The Green Gateway: Mactan-Cebu International Airport’s Purposeful Path to Sustainability

CREDIT: Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC

In the heart of Lapu-Lapu City stands a testament to innovation and sustainability - Terminal 2 of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA). Managed by the forward-thinking Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC, MCIA is not just an airport; it’s a bold symbol of a greener future. Its recent achievement of Level 1 Airport Carbon Accreditation recognition is a testament to its commitment to becoming a sustainable aviation hub. But this is just the beginning of an ambitious journey.

MCIA is setting new standards and breaking barriers in airport operations, with a vision to achieve a Net Zero Target by 2050. The term 'Net Zero' stands for minimizing carbon emissions to a residual level that can be naturally absorbed and stored, leaving a zero balance in the atmosphere.

To facilitate this monumental goal, MCIA plans to upgrade its operations by implementing more bridge-mounted pre-conditioned air (PCA) and ground power units (GPUs). These technologically advanced systems will replace the existing motorized GPUs and auxiliary PUs, significantly reducing carbon emissions during aircraft parking and passenger boarding.

The airport also plans to enhance its sustainability by using electric ground support equipment and other airside vehicles. In addition, MCIA will expand its existing solar power plant to other areas of the airport, aiming to harness the power of the sun to the fullest.

“Achieving Net Zero emissions is not just about reducing our carbon footprint; it’s about ensuring that our impact on the environment is effectively neutralized, leaving a sustainable legacy for future generations,” says Athanasios Titonis, MCIA President and CEO. This commitment to environmental responsibility reflects the airport's dedication to preserving the planet for those who will inherit it.

MCIA's mission to reduce its carbon emissions has not gone unnoticed. The airport's recent Level I Airport Carbon Accreditation from the Airports Council International, a first in the Philippines, is a testament to the comprehensive approach taken by MCIA in managing carbon emissions.

MCIA's green initiatives include installing a rooftop solar power plant and energy-efficient equipment such as LED lights. The airport also monitors electricity and fuel consumption regularly and conducts emission tests for ground support equipment and emergency generators.

MCIA’s journey towards accreditation continued with a rigorous evaluation of its carbon management practices. Embracing the ACA framework, MCIA undertook a thorough assessment of its operations, aligning with the program’s six levels of certification, each representing a distinct stage in the carbon management journey. 

In a significant step, MCIA released a Policy Commitment to Emissions Reduction, a public written commitment to greenhouse gas, carbon, or energy reduction at the highest level in the form of a policy statement signed by Julius G. Neri, Jr., MCIA Authority (MCIAA) CEO and General Manager.

To further demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability, MCIA developed a Carbon Footprint Report covering 2022 data, a key component of the ACA. By setting operational boundaries, Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions from MCIAA and Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC were identified and quantified to determine the total carbon emissions generated by MCIA operations.

“Securing Level 1 ACA underscores our unwavering dedication to sustainable aviation practices. It validates our efforts to minimize our carbon footprint and sets a model for airports in the country and even across the region to follow,” Titonis noted.

In its continuous pursuit of creating a superior customer experience, MCIA has also announced its transition to become a 'silent airport.' This practice, followed by globally renowned airports like Singapore Changi Airport and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, is characterized by the minimal or complete absence of background noise, such as repetitive announcements over loudspeakers. This transition is designed to mitigate noise pollution and foster a serene atmosphere for travelers, further reinforcing MCIA’s commitment to a holistic sustainable approach.

In conclusion, MCIA is not just a transportation hub but a beacon of innovation and sustainability. With its ambitious plans and relentless pursuit of a greener future, MCIA is indeed the green gateway to a sustainable tomorrow.

A New Dawn in Real Estate: DMCI-Marubeni's JV Project Poised to Revolutionize the Industry

SOURCE: DMCI

In a world that ceaselessly evolves, the real estate sector is not left behind. The recently announced joint venture between DMCI Holdings, Inc. and Japanese conglomerate, Marubeni Corporation, is setting the pace for future projects. This collaboration, as stated by DMCI Chairman, Isidro Consunji, is a significant milestone in the real estate landscape, marking an innovative turning point in DMCI's 25-year journey. 

