 18, 2004, is also a 15-Year Awardee.

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Sheila has been with Manila Standard for 15 years, considering the newspaper as her second home and family. “As a family, we have gone through good times and weathered through hard times. This makes me value my work and my stay with the Manila Standard. To my Manila Standard family, I want to thank you for all the experiences that you taught me—good and bad. Thank you for supporting me in my 15-year journey.”

The 54-year-old Cubinar started working for Manila Standard in 2004. Under the circulation department, Ferdinand developed his social skills meeting various types of people. What made him stay with the company is the feeling of belonging in a family. Ferdinand also shared that Manila Standard’s tree-planting activity is one of his most memorable experiences in the company. “I thank Manila Standard because it had contributed a lot so much to our family life. It helped me to provide for my children’s education. Hopefully, the Manila Standard will be prosperous, stable, and still continuing to deliver the truth in the future.” Shiela Marie P. Suarez, Advertising Deskman (15 Years, March 16, 2005)

Alﬁe S. Payumo, Assistant Cashier (15 Years, January 22, 2010)

Alfie started 10 years ago as a junior collector. Alfie considers braving the elements just to do his collecting job as one of his most memorable experiences with the company. He also shared that taking the job helped him gain a lot of self confidence in communicating with the newspaper’s clients. “Happy 33rd Anniversary Manila Standard. This is the year that I am celebrating my 10 years with you—10 years of togetherness, 10 years of happiness, 10 years of making my dreams come true, 10 years of sharing, 10 years of trust, and 10 beautiful years.” Regis S. Desales II, who joined the company on June 8, 2010, is another 10-Year Awardee.

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Manila Standard’s Loyalty Awardees For 25 years, Dazo has been with Manila Standard. As part of the KPPI group, he is the one of those tasked to make sure all the printed copies of the newspaper would be properly put. Dazo thanks the company as it helped him send his child, who is now a teacher, to college. “I hope that the same smiles and joy that I used to see will ﬂow through each member once again. Thank you.”

By Alicia Angelica Villanueva and Charles Arvin Dantes

EHIND every successful enterprise are its men and women, who tirelessly and without fail, give their best to their company.

One such enterprise is the Manila Standard, which marks its 33rd year in the industry today, February 11. Get to know more about the Manila Standard and the people behind the newspaper. Here are its Loyalty Awardees. Mario R. Policarpio, Jr., Chief Accountant (30 Years, October 23, 1989) Thirty years ago, as a fresh graduate, Mario was hired as a rank and ﬁle

employee. After years of hard work, perseverance and dedication, while proving his loyalty and integrity to the company, Mario was then promoted to a managerial position. With his auditing experience, he was also assigned to set up the company’s computerized accounting. His dedication and loyalty have led him to provide for his family and his children’s education. “Here’s hoping that Manila Standard continues to strive for excellence and improvement, while uplifting the lives of all employees and their dependents.”

Feliciano T. Buscas, Jr., Digital-OIC “Jun” Lao, who saw in me the potential to lead my department and for believing in me. Also, to former President and CEO Rogelio Salazar for helping me develop my skills by sending me to workshops and seminars so I can function well as the head of my department.”

Edgar M. Valmorida, Circulation Manager (25 Years, February 8, 1995) Egay, as they call him, is the head of the circulation department. Always striving to be true to his work, Egay looks forward toiling with his hard-working and dedicated people everyday. Up to this day, he upholds what his ﬁrst boss, Boots dela Cruz, had told him during his interview with the company 25 years ago: “Here in the circulation department, we work and grow as a family.’’ My heartfelt gratitude goes to my former bosses, Messrs. Florante “Boy” Acosta and Salvador

Heracleo L. Dazo (25 Years, June 27, 1995)

Jun to his colleagues, ﬁrst started as a member of the accounting department, before being assigned to head the circulation team after years of hard work and perseverance. He had been in different departments, advertising, marketing and administrative, before heading the Management Information Continued on F4

Century Properties Group completes 2,853 condo units,

ramps up expansion in affordable housing and commercial leasing

UBLICLY listed firm Century Properties Group, Inc. has made significant achievements in 2019 with 2,853 condominium unit completions and bullish business expansion into affordable housing through PHirst Park Homes and commercial leasing.

