Free To Be U brings HIV awareness and support at this year’s Pride PH Festival

Every person deserves to live a life where they are free to be themselves. This Pride Month, the Free To Be U campaign made its way to this year’s Pride Festival in the Philippines “Love Laban 2 Everyone” through a booth dedicated to HIV awareness. The event was held at Quezon City Memorial Circle last June 22, 2024, Saturday. 

Free To Be U is an initiative brought together by Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC Philippines), a project supported by the President of the United States’ Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) implemented by FHI360. Its Pride booth aimed to destigmatize HIV and encourage HIV prevention, testing, and treatment through QuickRes.org, an online appointment booking system that makes these services safer and more accessible. Pride marchers and attendees were invited to learn more about HIV through booth games, take home resources and HIV awareness materials like flyers, and book their QuickRes.org ​health ​appointments through a provided QR code. 

ChildFund Philippines celebrates transformative impacts, strengthens partnerships to support more children

ChildFund Philippines recently shared its milestones and impacts in supporting Filipino children, youth, and local partners, emphasizing collaborative action as a key driver in safeguarding and supporting Filipino children and youth. 

ChildFund Philippines recently gathered partners from communities and civil service organizations to share milestones in supporting Filipino children and youth. (L-R: Allan Lee Nuñez, Advocacy and Child Protection Specialist of ChildFund Philippines; Carla Santos, President of The Civil Society Network for Education Reforms; Dr. Ma. Bella Ponferrada, Nutrition Specialist of UNICEF; Dr. Elizabeth Protacio-De Castro, Executive Director of the Psychosocial Support and Children's Rights Resource Center; Francis Joseph Dela Cruz. Partnership Advocacy Adviser of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities; Anand Vishwakarma, CEO and Country Director of ChildFund Philippines; and Kim Garcia, Business Development Officer of ChildFund Philippines.)

SNAP, NPC, and PSALM ensure safe operations of Ambuklao and Binga dams

As part of the collective effort to foster safety and meaningful collaboration, SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet (SNAP-Benguet), the National Power Corporation (NPC), and the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) held the annual public information drives (PIDs) on the Ambuklao and Binga Dams and Reservoir Operations from June 4 to 6, 2024. 

Local communities of barangays Ambuklao, Dalupirip and Tinongdan which host Ambuklao and Binga hydro plants learned about dam operations and safety measures. Around 400 community members participated in the PIDs. 

Inspiring the Future: SM Cares and GPF Wrap Up Visayas Segment of 2024 Global Youth Summit

Almost 600 youth leaders during #GYS2024Bacolod

As part of their efforts to inspire the youth to become catalysts for change, SM Cares and the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) recently completed the Visayas leg of the 2024 Global Youth Summit (GYS). The event ran from May 25 to May 28, taking place at SM City Iloilo Southpoint, SM City Bacolod, and SM City Cebu.

SM Cares has partnered with the National University (NU) for a joint initiative

As part of its commitment to the environment, SM Cares has partnered with the National University (NU) for a joint initiative aimed at promoting proper e-waste disposal practices and developing a sustainable system for the disposal, recycling, and management of electronic waste within the NU campus.  Through the collaboration, SM Supermalls aim to instill the importance of proper e-waste disposal in students, ensuring a future generation that is environmentally conscious and responsible. 

Shown in the photo are (from left to right) Director for Business Development and Linkages Office of National University Philippines, Dr. Alessa Shainne L. Hostalero; Asst. Vice President for Administrative Services of NU Manila, Mr. Michael L. Andres; President of National University- Philippines, Dr. Renato Carlos H. Ermita Jr.; Senior Vice President for Marketing of SM Supermalls, Mr. Joaquin L. San Agustin; Vice President for Corporate Compliance Group of SM Supermalls, Engr. Liza B. Silerio; Assistant Vice President of SM Cares, Mr. Richard A. Caluyo.

              

Running for Change: Run2Plant Inspires Environmental Action through Fitness

Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), a non-profit organization that focuses on upholding the dignity of man by working with communities to elevate their social, physical, and economic well-being in the Philippines, officially launches the second year of its virtual run initiative called Run2Plant: Para sa Greener Pinas under its One To Tree (OTT) program.

Co-presented by Pinoy Fitness and Anytime Fitness, Run2Plant provides Filipinos a new way to run that is not only accessible and enjoyable but also environmentally impactful, especially in celebration of Philippine Environment Month this June. With every registration, RAFI pledges to plant 1 to 3 trees, depending on the participant’s chosen run package. 

