Pioneering Future Sustainability Leaders: SM Prime's Investment in Education with a Special Scholarship Program

SOURCE: SM PRIME

In the world of business, corporate responsibility often involves a commitment to sustainability and community development. Inspired by the late Henry Sy Sr.’s belief in the power of education, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., a leading integrated property developer, has taken this commitment to the next level by launching a unique scholarship program. Partnering with the renowned University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), SM Prime's initiative, aptly named the "SM Sustainability Scholarship," reflects the company's commitment to both educational access and sustainability stewardship.

The scholarship program is more than a financial aid package. It's a ticket to a brighter future for ten deserving students who will be fully supported through their undergraduate studies at UPLB. The initiative provides these students with the opportunity to pursue degrees in either Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology or Bachelor of Science in Forestry. These fields align perfectly with SM Prime’s focus on building resilient communities and fostering a sustainable future.

The recipients of the scholarship have been meticulously chosen based on their academic excellence and dedication to sustainability. By formally recognizing them during a meet-and-greet gathering at UPLB, SM Prime marked the start of their journey as SM Sustainability Scholars - future leaders who will shape our world.

Each scholar will receive a full scholarship that covers tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, and a book allowance. This comprehensive financial support ensures the scholars can focus on their studies without financial worries. SM Prime’s commitment extends beyond finances, providing other support mechanisms to ensure that the scholars thrive in their academic lives.

The College of Human Ecology (CHE) at UPLB is a strong advocate of collaborative work in sustainability. CHE Dean Dr. Jennifer Amparo expressed that the pursuit of sustainability is most effectively undertaken when we work together and build each other’s skills, know-how, and programs.

The College of Forestry and Natural Resources, another key player in this initiative, also extended its support to the scholars. Represented by Prof. Marilyn Combalicer, the college vowed to continue nurturing such meaningful collaboration and initiatives that enhance the educational experience for their students.

SM Prime's commitment to education and sustainability is deeply rooted in its founder's vision. Henry "Tatang" Sy Sr. believed that education is a great equalizer and that sending one child to college could create ripples of social good not just for families but for an entire community.

For decades, the SM Group has embraced the responsibility to contribute to nation building through social good programs. These programs are geared towards quality education, sustainable agriculture, healthcare, and disaster response. By improving the quality of life of the people in their host communities, the SM Group ensures that social development and investment go hand in hand with business growth.

Beyond providing financial aid, the SM Sustainability Scholarship program is a testament to SM Prime's commitment to sustainability. By investing in education, the company is developing future sustainability leaders who will contribute significantly to the building of resilient communities and sustainable futures.

In conclusion, SM Prime’s investment in the SM Sustainability Scholarship program reflects the company’s commitment to the well-being of the youth and their partner communities. By investing in the education of these future leaders, SM Prime is ultimately investing in a better, more sustainable future for us all.

Unleashing Bargains: Puregold’s New Initiative to Combat Rising Prices

SOURCE: PUREGOLD

There's been a monumental decision in Manila. Supermarket chain operator Puregold Price Club, Inc. has announced a monthly discount promotion, set to occur on the first day of each month. This move is a strategic response to the increasing prices of basic goods, a phenomenon that has steadily been impacting Filipino consumers. 

This Friday, Puregold will launch its innovative program dubbed "Hakot Every1". This initiative is designed to offer significant discounts on basic necessities and prime commodities, thereby softening the economic blow for Filipinos across the nation.

The "Hakot Every1" program is a monthly initiative aimed at easing the burden of grocery expenses. On March 1, Puregold will offer significant discounts on various breakfast essentials, setting the tone for a more affordable living experience. 

This initiative extends beyond just providing discounts. Puregold has taken a step further by ensuring that Tindahan ni Aling Puring and Puregold Perks members can avail of up to 10 percent price off on select items. This includes everyday staples such as coffee, creamer, and bread.

The benefits of this initiative are multi-fold. The publicly listed supermarket chain operator aims to ease the impacts of inflation, especially for Filipino families that were heavily affected by the inflationary pressures in the past. 

Moreover, Puregold's new program also aims to cater to the various needs of its buyers, whether for household consumption or stock for their local merchandise or sari-sari- stores.

This initiative arrives on the heels of a new Suggested Retail Price (SRP) Bulletin released by the Department of Trade and Industry in January this year. The bulletin adjusted the prices of nine basic goods including coffee and salt upward, adding to the financial strain on consumers.

The DTI has been considering to gradually adjust the SRPs of basic necessities and prime commodities to assist consumers in absorbing the higher prices of goods. Puregold's initiative serves as a timely response, providing Filipinos with much-needed relief.

The SRP Bulletin identified fifty-four shelf-keeping units with pending price increments. In this context, the "Hakot Every1" initiative by Puregold can be seen as a strategic move to protect consumers from these impending price hikes.