Under its in-city vertical developments, CPG has fully completed the 9-tower, six-hectare Azure Urban Resort Residences in Parañaque City last November with the turnover of 846 units at its final tower, the Bahamas. Collectively, all nine Azure towers comprise 5,350 units with a total sales value of Php26.2 billion, and with 98 percent of the inventory already sold out. The company also completed the Roxas West tower (500 units) at the 4.4-hectare The Residences at Commonwealth in Quezon City - with an additional 1,015 units expected for completion at the Quirino West and East towers - as well as Acqua Iguazu YOO inspired by Starck tower (492 units) and by this year, the upcoming opening of Novotel Suites Manila. The turnover of Iguazu last year and the forthcoming opening of Novotel will mark the full delivery of the six-tower Acqua Private Residences masterplan in Mandaluyong City with a total of 3,168 residential units and a sales value of P18.4 billion, with 98.6 percent of the units sold out. Further, CPG has completed an additional 821 house and lot units as of November 2019 through its affordable housing brand PHirst Park Homes, a joint venture with Mitsubishi Corporation. In 2017, the 33-year-old real estate firm embarked on a business expansion program to diversify to commercial leasing to bulk up its recurring income portfolio as well as affordable housing to cater to first-time homebuyers in growth centers outside of Metro Manila. Since its launch, PHirst Park Homes has already rolled out 5 of the 15 masterplanned communities in its pipeline in Tanza, Cavite; Lipa, Batangas; and this year, in San Pablo

The Clubhouse at The Residences at Commonwealth houses the development’s ‘uncommon’ amenities such as The Show Kitchen, The Creche & Kindergarten, Rock & Roll Studio, as well as Arts & Crafts Studio among many others.

PHirst Park Homes Tanza is the maiden project of PHirst Park Homes Inc., the joint-venture company for affordable housing between Century Properties Group and Mitsubishi Corporation.

and Calamba, Laguna; and Pandi, Bulacan. launched by PHirst until 2023. Collectively, this is 84.2 hectares and 8,799 units Under its commercial leasing business, CPG valued at P14.8 billion, with P7.7 billion sold out has completed and fully leased out the Asian as of October 2019. A total of 33,000 units will be Century Center in Bonifacio Global City with

Azure Urban Resort Residences is a nine-tower beach-inspired residential community located in Parañaque City. Century Properties announced the completion of Azure Urban Resort Residences in December 2019.

56,284 square meters of gross floor area and is soon adding to its portfolio the 41-storey PEZA-accredited Century Diamond Tower office building at Century City Makati with 63,110 square meters of gross floor area once fully completed. These properties will significantly contribute to CPG’s recurring income portfolio which the company targets to increase to 300,000 square meters of GFA with revenues of P2 billion by 2020. “Our record high completions and launches in line with our business expansion are testament to the company’s commitment to boost CPG’s growth trajectory over time and increase shareholder value,” said CPG President and Chief Executive Officer Marco R. Antonio. In November 2019, CPG posted a Php 1.2 billion net income for the first nine months of the year or 81 percent up from P661 million for the same period in 2018, while consolidated revenues rose to 36 percent or Php9.8 billion versus P7.2 billion year on year. In-city vertical developments accounted for 65 percent at P773 million, affordable housing for 18 percent at P220 million, leasing for 14 percent at P166 million, and property management for 3 percent at P35 million.

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Envisioning Manila Standard’s perfect vision By Jobe Regondola Garcia

N order for a progressive dream to meet fruition, we must ﬁrst achieve harmony within the strata of society. One must be in tune with the other. Having said that, the Manila Standard, for its “Perfect Vision 2020” campaign, envisions to highlight businesses steering the Philippines’ growth succeed, just like the three major industries in our country.

