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Access to clean and potable water is one of today’s most pressing challenges, with rapid urbanization and population growth straining freshwater resources. Effective water management is essential for both the environment and civilization, according to the United Nations (UN)-Water.

Since the early 1990s, long before water stress and its connection to climate change were generally acknowledged, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), a prominent integrated property developer in Southeast Asia, has placed a high priority on water conservation and management.

In order to ensure responsible resource management and promote the welfare of the communities it serves, SM Prime actively incorporates climate resilience into its developments through its water stewardship campaign, Water for Tomorrow.

Sustainable water management

Water conservation measures and efficient management systems are embedded in SM Prime’s building operations. The company invests heavily in sustainable water management technologies to reduce freshwater use and the demand for municipal water supply. It has identified practical water usage and innovations to address the growing concern of water security.

In 2023, SM Prime’s reported total water consumption amounted to 7.2 million cubic meters, with 61% of that consumed water being recycled.

On average, more than 1 billion gallons of recycled water is used for mall operations. SM Supermalls uses recycled water for cleaning and sanitation, caring for its plants and landscaping, and cooling its air conditioning towers.  Efficient plumbing and innovative water-saving technologies with low-flow fixtures also regulate the mall’s water consumption.

These practices have been scaled throughout the group. The SM Offices’ E-Com Centers in the Mall of Asia Complex have sewage treatment plants that recycle greywater. Aside from rainwater harvesting systems that help maintain its urban gardens, SM Development Corporation (SMDC)’s Sea and Shore Residences donate its discharged treated water to the greening of the Estates in the MOA Complex.

As part of its water conservation program in Pico Sands Hotel, SM Hotels and Convention Corporation reduced its freshwater consumption by 36%, reaching 52% water reuse and 41% for Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club. Together with Hamilo Coast, SM Prime’s luxury and leisure estates in Nasugbu, Batangas, its water desalination plant has made significant impacts on water management and sustainable eco-tourism since 2010, ensuring that it services all developments that call Hamilo home.

Protecting water resources

SM Prime supports this year’s UN-Water World Water Day 2025 on March 22, which focuses on the theme “Glacier Preservation.”

Halfway around the globe, glaciers play a critical role in the global water cycle.  Glacial ice is the largest reservoir of fresh water, holding about 69% of the world’s fresh water. With rapid glacial melting, altered rainfall patterns, droughts, and rising sea levels, the planet risks a water crisis that affects the most vulnerable.

Recognizing these challenges and the need for a reliable water supply, SM Prime continues to integrate water-efficient systems in its property developments. This helps create public awareness and encourages responsible water use among mallgoers, tenants, employees, and communities. In 2023, SM Supermalls’ SM City Baguio rainwater treatment facility (RTF) was launched to help reduce dependence on freshwater sources. It has treated 17,000 cubic meters of rainwater into potable water and continues to operate and serve its host community.

The Water for Tomorrow initiative, along with Net Zero by 2040 and a Waste-Free Future, are important components of SM Prime’s sustainability plan.

“As businesses face growing water challenges, we must take action to secure our Water for Tomorrow,” said Hans T. Sy, SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman.

“Water stewardship is an investment in our future. We must move beyond conservation and prioritize resource protection, waste reduction and water security for future generations,” he added.

 

 

 

 

Celebrating the strength of 17,000+ thriving businesses

The micro, small, and medium businesses (MSMEs) Champions’ Wall, a visual monument to the tenacity, commitment, and excellence of the nation’s 17,000 MSMEs, was proudly launched by SM Supermalls as part of a vibrant celebration of Filipino entrepreneurship. The spectacular event, which was hosted at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA), brought together esteemed guests to honor the 2024 Presidential Awardees for MSMEs and recognize their significant contributions to the corporate landscape of the country.

A symbol of innovation and perseverance

The MSME Champions’ Wall represents the path of Filipino business owners who have persevered in thriving in the face of adversity and is a testament to their inventiveness and tenacity. The installation, which combines storytelling and art, highlights the various industries and success stories that make up the MSME sector.

