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SM Supermalls and DOLE marked a major milestone as the SM–DOLE Job Fair program celebrated its 30,000th hired-on-the-spot at SM City Tuguegarao, symbolizing thousands of lives changed through accessible employment opportunities and meaningful partnerships with industry employers.

December 10, 2025. By commemorating the 30,000th hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) at a job fair at SM City Tuguegarao, SM Supermalls, in close collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), marks the agency’s 92nd founding anniversary.

A Life-Changing Moment in Tuguegarao

During the anniversary employment fair, Ms. Rachelle Navalta, the 30,000th HOTS, was immediately hired by McDonald’s as a part of the service crew. “Hindi po ako makapaniwala…” she said, overwhelmed by the news. “Nag-try lang po akong mag-apply dito sa job fair dito sa SM.” She also urged other job seekers, saying, “Wag po kayong matakot mag-try. I didn’t get hired right away.” “Hindi natin alam kung ano ang nakatakdang mangyari sa ating buhay.” Her experience exemplifies the core of the SM–DOLE collaboration: transforming a straightforward choice to show up into life-changing chances.

The milestone highlights the continued success of the SM–DOLE Job Fair Program, which has mounted over 370 job fairs nationwide since November 2023, supporting more than 220,000 job seekers and resulting in over 30,000 HOTS to date. This collaborative effort reflects the shared mission of SM Supermalls and DOLE to widen access to meaningful employment and uplift Filipino communities.

SM hosts job fairs, and together with DOLE and other government agencies, officially opens the event to employ more Filipinos

A Partnership that Connects Dreams with Possibilities

SM Supermalls President Steven Tan described the significance of the partnership in opening real pathways to livelihood and growth: “Our partnership through the SM–DOLE Job Fairs has become more than just a program. It’s a bridge — connecting dreams with possibilities. As we celebrate DOLE’s 92 years of service, we at SM reaffirm our commitment to this partnership — to continue providing platforms that empower, connect, and uplift the Filipino workforce. Congratulations, DOLE! Thank you for being our partner in progress, our partner in nation-building.”

On-the-spot hiring – happy jobseekers walk away with job offers in hand, proving that SM Job Fairs are more than events — they’re gateways to livelihood.

SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin echoed this message, underscoring DOLE’s long-standing role in shaping the country’s workforce. “For many years, DOLE has been at the heart of nation-building — helping Filipinos find sustainable and meaningful work. And we at SM Supermalls are truly proud to be your partner in this mission.” He further added: “Thank you, DOLE, for your leadership and partnership in empowering the Filipino workforce. Together, we will continue to open doors that lead to growth, dignity, and hope for every Filipino.”

Face-to-face with opportunity as job seekers confidently take part in interviews with top employers at the SM Job Fair.

According to Royston A. Cabunag, Assistant Vice Present for Job Fairs and MSMEs at SM Supermalls, the SM–DOLE relationship has transformed malls into community places that transform lives by connecting businesses and talents through accessible, community-driven programs. In support of DOLE’s longstanding role in forming the country’s workforce, he reaffirmed SM’s unwavering commitment to making every job fair a doorway to a better life.

At SM Job Fairs, you don’t just apply — you get interviews, career guidance, and access to partner agencies all in one go. See you at the next one!

In order to facilitate hiring, empower job seekers, and support Filipino families, SM and DOLE collaborate to extend job fair activities in strategic areas. The alliance promotes equitable economic growth and enriches local communities by converting malls into opportunity centers where candidates may meet businesses, get advice, and frequently land jobs in a single day.

