August 2023

The Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, Inc. (SCPW) and SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) collaborated to host the fourth SCPW Wetland Center Design Symposium on May 29 at the MAAX Building in the Mall of Asia Complex as part of the world’s celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity 2023.

The hybrid symposium’s topic was “Build Back Biodiversity: Wetland Centers and Nature-Based Architecture,” and its talks were all focused on raising awareness of wetland conservation and cutting-edge design techniques.

SCPW president Ar. Celestino Ulep opened the symposium by sharing his optimism on how collaboration and embracing nature-based architecture can pave the way towards creating a future where wetlands thrive and biodiversity flourishes.

Notable experts in the field also graced the event, sharing their insights and experiences including Chris Rostron, the global manager of Wetland Link International, and Alex Hughes of Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust in London, UK. The guest speakers kicked off the discussion by sharing about the pivotal role of Wetland Centers as a tool for Communication, Capacity Building, Education, Participation, and Awareness (CEPA) in wetland conservation efforts.

Arch. Ulep, meanwhile, engaged the audience by introducing the concept of nature-based architecture, highlighting the importance of prioritizing sustainability and harmony in design by creating structures that seamlessly integrate with the natural environment.

Meanwhile, Arch. Aaron Lecciones, SCPW Special Projects Officer, made a detailed visual presentation on the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) Design Team’s experience. He highlighted the challenges and triumphs of designing a wetland park, serving as a source of inspiration for aspiring designers and architects.

Esteemed partners, including Ms. Rida Reyes Castillo of SM Prime, Dr. Arvin Diesmos of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, Mr. Laudemir Salac of DENR-Region 3, and Arch. Gleo Raymundo of UAPSA graced the event to show their full support for this endeavor.

“It is an honor and privilege on the part of SM to partner with the SCPW and UAPSA in realizing its common goal of protecting ecosystems, particularly wetlands, by inspiring the youth to engage and take action on the socio-civic and economic issues in their communities by finding workable solutions towards building a sustainable future,” SM Prime AVP and Head of Marketing, PR, and Communications Rida Reyes Castillo said.

Castillo went on to say that SM Prime believes in the power of nurturing the younger generation’s passion to creating a sustainable future and that environmental protection and nature conservation are essential pillars of their sustainability strategy.

The symposium came to a close with an in-depth discussion of the regulations and requirements of the design competition, which was followed by an open forum and participant brainstorming. The symposium also signaled the start of the eagerly awaited 4th SCPW Wetland Center Design Competition, which aims to provide talented students in the building and design industries with a stage on which to demonstrate their abilities and creativity while inspiring them to address environmental problems with sustainable solutions.

DENR, SM Prime calls on cities to innovate and invest in water-saving technologies to avert water crisis

In an effort to mitigate the effects of climate change on the nation’s ecosystem, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the top developers of real estate in Southeast Asia, recently urged local public officials to invest in rainwater collection for recycling and impoundment as well as investigate new technologies like modular desalination and modular sewage treatment plants.

Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga recently shared solutions-focused guidelines to assist the local government reduce carbon footprint, with a focus on water conservation to address the impending water crisis and increase access to clean water and sanitation, at the multi-stakeholder forum “Towards a Greener Footprint” in Iloilo City.

“We need to invest in the appropriate engineering and infrastructure to deliver water from the source,” Secretary Loyzaga said. “We must avoid, if not reduce drastically, the extraction of groundwater which in low-lying coastal areas causes subsidence and increases flooding.”

 “Rainwater catchments will not only provide additional supply for household use but will also help ensure the availability of surface water through the maintenance of watershed cover when impounded,” Secretary Loyzaga said.

Based on the latest report of the Philippine Statistics Authority, water abstracted for own use increased from 215.2 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2020 to 217.8 bcm in 2021 countrywide. From 2010 to 2021, the largest amount of self-abstracted water is for the power sector (58.7%). This was followed by agriculture (33.5%); mining and quarrying, manufacturing, and construction (5.3%); and services sector and households (2.6%). 

