THE VIEW - 5:2025

5/2025 Harvesting

by Thomas Adhika Wibowo PT Salim Ivomas Pratama Tbk

Teamwork

by Jan Lester E Bisco PLDT

Dragon Boat Competition

by Lemuel Amano Ragasa Meralco

Joyful Strides

by Anna Katrina R Vargas Antipolo Doctors Hospital

A Climb of Hope

by Proilan S Ledama MPT South

Sentinels in Rejoice

by Ranelle H Gango Meralco

YOUR VISION THROUGH THE YEARS

Early Morning Call at Lonsurn Plantation

by Yudi Rizki PT Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk

Congratulations to all of you who contributed stunning photos to the First Pacific Group annual Photo Competitions. Here above is a selection of winners from recent years.

PLDT’S NEXT TECH ERA www.firstpacific.com

7 VITRO Sta. Rosa’s inauguration | 10 Indofood sparks inspiration 18 Maynilad’s Blue Bond honored | 20 No Filipino left offline

THE VIEW – MAY 2025

V IS IT THE V IEW ONL IN E

PLDT has a message for the Philippines’ key economic regions: “You are ready for the future”.

PLDT Enterprise, the corporate arm of PLDT, has launched Tech Week PH 2025. With a regional focus on Mindanao and the Visayas, the event provides businesses and MSMEs with critical insights into AI adoption, cloud integration, next-generation connectivity, and startup innovation.

These essential solutions, designed to foster growth, are backed up by a robust network of PLDT infrastructure and advanced technologies.

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

Welcome to the May 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.

CONTENTS 1 A Word from the Chief 2 First Pacific FY24 earnings mark 4th successive high 4 PLDT Enterprise launches Tech Week PH 2025 6 PLDT champions data centers 7 An investment in the future of every Filipino 8 PLDT boosts the Philippines’ digital capacity 9 Smart accelerates AI 10 Indofood sparks inspiration at SIAL Interfood 2024 11 Indomie taps into the Korean Wave 12 Indomilk Kids x Pokemon 12 Introducing Indomilk KIDS Yogurt 13 Super crunchy chips 13 NLEX-C5 Northlink section 1A set to decongest traffic 14 From waste to renewable energy and fuel 15 More Veggies Please 16 Indofood wins top honor at Food Summit 2025 16 Bogasari Group shines at National Quality & Productivity Convention 16 Indofood’s Noodles Division wins ICQCC Gold 17 PLDT included in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2025 18 Maynilad’s Blue Bond offering is top Southeast Asia winner 19 MPIF President appointed to Maritime Advisory Group 19 Landco honored at TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 - Asia 20 No Filipino left offline 21 Mompreneurs take center stage 22 PLDT, Smart focus on children 24 Heroes of Road Safety 25 Ten years of inspiring photography

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 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

A Word from the Chief Fellow members of the First Pacific Community, It’s already May and it’s clear that we are charging through the year 2025 on momentum carried over from 2024. As the first story in this edition of The View explains, our Head Office of First Pacific delivered a sixth successive increase in full-year earnings last year – and the last four were successive record highs. We marked this salutary occasion with a record high dividend payout to shareholders. It’s no wonder that our share price is up by nearly a quarter so far this year after rising 45% in 2024 and 33% a year before that.

The market’s evident confidence in 142.HK can be based only on the performance of the underlying companies in the Group. Quite apart from the financial performance, we have the underlying operational performance and creativity that keep customers coming back to our Group companies. Just one example is PLDT Enterprise’s Tech Week PH 2025 which offered a dynamic platform for innovation collaboration, and thought leadership in the telco group’s first-ever multicity tech event with a regional focus on Mindanao and the Visayas. It offered critical insights into AI adoption, cloud integration, nextgeneration connectivity and startup innovation.

PLDT’s VITRO Sta. Rosa, the Philippines’ first AI-ready hyperscale data center which sets a new standard for secure, high- performance, AI-ready infrastructure, boosting the country’s

bid to become a regional hub for digital innovation. PLDT boosted its international capacity by as much as one third with the successful linkup of the Apricot cable system to PLDT’s domestic network. Apricot is a 12,000-kilometer fiber-optic submarine cable connecting Japan, Taiwan, Guam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Singapore.

For its part, Indofood stole the show at Southeast Asia’s biggest food and beverage exhibition, SIAL Interfood, which showcased exhibitors from more than 25 countries to 90,000 visitors. Indofood fostered closer connections with food industry players from Indonesia and abroad at SIAL Interfood, sharing inspiration and exploring new possibilities for sustainable development.

Back again in the Philippines, Iloilo City took a bold step towards sustainable urban development with the groundbreaking of a new Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility spearheaded by MPIC’s renewable energy subsidiary MetPower in partnership with the city government.

It is imaginative and innovative projects like these that guarantee our continuing success as a Group, and I could not be more proud.

Please read about these and other groundbreaking projects in this issue of The View.

MVP THE VIEW 1

NEWS

First Pacific FY24 earnings mark 4th successive high

“

WITH MOST OF OUR CORE HOLDINGS BENEFITING FROM STRONG MOMENTUM IN EARNINGS GROWTH, I AM CONFIDENT THAT AS A GROUP THEY WILL IMPROVE UPON THEIR RECORD-SETTING PERFORMANCES OF 2024 WITH EVEN BETTER RESULTS IN 2025. WITH THE POSITIVE MEDIUMTERM OUTLOOK AND CONSIDERING FUTURE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AND FUNDING NEEDS, FIRST PACIFIC EXPECTS ITS PROGRESSIVE DIVIDEND POLICY TO CONTINUE DELIVERING RISING CASH RETURNS TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS OVER TIME. Manuel V Pangilinan First Pacific Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

”

RECORD HIGH CONTRIBUTION, RECURRING PROFIT, NET PROFIT [ Turnover declined 4% to US$10.06 billion largely on

lower revenue at PacificLight Power [ Contribution from operations rose 11% to a record

high US$776.5 million led by Indofood and MPIC [ Indofood, PLDT, and MPIC delivered their highest-ever

revenues on continuing growth in demand for food products, data services, power, water, and roads [ Net interest expense rose 8% to US$76.9 million

amid rising interest rates, driving a 6% rise in overall Head Office costs to US$104.0 million as corporate overheads rose 4% to US$20.1 million [ Recurring profit rose 11% to a fourth successive record

high US$672.5 million [ Net profit rose 20% to US$600.3 million on sharply

lower non-recurring losses offset in part by a swing to foreign exchange losses from gains [ First Pacific’s Board of Directors increased its

recommended final distribution to 13.5 HK cents per share (1.73 U.S. cent) up 1.5 HK cents, bringing the fullyear distribution to a record high