Designed as an evening of insightful discussion and curated wine tasting, Legacy Uncorked brought together an intimate circle of the country’s most respected business leaders, wealth advisors, and high-net-worth families in a sophisticated setting at the Grand Hyatt.
In photo: (Left-right) Rozanne Magararu, Pru Life UK Chief Customer & Marketing Officer; Sanjay Chakrabarty, Pru Life UK President and Chief Executive Officer; Michael Ferrer, ATRAM Group Chief Executive Officer; Rex Mendoza, Rampver Financials Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Princess Charm Balingit, Pru Life UK Chief Investment Officer; and Julien Fey, Pru Life UK Chief Strategy Officer

A growing number of Filipino families are facing a quiet financial risk as family-owned businesses and property values rise in the country: delays in wealth transfers and estate settlement problems that may result in frozen assets, court challenges, or forced liquidation.

During Pru Life UK’s special Legacy Uncorked event at the Grand Hyatt Manila, Rex Mendoza, Chairman and CEO of Rampver Financials, stated that many families earn money but neglect to preserve it for future generations. Estate planning is a commitment to continuity and a duty to one’s heirs, not just a financial undertaking.

To address this widening gap, Pru Life UK organised Legacy Uncorked as a platform for intergenerational wealth preservation and responsible succession planning. Headlined by Mendoza, one of the country’s leading voices in financial stewardship and legacy building, the event gathered high-net-worth families, business owners, and wealth advisors to discuss estate preparedness strategies.

Mendoza delivered a compelling message on why Filipino families must prepare not just for wealth accumulation but also for wealth transfer and continuity. He mentioned that legacy is not just what one leaves behind; it’s how one prepares others to carry it forward.

Citing recent global and economic disruptions, he emphasised that unpredictability has become a permanent part of financial strategy. He added that uncertainty is now a constant—with health crises, market disruptions, and policy changes. Families who do not build emergency liquidity and succession strategies expose their heirs to unnecessary financial risk.

He also stressed that the failure of legacy is often rooted not in financial loss but in lack of generational preparation. He noted that heirs do not fail because they lack inheritance; they fail because they lack guidance. Wealth must be transferred with wisdom, purpose, and financial literacy. Mendoza also highlighted the importance of disciplined investment strategies for generational wealth, explaining that asset diversification, risk management, and sustainability must guide long-term decisions.

Legacy Planning

Pru Life UK President and CEO Sanjay Chakrabarty reinforced the importance of legacy planning in the Philippine context, where estate settlement remains a major barrier to preserving family wealth.

He said that many families are forced to sell land, businesses, or long-held assets simply to settle estate obligations. Estate planning is not just for the wealthy—it is for every family that wants continuity, stability, and dignity in how their assets are passed on.

At the event, Pru Life UK introduced PRUWealth 10, its flagship single-pay life insurance solution designed to support estate planning. The product enables clients to generate estate liquidity, protect assets from forced sale, and ensure seamless inheritance transfer.

PRUWealth 10 provides immediate liquidity at the moment families need it most. It prevents the loss of family legacy due to emergency property sales or loan dependency. We continue to see growing interest among discerning families and business leaders who recognise the value of structured protection.

Chakrabarty added that structured wealth transition is now a growing financial priority in the country. He said that these discussions about legacy are no longer taboo. Today’s leaders want to protect both their life’s work and their family relationships. Pru Life UK is here to support that mission with structured, future-ready financial strategies.

Chie Gatchalian, co-founder of The Sip Studio, also developed a wine appreciation journey for heritage Uncorked, signifying how legacies are purposefully created and carefully preserved—reiterating the event’s central theme: heritage must be safeguarded, not left to chance.

The event was a component of Pru Life UK’s continued dedication to estate planning advocacy and financial education in the Philippines, providing families with professional advice, solutions, and assistance to protect multigenerational wealth.

Cebuana Lhuillier has officially named Zacarias Mansing Jr., a passionate literacy and disability inclusion advocate, as the 2025 Happiest Pinoy. His remarkable journey of transforming personal adversity into a nationwide mission for children’s literacy resonated deeply across the country. Selected from more than 500,000 entries, his win marks one of the most extraordinary achievements in the history of Cebuana Lhuillier’s pioneering advocacy.

