Maynilad wins “Climate Smart Utilities” recognition from IWA
West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) was declared as a “climate smart utility” by the International Water Association (IWA) during its Climate Smart Utilities Recognition Program held recently in Kigali, Rwanda.
IWA cited Maynilad’s adaptation and mitigation efforts in addressing the effects of climate change on its operations, including its diversification of raw water sources, upgrade of treatment facilities in response to the worsening raw water quality, and reduction of non-revenue water, among other activities. Another Maynilad initiative given particular note is its program for attaining “Climate Neutrality” by 2037.
Maynilad is one of 20 utilities from 12 different countries that was recognized as “climate smart” following a robust review by industry experts and independent jury members. Of these 20, a total of 10–including Maynilad–was considered “outstanding” by the jury, as the actions presented are inspiring and ambitious considering their local context.
This year’s Climate Smart Utilities Recognition Program focused on how water and sanitation utilities that operate in challenging conditions respond to climate change. It recognizes “ambitious and innovative utilities in low and middle-income countries that are leading the way towards a low carbon water and sanitation sector, embracing the change needed to adapt to and mitigate climate change while raising awareness among citizens and industries, engaging regulators, and inspiring other utilities to take action.”
GSIS MPL Flex lends over P70B to over 258K gov’t employees
The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has released a total of P70.5 billion to more than 258,000 borrowers taking on Multipurpose Loan (MPL) Flex nationwide from September 9 to December 21, 2023.
The loan program allows members to choose repayment terms between one and 15 years for greater convenience. They can borrow up to 14 times their basic monthly salary, with a maximum limit of P5 million.
Eligible for the program are active and special GSIS members who are not on unpaid leave and have made at least one month’s premium payment. Further, their net take-home pay, after the deduction of all monthly obligations, must meet or exceed the General Appropriations Act’s minimum requirement of P5,000.
Members can apply through the GSIS Touch mobile app or GWAPS kiosks, ensuring a quick and paperless process. Upon approval, loan proceeds are credited within a business day to the member’s eCard account.
As an added incentive, GSIS awarded a total of P1 million to 200 members through raffles in November and December, exclusively for those who applied via the GSIS Touch and GWAPS.
Alsons Power, Philippine Eagle Foundation expand Wildlife Conservation Program in Palimbang
True to its brand promise ‘We Power With Care’, Alsons Power Group, in partnership with the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), continues to demonstrate its commitment to environmental conservation by recently conducting a Community Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) campaign at Palimbang National High School in Barangay Poblacion, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.
The CEPA campaign, engaging around 250 community members including students, teachers, parents, government officials, and community leaders, focused on educating participants about their critical role in preserving local biodiversity.
Alsons Power, through its Sarangani Energy Corporation and Siguil Hydro Corporation units, has committed to a three-year Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with PEF. This agreement entails providing resources for the public awareness program and supporting the tracking and protection of the Philippine Eagle ‘Sarangani’ (locally known as Salagbanog), which has recently been sighted in Palimbang and nearby areas in Sultan Kudarat.
The Mt. Busa Key Biodiversity Area in Mindanao, a crucial habitat for a Philippine Eagle sub-population, is home to Alsons Power facilities. The first is the Sarangani Energy baseload thermal power plant, which has a capacity of 210 megawatts (MW) and has been in operation since 2016.
The second facility is the Siguil Hydro run-of-river hydroelectric power plant, which is currently under construction and will have a capacity of 14.5 MW.
Mitsubishi presents nationwide campaign
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines (MMPC) presents its TARALETS PINAS campaign, a nationwide initiative celebrating the Filipino spirit of adventure and making every journey better with Mitsubishi vehicles.
The campaign is a celebration of MMPC’s 60th anniversary and its unwavering commitment to making life better for Filipinos by supporting and cultivating their passion for travel and exploration. TARALETS PINAS aims to inspire Filipinos to rediscover the hidden gems and immerse in the rich culture of the country while driving their Mitsubishi vehicles.
In support of the campaign, MMPC launches an interactive campaign website wherein it features a wealth of information on destinations, road trip itineraries, and food trip tips. People are also encouraged to share their travel stories, experiences, and photos. The campaign is also being flaunted on MMPC’s official social media accounts.
The campaign seamlessly aligns with MMPC’s tagline, “Life Made Better.”
The TARALETS PINAS campaign will feature the following provinces in the coming weeks — Bacolod, Guimaras, Ilo-ilo, Pampanga, South Cotabato, Davao, Cebu, Kalinga, Baguio, Bontoc, Siquijor. Each episode will showcase the rich and colorful heritage and culture of each province to invite Filipinos to embark on a journey.
Converge partners with Caritas Manila for Segunda Mana
In the spirit of figuratively and physically unburdening our loads, and at the same time, sharing our blessings with those in need, Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is taking part in Caritas Manila’s Segunda Mana, the charitable organization’s far-reaching donations in-kind program.