2 THE VIEW

DIVIDEND INCOME AND INVESTMENT GRADE [ Dividend and fee income from operating companies at

US$305.3 million [ Interest coverage ratio 4.0x well above “comfort level” [ Gross debt US$1.47 billion, net debt US$1.35 billion [ Blended interest cost of approximately 5.1% and

average maturity of 3.5 years [ Fixed-rate borrowings at 54% of total [ All borrowings are unsecured and covenant-light [ Investment-grade credit ratings from S&P and Moody’s

– S&P rating: BBB- with Stable outlook – Moody’s rating: Baa3 with Stable outlook [ No borrowings fall due until 2026 [ No borrowings by any Group investee companies have

any recourse to First Pacific

NEWS

PROFIT CONTRIBUTION FROM OPERATIONS UP 11% TO US$776.5 MILLION

12%

Singapore down 18% to US$96.9m

By country

45%

43%

Philippines up 16% to US$346.3m

Indonesia up 17% to US$333.3m

19%

Telecommunications up 4% to US$148.5m

1%

Natural resources down 37% to US$4.8m

By sector

38%

Infrastructure up 6% to US$296.3m

42%

Consumer food products up 20% to US$326.9m

NEWS

More than 1,000 Visayas-based stakeholders attended Tech Week PH in Cebu.

PLDT Enterprise launches Tech Week PH Driving regional growth through technology

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LDT is scaling up its engagement in the digital future. This March, PLDT Enterprise, the corporate arm of PLDT, launched Tech Week PH 2025. Building on the nine-year legacy of the Philippine Digital Convention (“PH Digicon”), Tech Week PH 2025 delivers the next evolution of PLDT Enterprise’s commitment to digital transformation.

Tech Week PH 2025 offers a dynamic platform for innovation, collaboration, and thought leadership. It is also the telco group’s first-ever multi-city tech event, with a regional focus on Mindanao and the Visayas. The event provides businesses and MSMEs 4 THE VIEW

with critical insights into AI adoption, cloud integration, next-generation connectivity, and startup innovation, which are essential solutions designed to foster growth.

EMPOWERING MINDANAO’S KEY INDUSTRIES AND BUSINESSES PLDT Enterprise kicked off Tech Week PH 2025 in Davao City. Gathering over 500 attendees across the region, Tech Week PH Davao reinforced PLDT group’s commitment to empowering Mindanao’s businesses and MSMEs through advanced technologies and strategic partnerships.

PLDT and Smart First Vice President and Head of Enterprise Core

Business, Mitch Locsin, explained, “Tech Week PH 2025 in Davao underscores our commitment to fostering strong partnerships with customers and industries across Mindanao. It serves as a platform for us to equip businesses in the region with advanced digital solutions - empowering them to innovate, scale, and thrive in an increasingly competitive digital economy. Our goal is to support the region’s key industries - BPO, agriculture, trade, tourism, and digital services - by providing the technology and expertise they need to thrive locally and globally.”

“By bringing Tech Week PH 2025 to Davao and Cebu, we are reinforcing our commitment to making technology and innovation more accessible to businesses in other key areas of the country. This ensures that enterprises, students, leaders, and tech enthusiasts across the Philippines have the tools and insights they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world,” said PLDT Enterprise Vice President and Head of Marketing, Chet Alviz.

CEBU IS READY FOR THE FUTURE PLDT Enterprise brought Tech Week PH 2025 in Cebu, bringing

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Delegates explore the Tech City in Cebu.

together over 1,000 business leaders, entrepreneurs, tech professionals, and students to explore transformative digital solutions poised to reshape the region’s economic landscape.

Cebu, a major driver of the national economy - contributing over 411 billion to the country’s GDP - has a rapidly growing digital ecosystem. To support this digital transformation, PLDT and Smart are expanding infrastructure investments in Cebu and across the Visayas.

“Tech Week PH is a call to action,” emphasized Locsin, “If you haven’t explored AI yet, now is the time to start. If your business is not yet built for scale, now is the time to invest in the right digital infrastructure. If you are waiting for that perfect moment to transform, that moment has already arrived. Cebu is ready for the future, and the future is now. As

you take that next step, we at PLDT Enterprise are committed to moving forward with you - together, through close collaboration.”

A VISIONARY AGENDA The event is a celebration of progress and innovation, bringing together visionary leaders, the latest technologies, and the brightest minds from the Philippines and beyond.

PLDT Enterprise and ePLDT executives led the event’s roster of speakers, who discussed the transformative impact of technology.

AI AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION DRIVING REGIONAL GROWTH Government leaders and industry experts explored how AI-powered tools optimize business operations,

fuel innovation, and create new opportunities for industries while emphasizing the critical role of cloud strategies and advanced infrastructure in supporting AIdriven solutions.

Beyond AI, industry experts outlined strategies for enabling businesses outside major commercial centers to thrive in a more inclusive digital economy. Discussions also covered how infrastructure - 5G, globally certified data centers, cloud computing, e-commerce and cybersecurity - serve as key enablers of success.

Tech Week PH 2025 is powered by Cisco, Alibaba Cloud, CSG, Ericsson, Fortinet, Huawei, Avolution, Fibercom Telecom, Canon, Delinea, Dream, Hikvision, Kital Connect, Pronet, Quanta Dance, Soprano, and Trend Micro. <<

Left to right: PLDT Enterprise Vice President and Head of Marketing, Chet Alviz; PLDT and Smart Senior Vice President, Jojo Gendrano; PLDT and Smart First Vice President and Head of Enterprise Core Business, Mitch Locsin; ePLDT and VITRO Inc. President and CEO, Victor S. Genuino, launch Tech Week PH 2025 in Davao City

NEWS

PLDT Chief Operating Officer Butch G Jimenez outlining the company’s vision at the Philippine Stock Exchange Invest PH 2025 event.

PLDT CHAMPIONS DATA CENTERS PLDT is well prepared to drive digital transformation in Southeast Asia, with its leaders highlighting data centers as a core pillar of its growth.

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LDT Chief Operating Officer Menardo “Butch” G Jimenez spoke at the Philippine Stock Exchange Invest PH 2025 event held on 19 - 21 March 2025.

Appearing in the panel entitled “Identifying high-growth opportunities in emerging markets”, Jimenez pointed to data center expansion as a major growth driver for PLDT, as the surge in data storage processing demands require robust and efficient data center infrastructure.

THE NEXT BIG INFLECTION POINT “We have already built ten (data centers) and are finishing our eleventh and biggest facility, which shows how strongly we believe that data centers are an important part of PLDT’s revenue growth,” he said, adding that the company has seen “healthy growth rates” for their data center business over the last five years.

VITRO Inc. is the pioneer in hyperscalegrade data centers in the Philippines.