Mondelēz International Commits to Making All Packaging Recyclable by 2025 • All paper-based packaging will be sustainably sourced by 2020 • 65 million kg of packaging material worldwide will be eliminated by 2020 • Provide recycling information in markets around the world by 2025 Mondelēz International has committed to make all packaging recyclable and provide recycling information by 2025. The company will work in partnerships so that packaging can be collected and recycled in markets around the world, including the Philippines. This new commitment is part of the company’s strategy for a circular packaging economy and will help deliver its long-term vision for zero- net waste packaging. The announcement reflects the company’s new purpose to empower people to snack right by offering the right snack, for the right moment, and made the right way. This includes ensuring that the company’s products are made with ingredients that are sustainably sourced, produced and delivered, with positive impact along the supply chain. “Reducing the environmental impact of packaging and tackling plastic waste are urgent priorities for us, which we take extremely seriously. As such we have both global and local commitments to help ensure we minimize our impact,” shares Toff Rada, CGA Country Manager of Mondelez Philippines. He continues, “Plastic is a highly efficient material which helps us develop packaging that provides the right levels of security, quality, product protection, and preservation for food products. All this while enabling us to meet our packaging elimination goals. Without it, the shelf life of many products would be far shorter and would create more food waste, which is a far worse problem for the economy and environment.”

Mondelez Philippines CGA Country Manager Toff Rada (2 nd from left) shares the Compay’s commitment to sustainability during a Pandesal Forum last January 21, led by columnist (left) Wilson Lee Flores and attended by (2 nd from right) Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Benny Antiporda and OIC of the Quezon City Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department Andrea Villaroman.

Targeting Zero-net Waste Packaging The company’s strategy aims to deliver against its long-term vision for zero-net waste packaging by addressing two objectives: Making it easier for consumers to recycle packaging and supporting industry coalitions to improve recycling rates. To achieve this, the company is committed to the following globally: • All packaging will be made with recyclable material by 2025. The company will provide design guidelines for circular economy to packaging developers, set priorities and identify materials to use or avoid across its packaging range. Locally in its manufacturing plant in Sucat, Paranaque, 98% of the packaging waste generated is already recyclable or recycled. • All paper-based packaging will be sustainably sourced by 2020. • 65 million kg of packaging material worldwide will be eliminated by 2020. This is consistent with its commitment to use the right amount

of material to keep products fresh and safe, while minimizing the amount of packaging used. • Recycling information for consumers will be provided by 2025. The company will work to make it easy for consumers globally to recycle or re-use product packs after use. • The company will support industry coalitions and public-private partnerships to develop vital wastemanagement infrastructure to help reduce waste and improve real-world recycling rates. The manufacturing plastic waste inside its plant in the Philippines is already used as co-fuel by a partner cement company. Mondelez Philippines has also partnered with the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS) for a recycling facility in Paranaque. The Company has also constructed three recycled plastic play areas in Paranaque and Quezon City, with one more to be built in Quezon City in February. It is also looking to expand post-consumer collection and recycling this 2020.

