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.

MANILA — “Talagang kinakapos na po kami, mahirap po mabaon sa utang. Napakalaking tulong po ng binigay ninyo.” With these heartfelt words, Emilia Lapitan, a street vendor, expressed her gratitude to Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano for including her as one of the 300 beneficiaries of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Program in Quiapo, Manila, on Thursday, June 6, 2024. “Napakataas na rin po ng presyo ng mga bilihin ngayon, makakatulong po ito sa aming pagtitinda,” Lapitan added. Similarly expressing her appreciation was Leticia Bulusan, a senior citizen and sari-sari store owner. Struggling to make ends meet due to her age, Bulusan said, “Pang puhunan ko po ito sa aking sari-sari store. Salamat po at mayroon na po akong pandagdag sa aking mga paninda.” Held at the Liwasan Covered Court, the distribution provided assistance to sari-sari store and sidewalk vendors who sell fruits, bags, and clothing items on the streets of Quiapo. This marks the first time that the AICS program was held in one of Manila’s historic cores, all made possible in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and in coordination with Barangay 289 Zone 40 Council, headed by Barangay Captain Marvy Jimenez. “Sa tatlong daan po na beneficiary, lahat po sila ay tuwang-tuwa. Maraming salamat po at dinala ninyo ang programa sa aming distrito,” Jimenez said. “Sana po ay mas marami pa kayong matulungan, lalo na ang mga nangangailangan,” he added. On the same day, the sibling senators’ AICS program extended its reach to Bicol, Pampanga, and Cebu, making sure that immediate support will be provided to the most vulnerable sectors in the country. PHOTO CAPTION Some 300 beneficiaries of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Program received assistance from Cayetanos’ assistance program in Quiapo, Manila,

MANILA — Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, welcomed its sixth aircraft delivery for the year – an ATR 72-600 – further strengthening its commitment of delivering inter-island connectivity in the Philippines. The brand-new turboprop aircraft arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila on June 5. “With more than 7,100 islands in the Philippines, our commitment to serve passengers traveling between inter-island destinations requires us to invest in turboprop aircraft,” said CEB Chief Executive Officer Michael Szucs. “This aircraft delivery brings our turboprop fleet to 15, and we will be receiving our sixteenth ATR turboprop in October. With this, CEB will be operating the largest turboprop fleet in the Philippines, enabling us to serve more passengers across the country,” he added. CEB operates its turboprop fleet in 25 domestic destinations, servicing almost 2.5 million passengers yearly. Some of the destinations that can only be accessible by turboprop and smaller aircraft include Camiguin, Calbayog, Siargao, Masbate, Surigao, Busuanga and Naga. The ATR 72-600 is one of the latest generations of twin engine turboprop airliners produced in France and Italy by manufacturer Avions de Transport Regional (ATR). It is used by multiple airlines worldwide as a regional aircraft. ATR says that the 72-600 can access short, narrow and unpaved runways, and can handle steep approaches and high-altitude landings and takeoffs.  It carries around 78 passengers and has a maximum range of 1,300 kilometers depending on payload. Apart from ATRs, CEB also operates a diversified commercial fleet mix of eight (8) Airbus 330s, 39 Airbus 320s, and 21 Airbus 321s, enabling the widest network coverage in the Philippines.

MANILA — SM Supermalls’ focus on sustainability and corporate responsibility was at the forefront at the prestigious 2024 Asia Pacific Tambuli Awards as it was recognized for two achievements. SM Supermalls’ innovative Rainwater Project by SM Cares earned a Bronze Award in the Care for the Environment category. The project collects and turns rainwater into potable water safe for drinking, and is the highlight of the organization’s efforts in water conservation and environmental stewardship. This is especially beneficial to the residents of Baguio City, where water shortages are prevalent. Further, Hans T. Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings, was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. Sy’s unwavering dedication to philanthropy, environmental advocacy, and corporate leadership has left an indelible mark on society, inspiring positive change and empowerment across the Philippines and beyond. Reflecting on his journey, Sy delivered a poignant acceptance speech, emphasizing the transformative power of personal advocacy and collective action. He remarked, “I am deeply honored and humbled to stand before you today to accept the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Tambuli Awards… I am filled with optimism for the future if we can inspire collective action. Together, I believe we can build a more sustainable and prosperous world for generations to come.” His speech underscored SM’s enduring commitment to sustainability, community development, and corporate responsibility. Through initiatives such as comprehensive disaster risk reduction strategies, SM continues to spearhead meaningful change and uplift communities nationwide. SM Supermalls remains steadfast in its mission to champion sustainability, disaster risk reduction, innovation, and social responsibility. The organization’s goal is to create a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for all. The Asia Pacific Tambuli Awards, which was held June 4 at the Grand Hyatt Manila this year, celebrates excellence in marketing communications, recognizing successful marketing campaigns and sustainability and corporate purpose initiatives that positively impact the world. Established in 2005, the Tambuli Awards honor organizations and individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to driving meaningful social change through innovative marketing strategies.