It provides secure, reliable, and compliant data center solutions for its enterprise and hyperscale clients. Established under ePLDT in 2000, VITRO has the largest local data center footprint with 11 state-of-the-art facilities leveraging on the expertise and world-class telecommunication infrastructure of the PLDT Group.

6 THE VIEW

“The next big inflection point for our data centers is for the government to start instituting data sovereignty laws. We are preparing for that, as it will be a big boost to the data centers,” Jiminez noted.

FUTURE FOCUS PLDT, through its subsidiary ePLDT, has established itself as a leader in the Philippines’ data center industry. The company operates a network of VITRO Data Centers, offering a suite of solutions that cater to customers’ growing IT outsourcing needs. Among these facilities, the VITRO Sta. Rosa Data Center stands out as the largest and most advanced in the country, and is designed to be the Philippines’ AI hub, forming the Philippines’ first AI ecosystem.

Looking ahead, PLDT is embracing the AIpowered future by offering GPU-as-a-Service (“GPUaaS”) to meet the rising demand for high-performance computing, driven by AI and machine learning adoption.

With strategic investments in data centers, AI infrastructure, and green energy, PLDT is fully committed to its leadership role in shaping the future of the telecommunications industry. <<

NEWS

An investment in the future of every Filipino PLDT unveils the Philippines’ first AI-ready hyperscale data center our pledge, Mr. President, to make the Philippines a data center hub,” Pangilinan added.

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LDT’s VITRO Sta. Rosa (“VSR”), data center is poised to accelerate AI adoption in the Philippines’ fast-growing tech corridor in the Laguna region.

President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr. and PLDT Chairman Manuel V Pangilinan led the inauguration of VSR on 23 April 2025. Developed by VITRO Inc., the data center arm of PLDT, VSR is the country’s first hyperscale data center built specifically for AI workloads.

Operational since July 2024, the 50 MW facility is now home to telecom providers, enterprises, and global cloud technology companies. It sets a new standard for secure, highperformance, AI-ready infrastructure in the Philippines, boosting the country’s bid to become a regional hub for digital innovation.

GPUAAS ON-DEMAND At the heart of VSR’s AI capabilities are NVIDIA-powered GPU servers.

Through these, ePLDT offers GPUaaS - a first in the country. This ondemand computing model enables

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businesses to access powerful AI tools without heavy upfront investment.

PLDT clients in banking, fintech, healthcare, logistics, and government can build and scale AI applications faster, more securely, and at lower cost.

VSR is fully integrated into PLDT’s domestic fiber footprint and linked globally via international cable systems including Jupiter, Asia Direct Cable, and upcoming Apricot. Its carrierneutral design also allows connections to multiple telcos, ensuring robust network diversity and resilience.

PLDT Group’s investment in data centers and connectivity aligns with its mission to bridge the digital divide, expand access to technology, and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals - particularly SDG #9 on industry, innovation, and infrastructure. <<

President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr. (4th from left) and PLDT Chairman Manuel V Pangilinan (5th from left) at the inauguration ceremony.

READY TO ATTRACT THE WORLD’S TECH GIANTS President Marcos said, “The inauguration of VSR signals the country’s readiness to attract the world’s largest technology companies and showcase our regional competitiveness in the digital space.

More than that, this technological development is an investment in the future of every Filipino,” “We do intend to expand our data center capability for up to 500 MW. We have to be at least equal to the capacity of Malaysia … you have THE VIEW 7

NEWS

PLDT boosts the Philippines’ digital capacity Apricot subsea cable system completed

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LDT has boosted its international capacity by as much as 33% with the successful Philippine link-up of the Apricot cable system. The cable laying project was completed by PLDT at two newly-built landing stations in the Philippines - one in the North, in Baler; another in the South, in Davao.

Apricot is a 12,000-kilometer fiberoptic submarine cable connecting Japan, Taiwan, Guam, the Philippines, Indonesia and Singapore. The network provides telecommunication companies with alternate routes that do not traverse the usual West Philippine Sea waters.

Apricot will address the increasing telecommunications traffic demands in the Asia Pacific region, with a system design capacity of more than 211Tbps (Terabits per second). This boosts PLDT’s international capacity to more than 140Tbps.

Toucheng, Taiwan

Baler, Philippines

Tuas, Singapore

Agat, Guam

Davao, Philippines

PRIMED FOR NEXT-GENERATION

TECHNOLOGIES PLDT and Smart Senior Vice President and Head of Enterprise Business Group Jojo Gendrano commented on the landmark network link, “Our continued investment in our network, including our international submarine cable systems like Apricot, are part of our enduring commitment to ensure the success of our partners, boost the economy by propelling the country’s digitalization aspirations, and help position the Philippines as a strategic data center hub in Asia Pacific.”

“Through initiatives like this, we continue to accelerate highcapacity data services, meeting the region’s growing demand for cloud, e-commerce, and content delivery. With these advancements, the Philippines is primed to support

8 THE VIEW

Minami Boso, Japan

Tanjung Pakis, Indonesia

next-generation technologies like 5G, IoT, and AI, elevating digital experiences for enterprises and consumers alike.”

PLDT Chief Operating Officer Butch Jimenez added, “Aside from supporting international data traffic, the Apricot cable system’s route also provides resiliency to PLDT’s domestic network between Luzon and Mindanao.”

PLDT continues its robust investment in its fixed and wireless networks, ICT, data centers and submarine cables.

The Group is focused on supporting the continuing rise in network traffic and on driving revenue growth. <<

NEWS

SMART ACCELERATES AI Long-term partnership with Amazon Web Services

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mart has partnered with Amazon Web Services (“AWS”) Professional Services to ramp up Smart’s data and artificial intelligence (“AI”) transformation.

With petabytes of data at its disposal, Smart aims to enhance customer experiences through AI-powered applications. Smart will use AWS’s services to unify Smart’s data platform, enabling advanced analytics and machine learning for personalized services.

The transformative project with AWS is supported by its key partners, including the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform.

Transitioning to the cloud-based platform will accelerate Smart’s time-to-market and improve operational efficiency.

A FORCE BEHIND ENTIRE ECONOMIES Smart Chief Operating Officer Anastacio “Boy” Martirez said, “Smart’s approach to AI is one driven by relentless innovation. This is why we’ve entered this long-term partnership with AWS to build the AI-driven telco of the future.

Amazon Web Services is not just a leader in the digital space. It is a driving force behind entire economies, ours included. As we enter the age of AI, there could be no better partner to help us navigate this transformation.”

Smart, AWS and Databricks leaders at the partnership launch in March 2025

outcomes, and Smart presents a tremendous opportunity - not just for us to provide our services, but also to collaborate on how AI can drive real impact in one of the most tech-savvy markets in Southeast Asia.”

