THE VIEW – 11/2021

Maya Bank, the digital finance arm of PLDT’s subsidiary, Voyager Innovations, is growing at a stellar pace. In October this year, it passed the one-million customer mark and registered a 10 billion deposit balance.

The pent-up demand in the Philippines for an all-in-one, frictionless banking experience is the reason for its success - just five months since launch.

Another driver of growth is the attraction of the unique Maya money app that cohesively integrates the power of an e-wallet, savings, credit, and crypto in one platform. Customers appreciate the groundbreaking features that enable them to efficiently manage their finances and build their savings.

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

Telephone: +852 2842 4388 www.firstpacific.com

PUBLISHER

Manuel V Pangilinan

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

John Ryan

EXECUTIVE EDITORIAL ADVISOR

Sara Cheung

EDITORIAL AND DESIGN TEAM

Editor

Julia Brown Production Director

Katy Li

Creative Director

Jan Adams

VISIT THE VIEW ONLINE

Welcome to the November edition of The View and visit our online version at www.firstpacific.com/press/ theview. It highlights stories from First Pacific and our investee companies with videos to bring the 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.

A Word from the Chief

Maya Bank’s customer base passes the million mark

PLDT launches US-Transpacific Jupiter Cable system

PLDT’s cutting-edge commitment to customers

The possibilities are boundless – Philippine Digicon 2022

Indofood stages The Fun of Being Together at the 2022 Jakarta Fair 10 Chitato takes the high ground

Indofood’s super noodle innovation

Indomilk Susu Steril

MPTC sets sights on vital milestone – the NLEX Connector

A new era for Filipino healthcare

Meralco advances its solar agenda

Indofood wins HSBC Net Zero Transition Special Award

Indofood’s Axton Salim honored in Campaign Asia-Pacific’s 2022 Power List

Indofood shines at Global Energy Management Leadership Awards 2022 16 PLDT, Smart among the world’s best at 2022 World Communication Awards 16 PLDT Home wins Ookla Speedtest Award for fifth year

MPIC CFO Cabal-Revilla hailed as 2022 Sustainability Leader

MPIC awarded Most Honored Company status by Institutional Investor

MPIC awarded as Finance for the Future Winner

Maynilad wins US Research Institute award

MPIF’s Bayan Tanim! awarded Outstanding CSR Project in Disaster Resilience

Group companies host top-level Sustainability Summit

Indofood at the World Economic Forum

Meralco uplifts deserving students

MPIF’s Shore It Up! champions Mabini

IdeaSpace’s year of innovation, acceleration

First Pacific is a Hong Kong-based investment holding company with investments located in Asia-Pacific. The Company’s principal investments are in consumer food products, telecommunications, infrastructure and natural resources.

Within these sectors, our mission is to unlock value by:

Delivering dividend/distribution returns to shareholders;

Delivering share price/value appreciation of First Pacific, and

Making further investments 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

Fellow members of the First Pacific community,

Much has happened since our last issue half a year ago. On First Pacific’s earnings front, contribution from operations rose 21% to a record high in the first half of 2022 at US$302.5 million on improved performances by all the companies First Pacific is invested in. PacificLight Power saw its contribution rise more than 10-fold on surging demand for electricity in Singapore while Indofood and PLDT delivered their highest-ever revenues on continuing growth in demand for food products and data services. At Head Office, net interest expense declined 5% to US$24.4 million notwithstanding the worsening interest rate environment. As a result of all this, recurring profit rose 26% to a record high US$263.3 million. Our US$100 million share repurchase program is well under way to enhance returns to shareholders with spending of US$38.3 million from April 2021 to early November 2022. To top it all off, our investee companies forecast higher earnings over the medium term on increasing consumer purchasing power.

Over in the Philippines, Maya Bank is growing at a stellar pace, passing the one-million customer mark and registering a 10 billion deposit balance in just five months after its public launch. PLDT also launched the US-Transpacific Jupiter Cable system, which expands the Philippines’ hyperscaler capability. PLDT’s leadership was reinforced with PLDT Home winning Ookla’s Speedtest

Award for the fifth year running and PLDT and Smart listed among the world’s best telco service providers at the 2022 World Communication Awards.

Indofood continues to launch innovative food products, such as a truffle-flavoured potato chip in Chitato Lite Truffle, a healthy sterilized milk product, Indomilk Susu Steril, and a tasty and healthy new Supermi noodle product.

MPIC unveiled new branding for Metro Pacific Healthcare as The Heart of Filipino Healthcare. MPIC also marks an infrastructure milestone with the near-completion of the North Luzon Expressway (“NLEX”) Connector, which is set to significantly reduce local travel time.

Group companies in the Philippines explored new sustainability frontiers at their second top-level Sustainability Summit. Indofood Chief Marketing Officer and Director Axton Salim also addressed sustainability and resilience at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

And finally, I would like to wish you all a very happy and healthy Christmas with your friends and family. As we put the experience of pandemic behind us, let us remember in this festive season to cherish what we have and to take care of and support our loved ones and our communities.

Maya Bank’s customer base passes the million mark

Maya leads Filipino consumers, businesses and government agencies to an inclusive and transparent digital economy

ecosystem that addresses the everevolving financial needs of today’s generation.

FINANCIAL SERVICES NEED NOT BE COMPLEX. ”

It is the digital finance arm of PLDT’s digital subsidiary, Voyager Innovations. Maya Bank is licensed and supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (“BSP”).

Maya Bank, the leading digital bank in the Philippines, announced in October that it registered one million customers and reached a 10 billion deposit balance. The all-inone money platform reached the milestone in just five months after its public launch at end-April 2022.

“This astounding response to our efforts reflects the big opportunity for digital banking in the Philippines,” noted Vea.

Maya Group President and Maya Bank Co-Founder, Shailesh Baidwan added, “Filipinos are ready for more progressive digital experiences; that’s why we’ve established ourselves as the country’s leading digital bank app in record time. We’re continuing to strengthen our financial services ecosystem as we bring more innovative services to consumers and enterprises.”

CHANGING THE GAME IN FINANCIAL SERVICES

Maya is powered by a unique integrated financial services

Maya’s frictionless experience has changed the game for banking and payments. Its rapid growth points to the pent-up demand of Filipinos for an all-in-one digital banking and payments experience. Propelling Maya’s success is its customer experience, innovative services, personalized features, and highly reliable, secure platform.