The awarding ceremony, held last December 2 at Dusit Thani Manila, highlighted the depth and diversity of this year’s competition. Zacarias first emerged as one of the ten national category winners before advancing to the final round, where he stood alongside inspiring finalists representing youth and senior citizens, entrepreneurs, persons with disabilities, OFWs, members of the workforce, the LGBTQ+ community, creatives, indigenous peoples, and Cebuana Lhuillier clients.

A distinguished panel of judges—comprising public servants, media professionals, social innovators, athletes, and former Happiest Pinoy awardees—evaluated the finalists through a comprehensive process rooted in four criteria: Resilience; Optimism and Genuine Happiness; Champion of Hope and Impact; and an X-Factor reflecting authenticity.

Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier Inc., emphasized the significance of Zacarias’s win: “Zacarias reminds us that true strength is not the absence of hardship but the courage to lift others as we rise. His life—rooted in faith, grit, and service—captures exactly what the Happiest Pinoy seeks to celebrate: joy that transforms communities and inspires lasting change.”

Zacarias’s story is a testament to that strength. After an accident abroad in 2012 left him paralyzed, he returned home determined to turn his challenges into purpose. Guided by his DRISO values—Determination, Resilience, Inspiration, Service, and Optimism—he launched the Books for Kids Project in 2017. From his wheelchair, he has traveled to more than 300 remote public schools and reached over 50,000 students, championing literacy, disability inclusion, and hope across Negros Oriental. “Being a Happiest Pinoy is about having a spirit that trusts God in all circumstances, and hands that are always ready to reach out to those in need,” he shared.

Zacarias’s triumph is more than a personal victory—it is a powerful reminder that purpose can emerge from pain, and that one person’s resolve can ignite lasting change. His work continues to inspire communities, uplift young learners, and strengthen the movement that Cebuana Lhuillier began: a celebration of joy that endures, heals, and transforms.

Mober Vice President for Brand Marketing and Communications poses for a photo upon receiving the Inspiring Workplaces in Asia award at the ACES Awards 2025 gala night held in Bali, Indonesia

Mober, the Philippines’ top green logistics provider, has been honored at the 2025 Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability (ACES) Awards, earning recognition in the Inspiring Workplaces in Asia category for its leadership in driving sustainable transformation within the country’s commercial logistics sector.

Dubbed Asia’s premier award for leadership and sustainability, the ACES Awards recognized Mober among Asia’s outstanding companies championing ESG initiatives. Mober was officially honored during the Gala Dinner and Summit on November 27, 2025 in Bali, Indonesia, for its people-driven innovation, which is directly responsible for a string of major business milestones this year. These include the launch of the Philippines’ largest commercial EV charging hub, the introduction of the country’s first fully electric tractor head, and the company’s expansion of operations to Thailand, solidifying Mober’s leadership in sustainable logistics across Asia.

Mober Founder and CEO Dennis Ng emphasizes the award’s significance in reinforcing their commitment to investing in human capital towards operational scalability and sustainable growth.

“At Mober, our commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workforce is not just a moral imperative, but a competitive advantage that defines our market leadership. We are not just electrifying a fleet,we are humanizing the entire logistics sector and setting the new standard for sustainable transition across the region.”

Mober executives and its team members

Mober currently employs over 400 employees, including more than 200 EV drivers called Green Delivery Specialists (GDS). The Green Warriors Program is central to this strategy, equipping GDS and other employees to become sustainability ambassadors. This focus ensures Mober can maintain operational excellence as it scales its footprint. Meanwhile, the #MoveHer campaign continues to push for safer, more inclusive opportunities for women in logistics, advancing gender diversity alongside environmental responsibility.

“We are proud to be one of the first companies to prioritize carving new pathways for women to get into the logistics industry, which is traditionally male-dominated. Ensuring safe, inclusive workplaces strengthens the operational backbone of EV logistics and builds a sustainable industry for all,” said Miguel Bermundo, Vice President for People and Sustainability of Mober.

