Lifestyle

BPI Outward Remittance allows retail consumers of Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) to send money from their Peso or US Dollar account to a foreign bank account via BPI Online and BPI Mobile app. The program was recently created to supplement in-person bank transfers, allowing customers more easy ways to send money to relatives and friends in other countries.

With BPI Outward Remittance, the Bank will enable more clients to fulfill international wire transfers in just a few taps for needs such as educational expenses, medical expenses, foreign travel funds, subscriptions, and insurance payments.

“We at BPI continue to innovate and reinvent our products and services to make everyday banking more convenient for our customers. With the BPI Outward Remittance being available in our digital channels, our customers will be able to enjoy fast and convenient international fund transfers anywhere, anytime,” said Reggie Cariaso, BPI Head of Corporate Banking Strategy, Products, and Support.

BPI Outward Remittance ensures secure fund transfers of up to $10,000 with SWIFT global payment innovations (SWIFT gpi), an advanced payment method using modern digital tools for traceable and swifter cross-border payments. Clients will simply need to fill in their sending details, receiving bank details, and beneficiary details via BPI Online or BPI Mobile app.

The product offers affordable overall charges and competitive foreign exchange rates in multiple currencies including USD, AUD, GBP, EUR, SGD, HKD, and CAD. It also provides a fast and reliable turnaround time of one to three banking days for transactions with no discrepancies.

Visit https://www.bpi.com.ph/bank/services/send-money-abroad for more information about BPI Outward Remittance.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reported that fire occurrences have increased by over 13% in the first two months of 2022 compared to the same period last year. Furthermore, according to BFP statistics from 2020, exposed flame from a torch, unattended cooking, and electrical connections are the leading causes of fire incidents.

Like other threats and risks of loss in any unfortunate events such as natural calamities, impacts due to fire and negligence mishaps, thousands of lives and millions up to billions worth of properties are being lost every year, and the need for a financial tool arises to make financial impacts less severe.

“Damage caused by fire is insurmountable. It affects the lives and livelihood of many Filipinos, regardless of their economic status in life. Unfortunately, our kababayans in the marginalized sector can experience bigger risk and more profound impact. Backed by our commitment for financial inclusion, we also want common Filipinos to be able to afford protection and security as a part of their financial plan. It is crucial that they have access to basic security requirements to cushion the blow of disasters that may happen,” Cebuana Lhuillier CEO and President, Jean Henri Lhuillier said.

As the country commemorates Fire Prevention Month, here are some recommendations from the BFP to ensure that your home is fire-safe:

1. Unplug appliances when they are not in use

Unplugging items when not in use not only reduces your electricity consumption but also cuts down the chances of a fire. Excessive electricity flowing through appliances like TV sets, computers, and a lot more – or a possibility of power surge can be a source of conflagration.

Make sure to always unplug your appliances when leaving the house.

2. Never leave flames or heated appliances unattended

Always be cautious of any excessive flames that you may use like lighting candles or cooking. Always keep an eye and one step ahead if anything goes wrong. Much better if you can install fire alarms or have fire extinguishers ready, nearby.

3. Keep flammable items away from things that can be a source of fire

Proper storage of different items and supplies can prevent a fire incident. Ensuring that flammable items are stored in the right place and are far away from a source of heat, can save you from a possible accident.

4. Declutter

Too many things cluttered in an area can give fire plenty of space to spread faster. By decluttering certain areas in your home, you’ll be able to minimize the risk of spreading fire, minimize your loss, and save your home in the event of a fire.

5. Check your electrical wirings regularly

Pay close attention to any visible faulty wirings. This can damage your appliances that can eventually lead to a fire incident.

Always remember that prevention is always better than cure. Knowing these fire prevention tips could save you and others from a devastating event.

“This Fire Prevention Month, it is important to raise awareness about fire safety and prevention. Apart from being ready when a fire incident happens, it is also important that common Filipinos have a safety net in case it happened. This is our main mission for our microinsurance product, ProtectMax. This product offers comprehensive coverage at a more reasonable cost,” First Vice President and Group Head of Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers Inc., Jonathan Batangan mentioned.

To lessen the risk brought by fire and other natural calamities, Cebuana Lhuiller offers ProtectMAX, an affordable microinsurance product designed for individuals aged 7 to 70 years old with Death Benefit, Accident or Sickness Emergency Cash Assistance, Accidental Dismemberment and/or Disablement, Murder, and Unprovoked Assault and Residential Fire Reconstruction cash assistance.

