THE VIEW - 11/2019

11/2019

INDOFOOD SHARES ITS VISION TO END MALNUTRITION 2 Working to end hunger and malnutrition | 7 CCLEX Bridge of tomorrow 13 Smart tops Opensignal ratings | 25 IdeaSpace announces 17 winning teams

THE VIEW – November 2019

THE V IEW GOES DIGITAL

Indofood Director Axton Salim represented the company at the Asian Congress of Nutrition, speaking on the role of private sectors in accelerating the end of hunger and malnutrition. Indofood is a leader in Total Food Solutions in Indonesia.

The View is the biannual magazine of the First Pacific Company. and is committed to providing insights into recent Group initiatives and its people as well as news from investee companies.

Welcome to the November edition of The View.

We are launching a digital version online at www.firstpacific.com/press/theview. It will highlight stories from around the group with videos to bring our news, innovations and events to life.

The digital version can be enjoyed at your desk or on your mobile phones wherever you are. Please click in and let us know your feedback.

CONTENTS 1 A word from the Chief 2 Working to end hunger and malnutrition - Indofood at ACN 2019 4 Stronger partnerships, shared success - PLDT at ACC 2019 6 MPTC makes smooth progress with Cavitex C5 South Link Expressway 7 Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway – Bridge of Tomorrow 8 Win-win-win solutions - MPIC diversifies into renewable energy 10 Maynilad invests heavily in wastewater management 10 MetroPac awarded Dumaguete water deal 11 Philex Silangan Project reveals potential 12 Smart WiFi to roll out in Manila City 12 PLDT Enterprise salutes Filipino entrepreneurs

First Pacific Company Limited 24/F, Two Exchange Square 8 Connaught Place Central, Hong Kong SAR

13 Smart tops Opensignal ratings

Telephone: +852 2842 4388

16 Meralco lauded by Asiamoney

www.firstpacific.com

14 Profile: Alfredo S Panlilio 15 PLDT, Smart sweep CMO Asia awards 16 The 17th Philippine Quill Awards haul for First Pacific Group companies 19 Tollways group reaps Asset Magazine awards 20 MVP Superhero Run

PUBLISHER Manuel V Pangilinan

22 Smart’s Digital Farmers Program

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF John Ryan

25 IdeaSpace announces 17 winning teams for 2019 startup competition

EXECUTIVE EDITORIAL ADVISOR Sara Cheung ORIJEN TEAM Editor Julia Brown Production Director Katy Li Creative Director Jan Adams Designer Alina Rai Photo coordinator Ada Leung

24 Indofood supports food research

First Pacific is a Hong Kong-based investment management and holding company with operations located in Asia-Pacific. Our principal business investments relate to consumer food products, infrastructure, natural resources and telecommunications.

Within these sectors, our mission is to unlock value in our investee companies by: [ Delivering dividend/distribution returns to shareholders; [ Delivering share price/value appreciation of First Pacific and the investee companies; and [ Making further investment in value-enhancing businesses, taking into consideration all relevant criteria, including Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) factors to better manage risk and generate sustainable long-term returns.

A WORD FROM THE CHIEF

A word from the Chief To my colleagues with the First Pacific Group

A

s we wind down towards the end of the year, it’s a natural time to look back and take stock of 2019 to see what’s working well and what remains to be done as we strive towards making our US$34 billion Group better and stronger for all our stakeholders.

Let’s look at our food companies first.

Indofood’s impressive results in the first half herald continuing strong growth in the years ahead. Revenues rose 7% to the equivalent of US$2.7 billion while core income leaped by more than a fifth to US$170 million.

The full-year numbers are something to anticipate indeed.

Goodman Fielder is now well on its way out of our portfolio, helping us slim down to focus on our core investments while releasing US$275 million or more to help strengthen our balance sheet. Once we apply the bulk of these disposal proceeds towards repayment of a US$252 million bond

“

WE HAVE MUCH TO BE CONTENT WITH, AND MUCH TO DO. THIS YEAR OF 2019 HAS BEEN GOOD TO THE GROUP AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE FUTURE IN ANTICIPATION.

”

maturing next September, we will be well on our way towards an annual interest bill of just a bit more than US$50 million, down from closer to US$100 million just three years ago.

We wish Goodman Fielder and its sole owners Wilmar International all the best.

In the Philippines, PLDT is reinforcing its position as the strongest telecommunications provider in the country. Its cellular subsidiary Smart has double the download and upload speeds of its industry rival while its fixed-line business can make similar claims. Data and broadband revenues now make up about two-thirds of the total and continue to grow fast. This is very much a business that is both large and growing fast.

The last of our core holdings, MPIC, is in the midst of selling down its Hospitals investments, generating over US$600 million for debt reduction to strengthen its ability to find the capex that has been the driver of strong earnings growth in the past several years. New projects, particularly in the toll roads business, are anticipated to drive earnings growth for years to come.

We have much to be content with, and much to do. This year of 2019 has been good to the Group and we look forward to the future in anticipation. << MVP THE VIEW 1

THE ASIAN CONGRESS OF NUTRITION

Working to end hunger and malnutrition Indofood shares its vision at the Asian Congress of Nutrition

Axton Salim addressing the Plenary Session: Accelerating the End of Hunger/Malnutrition: Sharing of Private Sectors.

Indofood participated in the 13th Asian Congress of Nutrition (“ACN”) on 4-7 August 2019 in Bali, represented

by Director Axton Salim, who also sits as Co-Chair of Global Advisory Lead Group of Scaling Up Nutrition Business Network (“SBN”). He spoke on two important topics which address the UN Sustainable Development Goal 2, to end all forms of hunger and malnutrition in the world by 2030.

A

CN is the largest nutrition and health-related scientific meeting in Asia, held every four years. It is organized by the Federation of Asian Nutrition Scientists (“FANS”), and joined by nutrition scientists, academics and professionals from 18 Asian countries. ACN 2019 was attended by 2,500 participants.

2 THE VIEW

The introductory plenary topic was “Accelerating the End of Hunger/ Malnutrition-Role of Private Sectors”.

Salim shared the stage with Professor of John Hopkins School of Public Health and Director of Center for Livable Future, Professor Martin W Bloem MD, and Dr Pungkas Bahjuri representing the Ministry of Indonesia Planning Board, the focal

point of the Scaling Up Nutrition (“SUN”) Movement Coordinator Indonesia.

INDOFOOD IN LEADING ROLE Salim spoke on the role of the SUN business world. SBN mobilizes private sectors with the aim to increase the availability and affordability of safe nutritious food, especially for low income consumers, through activities at global and national levels.

Currently SBN has 650 members across 33 countries and can reach around 1.1 million workforces in their policies.