Agriculture According to the World Bank’s data, in 2017, 27.7 % of workers were involved in the agricultural sector, and the Philippines is the 8th largest rice growing country in the world, mounting it to 2.8% of the worldwide production of rice. The “prime movers and shakers” in the long list of agricultural products that steer our country to prosperity are Corn and Sugarcane. Corn, next to rice, is one of the livelihood staples of the Filipino, wherein 600,000 farm households rely on the produce. Sugarcane. What comes to mind when you hear that word? NEGROS! Yes, Negros. Bacolod, the capital city of Negros Occidental is known as the “Sugar Bowl” of the Philippines because it produces more than half of the nation’s sugar output. Did you know that almost 51% of the total area in Negros are sugarcane plantations? Truly, it is a Sugar paradise for people who are sugar lovers out there! Coconuts. Davao Oriental would make you crave for this “giant nut”. According to the 2009 report of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the coconut industry plays an instrumental role in our country because we are the largest producer of coconuts, producing 19,500,000 tons! In its entirety, there are 3.6 million kilometers for coconut production in our archipelago, which comprise 25% of agricultural land. Tourism This is a no-brainer. The tourism sector contributes to the augmentation of the Philippines’ Gross Domestic Product or GDP. In 2013, our GDP rate was up by approximately 7.1% and has increased in 2015 by 10.6%. Not to mention, we also have six UNESCO world heritage sites (namely: Baroque Churches, Vigan City, Rice Terraces, Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and the famous Tubbataha Reefs) and eight (8) ASEAN heritage parks that surely attract both local and foreign tourists. Manufacturing This particular sector has greatly contributed to the nation’s development as our GDP has risen to almost 25%. In 2012, it grew by 5.4% and in 2013, it once again increased to a whopping 10.5%. Start-ups and digital services Let’s now talk about another booming sector in our country, which are the various startup companies. I remember when Grab and Uber during that time were still viewed as “the impossible dream.” If you ask me why, it is because few people have little knowledge about these startup companies. It was viewed as mere “stylish commuting.” Booking a ride through your mobile app during those days was not taken that seriously, but lo and behold, in just a span of five to six years, it already became everybody’s everyday app. Corroborating this topic further, the most common start-up here in the Philippines, aside from your usual app-based transport service, is e-Commerce. Think about Lazada, think about Shopee, think about Carousell. The mall comes at your doorstep. You do not need to troop down to Megamall just to shop for the greatest finds in the Metro. Very convenient and very practical. Need someone to fix your aircon? You can now book a technician. e-commerce! Need someone to deliver goods in a flash or you want to satisfy your cravings for a bucket of chicken? You can now book a GrabExpress rider. e-commerce! It is practically now in your fingertips. Another startup that is making rounds around town are SEO services. SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. To put in layman’s term, Continued on F8

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Editorial Department, headed by Publisher Rollie Estabillo

Credit & Collection Department

Admin and HR Department

Advertising Department, headed by Baldwin Felipe

Finance Department, headed by Mario Policarpio & Anita Grefal (Operations Head)

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Kagitingan Printing Press Inc., headed by Chito Constantino

Circulation Department, headed by Edgar Valmorida

MIS Department, headed by Jun Buscas

Envisioning...

We are committed to a better future for all. Security Bank gives back to the community through various programs supporting education, livelihood, the arts, and culture – all with the goal to enrich lives, empower businesses and build communities.

From F6

SEO could be considered the “Yellow Page Directory Book” of the modern digital age. If your site has awesome content, your website shall have (and it should have) a good ranking and it would resonate to more site trafﬁc and more viewers. Another would be vlogging on YouTube. Since I am a bit technologically-challenged, my friends who are now vlogging on the aforementioned site, told me that if you have relevant, unique content, which equate to a niche, and in the process accumulates x number of likes, comments, shares and subscribers, that’s the time you would earn money. The possibilities are endless. You are not conﬁned in a certain box. Sky is the limit in terms of creativity on YouTube, that is why it is not surprising that some household celebrities you see on TV resort to this magical video sharing platform wherein they could be as blunt as they could be. They could discuss topics that cannot be discussed on mainstream media in an unadulterated manner. By and large, they are the boss of the show. As they say, “Online is the way to go,” times are changing and so should we. At some point, we must learn how to adopt to the changes of this generation and that is what the Manila Standard envisions for a progressive nation this 2020. Through these success stories, enterprises, especially SMEs, should bear in mind to strive to be the best versions of their business but still have the capacity to give back to the larger community. This should be everyone’s vision, every individual, every institution; to commit to a cause, have the moral compass to do the greater good, and contribute in nation-building. To this, we say cheers to an awesome year ahead!