For as low as P50, get a total coverage value of up to P61,000.00. Each certificate is valid for four (4) months from the date of issuance and can be availed up to a maximum of 5 certificates per insured in a year.

Visit the nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch or go to www.cebuanalhuillier.com to learn more about Cebuana Lhuillier ProtectMAX. ProtectMAX is currently available in almost 3,000 Cebuana Lhuillier stores nationwide.

Living a more environmentally friendly life has become much more manageable in recent years. There are numerous easy yet effective ways to make our daily lives more sustainable, and many organizations eager to assist us in taking that first step toward a greener future. Only by working together to preserve our world for future generations can we make a difference by living a personal sustainable lifestyle.

Reducing your carbon footprint is one of the best ways to live sustainably. Many seemingly innocuous daily actions can contribute to increased carbon emissions or other greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere, resulting in drastic climate change. High electric usage, short-distance transportation, and the excessive use of aerosols and air conditioners, to name a few, all contribute to an increased carbon footprint. If you can, try to identify and reduce these activities, or hunt for more eco-friendly alternatives if they are available.

You can also reduce your carbon impact by conserving energy. Use energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting to replace old fixtures, and turn off energy-consuming devices when not in use. Doing so reduces energy waste in your home and benefits the environment.

The 2020 Climate Transparency Report disclosed that the Philippines generated 1.18 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per capita in 2017. The country will need to reduce its emissions to below 132 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030 and below -198 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050. It is to meet the 1.5°C-compliant climate change mitigation goals of the Paris Agreement, of which the country is a signatory.

Together with the Plastic Credit Exchange, SM Cares helps gather empty, clean, and dry plastic waste at select SM Supermalls nationwide. Plastic waste may be dropped off every day from 10AM to 5PM.

Another way to make your lifestyle more sustainable is to correctly manage and segregate your garbage. Sort and separate your waste by type (e.g., paper/carton, plastic, glass, metal, electronics, etc.). It helps to find out more about your community’s waste collection and management policies. You can even make extra cash if you dispose of your non-organic waste through the proper channels.

You can also minimize the waste you generate at home. There are many simple ways to do this. It includes reusing plastic bags, opting for eco-bags when shopping, and avoiding single-use items. By being mindful of our food consumption, we can also significantly reduce food waste and packaging.

According to the 2020 Ocean Conservancy and McKinsey Center for Business and Environment, the Philippines is the world’s third-largest producer of plastic garbage, with 2.7 million metric tons produced each year.

SM’s Trash to Cash recycling market happens every first Friday and Saturday of the month from 10 AM to 2 PM across all SM Malls and select SDMC Malls nationwide.

SM has continually introduced programs to motivate Filipinos to be more sustainable, teaching them on the importance of sustainability and how to help safeguard the environment as a responsible member of the community. It includes the long-running Green Film Festival, which offers free screenings of environmental documentaries to students as well as other program collaborations that promote plastic-free alternatives.

SM also offers projects concentrating on solid waste management that directly engage mall visitors. The monthly Trash to Cash recycling market and collection of used lead-acid batteries (ULABs), the Electronic Waste Collection program, and the Plastic Waste Collection program, all of which are held in collaboration with the Plastic Credit Exchange, are among them. SM Supermalls has collected around 11,600 kilograms to date. 2,000 kg of plastic garbage 908,000 kg of electronic garbage a variety of recyclable waste.

Customers can drop off their electronic waste at bins in the Cyberzone and selected locations of SM Supermalls nationwide.

In addition, SM has been looking at sustainable energy sources for its malls. For example, solar roof panels put in 10 different malls around the country generated 9,620 MWh of electricity in 2020. Other malls have also had solar panel retrofits undertaken by the company. By the end of the year, SM hopes to have obtained 50 percent of its energy from renewable sources.

“We have always been an advocate of sustainable living. Proof of this is the numerous environmental initiatives that the company has implemented. We build our malls with the environment and community in mind, and we make sure that our developments contribute to environmental protection,” said Engr. Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls’ Corporate Compliance Head. “More importantly, we know that personal sustainability is key to achieving the green future that we want. We will continue to implement programs that encourage positive change within our community partners.”

SM Cares is SM Prime Holdings’ Corporate Social Responsibility arm, including projects to help communities, promote social inclusion, and protect the environment. Environment, Persons with Disabilities, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the Bike-Friendly SM Program are among the company’s CSR initiatives.

Visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares for additional information on these programs.