Honoring the 2024 Presidential Awardees

Gracing the occasion were key representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), SM Supermalls executives, and the private sector, along with the esteemed awardees. In his opening remarks, Jonjon San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing at SM Supermalls, emphasized the importance of providing platforms for MSMEs to grow, stating, “This wall is more than just an installation; it reflects the relentless spirit of Filipino entrepreneurs who drive economic growth and inspire innovation.”

The highlight of the event was the formal recognition of the 2024 Presidential Awardees for MSMEs, individuals, and businesses that have demonstrated outstanding performance, innovation, and community impact. Each awardee shared their journey, underscoring the vital role that MSMEs play in job creation, industry growth, and national development.

 

SM Supermalls’ commitment to MSME growth

SM Supermalls remains committed to championing local businesses through initiatives such as the SM for MSMEs Program, which provides entrepreneurs with greater market opportunities, business support, and nationwide visibility.

By taking this action, SM Supermalls is reaffirming its dedication to being a genuine partner in MSMEs’ development and bolstering its support for them. The MSME Champions’ Wall at SM MOA will stand as a permanent reminder of the tenacity, zeal, and brilliance of Filipino business people.

To enroll in the initiative, MSMEs can go to msme.smsupermalls.com.

Visit www.smsupermalls.com/sm-for-msmes/ to download your MSME application or email us at [email protected] with your most innovative product and preferred location. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your business with SM Supermalls today!

 

A three-way statistical tie between brothers Media Executive Ben “Bitag” Tulfo and ACT-CIS Representative Erwin Tulfo and Senator Bong Go, who each received 54% of the vote, was the result of Tangere’s most recent 2025 Pre-Election Senatorial Preferential Survey, which was conducted on the eve of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest. Ben ‘Bitag’ Tulfo received 54.63% of the vote, which put him at the top of the overall rating. Metro Manila and Visayas voters chose him. Northern Luzon, Central Luzon, and Southern Luzon voters favored Erwin Tulfo, the ACT-CIS congressman, who came in third (53.50%). Rep. Erwin Tulfo was preferred by older respondents, whereas Ben “Bitag” Tulfo was more popular with voters between the ages of 18 and 25. Senator Bong Go, the incumbent, will rank second overall with a 54% voter choice, a significant rise over the study conducted last month. When it came to Mindanao voter preference, Senator Go was the most popular candidate.

Effect of PRRD Arrest – PDP Laban Candidates

• A notable increase for the following candidates and guests from PDP-Laban was recorded for February. This can be attributed to the rise in support for the embattled former president:
  • Senator Bong Go (Ranked 1-3) from 51.25% to 54.00%;
  • Senator Bato Dela Rosa (Ranked 7-13) &nbspfrom 36.54% to 37.29%;
  • Actor Philip Salvador (Ranked 19-20) from 21.92% to 22.67%;
  • Rodante Marcoleta (Ranked 21-23) from 19.12% to 19.83%;
  • Jimmy Bondoc (Ranked 21-23) from 17.63% to 18.13%;
  • Vic Rodriguez (Ranked 26-27) from 6.63% to 10.42%
• No notable movement were recorded for Sec. Raul Lambino, Pastor Quiboloy, and Jesus Hinlo, Jr.

Effect of PRRD Arrest – Admin Candidates

• No notable movement were recorded for the following candidates:
  • Former Senator Tito Sotto continued to rank fourth with a 47.67% voter preference;
  • Senator Bong Revilla and Senator Pia Cayetano remained statistically tied at 5-6 with 42% voter preference each;
  • Former DILG Secretary Ben Abalos ranked seventh overall with a 37.54% voter preference. He is statistically tied with other admin candidates for 7-13 , Senator Lito Lapid (37.00%),  Senator Manny Pacquiao (36.92%) , and Senator Ping Lacson (36.29%);

• A notable increase for the following candidates was recorded:
  • Senator Ping Lacson (Ranked 7-13) from 33.33% to 36.29%;
  • Makati Mayor Abigail Binay (Ranked 13-16) from 30.42% to 33.88%;
  • Camille Villar (Ranked 14-16) from 29.38% to 32.04%.