QUEZON CITY — The Social Security System (SSS) today announced that its members can boost their retirement and savings through the MySSS Pension Booster program, which offers a projected 7.2 percent annual return rate. SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet said that SSS renamed the Worker’s Investment and Savings Program (WISP) and WISP Plus into the MySSS Pension Booster to reflect the primary goal of the savings program of boosting their retirement funds. Macasaet said that the MySSS Pension Booster savings schemes were part of the reforms introduced by Republic Act No. 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018, sponsored by Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto during his tenure as a senator. “We want to thank Secretary Recto for helping pass this landmark legislation in 2019. We also want to acknowledge him for conceptualizing these retirement savings schemes, which we rebranded today as MySSS Pension Booster. So, we are grateful that he pushed for the inclusion of the program in the law, which is boosting the retirement funds of millions of members,” Macasaet said. Aside from being the Finance Secretary, Recto also serves as the Chairperson of the Social Security Commission, the highest governing body of the SSS. Macasaet emphasized the importance of early retirement planning during the relaunching event of the MySSS Pension Booster held today at the SSS headquarters in Quezon City, which was attended by maritime professionals, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), self-employed professionals, and corporate executives. “Aside from renaming the program, we also want to reposition the MySSS Pension Booster to cater more to corporate managers and executives, doctors, lawyers, OFWs, Filipino expats, seafarers, young professionals among others, as we have identified their need for bigger retirement funds. We do not lose sight of the other SSS members through other programs, but our rebranding is a move towards capturing those who want to invest more and can invest more to enroll in the MySSS Pension Booster,” Macasaet said. Macasaet told them that by making retirement their top priority early on, they can ensure they have ample time to reach their retirement goals, adding, “Now is the best time to start building your retirement fund with the help of SSS.” Macasaet urged members to take control of their retirement planning by utilizing the MySSS Pension Booster program, which supplements members’ savings to enhance the retirement benefit they can get under the Regular SSS Program. “The MySSS Pension Booster is not just an ordinary retirement savings plan. It’s a safe, convenient, and tax-free investment opportunity that allows you to earn income from your contributions. By participating, you can attain your savings goal, ensuring a comfortable retirement,” Macasaet said. Two schemes in one program SSS Vice President for Benefits Administration Division Joy A. Villacorta said that the MySSS Pension Booster consists of mandatory and voluntary schemes. Villacorta said that the mandatory scheme automatically enrolls SSS members contributing to the Regular SSS Program. It gives an opportunity to save more beyond the threshold. “Rest assured, your contributions and earnings to the MySSS Pension Booster are in safe hands. As a member of this program, you will have your account managed by the SSS, where we will place your contributions and interest earnings. Your MySSS Pension Booster contributions for the mandatory scheme are paid together with your regular SSS contributions,” Villacorta explained. Villacorta said that the voluntary scheme, on the other hand, requires interested SSS members to enroll in the savings plan through their My.SSS account. Those applying for the issuance of a Social Security (SS) Number may also enroll in the program already by accepting the terms and conditions. “For as low as P500 per payment in the voluntary scheme of MySSS Pension Booster, members can add to their savings which grows over time. It’s a flexible scheme as members may contribute any amount, with the maximum based on limits set by our collection partners,” Villacorta said. Villacorta said that for urgent cash needs, they can withdraw their total contributions including its investment earnings because SSS allows partial or full withdrawal of their savings in the program.  “However, we encourage you to stay in the program for at least five years to maximize the potential earnings on your savings,” Villacorta emphasized. She added that for those who want to use their savings in the program to augment their retirement funds, they have the option to get their total contributions plus interest when they get their retirement, total disability or death benefits from the Regular SSS Program, which is also tax-free.