Since the world witnessed Covid-19, the concept of sustainability in property development has exploded. People quickly understood how important real estate is in the journey towards a more sustainable way of life as they had to reconsider their use of space. With climate change lurking on the horizon and a growing population to support, the demand for more sustainable and resilient cities will only grow.

SM Prime began working on sustainable design and development long before the notion became popular. The mission to serve its consumers is at the heart of SM, which has designed its malls to provide superior comfort and a delightful experience in every visit to SM Supermalls.

Comfort that lasts

SM Megamall, one of SM’s 78 malls around the country, has grown into the complex it is now, with 800 stores, 250 dining outlets, and 16 anchor tenants. Customers may walk around the 10-hectare development, which has convenient parking, a relaxing ambience, and a gorgeous façade. This is the result of clever engineering based on environmentally friendly design and technology.

• SM Megamall is energy and water efficient. The building is enveloped with EIFS or Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems board which helps boosts wall insulation, making it more resistant to heat. It only uses LED lighting system allowing a 50% energy saving. The mall also tracks a lighting operating schedule following the supply requirement of our mall activity and does not contribute to environmental lighting pollution so as not disturb nocturnal animals. It also uses sensor activated escalators that contribute to about 30% energy savings. It’s air handling system uses high-efficiency air-conditioning system that has greater environmental stewardship. Lastly, it uses efficient water fixture for water savings and recycles water.

SM Megamall

• SM Megamall works with the natural environment. The mall utilizes green walls, skylights and clerestory or a high section wall that contains windows above eye level to increase the flow of natural light. It is surrounded with plants of local varieties and selection of trees and shrubs.

SM Megamall Bicycle Racks

• SM Megamall promotes mobility. Situated in the middle of EDSA, SM Megamall brings 550 buses into one integrated system to promote easier mobility. Green hybrid transports provide options for the more environmentally conscious passengers. All public transports are required to meet mandated emission levels in support of the Clean Air Act. The mall is pedestrian-friendly with about 1,595 square meters of covered walk ways. Throughout the mall, designated bike lanes and parking spaces are provided. Lastly, parking sensors not only make parking easier but has also reduced emissions in the parking areas.

SM MegaTower

• SM Megamall practices responsible materials management. The mall uses Echostop ceiling finish for noise absorption which is made from gypsum and paper liner made from 100% reclaimed and recycled paper. The Mega Tower uses insulated glass units which keeps heat out during summer months and Low E-glass to minimize the amount of ultraviolet light that comes through the windows, with both features maximizing energy savings. It also has a Material Recovery Facility dividing recyclables, biodegradable waste, residual waste and hazardous waste.

Environmental Policy

All of these measures are in line with SM Prime’s environmental strategy, which focuses on developing, designing, and constructing integrated lifestyle communities that are sustainable and resilient.

SM Prime is continuing its shift to renewable energy in line with these objectives. The corporation is diversifying its renewable energy investments in addition to investing in energy efficiency projects. By the end of 2022, SM Prime intends to grow its demand for renewable energy by more than 50% across all of its business sectors, in support of the Department of Energy’s objective of increasing the country’s renewable energy supply component to 35% by the end of the decade.

SM Prime has also joined the 2,500 organizations worldwide who support the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and its goal of creating a more resilient financial system through better climate risk disclosures, as part of a growing movement of responsible and sustainability-focused businesses. It hopes to use this to continue to drive its business to adopt more climate-related sustainability initiatives.

SM continues to preserve its commitment to sustainability and conservation at Hamilo Coast, an SM property in Nasugbu, Batangas, by planting 50,000 more mangroves across 100,000 square meters of the estate. This is also regarded as one of Nasugbu’s major mangrove habitats. Together with the World Wide Fund for Nature,

Hamilo Coast continues to safeguard its mangrove habitat. Hamilo Coast also undertook the initiative to declare three of its coves, namely Pico de Loro, Etayo, and Santelmo as Marine Protected Areas in 2009. SM is regreening the country sides through its tree planting program led by SM City Baguio. This is in partnership with the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Cordillera Administrative Region (DENR-CAR), Baguio Water District, the local government of Baguio City and 25 media organizations in Baguio.

As of January 2022, over 600,000 trees have already been planted in Baguio City and neighboring towns in Benguet. SM further promotes sustainable practices through water recycling and the adoption of technologies that promote smart water use. In 2020, it was able to recycle 28.9 million cubic meters of water.

