Kaisa ang Tanggapan ng Panlalawigang Agrikultor sa isinagawang pagpupulong ng Quezon Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Council (PAFC) at Gumaca Municipal Agriculture and Fisheries Council (MAFC) na ang pangunahing layunin ay bumuo ng isang resolusyon upang matugunan ang kapakanan ng mga magsasaka at mangingisda sa lalawigan, na ginanap sa bayan ng Gumaca, Quezon. Tinalakay din dito ang isyu ng climate change o pagbabago ng klima kung saan kabilang sa presentasyon ang mahusay na sistema ng pagtatapon at paghihiwalay ng basura, na nagbigay-daan sa mungkahi para sa isang benchmarking activity ng grupo. Tampok din Gender Equality at Social Inclusion kung saan nakapaloob dito ang iba’t ibang programang ipinatutupad ng lokal na pamahalaan upang isulong ang pagkakapantay-pantay ng kasarian at pagsasama ng lahat sa lipunan. Sinundan ang pagpupulong ng isang tree planting activity sa Brgy. Batong Dalig, Gumaca bilang pagpapakita ng pagmamahal sa kalikasan. Dumalo sa nasabing aktibidad sina Gng. Swendy B. Elejerio, Municipal Agriculturist at MAFC Coordinator; Gng. Liezel Mendoza; PAFC Chairperson Demosthenes Hernandez, at iba pang mga tagapangulo mula sa iba’t ibang bayan ng lalawigan. Ipinakilala ni G. Sherwin Kenneth P. Deloraya, PAFC-Quezon Coordinator, ang bagong PAFC Coordinator na si G. Nieves P. Sarte. Samantala, nagpaabot ng mensahe ng pagsuporta si Gov. Helen Tan sa pamamagitan ni G. Jericho Teng na naglahad din ng mga programa ng pamahalaang panlalawigan.      

Subic Bay Freeport – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is looking into entering into a joint venture with the Taipei BioInnovation Park (TBIP). SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño was impressed with the TBIP’s biotechnology and biomedical facilities during his recent trip to Taipei, Taiwan. “This visit to the Taipei BioInnovation Park was a truly unique learning experience for us. We proposed the expansion of SBDMC (Subic Bay Development and Management Corporation, Inc.) business activities in Subic Bay Freeport to include biotechnology and biomedical activities,” said Chairman Aliño, The SBMA chief also cited that the SBMA will ensure that the proposed expansion projects are aligned with the agency’s plans and projects. “The proposed expansion plan should complement our mandate to promote the Subic Special Economic Zone as a self-sustaining, industrial, commercial, financial, and investment center and green port city by attracting and promoting productive foreign investments that will generate employment opportunities in and around the zone,” he said. Chairman Aliño was joined by SBMA Directors Ruel John Kabigting and Teodoro Del Rosario, and Senior Deputy Administrator Ramon Agregado during his three-day visit to Taiwan, upon the invitation by Century Development Corporation (CDC). Aside from the TBIP, the SBMA delegation also went to Pingtung to visit MOS Burger’s newly completed processing plant Pingtung Agricultural Biotechnology Park (PABP). The MOS Burger food processing plant is a joint venture between An-Shin Food Services Co. and MOS Food Services. Located in Taiwan’s Pingtung County, the PABP is the only national agricultural biotechnology park in Taiwan and the only one in the world that established an agricultural high-tech industrial cluster. The park has more than 110 agricultural enterprises of value-added natural products, aquaculture, livestock biotechnology, agricultural materials & facilities, technical services, inside its premises. These companies are connected in series and have formed a huge industrial supply chain, creating a strong synergy effect in the global market. According to SBDMC President Willy Wang, the invitation for the site visit was to provide the SBMA with a glimpse of Taiwan’s first BOT development project focusing on biotechnology industry, and to explore joint venture opportunities. He added that the TBIP provides incubation space for emerging biotechnology, leading companies that integrate research and development (R&D), trial production, and business office functions. CDC is a shareholder of the United Development Corporation, a joint venture partner of  the SBMA in the SBDMC, Inc., which has pioneered industrial park planning. It is also known for its successful development of the Nankang Software Park, one of the most advanced industrial parks in Taiwan.                

