Wednesday, November 4, 2026

How Sustainable Coffee Farming Benefits People and Nature

Preserving Natural Balance and Papua Welfare Through Sustainable Arabica Coffee Processing in Arfak Mountain

Community members in Koffo Village work together to clear land for Arabica coffee cultivation

Across Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines and Indonesia, coffee has become more than a daily beverage, with a growing number of coffee shops and specialty cafés making it an integral part of everyday culture. Both countries are also uniquely positioned to cultivate distinctive coffee beans, thanks to their diverse landscapes, tropical climates, and long-standing coffee-growing traditions. As coffee culture continues to expand, consumers are becoming more discerning about specialty brews and bean origins, with growing interest in sustainably grown coffee that supports local communities and protects natural ecosystems.

Saturday, October 31, 2026

Norfund and Impact Fund Denmark to Invest in Vena Energy's 500 MWp Ixus Bugallon Solar Power Project in the Philippines

Norfund and Impact Fund Denmark have signed agreements to invest a combined 49% equity interest in the 500 MWp Ixus Bugallon Solar Power Project in Bugallon, Pangasinan, Philippines.

The transaction remains subject to the approval of the Philippine Competition Commission ("PCC") and other customary closing conditions.

The project is expected to supply the equivalent annual electricity needs of approximately 650,000 Philippine households and avoid approximately 570,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually once operational.

Vena Energy, Norfund, the Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries, and Impact Fund Denmark announced that they have signed agreements on investing a combined 49% equity interest in the 500 MWp Ixus Bugallon Solar Power Project in Bugallon, Pangasinan, Philippines.

Monday, October 26, 2026

Vena Energy Honored as Outstanding Stakeholder by DepEd Calbayog City

Dr. Avelina P. Tupa, OIC-Chief ES, SGDD/EFS; Mr. Oscar D. Billate Jr., EPS-SGOD; Marivic Acuyong, CSR Manager at Vena Energy; Falconeri Miranda, Project Manager at GWEC; Dr. Joel A. Zartiga, Ceso VI, OIC-School Division Superintendent

Vena Energy has been recognized as an “Outstanding Stakeholder” by the Department of Education (DepEd), Schools Division of Calbayog City, in recognition of its support for education and community development. The award was presented during the annual Stakeholders Summit.

The recognition was presented at the Calbayog City Convention Center. The annual summit brings together educational leaders, local government officials, and private sector partners to recognize collaborative efforts to enhance the quality of education in the region.

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

SNAP-Benguet Brings Host Communities Together to Turn Commitments into Meaningful Change

SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet (SNAP-Benguet) gathered its host communities for its annual Host Communities' Forum (HCF) on September 29, 2026 at Big Belly, Itogon, Benguet, centered on the theme "Transforming Commitments into Meaningful Change." The event welcomed around 50 local government unit representatives from our host communities in the province of Benguet, led by Vice Governor Marie Rose Fongwan-Kepes.

Delivering the keynote address, SNAP's General Manager and Group Chief Executive Daniel Icasiano shared that a commitment proves its worth when it makes a real difference in people's lives and keeps doing so over time. "Transformation is not what we announce. It is what is still different five years after we leave the room," he said.

Sunday, October 18, 2026

From Iloilo to Barcelona: The Filipino Footballer Who Showed the World What Greatness Could Look Like

Paulino Alcántara’s extraordinary journey offers a powerful reminder that Philippine football has always had a place on the world stage.

Filipino football pioneer Paulino Alcántara in action during his historic playing career. From Iloilo to FC Barcelona, Alcántara’s journey became part of football history and a lasting reminder that Filipino talent can reach the highest levels of the sport. (Photo from kondromagazine.com)

Before Philippine football had the global attention it seeks today, a Filipino from Iloilo had already shown the world what was possible. 

Saturday, October 17, 2026

Rethinking Travel: How Tourism Support Communities and Livelihoods

Siak Eco Wonders in Indonesia brings together cultural preservation, environmental protection and livelihood opportunities through community-based tourism

Home to more than 47 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including six in the Philippines, Southeast Asia is rich in cultural and natural attractions. Beyond attracting visitors, community-based tourism is gaining attention as a way to support local livelihoods while preserving cultural heritage and protecting the environment.

Friday, October 16, 2026

Future-Proofing Southeast Asia: Restorative Economy Blueprint Shows How The Philippines Can Unlock Billions By Restoring Nature

As the Philippines and ASEAN neighbors face compounding climate risks, regional research proves that shifting from extractive industries to a restorative economy generates long-term prosperity, protects critical watersheds, and shields frontline communities.

At Bangkok Climate Action Week (BKKCAW) 2026, Indonesian research institutions, organisations, and local leaders unveiled a practical framework for a restorative economy. This model gives Southeast Asia an opportunity to build economic systems that actively replenish ecosystems instead of just extracting value from natural resources.