As a leading Total Food Solution company in Indonesia, Indofood actively participates in SBN with Salim as Co-Chair of SBN Global Advisory

THE ASIAN CONGRESS OF NUTRITION

FIVE ROUTES FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR

1 Agriculture and Nutrition Provide investment in technological innovation

2 Large scale food fortification Fortify staples and condiments with essential vitamins

Group Leaders since 2014. SBN recognized Indofood’s contribution to improve nutrition such as food fortification, various CSR nutrition programs as well as the contribution of human capital development through nutrition intervention during the United Nations Millennium Development Goal era.

Salim later addressed a group of International Young Nutrition Leaders (IYouLead) from 14 countries on “Leadership on Public Private Partnership: Lesson Learned from Global SBN”.

INDOFOOD INITIATIVES IN SCALING UP NUTRITION Indofood’s commitment to nutrition and health includes the Nutrition for Workforce program and breastfeeding support, designed to improve employees’ health and wellbeing including their extended family. Other initiatives are the "First 1,000 Days" program, providing more than 200 service health posts at Indofood operations in Indonesia and the fortification of staple foods and providing affordable nutrition products.

Indofood voluntarily initiated Bogasari wheat flour fortification with iron and folic acid for anemia prevention since 1998, and it later became a mandatory of industry standard. Indofood also provides fortified complementary breastfeeding cereals under its SUN brand and healthy fortified cereal snacks - GoVit, with the affordable price of IDR500/sachet (U.S. 4 cents).

In August 2018 Indofood launched a healthy lifestyle education platform aimed at adolescent girls.

This is a digital platform created in collaboration with the Faculty of Public Health - University of Indonesia and Ruangguru – and has more than eight million active users. Indofood has created over 40 short healthy lifestyle videos, accessed by more than 125,000 adolescents as active users.

Indofood also launched a local Nutrition Pitch Competition as an engaging way to invite start-ups and small-and-medium-enterprises to participate in SUN in Indonesia.

This innovative approach will continue in 2019/2020 with the support of SBN. <<

3 Specially formulated food for targeted groups Increase availability of specially formulated foods

4 Workplace Educate the employees about the importance of nutritious foods

5 Supporting nutrition-sensitive interventions Play a key role in strengthening underlying health systems

THE VIEW 3

ASIAN CARRIERS CONFERENCE 2019

PLDT Global Corporation President and CEO Katrina Luna-Abelarde.

STRONGER PARTNERSHIPS, SHARED SUCCESS PLDT’s Asian Carriers Conference 2019

T

he PLDT Group held a dynamic Asian Carriers’ Conference (“ACC”) on 3 – 6 September 2019 in Cebu. The 2019 ACC was organized by PLDT and Smart Communications. Since 2004, the conference has grown to one of the largest and most influential telecommunications platforms, attracting participants from Asia Pacific and the world.

Over a thousand delegates attended from the global community of telecom operators, mobile services providers, and technology-related enterprises. This year’s event attracted major players such as HGC Global Communications, Huawei Technologies, Nokia, Softbank, Telefonica, Verizon and Vodafone.

CHARTING A NEW PATH, TOGETHER Success through stronger partnerships is this year’s theme, in the context of massive technological disruption in the industry in recent years.

PLDT Global Corporation President and CEO Katrina Luna-Abelarde observed in her welcome speech that “the industry has embraced transformation and is now seeing a renewed focus on charting a new path. Most importantly, as an industry, we are doing this together.”

Having faced so many disruptive technologies in recent years, telcos are very aware that growth and resilience can only be achieved through more strategic thinking and greater collaboration - to benefit consumers as well as their bottom line.

The conference’s lineup of activities included a keynote featuring speakers Nicklas Bergman, Funder, Futurist Founder and CEO, Intergalactic Industries Inc. and Ishan Chatterjee, Director of Business Development, Emerging Markets APAC, Google.

Chatterjee spoke on the opportunities of video as one of the strategies that YouTube and telcos in emerging markets employ to their strategic advantage and for the benefit of consumers. With YouTube generating over 60% of mobile traffic, telcos that give generous data packages to consumers can reap the benefits of increased usage and brand patronage.

4 THE VIEW

ASIAN CARRIERS CONFERENCE 2019

He outlined the tremendous opportunities that exist in providing end users access to the power of YouTube to give everyone a voice and the means to reach out to the world.* Bergman spoke about quantum computing, artificial intelligence and leadership in the digital era. “Being curious about technology, seeing how you can relate to it, how it affects everyone’s lives as well as your bottom line, is the road to its intelligent adoption especially for tech entrepreneurs”, noted Bergman.* ACC 2019’s event included presentations, workshops and networking, all designed to establish greater collaboration in the face of increasing technological disruption, declining margins, and fast-changing customer preferences.

Who knows what new partnerships and innovations will be sparked from this year’s ACC? << * Source: Asian Carriers Conference 2019 facebook.

The Asian Carriers Conference Incorporated is a non-stock, non-profit membership organization for telecoms and IT professionals and practitioners, registered with the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission and the Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue in 2014.

The opening ceremony was led by (5th, 6th and 7th from left) PLDT Global President and CEO Katrina Luna-Abelarde, Senior Vice President and Head, PLDT and Smart Enterprise Jovy Hernandez, and VP, PLDT International Network Genaro C Sanchez.

With them are other PLDT executives and ACC top sponsors (from left) SVP and Head of PLDT Consumer Business-Individual Group, Oscar Enrico A Reyes Jr.; Huawei Deputy Account Director Sylvia Wang; Customer Business Executive for PLDT Group Nigel Waters; China Unicom Global Ltd SVP, Wholesale Business, Product and Supply Chain Sally Wang; CEO of PCCW Global Marc Halbfinger; PLDT Global VP and Head of Carrier Business and Global Accounts Management Edith Gomez; COO of Fiberhome Philippines Jiang Yi; and PLDT and Smart Chief Information Officer Alex Seminiano.

THE VIEW 5

NEWS

MPTC makes smooth progress CAVITEX C5 South Link opens

M

etro Pacific Tollways Corporation (“MPTC”), the tollways unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, celebrated the opening of the first section of the Cavitex C5 South Link Expressway of the ManilaCavite Expressway (“CAVITEX”) in July.

The 2.2-km flyover is a significant link in a key infrastructure project by MPTC. CAVITEX is a 14-km toll road, strategically located 11 km from Manila and 7 km from Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The C5 South Link is designed to connect Taguig to Parañaque, Las Piñas and Cavite through CAVITEX. HALVING THE TRAVEL TIME At the C5 South Link opening, the Department of Public Works and

6 THE VIEW

Highways Secretary Mark Villar had great news for motorists: “This is a vital project that will cut travel time in half from the usual 1.5 hours spent to cross from Villamor Airbase, Pasay area to Taguig City. With three lanes in each direction of this flyover, passage of the anticipated 8,000 vehicles will be eased when they use the flyover.”

This is the second MPTC publicprivate partnership tollway to open this year, following the opening of NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 in February.