Continued Support for Responsible Mining to Drive Economic Growth and Empower Local Communities

Mining companies underline the need to balance economic and social development with environmental stewardship to tap the full potential of the Philippine mining industry

Mining companies are calling on industry stakeholders to strengthen support for responsible mining, underlining the industry’s untapped potential to further drive economic growth and support social development at the national and local level, while fostering environmental stewardship.

Mining company representatives echoed the sentiment as the industry gathered to launch “Living with a Brighter Future,” a documentary developed as part of the industry’s Better Mining, Brighter Future communication and advocacy campaign. The campaign, which aims to raise awareness about responsible mining, is a joint initiative of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines; the Philippine Nickel Industry Association; the Chamber of Mines - Caraga; the Alliance of Responsible MIners and Operators - Visayas; the Eastern Rizal Minders Association; the Mindanao Association of Responsible Quarry Operators Foundation, Inc.; and the Philippine Mining & Exploration Association.

SM Cares further promotes literacy and kindness with Book Nook open library donation from GMA Network

SM Cares' Book Nook fosters a love for reading and community engagement through its open library. In alignment with GMA Network's steadfast belief in the transformative power of reading, a recent book turnover ceremony at SM Aura's Book Nook saw the donation of the beautifully illustrated "Si Gren, Ang Kaibigan Kong Alien" by the media giant.

In the photo are Ms. Rossette Roa, Head of Viewer Directed Marketing at GMA Network, along with the cast of “My Guardian Alien”: Christian Antolin, Arnold Reyes, Raphael Landicho, and Gabby Eigenmann. Also present are Mr. Royston Cabunag, Assistant Vice President for Mall Operations and Director for Children and Youth at SM Cares, and Ms. Margarita Catalan, Assistant Vice President for Marketing Operations at SM Supermalls, during the activity.

SM’s Book Nook strengthens Filipinos’ love for literature in celebration of National Literature Month

In celebration of National Literature Month this April, Book Nook, a community and learning hub at SM Supermalls prepared a series of engaging events designed for book lovers of all ages, as a way to showcase SM's unwavering support for literature.

To commemorate International Children’s Book Day, students were invited to participate in a book reading session

SM Cares and Book Nook began their month-long celebrations with the commemoration of International Children’s Book Day on April 2, in partnership with the Vibal Foundation, one of the key organizers for the local leg of the celebration. During the event, they hosted an intimate storytelling session for students from different schools.

FEU spearheads 1st Ph research on stillbirth, neonatal deaths

The research initiative “COntinuing care in COVID-19 Outbreak: A global survey of New expectant and bereaved parent experiences (COCOON)” is led by Far Eastern University (FEU), as the Philippines is one of its contributing countries. 

“COCOON Philippines is a collaborative project between FEU and the University of Queensland. It is a global project conducted in different countries. We are also collaborating with Mater Research Institute, King’s College London, and International Stillbirth Alliance.,” said Dr. Joemer Maravilla, supervising coordinator of COCOON and adjunct faculty of the FEU Nursing Department. 

FEU is primarily funding COCOON Philippines through its University Research Assistance Grant (URAG), a university-wide research time and financial assistance to FEU academic researchers. The project is currently funded until 2026 and is headed by the principal investigator Asst. Prof. Joycelyn Abiog Filoteo of the Nursing Department, with Dr. Ana Nelia Lopez Jumamil of the Psychology Department as co-leads.

SM Cares, ASP march towards a more Autism-OK Philippines at Angels Walk for Autism 2024

SM Cares recently reaffirmed its commitment to promoting autism-inclusive SM malls as it successfully conducted this year's ASP Angels Walk for Autism in partnership with Autism Society Philippines. The main event was held last April 21 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Simultaneous walks in SM Seaside City Cebu and SM City Davao were also held, with more walks to follow in SM City Iloilo and SM City Lucena.

This year's Angels Walk for Autism was the biggest one yet with over 23,000 participants, including persons with autism and their families, professionals, and supporters from various sectors of society locally and abroad.

SM Prime Employees for an #SMWasteFreeFuture

SM Prime Holdings Inc., one of the leading integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, brought to life the company's long-running commitment to sustainability with the internal launch of its #SMWasteFreeFuture program on April 22, 20224, at the SM Prime Headquarters Office, Pasay City, in time to also celebrate Earth Day. 