To date, Smart and its parent company PLDT have launched several generative AI use cases to deliver real-time, personalized telco promotions, manage customer comments, address data privacy queries, and provide customer support, among other services and solutions. <<

“And we don’t want a piecemeal approach to AI,” he added. “This is why we’re developing what we call a ‘Center for Acceleration’ of AI. We plan to gather all the best minds in AI, and this partnership with AWS is a big step towards that direction. It will give us first-hand access not just to the expertise of our partners from AWS, but also to the entirety of their generative AI services.”

COLLABORATION OPPORTUNITY AWS Professional Services Managing Director, Asia Pacific and Japan, Geeta Chaudhary noted, “AI’s true power lies in its ability to drive business

THE VIEW 9

NEWS

Indofood sparks inspiration Culinary innovation at “Rumah Indofood” booth - SIAL Interfood 2024

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he Rumah Indofood presented a vibrant showcase of products and solutions for Jakarta’s SIAL Interfood from 13 – 16 November 2024. SIAL Interfood is Southeast Asia’s biggest food and beverage exhibition, attracting approximately 90,000 visitors with exhibitors from more than 25 countries.

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As a Total Food Solutions Company, Indofood welcomed food industry entrepreneurs, professionals and partners to exchange ideas, explore new opportunities, and discover solutions that support the growth of their culinary businesses. The 198 square meters Indofood booth was designed as an inspiring garden-style space that with the

theme “Kumpul Nyaman di Rumah Indofood” (A Comfortable Gathering at Indofood Home). The space offers a variety of engaging activities, live product demos, and creative food presentations using Indofood’s diverse product range. Visitors were attracted to engage, collaborate and find inspiration.

INNOVATIVE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT Indofood offers a wide span of food products from high-quality wheat flour and pasta by the Bogasari group, to edible oils and fats from

NEWS

the Agribusiness group, and arrays of consumer branded products such as instant noodles, culinary seasonings, and dairybased ingredients. Many of these products are specifically developed to support the bakery, food service, and beverage industries. Products are supported by Indofood’s robust distribution network to ensure seamless supply, both locally and globally.

CLOSER CONNECTIONS Through its participation in SIAL Interfood 2024, Indofood aims to foster closer connections

with food industry players from Indonesia and abroad. Indofood’s presence is not only about product showcasing; it’s about sparking business conversations, sharing inspiration, and exploring new possibilities for sustainable business development in the ever-evolving world of food and beverage.

Indofood will continue to strengthen its role as a reliable partner in the food industry by offering integrated food and beverage solutions that support long-term business growth. <<

INDOMIE TAPS INTO THE KOREAN WAVE Appoints NewJeans as Global Brand Ambassador and launches new Indomie Korean Ramyeon Series

I

ndomie has made waves by appointing global K-pop sensation NewJeans as its Global Brand Ambassador. Known for their energetic, fresh musical style and visuals, NewJeans perfectly connects with Gen Z. The band also appeals to broader audiences, aligning seamlessly with Indomie’s fun and uplifting image. This bold move enables Indomie to expand its global reach and stay relevant to today’s perceptive youth.

OH MY GOOD! IT’S INDOMIE The collaboration coincides with a new product series, launched in October 2024.

The Indomie Korean Ramyeon Series launch campaign, Oh My Good! It’s Indomie, aims to

bring excitement and positivity to multiple markets. Tapping into the global Korean Wave, the product range features three new flavors: Spicy Ramyeon, Fiery Chikin, and K-Rose each offering a unique Korean-inspired taste experience. Two new Pop Mie flavors - Spicy Ramyeon and Fiery Chikin – were launched in parallel.

The on-trend campaign includes a new TV commercial, LED billboards in 11 countries, and activation events such as the Oh My Good Mart in Indonesia and Oh My Good Pop-Up events in Cambodia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Australia, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand, and Singapore. <<

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NEWS

INDOMILK KIDS X POKEMON A healthier milk choice with collectible packaging

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ndomilk Kids, Indonesia’s leading less sweet UHT milk for children, has launched a strategic limited edition collaboration with Japanese media franchise, Pokemon. The collectible packaging features 50 beloved characters, designed to make the daily milk drink routine a joyful time for children.

A BRAND THAT MOMS CAN TRUST The campaign reflects Indomilk Kids’ ongoing commitment to support children’s growth with healthier choices that moms can trust. By combining strong nutritional value with popular characters, the brand continues to innovate in ways that strengthen loyalty, drive consumer engagement, and reinforce its leadership in the children’s milk segment. <<

This partnership is more than just playful packaging, it is a strategic marketing effort integrated into a comprehensive 360 campaign spanning media and digital, in store, experiential, and community touchpoints. It aims to create excitement and broad social interaction among consumers.

Introducing Indomilk KIDS Yogurt Indomilk Kids is proud to introduce Indomilk KIDS Yogurt - the first yogurt specially made for kids in Indonesia!

12 THE VIEW

his product offers a solution for moms seeking a healthy, tasty snack for children aged 3-5.

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daily needs. To make snack time even more enjoyable, it comes with a playful toy cap to nurture creativity.

NUTRITIOUS AND PLAYFUL Made from New Zealand milk, less sugar, packed with full nutrition, and the right portion for kids, Indomilk KIDS Yogurt is perfectly crafted for children’s

Available in four child-favorite flavors - Blueberry, Strawberry, Original, and Banana Berries - Indomilk KIDS Yogurt brings both nutrition and excitement to daily snacking. <<

NEWS

NLEX-C5 NORTHLINK SECTION 1A SET TO DECONGEST TRAFFIC Motorists in Metro Manila can expect speedier journeys and better expressway access as NLEX Corporation officially starts construction of the NLEX-C5 Northlink Section 1A project.

Crunch-Up crunchy chips Indofood enters the fabricated potato chips category

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ndonesia’s market leader potato chips brand, Chitato, launched its newest product innovation in March 2025: Chitato Lite Crunch-Up. The demand for fabricated potato chips has been growing rapidly. To capitalize on this trend, Chitato continuously develops new products to maintain its dominance in the potato chips market and expand its consumer base.

Chitato Lite Crunch-Up strengthens the brand’s “Lite” position as a leader in flat-cut potato chips. The name “CrunchUp” describes the crispiness of the chips and inspired a strong brand campaign with the tagline, “Chipsnya Nge-Crunch, Tumpukannya Mant-Up” (“Super Crunchy Chips, Awesomely Stacked”). Packaged in canister format and offered in two alltime favorite flavors - Original and Cheese - Chitato Lite CrunchUp is ready to indulge consumers in tasty crispiness. <<

M

PTC President and CEO Jose Ma Lim, and NLEX OIC and Chief Finance Officer Maria Theresa Wells led the groundbreaking ceremony on 4 March 2025 for the initial two kilometers of the NLEX-C5 Northlink project, together with local City Mayors and partner government agencies.