The Valeron Tower, a flagship project of this symbiotic collaboration, is a testament to innovation, experience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The tower is the fruit of DMCI Homes’ local experience, coupled with Marubeni’s global expertise. It is designed to disrupt the status quo, redefine industry standards, and set a new benchmark for future ventures. The project is a "game changer," according to Consunji, aiming to usher in a new era of innovation that will sustain the industry for the next 25 years.

The grand showroom of The Valeron Tower was unveiled in a spectacular ceremony on March 17, 2024. The event was graced by several executives from both DMCI Homes and Marubeni Corporation, including DMCI Homes President Alfredo Austria, VP for Marketing Jan Venturanza, and VP for Project Development Dennis Yap, as well as Marubeni Corp. General Manager for Overseas Real Estate Business Department Noritake Miyaguchi, Marubeni Philippines Corp President and CEO Shigeru Shimoda, and VP for Real Estate Business Shinya Matsuo.

Marubeni's long-standing history in the Philippines, spanning over 114 years, has seen the corporation actively involved in various infrastructure projects, including collaborations with the DMCI Group. This partnership extends to projects such as the LRT Line 2 East Extension Project, the Maynilad Water Services Inc. consortium, and recent initiatives in reforestation and plantation development in Negros Occidental.

The Valeron Tower's grand showroom is more than just an architectural marvel; it's a promise of the exceptional homebuying experience that awaits potential homebuyers. As per Austria, this showroom offers buyers a seamless buying journey from the moment they select their units until they take up residence.

The Valeron Tower, located along C-5 Rd., Pasig City, is designed to offer an upscale lifestyle that is a notch above DMCI Homes' other projects. The Tower's remarkable design, coupled with lush landscaping and water features, is a manifestation of elegance and sophistication. 

Beyond aesthetics, The Valeron Tower offers a meticulously planned layout, expansive amenities, and distinctive services that are industry firsts. Features such as community-wide commercial-grade internet and the innovative RideShare Carpool Program, attest to DMCI Homes' commitment to provide an unparalleled living experience.

The Valeron Tower is competitively priced, starting from P7.51 million. It promises to provide an excellent return on investment, with units ready for occupancy starting July 2029. 

In Conclusion: A Game Changer for the Real Estate Industry

The Valeron Tower is indeed a game changer, setting a new benchmark for future real estate projects. It's a testament to the combined strength of DMCI Homes and Marubeni Corporation, and a promise of a new dawn in the real estate industry. To learn more about the project, reach out to DMCI Homes or Marubeni Corporation. 

Indeed, DMCI Homes and Marubeni Corporation's joint venture is a shining example of how collaboration can result in innovation that has the potential to revolutionize an entire industry. The Valeron Tower is not just a project; it's a bold statement of intent, a vision for the future, and a testament to what can be achieved when experience, expertise, and innovation converge.

Soaring High: DHL Summit Solutions Marks Three Years of Success and Pioneering Growth

CREDIT: JG Summit Holdings

In the realm of logistics, the name DHL Summit Solutions, Inc. (DSSI) has emerged as an emblem of reliability and efficiency. A joint venture between JG Summit Holdings and DHL Supply Chain APAC, DSSI has recently celebrated its third anniversary, marking another significant milestone in its journey to become the premier logistics provider in the Philippines.

DSSI's commitment to excellence and focus on innovation has fueled its growth, as it continues to strengthen its market position. In just three short years, DSSI has become synonymous with best-in-class transportation and distribution solutions, catering to various sectors and businesses throughout the country.

The company's integrated service offerings encompass land transport, cross-docking, and sea and air freight. This comprehensive range of solutions offers customers flexibility and dependability, meeting their evolving needs and ensuring smooth operations at all times.

The recent appointment of Javier Bilbao as the new CEO of DHL Supply Chain Asia Pacific has brought a fresh perspective to DSSI's operations. His visit to the new DSSI Head Office in Manila, along with Andries Retief, CEO of DHL Supply Chain South East Asia Cluster, highlights the strategic importance of the Philippines in DHL's regional operations.

Bilbao, who previously headed DHL’s Latin American division, shared his vision and priorities for the future of DHL Supply Chain and its collaboration with JG Summit Holdings during a company town hall. Under Bilbao's leadership, DSSI is set to enhance its market position and expand its service offerings further.