The launch brought together employees from SM Prime housed under its new headquarters as well as employees from its primary residences SMDC in Two ECom, and its hotels and convention center in One Ecom, and broadcasted live to the SM Supermall employees nationwide. 

Youth participation key to addressing climate change issues – ChildFund Philippines

ChildFund Philippines supports youth in Infanta, Quezon through a climate action program called Project GREENLIGHT. This initiative aims to help address climate change issues and mitigate climate-induced disaster risks, underscoring the central role of youth in driving climate action within their community. 

ChildFund Philippines gathered its partners from ReINa Federations of Parents Associations, Inc. and community members of Infanta, Quezon for a tree growing activity in one of the Project Greenlight areas.

Project GREENLIGHT, in partnership with the municipal government of Infanta and ReINa Federations of Parents Associations, Inc., integrates Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) and Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) into the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) program of Infanta, Quezon. 

Making proper e-waste disposal accessible and convenient for Filipinos nationwide

SM Cares, PLDT, and Smart join hands to promote responsible e-waste disposal

To strengthen its efforts in promoting the responsible disposal of electronic waste, SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, recently tapped PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), two of the leading telecommunications providers in the country for a strategic partnership that will expand SM's Electronic Waste Collection (EWC) Program and drive further positive change in electronic waste management in the country. The partnership was launched to the public last April 22, 2024.

SGV & Co. signs MOA with ADMU to launch SGV iTeach program in Ateneo campuses

On March 21, 2024, SGV & Co., represented by Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson Tan, and the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), represented by Dean of the John Gokongwei School of Management Dr. Roberto Martin Galang, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for ADMU to participate in the SGV iTeach Program. The initial planned project is a series of workshops focused on topics related to sustainability.

Present at the MOA signing are: (seated from left to right) SGV Vice Chair and Deputy Managing Partner Vivian Ruiz, John Gokongwei School of Management Dean Dr. Roberto Martin Galang, SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson Tan, ADMU Department of Finance and Accounting Chair Aldo Zelig Tong, (standing from left to right) SGV Consulting Partner and iTeach Program Director Allan Ocho, SGV Assurance Partner and Chief Sustainability Officer Clairma Mangangey, SGV Assurance Partner Katrina Francisco, SGV General Counsel Carolina Racelis, and SGV Business Consulting Senior Jervie Sta. Ana.

Slow Fashion: Keeping IP Culture Alive

Nowadays, our streets and public places are overwhelmed with fast fashion – low-priced stylish clothing based on current trends bought from retail stores. But with the emergence of the nostalgia trend in today’s generation, people are now embracing back slow fashion as consumers value sustainability and quality.

With the rise of slow fashion, traditional loom weavers can take advantage of changing consumer behavior.

Traditional loom-weaving methods, practiced for centuries by indigenous peoples (IPs), is a sustainable approach to fashion as it opts to use locally sourced materials. Made with utmost care and precision, woven pieces reflect the hard work of its weaver.

Empowering Communities for Sustainable Land Management

While global awareness of forests' significance has grown, Southeast Asia grapples with ongoing forest loss. The region has lost approximately 80 million hectares of forest between 2005 and 2015, with projections indicating further shrinkage or growth. In the Philippines, the Food and Agricultural Organization estimated that the country has the second fastest deforestation rate in Southeast Asia and seventh globally between 2000 and 2005, losing roughly 2.1% of its forest cover annually. The cause for the loss is human activities like converting forests to farms, using trees for fuel, illegal logging, and clearing land for mining all contribute to this rapid decline. 

Beyond Lights Out: SM Supermalls Empowers Youth to Champion Sustainability

SM Supermalls once again showed its continuous commitment to sustainable practices like this Earth Hour, by supporting the annual Global Lights Switch Off on March 23rd from 8:30pm to 9:30pm. 

This year, SM went beyond the lights switch-off, encouraging public participation through a variety of eco-friendly and energy-saving activities and events.

At SM North EDSA, K-Pop fans used their lightsticks as alternative light sources for Earth Hour. They also joined in on eco-friendly pre-fan gathering activities, such as a plastic waste collection Idol Challenge.

Happy Walk 2024 at SM: Celebrating Inclusivity for our Natatanging Nilalang

Join Happy Walk, an annual celebration with the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines and SM Cares, on March 24 at SM Mall of Asia Complex, SM City Cebu and SM City Bacolod.