In terms of solid waste management, SM Prime has intensified its campaign by requiring all contractors to implement proper waste management procedures during construction. A long-running program through SM Cares, the monthly Trash to Cash (TTC) provides an avenue for the community, including properties’ tenants, to participate in solid waste management. This initiative ran for nine months in 74 malls and five SM Development Corporation properties in 2020, saving 134,067 seven-year-old trees to date.

It also undertakes paper recycling in partnership with the Trust International Paper Corporation and the responsible transport, treatment, storage and disposal or processing of the properties’ generated hazardous waste, compliant to the government’s implementing rules and regulations.

Resiliency as a Necessity

While SM serves millions of customers every day, its impact goes beyond its businesses – touching the lives of millions more in the communities wherever it is present. For a country like the Philippines, the impact of climate change can already be felt with typhoons getting stronger and more frequent.

Hans T. Sy, chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime has served in leadership roles in both national and international organizations focused on disaster resiliency and its impact to business and society. Leading by example, SM integrates disaster resiliency in its business strategy as well as its city and mall designs and developments. This, not only allows SM businesses to operate during calamities, instead, also helps communities become more resilient to typhoons.

“I believe in an age-old adage; an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. SM Prime has taken deliberate steps to reinforce resiliency across its properties and provide a focused approach on sustainability in order to preserve communities and save lives,” said Mr. Sy.

Such is the impact created by SM Masinag.

Vermont Park Phase 1 is located near SM Masinag. For years, it would undergo flooding during typhoons. However, the story has changed. Since SM Masinag opened to serve the community, it has been equipped with a water catchment facility that can detain 17,681 cubic meters of water, which is equivalent to 7 Olympic size swimming pools. This helped control the flooding of nearby villages during typhoons.

Meanwhile, SM Marikina, which is also in a high-flood rate zone, is able to serve as first responder and a safe haven to affected families during times of calamities. This is because it is standing on 246 stilts with an elevation higher than the highest recorded water level rise in Marikina City.

Strong Foundations for Responsible Development: Sustainability and Resilience

The creation of SM Prime is based on both sustainability and disaster resiliency. Both serve as solid foundations for responsible development, according to SM, in order to meet the growing need for urban areas while also addressing the problem of climate change.

When creating malls, offices, and even integrated lifestyle towns, SM Prime spends roughly 10% of capital expenditure from the beginning of concept design to incorporate sustainability features and disaster resistance.

“The safety of the communities, employees, customers, and the facility structure remains top priorities in all SM Prime developments. As I tell my design teams ever so frequently, ensuring safety is the only way I can sleep well,” Mr Sy said.

For SM, this includes both hard infrastructure capabilities and how areas are planned to promote mobility, as well as green transportation options, greener buildings, and even green technologies such as solar energy. As a result, wherever SM works, SM Prime makes every effort to assist in the creation of the spaces and cities that we require in order to thrive in the future.

Floods and rising water levels caused by typhoons are a recurring problem in Marikina, which is considered one of Metro Manila’s low-lying districts. During typhoons, the water level of the Marikina River can surge to 23 meters, compared to its typical average of 13 meters. While the neighborhoods surrounding the Marikina Watershed are being submerged, SM Marikina remains tall, providing a safe haven for its neighbors.

What’s the secret? It is supported by 246 stilts.

SM City Marikina is a one-of-a-kind development. The elevated mall, which is built on top of 246 stilts and is located within the Marikina River Watershed, is a 6-hectare property.

“Understanding weather patterns and how they affect the environment where your city or building will be is a vital aspect of creating climate resilient structures,” said Architect Fides Garcia-Hsu, Vice President of SM Engineering Design and Development (SM EDD). “We evaluated the long-term flood cycles of the Marikina Watershed, which was recognized as a high-risk area by the World Bank in 1977, during the planning process of SM City Marikina.”

Building atop stilts can be traced back to ancient civilizations all across the world. The solution can be found in its extensive functionality. Early human tribes used elevated architecture to protect themselves from flooding, wetness, and surface creatures. It also allows them to store items in open spaces or participate in cultural activities. Finally, it lowers the expense of altering natural terrain. While modern architects have embraced the concept of building on stilts over the years, it has lost favor with the public as urbanization has progressed.

The practicality of ‘building on stilts’ was revived by SM, who reworked the concept as a climate-resistant feature. To assist limit the potential of damage during heavy flooding, this design was combined with additional disaster preparedness concerns. As a result, SM City Marikina was built 20 meters beyond than the allowed distance of 90 meters from the Marikina River’s centerline. Furthermore, the ground-floor parking was purposefully designed with no walls to enable water to flow, while the second story was elevated at 20.5 meters, which is higher than the highest recorded flood levels.

