32nd Anniversary

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Reducing poverty through sustainable livelihood

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ORPORATE Social Responsibility has many facets, one of which is the thrust to maintain programs for the local communities directly affected by the point of impacts of corporations.

Through these programs, companies provide the communities access to one of the basic needs of life while at the same time, give avenues for better livelihood to combat poverty. These programs allow the affected communities to have the fundamental human right to fulfilling dignified work and livelihood, including equal access to land and productive resources and to basic labor protections. According to the World Bank, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has led in the provision of opportunities for income-generating activities and livelihood development through the implementation of the Sustainable Livelihood Program since 2011. “This policy note describes the program and reflects on opportunities the program has for improving and complementing other social protect i o n

CSR-related programs in livelihood and entrepreneurship are geared towards the attainment of sustainable growth. tesda.gov.ph

programs,” the report said. Furthermore, the objective of the Sustainable Livelihood Program is to reduce poverty and inequality by generating employment among poor households and by moving highly vulnerable households into sustainable livelihoods toward economic stability. Indeed, livelihood programs have benefitted numerous individuals in touchpoints, where companies are situated and many more in different parts of the country. Over the years, CSR-related programs in livelihood and entrepreneurship are geared towards the attainment of sustainable growth, which demonstrates how various stakeholders, both public and private, take care of the communities near their businesses. Read on to see how these businesses provide e c o n o m i c opportunities for the people. Peter Paul Duran

April Aguilar (sixth from left), representing Mayor Imelda ‘Mel’ Aguilar receives the key from Asst. Director Jesus Anunciacion (fifth from left) of the Energy Utilization Management Bureau of the Department of Energy during the ceremonial turnover of the 100 E-trikes to Las Piñas City. Present were (from left) Engineer Simon Leonor, Senior Supervising Science Research Specialist DOE; Takahiro Yamasaki, Business Development Manager BEMAC; Engr. Arnel Matthew Garcia, Supervising Science Research Specialist DOE; City Administrator Reynaldo Balagulan; Councilor Mark Anthony Santos; TRU Chief Ruben Ramos; Councilors Rubymar Ramos, Renan Riguera, Gerry Sangga, Buboy Dela Cruz, Steve Miranda and (at the back) Councilors Mark Anthony Santos and Pewee Aguilar.

Local governments provide livelihood opportunities to citizens By Angelica Villanueva and Charles Dantes

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RECENT survey revealed that fewer Filipinos have experienced hunger during the last fourth quarter and Christmas of the past year.

Yet, despite the decline, there are still a large number of Filipinos suffering from involuntary hunger. This has urged local government units, in partnership with nongovernmental organizations and the national government, to establish programs that open opportunities for every family, in order for them to sustain small businesses, which they can use as a source of income. Las Piñas In November of 2018, over 100 electronic tricycles (e-trike) were distributed by the city of Las Piñas to select tricycle drivers and operators. Aside from the benefit of reducing pollution within the city, the e-bikes also served as a source of income for the beneficiaries. The city government has also provided free charging stations along the routes. Aside from the e-bikes, another livelihood program pushed by the city government was the manufacture of “coconet” -- nets made from coconuts. With the city government providing the weaving equipment, some residents have joined the livelihood program of turning coconut shells and buko husks into a “coconet,” which the city used as a foundation of plants growing in riverbanks. Malabon City Usually paired with hot coffee or hot choco, pandesal is not just a breakfast staple prepared by moms and Titas in Malabon City as it has also become their source of income. The Malabon City government has turned pandesal into a business venture

for women, solo parents and persons with disability and called it ‘Pan de Ladies.’ Aside from pandesal, other breads loved by Filipinos, such as the pan de coco and the Spanish bread, are made by inmates with baking experiences from Malabon’s Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. This kind of livelihood has helped the lives of Malabon women in providing for the needs of their family. “It is truly a blessing to become one of the Pan De Ladies of Malabon! We are proud that even with this small livelihood endeavor, we have helped our family in so many ways,” said one “Pan de Lady.” Each Pan de Lady is able to get P1,000 cash as a capital, plus other materials such as trolley, large styro-box and uniform for baking, and then selling freshly-baked pandesal within their areas.

Women in bright pink clothing prepare to use their plastic gloves to get the freshly-baked pandesal from their boxes (inset) as part of the ‘Pan de Ladies’ effort of the Malabon city government to give livelihood to 150 women and single parents.

Navotas City Last year, the City Government of Navotas, through its Navotas Hanapuhay Center, started its NavoNegoSerye to empower Navoteños in terms of starting their own businesses as part of its Tulong Puhunan and Tulong Negosyo programs. NavoNegoSerye is a series of training and programs of livelihood skills expected to encourage the residents of the city to start up a business. “We want Navoteños, especially those from low-income families, to learn how to start and sustain a business,” Mayor John Rey Tiangco said. Another program led by the city mayor, in partnership with Techni-

Social Action Center of Pampanga Inc. gives financial assistance for the rehabilitation of crops farmers and the establishment of communitybased livelihood programs for women.

cal Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), is the Navotas Training and Assessment Institute that offers technical-vocational skills, such as bread and pastry making, dressmaking, welding, automotive servicing, and others. As a result, there are already a large number of Navoteños, who have gained certification from the institute and passed TESDA’s assessment exam. Quezon City During the last quarter of the year, the Quezon City government proudly presented 321 residents, who graduated from the city’s Manpower Barangay

Based Skills Training Program. Each of the graduate acquired a threemonth training on housekeeping, hilot and wellness, food and beverages services, bread and pastry production, dressmaking, electrical installation and maintenance, cosmetology, home care provider, and productivity skills and capacity building. Spearheaded by the Social Services Development Department (SSDD)Vocational Development Division, the program aimed to help QC residents expand their knowledge and open doors of opportunities that will help them sustain a business. Earlier in June, Quezon City provided

skills training for bystanders or in local parlance, ‘tambay.’ Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte encouraged the city’s bystanders to enroll in livelihood training offered by the Quezon City Skills and Livelihood Foundation Inc. The Vice Mayor believes that these bystanders deserve a second shot as she envisions their worth as a productive citizens of the society. San Juan The city government of San Juan opened the new year with a bang when it conducted the Muslim Traders Entrepreneurship Forum at FilOil Flying V Arena.