In a significant move to support the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (RA 8749), SM Prime Holdings (SMPH) has partnered with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to enhance air quality monitoring through the provision of Air Quality Monitoring Equipment (AQME). This groud breaking program aims to assess and manage air pollution levels in the surrounding environment effectively. The Environmental Management Bureau – National Capital Region (EMB-NCR) of DENR leads the Adopt-a-Continuous Ambient Air Monitoring System (CAMS) program, which focuses on comprehensive air pollution management. In alignment with this, SMPH integrates innovation and technology in its environmental stewardship efforts, reinforcing its commitment to benefiting the communities its serves. The collaboration was formalized through a landmark Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on November 26 during DENR’s Airshed Governing Board Year-End Meeting in Cubao. Under the five-year agreement, SMPH has committed a donation valued at P7 million, including the installation of a CAMS unit on an SMPH-owned lot located at the Villa Beatriz Extension, Commonwealth Avenue, Brgy. Matandang Balara, Quezon City. In her special message, SM Supermalls Vice President and Sustainability and Resilience Lead, Engr. Liza Silerio, emphasized the importance of air quality initiatives: “There is a need for an air quality program and this type of equipment to raise awareness about public health and the importance of clean air. It enables us to monitor pollution levels more effectively and implement data-driven solutions.” Engr. Silerio also highlighted the role of the private sector: “It is an honor for us at SM to partner with and support DENR’s programs toward a healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable environment.” The real-time data collected by CAMS is crucial in helping local authorities and communities understand air quality trends, identify pollution sources, and implement effective measures to improve air health. For updates on air quality, visit https://air.emb.gov.ph/ambient-air-quality-monitoring/ . SMPH and its business units advocate for clean air through various initiatives, including pedestrian- and transport-friendly properties, the Bike-Friendly Malls program with over 6,000 bike parking slots, 19.6 kilometers of bike lanes, and a 2.1-hectare bike trail. SM Supermalls also hosts electric vehicle charging stations at 67 locations and engages in tree-planting activities. As a proven responsible property developer, SMPH remains committed to achieving its Net Zero by 2040 goal through decarbonization efforts, which include proper waste management, renewable energy utilization, and investments in sustainability and disaster risk resilience.     Stationed along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, the Air Quality Monitoring Equipment (AQME) provides real-time data on particulate matter present in the air.

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, has joined SMBC Aviation Capital and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) to support a mangrove planting project in Sitio Sulok, Lian, Batangas. The initiative, which saw the planting of 7,000 mangrove seedlings, aims to restore vital coastal ecosystems while empowering local communities. A total of 27 CEB volunteers, alongside representatives from SMBC Aviation Capital and RAFI, participated in the planting activity, demonstrating the airline’s commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR). “Cebu Pacific is committed to initiatives that create positive change, not just for our passengers, but also for the communities we serve. This project reflects our strong focus on environmental stewardship and volunteerism, providing our employees with an opportunity to contribute to long-term community efforts,” said Felix Lopez, CEB Chief Human Resources Officer. SMBC Aviation Capital, one of the world’s largest aircraft leasing companies, views the project as a core tenetof its wider sustainability strategy. “SMBC Aviation Capital is committed  to corporate social responsibility and sustainability efforts that go beyond our daily operations and extend to the communities that we operate in. Through this collaboration, we are investing in a project that will benefit both the environment and the people who rely on these vital resources,” said David Swan, Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer, SMBC Aviation Capital.  The project is also expected to generate livelihood opportunities for the local community in Sitio Sulok. Members of the Samahan ng Mangingisda sa Sulok (SAMLOK) people’s organization will manage seedling production, site preparation, and the long-term maintenance of the mangrove area. For CEB, this project is part of its broader CSR strategy, which includes initiatives that not only promote environmental conservation but also support local communities and encourage employee volunteerism.          

  Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, welcomed faculty and officials from Singapore Management University (SMU) and members of its International Advisory Council (IAC) for an exclusive visit to its Aplus hangar.  As the only airline selected for SMU’s two-day learning visit in Manila, CEB showcased its sustainability initiatives, highlighting efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote responsible business practices. CEB officials shared insights into how the airline has successfully integrated sustainability across its operations, with a strong focus on decarbonization, enhancing passenger experience, and strengthening corporate governance. “Sustainability is not just a checkbox for us—it’s a commitment we take seriously. As the aviation industry evolves, we fully recognize the responsibility we bear—not only to our passengers but also to the communities and ecosystems affected by air travel. Hence, our relentless focus on embedding ESG in all relevant aspects of our operations,” said Xander Lao, CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer. The airline highlighted its efforts in aircraft and engine selection, flight operations, maintenance, and responsible waste management—key strategiesthat have made CEB a leader in carbon efficiency among airlines in the Philippines. In 2024, the airline recorded its lowest carbon emission intensity since 2019, with 80 grams of carbon dioxide per revenue passenger kilometer (RPK), outperforming the global airline average of 90 grams per RPK. Beyond environmental efforts, CEB emphasized its strong governance, cybersecurity, and risk management practices, noting a zero-data privacy breach record in 2024. The airline has also strengthened employee well-being initiatives, including mental health programs, continuous training, and engagement activities to foster a safe and inclusive workplace. On the passenger front, CEB’s commitment to elevating the customer experience resulted in a satisfaction score of +28 in 2024—double the previous year’s rating. The airline’s leadership has earned international recognition, securing its highest environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ratings from MSCI and S&P Global, placing it among the world’s top carriers for sustainability. “SMU recognizes the crucial role of airlines in advancing sustainability, and Cebu Pacific’s approach demonstrates that environmental responsibility and operational efficiency can go hand in hand. Our engagement with CEB is aligned with SMU’s strategic pillar in Sustainable Living and has provided valuable insights into how the aviation industry can innovate for a sustainable future,” said Associate Professor, Themin Suwardy, SMU’s Associate Provost (Postgraduate Programmes). CEB continues to lead sustainable aviation in the region with its ongoing efforts to further integrate sustainability into its operations while keeping air travel accessible to every Juan.      

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, has recorded its highest Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance to date, garnering a rating of 46 for its 2024 S&P Global ESG Score. This places the airline among the most sustainable carriers globally, reinforcing its contribution to sustainable air travel. The S&P Global ESG Score evaluates how companies manage their ESG risks, opportunities, and overall impact. CEB’s latest score marks significant improvements across key sustainability areas. CEB recorded a remarkable 17-point increase in its environmental score, rising from 26 to 43 points. This improvement is driven by its enhanced environmental policy, strengthened climate strategy, and progress in decarbonization efforts. The airline also continues to manage risks associated with water and energy use, as well as waste disposal and pollutants discharge. “A strong ESG performance isn’t just about hitting numbers; it’s about managing risks and building a more responsible business. Our latest S&P Global ESG score is our best yet. More than just a milestone, it reflects our meaningful progress toward a sustainable future,” said Xander Lao, CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer. Beyond environmental efforts, CEB remains a leader in social performance, scoring 51 points—well above the airline industry average of 44. This achievement reflects the airline’s commitment to fair labor practices, strict transportation safety compliance, robust passenger data protection, and effective workforce management. Additionally, CEB’s governance score rose by two points to 43, attributed to improvements in risk and crisis management and steady performance in cybersecurity, information security, ethical practices, and transparency reporting. CEB’s record ESG performance highlights its ongoing efforts to enhance the flying experience for passengers while minimizing environmental impact. The airline continues to refine its policies and practices to meet global sustainability standards.      

