In a timely and critical move, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) has stepped up to address the pressing energy crisis in the Philippines by signing the Interruptible Load Program (ILP) with MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power), the distribution utility in Iloilo City. The agreement, inked on April 30, 2024, is poised to make significant strides in alleviating the strain on the Visayas grid, which has been grappling with yellow and red alert statuses due to thin energy reserves. “In times of crisis, it is crucial for businesses to collaborate with utilities and government agencies to ensure the stability of our energy supply,” said Engr. Teodoro S. Bautista, Vice President for Operations, SM Engineering Design and Development. In a press conference on April 25, the Department of Energy emphasized that the country’s power situation has reached crisis levels, highlighting the urgent need for actions like this. The ILP agreement between SM Prime and MORE Power couldn’t have come at a more crucial juncture, as forecasts predict a worsening scenario this May with rising temperatures and escalating consumer demand for electricity. “We recognize the gravity of the situation and are committed to doing our part in supporting the nation’s energy resilience,” said Roel Z. Castro, president and CEO of MORE Power. The ILP serves as a beacon of cooperation between the private and public sectors in addressing the energy shortfall. By voluntarily reducing their electricity consumption during peak hours or when grid stability is threatened, participants like SM Prime play a pivotal role in stabilizing the energy supply and averting potential blackouts. “SM Prime’s commitment to the ILP underscores its profound dedication to corporate responsibility and the welfare of the nation. By actively participating in initiatives geared towards enhancing energy resilience, we hope we’re able to encourage other businesses to join in these crucial efforts,” added Engr. Bautista. In light of the ongoing energy crisis, such collaborative efforts between industry leaders and utilities like MORE Power are not only commendable but also imperative for safeguarding the nation’s energy security. As the country braces for the challenges ahead, partnerships like these offer a glimmer of hope amidst uncertain times.

Aktibong isinulong ni Senator Alan Peter Cayetano nitong Martes ang mga panukala na naglalayong palakasin ang ekonomiya sa bansa sa naganap na pagpupulong sa 5th Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) Binigyang-diin din niya ang tungkulin ng pamahalaan na isulong ang kabutihan at pigilin ang kasamaan — “Promote good and prevent evil,” aniya sa kanyang official Facebook page kasama ang kanyang litrato sa Malacañang Palace kung saan pinulong ng Pangulo ang konseho upang talakayin ang mga prayoridad na hakbang, noong June 25, 2024. Si Cayetano ay kasapi sa mga legislative members ng LEDAC, ang konseho na tumatalakay sa mga patakaran ukol sa mga mahahalagang isyu na nakakaapekto sa national development, na siya ring taga-payo sa national economic and planning agency sa mga importanteng mga programa at patakaran. Ang mga detalye tungkol sa mga panukalang batas na tinalakay at ang resulta ng pagpupulong sa pagitan ng mga senador at kongresista ay hindi pa naiulat hanggang sa ngayon. Ilan sa mga panukalang batas ni Cayetano bilang chairperson ng Senate Committee on Science and Technology ay kasama sa LEDAC Common Legislative Agenda (CLA), na may target na aprubahan hanggang sa katapusan ng June 2024. Kabilang sa mga ito ang Open Access in Data Transmission Act at ang E-Governance Act. Ang Open Access in Data Transmission Act ay naglalayong mapalawak ang digital infrastructure ng Pilipinas at paigtingin ang konektibidad, magpalakas ng inobasyon, mang-akit ng investments, at lumikha ng mga trabaho sa iba’t ibang sektor. “We can no longer afford to be in the dark ages when it comes to the internet and its accessibility to each and every Filipino,” wika ni Cayetano. Itinataguyod din ni Cayetano ang E-Governance Act, upang tugunan ang mahaba at komplikadong proseso sa pag-access sa mga serbisyo at tulong ng pampamahalaan. Tinukoy niya ito bilang isang “game changer” na magpapabilis sa mga serbisyong pampamahalaan at makakabawas ng katiwalian. “We must see e-governance as a blessing to our country because it makes government services more efficient, less prone to corruption, and more inclusive,” wika niya. Ang aktibong partisipasyon ni Cayetano sa pagpupulong ng LEDAC ay nagpapakita ng kanyang dedikasyon sa mga panukalang batas na nagtutulak ng paglago ng ekonomiya at pagpapabuti ng kalidad ng buhay ng mga Pilipino. Sa kanyang patuloy na dedikasyon, ang mga panukalang ito ay mabibigyan ng prayoridad sa Senado sa pagpapatuloy ng sesyon nito sa July 22, kasabay ng State of the Nation Address (SONA).