MANILA TRAFFIC FREER FROM ALL SIDES Upon completion, the 11.3 kilometers road will improve 24/7 access to the expressway from Metro Manila’s west, east, north, and south sides. The project is an integral part of the expressway’s expansion plans, it will dramatically cut travel time and alleviate traffic congestion on major roads resulting in more efficient commutes and logistics operations.

Lim said, “We are enthusiastic about this project as it contributes to our ongoing efforts to reduce traffic congestion on local roads in the metro. At MPTC, we believe that unhindered mobility fosters better opportunities for jobs, businesses, and economic growth.

we will work closely with all stakeholders to minimize disruptions. Rest assured that MPTC and NLEX are committed to delivering highquality infrastructure projects, prioritizing safety, efficiency, and sustainability.”

Lim added that the choice to build an elevated expressway was taken with the intention to reduce constructionrelated disruptions for local communities.

A VITAL ROLE IN NATIONBUILDING The project is an integral part of the expressway’s expansion plans, aimed at improving access between NLEX, Valenzuela City, and Quezon City. This will stimulate mobility and business growth for surrounding areas. As a significant public-private partnership, this project plays a vital role in nation-building, supporting the government’s Build Better More program. <<

We aim to finish this 2-kilometer road in 12 months.

During construction,

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also creates long-term value for generations to come. The Iloilo City Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility represents a milestone in how cities and the private sector can work together to solve complex challenges - cleanly, efficiently, and inclusively.

It is our hope that this becomes a national model for transformative development.”

From waste to renewable energy and fuel MetPower breaks ground on landmark Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility

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he Philippines’ Iloilo City has taken a bold step toward sustainable urban development. On 7 April 2025, local officials and private sector partners broke ground on the Iloilo City Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility (“ISWMF”), located on a 3.6-hectare site. Spearheaded by MPIC’s renewable energy subsidiary MetPower, in partnership with the Iloilo City Government, the facility will process 475 tons of municipal solid waste per day. It will then generate 3.5 megawatts of renewable energy and produce 163 tons of refuse-derived fuel daily for industrial applications.

“For years, Iloilo has struggled with mounting waste, increasing landfill dependency, and environmental pollution,” said Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas. “This facility is a sustainable solution. It will not only

14 THE VIEW

keep our city clean but also create jobs, provide cleaner energy, and support local industries. This is the future of waste management, and we are proud to lead the way.”

“By diverting waste from landfills, reducing methane emissions while at the same time generating power to secure safe and sustainable water supply, the ISWMF shows how integrated environmental solutions are possible through commitment, technical excellence, innovation, public-private partnerships and visionary leadership.” said DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga.

LONG-TERM VALUE FOR GENERATIONS MPIC Chairman and CEO Manuel V Pangilinan added, “We are committed to investing in infrastructure that not only addresses immediate needs but

FINANCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY ISWMF is set to revolutionize waste management by reducing landfill use, cutting methane emissions, and converting waste into valuable resources. The project is structured as a public-private partnership, ensuring both financial and environmental sustainability.

“This is not just an environmental initiative - it’s a smart economic investment,” noted MPIC’s Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer, June Cheryl Cabal-Revilla.

“By repurposing waste into power and fuel, we are lowering costs for the city, creating revenue streams, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. This private-public partnership project creates lasting benefits for our country and our planet.”

The anaerobic digestion biogas plant within the ISWMF will supply renewable power to critical infrastructure, including Metro Pacific Water’s 65 megaliters-per-day desalination plant, while providing industries with an alternative fuel.

The ISWMF is expected to begin operations in December 2026, setting a new standard for waste management, renewable energy and sustainability in the Philippines. <<

NEWS

More Veggies Please Metro Pacific Fresh Farms launch a new era of healthy eating

F

ilipinos are embracing a healthier lifestyle. The rise of fitness communities, wellness trends, and a growing awareness of nutrition are encouraging more Filipinos to take a holistic approach to their well-being.

However, despite this growing trend, the Philippines still lags behind its ASEAN neighbors when it comes to vegetable consumption. Eating healthily is a common challenge because of barriers such as the affordability of vegetables, accessibility and a lack of variety available in the market.

AGRICULTURAL INDEPENDENCE Committed to providing Filipinos with safer, more sustainable, nutritious fresh vegetables, Metro Pacific Agro Ventures (“MPAV”) has partnered with Israel’s LR Group to create Metro Pacific Fresh Farms (“MPFF”). It brings a modern, technology-driven approach to farming - within the Philippines’ largest greenhouse facility.

proudly Filipino vegetable brand ushering in a new era in fresh, highquality vegetables. The brand also announced its upcoming offerings, with premium varieties of tomatoes, capsicums, cucumbers and peppers, set to hit supermarket shelves soon.

Guest visitors were given a firsthand taste of More Veggies Please produce

by Erwan Heussaff, Filipino-French content creator with a passion for local food, in collaboration with renowned chef Jessie Sincioco.

This was followed by an exclusive tour of the greenhouse, to see the technology and modern farming techniques employed at MPFF. The greenhouse is in its first phase of operations, with 3.5 hectares of greenhouses designed to provide up to 500 tons of fresh vegetables annually, so that consumers can count on a steady supply and

consistent quality. This means producing around 60,000 lettuce heads per month: 144 metric tons per year of leafy greens alone.

ENCOURAGING A HEALTHY DIET WITH MORE VEGGIES By making high-quality, nutritious products more accessible, More Veggies Please encourages Filipinos to integrate fresh, premium vegetables into their everyday meals and make smarter choices for long-term wellness.

CEO of MPAV Jovy Hernandez said, “Educating Filipinos about the role of vegetables in their daily meals is just as important as making them accessible. Many think that a healthy diet requires drastic changes, but even small efforts like adding more vegetables to your plate can make a significant difference to overall nutrition.” <<

“The vision behind these investments is an agriculturally independent Philippines,” said MPIC Chairman, President and CEO Manuel V Pangilinan. “We want to help build a nation that’s capable of feeding all of its people.”

UNVEILING MORE VEGGIES PLEASE The launch of MPFF in March 2025 marked the first harvest of More Veggies Please, a new local and THE VIEW 15

AWARDS

Indofood wins top honor at Food Summit 2025

I

ndofood has been awarded the “Best Food Company in Empowering Economy and People’s Favorite” at the Food Summit 2025, organized by CNBC Indonesia.

This award serves as recognition of Indofood’s tangible contributions to empowering the local economy and its role as one of Indonesia’s most beloved consumer brands. Indofood is acknowledged for its consistent efforts in providing high-quality products that support food security and promote national economic growth.