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VILLAR Sipag Foundation:

Saving Filipinos from poverty By Angelica Villanueva

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ONNING the tagline “One more Filipino saved from poverty,” the Villar SIPAG Foundation aims to deliver Filipinos away from hunger and lack of support.

Senator Cynthia Villar, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, leads the distribution of fishing boats, tri-bikes and kitchen utensils for the livelihood of Baseco Residents. Lino Santos

The VILLAR Sipag Foundation was established in 1992 by Sen. Cynthia Villar.

Established in 1992 by Senator Cynthia Villar, the foundation supports Filipino families in their businesses, with a mission to develop and nurture the minds of aspiring entrepreneurs, who will make a difference in society. Villar SIPAG Foundation has helped

providing skills and technical education for entrepreneurs, while hoping that the beneficiaries of the program will inspire other potential entrepreneurs to learn from their success stories. What matters most for the foundation is that the participants will absorb the

values of “sipag at tiyaga,” self-discipline, and reliance that will help them conquer business-related challenges in the future. Back in 2007, the Nacionalista Party partnered with the foundation, Sipag at Turn to E4

Two Decades of Life-Changing Journey with PRO-FRIENDS By: Lorelee Antonette Yap Mr. Michael Asinas, Head of Landscape Department at Lancaster New City.

Ilonggo kids were all smiles during the book reading activity and book donation conducted by PRO-FRIENDS employees.

A child demonstrates proper brushing of teeth during PRO-FRIENDS’ wellness campaign in Brgy. San Rafael in Mexico, Pampanga.

Homeowners in Lancaster New City do their share in planting a medium-sized Molave tree in one of the tree planting activities within the community.

Creating Communities, Transforming Lives A vision and tagline turned advocacy. This is what lies in the heart of Property Company of Friends, Inc. (PROFRIENDS) as they embark in their dream of creating good quality and affordable houses that can cater from low up to middle income families. What started as a dream from Guillermo Choa and a group of friends in 1999 became the foundation of what PRO-FRIENDS has reached today. They began as a small development provider in Cavite and then later expanded to building mid-rise condominiums, estates available to different kinds of markets up to constructing larger communities. For almost 20 years, PRO-FRIENDS already completed 17 projects while nine more are still in progress. To date, PRO-FRIENDS has already delivered over 46,000 housing units. PRO-FRIENDS’ Communities As their expansion continues, they have built communities in strategic locations that at the same time, ensure one’s privacy, safety, comfort and convenience with the touch of innovation to fit the lifestyle and needs of the family even in the future. PRO-FRIENDS makes sure that the homeowners have all they need within reach: school, church, community centers, and work place. This is most evident in their flagship project, Lancaster New City (LNC).  It is a 1,600 hectare flagship project of PRO-FRIENDS that straddles in the areas of Kawit, Imus, and General Trias in Cavite. LNC is accessible when you’re from Cavitex and soon, from CaLaEx. It includes the St. Edward Integrated School, where the children of the residents can go to school with just a few steps or blocks away and learn, Suntech i-Park, the first IT park in Cavite that gives an optional workplace to those who want to work close to their homes, the Parish of the Holy Family, and The Square, a commercial center where families can enjoy their favorite meal and enjoy themed activities. The Heart of PRO-FRIENDS But the goal of transforming lives doesn’t end with creating communities. According to PRO-FRIENDS Corporate Communications Head, Joy De Joya, since the early years when they were established, it has been a  norm  for the  company  to “extend life transformation to the under served sector through efforts aimed toward housing, environment, education, wellness, the elderly and children.” Over the years, they have conduct activities where their projects are located and expanded to other areas, aimed at select beneficiaries with pressing needs. These include visiting a pediatric home in Malate, Manila called Bahay Aruga, a temporary shelter for cancerstricken children seeking treatment at  the Philippine General Hospital;  JADE HOME, a nursing home for children with disabilities from Virlaine Foundation; White Cross Children’s Home in San Juan, Manila;  SOS Children’s Village in Iloilo; Kanlungan ni Maria in Antipolo City;and Asilo de Molo in Iloilo, a care center for the elderly.  Enabling activities include a fun run with proceeds directed toward SOS Children’s Village Iloilo, Friends of Cancer Kids Iloilo Foundation, Inc., and Asilo de Molo  as well as a Fun and Run activity among residents and friends of Lancaster New City for the children of Gawad Kalinga in Lambunao. PRO-FRIENDS

Trees line up in the stretch of Lancaster New City`s spine road which is the Advincula Road

also reached out to  3,600 families whose houses were destroyed by Yolanda, by partnering with Gawad Kalinga for their resettlement, housing and community development.  Last year, employees also sent help to victims of typhoon Ompong through the archdiocese of Baguio. Hopeful to reach their objective for the life transformation they want give to the underprivileged, PROFRIENDS also wishes to achieve the same thing for their employees who volunteer: “We hope to instill the spirits of teamwork and sense of family among our employees through these activities,” said De Joya.  More activities in greater frequency are being lined up to provide PRO-FRIENDS professionals access to becoming a blessing to others Environmental Cause One of the main features of PRO-FRIENDS’ properties especially the LNC in Cavite is the eye-catching, refreshing and captivating variety of trees, flowers and plants that make up its landscape. Behind this impressive scenery is PRO-FRIENDS’ Head of Landscape Department, Michael Asinas.  Since 2013, they initiated an annual tree planting activity where residents and employees volunteer as they recognize the importance of this cause to the residents and for the environment. “For the last five years, PRO-FRIENDS has already planted around 31,599 trees. We plan to continue this advocacy and add at least 7,000 each year within our projects providing a home to 3,000 types of native tree species like the Copper pods, Molave, Nedras, Jasmine, Balitbitan, Kamagong, Banaba, Tecoma, and Bani,” Asinas told Manila Standard. He expressed that trees provide many benefits not just for our surroundings but also for us. He pointed out several factors we can get from it like how “it beautifies the area.” Aside from cleaning the air, it can also help reduce the heat and “air-conditioning requirement by 30 percent” as well serves as a shade to protect everyone from the direct heat of the sun and strong winds. Some trees can also provide food and absorbs sound pollution, “There are even studies that prove that trees can also help decrease depression and stress to the people surrounded by it,” added Asinas. For Asinas, nurturing a tree has great importance than just planting one  because it is useless to plant thousands of trees if none will grow and survive. On top of that, it is advisable to plant a tree during the onset of rainy season rather than the beginning of summer to reduce the efforts and cost of taking care of it and to ensure the survival of the plants. With this cause, PRO-FRIENDS promotes combined efforts  between the residents and employees  which resulted in a group for environmentally-driven advocates called the LNC Ecology Club in its flagship project. Since its creation, the LNC Ecology Club has introduced urban gardening and eco-bricking to residents. For over two decades of dedication  in  providing good quality and affordable homes, helping the underprivileged, and serving as a model  for  taking care of the environment, PRO-FRIENDS  further commits to making a greater impact in society.  In its 20 years of existence, PRO-FRIENDS has proven that it has a heart that cares – to build homes for Filipino families and homes for goodness to grow in the hearts and minds of people whose lives it has touched.