Since its inception in 2003, Happy Walk has been synonymous with spreading joy, raising awareness, and fostering inclusivity for individuals with Down Syndrome and their families. What started as a humble gathering has grown into an annual program in various parts of the country, thanks to the unwavering support of SM Cares and the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines.

Mall goers are invited to take small actions and make a big difference during Earth Hour at SM malls.

Time to Shine: Make Your Mark for Earth Hour at SM Malls

Small actions can make a big difference. This year, SM Supermalls invites everyone to #GiveAnHourForEarth by joining millions around the world in the annual Global Lights Switch Off on March 23 from 8:30pm to 9:30pm. This 2024, SM marks 16 years of commitment in supporting the annual campaign initiated by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) since its inception in the Philippines in 2008. You can make your mark too by participating in various eco-friendly activities across SM malls.

Have fun raising awareness

At SM North EDSA, fan groups and the Philippine K Pop Society will come together to illuminate the night with light sticks during the Global Lights Switch Off, while participating in pre-concert activities from various booths, including a plastic waste collection Idol Challenge. Unplug and unwind with an acoustic performance at SM City Manila or get pumped with a glow-in-the-dark Zumba party at SM City Pampanga. 

SNAP-Magat supports school solar roof project in Ramon, Isabela

SN Aboitiz Power-Magat (SNAP-Magat) turned over and switch-on rooftop solar panels with a capacity of 3.3KW to Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo National High School (GEANHS) on February 21, 2024. The project was a collaboration between the school’s General Parent-Teacher-Community Association (GPTCA) and SNAP-Magat volunteers. 

SNAP-Magat's Assistant Vice President and Plant Manager, Daryl Homer Ramos, said the donation could save the school around Php 5,000 per month from electric consumption, directing potential savings toward supporting the school’s 800 staff and students combined. GEANHS is one of the biggest public schools in Ramon, Isabela. “By supporting our communities and promoting sustainable practices, we remain true to our mission to energize a sustainable future,” he added.

United City Football Club And Blocksport Join Forces To Revolutionize Club Experience Through Web3 Technology

On the back of the successful launch of its dedicated Fan App, United City Football Club is thrilled to get its strategic partnership with Blocksport, a pioneering Swiss-based company founded in 2019, started. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for United City FC, as it embraces the power of Web3 and blockchain technologies to enhance fan engagement and unlock new revenue streams.

About Blocksport: Unlocking Limitless Revenue Streams with Web3

Blocksport, a trailblazer in the sports technology arena, has successfully partnered with leading sports clubs across Europe and Africa, including the likes of Empoli FC, Partizan BC, Kaizer Chiefs FC, Salford Red Devils Rugby Club, Belgium Cycling, OH Leuven, to name a few. The company specializes in helping professional sports entities build digital infrastructure which in return creates efficient community hubs while leveraging Web3 and blockchain technologies for revenue generation and deeper fan engagement.

SNAP-Benguet and NPC equip communities with Forest Fire Response Training

Simulation of controlling fire from spreading takes place among participants of the Forest Fire Response and Basic First Aid & Life Support training conducted by SNAP-Benguet and NPC.

In recent years, the frequency of forest fires have posed a significant threat to rural communities. These fires, exacerbated by dry conditions, can spread rapidly, and rural communities are susceptible to such incidents.  

Cong. Mark Cojuangco Initiates Nuclear Energy Talk to Address Power Crisis in Occidental Mindoro

Pangasinan 2nd District Representative Mark Cojuangco, an advocate for nuclear energy and recipient of the American Nuclear Society (ANS) Distinguished Public Service Award, recently conducted public consultation at San Jose, Occidental Mindoro to open the conversation on Nuclear Energy as a potential solution to the long-standing power crisis in the province.

As part of the project of the Special Committee on Nuclear Energy by the House of Representatives, the consultation focused on the decade-long energy crisis that Occidental Mindoro is facing, hindering the province’s economic growth. It also aimed to address misconceptions surrounding nuclear energy and underscore its benefits.

Esti Lestari Appointed Chairman of United City FC

United City FC (UCFC) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Esti Puji Lestari as the Chairman of the club, effective immediately. Esti's confirmation of her investment into the revived UCFC marks a significant milestone for the club as it embarks on an exciting new chapter in its history.

Born in Sukabumi, Indonesia, Esti Puji Lestari brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role at United City FC (UCFC). With a distinguished career in the sports industry, Esti has held key leadership positions, including majority ownership, as president at Persijap Jepara and CEO of QD Red Lions China, where she played instrumental roles in driving organizational growth and success.