STAFF BOX Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Ramon L. Tomeldan Managing Editor

SCHOOL

Annie Grefal Operations Head Editor Riera Mallari Advertising Sales Manager Baldwin Felipe Supplement Head Paula Reynoso

For inquiries and comments, please call our 24-Hour Customer Service hotline at (632) 8887-9188 or email us at customercare@securitybank.com.ph. Security Bank Corporation is supervised by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas with telephone number (632) 8708-7087 and email address consumeraffairs@bsp.gov.ph.

Sales Team Merce Pascual Shirley Umali Belinda Good

Writers Peter Paul Duran MJ Blancaﬂor Charles Arvin Dantes Angelica Villanueva Paul Gelario Jobe Garcia Sales and Advertising Support Shiela Suarez Joan Velasco Edelyn Elamparo Eric Jutic

Designers Linda Apalisok MC Macaranas Vicky Ayeng

By Peter Paul Duran

OR decades, the Philippines has seen the onslaught of countless devastating typhoons, felt the brunt of destructive earthquakes, and the threat of drought, every now and then. If the country had a logbook of all the natural calamities it endured, the entries would be long and with numerous footnotes. Since 1990, the Philippines has been affected by more than 500 natural disasters, which have claimed the lives of nearly 70,000 Filipinos and caused an estimated $23 billion in damages, according to the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR). This makes the Philippines one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. A report from GFDRR also states that apart from frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, an average of 20 typhoons make landfall every year in the Philippines. This is no surprise as the country is located along the “Pacific Ring of Fire.” In fact, at least 60% of the total land area of the Philippines is exposed to multiple hazards and 74% of the population is vulnerable to their impact. Along these lines, threats from natural disasters in the Philippines have been increasing, and over the last decade, typhoons making landfall have become stronger and more devastating. The Philippines was recently struck by category 5 storms, with winds exceeding 250 km per hour in 2012 and 2013, most notably back in 2013 when Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), the strongest storm ever recorded at landfall, caused over 6,000 reported fatalities and damaged 1.1 million homes in nine regions. The report further explained that the extensive damage caused by the natural disaster resulted in 2.3 million

The need for a Department of Disaster Resilience

Filipinos falling below the poverty line, particularly in highly affected areas. But it isn’t all-natural; as climate change, brought about by the effects of human activity, is also exacerbating the impact of weather-related events in the Philippines, GFDRR said. It likewise notes that unregulated urban expansion has also aggravated flooding risks and is expected to worsen in the future. The Philippines is also witnessing longer episodes of drought and El Niño,

disrupting the volume of agricultural production and affecting GDP. More recently, a series of earthquakes hit different parts of the country with damaging effects. The Luzon, as well as the Cotabato and Southern Mindanao quakes, certainly had people on their toes. Taal Volcano, long considered as one of the country’s most active volcano, continues to threaten to wreak havoc 14 kilometers within its vicinity, leaving over 100,000 families still affected by its initial spewing of ash, steam, and

deadly sulfuric substances. Nearly 400,000 people are still affected by Taal’s recent activity. But if the country has been, and still will, experience spates of natural disasters, why is there a lingering notion that the country is underprepared for such calamities, if not, still surprised by the effects of these phenomena with recovery proving slow for affected communities? Fortunately, lawmakers are pushing for the creation of a branch of government that will solely, and intently, come up with actions and long-term plans to make the Philippines disaster resilient. Enter the proposed Department of Disaster Resilience, which in fact, has been a buzzword in the legislative sector for quite some time now. Thankfully, the House of Representatives is stepping up to the plate and taking action in the materialization of this would-be department. In truth, House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez said Congress would expedite the passage of President Rodrigo Duterte’s priority measures, including bills creating executive departments for Filipino overseas workers, water resources, and most especially, disaster resilience before the next adjournment in March. “We aim to hit the ground running when session resumes. Time to roll up our sleeves once again and work double time on vital legislative measures,” Romualdez said. “The speaker made clear instructions to pass these bills. No less than President Rodrigo Duterte himself called on Congress to work on these measures during his fourth State of the Nation Address last July,” he added. Congress would vote on third and final reading other vital measures, he cited. “This includes House Bill No. 5673 authorizing the Department of Health to set and approve the bed capacity and service capability of all DoH-retained