• Only the following candidates from the administration lineup recorded a decrease in voter preference :
  • Senator Imee Marcos (Ranked 17-18) from 29.04% to 27.13%;
  • Senator Francis Tolentino (Ranked 17-18) from 28.04% to 27.04%.

FPRRD ICC Arrest

According to Tangere’s latest public opinion poll, a strong majority, exceeding three out of four are against the Marcos Administration’s cooperation with Interpol in arresting Former President Rodrigo Duterte Based on the ICC Warrant .  Respondents from Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, Mindanao, and Visayas are the key demographics driving the agreement. Opposition to the agreement is largely concentrated among 36 to 50 year-old respondents from Metro Manila and Northern Luzon,. The vast majority of respondents, specifically 73%, said that the arrest will cause a national rift within the country. A significant two-thirds of those who trusted the Marcos Administration lost their trust after the arrest of the former president,

In response to the question if this will have an effect on their voter preference this coming May 2025 Mid-Term Elections, More than a substantial portion of voters, specifically 85%, mentioned that this will play a significant role in their selection process during the upcoming midterm elections.

With a sample size of 2,400 participants (+/- 1.96% Margin of Error at a 95% Confidence Level), the non-commissioned survey was administered via a mobile responder application on March 11–14, 2025, using a stratified random sampling approach (quota based sampling). Twelve percent came from the National Capital Region (NCR), twenty percent from Visayas, twenty-three percent from Northern Luzon, twenty-two percent from Southern Luzon, and twenty-three percent from Mindanao.

The goal of Tangere, an innovative market research firm with an award-winning technological application, is to understand Filipino opinions. Tangere is pleased to be a member of both the Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA) and the Marketing and Opinion Research Society of the Philippines (MORES). One of the first businesses to register with the COMELC was Tangere.

Email Tangere at [email protected] to obtain the topline report and analytics for this non-commissioned study.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eastern Communications and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) recently held a partnership briefing in the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Information System Group, marking the official cooperation. The BIR hired the ICT provider to use SD-WAN (Software-Defined Area Network) to secure the network infrastructure of its office. Eastern Communications is renowned for helping government organizations on their path to digitalized operations by providing them with cloud and data services, cybersecurity solutions, and quick, secure, and dependable connectivity.

Visit eastern.com.ph or give us a call at 5300-7000 to find out more about Eastern Communications’ dedicated internet, cloud, cybersecurity, and other ICT solutions.

 

On March 21, 2025, the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila will host the eagerly awaited 8th Nation Builders & MOSLIV Awards. This esteemed occasion will honor people, groups, and businesses who have made outstanding contributions to governance, social responsibility, and sustainability.

The ceremony will celebrate new awards and recognition recipients who have shown exceptional leadership and ingenuity in furthering sustainable initiatives, and it is anticipated that approximately 1,000 distinguished guests will attend. With Senator Shelly V. Calvo among the esteemed guest speakers, the United States’ presence in this year’s event adds to its stature. She will offer insightful commentary on the worldwide push for a more sustainable and livable future.

Organized by Sustainability Standards, Inc., the awards recognize visionaries across various sectors who have significantly contributed to sustainability efforts within their industries. The organization remains committed to honoring and supporting individuals and businesses that prioritize environmental conservation, corporate social responsibility, and sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Since its establishment in 2018, the Nation Builders & MOSLIV Awards has recognized over 800 influential individuals and organizations, underscoring the critical role of sustainability in driving positive societal change. Last year’s honorees included key government officials and business leaders dedicated to fostering greener, more inclusive communities.

It is anticipated that this year’s event will be a historic celebration, uniting industry pioneers, thought leaders, and changemakers for an evening devoted to excellence and advancement. The 8th Nation Builders & MOSLIV Awards reiterate their commitment to recognize those who are creating a more sustainable and livable future as the globe continues to move toward sustainable practices.

