BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) has enhanced the city’s urban and forest watershed management which contributed to strengthening community participation for the preservation and protection of the state of the environment. In a report during the regular Monday flag-raising ceremony, the CEPMO produced some 23,210 seedlings from the Busol and Botanical nurseries of which 10,775 seedlings were planted across different planting sites around the city, aside from supervising the tree-caring and nurturing activities of eight partner organizations. Further, some 2,922 seedlings were distributed to Baguio and Benguet residents through its PANTREE activities and other ecological fairs that were conducted during the year. Under the mandatory tree-planting provisions of the city’s Environment Code, the CEPMO reported that some 796 Benguet pine trees were planted by marriage license applicants and 1,236 trees were planted by occupancy permit applicants in the different identified planting sites around the city. Under regulatory compliance and emergency response, the CEPMO stated that 458 requests for emergency tree cutting and pruning permits were inspected and processed during the year. From these activities, the CEPMO issued 367 emergency tree cutting and pruning permits, 10 retrieval permits, and 23 transport permits. The CEPMO also responded to different hazardous tree situations across the city to ensure public safety before, during, and after the typhoons. Some 259 dead, hazardous, or structurally compromised trees were cut while 187 trees were pruned to reduce risk to life and property. Moreover, CEPMO’s cutting crew also continuously conducts pruning and cutting activities along road rights-of-way and city parks, and in other public places to maintain safety and prevent further potential hazards. According to the CEPMO, recovered resources, including firewood and lumber were responsibly utilized and donated for community needs such as wakes, indigenous cultural practices, landscaping works, park improvements, and other approved purposes. Subsequently, the CEPMO claimed that other biodegradable materials were processed using the wood chipper and used as organic fertilizer and soil conditioner in various city parks. (Baguio PIO)

  Maagang umakyat sina Gov. Mujiv Hataman sa Sampinit Peak noong nakaraang Sabado kasama ang local mountaineers at mga tauhan ng security sector para silipin ang kalagayan ng kagubatan at makita nang personal kung saan dapat higpitan ang proteksyon ng ating mga punò at watershed. Pagbaba, nagtipon sa Sampinit Complex ang provincial team kasama ang PENRO at OPAG, mga lider ng barangay at iba pang sektor para sa SAGIP Kalikasan BASILANatin stakeholders meeting. Pinag-usapan ang puso ng programa: proteksyon sa gubat, pagpigil at pagpapaliit ng pagputol ng mga punò, at pagbuo ng forest-friendly livelihood para sa komunidad tulad ng agroforestry, tree nurseries, eco-tour guiding at iba pang hanapbuhay na kayang sabayan ang pangangalaga sa kalikasan. Nagkasundo ang lahat sa iisang direksyon at kongkretong commitments para sa mas matatag na kagubatan at mas ligtas na mga pamayanan.    

Employee Trust and Innovation Drive Recognition Empowering every venture, every person: 917Ventures is officially a Great Place to Work® for 2025–2026. 917Ventures has officially been recognized as a Great Place to Work® in the Philippines for 2025–2026, a distinction that comes directly from the voices of its employees. This certification highlights a thriving workplace culture built on trust, collaboration, and innovation, where every team member is empowered to grow, experiment, and make a meaningful impact. The achievement comes shortly after Globe received its own Great Place to Work® recognition, highlighting the shared people-first values and cultural alignment that run across the Globe Group. As the Group’s venture builder, 917Ventures continues to cultivate a workplace where experimentation is encouraged, creativity thrives, and growth opportunities are available for every team member. Employees are empowered to take initiative, learn from challenges, and actively shape the future of the ventures they support. Employee survey results show that 89 percent of 917Ventures staff consider it a great place to work, significantly higher than the 65 percent benchmark for companies in the Philippines. These results reflect not only the high level of trust employees place in leadership but also the strong collaboration, engagement, and sense of shared purpose that define the organization. Voices from 917Ventures Vince Yamat, President and CEO of 917Ventures, said, “We’re honored to receive this recognition, especially because it comes directly from our people. At 917Ventures, our culture is built on collaboration, experimentation, and shared purpose. This certification reflects the heart of our team, and motivates us to keep building a workplace where every venture can thrive.” Rase Eustaquio, Head of People, added, “This certification affirms our commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for every talent. Our people are the core of everything we do, and we’re proud to build a workplace that supports growth, wellbeing, and meaningful impact.” This recognition strengthens 917Ventures’ position as a hub for innovation and talent development while complementing Globe’s ongoing cultural transformation. Professionals who want to be part of a dynamic, people-driven environment are encouraged to explore opportunities with 917Ventures through https://917ventures.com/careers.

Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines – Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s (SBMA) entry, the Recyclables Collection Program, was hailed as one of the 2025 Top 100 Stories on the global recognition list from the Netherlands-based organization Green Destinations. According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, the agency was recognized in the “Good Practice Stories” in sustainable tourism from around the world for the Recyclables Collection Program. The winning story, “Recyclables Collection Program: SBMA’s Strategy to Implement Circular Economy,” depicts how the agency implements its circular economy strategy primarily through its flagship program, the Recyclables Collection Event (RCE), which is held biannually. It involves collaboration among stakeholders to manage waste, raise funds for charity, and achieve carbon-neutrality goals. “This is the first international award of the SBMA for its sustainability efforts. The RCE is part of our bid to make the Subic Bay Freeport Zone the first carbon-neutral economic zone in the Philippines,” he added. The Green Destinations Top 100 Stories award was presented during the Sustainable Destinations Forum 2025 on October 28-29 at Expo City Dubai, where the ceremony celebrating stories from around the globe was held. OIC-Senior Deputy Administrator for Regulatory Group Amethya Dela Llana cited that the primary goal of the Recyclables Program is to achieve a 30 percent reduction in emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2040. The initiative also aims to make Subic Bay Freeport into the first Green Port City in the country. Dela Llana said that the RCE is a multi-faceted approach that transforms waste management from a disposal problem into an integrated system that creates resources, fosters community involvement, and supports social causes, embodying the principles of a circular economy. SBMA Ecology Center OIC Rossell L. Abuyo added, “The RCE is an event where SBMA departments, Subic Freeport companies, and residents donate or sell segregated common recyclables such as paper, plastics, metals, and hazardous wastes such as used oil, e-waste, busted bulbs, and expired medicines.” She added that proceeds from the sales of these materials are often donated to local charitable institutions namely the Missionaries of Charity house which is a shelter for abandoned seniors, and Bantay Bata 163, There were also instances when the funds were used to provide grocery packs for outsourced utility workers. The Green Destinations 2025 Top 100 Stories list highlights sustainable tourism initiatives from around the world, with winning stories announced at the Green Destinations Story Awards ceremony in March 2025. Del Carmen of Siargao Islands, Philippines also won an award for its transformation from mangrove cutting to a Ramsar site, or a wetland acclaimed as being of “international importance,” and the Cayo District, Belize, for its sustainable tourism projects. Other notable award categories were Destination Management, Nature and Scenery, Environment and Climate, Culture and Tradition, Thriving Communities, and Business and Marketing. (30)  

    LAGUNA, Philippines – Department of Ebnergy Secretary Sharon S. Garin joined Aboitiz Power and AP Renewables, Inc. for a site visit to the Makban Geothermal Complex, a pioneer facility that has been delivering reliable clean power to Luzon for over four decades. Makban Geothermal Complex in Laguna and Batangas now contributes more than 458MW of geothermal energy, strengthened further by APRI’s new 20MW Energy Storage System, serving as proof that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand. MakBan, one of the country’s largest and oldest geothermal plants, continues to provide stable power to the Luzon grid, with a new 20-megawatt energy storage system under construction to support the facility. Secretary Garin emphasized that the DOE is a partner, supporting investments, streamlining processes, and pushing policies that expand renewable energy like GEAP, GEOP, RPS, and geothermal de-risking. Secretary Garin highlighted the DOE’s partnership approach in advancing renewable energy through supportive policies and streamlined processes. (DOE)  

Harnessing FusionSolar and AI, Globe’s green home ecosystem lets you live sustainably while shaping the future of energy Globe AT HOME proudly leads the region in innovation by becoming the first telco in Asia Pacific (APAC) to launch a partnership with FusionSolar, ushering in a new era of green home AI ecosystems. FusionSolar provides a one-fits-all solution from power generation, storage, to charging and power consumption. To date, FusionSolar has maximized efficiency and safety to power over 3.9 million households across 170 countries for a better, more intelligent, and more sustainable future. According to the Bangkok Post, over 80,000 Thai households have adopted FusionSolar intelligent solar solutions, which can provide up to 70% of their electricity supply. This exclusive partnership delivers a transformative blend of sustainability, connectivity, and digital living, that aims to make Filipino homes more digitally sustainable, efficient, and future-ready. Furthermore, Globe AT HOME makes Digital Power more accessible for Filipino households by offering FusionSolar to its customers. This advanced setup delivers three key benefits: First, a resilient always-on connection that protects your internet and essential devices from power interruptions, thanks to AI-managed Backup Batteries that instantly activate when the main power grid fails; Second, consistently fast speeds powered by green, stable electricity that protects fiber delivery points from harmful surges and fluctuations; and Third, optimized energy efficiency, where AI intelligently manages home appliance consumption and solar power generation to reduce, or even eliminate monthly electric bills. At the heart of this partnership is a unified vision: to create responsible AI-powered houses that elevate the modern Filipino home through innovation, sustainability, and purposeful connectivity. Globe AT HOME’s GFiber Postpaid plans deliver wonderful experiences through superior fiber connectivity with speeds of up to 2.5Gbps, enabling families to elevate their digital lifestyle, make empowered choices, and discover new ways to enjoy intelligent home living. The FusionSolar Intelligent Home Solar Energy showcase, which highlights sustainable clean power for advanced Filipino homes, was featured at the last The Blueprint by Globe With Globe AT HOME’s new partnership, your home, powered by Fiber-To-The-Room (FTTR), becomes a place where connectivity does not slow down. Work meetings stay seamless, online gaming goes without lag, and movies play the moment you press play, even when the whole family is online. Your intelligent home appliances and security devices stay connected, keeping your home secure and effortless to manage. It is the kind of reliability that quietly transforms your day, giving you a home that moves at your pace, with zero time lost to downtime. “At Globe, we believe innovation is most powerful when it’s purposeful,” said Abigail Cardino, Vice President and Head of Brand Management, Broadband Business at Globe. “Through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technology, we’re making efficient and sustainable living a reality for more Filipino families. This is how we foster meaningful connections, by building homes that are AI-powered, yet deeply human.” Connectivity is no longer just a convenience, it has become the backbone of modern living. Today, Globe At Home takes a step further by enabling households to make life-changing choices through sustainable green energy. By integrating solutions like FusionSolar, homes can now harvest natural energy sources to power daily life, ensuring that even when the electric grid fails, electricity and connectivity remain uninterrupted. This marks a shift toward resilience and self-sufficiency, where technology and sustainability work hand in hand to support a future-ready lifestyle. New and existing Globe At Home customers now have access to an exclusive Php100,000 value on FusionSolar. With terms and conditions applying, the initiative reflects a shared vision for sustainable living, where innovation and energy work together to create spaces that are both connected and future-ready.