During super typhoons, SM Marikina’s resiliency saves an average of Php1 billion in terms of losses from business sales alone. This means that it is able to help its tenants, especially the micro, small and medium enterprises that depend on the mall for their business continuity and growth.

For its neighboring communities, SM Marikina also serves as a safe haven and a first responder to families who are affected during calamities. It also provides free parking spaces for those who are stranded and need a safe place to wait for flood water to recede.

“Our ultimate goal is to help build the resilience of our stakeholders. This begins by building our own resilience to serve as a good foundation they could rely on especially during calamities,” Garcia-Hsu said.

Beyond Marikina, construction on stilts may be reviving in other parts of the world as urbanization and the demand for greener spaces increase. This would allow for high-rise development while preserving much-needed green open space on the ground level.

While making SM City Marikina a disaster-resistant mall required an additional 15% in capital investments, the company sees it as a necessary investment in its goal to produce shared value for its stakeholders. This, combined with a science-based approach to climate scenario risk assessments, enables SM City Marikina to defy expectations and demonstrate that incorporating resiliency is the path to a climate resilient future.

Two-thirds of the world’s population may face water scarcity by 2025. According to the World Wildlife Fund Inc., given the current global consumption rate, this pmay get worse.

On World Water Day, Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI), the country’s official maker of PepsiCo products, is inviting the public to join in water conservation measures to minimize waste.

“Water is a fundamental right. This is the reason we strictly manage our water consumption and water wastes. We need to integrate water conservation methods to improve global water security. We encourage the public to use water responsibly as this is a shared responsibility that we need to take seriously,” said PCPPI president and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Frederick D. Ong.

Last year, PCPPI reported a six percent reduction in its 2020 water usage. The company saved around 369,000 cubic meters of water which is equal to more than 147 Olympic-sized swimming pools. From 2019 to 2021, the company has reduced its water use by 11.5%.

To bolster its water stewardship initiatives, PCPPI monitors its water consumption in its operations and has devised ways to improve its water recycling to minimize wastage. It also continues to strengthen its host communities’ involvement by partnering with local government units for its adopt-a-river program.

Even at home, anyone may join the water conservation effort. Here are some suggestions for conserving water while also saving money on your water bills:

1) Prep your food wisely

Practice rinsing your fruits and vegetables in a basin of water instead of under running water. Do this and save up to 10 to 15 gallons of water every year. Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator overnight. This is better than placing it under flowing tap. When boiling vegetables, make sure to use only enough water. This allows you to still get adequate nutrients from them. Use your rice wash to water the plants.

2) Run full loads of laundry

If you want to wash your laundry with ease, soak your dirty clothes in water for at least 20 minutes to remove the stains. It is also advisable to run a full load of laundry to maximize the water used—it’s energy-efficient, too. You may then recycle the laundry water and use it to clean your garage, pathways, bathroom floors, or your pet’s cage.

3) Check for leaks

Regularly check for pipe leaks. If you see signs of molds or foul smells, it’s best to ask for help from an experienced plumber to inspect your plumbing system. Leaks occur in toilets, too. Try adding a small drop of food coloring to your toilet tank and wait for a few minutes to test for leaks. If the water in the bowl changes its color even without flushing, then it’s leaking. Getting rid of leaks could save a household 10,000 gallons of water per year.

4) Shower and brush your teeth responsibly

When washing with soap or shampoo, turn off the faucet to prevent water waste. You can also work on reducing your shower time by finishing your bath routine quickly. If possible, use a bucket and a dipper or get a water-saving showerhead.

It is wise to brush your teeth and rinse using a cup of water. Running the tap while toothbrushing uses up as much as six liters of water every time.

5) Save water when cleaning outdoors

Use a pail of water and a broom rather than a hose to get rid of stubborn dirt on your sidewalk, driveway, or parking lot. To add, use recycled laundry water. It has the same cleaning effect for outdoor dirty areas as with clean tap water.

6) Turn off faucets

Need we say more? Turn off all your faucets at home when not in use.

There are still so many ways to conserve water and to ensure global water security. The world is changing and it is only fitting that we change our ways, too, because this fact remains: Water is life.

the country, serving more than 700,000 outlets and providing employment through its extensive distribution network.

PCPPI is committed to create a positive impact on society with programs focused on environmental sustainability, nutrition, education, and livelihood. For more information, visit www.pepsiphilippines.com.