The Philippine Book Festival (PBF), the country’s biggest all-Filipino book festival is back – this time in a new location that is accessible to many. This year’s PBF will be happening at the Megatrade Hall in SMM Megamall, Mandaluyong, City, from March 13 – 16, 2025.

Registration is FREE for the four-day book festival, organized by the National Book Development Board (NBDB). Every year, this project puts Philippine Books at the center if a fiesta brimming with events, performances, and meet-and-greet sessions with your favorite authors.

“In just over a month, we are bringing back the Philippine Book Festival. Now in its third year, the PBF started in 2023 as an attempt to create the largest marketplace for Philippine books that the country has yet to see. Now, it has become an important annual gathering for families, educators, creatives, and avid readers – all in the name of Philippine books.” said Charisse Aquino – Tugade, NBDB Executive Director.

The PBF’s third edition promises to be more exciting, putting the spotlight on the country’s famnous festivals, each one designed by some of the best and brightest Filipino artists working today.

THE CREATIVE MINDS BEHIND THE PBF 2025 REALMS. NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade with National Artist and Scriptwriter Ricky Lee together with the artists of PBF 2025 Realms, Paul Eric Roca, Danielle Florendo, Joffrey “Pepot”Atienza and Juno Abreau.

The first is the glorious Dinagyang Festival for Kid Lit (the PBF’s section dedicated to children’s literature), designed by Juno Abreau, and the Komiks realm inspired by the famous Tuna Festival in General Santos City, with design by illustrator and painter Paul Eric Roca. Aral Aklat, the section dedicated to text \books, draws inspiration from the colorful Pahiyas Festival in Quezon courtesy of Joffrey “Pepot” Atienza, himself a native of the province, and finally, Panagbenga or the Baguio Flower Festival for Booktopia (the section for fiction, non-fiction and poetry), with design by Danielle Florendo.

The festive atmosphere is made all the more exciting as the PBF 12025 moves to a new venue – at the Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall. The NBDB believes this fresh location will bring new energy to the festival and draw and even larger audience.

“The decision to move the PBF to a different and smaller venue is definitely a bold one. We hope to offset that with the venue’s accessibility and generate higher foot traffic, as well as provide convenience for more visitors from other areas” shared Tugade.

The PBF is the largest all-Filipino book fair in the country and is one of the NBDB’s flagship programs. NBDB, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this June has amped its readership efforts in the past four years, shifting to solutions-based programming to improve trade and distribution. Concerned with the lack of quality Philippine-authored books in libraries and bookstores across the country, Aguino-Tugade spearheaded the PBF in 2023, a retail activation space that celebrates Philippine books while bringing in revenue for publishing professionals.

The fair also showcases the creme dela creme of Philippine literature, culture, and content – all situated in an engaging, experienced-based setting that fuses entertainment, education, and learning. Positioning PBF as a favorite pastime (reading) among Filipinos, all for a good cause.

For complete details, visit the official FaceBook page of the National Book Development Board (NBDB) https://www.facebook.com/NBDBPhilippines     

[From L to R:] Eastern Communications’ (EC) AVP and Head of Marketing & Customer Experience Jed Estanislao, EC Product Manager Edwin De Jesus, EC CAN Planning & Engineering Head Rachelle Roque, EC Brand Communications Head Hannah Lazatin, and Contributing Editor of Asian Business Review, Simon Hyatt.

The Philippines’ online economy grew at the quickest rate among six Southeast Asian countries in 2024, according to the most recent e-Conomy SEA report by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company. The nation’s digital economy grew by 20%, with its gross merchandise value (GMV) increasing from $26 billion in 2023 to $31 billion in 2024, mostly due to the growing e-commerce industry.

Leading telecoms and managed ICT services provider Eastern Communications emphasizes its impressive performance over the past 12 months and is prepared to enable businesses with state-of-the-art ICT solutions and its strong, creative network architecture as the need for digitalization increases.