“

Maya Group CEO and Founder and Co-Founder of Maya Bank, Orlando B Vea

MAYA – THE ALL-IN-ONE MONEY APP

The accessible, free-to-download Maya app is the only finance app in the Philippines that cohesively integrates the power of an e-wallet, savings, credit, and crypto in one platform. Customers can efficiently manage their finances and build their savings. Features include:

 Maya Savings - high-yield savings account with up to 6% introductory interest rate during the initial offering period, the highest currently offered by a local bank. It offers daily interest crediting, allowing bank customers to see their earnings reflected daily. Its Personal Goals feature

allows users to save in up to five different ‘wallets’ catering to specific goals.

 Maya Credit - a virtual credit line that lets customers borrow up to 15,000 within the app.

Maya Crypto – enabling customers to buy, hold, and sell popular coins, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and more, for as low as 1.

Maya Wallet – offering all the e-wallet features and refreshed customer experience that made Maya the top-rated local finance app in the Philippines. Customers enjoy free cash-in through over 90,000 touchpoints nationwide.

Baidwan noted, “Maya is all about challenging conventions – and this translates into the experience we’re giving our users with this new all-in-one money app. With this transformation, we want to enable Filipinos to make bolder choices with their money and seize opportunitiesbig and small.”

In every step of the app experience, users enjoy robust security, from password or pin requirements to multi-factor authentication requirements for everything from registration to bank transfers and more. Maya continuously conducts information and education drives, releasing privacy and securityfocused advisories on its official

MAYA BUSINESS: THE ALL-INONE GROWTH PARTNER FOR ENTERPRISES

Making it easier for merchants to grow their businesses, Maya Business offers end-to-end omnichannel solutions and competitive payment rates with all major payment providers. It can also easily disburse employee payroll, settle taxes, and pay their suppliers within the platform. Maya Business also offers a fully digital business deposit account with free PESONet transfers and a 1.5% interest rate - four times higher than traditional banks.

Maya’s agent network, Maya Center, (formerly known as Smart Padala), offers over 65,000 touchpoints across the Philippines. <<

MAYA CITED AMONG MOST PROMISING GLOBAL FINTECH FIRMS

CB Insights named Maya in its fifth-annual Fintech 250 ranking, which showcases the 250 most promising private fintech companies of 2022.

Maya, through its parent company Voyager Innovations, joins an elite international roster that includes digital banks Revolut and N26, PayPalbacked payment processor Stripe, merchant platform Pine Labs, and crypto platform Binance.

The citation is in recognition of Maya’s strong record of execution as the only platform with a top-rated all-in-one money app, leading merchant payments processor business, most extensive MSME onground network, and the fastest growing digital bank in the Philippines.

“This year’s Fintech 250 winners are shaping the future of financial services, from payments and banking to investing and insurance,” said SVP of CB Insights’ Intelligence Unit, Brian Lee, “Representing more than 30 countries, these companies are creating safer and more efficient payment methods and transforming how traditional banking, insurance, and investing products are delivered.”

CB Insights selected Maya as one of the 250 winners from a pool of over 12,500 private companies. Winners were chosen based on factors including R&D activity, proprietary Mosaic scores, market potential and other criteria.

PLDT launches US-Transpacific Jupiter Cable system

This August, PLDT celebrated the activation of the Philippines’ newest international submarine cable, the US-Transpacific Jupiter Cable system. As the country’s fastest, direct data cable link to the US and Japan, Jupiter will triple PLDT’s international capacity to about 60 Terabit/s.

Submarine fiber optic cables are among the most critical components of the internet’s infrastructure, serving as the backbone connecting countries and enabling digital services across the globe.

AN INVESTMENT IN NEXT-GENERATION INDUSTRIES

The 14,000-kilometer Jupiter Cable system connects the Philippines directly from PLDT’s cable landing station in Daet, Camarines Norte to Japan and the US West Coast. PLDT’s investment in Jupiter responds to the rapidly growing requirements for digital services and nextgeneration technologies.

EXPANDING CABLE AND FIBER OPTIC NETWORKS

PLDT has extensive participation in 16 international submarine cable networks and is set to expand further with the completion of two more major international cable systems - the Asia Direct Cable (“ADC”) and the APRICOT cable system, set for completion in the next two years. It also operates the most expansive fiber optic network among local ISPs at 803,000 kilometers linking all islands in the archipelago with fiber connectivity.

“The PLDT Group takes pride in leading our nation’s digital advancement, made possible through dynamic synergies with government and private sector partners,” PLDT and Smart President and CEO Alfredo S Panlilio said as he acknowledged guests at the launch event.

Among those present were PLDT Chairman Manuel V Pangilinan, Department of Information Communication Technology Secretary Atty. Ivan John E Uy, Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E Pascual, Japan Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko, US Ambassador MaryKay Loss Carlson, and NTT SVP and Head of Global Business Hideaki Ozaki. Major partners of corporate business unit PLDT Enterprise, its ICT arm ePLDT, and international business unit PLDT Global Corporation were also in attendance.

RAMPING UP THE GLOBAL TRADE IN DIGITAL SERVICES

“Our investment in Jupiter will exponentially boost the Philippines’ international capacity, ramp up the global trade of digital services, and propel the nation’s digital economy, while increasing internet speed and reliability for Filipinos,” Panlilio explained.

“This milestone immensely strengthens our thrust in helping us position the Philippines as the next hyperscaler hub of Asia-Pacific and enriching the country’s Hyperscale Ecosystem,” said PLDT and Smart FVP and Head of Enterprise Business Group Jojo G Gendrano. “Our network of VITRO data centers, with our newest to be built in Sta. Rosa, readies the country to service and drive this rising industry.”

PLDT leads in supporting data-driven industries, particularly those with global operations and high-bandwidth demands such as BPOs, multinationals, and global hyperscalers.

PLDT’s investment in the Jupiter Cable system reinforces its long-standing commitment to help the Philippines attain UNSDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. <<

PLDT is on a mission to develop the Philippines’ international data capacity and digital infrastructure with the goal to advance the country’s economic growth.

PLDT’s cutting-edge commitment to customers

PLDT, Smart unveil world-class, customer-focused integrated operations center

The principle of putting customers at the heart of PLDT operations has been further realized in the new PLDT-Smart Integrated Operations Center, (“IOC”) opened in September in Makati City. The cutting-edge facility houses the Group’s network teams.

PLDT and Smart Head of Network Build and Implementation Debbie M Hu, delivering a message on behalf of PLDT and Smart President and CEO Alfredo S Panlilio, said: “We at PLDT have always talked about putting our customers first, as our North Star for all group-wide efforts. This Integrated Operations Center is just another concrete proof of that commitment, having built this facility with the goal of elevating customer experience.”