The construction of the next 2.1-km section of CAVITEX will start soon, with project plan of connecting to the Parañaque side of Cavitex by 2022. <<

MPTC is the largest toll road developer and operator in the Philippines – in terms of vehicle traffic volume, revenue levels, asset base and combined length of expressways in kilometers. It operates and maintains 212 km of expressway across three major Philippine toll road systems, and has a total of 84 km of toll road projects under construction/ development and awarded.

MPTC’s portfolio in the Philippines also includes the concessions for the North Luzon Expressway (“NLEX”), the Subic-Clark Tarlac Expressway (“SCTEX”), the NLEX Connector Road and the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (“CCLEX”).

NEWS

Bridge of Tomorrow

A

spectacular piece of infrastructure deserves a documentary. The CebuCordova Link Expressway (“CCLEX”), is a landmark bridge worthy of celebration.

Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (“MPTC”) has collaborated with National Geographic for the project, “Bridge of Tomorrow”, a documentary featuring the creation of CCLEX, an 8.5-kilometer toll bridge that will connect mainland Cebu from Cebu City to Cordova town in Mactan Island. Construction of the = P 30 billion project started in July 2018 and it is scheduled to be completed by August 2021.

The Nat Geo project will have four 2-minute video teasers or vignettes that will be aired every six months and will build up into the full 45-minute documentary in time for the opening of CCLEX in 2021.

INGENIOUS ENGINEERING “Vignette #1: Making of an Icon” began airing on 22 July 2019 and features the creation of an iconic marvel: what lies behind its design, its vision and the engineering ingenuity that makes it a landmark set to transform the Visayas Region.

Through this documentary, MPTC shares the pride and reinforces the vision of the Chairman, Manuel V Pangilinan that “through this largest single investment anyone has ever made in the region, we become a catalyst for the economic development of Cebu and in improving the lives of our people.”

Project developer Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation, a subsidiary company of MPTC, envisions CCLEX as not only decongesting traffic in the two existing bridges but also increasing economic activity in Cebu and throughout the Visayas Region. <<

CCLEX is MPTC’s first expressway

[

project outside Luzon and first Public-Private Partnership project with the local government units of Cebu City and Cordova.

The artistically designed CCLEX, will

[

have two lanes in each direction and will feature the main navigation span twin pylon cable-stayed bridge, viaduct approach bridges in Cebu City and Cordova sides, Cebu South Coastal Road on and off ramps, causeway and toll plaza.

The bridge has a design speed of

[

80 kilometers per hour, and 51-meter height or navigational clearance to allow large vessels to pass underneath.

It can withstand up to magnitude

[

10 earthquake and is vesselcollision proof.

Service facilities such as gasoline

[

stations, retail outlets, convenience stores, restaurants, along with security, medical and maintenance centers will be provided.

Bridge of Tomorrow

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THE VIEW 7

NEWS

Combatting ClimateChange

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Win-win-win solutions MPIC diversifies into renewable energy

M

etro Pacific Investment Corporation (“MPIC”) has set its sights on diversification into renewable energy. Its strategy is driven by the ever-rising need for power supply in the Philippines and an increasing focus on environmentally sustainable investments.

With the continuing decline of technology costs, renewable energy has become a viable alternative to fossil fuel technology, especially for the country’s mid-merit and peaking power requirements.

8 THE VIEW

The MPIC group has been accelerating strategy into a renewable reality. Recently, MPIC’s power operating company Meralco announced its plan to invest in 1,000 MW of renewable energy projects over the next five to seven years, focusing on solar, wind, and run-of-river hydro.

MPIC also recognizes an opportunity in the waste-to-energy space, in the Philippines and beyond. METPower Venture Partners Holdings, Inc. (“METPower”) was formed with a focus on waste-to-energy solutions.

METPower’s main objective is to provide its clients with a holistic and long-term

solution to its energy supply and waste management requirements through its technically and commercially robust biogas technology and anaerobic digestion process.

By establishing biogas plants embedded or in close proximity to its clients’ operations, METPower is providing its clients with an economical and stable fossil fuel substitute for power generation, diesel replacement, and other industrial uses.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AND SUSTAINABILITY METPower aims to promulgate responsible organic waste

NEWS

Established in March 2017, METPower is the brainchild of its CEO and MPIC’s Vice President for Business Development Karim Garcia - an experienced power development professional with over 1,000 MW of executed energy deals.

The establishment of METPower provides MPIC with an entry into the waste-toenergy industrial gas space, using biogas to provide its clients with the following products:

Power supply

Biogas as diesel replacement [ Organic fertilizer [ Other industrial gases such as [ [

biomethane (bio-CNG) and CO2

management, by processing its clients’ organic refuse from agricultural, industrial and municipal sources through its clean and controlled process. In doing so, METPower assists its clients in complying with the Philippines’ Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 and the stringent regulations of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (“DENR”).

benefits of energy cost and waste management savings without having to allocate capital to finance the plant.

of clean energy for Dole and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 100,000 tons of CO2 per year.

METPower’s ultimate objective is to promote environmental stewardship and sustainability through responsible waste treatment, and the reduction of carbon emissions from landfilling and fossil fuel use.

Currently, the two biogas plants are already under construction and are scheduled to be operational by the second half of 2020.

METPower offers its clients a BuildOperate-Transfer (“BOT”) solution, where METPower will finance, construct, develop, operate, and maintain the biogas plant for a commercially agreed period of time, after which the entire facility is transferred to the client. This solution provides the clients with the

DOLE PHILIPPINES DEAL In November 2018, METPower finalized a 16-year agreement with Dole Philippines, Inc. (“Dole”) to design, construct and operate integrated waste-to-energy facilities for its canneries in South Cotabato, Philippines. These facilities will generate the equivalent of 5.7 MW

The Dole Biogas Project is a perfect example of a win-win-win project for Dole, METPower, and ultimately, the environment. METPower’s pioneering project serves as a springboard to more biogas projects in the Philippines and beyond. It diversifies MPIC’s overall portfolio into new b2b market-based businesses with the aim of adding shareholder value to MPIC. <<

THE VIEW 9

NEWS

MAYNILAD INVESTS HEAVILY IN WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT

M

aynilad Water Services, Inc. (“Maynilad”) is set to transform wastewater services in Manila’s historic Las Piñas City. It is investing over = P 6 billion to install 30 kilometers of sewer pipeline within 2019, part of a planned 80-kilometer sewerage system. In 2021, Maynilad plans to open the Las Piñas Water Reclamation Facility, its largest sewage treatment plant in terms of capacity, treating about 88 million liters of wastewater per day.

MAYNILAD’S ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE Over

9.6

million customers

588

kilometers of sewer lines

22

wastewater treatment plants

664,000 cubic meters/day combined treatment capacity

Maynilad will use trenchless methodology for the pipeline project to minimize impact on traffic. Once completed in 2021, the sewerage system will enable Maynilad to catch wastewater generated by some 600,000 customers in 20 districts in the city, and send it to the Las Piñas Water Reclamation Facility for treatment.

