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