“Reviving United City FC is my mission. It is an honor and privilege to be a part of a club with such a great tradition and long history, and my aim is to match the outstanding achievements of the past with similar ones in the future. 

I feel I have unfinished business in football, and as an esports owner, I intend to add value to the club off the field as well as on it. 

MVPs, more standouts boost PLDT High Speed Hitters for ‘strongest’ PVL lineup yet

Offense, defense, and strategy all covered as the likes of Kim Kianna Dy, Majoy Baron, Kim Fajardo, Savannah Davison, and newly hailed skipper Kath Arado aim to win 1st first PVL title

With three former MVPs on board, a Filipino-Canadian scoring machine as a sophomore, and a pool of reliable standouts as holdovers, expect a far more powerful PLDT High Speed Hitters team at the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference. Ahead of the league’s opening on February 20, all eyes are on the volleyball team supported by PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, as it faces 11 other participants, kicking off the biggest Philippine volleyball action this 2024.

Global Experts and Members of ChildFund Alliance’s WEB Safe & Wise Children’s Advisory Council Convene in Manila to Tackle Online Harms to Children

As the digital landscape rapidly evolves, so do the benefits and risks to young people

Global experts in online safety and members of ChildFund’s WEB Safe & Wise Children’s Advisory Council, are gathered in Manila today to discuss the most pressing dangers to children online as well as solutions that can be adopted to ensure every child can engage and connect safely online. UNICEF and the International Justice Mission have identified the Philippines as the center of child sex abuse materials production.

Various community stakeholders presented initiatives and responses specific to the Asia-Pacific region on child online sexual exploitation and abuse exploring government and civil society response and industry response at WEB Safe & Wise Safer Internet Day 2024.  (L-R: Mark Dasco, Director II, ChildFund International; Reynaldo H. Bicol, Jr., Director, International Justice Mission (IJM), Manila Office; Margarita Magsaysay, Officer-in-Charge Executive Director, Inter-Agency Council Against Child Pornography (IACACP) to the National Coordinating Center Against OSAEC and CSAEM; Hanneke Oudkerk, Regional Director, ChildFund International Asia; Undersecretary Angelo Tapales, Executive Director, Council for the Welfare of Children; and Ana Dionela, Executive Director, ECPAT Philippines.)

SM & ASP Champion Change for an #AutismOKPH Future

330 strong advocates, friends, and changemakers came together to celebrate, learn, and build an inclusive Philippines for all.

The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) and SM Cares, in partnership with the National Council on Disability Affairs celebrated National Autism Consciousness Week with the AOK Pilipinas Live 2024, a live special of the monthly web show discussing pressing topics regarding autism.

The forum was held on January 26, Friday, at SM City North EDSA.

65,000 Smiles: SM Spreads Joy to Children Across Communities

SM’s B-POP group, the Bear Pop Squad, concludes its highly-successful Bears of Joy 2023 run.

SM Cares, together with SM Supermalls and Toy Kingdom, launched in November of last year the first-ever Bear Pop (B-POP) group for 2023’s Bears of Joy Christmas charity project. The Bear Pop Squad’s massive success all comes down to the Christmas spirit of generosity, where fans all pitched in to support children in need.

65,000 bears were sold and given to children in need, right in time for SM’s 65th anniversary.

Chevron holds annual coastal cleanup in Batangas for sea turtles nesting season

Chevron employees and members of the local government in Batangas joined hands during the annual coastal cleanup in San Pascual Batangas.

To help pave the way for a safer sea turtle nesting season, Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of Caltex fuels and lubricants, and its partners managed to collect about 685 bags of non-biodegradable and biodegradable trash from the coast of San Pascual, Batangas during a recent coastal cleanup. 

Globe’s Hapag Movement fulfills wishes of Cebu scholars through ‘Wish’ screening

Until that evening two weeks before Christmas, 22-year-old Michelle Camus had never been to the cinema. She had only seen movies on television, hearing from friends all about the “ambiance” in a movie theater.

“They say inside the cinema it’s lights off. I thought the lights were turned on. I really wanted to experience this, watching in the cinema. This is not just my wish. Ginusto ko talaga makarating sa cinema (I really wanted to go to a cinema). And at the age of 22, I’m here. So napakasaya naman nito (I’m really happy about this)!” she excitedly said.