“This award is the result of the hard work of the entire Indofood family. We believe that the key to sustainable business lies in creating value for the community. That’s why we remain committed to empowering farmers, MSMEs, and local partners as an integral part of our ecosystem,” said PT Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk Director, Franciscus Welirang. <<

BOGASARI GROUP SHINES AT NATIONAL QUALITY & PRODUCTIVITY CONVENTION

Indofood’s Noodles Division Wins ICQCC Gold

ndofood’s Bogasari Group won a prestigious Platinum and two Diamond awards among 650 competing teams at the 28th annual National Quality & Productivity Convention in December 2024.

I

I

Bogasari Group’s delegation featured three Quality Control Circles (“QCCs”), each presenting impactful energy-saving projects. QCC OPEX earned Platinum recognition for reducing downtime in a mill’s production line while QCC FLASH and QCC CELCIUS were each awarded Diamond for energy efficiencies.

Under the theme “Beyond Boundaries: A Quest for Quality, Productivity & Innovation”, the convention saw participation from 1,086 teams. Representing Indofood, the Noodles Division’s GKM Mantap team impressed judges with their project that significantly improved the efficiency of cup noodle machines.

These accomplishments highlight the Bogasari Group’s dedication to innovation, operational excellence, and environmental stewardship. <<

This accolade underscores the Noodles Division’s dedication to quality and innovation as well as Indofood’s leadership in operational excellence. <<

16 THE VIEW

ndofood’s Noodles Division has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the Gold Award at the 49th International Convention on Quality Control Circles (“ICQCC”) in November 2024.

AWARDS

PLDT included in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2025 Named global telecom “Industry Mover”

P

attained a CSA score of 72 out of 100 in 2024, the highest among Philippine companies. PLDT is also the only Philippine company included in the 2025 Yearbook.

With a 14-point improvement over its score in the previous year, PLDT

MAKING A MEANINGFUL IMPACT “PLDT is proud to be among the best companies in the world in terms of sustainability. We recognize that making a meaningful impact on our stakeholders is key to long-term profitability, and we are glad that our efforts have been recognized.

Rest assured that this inspires our organization to continue pursuing initiatives that consider our environmental, social and governance

LDT has been listed in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2025, amongst the world’s best performing companies in corporate sustainability. Yearbook inclusion requires a company to earn an S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (“CSA”) score in the top 15% of its industry and within 30% of its industry’s top-performing company. PLDT is also named the “Industry Mover” for achieving the strongest performance improvement in the global telecommunication services industry.

impacts,” said PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V Pangilinan.

PLDT’s notable improvements in 2024 included its enactment of a Human Rights Policy, an updated and expanded analysis of material issues and impact on stakeholders, and enhanced measures to integrate climate and nature into its business operations. The company also continued to score well in the areas of risk and crisis management, privacy protection, and information security.

PLDT is one of 780 companies included in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2025 from a base of over 7,690 companies across 62 industries. << THE VIEW 17

AWARDS

Maynilad’s Head of Treasury, SCOPE, and Investor Relations Marie Angelique Estrella (5th from left) receives the awards from Alpha Southeast Asia CEO and Publisher Siddiq Bazarwala (4th from left).

MAYNILAD’S BLUE BOND OFFERING IS TOP SOUTHEAST ASIA WINNER Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (“Maynilad”) has earned top international recognition for its maiden fixed-rate bond issuance, winning “Best Blue Bond in Southeast Asia” and “Most Innovative Deal of the Year 2024” at the Alpha Southeast Asia Awards in February 2025.

O

rganized by the institutional investment magazine Alpha Southeast Asia, the prestigious awards program honors excellence in the financial sector across Southeast Asia.

Maynilad shared on 2 May 2025 that it has additionally received a special citation at the 2025 Philippine Dealing System (“PDS”) Annual Awards, for being the pioneer issuer of ASEAN Blue Bonds in the Philippines. PDS, the country’s financial market infrastructure provider, aims to promote innovation and recognize market trailblazers.

A LEADER IN SUSTAINABLE FINANCE Maynilad’s 15 billion Blue Bond issuance - the first SEC-registered blue bond in the Philippines - was listed on the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. in July 2024. The bond was launched to support the company’s capital expenditure on sustainable water and wastewater management projects.

18 THE VIEW

Despite a competitive fundraising environment, Maynilad’s Blue Bond secured 2.47 times oversubscription, reflecting strong investor confidence. This success enabled the company to achieve favorable pricing, solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable finance.

ADVANCING WATER SECURITY, CLIMATE RESILIENCE Maynilad Chief Finance Officer Ricardo F De Los Reyes said, “The recognition of our Blue Bond offering - Maynilad’s first public issuance to finance sustainable projects - affirms that we are on the right track in advancing water security, climate resilience, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Proceeds from this issuance will fund critical water and wastewater initiatives, including pipe-laying projects, pump stations, modular treatment plants, and sewerage system upgrades.” <<

AWARDS

MPIF President appointed to Maritime Advisory Group Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (“MPIF”) has been invited to advise the Philippine National Police (“PNP”) on maritime security and sustainability.

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PIF President Melody Del Rosario has been inducted as a member of the PNP Maritime Advisory Group for Police Transformation and Development. The appointment positions MPIF to support programs of social development, environmental conservation, maritime safety and sustainability.

BRIDGING PROTECTION AND SECURITY Del Rosario noted on her appointment, “It is an honor to contribute to the PNP Maritime Group’s initiatives. MPIF has long advocated for environmental sustainability through programs like Shore It Up!.

Joining the Advisory Council allows us to further this advocacy into maritime safety and development, building a stronger connection between protecting our waters and ensuring the security of those who depend on them for livelihood.”

By joining the Advisory Council, Del Rosario bridges MPIF’s advocacy for sustainable development and the national effort to enhance maritime security. <<

LANDCO HONORED AT TDM TRAVEL TRADE EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2024 - ASIA Landco Pacific’s Calatagan South Beach (“CaSoBe”) development was named both Sustainable Hotel of the Year – Philippines and Beach Resort of the Year – Philippines in November 2024.

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he awards are presented by Travel Daily Media and honors companies in the travel and hospitality industry that set the highest standards in innovation, services and experiences.

ECO-CONSCIOUSNESS IN THE DNA CaSoBe is an idyllic beachfront estate in Batangas, a few hours’ drive from Metro Manila. It was developed by Landco Pacific and managed by Millenial Resorts (“MRC”, now Landco Lifestyle Ventures).

“Eco-consciousness is deeply embedded in the DNA of both Landco Pacific and MRC, with the EDGE Certification complementing their broader sustainability programs across our Resort Estates, including CaSoBe and Club Laiya in Batangas,” Landco Pacific and MRC President and CEO Erickson Manzano told Travel Daily Media.