hospitals in all parts of the country,” Romualdez explained. This means that slowly, disaster resilience, more than preparedness, is now becoming more of a priority. This is a big deal considering that efforts in the past have been poured on disaster response only. With the DDR, there will be a comprehensive, focused and full-time government agency tasked to lead the Philippines’ disaster preparedness, response and recovery efforts. Establishing this agency provides proper education, training, risk reduction mitigation, relief, and rehabilitation with the tools and technical know-how to better address the country’s perennial problems with natural disasters. This comes at no surprise, as with the advent of digitalization and the fast innovations in convergent Information and Communications Technologies, there have been solutions that will address endto-end needs for the effective, efficient and transparent implementation of disaster resiliency programs for the whole of the Philippines. We can learn from our friendly neighbor in the Asia-Pacific region in Japan when it comes to integrating technologies in disaster resiliency. Japan, sitting at the Pacific Ring of Fire just like the Philippines, boasts of well-developed ICT systems in addressing disasters. The three integrated systems in place are the Earthquake Early Warning System, J-Alert, and the Emergency Alert Mail. These systems are responsible for processing an earthquake’s hypocenter, magnitude and intensity transmits warnings instantaneously nationwide, and immediately trigger a cell broadcast for all affected persons about the critical infrastructure that could be damaged. We need the DDR sooner than later. Countless lives depend on it.

SMC bats use of innovative environmental technologies By Alicia Angelica Villanueva

Y the year 2025, San Miguel Corporation commits to reduce its usage of water by 50% in all of its industries. That goal, which started in 2016, is part of SMC’s “Water for All” sustainability project that aims to reduce domestic and utility use of water across the company’s beverage, food, packaging, power, infrastructure and fuel businesses. Earlier last year, the company announced its progress by reducing 23% in 2018, beating its stated goal to reduce water consumption by 20% in 2020. “This is a significant milestone for us and we’re highly encouraged by these results,” said SMC President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon S. Ang. “It was only the second year since we announced this major sustainability goal, and already, the effort and commitment of those in our company tasked with making this goal a reality, have started to pay off,” added Ang. Among SMC’s objectives

were to eliminate wastage of water across their operations, reuse and recycle more water, reduce the usage of ground and surface water, protect vital water resources, and harvest rainwater. More than its water sustainability project, SMC also partnered with Philippine Bioresins Corporation, a small but innovative company that has successfully developed and tested biodegradable plastics. This is to take the initiative of utilizing fully-certified biodegradable plastic packaging. “We have always been looking for innovative environmental technologies and we are excited about this development. We are looking forward to using biodegradable plastics, and this is just the beginning as they are developing other technologies in this field,” Ang said. Another milestone for SMC

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is set to become the first Filipino company to utilize fully-certified biodegradable plastic packaging.

was achieved in November 2019 when the company introduced the country’s first recycled plastics road. Asphalt made of plastics, combined with bitumen, were placed on a pilot test site in a new logistics center in General Trias, Cavite with an area of 1,500-sqms. Almost 900 kilos of plastic wastes that included plastic

sachets and bags were used for the asphalt. The test site was chosen as it will be used primarily as a marshaling area for trucks with heavy loads, including 18-wheelers and heavy equipment. “What we want to achieve is to help address an important environmental issue, and that is plastic wastes. We want to

create a sustainable use for waste plastics so that they don’t end up in landfills and our rivers and oceans,” shared Ang. The use of plastic wastes in the production of asphalt will not just help save the environment from plastic pollution, but can also make the road longer-lasting and more durable.