A TOPNOTCH EXPERIENCE

“This cutting-edge facility is the latest testament to the commitment of the PLDT Group to be at the forefront of

innovation in the country,” said PLDT Senior Vice President Mario G Tamayo, delivering a message on behalf of PLDT Chairman Manuel V Pangilinan.

“With our investment in the PLDTSmart IOC, which will oversee the operations and monitor the performance of the country’s most extensive fiber infrastructure of PLDT and the wireless facilities of Smart, we are ensuring not only the topnotch experience of our customers on our network and with our services–we are

also contributing greatly to helping the government realize its ambition to improve the country’s digital infrastructure, making available the best of our technologies to put the Philippines at par with the rest of Asia and the world.”

24/7 MONITORING AND OUTREACH

The IOC is equipped with top-tier network monitoring and multimedia conferencing facilities. At the heart of the 24/7 IOC is a 30-meter-wide video wall displaying network dashboards, which enables PLDT and Smart’s network teams to immediately identify areas affected by service outages, and reach out to impacted customers, especially in the event of disasters.

The IOC also features leisure and sports facilities, a clinic, collaborative spaces, and sleeping quarters, to foster work-life balance for PLDT and Smart’s network personnel and enable the Group to keep operations running even in the event of lockdowns.

INVESTING IN EXCELLENCE

The establishment of the IOC is part of the PLDT Group’s continuous investments in its network, having spent 518.5 billion for the last 10 years up to 2021. Network-related initiatives made up the bulk of the 89 billion spend for 2021. Capex guidance for 2022 is 85 billion. <<

PLDT and Smart inaugurated the PLDT-Smart Integrated Operations Center in Makati City, with officials from the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the National Telecommunications Commission.

The possibilities are boundless

PLDT hosts annual Philippine Digicon 2022

PLDT Enterprise staged the country’s most prestigious thought leadership event, the Philippine Digital Convention (“PH Digicon”) from 27 to 28 October 2022. Now in its eighth year, the theme is ‘Boundless’: exploring the latest technology trends, innovations and insights to help businesses maximize opportunities and prosper.

In a welcome return to an on-site event, PH Digicon 2022 featured a hybrid setup where virtual delegates were invited to participate via live broadcast, simultaneous to the on-site program. Inclusively, registration was free for both full and virtual access.

CHAMPIONING INFRASTRUCTURE AND TALENT

PLDT Group Chairman Manuel V Pangilinan introduced the ‘Boundless’ theme of PH Digicon at its media launch on 19 October, outlining the extensive opportunities that come with digital transformation.

“You cannot have the internet and the digital world without the basic infrastructure, which is digital by itself,” Pangilinan said, while also championing the drive for IT talent in Philippine businesses.

He noted that PLDT and Smart have invested heavily in digital

infrastructure and talent to position the group for the era of rapid digital change and boundless possibilities.

HEADLINER ‘MAGIC’

PH Digicon is known for creating excitement and inspiration. It has attracted superstar headliners over the years. The 2022 event was headlined by NBA Legend, Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson, one of the most powerful and respected African-American businessmen and philanthropists in the world. He is Chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises and founder of the Magic Johnson Foundation, an organization that works to raise funds for community-based organizations dealing with HIV/AIDS education and prevention programs.

He shared his journey as a global businessman, advocate and entrepreneur navigating the digital frontiers.

SPARKING TECHNOLOGICAL EMPOWERMENT

Globally-recognized industry experts led the plenary session together with invited experts from across industries for an engaging discussion, helping to spark technological empowerment among businesses. Attendees gained invaluable learnings and best practices from keynote presentations, panel discussions, and insight sharing.

This year’s Digicon included a Women Power Panel, featuring executives from business and government who have shattered the glass ceiling in the Philippines. The panel included Department of the Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Toni YuloLoyzaga, Summit Media Founder and President Lisa Y Gokongwei-Cheng, Shell Philippines President and CEO Lorelie Quiambao-Osial and Landbank Philippines CEO Cecilia Borromeo.

The event covered timely topics such as powering the hyperscale revolution; bridging the divergence between digitization and cyber risk management; emerging technologies that will shape tomorrow’s enterprises and building a digital nation through smart cities.

PUSHING PAST ONE’S LIMITS

FVP and Head of PLDT and Smart Enterprise Jojo Gendrano described the experience as “… a whole new level of discovery in pushing past one’s limits to be more efficient, collaborative, resilient, and agile.”

PLDT and Smart President and CEO Al S Panlilio commented, “True to our #Boundless theme for this year’s #PHDigicon, I was inspired to hear powerful insights from those who leveraged on boundless opportunities presented amidst the recent challenging years. Perspectives from our #PHDigicon2022 headliner Magic Johnson, fellow speakers and panelists from Cisco, Nokia, Land Bank of the Philippines, Summit Media, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Shell, as well as colleagues from PLDT Enterprise and ePLDT reinforced how there truly is no better time to move forward and thrive - especially with the help of digital technology.”

Over 6 million visitors at Jakarta Fair 2022

Indofood stages The Fun of Being Together

Visitors flock to the 2022 Jakarta Fair

The Jakarta Fair Kemayoran is the largest exhibition in Southeast Asia, a grand annual event designed to promote Indonesian products in the domestic and global markets.

Indofood has been a prominent participant for the past decade, as part of its commitment to Indonesian families and culinary traditions. This year’s activity was particularly special as it was the first face-to-face post-pandemic Fair after two years.

MASSIVE DEMAND DRIVES HUGE ATTENDANCE

Pent-up demand drove over 6 million visitors to this year’s Fair, from 9 June to 17 July. They enjoyed a spectacular Indofood experience, themed The Fun of Being Together at Rumah Indofood. The two booths occupied 2,000 sqm and showcased a range of Indofood products and the concept of Warung Makan Indomie (Indomie food stalls).

The fun and festivities were staged in accordance with strict health protocols and social distancing. Indofood patrons were

treated to chef cooking demonstrations with Indofood products and performances by celebrity Chef Nicky Tirta and culinary YouTube Influencer Mas Puguh. An MC led an ongoing series of interactive games and quizzes - with visitors winning special Indofood prizes.

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Indofood hosted a marching band with memorable songs to entertain visitors. Jakarta football stars from Persija FC were on hand for meet-and-greet sessions. Indofood also staged E-sport performances from leading Indonesia E-sport teams RRQ and Evos.

The Indofood booths were voted once again as favorites of visitors to the Jakarta Fair. As part of a program of inclusivity, Indofood employees from various divisions were treated to after-office visits with dinner vouchers and Indofood gifts.