Maynilad President and CEO Ramoncito S Fernandez explained, “We are determined to do our part in ensuring the proper treatment and disposal of wastewater in our concession area. Our commitment is such that we have allotted the largest portion of this year’s capital expenditure budget to wastewater management for programs aimed to protect the health and sanitation of our customers and the environment.”

A= P 53.4

BILLION INVESTMENT Maynilad announced on 9 October 2019 that it is investing over = P 53.4 billion to install 425 kilometers of new sewer lines from 2020 to 2037, to ensure the provision of sewerage services for its customers in the West Zone of Greater Manila over the next 18 years. Under its approved business plan, Maynilad still has to spend almost = P 200 billion for wastewater projects from 2019 until the end of the West Zone concession period in 2037. << 10 THE VIEW

MetroPac awarded Dumaguete water deal

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etroPac Water Investments Corporation (“MetroPac”), a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, has been awarded the project of upgrading and operating the Dumaguete City Water District (“DCWD”)’s water management system. Dumaguete, in the province of Negros Oriental in the Philippines’ central Visayan region, is an academic hub with a thriving professional community.

The project cost for the duration of the 25-year concession is estimated at = P 1.6 billion, with an initial equity investment of = P700 million.

The scope includes the rehabilitation, operation, maintenance and expansion of DCWD’s existing water distribution system and the development of wastewater facilities.

MetroPac and DCWD signed a joint venture agreement on 3 September 2019. The joint venture corporation will implement the project including the right to bill and collect tariffs for the water supply and wastewater services provided to the customers within the service area. <<

The project cost for the duration of the 25-year concession is estimated at

1.6 bln

= P

NEWS

Artist’s impression

Philex Silangan Project reveals potential Definitive feasibility study for the first phase has been completed

P

hilex Mining Corporation completed its definitive feasibility study for Boyongan, the first phase of its Silangan Project, in July 2019.

mineable reserves of 81 million tonnes with expected high ore grades of 0.63% copper and 1.20 grams of gold per tonne from mineral resources of 279 million tonnes.

President and Chief Executive Officer of Philex Mining Corporation, Eulalio B Austin Jr said in a statement “We are thrilled with the outcome of the study which reaffirms the immense potential and magnitude of the project. Over the next few months, we will be focusing our efforts on raising equity and financing for mine development.”

ESTIMATED 4 MILLION TONNES OF ORE ANNUALLY Commercial operations from underground sub-level cave mining at Boyongan is expected to begin in the second half of 2022 with an estimated mine life of 22 years and annual average production of 4 million tonnes of ore. The estimated capital expenditure of approximately US$750 million for the development of Boyongan is expected to be funded by project finance and the entry of a strategic partner.

The Silangan Project is a large-scale high-grade copper-gold development, located in the Philippines’ Surigao del Norte, at the north-eastern tip of Mindanao. The project contains a total of 571 million tonnes of mineral resources, comprising three ore deposits – Boyongan, BayugoSilangan and Bayugo-Kalayaan.

The Boyongan deposit anticipates

The project is fully compliant with all existing regulations and is in the process of completing all requisite permitting documentation. Philex is working closely with regulators for the amendment of existing approved operating permits to cover underground sub-level cave mining for the Boyongan deposit, and remains confident of securing all these necessary permits within the course of this year.

The Silangan Project is envisioned as a key economic and social contributor through substantial tax payments and the creation of some 3,000 new jobs in Mindanao. <<

Phase two of the project will comprise the Bayugo-Silangan and Bayugo-Kalayaan deposits, with a preliminary feasibility study expected to be completed by yearend 2019.

THE VIEW 11

NEWS

P

SMART WIFI TO ROLL OUT IN MANILA CITY

LDT’s Smart Communications, Inc. (“Smart”) signed a memorandum of agreement on 7 August 2019 with the city government of Manila to provide fast and free Smart WiFi across the city, particularly government offices, hospitals, universities and other key areas. These venues in the City of Manila will join the growing list of more than 400 live Smart-Google Stations.

PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V Pangilinan said, “We are happy to work with the city government of Manila and Mayor Isko in helping provide connectivity to the city and bring the benefits of the Internet to more Filipinos across the country.”

to bring Smart WiFi to more areas, we are making connectivity more accessible for everyone, who can use it to keep in touch with their families and friends, and to access key online government and banking services,” said Al Panlilio, Chief Revenue Officer of PLDT. “With this partnership, we are also empowering Filipino entrepreneurs and businesses in the city of Manila who use the Internet to connect their workplaces”, said Senior Vice President and Head of Enterprise for PLDT and Smart, Juan Victor Hernandez. <<

“By working hand-in-hand with the local government

PLDT Enterprise salutes Filipino entrepreneurs

M

icro, Small and Medium Enterprises (“MSMEs”) are a powerful and growing segment in the Philippines.

They are transforming the local economy by providing opportunities at different industries for the skilled workers. The number of business registrations has grown to over 1.4 million in May 2019 from 900,000 in 2017. PLDT Enterprise has stepped up, offering strategic support with relevant and cost-efficient products and services.

PLDT Enterprise launched a new campaign, “Ignite the Filipino Dream” in August 2019 to celebrate the hard work and determination of local entrepreneurs and their valuable contributions to the economy.

12 THE VIEW

30,000 NEW BUSINESSES BORN EACH MONTH “It is truly an honor for us to put the spotlight on our micro, small and medium enterprise clients as their successes have made a great impact on our economy. In fact, in just the first half of this year, we saw around 30,000 newly registered businesses every

LDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V Pangilinan, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Manila Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna and PLDT Chief Revenue Officer Al Panlilio at the MOA signing for Smart Wifi at the Manila City Hall.

month,” said First Vice President and Head of PLDT SME Nation Mitch Locsin.

“We are proud partners of the MSMEs as we have seen how their innovative ideas have grown and enriched the lives of our countrymen.

Our commitment to empower small businesses remains unwavering and we have made it our mission to help them take that big leap and help them soar,” said Senior Vice President and Head of PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Groups Jovy Hernandez. <<

Ignite the Filipino dream

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NEWS

Smart tops Opensignal ratings

P

LDT’s Smart Communications (“Smart”) is a clear leader in the Philippines’ consumer mobile sector, according to the Philippine Mobile Network Experience September 2019 report of Opensignal, the independent global industry analyst.

Smart won accolades for Video Experience, Download Speed Experience, Upload Speed Experience, Latency Experience and drew equal for 4G Availability.

The report analyzed the mobile experience of the Philippines' two national operators - Smart and Globe in the 90 days from the start of May 2019, both at a national level and across 18 regions and provinces. The analysis covered over 533 million measurements from over 190,000 devices.

“In our latest look at the Philippines mobile network experience, it's pretty clear that Smart remains the operator to beat”, the report stated.

SMART’S PERFORMANCE 4G AVAILABILITY Overall

74.3% 86.1%

A FASTER, SMOOTHER EXPERIENCE In Metro Manila, both operators topped 86% 4G Availability, an impressive score, even by the standards of much more developed mobile cities. Smart's Latency Experience score passed the 50 milliseconds mark in Metro Manila.