CaSoBe offers various eco-friendly accommodations: the Crusoe Cabins, Cocoon pods and Cupola geodesic tents. The Crusoe Cabins attained the prestigious EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) Certification from the Philippine Green Building Initiative – the first resort project in the Philippines to be certified. <<

THE VIEW 19

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL & GOVERNANCE

Photo credit: Kinberlie L Pumarada Smart Communications

NO FILIPINO LEFT OFFLINE PLDT, Smart to power up 200 sites for remote communities

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igital access is the key to empowering millions of Filipinos who live in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (“GIDAs”). PLDT and Smart are set to fire up around 200 new cell sites this year to serve remote areas, as the Philippine government intensifies efforts to bridge the digital divide.

The initiative is part of the Private Sector Advisory Council’s Digital Infrastructure (“PSAC DI”) mission to build new cell sites. Expanding coverage is critical to improving education, boosting businesses of all sizes, and ensuring access to essential services, such as online banking, digital commerce and disaster response.

ONE CONNECTION AT A TIME “Every new site we build brings a remote community closer to

20 THE VIEW

education, livelihood, and vital services. This is how we bridge the digital divide - one connection at a time, with no Filipino left offline,” said PLDT Chief Operating Officer Butch G Jimenez.

These nation-building infrastructure projects allow PLDT to connect hundreds of remote communities, bringing fiber and wireless solutions to underserved regions. Under the government’s “Broadband ng Masa” (Broadband for All) program, PLDT is also working with key agencies such as the Department of Information and Communications Technology to accelerate coverage expansion.

TANGIBLE ECONOMIC RESULTS Late last year at a meeting with President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr., PSAC DI presented updates on its Connectivity Plan for GIDAs – a landmark collaboration among

PLDT, Smart, and the country’s major telecommunications providers, with the support of government agencies.

“PLDT is committed to driving tangible results in improving digital access to GIDAs,” said PLDT Chief Operating Officer Butch G Jimenez, who represented the company at the meeting alongside PLDT Chairman, President, and CEO Manuel V Pangilinan. “These efforts also align with the long-standing advocacy of Chairman MVP, who has consistently championed initiatives that empower Filipinos through education and economic development.”

PLDT remains committed to connecting communities and individuals: enabling more Filipinos regardless of location - to participate in and benefit from the digital economy. <<

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL & GOVERNANCE

together and sell them. From that 7,000, her income is now seven figures.”

IT TAKES A WHOLE NATION The UN-hosted forum discussed gender stereotypes, the role of women in the home, the threat and use of AI and government strategies to foster gender equality.

Mompreneurs take center stage PLDT Home is a strong supporter and advocate for inclusivity of women in business and in tech, in conjunction with its expansion of its fiber network and programs of internet education for the whole family.

Galao led the discussion with the panel of women leaders including PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer and advocate for MMPH, Melissa Vergel de Dios.

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he company has supported Madiskarte Moms PH (“MMPH”) - the online community of almost 200,000 women and mompreneurs in the Philippines since its inception. MMPH took center stage at the first-ever Asia Pacific UN Women’s Empowerment Principles Awards this March. The forum and awards ceremony celebrated companies championing gender equality and addressed key topics such as women entrepreneurship and digital inclusivity.

UN Women Philippines Country Program Coordinator Athena Denise

FROM MISFORTUNE TO BUSINESS SUCCESS Vergel de Dios shared that it is “all about the creativity and innovation of mompreneurs.” She related the story of an awardee at PLDT Home’s annual recognition for the best businesses by mompreneurs. “This mom needed to buy milk for her child, which cost her the only money she had - 3,000. Not only was her budget just enough, it was also unfortunately stolen. Instead of being overcome by helplessness, this clever mom sold her old clothes and made 7,000.

“This mom turned an unfortunate incident into the beginning of her business called HTP or Half the Price. Now that she had capital for a business, she called up all her friends to put their unwanted clothes

The challenges are many, but networks like MMPH are helping to create opportunities. It promotes digital and entrepreneurial upskilling and gives support for its members to start and grow their home-based businesses. PLDT Home, supporting the network from its founding four years ago during the pandemic, has untapped potential of women and the grassroots entrepreneurs, helping its small businesses to not just survive but to flourish, during their toughest times.

Vergel de Dios reflected on PLDT Home’s advocacy, “We’ve given masterclasses and lessons that teach women how to create their own websites, how to avoid scams and fraud. But, as I say, it takes a whole nation. Now, the Madiskarte Moms teach new members so that they can go forward as well,”

DEFINING SUCCESS DIFFERENTLY The future may be beyond the office, according to Vergel de Dios.

“Sometimes, success is not being an executive in the office but being an entrepreneur. Today’s success is defined differently. We can be role models to the little girls that look up to us, and we can show them that they can dream.” << THE VIEW 21

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL & GOVERNANCE

PLDT, Smart focus on children PLDT places child rights at the center of its operational and sustainability focus. As a digital leader the Philippines, it joined forces with the government of Quezon City (“QC”) at a Children’s Summit, and also partnered with Terre des Hommes Netherlands (“TdH NL”), for an insightful child focus group study.

QC

recognizes the internet as a ‘positive catalyst for innovation, education, and economic growth.’ At the same time, the city government recognizes that the digital world can be an enabling environment for criminal perpetrators. These offenders harm children by engaging in online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (“OSAEC”).

ONLINE SAFETY FIRST PLDT and Smart Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel de Dios addressed the QC Council’s Children’s Summit in November 2024, “We at PLDT and Smart have taken a stand to integrate child rights in the way we operate and invested in technology solutions and platforms that keep our users, especially children, safe online.”

Representatives from the local government and children

22 THE VIEW

community of the Philippines’ largest and most populous city attended the Summit. Mayor Joy Belmonte declared QC’s vision to be the “Anti-OSAEC Capital of the Philippines,” as she promoted awareness of the QC Helpline 122 for the reporting of child abuse cases.

FIGHTING BACK WITH SOLUTIONS, PROGRAMS, TRAINING Through their industry-leading child protection platform, PLDT

and Smart have blocked more than 1.6 million URLs and online content linked to OSAEC from June 2021 to end-December 2024.

Beyond protection solutions, PLDT and Smart have supported the QC government in measures to fight OSAEC in grassroots communities.

The Group has a multi-year collaboration with Kids for Kids PH and the SaferKidsPH consortium program of UNICEF, Save the Children, and the Asia Foundation.

QC has received technology support and training in case management for OSAEC prevention, reporting, response, and rehabilitation.

FOCUS GROUP INSIGHTS FROM CHILDREN PLDT and Smart conducted a groundbreaking consultation with children and youth representatives from across the Philippines to gather insights on the impact of environmental, social, and governance issues on young Filipinos today.

