Lifestyle

In the photo (from left): Director Annabelle V. Briones, Director of Department Of Science and Technology – Industrial Technology Development Institute; Asec. Leonila T. Baluyut, DBA, Assistant Secretary of Department Of Trade and Industry; Ms. Rungphech “Rose” Chitanuwat, Country General Manager of Informa Markets in the Philippines; and Dr. Joseph Ross S. Jocson Mnsa, President of Asian Pagkaging Federation.

The sixth edition of ProPak Philippines, the nation’s premier international trade show for the processing and packaging sectors, is scheduled to take place at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City from February 4–6, 2026, with the compelling theme “Consumer-Conscious Innovation: Driving Global Competitiveness and Sustainability.” Under the well-known ProPak brand, the event will bring together stakeholders, industry leaders, and innovators to discuss innovative ways to meet the increasing need for consumer-focused and sustainable processing and packaging technology.

ProPak Philippines is an essential venue for companies to display innovations, share expertise, and promote partnerships that support global sustainability objectives as the Philippines continues to establish itself as a major player in the global market.

The event highlights how companies must listen to changing consumer needs while also taking responsibility for environmental impact. Seeing industry leaders come together reinforces the idea that collaboration and shared innovation are key for the Philippines to stay competitive globally. Overall, ProPak Philippines shows that sustainable practices and smart technology are not just trends, but essential drivers of long-term growth and global relevance.

The Processing and Packaging Industry: A Growing Force in the Philippines

The processing and packaging industry in the Philippines has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by the country’s expanding food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and personal care sectors. According to a report by the Philippine Statistics Authority, the manufacturing sector grew by 7.3% in 2025, with food and beverage processing accounting for a substantial share. This growth underscores the increasing demand for advanced packaging and processing solutions that cater to both local and international markets.

However, with this growth comes the challenge of meeting evolving consumer expectations.  Studies reveal that Filipino consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of the products they use. A 2025 survey by NielsenIQ found that 78% of Filipino consumers prefer brands that prioritize sustainable packaging, while 65% are willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly products. This shift in consumer behavior highlights the urgent need for businesses to adopt innovative and sustainable practices to remain competitive.

Market Trends: Sustainability and Consumer Awareness

Sustainability has become a defining trend in the global packaging and processing industries.  Some companies are now focusing on reducing waste, using recyclable materials, and adopting energy-efficient production processes. In the Philippines, the rise of e-commerce and the increasing demand for convenience have further strengthened the need for sustainable packaging solutions that balance functionality with environmental responsibility.

Filipino consumers are not only looking for products that are eco-friendly but are also scrutinizing the entire supply chain from sourcing raw materials to disposal. This increasing awareness is pushing businesses to innovate and align their practices with sustainability standards, creating opportunities for growth and differentiation in the market.

ProPak Philippines 2026 is the right venue for businesses to address these challenges and opportunities. “Consumer-conscious Innovation is not just a theme, but it is a call to action for businesses to align with the evolving demands of sustainability and global competitiveness. ProPak Philippines is in the frontline to do this transformation, and equip

industries with the tools, insights, and partnerships needed to create solutions that are both environmentally responsible and market-driven”, said Ms. Rungphech Chitanuwat, Country General Manager of Informa Markets Philippines, the organiser of ProPak Philippines.

The event is strongly supported by esteemed organizations such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Science and Technology – Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Design Center of the Philippines, and other industry leaders. Their involvement underscores the importance of ProPak Philippines in advancing the country’s industrial capabilities and global competitiveness.

Content-Driven Activities to Empower the Industry

ProPak Philippines 2026 not only offers a wide array of manufacturers and suppliers, but it also shows a rich lineup of activities designed to empower businesses and professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed. Some of the event activities include:

• Australasian Institute of Packaging Training Course: A paid training course hosted by the Australasian Institute of Packaging, on accessible and inclusive packaging, and sustainable packaging practices.
• Australasian Institute of Packaging Packaging Forum:A platform for industry experts to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities in sustainable packaging and also led by the Australasian Institute of Packaging
• DrinkTech:DrinkTech will offer insightful discussions on the latest advancements in beverage technology, covering the entire value chain from production and processing to packaging.
• Green Impact Stories:Collection of successful sustainable packaging stories from key sustainability champions
• Halal Conference:This will delve into the growing importance of halal-certified products in the global market, with a focus on processing and packaging standards that meet halal requirements and discuss growing challenges and opportunities in the halal market.
• Packaging Clinic:A hands-on consultation where participants can receive expert advice on improving their packaging solutions.
• Philippine Economic Zone Authority Conference:This will focus on exploring investment opportunities in the Philippines, particularly within the processing and packaging industries. This session aims to highlight the country’s potential as a hub for innovation and manufacturing, attracting both local and international investors.
• Technical Seminars:Sessions covering the latest advancements in processing and packaging technologies.

