Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, has struck a partnership with Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) Philippines to reduce food wastage and support underprivileged communities nationwide. Under the signed memorandum of agreement (MOA), CEB will donate surplus food from its operations to SOS. This initiative is designed to provide essential food supplies to social service organizations and vulnerable communities, underscoring the airline’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. “This collaboration shows our dedication to community care,” said Lei Apostol, CEB vice president for Customer Service Operations. “By partnering with SOS Philippines, we are not only addressing food waste but also making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.” Before its partnership with SOS, CEB had a longstanding history of donating food to underserved communities. Since 2017, it has been providing pastries to the Pangarap Foundation, an organization focused on improving youth welfare. The airline’s collaboration with SOS, a leading non-profit in food rescue efforts, will broaden CEB’s impact and assist even more individuals in need. “We’re excited to partner with Cebu Pacific,” said Mac Edsel Florendo, Food Rescue Supervisor of SOS Philippines. “Their support boosts our ability to rescue surplus food and provide it to those in need. Together, we can make a significant impact in the fight against food waste and hunger.” CEB is the first and only airline partner of SOS in Southeast Asia. They aim to promote the importance of managing surplus food effectively, aligning with global sustainability goals and setting a positive example for the aviation industry. CEB and SOS sign a Memorandum of Agreement, formalizing a partnership aimed at reducing food waste and supporting communities in need. [From left to right: Mac Edsel Florendo, SOS Food Rescue Supervisor, and Lei Apostol, CEB VP for Customer Service Operations]        

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), in partnership with a Danish company known for green innovations, recently rolled out the green map for New Clark City’s sustainability. In a joint forum-workshop held recently in New Clark City, the BCDA and Danfoss Inc. discussed energy efficiency and decarbonization strategies crucial to BCDA’s commitment to develop New Clark City as a smart and green urban space. The event was supported by the Royal Danish Embassy. HE Ambassador Franz-Michael Mellbin of the Royal Danish Embassy in Manila, who led the dignitaries present during the event, said their government will help BCDA to “optimize New Clark City for energy efficiency” by sharing their expertise in green solutions and innovations. BCDA Chairman Delfin N. Lorenzana and BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang were present along with Danfoss Asia Pacific Regional President Jan Schoemaker, Danfoss SEA-South Head Manuel Ong, and Danfoss Philippines Inc. General Manager Allan Almendrala. Danfoss Inc. is a company committed to meeting global climate and energy goals. It offers the best-in-class technology and solutions to drive the green transition through energy efficiency, machine productivity, lower emissions, and electrification. Chairman Lorenzana said sustainability programs and initiatives are built into the development and investment plans of New Clark City. These initiatives include the development of renewable energy, use of low-carbon district cooling technologies, smart governance of mass transportation, and establishment of a solid waste-to-energy system and facilities. For his part, PCEO Bingcang presented the overall sustainability framework for Clark designed to meet the requirements of a smart, green, and people-centric city. The BCDA president enumerated the agency’s flagship projects and green initiatives that include development and expansion of industrial spaces, greenbelts and river park, eco-tourism and hospitality facilities, universities, the expansion of the Clark International Airport, the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway System, Clark National Food Hub, and the New Clark City housing project, among others. The BCDA chief emphasized the importance of green and sustainable solutions as key factors in development. “We are not only mindful of the commercial arrangement. We want sustainability to be a key factor in our development. We are always into ‘future-proofing’, especially on the sustainability aspect of development,” Bingcang said. He pointed out that in developing the New Clark City, BCDA has included green and sustainable projects, such as the Green Boulevard, the New Clark City River Park System, and the New Clark City Central Park, to protect and preserve the natural environs of the development area.        

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, has expanded its Onboard Plastic Bottle Segregation Program to include flights operating in and out of Cebu, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to sustainable aviation. In collaboration with the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), the program aims to collect plastic bottles used during flights and repurpose them into cement and construction materials. This effort not only reduces waste generated from air travel but also supports the airline’s broader environmental conservation goals. “Sustainability is at the core of our operations,” said Xander Lao, CEB president and chief commercial officer. “By converting plastic waste into valuable resources, we are not only minimizing our environmental impact but also setting a positive example for the aviation industry.” The program has already shown progress since its initial launch on flights to and from Manila, where collected bottles have been repurposed for textile production in the Philippines. Building on this success, CEB plans to extend the initiative to other major hubs, including Clark, Davao, and Iloilo. The airline is also seeking additional partnerships with local governments and environmental organizations to enhance its recycling efforts. CEB’s commitment to sustainability reflects a broader vision where environmental stewardship and innovative practices drive progress. By integrating sustainable practices into all aspects of its operations, the airline not only reduces its carbon emissions but also promotes a culture of environmental responsibility, setting a benchmark for the aviation industry.

By Primo P. Agatep   ITOGON, Benguet- Pocket miners of Saddle, Hartwell,Goldhill, Gold coin Community Livelihood Association, Inc. (SHAGGCLAI) conducted tree planting activity at the scenic but rugged mountain slopes at Sitio Tapak, Barangay Ampucao,Itogon,Benguet, last Saturday,July 6. Sitio Tapak- covered by thousands of decades-old pine trees and wild plants, was among the communal forest areas in the province gutted by fire last summer, destroying a number of decades old pine trees. Some one thousand pine trees sourced from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Cordillera (DENR-CAR) were planted within the estimated 10-hectare mountainous area, according to Noli Pal-lay, the newly installed president of (SHAGGCLAI). Families and relatives of SHAGGCLAI pocket miners, including some members of the women and youth sectors, respectively, including a 9-year old boy and this writer, participated in the five-hour reforestation activity, by scaling the very steep but picturesque and refreshing planting area -with estimated 100 meters in elevation, and constantly on alert of falling rocks. As early as 6 o’clock in the morning last Saturday, native pocket miners including lowlanders began to assemble at the designated area (Sitio Tapak)-at the roadside leading to Philex Mines. Hours later, the group started to scale the mountain. Pal-lay and the group vice president ,Mike Banite told this writer, it’s an annual activity of their ass ociation mainly for the good of the mining communities–protection of the environment, and in support of the Benguet Federation of Small-Scale Miners,Inc. (BFSSM),local government units (LGUs) and the national government’s environmental efforts. Charles Andry Cabansi ,Grade 4 pupil of Manganese Integrated School, son of a pocket miner (Sebio), 28, was among those who participated in the tree planting activity at the safe roadside. Carla Gabino, wife of Mike (Banite), Zeny Cagampan, the group secretary, and Imelda Cabradilla, herself a pocket miner turned businesswoman, led the women’s sector who planted. Decades indigenous people of this mining community including the forefathers of these local pocket miners have been planting trees in the mining community, before the Spanish and American invaders. Over a million trees were planted, spread over to the mining communities-shown by the lush green scenery atop as far as one’s naked eye can see the splendor. Other regular environmental projects conducted by SHAGGCLAI include clean-up drives in water and local road systems. Meanwhile, pocket miners were about to leave the area when the DENR-Cordillera/Centro Baguio, tasked to monitor and document the group’s activity, arrived.