The Ocean Cleanup marks first milestone with Meycauayan plastic Interceptor rollout

The first Interceptor barrier in the Manila Bay region to be operational by June 2026

Global non-profit organization, The Ocean Cleanup, reinforces its commitment to mitigating ocean-bound plastic waste from the Manila Bay region, with the deployment of its first Interceptor™ barrier in the Philippines, set to be in the Meycauayan River by June 2026. 

This follows the recent announcement of Interceptor deployments in the entire Manila Bay region, as part of The Ocean Cleanup’s global initiative, the 30 Cities Program, which aims to accelerate efforts to intercept and remove ocean-bound plastic pollution from rivers globally by up to one third, by the end of the decade.

SNAP continues to strengthen sustainability performance in 2025

Renewable energy provider SN Aboitiz Power Group (SNAP) continues to strengthen its sustainability performance across its operations, with improvements in safety, environmental stewardship, and community programs.

In 2025, SNAP delivered 1.72 TWh of renewable energy, supporting the country’s clean energy transition while improving its operational reliability. The company achieved an availability factor of 95.2% – well above the global average for hydro of around 81% – and an improvement from its availability factor of 93% in 2024. Safety remained a top priority, with SNAP achieving over 10.8 million safe man-hours with zero lost-time injuries across its operations. This reflects the company’s continued emphasis on a strong safety culture and proactive risk management.

Vena Energy Formalizes Community Support through a Check Turnover Ceremony to host Indigenous Cultural Communities

Quezon Wind Energy Corp. (QWEC), a subsidiary of Vena Energy, a leading green energy solutions provider across the Asia-Pacific region, marked a key milestone in its community engagement efforts through a check turnover ceremony for its host community, the Dumagat/Remontado Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) of Tanay. The ceremony was held in Quezon City on 21 April 2026.

The event reflects Vena Energy’s continued commitment to inclusive development and to respecting the rights and heritage of its host communities. The turnover formalizes the remittance of community funds to the Tanay ICCs through the Tanay Dumagat Remontado Ancestral Domain Development, Inc. (TDRADDEVI), the Implementing Indigenous Peoples’ Organization (IPOs) established through the Free, Prior and Informed Consent process.

Innovative Organic Spa Products That Mitigate Flash Floods Through a Restorative Economy Approach

A Sustainable Development Initiative in Pulu Village

Dilah Sahim posing together with Consumers holding Lana Tumbavani Citronella Products

Across the globe, the wellness industry has evolved far beyond lifestyle trends into a powerful engine of national and regional economies, driven by surging demand for natural, plant-based personal care. In the Philippines, traditional wellness is now emerging as a fast-growing economic driver rooted in biodiversity and cultural healing practices. As close ASEAN neighbors, the Philippines and Indonesia are increasingly connected through this shared foundation, advancing a regional push for “clean-label” products that turn rising global demand for aromatherapy and natural medicine into sustained growth for community-led enterprises across Southeast Asia

SM Coastal Cleanups Go Beyond Trash, Teach Communities to Care

In celebration of World Water Day, SM Supermalls, through its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, organized coastal cleanup activities across six locations with seven participating malls across nationwide, reinforcing its long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable waste management in its most-loved malls.

This year’s coastal cleanup emphasized enhanced waste segregation education to deepen understanding among volunteers and communities on proper sorting, recycling, and disposal of collected waste. It also underscored that everyday actions—from responsible waste disposal to recycling—play a critical role in protecting marine ecosystems.

Tropical Transformation: How Bananas Are Fueling Innovation and Empowerment in Southeast Asia

Women in Indonesia’s Penyandingan Village protect customary forests and advance empowerment through banana-based livelihoods.

The mothers of KUPS Anak Belai head to the Ghimbe Pramunan Customary Forest to collect bananas

More than just a global celebration, World Banana Day highlights how Southeast Asia was a pioneer in turning bananas into a tool for innovation and empowerment. In the Philippines, the banana serves as a symbol of resilience and resourcefulness, famously exemplified by Maria Orosa’s wartime invention of banana ketchup.

As global banana production is projected to reach 166 million tons by 2034, growing threats from climate change, crop diseases, and land conversion also rise. Philippine initiatives like the Barangay Calube Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (BACFA-MPC), which transforms harvests into value-added products such as flour and chips, are one initiative to utilize the banana. 

MDPPA Shares Fuel-Saving Tips for Motorcycle Riders

With fuel prices continuing to rise, the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association (MDPPA) encourages riders to adopt simple habits that can help reduce fuel consumption. Whether you use your motorcycle for daily commuting, business, or weekend leisure, small changes can go a long way in making every gasoline liter count.

Here are seven practical tips to help improve your motorcycle’s fuel efficiency:

1. Ride Smoothly and Steadily

Avoid rapid acceleration and sudden braking. Maintaining a steady speed on open roads and anticipating stops by easing off the throttle early allows the engine to run more efficiently, helping conserve fuel.