The momentum built by the 2022 Fair and the popularity of the Indofood booths set the scene for its continuing success in the Indonesian market and abroad. <<

CHITATO TAKES THE

HIGH GROUND

Indofood brand leader releases the limited-edition Lite Truffle

luxury. Indofood’s Chitato brand, the leader in the Indonesian snack market has developed the limited edition Chitato Lite Truffle to excite its consumers, especially the younger Gen Z group, who crave new and unique taste

and pasta in dishes by global great chefs. Chitato saw the opportunity to make the exotic ingredient available to its discerning snack market. It positioned the product to create a sensation, with the distribution of The Five Senses Luxury Box for key opinion leaders and YouTubers.

With elegant purple packaging that releases an indulgent truffle aroma upon opening, the feel and taste of each thin crisp and the satisfying

December 2022, this product is set to put the

INDOFOOD’S SUPER NOODLE INNOVATION

Indofood’s popular instant noodle brand, Supermi, has launched an innovative healthy noodle variant, Supermi Nutrimi Fried Noodle Flavor.

Responding to the Indonesian consumers’ rising interest in a healthier lifestyle, Indofood has developed the tasty and healthy noodle made with broccoli and mushroom bouillon, free from artificial color or flavoring. The green noodles are produced via air-dried technology, which results in less oil and residue in the water during cooking. They come with a crispy fried onion topping that adds a delicious texture.

Supermi Nutrimi Fried Noodle Flavor has been categorized as a Healthier Choice product by The National Agency of Drug and Food Control.

Available throughout Indonesia since August this year, the product is affordable at approximately 29 US cents. <<

Indomilk Susu Steril

Indofood’s PT Indolakto, through its dairy brand, Indomilk, has launched a healthy sterilized milk product to support an active lifestyle.

Indomilk Susu Steril comes in convenient cans and in two flavors: Plain and Honey (made with natural honey to a subtle level of sweetness).

A LIGHTER, MORE PLEASANT MILK EXPERIENCE

Targeting active consumers on-the-go, the milk is made from 100% fresh milk and has a comforting taste and aroma. The light, smooth milk texture makes it a pleasant drink with all the health benefits of high-quality milk. The sterilization process locks in all the nutrients that boost the immune system, while giving it a long shelf-life.

Indomilk Susu Steril is made from fresh milk from Holstein cows farmed in Indonesia by Indomilk’s dairy partners. Its superior milky goodness and pleasant experience set it apart as a daily drink for the active life. <<

MPTC SETS SIGHTS ON VITAL MILESTONE

The Philippines’ Metro Manila can look forward to an alleviation in traffic congestion - and a welcome boost to the logistics sector.

NLEX Corporation announced in late August 2022 that the first fivekilometer section of the NLEX Connector between Caloocan Interchange on C3 Road and the future España Interchange in Manila is nearly complete.

A SWIFTER DELIVERY OF GOODS

NLEX is a unit of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (“MPTC”), the toll road arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (“MPIC”).

NLEX Corporation President and General Manager J Luigi L Bautista remarked, “We are pleased to note that this vital infrastructure project aimed at easing travel achieves another milestone as it reaches 80 percent completion. This inspires optimism for the logistics sector since in a few months’ time, truckers will

have a 24/7 alternative route which will enable unimpeded delivery of goods.”

REDUCING TRAVEL TIMES BY 60%

The NLEX Connector is targeting to serve around 35,000 motorists per day. The four-lane, all-vehicle class elevated expressway runs mostly above the alignment of the Philippine National Railways and spans eight kilometers. It terminates at the vicinity of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Sta. Mesa, Manila. It is designed to significantly reduce travel time from NLEX to South Luzon by at least 60 percent and expected to enhance the journey between international airports such as Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Clark.

A public-private partnership (“PPP”) project between the Department of Public Works and Highways (“DPWH”) and NLEX Corporation, this new road will stimulate development between Metro Manila and its surrounding provinces. It will greatly improve the mobility of the supply chain and logistics sectors, which are integral to the Philippines’ economic growth and competitiveness. <<

A new era for Filipino healthcare

Metro Pacific Hospitals rebrand to Metro Pacific Health

ACCESSIBLE, LOWERCOST QUALITY HEALTHCARE

Over the past 15 years, MPH has built a network of 19 hospitals and plans to expand to over 40 hospitals within a decade.

Metro Pacific Hospitals unveiled its rebrand on 12 October 2022 at a brand equity launch event in Manila, the Philippines. The launch reflects the beginning of a new era of modernized, high-quality patient-centric healthcare.

The newly-branded Metro Pacific Health (“MPH”) promises to be the “Heart of Filipino Healthcare”. The brand’s new identity includes a fresh logo, tagline, video campaigns and even a song.

MPH Chairman Manuel V Pangilinan noted the significance of the new identity in his address, “Today, we rename Metro Pacific Hospitals to Metro Pacific Health – symbolizing not only a wider spectrum of investments in health services, but also our enhanced mission of responding to the most pressing concern of our people.”

As the country’s largest integrated private healthcare network, MPH is guided by compassionate principles and its key goals are:  Lower prices for the everyday Filipino  Accessible delivery channels beyond hospitals – from virtual care online and through apps to mobile care and home care  World-class medical care in the Philippines  Compassionate service that puts patients first

STARTING WITH COMPASSION FROM WITHIN

MPH President Augie Palisoc Jr. explained, “The Philippines has many talented doctors and medical professionals. They just need a well-equipped and well-managed hospital to practice in. By starting with compassion from within - through employee development and support - MPH can provide the high-standard Filipino care that the masses deserve.”

MPH CEO Dr. Harish Pillai added, “My personal dream as a clinician is for no Filipino to have to fly out of

the country for world-class medical attention, and for no Filipino to be deprived of quality medical care in their own country.” MPH is working towards realizing this dream.

The driving force behind MPH’s expanded efforts is its brand ethos –to provide Filipino service that comes from the heart. The company now operates with the message, “While our standards are global, our touch stays personal.” <<

MPH’s representatives and leaders (from L to R) Host RJ Ledesma, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Dr. Eliza Navarro, MPH Chairman Manuel V Pangilinan, MPH Vice Chairman and President Augie Palisoc Jr., MPH CEO Dr. Harish Pillai, MPH Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer Isca Abaya, Commonwealth Hospital and Medical Center representative Raphael Durmiendo.

