How Cassava Is Evolving From a Commodity Crop Into a Source of Health and Opportunity

Siak, Indonesia’s Telarasa transforms cassava into healthier food products and community opportunities.

Wibowo Nugroho engaging in a brand consultation

Cassava has shaped Southeast Asia's agricultural history for centuries. It became a vital crop because of its ability to thrive in poor soils and withstand drought. In countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia, cassava served as a reliable food source during periods of scarcity before evolving into an important commodity for the food, feed, starch, and biofuel industries. Today, its resilience and versatility are giving the crop new relevance beyond food security, including meeting Asia’s growing demand for healthier and more inclusive dietary options.

Empowering Education: Vena Energy Mobilizes Teams and Resources Across the Philippines for Brigada Eskwela

Demonstrating its unwavering commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment, renewable energy leader Vena Energy, together with its project companies across the Philippines, has mobilized resources and volunteers in support of the Department of Education's (DepEd) annual Brigada Eskwela program.

Through targeted donations of maintenance materials, classroom equipment, and employee volunteerism, Vena Energy has provided meaningful support to public schools within its host communities, helping create safe, clean, and conducive learning environments for thousands of students as they prepare for the new academic year.

This nationwide initiative reflects Vena Energy's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment to advancing education and strengthening community resilience alongside its mission of delivering clean energy. By partnering closely with educators, local government units, and community stakeholders, the company continues to contribute to long-term, sustainable development in the areas where it operates.

SNAP-Benguet earns EMB-CAR BADANG Excellence Award on Solid Waste Management

SN Aboitiz Power Benguet Inc. (SNAP-Benguet) received the BADANG Excellence Award for Solid Waste Management for its exemplary solid waste management practices during the 9th Cordillera Environmental Summit, on June 30, 2026 in Baguio City. 

Awarded by the Environmental Management Bureau–Cordillera Administrative Region (EMB-CAR), the BADANG Excellence Awards recognize industries and institutions with outstanding environmental programs and best practices that contribute to sustainable development and environmental protection in the Cordillera Region. Categories include Hazardous Waste Management, Wastewater Treatment and Water Conservation, Air Quality Monitoring and Management, Solid Waste Management, and Environmental IEC Leadership.

YGC Invests in Global Education to Further National Growth

The Yuchengco Group of Companies’ (YGC) House of Investments (HI) continues to boost its contributions toward nation-building through strategic global partnerships under its education investment arm, iPeople, Inc. Through iPeople’s Mapúa schools, a collaboration with Arizona State University (ASU) has been established—setting the tone for the group’s long-term vision of creating sustainable futures where Filipinos can thrive and compete globally. 

“With YGC’s visionary leadership and steadfast support, iPeople schools are fully empowered to deliver world-class education to Filipino students. We want to continue developing highly employable, future-ready Filipino graduates who are more equipped to adapt to global events, thus increasing economic productivity, national stability, and eventually global recognition,” says Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo, President and CEO of Mapúa University and the Mapúa Education Group.

Mapúa University is one of the network of schools under iPeople, which also includes Malayan Colleges Laguna, Malayan Colleges Mindanao, Malayan High School of Science, National Teachers College, and University of Nueva Caceres. 

Waste-Free Starts With Us

SM Cares marks World Oceans Day 2026 with coastal cleanup efforts for a waste-free future

7,500 SM employees, volunteers and partners mobilized for World Oceans Day 2026 to divert waste from the sea

This World Oceans Day, SM Cares brought the SM Green Movement to shore, reminding communities that protecting the ocean begins long before waste reaches the sea.

In celebration of World Oceans Day 2026, SM Cares led coastal cleanup efforts under the banner “Empowering Communities for an SM Waste-Free Future,” mobilizing 7,500 employees, tenants, volunteers, partners, and local stakeholders to take part in shared action for cleaner coastlines and healthier marine ecosystems. 19,000 kilograms of trash was successfully diverted from the ocean 36% less than the previous year.

SM Supermalls launches Sustainability Digest

A comprehensive look at how SM Supermalls supports greener communities

A supplementary report on environmental impact: The SM Supermalls Sustainability Digest 2025: Work and Wins showcases how sustainability is deeply ingrained in SM’s mall operations for the benefit of its customers and surrounding communities

(L-R: Bel Gonzales, SM Supermalls Section Head for Sustainability; Kitchie Limoanco, SM Supermalls SVP for Corporate Marketing and Public Relations; George Cheung, SM Supermalls AVP for Waste Management & Sustainability Solutions; Engr. Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls VP for Corporate Compliance and Sustainability; Engr. Junias Eusebio, SM Supermalls VP for Operations; Joaquin San Agustin, SM Supermalls EVP for Marketing; Engr. Charles Singson, SM Supermalls AVP for Mall Operations, Mina Kahn, SM Supermalls AVP for Transport Management)  

SNAP highlights watershed and environmental conservation in observance of World Environment Day

In celebration of World Environment Day, SN Aboitiz Power Group (SNAP) reaffirms its commitment to environmental stewardship through watershed management, reforestation, forest protection, and community-based conservation programs. Through strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives, SNAP continues to promote climate resilience and sustainable development in its host communities.