Mober is dedicated to creating a greener, more inclusive, and human-centered movement for the future of logistics in the area as it expands its electric fleet and regional presence.

To discover more about how Mober is leading the charge toward a cleaner, more sustainable future, you may visit https://www.moberdelivery.com.

For further information, visit: https://www.mober.ph 

Stigma: Batang Poz 2 builds on the success of its first novel and iWant adaptation, delivering a gripping look into the lives of poz teens in ultra-conservative Philippines

Best-selling novelist and Palanca Award winner Segundo Matias Jr. has published Stigma: Batang Poz 2, the much awaited follow-up to his ground-breaking 2018 book Mga Batang Poz. The discussion concerning HIV awareness and the stigma that young Filipinos living with the infection still experience is deepened by his most recent release.

Melody, 15, joins the “Pete’s Corner” group chat in Stigma: Batang Poz 2, which serves as a virtual haven for young people with HIV like her. She must deal with the stigma as her pregnancy becomes more apparent while drawing support from the experiences of other young people who identify as Poz, including the well-known characters from the first novel. In the middle of the HIV-AIDS crisis in the Philippines, the follow-up examines survival, connection, solidarity, and the pursuit of hope.

Stigma: Batang Poz 2 left a strong impression on me because it shows the real struggles young Filipinos with HIV continue to face. Melody’s story, along with the voices in “Pete’s Corner,” reminds me how powerful safe spaces and shared experiences can be. The book highlights not just the stigma surrounding HIV, but also the resilience, hope, and support system that help these teens push forward. It’s a meaningful reminder that understanding and compassion can change someone’s life.

Matias adds, “Melody, the new character, is especially important to me. If her story reaches video, there is so much within her journey that viewers can learn from. Through Melody’s experiences, the novel discusses both teenage pregnancy and living with HIV.”

A sequel that challenges as it confronts

As the first young adult novel about HIV-AIDS in the Philippines, Stigma: Batang Poz 2 has been hailed as a landmark contribution to both literature and public health, one that challenges prejudice and calls for compassion in the age of social media and digital connection. The first Batang Poz novel received critical acclaim for its courageous and truthful portrayal of living with HIV, later inspiring a powerful 2019 iWant miniseries starring Paolo Gumabao, Mark Neumann, and Awra Briguela. The sequel seeks not only to shed light on the lived experiences of People Living with HIV-AIDS (PLHIV) but also to remind us of the importance of empathy, understanding, and solidarity in combating discrimination.

Stigma: Batang Poz 2 also delivers engaging and practical information on sexual health and empowerment. “The discussions in this book are deeper and more technical,”  shares Matias.                                                 

Early praise for Stigma: Batang Poz 2 

The novel has garnered advanced praise from notable critics, writers, and advocates in the Philippines.

Internationally acclaimed essayist and winner of the Curt Johnson Prose Award for Nonfiction, Wifredo Pascual commends Matias’ masterful craftmanship, noting his skill in crafting “solid and meaningful” scenes. “His sharp eye in choosing the most telling detail is critical in bringing this to light. It’s urgent. And it’s a question worth asking ourselves as readers. How far are we willing to go to get to the source of our discomfort and denial?”

Multi-awarded poet, scholar, and teacher Charlie Samuya-Veric, celebrates Matias’ commitment to making “courageous writing contagious.” He explains, “With Stigma: Batang Poz 2, Segundo Matias, Jr. departs completely from the fantastical concerns of Moymoy Lulumboy and takes his readers close to what they would otherwise deny: their deepest fears and most unacknowledged prejudices. Matias’s courage is enabling. He provides his audience with a different experience and creates a new horizon for YA writers who may not yet have the will, or wherewithal, to explode social taboos.”

Award-winning Gagambeks author Mark Angeles also commends the book for expanding discussions on topics that are frequently considered taboo and controversial. “Binuksan ng Mga Batang Poz ang makulay na mundo ng mga alter—isang produkto ng immersion ng awtor na internet subculture na ito.”