MERALCO ADVANCES ITS SOLAR AGENDA

MGreen and Vena Energy commemorate the on-track development of Ilocos Norte solar project

Meralco PowerGen Corporation (“MGEN”) - the power generation arm of Meralco - and its wholly-owned unit, MGen Renewable Energy, Inc. (“MGreen”)have set their sights on building 1,500 MW of renewable energy projects in the next seven years.

PARTNERING IN RENEWABLES

As part of One Meralco’s longterm sustainability agenda, MGEN commenced commercial operations in 2021 of BulacanSol’s 55 MWac solar plant located in San Miguel, Bulacan, followed by the construction of another 75 MWac solar project in Baras, Rizal through PH Renewables, Inc.

Vena Energy is a leading renewable energy company in the Asia-Pacific region that owns, develops, constructs, operates, manages, and commercializes a renewable energy portfolio totaling 18 GW of solar, onshore wind, offshore wind, battery energy storage, and hybrid renewable energy projects.

MGreen formed a partnership with Vena Energy in February 2022 for the development, construction and operation of a 68 MWac solar project in Currimao, Ilocos Norte, on the Philippines’ Luzon Island.

The project is set to complete energization by the end of 2022 and commence commercial operations by the first quarter of 2023.

OVERCOMING TRIALS ON THE PATH TO ECONOMIC PROGRESS MGreen and Vena Energy held a ceremony in August this year to lay a time capsule to celebrate the ontrack construction of the project.

MGEN President and CEO Jaime T Azurin noted, “Today is a celebration of both small and big wins, and even the trials we have successfully overcome along the way. We are most grateful for the continued support of the government of Currimao and Ilocos Norte, and to everyone working on the ground for the timely accomplishment of this solar facility with Vena Energy. We are looking forward to commencing its operations soon and witnessing how it would help advance economic progress and create better lives for all.” <<

Indofood wins HSBC Net Zero Transition Special Award

PT Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur Tbk (“ICBP”), the Consumer Branded Product Group of Indofood, won the HSBC Net Zero Transition Special Award for the ‘Innovation Toward Clean Energy’ category. The award was announced on 18 October at the B20 Sustainability 4.0 Awards Forum in Jakarta.

The awards aim to inspire and educate on topics related to energy transition, through sharing of companies’ best practices to reach net zero emissions.

ASSESSED AMONGST 100 LISTED COMPANIES OF THE KOMPAS100 INDEX

HSBC collaborates with Kompas’ Research and Development Department in assessing 100 companies from the KOMPAS100 Index listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The judging processes were based on Sustainable Development Goal #7 (Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all), the companies’ Sustainability Reports, and a final presentation from selected finalists.

The HSBC Net Zero Transition Special Award was presented to ICBP Director Taufik Wiraatmadja by SwissCham Indonesia Head of Sustainability and Innovation Sectoral Group, Christophe Piganiol.

Indofood’s Axton Salim

honored in Campaign Asia-Pacific’s 2022 Power List

Indofood Chief Marketing Officer (“CMO”) and Director Axton Salim has been recognized as one of Asia’s 50 most influential and purposeful marketers for the second year running.

According to Campaign, “Axton Salim’s knack for appealing to younger consumersespecially on social media - continues to result in growth for the group’s instant noodle business.”

Salim is passionate about engaging with consumers, understanding their

tastes and preferences - and listening to their insights. He has a strong presence in social media (152K followers on Instagram) and leverages social media creatively with Indonesia’s avid consumer engagers.

A LEADER FOR GOOD

In addition to his CMO role in developing and promoting Indofood products, Salim is active in using his leadership platform for good.

INDOFOOD SHINES AT GLOBAL ENERGY MANAGEMENT LEADERSHIP AWARDS 2022

In a global first, Indofood’s Bogasari Division has become the first wheat flour producer in the world to win the prestigious “Excellence in Energy Management 2022” award, from the international Clean Energy Ministerial (“CEM”) Forum. The award was received by Bogasari Senior Vice President of Manufacturing Bobby Aryanto on 22 September.

The CEM Forum, held in Pennsylvania USA recognizes organizations that have implemented energy

He served as Global Advisory Group Co-Chair of Scaling Up Nutrition (“SUN”) Business Network of the United Nations, Partnership Council of Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (“GAIN”) Board and Strategic Management Team, Coordinator of SUN Business Network Indonesia, Advisory Board Member of the Nanyang Business School (“NBS”) at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore and participating actively at the World Economic Forum at Davos. He also developed the start-up incubator, Block–71, with the Salim Group and the National University of Singapore. <<

management systems to achieve energy, economic, and sustainability benefits.

MANAGING ENERGY EFFICIENTLY Bogasari accomplished energy savings of 210,690 gigajoules (“GJ”) - equal to energy cost savings of US$3,671,889 from 20192021 with an average performance increase of 16.6%.

CEM Secretariat Head Dan Dorner commented, “All of the winners of the Energy Management Leadership Awards are providing a great service to other organizations and to our clean energy future. By providing real-world examples of energy management systems and their extensive benefits, they help build the business case for investing in energy efficiency … making them shining examples of international leadership.” <<

Leading the way in resilience, empathy and a clear sense of purpose

Bogasari accomplished energy savings of

PLDT, SMART AMONG THE WORLD’S BEST AT 2022 WORLD COMMUNICATION AWARDS

PLDT and Smart were lauded at the 2022 World Communication Awards (“WCA”), which recognizes excellence among the world’s leading telco players.

They received three citations, including being Highly Commended for Operator of the Year, and was the only Philippine telco nominated in this category.

PLDT and Smart’s network restoration and emergency response in the aftermath of Typhoon Odette was Highly Commended for the Crisis Response Award. Fully committed to its core value of malasakit (compassion), the group demonstrated crisis leadership by ensuring network resiliency and

access to life-saving information and aid to affected communities.

PLDT and Smart were also Highly Commended in the Social Contribution Category for ‘Better Today’ - a multi-pronged and multi-stakeholder program promoting online safety and wellness.

The 2022 WCA has seen its fiercest competition since it was established in 1999 by London-based publication Total Telecom. <<

PLDT Home wins Ookla Speedtest Award for fifth year

PLDT Home is consistently named the Philippines’ fastest broadband for the fifth consecutive year, topping the Ookla® Speedtest™ Awards Q1-Q2 2022.

The global benchmarking company, Ookla®, announced that PLDT achieved a speed score of 77.91 and logged the fastest download and upload speeds at 210.83 Mbps and 234.21 Mbps, respectively.