Puregold has always been committed to serving the needs of its customers. With this initiative, the supermarket chain operator is further reinforcing its commitment to help Filipinos navigate the economic landscape with ease.

The "Hakot Every1" initiative is not just a discount program, but a shift in the retail landscape. By offering substantial discounts on basic goods, Puregold is setting a new standard for the grocery shopping experience in the Philippines.

The essence of Puregold's initiative is its underlying commitment to the Filipino family. By easing the burden of grocery expenses, Puregold is strengthening its bond with Filipino families and making a significant contribution to their wellbeing.

The "Hakot Every1" initiative is not just beneficial for consumers, but it also benefits Puregold. By having more customers avail of their goods at lesser prices, the supermarket chain operator is able to maintain a steady flow of revenue while also contributing to the economic wellbeing of the Filipino community.

Puregold's initiative represents a beacon of hope amid rising prices. As the country battles inflation, initiatives like "Hakot Every1" serve as a testament to the resilience of the Filipino spirit, and the relentless pursuit of companies like Puregold to serve their customers better.

Gigabit Revolution: PLDT Unveils the Future of Fiber with Ultra-fast Internet Plans

SOURCE: PLDT HOME

   

   PLDT Home is yet again setting a new standard in the Philippine broadband landscape with the introduction of its ultra-fast Gigabit Fiber Plans. This groundbreaking service promises Filipinos the fastest and most reliable internet available today. The company continues to pioneer digital innovations, previously bringing the then-astounding speeds of up to 1 Gbps to Filipino households and now leading the way into the Gigabit Era with speeds reaching an astonishing 10 Gbps.

   Jeremiah de la Cruz, Senior Vice-President and Head of Consumer Business Home, underscores PLDT's commitment to pioneering digital innovations. He proudly states that the company's mission is to provide Filipinos with technologies that open doors to meaningful opportunities, improving their lives in significant ways.

   PLDT Home’s Gigabit Fiber offers four different plans: 1 Gbps, 2.5 Gbps, 5 Gbps, and 10 Gbps. These impressive speeds facilitate ultra-fast and high bandwidth online activities for everyone at home. Each Gigabit Fiber plan comes with a Gigabit modem, a whole home WiFi 6 mesh system, subscriptions to IPTV and global streaming apps, and security services for personal devices.

   Subscribers to the Gigabit Fiber plan not only receive a superior digital experience but also enjoy exclusive benefits. These include premium welcome kits and access to PLDT Home exclusive events and venues.

   Gigabit speed is the next generation of high-speed internet, delivering speeds at least 100 times faster than the average 100 Mbps connections at home.

   The impact of Gigabit-fast internet is not limited to individual households but extends to the global community. Only a few countries have managed to harness the power of Gigabit speed, and the Philippines' inclusion in this elite group represents a significant advancement.

   PLDT Home's country-wide fiber infrastructure drives innovation in various industries and enhances people's entertainment experiences. It also aids in work and education, sparks creative pursuits, and levels up businesses.

   With superfast gigabits of data streaming through PLDT Home Fiber, extreme power users can download and upload large volumes of data in a matter of seconds. This capability facilitates better efficiency and productivity at work and school from home.

   As smart home technology develops rapidly, households need an internet connection that can keep up. PLDT Home's Gigabit internet can reliably keep all the devices in your smart home running efficiently.

   Initially, PLDT Home’s Gigabit Fiber plans will be available in select locations in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao. This move brings the Philippines to the brink of a major boost, giving Filipinos access to potentially life-changing internet speeds.

Revitalizing Water Infrastructure: Maynilad's ₱4B Commitment for Enhanced Water Service

SOURCE: MAYNILAD 

Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad), the largest private water concessionaire in the Philippines, is making a monumental investment of approximately ₱4 billion. This investment aims to upgrade and rehabilitate 22 of its existing pumping stations and reservoirs (PSRs), vital components that operate around the clock to maintain water supply and pressure throughout its concession areas.

The major activities poised to be carried out on the 22 PSRs include retrofitting for enhanced structural resiliency, replacing electronic and electrical equipment to boost pump operations, increasing reservoir capacity to fortify reliability during routine servicing and emergencies, and upgrading pumps and motors to further augment water pressure.

Maynilad began this upgrade project in 2023, with the full completion scheduled for 2027. This five-year timeline ensures a meticulous and comprehensive approach to the upgrades, promising a significant improvement in the water services provided.

“This maintenance project—along with our planned construction of new PSRs over the next five years—is part of our service enhancement program that will ensure sustained water access in light of higher water demand. It will help to keep the water infrastructure resilient and responsive to the needs of our growing customer base,” said Maynilad Chief Operating Officer Randolph T. Estrellado.

Presently, Maynilad operates 39 pumping stations and 39 reservoirs located strategically throughout its West concession area. This is a significant increase from only seven operational PSRs in 2006 before the company was re-privatized.