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The 4Ps is a program created by the national government under the Department of Social Welfare and Development, focusing on health, nutrition, and education of children with ages ranging from 0 to 18 years old to assist the families who are in dire need of help to solve the intergenerational cycle of poverty. Officialgazette.gov.ph

PANTAWID PAMILYANG PILIPINO PROGRAM

A way out of poverty By Lorelee Antonette Yap

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OR generations, poverty takes an incredible toll on Filipinos and has been a problem ever since. Many people suffer, starting from their kids to adults trying to survive each day without guarantee of what might happen tomorrow. Most of them can’t afford a meal three times a day, an education, and even health check-ups.

This is the reason why Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) was born. It is a program created by the national government under the Department of Social Welfare and Development, focusing on health, nutrition, and education of children with ages ranging from 0 to 18 years old to assist the families who are in dire need of help to solve the intergenerational cycle of poverty – the state of the parents’ lives being passed on to their children and generations to come. 4Ps was patterned from the conditional cash transfer scheme of countries like Latin America and Africa to battle poverty and other problems, where families will receive cash grants if they follow the given conditions by the government. In 2007, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo first tested this program to 4,589 families from the six of the poorest cities and municipalities under the supervision of Former DSWD Secretary Esperanza Cabral. The following year, 4Ps was officially launched, serving 320,000 households in 160 municipalities of 27 provinces in six regions. President Benigno Aquino III continued and widened the scope of 4Ps in 2010 to run in all 17 regions of the country catering up to 79 provinces, 143 cities, and 1,484 municipalities. It reached 4.4 million beneficiaries last 2016. More so, 4Ps contains another program called Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT) that serves Families in Need of Special Protection, which includes families living on the streets, indigenous families with no permanent home, families with a person with disability (PWD), families affected by natural and man-made disasters, child laborers, children in problem with the law, families that have a member with an incurable disease or victim of human trafficking to break any barrier that these families need in order to be a part this project. The beneficiaries of 4Ps are decided through a system called “Listahan”

made by the DSWD that uses a National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) to identify the poorest of the poor families that have children ranging from 0 to 18 years old and/or has a pregnant member of a household when the evaluation was made. In order for a family to qualify in this program, they must meet the following criteria: (1) they must be a resident of the poorest municipalities that was based on the National Statistical Coordination Board’s 2003 Small Area Estimates (SAE); (2) families who have economic condition equal to or below the provincial poverty threshold – minimum income that is needed to meet the basic necessities of a family like food, clothing, education, etc.; (3) families with children that have ages from 0 to18 years and/ or a pregnant woman when the assessment was made; (4) families who agreed to follow the set conditions in the program. When the evaluation is done, DSWD

workers will post a list of qualified households in every community for them to see and will set a community assembly so the chosen families can be validated and recorded as beneficiaries. However, they must first sign a contract agreeing that they will comply with the conditions given to them before they receive the cash grants from the government. 4Ps only covers up to three children per family. The parents can choose which of their children can be the beneficiary of this program. With a goal that someday these beneficiaries will become “independent and self-reliant” as per President Rodrigo Duterte during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) in 2016, conditions were imposed on 4Ps to prevent the beneficiaries being dependent on the program. These are as follows: (1) Children from three to 18 years old must be enrolled in a school and needs to have an attendance no lower than 85% of classes every month; (2) Children covered

by 4Ps need to have regular health check-ups where those who ages from zero to five years old must be vaccinated, and those who ages from six to 14 years old should be dewormed twice a year. The weight of the children will also be monitored and if there is pregnant member of the family, she needs to have a pre and post natal care and have their baby be delivered by a doctor; (3) Any of the parents needs to attend the monthly family development sessions organized by the DSWD where they will be taught on how to be responsible parents, learn on how to take care of their children’s health and nutrition, and even become active citizens. Families who complied with these conditions shall be given cash grants every month. Each household will receive P500.00 for their health grant and P300.00 for their pre-school and elementary children while P500.00 is for their high school children for their education. These cash grants can be withdrawn through

Land Bank of the Philippines, Globe G-Cash remittance, and rural bank transactions. Education grants shall be given only in 10 school months per school year. In addition, President Rodrigo Duterte stated in his first SONA that the 4Ps beneficiaries will also receive rice subsidies every month. A family can be a 4Ps beneficiary until the last of their three children finishes high school or turns 18, whichever comes first. In more than a decade, 4Ps already helped a lot of families in our country. It created a lot of opportunities where a family will no longer shoulder the expenses of their children’s education and health expenses. But the government’s assistance will be for nothing if a family will be dependent on what they are given. They should also make an effort and help the government achieve the goals of this program. For more information about 4Ps, visit this website: pantawid.dswd. gov.ph

Speaker of the House Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

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LANDBANK launches GABAY Program for Marawi siege survivors L

ANDBANK launched its Gawad Angat Bayan (GABAY) Program, a CSR project that aims to support the psycho-social needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the Marawi siege, especially the children.