MANILA — To strengthen its efforts in promoting the responsible disposal of electronic waste, SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, recently tapped PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), two of the leading telecommunications providers in the country for a strategic partnership that will expand SM’s Electronic Waste Collection (EWC) Program and drive further positive change in electronic waste management in the country. The partnership was launched to the public last April 22, 2024. In a short message, Joaquin L. San Agustin, SVP of SM Supermalls for Marketing, underscored the need for the responsible disposal of electronic waste to help minimize its impact on human health and the environment. He also thanked PLDT and Smart for partnering with SM for the initiative. “Through this partnership, our goal is to promote and expand the reach of the E-Waste Collection Program, leveraging our combined expertise and resources to drive positive change in electronic waste management in the country.” he added. “Recognizing the importance of sustainability and responsible consumption, our brands, PLDT Home and Smart, have been actively promoting e-waste collection and recycling as part of their sales, marketing, retail operations, and customer engagement activities. We are thus grateful to have found a like-minded partner in SM, as this joint initiative significantly expands our reach and makes e-waste collection and circularity solutions even more accessible and convenient to our customers and the general public,” said Melissa V. Vergel de Dios, Chief Sustainability Officer at PLDT and Smart. To reinforce the initiative’s sustainability messaging, SM, PLDT, and Smart unveiled new designs for the bins that will be used to collect the e-waste, which are made from 8,400 pieces of used beverage cartons. Shown above are the new bin designs, taken during the launch of the partnership. The e-waste bins will be available at SM Malls nationwide, particularly in Cyberzone areas. Launched in 2021, the Electronic Waste Collection (EWC) Program encourages tenant and customer participation in the responsible disposal of electronic waste or e-waste which is considered hazardous, while also promoting decluttering in households and bringing to light conscious consumerism. Since 2021, a total of 11,600 kg of e-waste has been collected through the program, diverted from ending up in landfills and causing harm to humans and the environment to the designated facilities where they are disposed of responsibly. This partnership between SM Supermalls, PLDT and Smart is the latest initiative under SM Supermalls’ solid waste management program, which is also in line with SM Cares’ Programs on Environment. Aside from this, SM Cares spearheads initiatives that promote sustainability and the development of the community, including programs on Persons with Disabilities, Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Senior Citizens, and Children and Youth, as well as the Bike-Friendly SM initiative.

Salamat sa lahat ng ating mga kasamahan na Senador sa inyong pakikiisa para maipasa natin ito sa Senado. Malaking hakbang ito tungo sa tuluyang pagsasabatas ng dagdag sahod, pero hindi pa dito natatapos ang laban. Kaya panawagan ko po sa mga tutol dito: pakinggan naman natin ang manggagawang Pilipino. Bigyan natin sila ng kagyat na ginhawa sa harap ng matataas na presyo ng mga bilihin. From Senator Migs Zubiri post

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading airline, has strengthened its partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to create more opportunities for travelers to the Lion City. CEB renewed its memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the STB on June 6, 2024, highlighting key partnership thrusts such as enhancing destination preference and recall, providing stronger trigger for travel to Singapore with new areas of focus such as “Fly, Stay and Cruise” holidays and Singapore’s vibrant events calendar that Filipinos can travel for and enjoy. The partnership also introduced the campaign’s newest ambassadors, celebrity couple Megan Young and Mikael Daez, which will also be featured in a travel film that showcases Singapore’s innovative architecture, rich cultural heritage and unexpected experiences. The Philippines was Singapore’s 6th largest source market for tourism last year, with nearly 700,000 tourist arrivals, an 81% increase from 2022. “We are very grateful for this renewed partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board. This collaboration not only aligns with Cebu Pacific’s commitment to provide accessible and affordable flights but also contributes significantly to bolstering Singapore’s tourism industry by attracting more visitors from the Philippines, fostering cultural exchange, and promoting economic growth,” said Candice Iyog, CEB Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer. CEB currently flies to and from Singapore from several strategic hubs in the country, with an increase in flight frequency from 3x weekly to daily on the Clark-Singapore-Clark route: ROUTE FREQUENCY Manila – Singapore – Manila 3x daily Cebu – Singapore – Cebu Daily Clark – Singapore – Clark Daily “We are excited to renew our partnership with Cebu Pacific, who have been wonderful partners and have contributed significantly to our strong tourism performance. The Philippines continues to be an important market for STB, with strong recovery in visitor numbers after the pandemic. Through our new partnership, we will give Filipinos more reasons to visit Singapore by leveraging our position as a regional hub for world-class cruise ships, as well as our vibrant year-round calendar of live events,” said Terrence Voon, Executive Director for Southeast Asia of Singapore Tourism Board CEB currently flies to 35 domestic and 25 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. To see CEB’s latest seat sale offers, visit bit.ly/CebuPacificSale. === Our social media handles: Facebook: Cebu Pacific Air X: @CebuPacificAir Instagram: cebupacificair About the Singapore Tourism Board The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore’s key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, we shape a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. We bring the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions. Captions: Photo #1: Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific (CEB) Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, and Terrence   Voon, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) Executive Director for Southeast Asia, sign the partnership renewal between CEB and STB. Photo #2: From L-R: STB Manager Lorine Mallari, STB Area Director Fang Xun Ong, Voon, Iyog, STB Tourism Ambassadors Megan Young and Mikael Daez, CEB Marketing Director Michelle Eve De Guzman lead the partnership renewal between CEB and STB.