Maynilad is the concessionaire of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) for the West Zone of the Greater Manila Area. This region includes several major cities and portions of Cavite province.

In Quezon City, the upgrade project will ensure the sustained water supply for the western side of the city, which includes areas west of San Juan River, West Avenue, EDSA, Congressional, Mindanao Avenue, and the northern part starting from the Districts of the Holy Spirit & Batasan Hills.

The cities of Cavite, Bacoor, and Imus, as well as the towns of Kawit, Noveleta, and Rosario in Cavite Province, will also benefit from this project. The upgrade will provide these areas with improved water supply and pressure, aligning with Maynilad's commitment to their customer base.

Robust water infrastructure is fundamental to the well-being and economic progress of cities and provinces. Maynilad's investment is a testament to the company's dedication to sustaining and improving the lives of its millions of customers.

With this massive infrastructure project, Maynilad is ensuring a new era of water services for the Greater Manila Area. The ₱4 billion investment is not just an upgrade of the physical infrastructure but a commitment towards a future of reliable and resilient water supply for millions of Filipinos.

Harnessing the Power of Water: The Casecnan Hydroelectric Power Plant Transition

SOURCE: FIRST GEN

In a transformative move, the government, specifically through the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), has passed the baton of the Casecnan Hydroelectric Power Plant to First Gen Corporation's subsidiary, Fresh River Lakes Corporation (FRLC).

This momentous event saw the personnel of PSALM and NIA formally transferring the operations of the Casecnan hydro facilities in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija to First Gen, following the latter's successful acquisition of all regulatory permits and the remittance of the power plant's purchase payment.

The completion of the 165-megawatt (MW) Casecnan power plant sale, which was part of the government's privatization program and auctioned-off by PSALM last year, marks a significant milestone in the history of the country's power sector.

First Gen's strategically high bid of a US$526-million offer through FRLC not only topped the auction, but it significantly surpassed the government's minimum bid price.

From First Gen's standpoint, the acquisition saved the company both time and cost that would have been spent on constructing a similar hydro plant from scratch.

The sale of the Casecnan power plant to First Gen, the largest privatization of a state power asset under the Marcos administration, underwent a stringent evaluation process and was approved by various government agencies to facilitate a smooth transition of the power plant.

In addition to the power plant, First Gen's acquisition also includes the switchyard, the administration complex, guest house and some roads. However, the non-power components of Casecnan, such as the irrigation facilities, the weir, and the tunnel, remain under the government's ownership.

First Gen's portfolio of renewable energy sources is further bolstered by the acquisition of the Casecnan power plant, strengthening its position as a leading clean energy provider in the country.

Notable government officials including President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr have been invited to inspect the Casecnan plant and the surrounding Pantabangan Lake reservoir, which serves as a significant infrastructure for power generation and irrigation.

With the acquisition of the Casecnan power plant, First Gen has successfully expanded the combined capacity of its low-carbon power plants, paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable future in the field of energy.

Stepping Stones to Progress: Secretary Recto Initiates Visits on ODA Projects for Efficient Implementation

SOURCE: DOF

   Embarking on a mission to ensure the efficient implementation of official development assistance (ODA)-funded infrastructure projects, Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto has initiated a series of worksite visits. The first stop on this journey? The Metro Manila Subway, a visit that occurred on February 26, 2024. 

   The Metro Manila Subway Project Phase 1, the country's first underground mass transport system, is the third largest project under the Marcos, Jr. administration’s Build Better More program. This project is set to redefine not just transport, but also everyday life in the city.

   The DOF-International Finance Group (IFG) is securing foreign grants and loans to fund infrastructure projects and various development projects. These projects are key instruments in driving the country's rapid economic growth.

   The subway, once operational in 2029, will drastically reduce travel time and increase efficiency. This new transport system will connect Valenzuela City to Pasay City, with a branch line going to NAIA Terminal 3 in Paranaque City.

   A substantial portion of the project's cost will be financed through an ODA loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This financing model, known as a time-sliced loan, is geared towards large-scale projects.

   Traffic congestion in Metro Manila has substantial economic repercussions, costing the Philippine economy billions per day. Secretary Recto is determined to rectify this situation through the implementation of the subway project.

   The government has invested in advanced Japanese technology to ensure the subway construction is resilient in the face of natural disasters. Innovative features like flood management and advanced seismic technology have been incorporated into the design.

   Secretary Recto expressed his confidence in Transport Secretary Jaime J. Bautista and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to ensure timely completion of the project.

   JICA Philippines’ Chief Representative Sakamoto Takema, in coordination with the DOTr, is crafting an organized masterplan for the Philippines’ railway system. This masterplan is a testament to the administration's dedication to delivering top-notch infrastructure projects.

   The promise of a future where traffic no longer disrupts the lives of Filipinos is a beacon of hope. Secretary Recto's dedication to ensuring efficient implementation of ODA projects is a significant step towards this future.