SM Prime Holdings (SM Prime), a pioneer in sustainability initiatives in the Philippines, has long been committed to environmental stewardship and building resilient structures. From its early adoption of water recycling and innovative energy management programs to operationalizing renewable energy and waste management, SM Prime has consistently prioritized sustainability. This commitment was further underscored by the company’s active participation in the recent Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, hosted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Office of Civil Defense. At the conference, Hans Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee, emphasized the critical role of resilience in urban populations and how innovation and multi-sectoral collaboration are essential for the country’s sustainable development. The Philippines is highly vulnerable to natural hazards, especially tropical cyclones and typhoons, making disaster risk management (DRM) and resilient infrastructure crucial. SM Prime employs a hydrological survey approach in building locations to determine flood susceptibility. A strong example of such resilience lies in SM City Marikina, whose unique structure was lauded by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. Built beside the Marikina River, an area prone to flooding during severe weather events, SM City Marikina stands on 246 concrete stilts. This innovative design allows floodwaters to flow beneath the structure, leaving the mall and its occupants safe and dry. During Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) in 2009, which devastated surrounding areas, SM City Marikina remained intact, serving as a refuge for those affected by the disaster. Similar to the stilts methodology, SM City Cabanatuan’s lower ground parking level serves as a temporary catchment basin. Beyond these two malls, this promise of flood resilience is present in other properties. A key innovation employed by SM Prime is the implementation of rainwater catchment basins in its malls. These massive underground tanks, similar in size to swimming pools, collect and store rainwater from the street level, mitigating flooding in surrounding communities. Twenty-nine SM Supermalls across the country are equipped with these basins, boasting a combined capacity of 85,400 cubic meters – enough to fill over 34 Olympic-sized swimming pools! These catchment basins have proven invaluable during recent typhoons. For instance, SM City Masinag’s rainwater catchment basin played a crucial role during Super Typhoon Carina (Gaemi) last July 2024, effectively managing the increased water volume. It collected 8,652.60 cubic meters of rainwater, equivalent to 264 gallons of water. As the first SM mall equipped with a rainwater catchment basin, SM City Masinag was strategically built in a historically flood-prone area, serving as a catch basin for water flowing down from upper Antipolo. In the second half of 2024, SM malls prevented an estimated total of 46,405 cubic meters of rainwater–the volume of 18 Olympic-sized swimming pools–from flooding the surrounding areas. Mr. Gareth Aboy, a resident and former officer of Vermont Phase 1 Association near SM City Masinag, expressed his gratitude: “The residents of Vermont Park Executive Village of Antipolo would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to SM City Masinag for always being there in our times of need. Thank you for keeping your doors open for our immediate daily needs, your elevated parking spaces for our vehicles, and for keeping your water catchment basin open to help drain the water from our flood-prone village. SM City Masinag has always been and will continue to be a treasure for the residents of Vermont Park Executive Village of Antipolo.” Sustainability and resilience are at the core of SM Prime’s business strategy. The company invests significantly in these measures, recognizing that the benefits – safer communities, environmental protection, and enhanced business continuity – far outweigh the costs. SM Prime remains committed to building a more resilient future for the communities it serves.  