Caritas Manila receives second-hand clothes, gadgets, furniture, and books which are sent to their Charity outlets to be sold and converted to cash. These benefit over 5000 voc/tech and college scholars nationwide and support the livelihood of over 300 micro entrepreneurs and their families from the informal sector.
Converge is greeting 2024 with renewed hope and optimism as it turned over more than 10 boxes full last December 28, consisting of clothes, books, toys, and household tools and items. This is the first batch of donations from the company as it kicks-off the program.
CitySavings brings banking services closer through Bank-on-Wheels
Advocating for financial inclusion, City Savings Bank (CitySavings), the thrift bank subsidiary of Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank), debuts its groundbreaking Bank-on-Wheels (BOW) mobile kiosk. The BOW services underserved regions in the Visayas and Mindanao and designated areas in Metro Manila.
The Bank-on-Wheels mobile kiosk in collaboration with UnionBank, features services such as balance inquiry and cash withdrawal, making these more accessible to customers.
The BOW also champions the Bank’s sustainability endeavors by utilizing batteries to power the automatic teller machines (ATMs), contributing to eco-friendly operations and minimizing carbon emissions.
CitySavings chief executive officer Lorenzo Ocampo shared how this pursuit contributes to elevating communities through financial inclusion and sustainability.
Kia Bacoor: Elevating the Kia brand experience through innovation
A movement that inspires continues with the inauguration of Kia Bacoor, the newest Kia Dealership in the Philippines. Kia Bacoor is a testament to the brand’s commitment to delivering unparalleled automotive experiences. Boasting an expansive building area of 750sqm and a total lot area of 1,500sqm, Kia Bacoor provides a modern and customer-centric environment that reflects the brand’s commitment to excellence.
The showroom at Kia Bacoor is designed to impress, with a display featuring a maximum of eight Kia vehicles and three service bays. This allows customers to explore Kia’s diverse range of models, each known for their style, innovation, and performance. Chief among these is the Kia EV6. The EV6 is Kia’s first car based on the company’s dedicated new platform for battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The EV6, as the first dedicated Kia EV, is a showcase of human-centered, progressive design and electrified power. It has a distinctive, impactful design that will define Kia’s future.
Kia Bacoor is the fifth Kia dealership under Iconic Dealership, Inc. (IDI), which is part of AC Motors, the automotive distribution and retail arm of Ayala Group of Companies. This new jewel is also the first Kia dealership in the country to feature a cutting-edge 22kW electric car charger, compatible with CCS2 cables. This EV charger is the perfect complement to the incomparable EV6 and other Kia EVs that will be launched in the Philippines soon.
Kia Bacoor is located at Lot 4652-B Bacoor Blvd. Brgy. Bayanan, Bacoor City, Cavite.
Pru Life UK retains top spot as country’s leading life insurer in Q3 2023
According to the recently released New Business Annual Premium Equivalent (NBAPE) report as of Q3 2023 by the Insurance Commission (IC), Pru Life UK maintains its top position in the life insurance industry in the Philippines.
The report shows that Pru Life UK recorded a total NBAPE of Php 7.99 billion as of Q3 2023 representing a 15.8% increase, while the country’s life insurance industry as a whole attained a 13.93% growth compared to the same period last year, reaching a total NBAPE of Php 46.57 billion. NBAPE is the standard metric used globally to evaluate the sales performance of the life insurance industry in the Philippines.
Owing to the company’s constant innovative offerings, Pru Life UK was also able to maintain its leadership position in total premium income from variable life insurance products, amounting to over Php 34 billion in the first nine months of 2023.
Pru Life UK’s continued market leadership can be attributed to the steadfast dedication of its 40,000 digitally empowered agency force, the largest in the insurance industry in the Philippines serving over 1.7 million Filipinos and families.
SNAP-Magat cited as a national private disaster management champion
SN Aboitiz Power Magat (SNAP-Magat) was declared the winner in the private organization category at the 23rd National Gawad Kalasag awarding ceremony held on December 11, 2023, at the Manila Hotel.
The Gawad Kalasag award is given to local government units, critical institutions, and special organizations for their efforts in disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness, climate change adaptation, and humanitarian assistance that protect high-risk communities.
Last year, SNAP-Magat won the national title in the same category, while SNAP-Benguet was a runner-up. This year, both companies were champions in their respective regions demonstrating SNAP plants’ consistency and commitment to safety and excellence in operations.
The Gawad Kalasag, organized by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and Office of Civil Defense (OCD), is the country’s premier award-giving body which recognizes organizations that have designed and implemented comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction and Management programs to protect high-risk communities and increase their resilience and capability to respond to and minimize disasters.