The launch was held on Jan. 17, 2019 in Marawi City, led by LANDBANK Executive Vice President Liduvino Geron, and officials from partner organizations led by HUDCC Secretary and Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) Chairman Eduardo del Rosario, Mayor Atty. Majul Usman Gandamra, and Balay Mindanaw Foundation, Inc. President Charlito Manlupig. Also present during the launch were officials and representatives from the LANDBANK Corporate Affairs Department, Marawi Branch, and Cagayan de Oro Lending Center. Also part of the launch was a visit to Barangay Bito Buadi Itowa Transitional Shelter where psycho-social support (PSS) activities were piloted for the children. Dubbed as “Bahay Pag-asa”, the transitional shelter houses children- beneficiaries as young as 6 years old. As part of the PSS activities for children, books that promote children’s rights were also distributed onsite. Funded by the Department of Finance under the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau-Interest Differential Fund (KfW-IDF), the GABAY Program is implemented in partnership

LANDBANK launched its GABAY Program that aims to provide psycho-social support to survivors of the Marawi siege. The launch was led by LANDBANK Executive Vice President Liduvino Geron and First Vice President Catherine Rowena Villanueva, First Vice President Khurshid Kalabud, HUDCC Secretary and Task Force Bangon Marawi Chairman Eduardo del Rosario, Mayor Atty. Majul Usman Gandamra and Balay Mindanaw Foundation, Inc. President Charlito Z. Manlupig. They are joined by other representatives from the LANDBANK and The Balay Mindanaw Foundation, Inc.

with the Balay Mindanaw Foundation, Inc. (BMFI), an internationallyrecognized non-government organization from Cagayan de Oro City that specializes in disaster response and preparedness initiatives. The program aims to provide PSS for affected individuals, and to develop community leaders especially among the youth and women. At least 2,000 IDPs from the identified evacuation sites and 11 other ba-

rangays are expected to benefit from this program. The main components of the program include a trainors’ training for community leaders, conduct of PSS activities, eco-therapy through organic farming, post-activities support communication, and other interventions needed by the participants, including possible livelihood opportunities. The GABAY Program is implemented in close coordination with the

TFBM, and the Islamic City of Marawi LGU officials. “Having programs like GABAY complement the government’s massive rehabilitation efforts for Marawi is very important. This will help us make sure we are addressing all the needs of the affected individuals. Maraming salamat sa lahat ng bumuo ng programang ito, kasama ang LANDBANK at Balay Mindanaw,” said HUDCC Secretary and TFBM Chairman del Rosa-

rio. Mayor Gandamra also expressed appreciation and gratitude for the program, on behalf of the people of Marawi. “This program is just the beginning, as it would take true commitment and cooperation from various sectors to help our brothers and sisters in Marawi rebuild with renewed hope, and come out of this stronger and better,” said LANDBANK Executive Vice President Geron.

Globe myBusiness leads awareness campaign on Marine Biodiversity Conservation in Siargao Island Following its recent rehabilitation efforts in Boracay, Globe Telecom led an awareness campaign on Marine Biodoversity Conservation in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte which is dubbed as the surfing mecca of the Philippines. This was done through Globe myBusiness which caters to the business needs of micro, small, and medium enterprises, in partnership with Save Philippine Seas (SPS), an independent nongovernment, non-profit organization that aims to protect the country’s rich marine resources. Several stakeholders including 30 business owners and a representative from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) attended the 1.5 day marine biodiversity workshop to discuss best practices on sustainability and biodiversity. “This program of Globe about Marine Biodiversity and Sustainable Business Practices is a big help to the municipality of General Luna. The program serves as a tool to give proper education and awareness to every household and every barangay in order to solve our solid waste management problem. I would like to appeal to the local community and all business establishments here in General Luna that we help each other and work together for the success of our environment conservation efforts; for the prosperity and progress of our own municipality,” said Jose Wilbert L. Gorgonio, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer, General Luna. While the island is very progressive and has become a booming tourist destination, Siargao is not yet too commercialized, thus, an early intervention is ideal to avoid the pitfalls that Boracay had encountered. Siargao has several establishments in the capital of General Luna which are working together to create a better sustainable development, making it one of the best places to start the awareness campaign.

Siargao business owners attend the Globe myBusiness awareness campaign on marine biodiversityconservation in General Luna, Siargao Island

to inform and influence business stakeholders that this advocacy on marine conservation and the problem on plastic litter is everyone’s responsibility. They have a big role in this endeavor and that together, they can create huge positive social impact,” said Derrick Heng, Senior Adviser for Globe myBusiness.

During the workshop, Globe myBusiness and SPS shared tips on how to integrate sustainable best practices into day-to-day operations of businesses. These include the use of ecobags, reusable utensils, refillable containers and the reuse of printed tarps and signage. The business owners were also requested The Philippines is considered as one of the 25 not to use sand, seashells, corals, and sea stars as biodiversity hotspots in the world but it is also the 3rd decorations as well as avoid balloons and lantern largest polluter of plastic into the ocean, according to releases. Earth Day Network, prompting Globe myBusiness to help address the situation. At the same time, Globe myBusiness, being a trusted business partner of MSMEs, gave participants a sneak “We want to help combat this growing concern on peek into its Lakbay sesssion by providing them with marine litter. Through the workshop, we were able useful information on how they can utilize technology to Harana Surf Resort, for instance, gave a commitment through its General Manager Veda Alcos that while the establishment is not yet fully plastic-free, “we are aiming to be one very soon.”

run their business more efficiently in order to provide the best experience to their customers. “We have prepared a portfolio of business solutions to give them the competitive advantage to improve efficiency and productivity, reduce cost, and further grow their business so that they can focus on what matters most - the customers,” said Mitch Peralta, Head, Marketing for Tourism of Globe myBusiness. Among the solutions being offered by Globe myBusiness are WiFi connectivity, digital advertising, website creation, auto SMS blast, digitized forms, and a personalized loyalty program. Globe Telecom has committed to contribute to 10 UN Sustainable Development Goals which include (11) Sustainable Cities and Communities, (12) Responsible Production and Consumption, and (14) Life Below Water. CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

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San Miguel Corporation:

Making its vision of a better PH, a reality

Marawi is on its way back to recovery, thanks in part to the P1.5 billion donation of San Miguel Corporation to Marawi-related efforts such as building new homes for families displaced by the conflict.

By Rhosedel Grace Gabac

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AN Miguel Corporation, through its corporate social responsibility arm— San Miguel Foundation Incorporated, is dedicated to proactively reach out to Filipinos to bring forth change that will enable communities to live better lives, committed to inspire them how each one of them can make the vision of a better Philippines, a reality.