Latency refers to the delay users experience as data makes a round trip through the network. “Latency is becoming increasingly important to many aspects of the mobile user experience, from instant messaging and calls to video streaming and online gaming”, the report notes.

VIDEO EXPERIENCE

Smart's Video Experience score of 47.6 means its users may watch videos with reasonable load times and minimal stalling at low resolutions. Its 4G score of 57.7 means faster loading, even at high resolutions.

DOWNLOAD SPEED EXPERIENCE

Smart's Download Speed Experience across its 3G and 4G networks score of 9.4 megabits per second (“Mbps”) is fast, and in Metro Manila it is a speedy 15.2 Mbps.

“These results are a testament to Smart’s commitment to continuously improve and expand our network across the country in order to support our customers’ growing appetite for mobile data,” PLDT-Smart Senior Vice President for Network Planning and Engineering, Mario G Tamayo said. <<

In Metro Manila

(in 0-100 points)

47.6 4G-only

57.7

9.4 Mbps In Metro Manila

15.2 Mbps

UPLOAD SPEED EXPERIENCE

3.3 Mbps In Metro Manila

4.7 Mbps

LATENCY EXPERIENCE (in milliseconds)

61.9 40.9

In Metro Manila L-R: Smart President Al S Panlilio, PLDT Chairman Manuel V Pangilinan, Opensignal Chief Operating Officer Andy Burns, PLDT-Smart Chief Technology and Information Advisor Joachim Horn, and Opensignal Regional Vice President for Asia-Pacific Rob Lerner.

All data and findings in this article are Opensignal copyright.

THE VIEW 13

PROFILE

Alfredo S Panlilio PLDT Group Chief Revenue Officer

A

NEW RELATIONSHIPS WITH BUSINESSES AND CONSUMERS The Philippine power industry – as with the telco industry – was opening up to competition. Panlilio applied his business experience. “We were proactive in consumer-centricity and built services around industries. I believed that we should all be able to walk into the boardroom and be able to engage the CEO - achieving partnerships by addressing business requirements.”

l Panlilio’s career trajectory has been shaped by technology, people and a passion for basketball - and how the rigors of the sport offer learnings for big business.

Fortunate to be given the chance of an overseas education by his airline executive father, Panlilio studied business management and Computer Information Systems at The University of Hawaii and San Francisco State University. His first job on return to the Philippines was with a Meralco subsidiary: Computer Information Systems (“CIS”). He then joined IBM in the early 90’s, then broadcaster ABSCBN, working on technology projects.

On 1 July 1999, he joined PLDT as Senior Vice President for its Corporate Business Group.

RUNNING THE CAR AND CHANGING THE TYRES He recalls, “The mentality was of a monopoly. I was told that, ‘everyone is well-trained and well-equipped but we don’t know how to compete.’

We segmented the customers into business groups. We built industry teams and a deeper understanding and appreciation of customers. With that, we went beyond the technical to show how PLDT could partner with them to achieve their business.”

“

As the voice business changed to VOIP and internet, PLDT was building Smart Wireless and adapting to new technology while undergoing management transformation and debt restructuring. Panlilio describes the challenges as “running the car and changing the tyres at the same time!”

After a 6-year stint in Hong Kong as Head of PLDT Global, Panlilio was invited, in September 2010 by PLDT Chairman Manuel V Pangilinan, to join the recently-acquired power company, Meralco, as Senior Vice President in charge of all its customers.

THE FIRST PACIFIC GROUP IS THE MOST FORWARD-LOOKING THAT I HAVE ENCOUNTERED. THERE IS A PURPOSE BEHIND WHAT WE DO – TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF PEOPLE, GIVE THEM THE PLATFORMS TO PURSUE THEIR DREAMS AND ASPIRATIONS.

”

14 THE VIEW

The next challenge was digital transformation. Meralco conducted research and identified four pain points for its consumers: application process, payment, repair/maintenance and customer engagement. It then applied digital strategies to transform the customer journeys.

The resulting touchpoints – via an app, online or within a service centre – are greatly streamlined and hasslefree. Simply named I-Join, I-pay, I-need repair and I-ask, they enable smooth customer interactions and greater satisfaction. It is estimated that over = P 1.2 billion of payments have been made through the platform to date.

Panlilio was latterly Meralco’s Head of Customer Retail Services and Corporate Communications. He was responsible for about = P 300 billion worth of revenues, inclusive of = P 62 billion of distribution revenues, and led a 1,700-strong workforce.

On 1 July 2019 – 20 years to the day that he first joined PLDT – Panlilio returned as PLDT Group Chief Revenue Officer. He was also appointed as Smart President and CEO in August 2019. His mission remains customer-centric. He plans to improve operations, grow wireless, Enterprise

PROFILE / AWARDS

and international business. He is focused on “Process, Platforms and People.” In his mind, the most important of these is people.

A LOVE OF BASKETBALL Panlilio’s passion for basketball dates back to his role on a Varsity team in the late ‘70s. He has applied learnings from the sport to his career: the importance of bonding, teamwork with interdependent roles,

the rigors of improving oneself, hard work and commitment.

In the spirit of giving back to society, Panlilio has worked enthusiastically for Philippine basketball through the years. He is currently President of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (“SBP”), the national association of Philippine basketball. The Philippines are set to host the FIBA World Cup in 2023. <<

PLDT, Smart sweep CMO Asia awards

T

he CMO Asia Awards of 16 August 2019, were a triumph for PLDT and Smart, who won 15 international awards this year. CMO Asia is a global network of executives dedicated to high-level knowledge exchange and offers a common platform to connect marketers across sectors. The Awards recognize organizations for their branding, client and employee communication initiatives.

PLDT Home was lauded with the Telecom and Branding Leadership Awards under the Best Broadband Service Provider and Market Leadership categories, respectively.

Ramon R Isberto, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Relations.

Smart LTE was awarded with a Telecom Leadership Award, under the Best LTE Provider category.

Its other winning bids include Campaign of the Year for Smart Free YouTube Everyday, Best Innovative Partnership Strategy for its YouTube collaboration, Best Strategic PR Campaign for Smart Music Live, Most Innovative HR Practice for Smart Super ID, and Asia’s Best Brand Award for its consolidated CMO recognitions.

Executives from the PLDT Group were recognized under various individual leadership categories.

PLDT-Smart Public Affairs Group

Oscar Enrico Reyes, awardee for Excellence in Business Leadership.

Head and official company spokesperson Ramon R Isberto was awarded with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Relations; PLDT Senior Vice President and Head for Consumer Market Development Oscar Enrico A Reyes bagged the award for Excellence in Business Leadership; Vice President and Deputy Head of Public Affairs for PLDT-Smart, Carlo Ople won the award for Digital Marketer of the Year.