These activities, combined with the event’s extensive exhibition, make ProPak Philippines a must-attend for anyone looking to stay ahead in the competitive and rapidly evolving processing and packaging industries.

Driving the Future of Sustainability and Competitiveness

ProPak Philippines enables companies to embrace sustainability, improve their worldwide competitiveness, and satisfy the needs of an increasingly conscientious and discriminating market by concentrating on consumer-sensitive innovation.

Over 250 exhibitors and 10,000 trade visitors are anticipated during ProPak Philippines 2026. Free admission provides the market with an unmatched chance to network with innovators and leaders in the industry. Become a part of the ProPak Philippines community and help shape the processing and packaging industries of the future.

For more information, contact the ProPak Philippines Team

Contact Person: Ms. Jomia Pagkatotohan | Assistant Marketing Manager Email Address: J[email protected]

Telephone: +63 2 8581 1917

Website: www.propakphilippines.com

For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.

Pru Life UK Chief Legal, Government Relations, and Sustainability Officer, Calvin Kohchet-Chua together with PRUVolunteers, the ASSIST team, and beneficiaries from the Maricaban and Sulangan communities of Bantayan Island, Cebu.

Through Ulan Alang sa Bantayan, the company’s climate resilience initiative, and its yearly gift-giving event, leading life insurer Pru Life UK reaffirmed its dedication to the Bantayan Island community in Cebu.

With an emphasis on water security, Ulan Alang sa Bantayan was established in 2024 with the goal of educating communities and fostering long-term resilience against the effects of climate change. Pru Life UK provided two rainwater harvesting systems for its chosen villages during the program’s inaugural year, giving more than 500 families a dependable 2,000-liter supply of clean water. To guarantee long-term support for the communities, training courses on the correct use and upkeep of the systems were also held.

Bantayan Island residents received gift packs as part of Pru Life UK’s annual gift-giving tradition.

This year, the company continued the programme by facilitating Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) training and distributing gift packs as part of its annual gift-giving tradition. To further community capacity-building, Pru Life UK also conducted a pilot run of a new financial literacy programme for adults developed by Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential plc.

“Ug alang kanako, dako kaayo og impact ang WASH program, labi na sa tubig tungod kay ang tubig maoy naghatag og kinabuhi alang kanatong tanan, ug naghatag og limpiyo sa atong matag usa. Ug labaw sa tanan, dako kaayo ikatabang kanato, ingon nga paglimpiyo sa atong kaugalingon, ug labaw sa tanan, personal hygiene alang kanato. Dako kaayo ni’g ikatabang tungod kay kon limpiyo ang atong kaugalingon, limpiyo sab ang atong palibot. (For me, the WASH programme has a huge impact, especially when it comes to water because water gives life to all of us and provides cleanliness for each one of us. Above all, it greatly helps us in cleaning ourselves and maintaining personal hygiene. This is very important because when we are clean, our surroundings are also clean,” said Rolly Giducos, community leader from Maricaban, Santa Fe on Bantayan Island, one of the community beneficiaries).”

Pru Life UK’s support for Bantayan Island started when the Prudence Foundation formed a multi-year partnership with Habitat for Humanity Philippines to help rebuild the homes of residents affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda. When the housing initiative was completed in 2017, the company continued its annual outreach, which has since evolved and expanded through the Ulan Alang sa Bantayan programme, which was developed in collaboration with the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) to align with its broader climate and health advocacy.

Calvin Kohchet-Chua – Pru Life UK Chief Legal, Government Relations, and Sustainability Officer

“Our work in Bantayan reflects our belief that progress is built through trust and shared responsibility,” said Calvin Kohchet-Chua, Pru Life UK Chief Legal, Government Relations, and Sustainability Officer. “As Ulan Alang sa Bantayan grows, so does our dedication to helping communities prepare for the future with confidence and security.”

Pru Life UK continues to exemplify what it means to be a reliable partner in protection—one that Filipinos can rely on today, tomorrow, and for generations to come—through enduring partnerships and programs that serve both current and future needs.

East Zone concessionaire Manila Water continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship through its flagship advocacy program Lakbayan, which provides educational facility tours designed to give participants an in-depth look at the Company’s water and wastewater facilities.

Through its flagship advocacy program Lakbayan, which offers educational facility tours intended to give participants a thorough look at the company’s water and wastewater facilities, East Zone concessionaire Manila Water continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Through this effort, communities, partners, and stakeholders will learn the importance of water and be encouraged to use it responsibly.

Lakbayan offers a unique opportunity for participants to experience the entire water cycle: from the raw water source and treatment to distribution and wastewater management. Through guided tours of Manila Water’s state-of-the-art facilities, visitors gain firsthand knowledge of the processes that ensure safe, clean, and reliable water supply, as well as the systems that treat wastewater before returning it to the environment.