Terre des Hommes Netherlands (“TdH NL”) is an international non-government organization

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL & GOVERNANCE

“

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte addresses the QC Children’s Summit 2025

committed to preventing and stopping child exploitation. The focus group was part of PLDT and Smart’s engagement in TdH NL’s 2024 Children and Youth Summit event.

The discussions, with participants aged 13-26 years old, were designed to engage young people in the national electoral discourse.

LISTENING TO PRIORITIES Discussions included the twelve ESG areas that comprise PLDT and Smart’s sustainability roadmap. Children and youth participants were asked to select the most important ESG issues that, in their opinion, should be prioritized by PLDT and Smart.

Participants chose child protection, cybersecurity and data privacy, and climate-related risk management.

AT PLDT AND SMART, WE CONTINUE TO RECOGNIZE CHILDREN AS AMONG OUR MOST ACTIVE END-USERS AND AS KEY STAKEHOLDERS IN COMMUNITIES WHERE WE OPERATE. THROUGH COLLABORATIONS WITH CHILD RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS LIKE TDH NL, WE LOOK FORWARD TO EXPANDING OUR FEEDBACK MECHANISMS AND HAVING MORE OF THESE CONSULTATIONS WITH CHILDREN ON EMERGING ESG ISSUES AND ON HOW WE COULD FURTHER GENERATE POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE LIVES OF YOUNG PEOPLE TODAY.

”

PLDT and Smart First Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel de Dios

The focus group also articulated specific qualities and actions that make companies responsible in their operations, such as: [ integrating end-user safety in the design of their services; [ being open to customer feedback and criticism; and [ having empathy to address needs of people, especially during disasters.

When asked why companies should be responsible in their operations, participants responded that doing so builds credibility, trust, patronage, and loyalty among customers.

“At PLDT and Smart, we continue to recognize children as among our most active end-users and as

key stakeholders in communities where we operate. Through collaborations with child rights organizations like TdH NL, we look forward to expanding our feedback mechanisms and having more of these consultations with children on emerging ESG issues and on how we could further generate positive impact on the lives of young people today.” said PLDT and Smart First Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel de Dios.

TdH NL Executive Director Gráinne Le Fevre echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the value of partnerships in addressing issues like child exploitation and ensuring a safer world for children. <<

In 2022, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that more than

30%

of the country’s population consisted of children below 15 years old.

Another study by ECPAT International, INTERPOL and UNICEF reported that

95%

of children in the Philippines use the Internet.

THE VIEW 23

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL & GOVERNANCE

Heroes of Road Safety MPTC intensifies efforts to promote safer roads for children

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PTC is actively committed to integrating child rights and road safety into its core initiatives.

Over the years, its business units - NLEX, MPT South, CCLEC, and MPT Mobility - have launched impactful programs, educational campaigns, and partnerships aimed at fostering a brighter future for young generations.

UPHOLDING CHILDREN’S RIGHTS MPTC Chief Corporate Governance and Head of Sustainability, Atty. Cynthia Casino described the mission, “As a company and as individuals dedicated to fostering economic and social development in our communities while minimizing our environmental impact, we stand united with various socio-civic organizations and the private sector to further this mission. Together, we strive to uphold children’s rights - ensuring they are heard, empowered, and provided with a safe and healthy environment. At MPTC, our goal is to create safer roads for our children, enabling them to pursue their future and lead healthy, happy, and productive lives.”

THE STAR OF THE ROAD In line with MPTC Group’s road safety efforts, NLEX Corporation launched a picture book titled “Ang Bida ng Kalsada” (The Star of the Road) at the National Library of the Philippines to educate young minds on the values of responsible road usage. Featuring engaging stories and illustrations, the book aims to teach children about road safety.

NLEX is distributing it to students in 20 public schools within the host communities of NLEX, SCTEX, and NLEX Connector. MPT South also launched an updated version of its “Bayani ng Kalsada” (Hero of the Road).

The book has reached over 1,000 students, with over

24 THE VIEW

420 copies donated to participating schools, various libraries, and institutions.

BLUE LIGHT CELEBRATIONS On 20 November 2024, MPTC lit several of its key structures in blue to demonstrate its commitment to creating safer roads for children in celebration of World Children’s Day. As part of this initiative, MPTC also echoed the message of this year’s World Children’s Day by utilizing its expressway network assets through billboards that promote road safety for children. The message was also broadcast on MPTC’s online channels with the help of its business units.

To fortify its efforts, MPTC is also preparing for its initiative to conduct a Child Rights Impact Assessment in 2025. MPTC Group’s campaigns on child road safety have been recognized by numerous organizations, including the Department of Health’s Healthy Pilipinas Gold Award, the Asia CEO Awards, and the prestigious ESG Business Awards 2024. <<

-

Champion Bangka

By Jan Lester E Bisco PLDT

Ten years of inspiring photography We recently concluded ten years of creative Photo Competitions. The tenth contest generated an impressive 534 photo submissions from our colleagues at 15 investee companies.

The themes were: Teamwork makes the difference, Technology for good, Embrace nature, and Acts of kindness.

1st Runner-up Embrace the Nature

By Santo Hura Indofood

3rd Runner-up Man-iibaan ira

By Darwin Ortiz Sardez Philex Mining

4th Runner-up Technology Pervades our Lives

By Lemuel A Ragasa Meralco

2nd Runner-up Bridging Worlds

By Heinz Reimann D Orais MPTC Merit Award Sky Meets Sea

By Juan Paulo Abad Philex Mining

Merit Award Chasing Sunrises with Sea of Clouds

By Clarence Joy L Bautista PLDT

Merit Award Nature’s Classroom

By Irene Niña T Lagumbay PLDT

THE VIEW 25

5/2025 Harvesting

by Thomas Adhika Wibowo PT Salim Ivomas Pratama Tbk

Teamwork

by Jan Lester E Bisco PLDT

Dragon Boat Competition

by Lemuel Amano Ragasa Meralco

Joyful Strides

by Anna Katrina R Vargas Antipolo Doctors Hospital

A Climb of Hope

by Proilan S Ledama MPT South

Sentinels in Rejoice

by Ranelle H Gango Meralco

YOUR VISION THROUGH THE YEARS

Early Morning Call at Lonsurn Plantation

by Yudi Rizki PT Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk

Congratulations to all of you who contributed stunning photos to the First Pacific Group annual Photo Competitions. Here above is a selection of winners from recent years.

PLDT’S NEXT TECH ERA www.firstpacific.com

7 VITRO Sta. Rosa’s inauguration | 10 Indofood sparks inspiration 18 Maynilad’s Blue Bond honored | 20 No Filipino left offline