Globe is harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive smarter and more efficient energy use across its network and facilities, proving that sustainability and technology can go hand in hand. “We see innovation as a force for good,” said Joel Agustin, SVP and Head of Service Planning and Engineering at Globe. “These AI-driven solutions show that resource efficiency and sustainability go hand-in-hand .” By embedding AI and Machine Learning (ML) into its network operations, Globe has been able to significantly reduce electricity use in thousands of cell sites and buildings without compromising service quality. “Tech allows us to respond in real time,” Agustin added. “It’s a smarter way to manage energy because the system knows when to ramp up or slow down depending on demand.” These tools optimize energy use, including adjustment of power consumption at the cell site level, and adaptation according to changing network demands. So far, the impact has been significant. Driven by a combination of energy management programs and two AI solutions deployed to almost 20,000 network elements across the country, Globe has saved over 11.3 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity in 2024, translating to approximately Php 125 million in savings. In Globe buildings, AI is also making cooling systems more efficient. With a smart device called External Digital Demand Response Technology (EDD-RT), which Globe uses to regulate cooling of piping systems and minimize electricity consumption. This has demonstrated a 20 to 30 percent annual energy savings. Globe’s commitment to sustainability continues to evolve. The goal is clear: build a green network that performs better, costs less, and is kinder to the planet.

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The Summer Capital under the leadership of Mayor Benjamin Magalong has been recognized globally through the ICLEI (International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives) Southeast Asia – Paris to Belem campaign as one of Southeast Asia’s inspiring success stories in local climate action. City Planning, Development and Sustainability Office (CPDSO) head Ar. Donna Tabangin said that as part of the city’s growing innovation and sustainability community, Baguio continues to take bold and practical steps toward building a more climate-resilient future. “From constructing 14 km of bike lanes across 11 routes to promote cycling and ease traffic congestion, to launching an ambitious zero-waste strategy that targets 80% waste reduction by 2032, Baguio is showing that local action truly drives global impact,” she said. Tabangin said that following a 2022 Waste Analysis and Characterization Study that revealed 593 tons of waste generated daily, the city embraced a circular economy approach by empowering  communities to compost, strengthening Materials Recovery Facilities in 128 barangays and enforcing waste segregation at source. “Through these collective efforts, we’re transforming Baguio from a ‘take-make-waste’ city into a regenerative and sustainable model — one that nurtures both the environment and local livelihoods,” she said and added that Baguio is more than just the ‘Summer Capital of the Philippines’. “We’re proud to be part of a city that’s championing urban environmental resilience and proving that even mountain cities can lead the way in climate innovation,” Tabangin stressed. (Gaby B. Keith)  

Powering homes, fueling progress   NEW CLARK CITY, Philippines — The first large-scale waste-to-energy (WTE) plant in the country will soon rise in New Clark City, powering thousands of homes with clean energy, converting waste into valuable resource, providing jobs to Filipinos, and supporting downstream industries. The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the consortium of ATD Waste to Energy Corporation, Global Heavy Equipment and Construction Corporation, and Uttamenergy Limited are moving forward with the establishment of the P4-billion WTE facility, which will be able to transform 600 metric tons of waste per day into 12 megawatts of electricity. This contributes a solution to the persistent problem of solid waste management in the country while providing a locally sourced clean energy for over 10,000 homes in Clark and surrounding communities. “This facility symbolizes a shift in mindset. It sends a powerful message: waste is not just garbage—it is a resource. A resource that, when managed responsibly and creatively, can power homes, fuel progress, and protect our planet,” said Engr. Amando T. Diaz, president of the consortium. The facility is expected to generate 300 jobs during construction, plus more than 100 direct employment once operational. More than that, it will support downstream industries, driving inclusive and sustainable growth in the region.