“Health hubs have told me that more people are getting tested because they read Mga Batang Poz,” says Matias. “That alone makes me happy. For a writer like me, being able to convey a meaningful message through one’s work is already a victory.” Matias hopes the sequel will enable readers, especially young adults, to face the world’s challenges with courage and clarity.

Stigma: Batang Poz by Segundo Matias, Jr. will soon be accessible.

Turning digital innovation into real-world impact for startups

Participants and speakers of PLDT Enterprise’s Innovation Spotlight: Harnessing AI and Cybersecurity for Startups gather for a photo after an insightful session on how collaboration and innovation can empower the startup ecosystem.

 In line with its mission to enable enterprises of all sizes through meaningful technology, PLDT Enterprise led the next leg of the Innovation Spotlight, in partnership with the US Embassy, Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, YSEALI AMPLIFY 9.0, Women’s Alliance for Security and Peace (WASP), Fibers Collective and Pina Beauty PH. The themed “Harnessing AI and Cybersecurity for Startups” gathered innovators, founders, and advocates to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital security can work together to empower startups and strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem.

The Innovation Spotlight series was designed to ignite collaboration among industries, innovators, and changemakers — each event highlighting practical, scalable solutions for growth and human-centered ways to use technology for progress. By fostering dialogue and discovery, the series helps leaders transform ideas into action and potential into real impact on communities and people.

This latest session focused on one of today’s most urgent and promising intersections: the role of AI and cybersecurity in driving startup success. The event brought together thought leaders including WASP Founder Captain Caroline Nacional and Joie Cruz, CEO of Limitless Lab, who shared insights on inclusive innovation and responsible technology adoption.

Empowering Startups Through Innovation and Security

Mickey Ruiz, Head of Innovations and Product Development at PLDT Enterprise, underscored the dual importance of innovation and protection in the digital era.

“Cybercrime is no longer a distant threat—it’s here, it’s real, and it’s growing,” Ruiz said. “Startups are agile and fast-moving, but that agility must be matched with awareness and readiness. Security is not a luxury—it’s a foundation.”

Mickey Ruiz, Head of Innovations and Product Development at PLDT Enterprise, highlights the critical role of cybersecurity and collaboration in enabling secure innovation for startups.

Ruiz also highlighted how PLDT Enterprise is helping startups leverage AI securely and ethically, while building a culture of collaboration across industries and organizations to innovate and grow together.

“Cybersecurity isn’t a solo mission. It’s a team sport. And when startups collaborate with the right partners, they gain not just tools—but trust, knowledge, and resilience to innovate boldly in the digital world,” he added.

The event also showcased PLDT Enterprise’s latest technology solutions that are helping businesses strengthen their operations, including SmartSafe, Cybersecurity Infrastructure, and AI-driven tools that enable seamless, secure, and scalable growth

Driving Collaboration and Digital Resilience

Beyond technology, the event emphasized the power of collaboration — bringing together startups, advocates, and organizations that share the goal of turning ideas into reality.

PLDT Enterprise reinforced its commitment to co-innovate with partners who bring specialized expertise to help startups integrate technology safely and meaningfully into their growth journey.

The discussions also tackled emerging industry trends such as AI-driven fraud prevention, cloud-based cybersecurity frameworks, and digital ethics, underscoring how businesses can embrace innovation without compromising trust.

A Commitment to a Safer and Smarter Digital Future

As part of its brand promise, PLDT Enterprise reaffirmed its mission to support businesses — from startups to large-scale enterprises — in embracing innovation while ensuring operational security and continuity.

Ruiz concluded: “Innovation is exciting. AI is powerful. And startups are the lifeblood of our digital future. But without security, innovation is fragile. Our goal at PLDT Enterprise is to help businesses not only build, but build securely, ethically, and boldly.”