Since its inception in 2006, Lakbayan has engaged thousands of students, local government units, and private organizations, fostering a deeper understanding of the water cycle and the collective role in preserving this vital resource. In 2025, Manila Water, led by its Advocacy Managers and Facility Managers, conducted a total of sixty-five (65) Lakbayan tours, participated by 2,151 individuals.

Among the organizations who participated were the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, DILG-National Capital Region, Bureau of Fire Protection, City Government of Makati, Sangguniang Kabataan of Quezon City, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office of Pateros, San Agustin Seminary, University of the Philippines, Technological University of Philippines, Mariano Marcos State University, Western Mindanao State University and other public and private schools and private businesses.

“Water is a finite resource and its responsible use is a shared obligation, yet it is often overlooked,” said Jeric Sevilla, Manila Water Corporate Communication Affairs Group Director.

“Lakbayan allows us to share the science, innovation and our dedication behind every drop. Our goal is to inspire individuals and organizations to take meaningful action, whether through simple daily habits or large-scale programs, to conserve water and protect the environment. Every effort, big or small, creates a ripple of impact,” he added.

The initiative highlights Manila Water’s support of environmental preservation and water saving. Lakbayan enables participants to become advocates for sustainability in their local communities by highlighting the intricacy and significance of water and wastewater management.

Manila Water invites everyone involved to enjoy Lakbayan. Interested parties should send an email to [email protected] for schedules and reservations.

Representatives from the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Maldives, Vietnam, and the Solomon Islands — from government, academe, and NGOs — gathered in Iloilo City for the Asia Regional Large-Scale MPA Workshop, organized by ZSL Philippines with the Blue Nature Alliance and Big Ocean, to share insights and advance science-based, community-driven marine conservation. Photo from ZSL Philippines.

The Zoological Society of London-Philippines (ZSL), in collaboration with the Blue Nature Alliance (Alliance), and regional partners from the government, academia, and non-governmental organizations recently convened in Iloilo City for the Asia Regional Large-Scale Marine Protected Area (LSMPA) Workshop, which was held as the world races to protect 30% of its oceans by 2030. The purpose of the workshop was to discuss community-driven, science-based approaches to large-scale marine protection.

The two-day workshop brought together representatives from the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Maldives, Vietnam, and the Solomon Islands to discuss opportunities and challenges in ocean protection at scale, from policy gaps and governance issues to climate impacts, illegal fishing, and transboundary protection. It was co-hosted by Big Ocean, a peer-learning network created by and for managers of large-scale marine areas, with technical and financial support from the Alliance, a global partnership aiming to conserve 18 million square kilometers of ocean.

“With the highest nearshore marine biodiversity in the world, Asia has long been at the forefront of coastal protection,” said Laure Katz, Executive Director of the Alliance. Building on this leadership, the workshop addressed the urgency to extend marine protection to areas beyond 12 nautical miles through advancing science-policy-community interrelationships, preparing the foundations for an Asia Regional LSMPA Community of Practice, and developing a roadmap for large-scale marine protection.

Advancing Regional Collaboration in Conservation

The workshop underscores  ZSL Philippines’ leadership in science-based conservation and demonstrates how multi-sector, multi-country collaboration, supported by BNA, can accelerate progress toward the 30×30 target.

The Alliance believes that partnership is key to advancing ocean conservation. “The Blue Nature Alliance is working with over 130 partners globally to advance ocean conservation in 5% of the world’s ocean as a significant contribution to the global 30×30 goal,” said Katz.

Representatives from the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Maldives, Vietnam, and the Solomon Islands, including government officials, academics, and NGO members, gathered during the Asia Regional Large-Scale MPA Workshop at Courtyard by Marriott in Iloilo City to share insights and discuss science-based, community-driven strategies for large-scale marine conservation. Photo from ZSL Philippines.

Participants collectively agreed that the main pressures on Asia’s marine ecosystems are pollution and climate change, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, sea-level rise, and habitat destruction.

They also emphasized key recommendations, including aligning marine conservation with food security objectives, developing long-term and equitable financing mechanisms with government support, harmonizing ocean-related policies for easier adoption, and enhancing public participation in conservation. These efforts showcase Asia’s ingenuity in building a strong foundation for marine protection.

“The potential for Asia is huge. It can be a trailblazer, creating a ‘Big Ocean 2.0,’ leading the second wave of large-scale protection, and showing the world that fisheries, food security, and conservation can be addressed together,” said Naiʻa Lewis, Director of Big Ocean.

Philippine Rise: One of Asia’s Most Ambitious Conservation Efforts

The proposed Philippine Rise Ocean Conservation Area, implemented by ZSL, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Fisheries Management Area 1, and the Alliance, would span approximately 150,000 square kilometers or 7.5% of the Philippine waters, potentially making it Asia’s largest single marine protected area  protecting biodiversity while supporting long-term food security.