A Year of Growth and Recognition

[From L to R:] Eastern Communications’ (EC) Brand Communications Head Hannah Lazatin, EC Product Manager Edwin De Jesus, EC AVP and Head of Marketing & Customer Experience Jed Estanislao, and EC CAN Planning & Engineering Head Rachelle Roque

Eastern Communications has experienced remarkable business growth and resilience over the past decade. In 2024, Eastern increased its revenue by 8.4%, marking its competitive presence in the telco industry. The company has fueled its success by continuously striving for innovation, operational sustainability, and customer-centric solutions. 

With a growing B2B market share, Eastern Communications has been able to make its innovative ICT solutions more widely accessible. This expansion has significantly impacted offerings like Eastern Cloud, a customizable public cloud platform powered by CloudSigma. Designed for flexibility, Eastern Cloud allows businesses to purchase only the computing resources they need, without being locked into fixed server sizes, offering greater control, cost efficiency, and scalability. 

It was recently named the Cloud Initiative of the Year – Philippines at the Asian Telecom Awards 2025, highlighting Eastern’s effort in redefining cloud computing in the Philippines. More than just a business success story, Eastern Cloud has also helped drive digital transformation across industries in the Philippines by enabling businesses to reduce IT infrastructure costs by up to 30%.

Further demonstrating its infrastructure excellence, Eastern Communications also received the Infrastructure Initiative of the Year – Philippines award for its participation in the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN),a joint venture between Eastern Communications, Globe Group, and InfiniVAN, designed to fortify the country’s communication infrastructure. 

Addressing the vulnerabilities of traditional networks, the PDSCN Express Route strategically ensures that at least 80% of cables are laid underwater, with less than 20% inland, significantly reducing the risks of network disruptions caused by cable cuts. Through this innovative approach, Eastern Communications delivers enhanced bandwidth and network resilience, empowering Filipinos—especially those in disaster-prone areas—with stronger, more reliable connectivity.

For Atty. Aileen Regio, Co-Coordinator of Eastern Communications, this recognition marks an exciting start to the year. “We are truly grateful for these global recognitions. They highlight our continuous mission to drive digital transformation across the Philippines. They fuel our passion to push boundaries, to empower businesses with resilient connectivity and future-ready solutions, and to champion ICT education and accessibility for all Filipinos,” she said 

Expanding Reach and Elevating its Heart of Service

Eastern Communications’ management committee leads the pack through strategic growth in 2025

Eastern Communications is committed to expanding its network to more business hubs across the country. In 2025, the company will extend its services to key cities including: Cotabato City, in BARMM, General Santos City in South Cotabato, and Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte.

“Our continuous expansion across the country is more than just growing our footprint, but pushing for a digital-ready Philippines and driving economic progress. With the rising demand for digital solutions, we aim to bring our world-class connectivity to rising business centers across the country, strategically improving our network to provide world-class connectivity to Filipinos,” said Jaeson Evangelista, Co-Coordinator of Eastern Communications.

Strengthening Security and Connectivity with DDoS-Protected Eastern IDS

Eastern Communications enhances nationwide infrastructure through its submarine cable laying project.

As cyberthreats become more sophisticated, Eastern Communications continues to invest in next-level security solutions. One of its latest offerings, DDoS-Protected Eastern IDS (Internet Direct Service), provides a premium, dedicated, high-speed internet solution designed to meet the demands of modern businesses.

DDoS-Protected Eastern IDS uses fiber-powered leased line technology, coupled with robust DDoS (Distributed denial of service) protection, ensuring reliable 24/7 connectivity with speeds of up to 10 GBPS, symmetrical upload and download speeds, and resilient access to global internet backbones. This cutting-edge solution enhances workforce productivity while safeguarding businesses against cyber disruptions.