Learn more about PLDT Enterprise’s innovations, visit https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-ai-and-cybersecurity-pr 

Sterling Bank of Asia employees take part in the “Kind Heart Gives” tree planting activity at La Mesa Eco Park in Quezon City

Sterling Bank of Asia (SBA) once again demonstrated its commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement through this year’s “Kind Heart Gives” tree-planting initiative held at La Mesa Eco Park in Quezon City. The event brought together employees from various organizations who joined SBA in its corporate social responsibility efforts, underscoring the Bank’s shared mission to make a positive impact on both the environment and the community.

The activity went beyond simply planting trees—it fostered camaraderie, teamwork, and a sense of collective purpose among SBA employees. It encouraged participants to take part in meaningful initiatives that advocate for a sustainable future. “Our ‘Kind Heart Gives’ activity reflects Sterling Bank of Asia’s support for sustainability and our values of being socially active in good causes,” said Dan Guevara, SBA’s Center for Learning Head and First Vice President. “We are proud to see our employees engage in projects that go beyond the workplace—efforts that show our dedication to both people and the planet.”

As SBA continues to grow as a financial institution, it remains steadfast in its commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen. Through initiatives like “Kind Heart Gives,” employees contribute not only to environmental restoration but also to strengthening SBA’s culture of compassion, volunteerism, and shared responsibility.

REX proudly receives two awards at the 47th CMMA Awards: *Best Children’s Magazine* for The Bread Basket and *Best Editorial Cartoon* for the Sinag/The Catalyst piece “Mass Deportation of Undocumented Filipinos in the US.” Photo credit to Catholic Mass Media Award

Rex Education achieved another significant milestone with two major recognitions at the 47th Catholic Mass Media Awards held on November 19, 2025 at the Citystate Hotel Tower in Ermita, Manila. The awards highlight the organization’s ongoing commitment to producing educational content that informs, inspires, and nurtures the mind and the heart of every Filipino learner.

REX received the Best Children’s Magazine award for The Bread Basket and Best Editorial Cartoon award for the piece published in Sinag/The Catalyst titled “Mass Deportation of Undocumented Filipinos in the US.” These honors emphasize the importance of educational materials that blend academic relevance with creative and responsible storytelling and meaningful social reflection.

In the field of education, values-driven and thoughtfully crafted media remain essential in helping learners understand themselves, their communities, and the world around them. Publications such as The Bread Basket support children in developing empathy and curiosity through stories that speak to their experiences. Editorial works like the award-winning cartoon in Sinag/The Catalyst encourage students to think critically about current issues in ways that are clear and accessible. These contributions uplift, guide, and help build character of young readers toward becoming informed and responsible citizens.

These recognitions serve as a quiet but powerful affirmation of the work that happens every day within REX’s creative and editorial teams. Behind each publication are authors, editors, illustrators, and partners who approach their craft with purpose and a deep understanding of the role education plays in shaping learners and communities. Their passion allows REX to produce content that inspires curiosity, encourages reflection, and fosters conversations that lead to growth.

The Catholic Mass Media Awards have long recognized media that uplifts, guides, and forms values, and to be counted among its honorees reinforces REX’s commitment to continually raise the standard of learning materials in the Philippines and to contribute to the development of content that strengthens values formation.

REX extends its heartfelt thanks to the Catholic Mass Media Awards for this recognition and to the entire REX community whose dedication makes achievements like these possible. As the organization continues to grow, it remains steadfast in its mission to empower Filipino learners and help shape a future rooted in truth, compassion, and lifelong learning.

• In the Philippines, many homes and buildings still use outdated electrical systems with common issues like overloaded circuits and undersized wiring causing fire risks and property damage.
• Recognized globally as the World’s Most Sustainable Company, Schneider Electric leverages over 30 years of industry experience in the Philippines to strengthen buildings’ electrical foundation by providing smarter, scalable design solutions that improve safety, ensure efficiency, and protect long-term property value.
• The company urges homeowners, developers, and property managers to rethink electrical safety and build a safer, more resilient power infrastructure for Filipino communities.