PLDT Global President Katrina LunaAbelarde was awarded as one of Asia’s Women Leaders; PLDT Senior Vice President and Head for Financial Reporting and Controllership and Smart Chief Financial Officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla was lauded under the Women Leadership category, and also won CFO of the Year and Best CSR Practices for Gabay Guro. <<

Katrina Luna-Abelarde, awardee for Asia’s Women Leaders.

Carlo Ople, awardee for Digital Marketer of the Year.

THE VIEW 15

AWARDS

Meralco lauded by Asiamoney

M

eralco was awarded the top accolade in the utilities sector in Asiamoney’s Outstanding Companies Poll 2019 for the Philippines.

The Asiamoney Asia’s Outstanding Poll is an annual survey designed to acknowledge listed companies that have excelled in areas such as financial performance, management team excellence, IR activities and CSR initiatives.

This year, voting by 824 fund managers, buy-side analysts, bankers, and ratings agencies was concluded on 12 July with a total of 4,004 votes were received for publicly listed companies. <<

The 17th Philippine Quill Awards haul for First Pacific Group companies

F

irst Pacific Group companies won a total of 72 Quill Awards on 30 August 2019.

Organized by the Philippines’ International Association of Business Communicators (“IABC”), the annual recognition program honors outstanding communication research, programs, skills, and creative work from both public and private sector organizations nationwide.

PLDT Group bagged a total of 24 trophies, including Company of the Year – first runner-up, for Smart Communications (“Smart”). Corporate business group PLDT Enterprise received Awards of Excellence and a Merit Award, while PLDT HOME and PLDT’s Data Privacy Group won two Awards of Merit.

Smart won 18 Quill Awards, led by the Ka-Partner Rewards Program and Smart Millenniors, which were among the Top 5 Programs under the entire Communications Management division.

MERALCO SHINES BRIGHTLY Meralco received a total of 22 recognitions with nine Excellence and 13 Merit Awards, topping it off with 2nd Runner-up honors for Company of the Year.

Two of Meralco’s Excellence awardees also garnered the Top Division Awards for receiving the highest scores in their respective Divisions – Evaluation of One Meralco Foundation’s Household Electrification Program (“HEP”) for Communication Research; and Meralco Typhoon Watch 2018 for Communication Skills.

MPIC, MAYNILAD WATER AND PHILEX MINING MPIC won six Quill Awards in Community Relations, Corporate Social Responsibility, Audio/ Visual, Social Media Programs and Publications. Their renowned Shore It Up! program won for its #ShoreItUpNa10 (A Decade of Commitment).

Maynilad Water Services, and Philex Mining Corporation were awarded for their Sustainability Reports.

The Philippine Quill Awards is considered the country’s most prestigious awards program in the field of business communication – emphasizing the excellent use of communication in achieving goals and in making a difference in society. For the 2019 awards, the IABC received a total of 545 entries, making the First Pacific Group companies’ performance bright indeed. <<

The PLDT Group awardees.

16 THE VIEW

AWARDS

Meralco team with their awards.

First Pacific Group companies won a total of 72 awards in 16 categories COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT Internal Communcation PLDT

PLDT Group Data Privacy Office Handle With Care Campaign

[

Employee Engagement Maynilad Water

CineNRW

Central NRW Point System

[ [

Human Resources and Benefits Communication Meralco

Recruitment in the Social Media Era

[

Safety Communication [ Meralco Unang Hakbang Para Sa Kaligtasan: 2018 First Working Day Safety Campaign

Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication Meralco

PLDT Enterprise Smart

Biz Customer Testimonial Campaign

Meralco Online: Giving customers power over power itself [ Beyond Satisfaction [ Smart LTE Nation [ Smart Data Roaming Manager "Roam Fast, Roam Easy" Campaign [ Smart Ka-Partner Rewards Program [ Sun Prepaid Para Nimo Cebu [ TNT Free YouTube Campaign [ TNT Gigasurf50 Summer Campaign [ TNT SurfSaya Campaign [ Smart Free YouTube Every Day Campaign [ Smart Padala Milyun-Milyong Tiwala: Empowering partner agents to [ [

Voyager Innovations become digital community hubs

[

Voyager Innovations Investment Round: Affirming Leadership and Elevating the Philippine Technology Industry

Light Rail Manila Corporation

Rediscovering Filipino Heritage and Legacy Through Ikot MNL

[

Customer Relations Meralco

Meralco Advisory: Evolving to Empower Consumers through Communications

7th Luminaries: Welcoming the Brightest Future, Today [ Powering Up Customer-centric Service Communications [ Meralco Biz Power Up Forum â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Igniting Partnerships Through Real Customers [ [

THE VIEW 17

AWARDS

Media Relations Meralco

[

Meralco Advisory: Media Relations through Innovative Communications

[

Putting Things in Perspective: Meralco Benchmarks Electricity Rates with the Global Market

[

Maynilad Water

[

MERALCO Liwanag Park 2018

Managing the turbidity issue

Community Relations PLDT Metro Pacific Investments Foundation Voyager Innovations

PLDT At Your Service #ShoreItUpNa10

[ [

#PayMayaPaMore: Giving Filipinos 10 million reasons to pay cashless using PayMaya PayMaya Cares: Revolutionizing Customer Care in the Digital Era [ Accelerating Digital Payments Adoption through PayMaya's [ [

Cashless Communities Campaign

Corporate Social Responsibility Meralco Meralco Industrial Engineering Services MPIC Metro Iloilo Bulk Water (Metro Pacific Water) Smart

One Meralco’s Kita Kita Ngayong Pasko Campaign Namamasko Po: Magbigay ng Tulong, Maghatid ng Saya

[ [

Puno Ng Pag-ibig Empowering the Iloilo Youth through the MIB Rainwater Harvester Program

[ [

Smart Millenniors Across the Nation TNT Tropang Ready Batch 2 Disaster Preparedness for the Youth [ LearnSmart - Digitizing local language and culture by the community for [ [

the community

Smart Communities [ PayMaya & Oxfama’s iAFFORD - building economic resilience in the face of [

Voyager Innovations

disasters through innovative digital financial services

COMMUNICATION RESEARCH Communication Research Meralco

Evaluation of One Meralco Foundation’s Household Electrification Program (“HEP”)

[

COMMUNICATION SKILLS Special and Experiential Events PLDT Enterprise

[

Smart

[

Meralco

Maynilad Water Metro Pacific Water

Philippine Digital Convention 2018 12/12 Free Bee Day [ TNT Tropa Trip Summer Music Fest [ 7th Luminaries: Welcoming the Brightest Future, Today [ Unleashed: Defy All Limits – MVP Academic Achievement Awards 2018 [ Araw ng mga Lineman – A Tribute to Meralco’s Modern Day Heroes [ Source 2018: A Vendor Conference, Exhibit, and Recognition Program [ The 10th IWA Efficient Urban Water Management Conference in Manila

Communication for the Web Meralco

Power Ideas Digital Campaign: Share Success, Push for Progress ESH Matters Portal: One Stop Shop Digital Solution for MERALCO’s Environment,