Post Marawi Conflict SMC’s way of giving honor to the lives of 166 soldiers who died defending Marawi is by giving a P2 million business start-up package to all 166 families affected. The grant for the fallen soldiers makes up but a portion of the SMC’s total 1.5 billion donation to Marawi-related efforts such as building new homes for families displaced by the conflict. Dakula Ya Tadeng: Enriching Young Minds Through Literacy Project SMC has been generous through the years by giving scholarship programs with opportunities to work in their business in the

future, and other educational initiatives such as the building of classrooms to help improve students’ literacy, supplemental feeding, and book donation. Last April 2018, San Miguel Foundation, together with San Miguel Consolidated Power Corporation, and Department of Education Division of Davao Occidental were present at the launching and turnover ceremony of this pilot project in literacy called Dakula Ya Tadeng: Enriching Young Minds Through Literacy Project that aims to support the learners in five schools in Malita, Davao Occidental who have difficulty in reading through the donation of speech laboratories, computer laboratories, and the improvement of reading centers. Trees Brew Life Program Over the last nine years, SMC, through San Miguel Brewery Incorporated’s Tree Brew Life Program, continues to do its part in protecting the environment by planting trees. Over 600,000 seedlings nationwide has been planted. Last 2018, volunteers of the aforementioned program planted trees in the hearts of Pampanga, Quezon City, Makati, Laguna, Cebu, Negros Occidental, and Davao del Sur, and more are in the pipeline. This program is part of the flagship environmental project of San Miguel Brewery, Inc. called “Buhayin Ang Kalikasan” that aims to provide water in communities, protect forest covers, and regenerate mangrove areas.

Typhoon Sendong Last 2012, typhoon Sendong destroyed tens of thousands of lives, causing billions in economic damage in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Negros Oriental. Without a doubt, the single-largest corporate social responsibility in the country was made by SMC through helping more than 75,000 families affected by calamities, spending 550 million towards constructing 5,000 new homes, giving relief goods and soup kitchens. Through decades of quality and integrity, SMC, up to this day, continues to invest on important social causes that are closely tied to the Philippines’ betterment and development such as education, health and nutrition, environmental preservation, community-building, and disaster management.

Villar... From E1

Tiyaga Foundation and Vista Land as part of its 100th founding anniversary to establish the “Pondo Sipag, Puhunan sa Tiyaga” Awards to recognize and honor outstanding micro-entrepreneurs across the country. “The awardees exemplify the collective spirit of the Filipinos in overcoming their limitations, handicaps, and personal tragedies. In the process of transforming themselves, they create positive ripple effects on their local communities, quietly and mostly without fanfare,” said former Senator Manny Villar. The move aims to inspire and influence other entrepreneurs, especially micro-entrepreneurs, to follow in the steps of the successful one before them. Reciprocating the heroism of OFWs Almost two million Filipino laborers leave the country yearly to work overseas. However, due to illegal recruiters, the fate of many OFWs is uncertain when they go abroad. Some who have tried their luck overseas are led into unfortunate situations, while some are maltreated by their employees and then a few get involved in involuntary criminal operations. As a result, non-government organizations take action in repatriating OFWs to secure their safety and even lives. Villar SIPAG Foundation then comes into the picture to aid these distressed OFWs as it believes in the inherent courage, heroism and hard work that they possess--traits which should be reciprocated with protection, security, and service. Villar SIPAG has provided livelihood assistance to these workers, help which they can use as they begin to start a new life here in the Philippines. Through its partnership with other NGOs, the foundation has opened doors of opportunities for OFWs. An example of this partnership is with the Ople Center, where returning OFWs are engaged in a series of skills training which they can use in applying for local jobs or somehow, start their own businesses.

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KABALIKAT SA KABUHAYAN

SM Foundation is one with farmers By Charles Dantes

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M Foundation Inc. has been serving different communities since 1983, focusing on social inclusion by nurturing and caring for those in need.

The foundation serves as the core belief of SM Group of Companies’ corporate social responsibility, established by Henry Sy Sr. and Felicidad T. Sy, while anchoring on the principle “People Helping People”. The foundation is committed to giving back to the community by

It’s harvest time! SM Foundation

Framers show their crops. talavera.gov.ph

supporting and empowering host communities through education, healthcare, shelter, disaster response, farmers’ training, environmental programs and care for persons with special needs. One of the well-known projects under the SM Foundation Inc. is the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Farmer’s Training Program. Launched in 2007, the KSK Farmer’s Training program has helped more than 200 batches of farmers around the country with the help from different local and private unit. During the program, farmers are taught how to properly prepare the

land by showing them the right mix and care for the soil. It imparts the knowledge to the participants on how to maximize space and effective techniques for farming, thereby helping improve the quality and quantity of their crops as well as provide organic food for their families. Then, the farmers are taught, stepby-step, how to take care of the crops with timely follow-up visits. After a 12-week training, SM Foundation and the farmers celebrate the bountiful harvest and invites possible buyers to try their high-value crops. After the harvest, farmers are given the opportunity to observe operations

and product presentation of fruits and vegetables at SM, while SM works with farmers to link them to markets or to SM Markets suppliers. Farmer graduates are encouraged to continue and replicate their teachings by forming cooperative groups. Through these training, more families will have nutritious food on the table for their children and also have the chance to have additional income. As both rural and urban farming revolve around the program, SM Foundation aims to keep the KSK Farmer’s Training in order to continuously empower the farmers and focus on the agricultural prowess of the country.

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32nd Anniversary

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A seminar on Financial Literacy was recently conducted by DTI Pampanga under the SME Roving Academy program in San Fernando, Pampanga.

Multi-level entrepreneurs get DTI’s backing By Peter Paul Duran

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HE Department of Trade and Industry has spearheaded programs to benefit multi-level entrepreneurs. With their numerous projects underway, the department has given a platform for all Filipinos, regardless of class, privilege, or ability, to support and develop their businesses.

These programs include the SME Roving Academy (SMERA), a continuous learning program for the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to become competitive in the domestic and international markets. Its main strategies contain the integration of business development services for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) at the national and local levels, while establishing the Provincial, Regional, and National Entrepreneurship Development Networks. Finally, it aims to manage an inclusive promotion program for SMEs. The DTI-Bagwis Program, on the other hand, gives due recognition to establishments that uphold the rights of consumers while practicing responsible business where consumers get the best value for money. The program also encourages the setting up of Consumer Welfare

Desks or an equivalent customer relations office inside the mall that will provide information to consumers and serve as a mechanism for the speedy resolution of consumer complaints. DTI says retail establishments like Supermarkets, Department Stores and Specialty Stores, Appliance Centers, Hardware Stores, as well as DTI Accredited Service and Repair Shops, are welcome to join the program. Furthermore, the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Plan was developed,in consultation with national, regional, and provincial stakeholders. The MSMED Plan has four major outcome or result portfolios, namely Business Environment (BE), Access to Finance (A2F), Access to Markets (A2M), and Productivity and Efficiency (P&E). It will also take into consideration global themes and cross-cutting issues related to gender,

The DTI-Bagwis Program gives due recognition to establishments that uphold the rights of consumers while practicing responsible business where consumers get the best value for money.