Earlier this month, the DENR said the country still has enough water supply, but proper management is needed to prevent a possible water crisis by the end of the year.

The call was met with a resounding response from the private sector, particularly, SM Prime.  In the same forum, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance Engr. Liza B. Silerio shared how  SM Prime has stepped up the sustainability programs that it has been doing since SM Supermalls started recycling water in the 1990s.

In addition to developing a mall-based rainwater filtering technology that transforms collected rainwater into potable water fit for drinking, washing, and cleaning, SM Prime also pioneered the use of rainwater catchment to assist prevent floods in communities where its malls are situated. The facility, which was opened at SM City Baguio, would provide mall tenants with adequate drinkable water to assist decrease sourcing from the local water table.

“As an integrated property developer, we have seen the first-hand effects of natural hazards that are caused by the change in weather patterns in the Philippines,” Engr. Silerio explained. “El Nino and La Nina are two phenomena resulting from climate change. Our country ranks number one in the World Risk Index 2022 report as the most vulnerable among 193 nations.”

When faced with this difficulty, Engr. Silerio said that SM Prime will keep coming up with creative solutions to the environment problems. “We continue to evolve and adapt technology to improve our resource consumption as part of our climate action,” she said in conclusion.

For many people, maintaining a home is a rewarding but difficult endeavor, especially when making courageous choices to adopt a more sustainable way of life. Homemakers are now aware of the importance of living sustainably for their families’ health and well-being as well as the environment.

Living sustainably entails making decisions that safeguard the planet’s long-term health and well being while also preserving the standard of living for future generations. Utilizing environmentally friendly items will help you do this while also lowering your carbon footprint by using less energy, water, and other natural resources.

Thankfully, the SM Store’s SM Green Finds program has made it simpler for housewives to make eco-friendly decisions. The program offers a wide selection of environmentally friendly and consumer-friendly sustainable goods.

As part of SM Green Finds, ACE Express offers a wide array of biodegradable cleaning solutions and products for environmentally conscious homemakers. One of the standout products that carry the Green Finds badge are these organic cleaners formulated with eco-friendly surfactants which make them safe for families and the environment.

“A sustainable household uses less energy, conserves earth’s resources and uses products that are less harmful to the environment.  Ace Express is committed to making sustainable products more available in as many categories as possible,” said Bernard Ong, SVP and ACE Hardware Business Head.

For those who love gardening, ACE Express has Ramgo, Vertigo, and Konice, which are natural-growing media that use by-products found in local farms and mountainsides of the Philippines. These eco-friendly alternatives to conventional growing media are perfect for those who want to start planting sustainably.

Also from ACE Express, are biodegradable alternatives for planting such as pots made from wood powder and rice or corn husks with resin which are sustainable options for eco-conscious plantitos and plantitas.

Under SM Home, consumers can choose from a wide variety of linens, such as bedsheets and towels made of Bamboo – a raw material that is eco-friendly and sustainably sourced. In SM Store- shoppers will have access to handcrafted home accents by artisans and social enterprises made from locally sourced materials like rattan, bamboo and abaca.  “SM Home collaborates with our suppliers to offer first to market sustainable products. We always aim not only to make our customers feel good about the choices they make but also make their home green,” said Janice Yang, SM Home Business Head.  One shining example is Bright Ideas – a social enterprise that manufactures home scents and candles which are available at SM Home.

Making the switch to a green lifestyle involves more than just purchasing eco-friendly goods; it also involves making decisions that are sustainable for the world and future generations. Parents may show their children the value of being environmentally conscious and the various ways they can live a greener lifestyle by choosing sustainable items.

By using these products, Filipino families can make small changes that will allow them to shift to a greener lifestyle and promote sustainability at home. “The SM Store serves as the marketplace to showcase their products and offerings as well as an avenue for these MSMEs to hone their entrepreneurial skills and grow their businesses, and a catalyst that inspires more businesses to embrace sustainability, one step at a time” said Dhinno Tiu, EVP SM Store. 