[ [

18 THE VIEW

Safety and Health Management System

AWARDS

Audio/Visual

Extraordinary Jobs #MayniLOVE Explainer Videos [ Episode 2: Mayni-LAD to the rescue! [ LearnSmart - Supporting Literacy through Mother Tongue-Based Apps [ Travel Smart with Kultoura

MPIC

[

Maynilad Water

[

Smart

Social Media Programs Smart

Smart Communities Free Bee e-Grad Project [ Meralco Typhoon Watch 2018 [ Bagong Bayani [ Extraordinary Jobs [ #MaynilLOVE for the Win – A Campaign for Managing the Traffic Impact [ [

Meralco MPIC Maynilad Water

of Maynilad Projects

Ang Pagbabalik ng Da Patapons

[

Publications PLDT ENTERPRISE

[

Voyager Innovations

[

MPIC

[

Meralco

HOT JOE Online Enriching the National Conversation on Financial Inclusion through the Inclusive Digital Finance Report

Metro Pacific Investments Corporation 2017 Digital Sustainability Report [ A Brilliant Past, An Even Brighter Future: Meralco and One Meralco Foundation 2017 Unified Annual Reports

Power Club: Powering Innovative Partnerships [ Expanding Horizons: Maynilad 2017 Sustainability Report [ Ripples, The Official Company Newsletter of Maynilad [

Maynilad Water Writing Philex Mining

Balance: Philex Mining Corporation’s 2017 Sustainability Report

[

Tollways group reaps Asset Magazine awards

H

ong Kong-based Asset Magazine awarded Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (“MPTC”) four top awards in July 2019.

The company won the “Project Sponsor of the Year” award for 2019 for the transport sector under the institutional awards category.

MPTC President and CEO Rodrigo E Franco told the Manila Standard, “This award all the more underscores shareholder belief and commitment in all our cited infrastructure projects.”

The “PPP Deal of the Year’ was awarded to the = P 24.2-billion Cavite Laguna Expressway (“CALAX”), Franco said, “It was also the largest project finance deal in the country in 2018.” The 45-km toll road project represented the largest financing in the Philippines for a toll road project outside Metro Manila.

MPTC also won for its success in closing financing deals for two other major Philippine toll road projects in 2018: Cebu Cordova Link Expressway (“CCLEX”) won “Transport Deal of the Year” and Cavite Expressway (“CAVITEX”) won

MPTC CFO Christopher D Lizo and MPTC President and CEO Rodrigo E Franco.

“Transport Deal of the Year-Highly Commended”.

MPTC CFO Christopher D Lizo told the Manila Standard, “Given the difficult financing environment in 2018, the financing transactions related to these infrastructure projects are proof of the lenders’ solid support.” << THE VIEW 19

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL & GOVERNANCE

BE SUPER. BE A HERO.

MVP Superhero Run

O

n 20 July 2019, First Pacific Group companies in the Philippines staged a huge fundraising event in which over 2,800 heroes gave their all for an excellent cause.

Employees, family and friends from PLDT Group, Smart Communications, Meralco, MPIC, Maynilad, Metro Pacific Tollways, Roxas Holdings, TV5, Cignal TV, Philex Mining, and several hospitals and medical centers of Metro Pacific Hospital Group participated in the event.

The MVP Superhero Run marked the 73rd birthday of First Pacific CEO, Manuel V Pangilinan and supports projects of Tulong Kapatid, REAL-LIFE HEROES FETED the corporate social “This year, we chose to have responsibility consortium a fun run that celebrates the of the First Pacific Group superheroes not just among companies in the Philippines.

MVP Group employees, It is MVP’s tradition to but also among the public celebrate his birthdays sector,” said PLDT-Smart by giving to others. “We Foundation President Ma collaborate on Tulong Esther O Santos. These realKapatid projects that aim to life heroes were sponsored improve the lives of Filipino runners from the Armed communities, specifically Forces of the Philippines, in the areas of disaster Philippine Marine Corps, Birthday celebrant Manuel V Pangilinan with Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto response and recovery, Philippine Coast Guard, and Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno education, livelihood, youth traffic enforcers from the and sports development,” explained PLDTMakati Public Safety Department, janitorial Smart Head of Public Affairs Ramon R Isberto. and messengerial personnel from PLDT-Smart

20 THE VIEW

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL & GOVERNANCE

Runners from Philippine Marine Corps

Starting line

(L-R) PLDT-Smart Public Affairs Head Ramon R Isberto, TV5 and Cignal TV President and CEO Jane Jimenez-Basas, MPIC VP for Public Relations and Corporate Communications Melody M Del Rosario, Meralco Strategy and Business Development Office Head Raymond B Ravelo, Meralco Chief CSR Officer and One Meralco Foundation President Jeffrey O Tarayao, Maynilad Water Services President and CEO Mon S Fernandez, PLDT-Smart Foundation President Ma. Esther O Santos, Malabon City Mayor Lenlen A Oreta III, Meralco President and CEO Ray C Espinosa, MVP Group of Companies Head Manuel V Pangilinan, and Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno.

Malabon City Mayor Lenlen A Oreta III (2nd from left), with (L-R) PLDT-Smart Foundation President Ma. Esther O Santos, Meralco Chief CSR Officer and One Meralco Foundation President Jeffrey O Tarayao, and Meralco Strategy and Business Development Office Head Raymond B Ravelo.

corporate offices, and other groups. The uniformed personnel superheroes were later treated to a feast, courtesy of PLDT-Smart Foundation and Alagang Kapatid Foundation.

by Mayors Isko Moreno, Lenlen Oreta, and Vico Sotto, respectively, also graced the event. Celebrity runner Coach Rio de la Cruz and Group executives were also present.

Awards were also given to top race finishers in the 5-kilometer and 2.5-kilometer categories. There was also a one-kilometer fun run and special prizes for runners who dressed in colorful superhero costumes.

Chief CSR Officer at Meralco and President of One Meralco Foundation, Jeffrey Tarayao emphasized the true spirit of MVP MVP Sports Foundation Superhero Run, â&#x20AC;&#x153;to signify our Executive Director Coach Ryan Gregorio commitment as a united team delivered the opening remarks that is eager to create meaningful initiatives in the community - something that Public servants from the local government we have all learned from MVP and will carry of Manila, Malabon, and Pasig, represented wherever we go,â&#x20AC;? Tarayao shared. <<

THE VIEW 21

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL & GOVERNANCE

FARMERS RIPE FOR INNOVATION Smart’s Digital Farmers Program

What happens when a smallscale farmer in a remote rural area is given a 21st century digital education? Watch this space, as Philippine farmers are starting to gain access to advanced digital tools and technologies to help boost productivity and marketability under a new initiative of Smart Communications (“Smart”) and the Department of Agriculture Agricultural Training Institute (“DA-ATI”).