DTI trainings in Central Luzon

climate change, corporate social responsibility, and migration. A participatory approach was adopted involving a series of stakeholder consultation, validation, and recalibration workshops participated in by representatives from the private sector, local government units (LGUs), national government agencies (NGAs), the academe, and civil society. One unique program of the Department is its Go Lokal campaign, dubbed “A Filipino Concept Store for MSMES” which promises to present products as cool, modern, and 100% Filipino. Innovative, high-quality Philippine products crafted, designed, and produced by the country’s MSMEs are

at the forefront of this idea, with an opportunity to go mainstream via the free marketing platform provided by DTI’s retail partners that enable suppliers to gain access to the local market, and ultimately, the global market. DTI’s inspiration for this is challenging entrepreneurs to build their products to global standards while discovering suppliers and products with high market potential. The department says it also wants to uplift communities by sharing part of store sales to community-based projects Moreover, through this program, product specialists from the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP) collaborate with MSMEs to develop one-of-a-kind and modern designs,

dynamic packaging, assured quality, value for money, and consistent supply of the products. In addition to all of these, the government agency also has programs for the differently-abled. Their Persons With Disabilities (PWD) Program is in support of the government’s thrust to achieve inclusive growth. The DTI formulated the Department’s PWD Economic Empowerment Program to help facilitate integration of PWDs into the mainstream of society. The program provides interventions in terms of enterprise-level assistance, enabling environment, and policy advocacy for our PWD brothers and sisters.

Corporate Philanthropy

32nd Anniversary

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Empowering women entrepreneurs By Angelica Villanueva

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OPULAR for its exceptional taglines and campaigns such as “Open Happiness,” “It’s the Real Thing,” and “Taste the Feeling,” the Coca-Cola Company has been providing happiness in a bottle for Filipinos for over a hundred years. While Coca-Cola has been brought into the country since 1927 when it was bottled for distribution by San Miguel Corporation, it was only in 1981 when the company was founded as Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines Inc., before it was renamed as CocaCola FEMSA Philippines Inc. But while Coca-Cola is a multibillion dollar corporation known all over the world, it also supports an array of advocacies, one of which is to empower the women when it comes to entrepreneurship. Empowering Women through 5by20 Coca-Cola always believes in the power and strength of women in sustaining a business. In 2010, with the initiative of the Coca-Cola Company, this belief and principle have turned into a foundation helping women venture into their own businesses. The initiative offers women to undergo business skills training courses, providing financial support and a network of mentors, while building confidence within themselves. Coca-Cola’s 5by20 has now become a program that reaches poten-

tial entrepreneurs—from fruit farmers and recyclers to retailers and artisans— in 200 countries across the world, with the help of bottling partners. By 2020, Coca-Cola envisions to empower five million women entrepreneurs across the globe. And from this number is the vision of empowering 200,000 Filipina entrepreneurs. In the Philippines, Coca-Cola has helped Pinay retailers, who are having a hard time implementing their own business ventures. Carmelita Aspiras, who started her own sari-sari store in 2012, has faced economic and business challenges that led her neck-deep in debts. But when she joined the program, after undergoing training on business professionalism, planning, and management,

she has learned how to conquer and manage these financial barriers. “When I joined the Coke 5by20, I didn’t expect the positive effect it would have in my life. We really enjoyed our training because we learned a lot and experienced so many new things that we didn’t expect we would ever go through in our lives,” she said. Coca-Cola’s 5by20 Sari-Sari Store Training and Access to Resources, also know as the Star Program, has helped over 130,000 women micro-entrepreneurs since 2011. As a successful result of the Star Program, more and more empowered women move forward with confidence in facing business-related challenges, applying what they have learned and are now ready to take big steps for their businesses.

The Star Program has already been executed nationwide among 54 locations, with nearly 500 accredited facilitators. This implementation and commitment aim to help 200,000 women across the country to reach financial success. Repatriating Overseas Filipina Workers From among 2.2 million+ Filipino workers working abroad are about 54% Filipinas, who have gone overseas to find a better source of income in order to provide for their families here in the Philippines. The women who eventually return to the country feel troubled how they can still provide for their families. Coca-Cola Philippines has also reached these distressed OFWs by en-

couraging them to join the Star Program so that they can start their own businesses. In partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment, CocaCola has come up with the Women Entrepreneurs Reintegrated and Economically Active at Home or Women Reach Program to provide livelihood training. Participants are given access to have step-by-step entrepreneurial training, business counseling, and self-assessment, helping them identify the ideal and appropriate business model scale based on their resources and skills. Among the business plans suggested by the participants include backyard hog and poultry raising, carinderia, sari-sari store, computer rental shop and online ready-to-wear shop.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