“The past years have proven how essential fast and reliable internet services are for Filipinos to work, study, and be entertained at home. With this award, we thank Ookla® for recognizing our consistent efforts to top ourselves. This win reiterates our unwavering commitment to power

our customers with the best digital services so that they can progress in life as they do things digitally better at home,” said PLDT Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Business – Home, Jeremiah de la Cruz.

FASTEST BROADBAND IN KEY CITIES, FIBER EXCELLENCE

PLDT Home also clocked the top speeds in 15 major areas in the Philippines, beating all other major telco providers.

PLDT Home seeks to stay on top of the ever-changing digital shift by

continuously delivering the most powerful and fastest fiber-to-thehome (“FTTH”) network to its over 3.1 million fiber subscribers. In addition, PLDT is the only telco provider in the Philippines that can deliver up to 10,000 Mbps fiberoptic service, offering its customers access to such ultra-fast home internet speeds as those in South Korea, Japan, Sweden, Norway, Italy, New Zealand, and USA. <<

MPIC CFO CABAL-REVILLA HAILED AS 2022 SUSTAINABILITY LEADER

MPIC Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer, June Cheryl “Chaye” A Cabal-Revilla was named the 2022 Sustainability Leader of Campaign’s Women Leading Change Awards Asia-Pacific in June 2022. She was the only winner from the Philippines.

”Sustainability and the passion for inspiring positive change have always been the backbone of the work that we do, allowing us to do good while doing well,” said Cabal-Revilla. “I gratefully share this recognition with my MPIC Family, the entire MPIC Group and the wider MVP Group.”

EMBRACING SUSTAINABILITY

Cabal-Revilla wears three vital hats as CFO, CRO, and CSO, giving her a distinct advantage of being at the center of all business matters and driving change within the company. She fully integrates finance and sustainability by operationalizing and quantifying impacts in ways that people can understand. She is also an elected member of The United Nations Global Compact (“UNGC”) Philippines’ Board of Trustees.

MPIC Chairman, President and CEO Manuel V Pangilinan noted, “Bolstering our sustainability agenda to benefit our people and our planet is instilled in Chaye’s core as a leader, a mother, and a Filipina. Our group’s sustainability efforts reached the heights they did because of her progressive vision and tireless commitment to making our world a better place.”

At the 11th Asian Excellence Awards in June 2022, Cabal-Revilla was also named Asia’s Best CFO (Investor Relations), while MPIC won Best Investor Relations Company (Philippines), Best Environmental Responsibility, and Asia’s Best CSR. <<

MPIC LEADING THE WAY IN SUSTAINABILITY

a signatory to UNGC

the first company in Southeast Asia to join the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures Forum

the first company in the Philippines to adopt Rise with SAP

the first private sector partner of the Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources in promoting urban biodiversity

MPIC awarded Most Honored Company status by Institutional Investor

Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (“MPIC”) was recognized in June 2022 as a “Most Honored Company” in the 12th Institutional Investor Research Annual Asia Executive Team survey.

It awards Asia’s leaders that best uphold corporate governance standards and facilitate investment into their company. MPIC is the only Philippine company to gain this recognition.

ALIGNING MANAGEMENT AND STAKEHOLDERS

MPIC Chairman, President and CEO Manuel V Pangilinan explained, “Our investor relations efforts have been complementary

to improving our Corporate Governance. We view corporate governance as aligning the interests of management with all other stakeholders - with shareholders

at the forefront. In this sense, the constant communication fostered by investor relations between management and shareholders reinforces that ideal.”

RANKED TOP ACROSS THE BOARD

A total of 5,524 investors, portfolio managers and analysts from 1,521 firms voted. For its performance in 2021, MPIC ranked first in: Industrials (including Infrastructure) Sector (ex-Mainland China) Best CEO for former President and CEO Jose Ma K Lim; Best CFO for Chaye A Cabal-Revilla; Best Investor Relations Professional for Maricris AldoverYsmael; Best Investor Relations Program, and Best ESG. <<

MPIC AWARDED AS FINANCE FOR THE FUTURE WINNER

On 4 October 2022, MPIC won the most coveted Finance for the Future Award, for Embedding an Integrated Approach (Listed Companies).

Winners of this category embed sustainability within their strategy and decision-making process, and generate tangible environmental and social benefits while delivering financial outcomes.

AN OBLIGATION TO FUTURE GENERATIONS

“People, planet, and long-term impact are at the core of our work,” says MPIC Chairman, President, and CEO Manuel V Pangilinan. “We view this as an obligation to future generations of Filipinos. We will never stop pursuing sustainable growth.”

All MPIC’s holding companies are required to design, build and operate with minimum environmental and social disruption, with a carbon reduction plan in place.

The Finance for the Future Awards are a partnership between Accounting for Sustainability (“A4S”) Deloitte, and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. After a rigorous threestage judging process, MPIC bested seven other publicly-listed global companies.

“At MPIC, we do sustainability as part of our overall stakeholder value creation, along with our purpose of improving the lives of the Filipinos and communities we serve,” says MPIC Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer Chaye A Cabal-Revilla. “This recognition will inspire and push us all, not just to continue what we are doing, but to do much, much more.” <<

MAYNILAD WINS US RESEARCH INSTITUTE AWARD

MPIF’s Bayan Tanim! awarded Outstanding CSR Project in Disaster Resilience

Bayan Tanim!, Metro Pacific Investments Foundation Inc. (“MPIF”)’s community gardening initiative for sustainable living and food security, was recognized in July 2022 by the League of Corporate Foundations (“LCF”) as the Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility (“CSR”) project in Disaster Resilience.

The program, initially developed to address food scarcity resulting from the pandemic, provided beneficiaries with the means to start their own backyard and community gardens. Planting kits containing basic cultivation essentials were distributed along with freshly harvested vegetables.

As of this year, Bayan Tanim! has benefitted approximately 4,014 families in 43 communities, raising a total of 1.392 million in donations.

A TRUE COMMUNITY EFFORT

Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (“Maynilad”) was awarded the Special Achievement in Geographic Information Systems (“GIS”) Award by the Environmental Systems Research Institute (“ESRI”) in San Diego USA, in August 2022. Maynilad beat over 300,000 other global candidates to the award.

Maynilad was cited for successfully leveraging the ArcGIS Pro platform for its service level indicator maps and field operations dashboard. The upgraded use of Enterprise GIS enables enhanced geographic data for planning and analysis, leading to operational efficiency and savings, and enhanced service delivery to Maynilad’s 9.9 million customers. <<

The LCF CSR Guild Awards bestow a seal of excellence in corporate citizenship to the most reputable and premier organizations implementing initiatives for social good with meaningful and sustainable impact to the communities and institutions.