T

he Digital Farmers Program (“DFP”) is aligned with PLDT’s commitment of supporting the 17 Sustainable Goals of the United Nations, and aims to empower small-scale farmers through a unique education approach. The first phase involves familiarizing them with smartphone features, android capabilities, social media platforms, search engines, messaging channels. Farmers will also be trained in basic photo and videography, interviewing, writing and editing skills to develop local agri-related content.

DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURS OF THE FUTURE In the second phase, trainees will learn about mobile agriculture and financial services: 3rd party farming apps, mobile e-money, micro credit, and more. The final phase will involve training in digital entrepreneurship, Internet of Things (IoT), content development modules, and advanced internet safety, such as data privacy.

The Philippine government is keen to advance the local industry’s adoption of more innovative forms of technology in farming. So far, the government has developed online training and information resources as well as mobile apps that help farmers learn how to deal with practical problems, such as pest control and weather monitoring. The government’s longterm vision of digital inclusion includes the use of drones, analytics, precision farming, artificial intelligence, climate and weather monitoring I.T. solutions, digital apps, e-money, blockchain, and other multi-layer platforms.

Adoption of online smart farming digital tools has however remained low. The small-scale Filipino farmers’ average age of 57 years old and average educational attainment of 5th grade. These factors have effectively excluded them from productivity-boosting innovations,

22 THE VIEW

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL & GOVERNANCE

and many of them don’t have or don’t know how to use smartphones.

THE DFP IS MEANT TO START CLOSING THAT GAP Through the DFP, farmers do not only expand their skill set, but also be able to expand their network of resources and access to a wider market.

“The project specifically gives emphasis to the United Nations’ goals of No Poverty and Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure,” said Smart Vice President for Community Partnerships Darwin F Flores, “There is already an economic divide, so it is upon companies such as Smart to help close the digital divide through initiatives such as DFP.” <<

“

WE ARE EXPECTING THE INCOME OF FARMERS TO INCREASE AS THEY ADAPT INNOVATIONS INTENDED TO BOOST THEIR PRODUCTIVITY AND MARKETABILITY. AS THIS HAPPENS, WE HOPE THAT THE PUBLIC WILL SEE HOW AGRICULTURE IS A SUSTAINABLE AND PROFITABLE INDUSTRY, SO THAT MORE FILIPINOS – ESPECIALLY THE YOUTH – WILL GET INTO IT AND HELP FEED GENERATIONS TO COME. DA-ATI Chief, Information Services Division, Antonieta J Arceo

”

THE VIEW 23

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL & GOVERNANCE

Indofood supports food research

F

ood security is critical to every country so that its people, at all times, have physical and economic access to safe, nutritious and affordable food, providing the foundation for an active and healthy life. Since 2006, Indofood has run a research grant program, Indofood Riset Nugraha (“IRN”), to support quality food-related research. IRN awards research grants to undergraduates conducting food-related research that advances national food security. The program is supervised by IRN Expert Board which comprises of well-respected and highly reputable individuals from leading universities and research centers in Indonesia.

63 AWARDED STUDENTS As part of the promotion of the IRN Program for the period of 2019-2020, Indofood conducted roadshows at several universities in Indonesia, in April 2019. The company received more than 300

research proposals, and after the selection process, 63 students from 45 universities succeeded in joining the program based on an assessment

by IRN Expert Board. On 11 September 2019, Indofood conducted the Signing Ceremony of Research Contracts for the IRN Program for the period of 2019-2020. It also awarded the Selected Three Researchers for the 2018-2019 program. These three scholars have passed the specified criteria determined by IRN Expert Board, including their ability to perform well during the research, prioritizing quality, potential research, and attitude towards the overall research. The awardee will conduct a scientific tour to visit the facility of

one of the leading Flavor Houses, that supports the food industry and Food Innovation Research Centre in Singapore.

COACHING CLINIC In order to sharpen the research skills of the successful applicants of the IRN 2019-2020 program, Indofood held a Coaching Clinic at Bumi Cikeas under the guidance of the IRN Expert Board in September 2019.

Indofood hopes that more students will be more encouraged into food research, and continue to deliver outstanding research to support and contribute to national food security and food diversification. <<

TOP THREE RESEARCHERS SELECTED FOR 2018-2019 PROGRAM [ Mariska Pricilla from the Surya University, Tangerang [ Muhammad Fahrurrozi Absirin from the Bogor Institute of Agriculture [ Sayydull Fath from the Syiah Kuala University, Aceh

IRN PROGRAM 2019-2020

300

research proposals received

63 45

researchers from

universities selected Representatives of the IRN Expert Board and Indofood’s Board of Directors with the selected three researchers.

24 THE VIEW

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL & GOVERNANCE

Opportunities expand 17 winning teams announced

ACCESSIWHEELS

AIRSHIP LOGISTICS

A transportation booking app for the mobilitychallenged

A low-cost endto-end solution for courier companies

AUTOMART

An AI-enabled marketing assistant for real estate developers and brokers

A technologybased, beach hotel co-brand aggregator

DCLA

EMERALD DISTRICT

BROOKY An online used car auction platform

I

deaSpace, the largest and longest-running early-stage startup accelerator in the Philippines, has expanded the competition from 10 winners to a potential 20 this year.

After months of preparation, rounds of judging, and a 6-week remote incubation period, IdeaSpace presented its 17 winning teams in June 2019. The successful teams have joined the IdeaSpace Acceleration Program Cohort 7.

The selected teams will receive equity-free funding, and non-cash support including training, mentorship, legal services, and office space in Makati City, worth a combined total of at least = P 600,000. Each of the startups will also get a chance to compete for one of three ultimate winners of an equity investment of = P 1 million each at the end of the acceleration program.

IdeaSpace Executive Director, Diane Eustaquio noted, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has been often said that this is a numbers game - more founders, more startups more chances of success. Thus IdeaSpace is committed to continuously feed into the Philippine science and tech startup ecosystem, more startups this year, in the year after next, year after year.â&#x20AC;?

ASSETS A marketplace for secondhand/ repossessed assets

CONTRACK A platform that connects home and business owners to accredited, local home and office improvement services providers

E-MAGSASAKA AGRIVENTURES A farm-to-fork supply chain solution

OLIVIA A gamified tracker for expenses and an investment tool for women

An end-to-end computer learning scheme for basic education

EXPERIENCE PHILIPPINES A community travel platform that offers themed, gamified experiences

OMNIBUS A cloud-based platform for legal practitioners

SURELOTTO

TMB

An app for the purchase of lottery tickets and notifications

An online community app for basketballers

COCOTEL

A collaborative platform for autism healthcare practitioners

IOL A gamified e-learning platform for business education

PANDALIVERY A hyperlocal food delivery solution

IdeaSpace launched a new Opportunity Fund last year. The fund provides financial support to Philippine startups that are ready for scale.

It is part of the multi-million-peso startup fund endowed by the First Pacific Group companies in the Philippines. << THE VIEW 25

www.firstpacific.com