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TODAY

By MJ Blancaflor and Dexter Tilo

No one gets left behind: BPI bolsters financial inclusion

Filipinos deserve a comfortable and financially-stable life for themselves and their families. There is no doubt that financial inclusion—a state of having accessible financial products and services—is a prerequisite in nation-building. It allows families from various segments of society, particularly the unserved and underserved, to attain financial security. The latest data from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas revealed that 22.6% of Filipino adults (15.8 million) have bank accounts. This is a modest improvement from 22% based on the maiden survey in 2015. Unfortunately, half of adults in class ABC have an account which is twice higher than class D, and almost four times higher than class E. The survey also showed that adults who finished college are more than twice likely to have an account than high school graduates, and more than thrice likely to own an account than elementary graduates. Out of 52.8 million adults who do not have an account, 60% cited not having enough money as the primary reason. Obviously, the private sector can help the government in ensuring accessible financial services for everyone. As a trusted financial institution, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) helps families and individuals gain enough knowledge and skills to prepare them for their financial needs throughout their lifetime. Via digital banking In line with its vision to be the country’s most inclusive bank, BPI also supports the growing number of digitally-savvy clients by utilizing digital banking to further promote financial inclusion. While at the forefront of banking innovation, the Bank initiated a long-term digital transformation journey which includes enhancements to its mobile and online banking platforms that will meet the growing demand for efficient and convenient automated banking channels, which complement the Bank’s traditional branches. “We are moving into a more digital, cash-lite society. There is growing demand for cashless transactions and banks are increasingly becoming more capable to offer these digital services to more Filipinos. This will be a good thing for the country as barriers to opening bank accounts are broken down, and frictionless transactions encourage more inclusion for the unbanked and underserved,” said BPI Chief Operating Officer Ramon Jocson. Through digital banking, the pioneer bank in Southeast Asia hopes to reach out to more of the unbanked and underserved sectors of the society. By doing so, the Bank also provides its clients with the highest level of security. As of writing, BPI’s digital channels include the new BPI Online and BPI Mobile app, as well as over 3,000 ATMs and cash accept machines, or CAMs. The new BPI Online and Mobile app feature an intuitive design and additional functionalities for enhanced security. Clients can now use the new “transfer via QR code” function, which makes transferring funds more convenient and efficient. Other enhancements of the app include improved security features such as biometric log-in capabilities and the One-Time PIN (OTP) function for financial transactions such as bills payment, fund transfers, and prepaid reloading done online or through the mobile app. The 24/7 nature of its digital channels is a key driver in helping people bank from the comfort of their homes, offices, or cars. All this involves a transformation in the frontend and backend infrastructure and processes of BPI. Via literacy BPI helps its clients achieve financial security by providing access to basic financial products and services, especially for low-income individuals and households. According to BPI, the first step towards financial security is financial management. A major aspect of this is financial education, which is the ability to make informed decisions with one’s money and assets. This is why BPI launched tailor-made programs for schools, barangays and farming communities, which allow the unbanked to learn the basics of finance. BPI Foundation’s  Manny and Me  program provides a platform for elementary school-aged children to learn the basics of financial management, and guidance to teachers and parents in supporting their learning and development towards financial wellness. From 12,000 students and 300 teachers trained in 2016, the number of beneficiaries jumped to nearly 75,000 students and over 600 teachers from 2017 to 2018.

“We are moving into a more digital, cash-lite society. There is growing demand for cashless transactions and banks are increasingly becoming more capable to offer these digital services to more Filipinos. This will be a good thing for the country as barriers to opening bank accounts are broken down, and frictionless transactions encourage more inclusion for the unbanked and underserved, ” said BPI Chief Operating Officer Ramon Jocson. Supporting the implemenetation of the K-12 program, BPI also launched the BPI Senior High Acceleration Program for Employment and Entrepreneurship (SHAPE), one with the DepEd’s tagline  “Trabaho. Kolehiyo. Negosyo. Sa K to 12, possible!”  The project aims to boost the competencies of Senior High School Students to take on employment, start a business or go to college. BPI provided modular programs on values-driven skills development, entrepreneurship and financial management skills for Senior High School students. Adults, particularly overseas Filipinos, can also benefit from BPI’s financial inclusion efforts. In spite of decades of working abroad, 70% of OFs are still unable to save for their long-term goals. BPI helps address this by conducting trainings for OFs on financial education and basic entrepreneurship under the BPI Sulong program, which includes back-to-back training for the participants’ family members so that they are able to better manage the monthly remittances that they receive. Another sector that needs attention is the self-employed microentrepreneurs (SEMEs), which form a bigger chunk of what keeps the country humming with entrepreneurial activity. Like the OFs, they are limited by their knowledge of financial services that can help them grow their businesses. Most SEMEs have no bank accounts, and they resort to informal lenders, who charge exorbitant rates, just to gain access to financing. BPI educates and reaches out to SEMEs through BPI Direct BanKo, its microfinance arm. Its financial advisors, called BanKoMare and BanKoPare, go out to wet markets and small business owners who need financing and personally talk to them. The rates are more attractive and the requirements are easier to obtain. Apart from these programs catering to students and communities, BPI also holds basic trainings on investing. For one, BPI Securities developed an educational program called the Invest-In-You Trading Academy (I-TRAC) which offers a wide range of courses that help provide expert advice in making sound investment decisions. BPI Securities also works closely with the Philippine Stock Exchange’s Market Education team, various Human Resources groups of local companies, schools, and other organizations to promote the concept of investing as a lifestyle among Filipinos. As BPI continues its programs and efforts towards digitalization and financial education, financial inclusion is slowly becoming a reality for Filipinos in various sectors in Philippine society. No one gets left behind. That is the goal. And BPI is certainly one of the catalysts of that vision.

BPI Chief Operating Officer Ramon Jocson

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Corporate Philanthropy

32nd Anniversary

CSR CHAMPIONS OF TODAY

Develop your skills with TESDA By Lyka Navarrosa

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OLEEN de Leon earns a livelihood as a dressmaker. It has become a primary source of income for her as as she is able to accept dress repairs from her neighbors from time to time.

Today, with the use of the modern technology, TESDA offers online programs for those who are interested in their courses. tesda. gov.ph

