MDPPA Joins Forces to Strengthen Automotive Regulations at the 15th Public and Private Joint Forum in Asian Region

November 26 to 28, 2024, Muntinlupa City: The Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association (MDPPA) was one of the key attendees in this year’s Public and Private Joint Forum in Asian Region (29th Asia Government and Industry Meeting), hosted by the Philippine Department of Transportation (DOTr) last November 26 to 28, 2024, at the Acacia Hotel Manila, Muntinlupa City.

This significant event convened government officials and automotive industry leaders from ASEAN countries, as well as China, India, Pakistan, and Japan, to deliberate on advances and strategies following accession to the 1958 Agreement.

Surviving the Holiday Rush: Tips for Motorcyclists

The holiday season in the Philippines is a festive time, but it also comes with its own set of challenges, especially for motorcycle riders. With traffic jams, crowded parking lots, and an increase in road activities, navigating through the chaos can be daunting. However, with the right preparation and planning, riders can still enjoy the holiday season safely and efficiently. 

Below are a few tips to help you tackle the holiday rush when riding your motorcycle.

Plan your routes ahead of time

The holiday season often entails traffic that is heavier than usual, so plan your routes carefully. Use navigation apps to check real-time traffic conditions before heading out. Doing so can help you identify alternate routes that are less congested, and you'll also get to have a better idea of your estimated arrival times, so you can gauge whether leaving a bit earlier will save you more time in the long run. Stay updated on road conditions and check local traffic reports before leaving. It's also a good idea to have a backup plan and identify nearby service stations and hospitals in case of any emergencies.

MMDA and Muntinlupa City Government Inaugurate Rapid Composting Machine and Materials Recovery Storage

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the City Government of Muntinlupa have inaugurated a new Rapid Composting Machine and Materials Recovery Storage Facility at the Alabang Central Market. This milestone event marks another major step forward in sustainable waste management efforts within the city and the broader Metro Manila region.

At the heart of the inauguration was the formal signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and Deed of Donation (DOD) between the MMDA, led by MMDA General Manager Usec. Procopio G. Lipana, and the City Government of Muntinlupa, headed by Mayor Rozzano Rufino B. Biazon. The agreement defines the roles and responsibilities of both parties to ensure the success of the On-Site Solid Waste Management Processing and Recovery System, which will process biodegradable market waste into compost, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and contributing to environmental sustainability.

Sen. Padilla, global experts push medical cannabis for cancer pain management

Senator Robinhood Padilla, championing the legalization of global cannabis in the Philippines (fourth  from left) with international medical cannabis expert Dr. Shiksha Gallow (third from left) lead the press conference on the latest clinical updates on the use of medical cannabis. With them in photo from left to right: Dr. Angel Gomez, (Past President, Philippine Society of Anesthesiologists, Board Member, Masikhay Research Board Member, PSCM); Mr. Wayne Gallow (Holistic Integrative Healing Institute Business Development);  Dr. Gem Mutia (Founder, Philippine Society of Cannabinoid Medicine); and Dr. Peter Quilala (Board Member Philippine Society of Cannabinoid Medicine

SM Cares, PCW, and UNFPA partner for 18-day campaign to end violence against women

SM Cares, SM Supermalls' corporate social responsibility arm, in partnership with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), kicked off the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW). The campaign aims to raise awareness and act against VAW.

Representatives from SM Cares, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) gather at the SM Mall of Asia globe as it lights up in orange to kick off the 18-day campaign, running from November 25 to December 12, to end Violence Against Women (VAW).

SNAP-Magat completes relief operations in Ifugao, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Cagayan

Bureau of Fire Protection and Cagayan Coast Guard unload relief packs delivery of SNAP-Magat to the province.

Renewable energy solutions provider SN Aboitiz Power-Magat (SNAP-Magat) has mobilized relief efforts to provide immediate assistance to its host and neighboring communities devastated by five major storms in Cagayan Valley and most parts of Northern Luzon. 

Last month, its immediate host municipality, local government unit (LGU) of Ramon, Isabela received relief packs for Typhoon Kristine affected communities. Neighboring municipality LGU Roxas, Isabela also received relief packs after the onslaught of Typhoon Marce.

Wadhwani Foundation enhances school-to-work journey in PH with AI and $1M annual grant funding per organization

Wadhwani Foundation, a private philanthropic institution, offers a 24/7 mobile-first AI-powered skilling platform called Wadhwani GenieAI that includes multiple AI Co-Pilots to bridge critical gaps between education and employment in the Philippines. The platform provides free career counseling tools and teacher training. The Foundation also offers grants of up to $1 million annually to organizations, supporting sustainable job creation and workforce upskilling.

At the Wadhwani Foundation Welcome Reception held at Yuchengco Museum, Makati City, President & CEO Dr. Ajay Kela shared that their free AI-powered platform equips Filipino learners with in-demand job skills and trains educators in AI-driven career counseling.

A survey recently conducted by the Foundation revealed that only 10% of K-12 graduates immediately enter the job market. While 83% pursue university education, only 25% of these university enrollees graduate from higher education institutions. The survey further showed that the remaining 75% who leave university without completing their degrees eventually join the workforce. Meanwhile, 1.5% of the graduates venture into entrepreneurship, while 5.5% fall into the category of “Not in Education, Employment, or Training.” These factors contribute to job instability and low wages. 

SNAP holds annual forum for Benguet host communities

Renewable energy provider SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet (SNAP-Benguet) convened its annual host communities’ forum in Itogon, Benguet on November 26, 2024. This year’s event centered around the theme, "Redefining Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the Age of Sustainable Development.” 

The forum gathered around 70 participants, including representatives from local government units and indigenous people's organizations (IPOs) in Benguet. 

This year’s HCF featured talks from a number of speakers. Mr. June O. Bayeng, Agricultural Technologist from the Office of Agriculture, shared insights on their CSR initiative, the Integrated Diversified Farming System. Meanwhile, Aboitiz Equity Ventures Chief Reputation and Sustainability Officer Ana Margarita Hontiveros delivered a presentation emphasizing the importance of purpose beyond profit, anchored on the Aboitiz Group’s key pillars of people, jobs, and climate action.