“Upholding the spirit of working together is of unparalleled value when it comes to national progress – particularly during stages of recovery and resurgence,” said MPIC President, Chairman, and CEO Manuel V Pangilinan. “Programs such as Bayan Tanim! harness the power of collaborative community effort into creating positive community impact for its beneficiaries.” <<

Maynilad GIS Head Engineer Juan Paulo De Leon receives the award from ESRI Founder and President Jack Dangermond.

Group companies host top-level Sustainability Summit

The MVP Group of companies in the Philippines explored new sustainability frontiers at their second Sustainability Summit held virtually on 4 November 2022.

Spearheaded by MPIC, the Sustainability Summit assembled an impressive lineup of global environmental, social and governance leaders.

CHARTING A BETTER FUTURE FOR PEOPLE AND PLANET

Top of the agenda was the issue of futureproofing businesses for succeeding generations, and how today’s actions impact the state of the Earth’s environment and its people in the coming years.

MPIC Chairman, President, and CEO Manuel V Pangilinan said in his opening remarks, “Prioritizing sustainability is key to our role as a reliable partner in nation building, as it creates a concrete roadmap for us to charter a better future for our people and our planet. I hope we can learn a lot from this Summit, and more importantly, put such lessons into practice.”

TACKLING VITAL ISSUES FOR BUSINESS

Putting the Group’s commitment to sustainability into practice, the summit was designed to create discourse and share best practices on vital issues such as business resiliency and innovation, investment stewardship and impact investing, green jobs, and

accountability, among others. Global thought leaders shared their insights at the Summit to ensure that participating decision-makers are kept abreast of recent developments and trends.

Global best practices in sustainability and insights from experts are shared during the discussions of the following:  How can Supply Chains balance Resiliency and Sustainability Global and Regional EESG Outlook

Navigating the intersection of Sustainable Growth, Business, and Technology What Investment Stewardship means for Investors Mobilizing Capital into Impact Investing Overview of Green Tax Incentives in the Philippines 

The Role of Finance in Sustainability: Adopting Sustainable and Resilient Business Models Closing the Corporate Accountability Gap Material ESG Issues from a Ratings Perspective 

SDG Progress Report: Local and Global Scorecard

COLLECTIVE ACTION FOR POSITIVE AND PERVASIVE IMPACT

MPIC Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer Chaye A CabalRevilla closed the Summit, saying, “We have been driven by our purpose to put sustainability at the heart of our group’s business agenda, to fortify our resilience and safeguard our existence as humanity. Bringing together like-minded organizations through this Summit, symbolically unifies the positive and pervasive impact we create with our collective action. We will continue to forge the path for a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future for all.”

The Summit was hosted by MPIC Head of Government Relations and Public Affairs Atty. Mike Toledo, MPIC Vice President for Public Relations and Corporate Communications Melody del Rosario, and PLDT and Smart First Vice President and Group Corporate Communications Head Cathy Yang. The Summit underscores MPIC’s role as the largest catalyst for a Sustainable Philippines, aiming to improve lives in the country through providing essential services and uplifting the quality of life of all Filipinos.

It is also a testament to MPIC’s efforts to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (“SDGs”), particularly SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals. <<

MPIC Vice President for Public Relations and Corporate Communications Melody del Rosario.

MPIC Head of Government Relations and Public Affairs Atty. Mike Toledo.

PLDT and Smart First Vice President and Group Corporate Communications Head Cathy Yang.

Indofood at the World Economic Forum

2022 meeting themed Preparing for the Post-COVID Era

It has been more than two years since the World Economic Forum (“WEF”) last held an onsite Annual Meeting in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. The WEF Annual Meeting 22 – 26 May was held in-person. It was shaped by six thematic pillars: economic rebalancing, society and equity, global health, nature and climate, innovation and governance.

The Forum believes that the pandemic - despite its devastation - also demonstrated just how significant advances can be unlocked when science, technology, government and the private sector act together to respond to global challenges.

STRONG PRESENCE FROM INDONESIA

Indonesia, who hosts the G20 presidency, demonstrated its commitment to WEF by sending eight ministers and delegates to meet with stakeholders. Indofood also plays a key role as a member of WEF and in showcasing export products at the Indonesia Pavilion. Indofood Chief Marketing Officer and Director Axton Salim represented Indofood during the Forum and participated in key events.

FOOD AT THE FRONT AND CENTRE Salim attended the CEO meeting in addressing Food, Land Use and

Nature in a changing world. Food was front and centre in the discussions about the interconnected crises of climate, food and energy. These global shocks have reached a critical tipping point.

STRENGTHENING RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY

Public-private collaboration, committed leadership and collective action are key to strengthening the resilience of agri-food systems. These advances enable innovation and investments to provide farmers with the means to produce regeneratively. Countries also require appropriate incentives to achieve sustainable, healthy, efficient and equitable food systems.

Axton Salim also shared his views on the topic of sustainability for GenZ and Millennials in emerging countries, at the Sustainable Generation event hosted by Credit Suisse. <<

Meralco uplifts deserving students

One Meralco Foundation (“OMF”) has long supported empowerment through education. Among its initiatives this year, it celebrated two cohorts of deserving students with higher-education scholarships.

SUPPORTING FUTURE PUBLICSECTOR DOCTORS

Four aspiring doctors from Pasig City are set to pursue their studies at the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health through the support of OMF and the local government of Pasig. The exceptional students hurdled the stringent screening process for the scholarship program which grants them the financial support for a five-year joint degree of Doctor of Medicine and Master of Business Administration in the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, beginning in the academic year 2022-2023. OMF will cover the scholars’ full tuition fees and miscellaneous fees; while the Pasig LGU will pay their recurring expenses such as uniform allowance, food, and transportation costs.

Upon successful completion of their degree and passing the licensure exam, the students will return to Pasig City to serve in public hospitals.

Meralco Chairman Manuel V Pangilinan said Meralco is honored to be part of the journey of the aspiring doctors, adding that the scholarship grant is part of the continuing commitment to support the medical

profession and to contribute to improving the country’s healthcare services. “We continue to expand our commitment to the people, and we are very happy to support local government units like Pasig because I think that’s where the best partnerships are found,” Pangilinan noted.

WOMEN ENABLED TO PURSUE THEIR DREAMS

In September 2022, OMF awarded 15 female freshmen students from the Philippines’ Laguna Municipality’s Don Bosco CollegeCanlubang with a scholarship that will allow them to pursue their dreams of becoming skilled electrical technicians.