Coleen is just one of thousands of graduates of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority also known as TESDA. Established through the enactment by President Fidel V. Ramos of Republic Act No. 7796 on Aug. 25, 1994, also known as the “Technical Education and Skills Development Act of 1994,” TESDA aims to encourage the full participation of and mobilize the industry, labor, local government units and technical-vocational institutions in the skills development of the country’s human resources. What gave birth to TESDA was the merging of the National Manpower and Youth Council (NMYC) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) with the Bureau of Technical and Vocational Education of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) and the Apprenticeship Program of the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) of the DOLE. TESDA is not only limited to offering trainings that will develop vocational and technical skills of the enrollees. It is also mandated to promote middle-level manpower. Since it also has the power to approve skills standards and tests, the agency is also required to develop an accreditation system for the development of institutions involving middle-level manpower. The agency stands to be the transformational leader in technical education and development of skills of Filipino workforce. Trainers, workers and employees are guided with the values of demonstrated competence, institutional integrity, personal commitment, culture of innovativeness and with deep sense of nationalism. TESDA graduate insights Coleen de Leon finished three short courses in a training center of TESDA in Guiguinto, Bulacan. She reflects that it is good to undergo training for a skill you didn’t know before, wherein in a short span of time, you can acquire a new skill, which later on you can use as a livelihood. She has now certificates from dressmaking, Basic Nihongo and Basic English Training short courses. Among the three, her learnings from her dressmaking course has become her source of income now. What she likes the most about her TESDA stint is that she learns quickly because they were backed up with actual trainings right away. Before, she had no idea about dressmaking. Her trainings with TESDA helped her not only to discover her skills, but to improve and later monetize her new-found skills. Opportunities that come with TESDA trainings and certificates Graduates like Coleen learn to enjoy the trainings because opportunities come after graduation and certification from TESDA. Having partner companies locally and internationally, TESDA can help graduates find job opportunities inside the country and abroad. That’s why some people, who don’t have the chance to graduate with a college degree, but are aching to find a job abroad, considers the agency and enroll themselves in short courses to have a TESDA certificate. For this reason, TESDA has become known to be an alternative to college education that can make an undergraduate competent in jobs. Know more about TESDA online program Today, with the use of the modern technology, TESDA offers online programs for those who are interested in their courses. According to its website, the TESDA Online Program (TOP) provides an effective and efficient way to deliver technical education and skills development services to a broader audience/wide range of users/ all learners at a lesser cost as the online program requires no tuition fee. It is a program for everyone who loves to learn TESDA courses without the pressure, at their most convenient time. Visit the TESDA website, www.tesda.gov.ph to know how to enroll in the program. Skills are important to everyone in finding what job you are interested on. Developing those skills plays important role to properly enhance it and be proficient. And TESDA offers quality programs and trainings without so much expenses. Having said that, are you willing to develop your skills with TESDA?

The event, led by San Juan City Mayor Guia Gomez and graced by Senator JV Ejercito, taught Muslim traders in the metro on how to further expand their businesses. Meanwhile, last Jan. 14, the Department of Science and Technology turned over a new welding area with shielded metal arc welding training equipment as part of the city’s livelihood programs. And just like any other city, San Juan also offers TESDA courses and skills training such as caregiving, hairdressing, baking, and electronics for its residents. PAMPANGA One of the most notable livelihood programs in Pampanga is the financial assistance provided by the Social Action Center of Pampanga Inc. (SACOP), which gives financial assistance for the rehabilitation of crops farmers and the establishment of community-based livelihood projects for women. With the graduation of the assisted community organizations, the program extended micro-finance assistance to

A total of 25 lucky recipients received livelihood assistance, intended to uplift the town’s poor residents, and were sourced from the labor agency’s DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program otherwise known as “DILEEP.” CAGAYAN More than 1,300 individuals working in informal sectors region-wide also benefitted from DOLE’s DILEEP. The program seeks to contribute to poverty reduction and reduce the vulnerability to risks of the working poor, marginalized workers either through emergency employment, and promotion of entrepreneurship and community enterprise. At least P26.2 million funds have been earmarked for the implementation of DILEEP and to enhance the existing livelihood programs of some local entrepreneurs in the region. Of the P26.2 million, P7.86 million will be allocated for the province of Cagayan, P10.48 million for Isabela and P2.62 million each for the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, and Batanes. Families are shown during the Awarding of the Transfer of Certificate of Titles for the SACOP-Assisted Resettlement and Housing Communities. Photo courtesy of sacop.ph

enterprising individuals and groups through the provision of working capital for business expansion, purchase of equipment and supplies and support in the expansion of business reach. They also conduct training and workshops for the enhancement of management and financial capabilities. Adding to SACOP’s programs, Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo also led the distribution of livelihood assistance through the Lourdes Tuason De Arroyo Foundation to the indigent residents of the second district of Pampanga. Arroyo’s Sustainable Livelihood Program includes all towns in the district—Guagua, Lubao, Porac, Floridablanca, Sasmuan, and Sta. Rita. The Department of Labor and Employment regional office in San Fernando, Pampanga introduced a program to give help to pedicab drivers through its “Padyak Project”.

LAGUNA The town of Calamba in Laguna has a close of partnership with government agencies and community partners. Calamba aims to strengthen the culture of entrepreneurship through its Calamba Cooperatives and Livelihood Development Department. Calambeños have access to a different kinds of assistance in terms of education, training, and cooperatives. Another booming municipality in Laguna is the city of Santa Rosa, which has the Self-Employment Assistance Program, under the City Social Welfare and Development Office. With this program, qualified Rosenians are provided with financial assistance to start a small business. Family-based Actions for Children and their Environs in the Slums or SDG-FACES is a national program adopted by the City to address issues

Department of Labor and Employment regional office in San Fernando Pampanga introduced pedicab drivers to its “Padyak Project” for sustainable income.

such as poverty. The program provides beneficiaries/mothers the opportunity to take the lead in achieving several goals, combating economic, social and environmental challenges within the community. This is through pieces of train-

ing, seminars and livelihood projects that can help improve the quality of their life and secure their children’s future. As the economy continues to face challenges, local government units are doing their share to cushion its impact

by providing our countrymen the assistance they need. As an old Chinese proverb says: Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

50 X 2025 BY 2025, WE COMMIT TO REDUCE OUR USE OF WATER IN ALL PROCESSES ACROSS THE SAN MIGUEL GROUP BY 50%.

While our water management efficiency level is among the highest in the Philippines, and while water conservation and protection has always been a key component of our operations,

WE’RE CHALLENGING OURSELVES TO DO MORE.

ELIMINATE WASTAGE OF WATER ACROSS OUR OPERATIONS.

We will adopt new and stricter measures to improve the efficiency of our water use, as well as utilize water-saving technologies and implement conservation programs.

REUSE AND RECYCLE MORE WATER.

We will optimize all our wastewater treatment facilities to further lessen our water footprint. We commit to make greater use of treated greywater for non-essential purposes.

REDUCE OUR USE OF GROUND AND SURFACE WATER AND PROTECT VITAL WATER SOURCES. HARVEST RAINWATER.

We will continue to lessen our use of ground and surface water, protect these water sources, and empower our communities to do the same.

We will harvest rainwater and runoff water from creeks and rivers – collecting, filtering, and storing it for irrigation and for various other purposes in our facilities. We hope that others will follow our example.

WE ARE EQUALLY COMMITTED TO PROVIDING WATER-CHALLENGED COMMUNITIES NOT JUST WITH ACCESS TO SAFE, POTABLE WATER, BUT ALSO THE ABILITY TO BE SELF-SUSTAINING WHEN IT COMES TO WATER MANAGEMENT.

WHY DO WE CARE?

Because it’s everyone’s water.

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