Imagine a world powered by the sun, the ultimate source of life. As climate change worsens due to fossil fuel use, sustainable energy alternatives are more crucial than ever. The Philippines, with its abundant sunlight, is uniquely positioned to harness solar power and help combat climate change. In 2024, Manila experienced around 4,440 hours of daylight, which translates to a significant potential for solar energy production. SM Prime recognized this potential early on. In 2014, SM North EDSA became the first commercial property in the Philippines to install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on its roof, achieving the largest installation in Southeast Asia at the time. This move signaled the beginning of SM Prime’s commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency. SM Supermalls President Steven Tan explains, “SM’s environmental sustainability began with energy and water conservation. Revolutionizing our malls’ energy efficiency through renewable sources magnifies our responsibility to serving people and the planet.” Today, SM Supermalls operates 44 malls with solar PV systems, generating a combined peak energy of 51.6 megawatts (MW). The largest installation is at SM City Santa Rosa. With a total of 96,000 solar panels across malls in Luzon and Visayas, SM Prime holds the Philippines’ largest solar energy portfolio, covering around 33 hectares. These efforts are a vital part of the company’s Net Zero by 2040 strategy, aimed at reducing its carbon footprint. This 51.6 MW capacity significantly cuts carbon emissions, providing clean energy that powers thousands of homes or removes thousands of cars from the roads. It also reduces the need for coal, offering environmental benefits for both the planet and local communities. The solar power generated directly fuels essential mall operations like lighting and escalators, reducing SM Supermalls' reliance on the national grid. This, in turn, helps stabilize the power supply, reducing the risk of outages and easing the burden on electricity providers. By tapping into clean, renewable energy, SM Prime is contributing to a more sustainable future for the Philippines. SM Prime’s sustainability efforts extend beyond solar energy. The company also focuses on waste management, water conservation, and air quality initiatives, all designed to minimize environmental impact. Through these comprehensive measures, SM Prime strives to create a positive change while ensuring responsible, innovative operations. In sum, SM Prime’s large-scale adoption of solar PV systems, combined with its broader environmental initiatives, exemplifies its dedication to creating a sustainable future for the Philippines. By leading in renewable energy and sustainability, SM Prime is helping pave the way for a cleaner, greener, and brighter tomorrow.        

By Danny Estacio   SARIAYA, Quezon- House deputy speaker and Quezon Second district Representative David C. Suarez said here that he is focusing his next term in 2025-2028 on the development of Coffee Belt Road in Mt. Banahaw that will connect Sariaya-Candelaria -Dolores. Suarez, unopposed for district representative in 2025 national and local elections said the coffee belt road infrastructure project aimed to revitalize the local coffee industry in his district comprising Lucena City, towns of Sariaya, Candelaria, Tiaong, Dolores, Candelaria, and San Antonio. The said road is a 15-kilometer stretch within Mt. Banahaw, lies the coffee-producing villages, though Suarez said that some portion of the lot is covered by a protected area, and he is working to coordinate with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the appropriate and necessary permits as required under the law. Suarez is teaming up with the Alona party-list Rep. Anna V. Suarez seeking a better livelihood program for coffee farmers with the assistance of the Department of Agriculture, and the Alona Parytlist established a coffee processing center in Brgy. Masalukot IV, Candelaria town Coffee beans from the said towns were transported to Batangas, Suarez said. “We have TUPAD, (Tulong Pangkabuhayan/Displaced workers)AKAP (Ayuda sa Kapos Ang Kita Progam), and AICS (Aid to Individuals in Crisis Situation, but also we need a sustainable livelihood program to sustain their daily needs”, Suarez said. He added that he started talking with the DA in assisting the establishment of farmers cooperatives, and he urged village chairmen and officials to start organizing the farmers into cooperatives. The Coffee Belt Road, initiated in 2022, is a transformative project with a budget of approximately P820 million. This farm-to-market road network is designed to facilitate the efficient transport of coffee from the farms around Mt.Banahaw to the markets in the town proper of Sariaya, Candelaria, Dolores, and nearby district towns, Suarez said in the interview. This infrastructure development is not only a boon for coffee farmers but also a significant step towards recognizing Quezon’s coffee as a premier product of the region. Suarez led the groundbreaking ceremony of road concreting in sitio Dulong Ilaya, Barangay Concepcion Pinagbakuran, a portion of coffee belt road, and blessing of multiple buildings in Concepcion Pinagbakuran, and Concepcion Banahaw, on January 8. The said project also promotes the tourism industry, most particularly the Sariaya town, Suarez added.