The scholarship will cover tuition fees and allowances for students

who will take the Technical Vocational Education Training Program for Electrical Installation and Maintenance and Mechatronics. The program also offers four months’ on-the-job training for the students and the opportunity to join the Meralco workforce. This is part of Meralco’s Gender Diversity and Inclusion Program, MBrace, that aims to provide inclusive opportunities that empowers women, and eventually increase the ratio of women in the company to 40% by 2030. MBrace’s aims are aligned with United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (“UN SDG”) 5 on Gender Equality and UN SDG 10 on Reduced Inequalities; and Meralco’s commitment to the UN Global Compact’s Principle 6 on Elimination of Discrimination in Employment. <<

The four exceptional recipients of the Meralco-Pasig Scholarship Program were personally congratulated by Meralco Chairman Manuel V Pangilinan, Meralco President and CEO Atty. Ray C Espinosa, OMF President and Meralco Chief CSR Officer Jeffrey O Tarayao, alongside Pasig City Mayor Hon. Vico N Sotto, Pasig Lone District Representative Hon. Roman T Romulo, and Ateneo de Manila University President Fr. Roberto C Yap, Jr.

The 15 exceptional recipients of Meralco’s Women Technician Scholarship Program were personally congratulated by Don Bosco-Canlubang Assistant Director for Technical Affairs Erwin Jose R Go; Meralco Head of Talent Resourcing Ralph Lawrence S Placido; and other Don Bosco and Meralco specialists and leaders.

MPIF’S SHORE IT UP! CHAMPIONS MABINI

The Philippines’ coastal and marine ecosystems have been hard hit by the pandemic in recent years. Communities that rely on ecotourism have suffered –as has the environment.

Fortunately, for the marine ecology of Mabini in the province of Batangas, help is at hand.

SAFEGUARDING LOCAL MARINE RESOURCES

Shore it Up! (“SIU”) is the flagship environmental program of Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (“MPIF”). It is currently celebrating 15 years of championing the environment and launched an extensive underwater and coastal clean-up in Mabini. The event was organized for the International Coastal Clean-up Day on 17 September 2022.

In partnership with the Mabini local government led by Municipal Mayor Atty. Nilo Villanueva and supporters such as environmental and waste management company Basic Environmental Systems & Technologies, Inc. (“BEST”), and Pascual Lab, MPIF brought together local dive experts, dive enthusiasts and business owners to take responsibility for the state of their coastal and marine ecosystems.

The Resort Owners Association of Mabini (“ROAM)”, and BEST, collected over 100 kgs of trash on launch day. Wrappers and sachets, beverage bottles, single-use plastics, plastic pieces, and plastic bottle caps were the top five types of waste collected. BEST, who is set to become the Municipality’s partner in waste management, collected the recyclable trash upon proper weighing and segregation. The waste obtained from the clean-up will be converted into environmental points for MPIC.

Over 300 volunteers from 25 resorts committed to continuing their own underwater and coastal clean-ups for the rest of the month.

LIFE BELOW WATER, LIFE ON LAND “The Municipality of Mabini is grateful that MPIF, through Shore It Up!, never fails to protect areas that are hubs of diverse marine ecology and prosper through ecotourism,” said Mayor Villanueva. “The work that they do, and more importantly, the work we can do together, is a testament to the unmatched value of collaboration for a mutual purpose.”

“As we join the rest of the world to fight for trash free seas, we also safeguard our local marine resources with SIU programs on mangrove protection and propagation, marine protected areas, and environmental awareness,” said MPIF President Melody del Rosario.

SIU’s initiatives are in line with MPIC’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (“SDG”), particularly SDG #14 Life Below Water; #15 Life on Land; and #17 Partnerships for the Goals. <<

IdeaSpace’s year of innovation, acceleration

IdeaSpace Foundation (“IdeaSpace”) has celebrated its 10th Anniversary year in 2022 with a packed schedule of events and partnerships throughout the Philippines, the region and the world.

In the first quarter of 2022, IdeaSpace via QBO Innovation Hub (“QBO”) partnered with the International Trade Center, the Department of Trade and Industry (“DTI”) and the EU in an accelerator competition.

The Arise plus Ye! Accelerator Boost was open to startups with sustainable and scalable products and services. Selected startups won access to local and international experts, the Ye! Global community, EU partners and investors and won an expansion grant.

EMPOWERMENT, IDEAS AND IMPACT

IdeaSpace and QBO then partnered to run a bootcamp program, Startup Pinay Bootqamp, “Empowering women through tech”. Together with the US Embassy, they also ran a Sustainable Development Goal Challenge “From Idea to Impact” bootcamp. The vision was to validate sustainable startup ideas on the path to accelerating growth. In addition, IdeaSpace and QBO partnered with the United Nations Development Program (“UNDP”) to run the Juan Catch Innovation Challenge.

PARTNERSHIP WITH GOVERNMENT

From February to June 2022, IdeaSpace, QBO and DTI ran the DTI Global Acceleration Program

(“GAP”), targeting Filipino startups looking to pursue business opportunities in Southeast Asia and the world.

IdeaSpace and QBO Executive Director Katrina Rausa Chan noted, “We have entered a new phase in the ecosystem where more Filipino startups are not only seeing larger investments but are also ready and looking to venture outside of the country to pursue growth. This program will help our startups gain a foothold in the rest of Southeast Asia, and eventually even expand to Europe, North America, and the rest of the world.”

QBO and DTI also partnered in mapping the startup ecosystems in Philippine cities.

INNOVATION FLOURISHES

In October this year, IdeaSpace announced the Cohort 10 winning startups of its flagship accelerator program “Igniting Innovation”.

The ten enterprising winners are: Aiah, Kwik.insure, Ignite Careers, KargaX, Revastaff, Good Apps Inc., Smile API, Hier Business Solutions Inc., Britana, and On Demand Deals.

IdeaSpace announced, “Congratulations to Cohort 10, we’re thrilled to be on this journey with you - we, along with our partners Microsoft Philippines and PLDT, can’t wait to watch how your venture will grow in the next few months as you progress in the program.”

‘HOMEGROWN HEROES’ GATHER

The year approaches its close with a spectacular event, with IdeaSpace and QBO at its heart, in collaboration with the Departments of Science and Technology, Trade & Industry, and Information and Communications Technology. Philippine Startup Week 2022 (“PHSW22”), is the largest gathering of the startup community.

The week-long conference from 14 – 18 November, explored innovation and ideas from the Philippine startup community. This year’s theme of “Homegrown Heroes, Cultivating Future Tech Giants.” <<