Schneider Electric powers safer, smarter, and more efficient electrical systems in the Philippines protecting businesses and homes from fire risks while improving energy use.

In the Philippines, electrical systems that have not kept up with contemporary safety requirements are frequently blamed for fire occurrences. As fire risks associated with inadequate electrical infrastructure continue to rise, Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy technology, is advising developers, engineers, and property stakeholders to improve their approach to electrical design by emphasizing safety, scalability, and reliability.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has recognized overloaded circuits, undersized wiring, and dangerous installations like “octopus connections” as serious fire threats. Many homes and buildings still rely on antiquated or poorly built electrical systems. The BFP reported over 1,800 more fire incidents in 2024 alone than in 2023. Energy demand is exceeding the capacity of many current systems due to increased appliance use and hybrid work arrangements.

In response, Schneider Electric identifies five critical elements local businesses, developers, and homeowners must prioritize to build safe and resilient electrical infrastructure across residential, commercial, and industrial spaces:

4. Circuit protection and system reliability
   Modern households and businesses use high-demand equipment such as air conditioners, water heaters and computing devices including servers, computers, or gaming consoles, that need dedicated circuit breakers to prevent overloads and fire risk. To reduce these risks, Schneider Electric urges developers to use automatic circuit breakers that quickly detect and stop faults, preventing fires, electric shocks, and damage while ensuring a safe, stable power supply. Its solutions—such as the Easy9, EasyPact EZC, and MVS circuit breaker ranges—are engineered to respond swiftly to electrical faults, helping safeguard residential, commercial, and industrial spaces by minimizing fire risks and preventing costly damage.
5. Backup power for business continuity
   Power outages continue to cause daily losses ranging from PHP 10,000 to PHP 30,000 per day for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in key urban centers, while large businesses incur 100,000 in revenue losses daily, according to consumer advocacy group ILAW—disrupting operations, damaging equipment, and threatening long-term profitability. To reduce these impacts, Schneider Electric emphasizes the need for uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems such as the APC Easy UPS and Easy UPS On–Line that provide businesses with automatic battery backup and surge protection for critical equipment, ensuring operations remain online during outages or power fluctuations.
6. Real-time energy monitoring
   In early 2024, the Department of Energy reported₱400 million in electricity and fuel savings through energy efficiency programs, highlighting the potential of real-time monitoring for economic and environmental gains. To support similar outcomes, Schneider Electric offers solutions like the Power Monitoring Expert that supports energy optimization by providing real-time insights, live alerts, carbon tracking, and water, air, gas, electricity, steam (WAGES) data compatibility to help businesses detect inefficiencies, control costs, and make informed decisions.
7. Durable, modern switches and sockets
   In early 2025, the Department of Trade and Industry seized over ₱134 million worth of uncertified electrical productsdue to safety risks like fire and electrocution. Schneider Electric highlights the importance of using certified, durable, and heat-resistant components. Solutions like AvatarOn A offer safer, more reliable switches and sockets with child-proof shutters, universal sockets, convenient USB ports, and durable materials that stay secure and resist wear.
8. Scalable, sustainable power

As businesses go digital, data centers must scale quickly while ensuring uptime, efficiency, and cost control. To meet rising power demands without downtime, many are turning to flexible systems that can easily expand as their needs increase. Schneider Electric supports this shift with solutions like the Easy UPS 3-Phase Modular,  which has a live swap feature that allows users to add and replace power modules without business downtime—helping them scale efficiently, improve safety, and grow sustainably. The result is a smarter, more agile approach to powering the digital economy.

“Electrical systems, when properly designed, prevent hazards, protect both people and properties, and strengthen the infrastructure needed to support business continuity, community safety, and the country’s national development,” said Harold Lim, Country Solutions Head of Schneider Electric Philippines.