During the Asia Regional Large-Scale MPA Workshop held at Courtyard by Marriott in Iloilo City, Edwina Garchitorena, Country Director of ZSL Philippines, emphasized the shift toward large-scale marine protected areas, acknowledging the challenges from community understanding to governance alignment while committing to achieving meaningful impact. Photo from ZSL Philippines.

“The thinking around marine protected areas has long been at a much smaller scale,” said Edwina Garchitorena, Country Director of ZSL Philippines. “We know the challenges remain—from community understanding to governance alignment—but we also know the impact will be there. We are committed to helping make this shift happen.”

“The movement for large-scale protection with comprehensive solutions both nearshore and offshore has started in Asia with governments, particularly in the Philippines and Indonesia, taking bold steps in turning commitments into action,” added Katz.

Toward a Collective Path for Ocean Protection

The workshop demonstrated that, when based on science, policy, community involvement, and international cooperation, large-scale marine protection is becoming more and more possible. According to Katz, “the Asia Regional LSMPA Workshop is the beginning of a meaningful journey to inspire bold action for marine protection for the benefit of people and nature.”

In order to accomplish the worldwide 30×30 ocean preservation target, ZSL will continue to advance initiatives to enhance large-scale marine governance and organize collective action in collaboration with the Alliance, Big Ocean, and regional partners.

With a robust service pipeline and a renewed emphasis on innovation, integration, and nationwide connectivity, 2GO, the nation’s top logistics solutions provider, approaches 2026. In order to assist companies and customers in a market that is still growing, the company is stepping up its efforts in the areas of freight, rapid delivery, marine travel, and digital fulfillment.

Increased domestic consumption, improved infrastructure, and internet commerce have all contributed to the strong expansion of the Philippine logistics business. The logistics sector reached an estimated USD 55.65 billion in 2024, and as investments in digital services and transportation networks increase, it is expected to rise at a rate of almost 6% per year until 2030.

Online commerce is becoming a major force shaping logistics demand. The Philippines e-commerce sector is expected to surpass USD 28 billion in 2025 with strong double-digit annual growth as more consumers shop online and sellers scale digitally. These trends are driving significant need for reliable fulfilment, tracking, and delivery services across the country’s thousands of islands.

“Our outlook for 2026 is anchored on building smarter and more responsive logistics solutions that support economic activity where it matters most,” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and CEO of 2GO Group Inc. “As the Philippine economy grows, logistics becomes even more essential. Our role is to ensure goods, services, and people move reliably and efficiently across the country.”

Strengthening logistics to support growth

E-commerce remains a key growth driver for logistics in the Philippines. In response, 2GO continues to expand its express and e-commerce fulfilment capabilities with nationwide pickup, sorting, and last-mile delivery supported by digital tracking and integrated platforms. These services help businesses of all sizes reach customers faster and with greater confidence.

Beyond last-mile delivery, 2GO’s freight forwarding and special container solutions support industries with secure, temperature-controlled, and customized cargo handling requirements. These services are vital for manufacturers, agribusinesses, and exporters navigating both inter-island and international trade flows.

2GO’s sea-based logistics and ROPAX operations further strengthen its multimodal capabilities. Through sea travel and rolling cargo services, the company connects major and secondary ports, enabling the movement of passengers alongside essential goods. Recent investments in port infrastructure, including expanded passenger terminals, support stronger connectivity between Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao and reflect the continued growth of inter-island mobility and commerce.

Integrated solutions for a dynamic market

As customer expectations evolve, 2GO continues to deliver integrated logistics solutions that unite land, air and sea into a connected and visible supply chain. Investments in operational efficiency, asset utilization, and customer-focused services are central to the company’s strategy for 2026.

“Growth today requires flexibility and integration,” DyBuncio added. “Our priority is to make logistics simpler for our customers by offering solutions that are reliable, scalable, and aligned with their specific needs, whether they are SMEs, large enterprises, or online sellers.”

Contributing to national development

Logistics remains a critical driver of economic resilience and inclusive growth in the Philippines. By improving seamless cargo movement, reducing handovers through point-to-point logistics solutions, and strengthening inter-island connectivity, 2GO helps keep trade costs reasonable and expands market access for businesses nationwide.

As the business approaches 2026, 2GO reiterates its dedication to bolstering the nation’s economic development through dependable logistics, ongoing service enhancement, and investments that promote commerce and mobility.

“With the right infrastructure, partnerships, and people, logistics becomes a catalyst for national progress,” DyBuncio said. “That is the role 2GO will continue to play in the years ahead.”

Go to www.2go.com.ph to find out more about 2GO and its offerings.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com.