In October 2023, DSSI announced a 25% boost in its transport fleet, now boasting over 2,000 trucks. This expansion demonstrates the company's commitment to meeting the growing demands of its clientele, particularly in the consumer and retail sectors, and solidifying its nationwide presence.

DSSI's relocation to a new office symbolizes its continued growth trajectory and commitment to operational excellence. The move to its headquarters in the burgeoning Bridgetowne Destination Estate aligns with the company's mission to provide world-class domestic transport operations in the Philippines.

With a focus on digital innovation and sustainability, DSSI is positioning itself as the preferred partner for businesses seeking efficient and reliable logistics solutions. By employing cutting-edge technology and green standards for transportation, DSSI is creating significant value for customers while contributing to environmental sustainability.

As it embarks on its fourth year of full operations, DSSI remains steadfast in its dedication to enhancing customer satisfaction and driving economic growth in the Philippines. With a track record of success and a commitment to excellence, DSSI is well-positioned to continue its ascent as the leading logistics provider in the country.

DSSI's journey, marked by dedication to service, innovation, and sustainability, has positioned it as a force to be reckoned with in the logistics industry. As it celebrates its third anniversary, DSSI is more committed than ever to empower businesses to thrive in an increasingly dynamic market landscape, setting the stage for many more successful years to come.

GLN International Breaks New Ground with QR Payment Network Expansion to the Philippines

In a revolutionary move, GLN International has expanded its QR payment network to the Philippines. This strategic expansion has been achieved through a partnership with Asia United Bank (AUB). This partnership will allow tourists visiting the Philippines to pay seamlessly at QRPh merchants, a national QR payment network operating in the country, using the digital wallets in GLN's network.

When it comes to digital finance, GLN has always been ahead of the curve. Its payment network now spans seven countries and regions in Southeast Asia, namely Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and the Philippines. 

GLN International, under the leadership of CEO Kim Kyung-ho, recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Asia United Bank (AUB), a publicly listed bank in the Philippines. This agreement paves the way for the launch of the QRPh cross-border payment service.

The signing ceremony, which took place on March 18 at the AUB headquarters, was witnessed by top officials from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Philippine Payments Management Inc. 

Under the terms of the agreement, GLN and AUB will work together to provide the QRPh cross-border payment service to visitors to the Philippines. This includes the 1.4 million Korean tourists who visit the country annually.

Starting from June, GLN customers traveling to the Philippines will be able to make digital QR payments in over 630,000 QRPh physical stores. They can make these payments through Hana One Q, KB Star Banking, iMBank, Hana Money, Toss, and GLN apps. This service comes with reduced payment costs due to real-time currency conversion and a transparent fee system.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and the Philippines. The enabling of cross-border QR payments represents a significant milestone in the bilateral relations of these two countries.

In the Philippines, cashless digital payment methods have become mainstream. AUB has made significant contributions to the digital retail infrastructure of the country. Through close collaboration, efforts are being made to enhance the convenience of financial services between the two countries. This will benefit local merchants and contribute to the cross-border financial industry.

Kim Kyung-ho, CEO of GLN International, expressed anticipation for the highly constructive and forward-looking cooperation with AUB. He said, "We look forward to establishing a strategic partnership with AUB, enabling us to pursue innovative and future-oriented collaboration."

Wilfredo Rodriguez Jr., AUB's executive vice president and Head of Operations and Technology Group, welcomed GLN's initiative and emphasized prioritizing technological innovation. He stated, "AUB made a deliberate strategy to use technology as an enabler as well as a differentiator for its various products and services."

The partnership was welcomed by Philippine regulators. German Constantino, officer-in-charge of Payments Policy and Development Department of the BSP, said the partnership "signifies a milestone, not only for AUB, but also for the broader banking and payments industry, particularly in the realm of cross-border digital payment."

In conclusion, the expansion of GLN’s QR payment network to the Philippines is a significant development in the realm of digital payments. This strategic partnership with AUB will provide seamless and cost-effective payment solutions for tourists visiting the Philippines. It will also undoubtedly contribute to the growth of the cross-border financial industry. With GLN’s forward-looking approach and AUB’s commitment to technological innovation, the future looks bright for digital finance.