Schneider Electric continues to spearhead efforts to create innovative power solutions that create safer, more energy-resilient power infrastructure for Filipino communities. The company has over 30 years of experience in the Philippines and has been named the World’s Most Sustainable Company by Time Magazine and Statista.

Representatives from Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines (CCFPI), Central Philippine University (CPU), and the Iloilo City Government attended the orientation session for the new Solid Waste Management Information System (SWM-IS) under Project AGUBAY.

The City Environment Office (CENRO) reports that Iloilo City, which is home to around 500,000 people, is experiencing an increasing garbage problem. Every day, the city produces over 314 metric tons of rubbish, of which roughly 40% is plastic. Project AGUBAY, a first-of-its-kind data-driven Solid Waste Management Information System (SWM-IS) covering 180 barangays, was initiated by Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Inc. (CCFPI), Central Philippine University (CPU), and the Iloilo City Government in order to solve this pressing issue.

Awareness, Guidance, Unity, Biodiversity, Action, and Yield are all represented by the project’s name, AGUBAY, which is taken from an Ilonggo phrase meaning “to support, to guide, to help.” This is in line with its goal of providing communities with the information and resources they need to develop more environmentally friendly waste management strategies.

Addressing Iloilo City’s waste challenge

Iloilo City’s waterways and coastal areas have long been vulnerable to plastic pollution, worsened by the surge in single-use plastics during the COVID-19 pandemic. With nearly half a million residents across 180 barangays, including 26 situated in riverine and coastal areas, inefficient collection systems and non-functional material recovery facilities (MRFs) have left waterways vulnerable to pollution.

“This project aims to ensure no barangay is left behind in the city’s fight against waste,” said Cecile Alcantara, President of Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Inc. “By investing in digital tools and community empowerment, Project AGUBAY shows how collaboration between business, academia, and local government can turn sustainability goals into real, on-the-ground progress.”

Smarter, Faster Waste Solutions

At the heart of Project AGUBAY is the Solid Waste Management Information System (SWM-IS) — a centralized digital platform that generates real-time reports to help barangays and the city government:

• Formulate and update Barangay Ecological Solid Waste Management (BESWM) Programs in 152 barangays.
• Build a centralized SWM database for stronger city-wide monitoring and governance.
• Deploy Barangay Material Recovery System (BMRS) equipment to improve segregation, collection, and diversion.
• Train barangay leaders and city stakeholders in implementing sustainable waste solutions.

“Each barangay has unique waste challenges. With real-time data, we can design solutions that truly fit community needs — saving time, resources, and strengthening accountability,” said Dr. Mary O’ Penetrante, Project Team Lead from CPU.

Empowering Communities, Strengthening Partnerships

Through the SWM-IS, barangay officials are now equipped to track and electronically report their waste management programs, while the City General Services Office can respond more quickly to barangay needs. This digital shift promotes stronger accountability, transparency, and collaboration across the city.

Barangay officials from Iloilo City undergo digital training to familiarize themselves with the SWM IS, equipping them with tools to track, report, and improve waste management practices in their communities.

With the new system in place, Iloilo’s General Services Office can respond more effectively to barangay needs, while barangays themselves are empowered to draft, update, and electronically report their waste management programs. The result is a stronger partnership between barangays and the city, promoting accountability and scalability for future adoption.

Beyond Iloilo: A Model for Other Cities

Project AGUBAY expects to be turned over to the Iloilo City Government by January 2026, to help ensure sustainability beyond the grant period. Its potential success could pave the way for adoption in other cities, especially as barangays improve digital literacy and adapt the system to their local contexts.

“‘This program demonstrates Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Inc.’s commitment to collective action’ to support improved collection and recycling infrastructure, such as working with local barangays to better understand how we can improve waste collection, sorting and recycling.”

Go to https://www.coca-cola.com/ph/en/brands/coca-cola/sustainable to learn more about Coca-Cola’s sustainability initiatives

Learn more at www.coca-cola.com/ph/ and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.