By promoting goods that are eco-friendly, created from natural and local ingredients, and support local communities, SM Green Finds makes green living simple for its clients. Search for The SM Green Movement to learn more about our sustainability initiatives.

The auto tech and mobility sectors are poised for a fresh dawn right in the center of Manila. The rate of technological development in this field is nothing short of electric, and cooperation is essential to making sure we are heading in the correct way. Enter the Auto Tech & Mobility Startups Roundtable (Roundtable ATM), a gathering that has the potential to revolutionize the sector.

We must synchronize our gears, both figuratively and literally, as we approach the fourth industrial revolution. Industries all around the world are quickly catching up with the rapid pace of technological development. The future looks bright yet intimidating, with AI-driven vehicles and cutting-edge mobility solutions that challenge conventional transportation patterns. However, stakeholders need a platform to share, work together, and develop in order to realize the full potential of these advancements. That very catalyst is what this roundtable wants to be.

This event, which is held at the prestigious Asian Institute of Management – Dado Banatao Incubator, is a must-attend for entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders. Insitute of Asian Studies Incubator for Management – Dado Banatao (AIM-DBI) has been in the forefront of encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation in the Philippines. It is not surprising that AIM-DBI has accepted the responsibility of enabling this historic movement in the auto tech and mobility area given its unmatched dedication to startup development.

The recent founding members meeting held at AIM-DBI witnessed these innovators gather to discuss, debate, and devise a blueprint for a more connected and efficient future. Their discussions were not just about technology but also about the economic, environmental, and societal implications of these advancements. The objective was clear: to cultivate an environment where startups, innovators, and industry giants can collaborate, innovate, and drive the nation forward.

The Roundtable ATM isn’t just another networking event; it’s a vision-casting session. It is the genesis of what is envisioned to be the Auto Tech and Mobility Startups Association of the Philippines. But why is such an association vital?

The auto tech and mobility sectors are uniquely positioned. Their growth is not just representative of technological progress but also holds the potential to impact broader socio-economic dimensions. Think of improved urban mobility solutions easing daily commutes, or the potential for green vehicles reducing the carbon footprint. These advancements hold the promise to transform cities, lifestyles, and economies. Hence, creating a unified voice in the form of an association can pave the way for collaborative progress, pushing boundaries and setting new industry standards.

Yet, the journey to such an integrated future has its challenges. Startups, despite their innovative ideas, often struggle to find the right market fit or scale their operations. On the other hand, established industry players might grapple with adapting to rapidly evolving tech trends. This roundtable, themed “Gear Up for the Future,” is all about bridging these gaps. It provides a platform where challenges are not just discussed but solutions are collaboratively built.

But what can participants expect from the roundtable?

1. Insightful Discussions: With a diverse pool of attendees from different segments of the auto tech and mobility sectors, expect rich, multifaceted discussions that cover a broad spectrum of industry challenges and opportunities.

2. Networking Opportunities: This isn’t about exchanging business cards but about building relationships. From startup founders to industry stalwarts, the event promises interactions that could lead to potential partnerships, investments, or even mentorships.

3. Shaping the Future: One of the primary objectives of the roundtable is to lay the foundational stones for the Auto Tech and Mobility Startups Association. Participants have a unique opportunity to be part of this nascent stage, influencing the direction and objectives of this proposed association.

4. Expert Inputs: From navigating regulatory challenges to understanding market dynamics, industry experts will share their insights, providing startups with invaluable guidance.

“Gear Up for the Future: One Roundtable at a Time” is not just a theme; it’s a clarion call. It embodies the spirit of collaboration, urging industry stakeholders to come together and shape the trajectory of the auto tech and mobility sectors.

The Roundtable Auto Tech & Mobility is a movement, not just an event, to sum up. It acknowledges the crucial part that cooperation plays in advancing the frontiers of innovation. This roundtable is a monument to the strength of group work as we prepare for this future. After all, the road to a technologically advanced, sustainable future is a shared one, not a solitary one.