As Eastern Communications looks ahead, it remains dedicated to being more than just a telco and ICT provider—it aims to be a trusted managed services partner of choice for businesses. Eastern continues to highlight its Heart of Service, delivering personalized solutions that drive business success. In 2024, the company’s Customer Satisfaction Score rose to an above-industry standard of 96.1%, demonstrating its dedication to customer experience excellence. 

The company’s 2025 campaign, “Exceeding Expectations,” was inspired by its Heart of Service and intends to use Eastern’s high-tech and high-touch solutions to assist businesses surpass their objectives and improve their own customer experience.

Please visit www.eastern.com.ph to find out more about Eastern Communications.

 Making saving easier, rewarding, and aligned with the Filipino consumers’ financial aspirations. Monj Del Rosario, Metrobank’s Consumer Business Head, reinforces the bank’s commitment to enabling Filipinos to unlock their life goals with offers that address their needs.

Let’s face it, with your daily bills stacking up, your concerns about unforeseen emergency expenses, and the general need for the proper savings habit, saving money can frequently feel overwhelming.

And you’re not the only one. According to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), family spending is increasing while saving rates are down. From 29% in the third quarter of 2024 to 25.6% in the final quarter, the percentage of households with savings decreased. In the meantime, household expenditure has been rising for the upcoming quarter, especially when it comes to costs for dining out, clothes, and food. Life throws you curveballs, your costs go up, and all of a sudden your savings objectives seem farther away than ever. This is a frequent struggle.

At a recent event, Metrobank talked about the difficulties that can arise when saving money and how you can have a chance to change this by making saving a conscious habit and utilizing valuable deals like its newly announced Triple Bonus promotion. As we often find ourselves easily swayed into purchasing various things, I must admit that I am guilty of this. That’s why I truly appreciate the valuable insights Metrobank provides on effectively managing finances. They not only share essential data on saving rates and financial trends but also equip us with deeper knowledge about financial management and exclusive offers.

According to the bank, one simple but effective way to start saving money intentionally is through goal-based saving which entails having separate accounts for specific financial goals – a modern take on the classic envelope method. By having dedicated savings accounts for your goals, you create a clear boundary between what’s meant for spending on your essentials and what’s meant for saving for your dreams.

Say no to #FOMO and yes to #SWOMO. Cris Concepcion, Institutional Brand Marketing Head, introduces the concept of “saving without missing out” (SWOMO) – reiterating that saving money shouldn’t feel like a sacrifice. Filipino savers should be able to set aside funds for their dreams, big and small, on top of working towards financial security.

The bank also highlighted that saving shouldn’t feel like a sacrifice. While it’s important to save money to prepare for emergencies or retirement, Metrobank encourages savers like you to Save Without Missing Out or to #SWOMO. This entails setting aside money to fund your dreams, whether that’s a solo backpacking trip to Japan, a dream destination wedding, or buying a comfortable home. This helps strike a balance between striving to be financially secure and living the life you’ve aways dreamed of.

 Reach your life goals with Metrobank. Ina Pilares, Head of Retail Deposits and Payments, discusses how Metrobank’s Triple Bonus Promo, which runs from today until April 30, 2025, provides meaningful offers that help empower Filipinos to reach their savings goals.

Saving for these goals is made even more rewarding with Metrobank’s Triple Bonus Promo, that offers meaningful perks to help you reach your financial goals. After all, building your savings is the best gift you can give to your future self. When you open your first Metrobank savings or checking account from now until April 30, 2025, you get a triple bonus that will help set you up on your savings journey:

1. PHP 1,500 Cash Gift: Consider this a head start, a boost to your savings, or a well-deserved reward for taking that first step in building your goals fund. Enjoy a cash gift equivalent to a 3% return on your savings, when you deposit and maintain PHP 50,000 in your account, for 6 consecutive months.

• Rebates on InstaPay Fees for a year: Make your everyday transactions lighter on your wallet with up to 10 waived InstaPay fees per month, for 12 months. Just maintain at least PHP50,000 in your account monthly for a year to enjoy this exclusive benefit. This will definitely put more money back into your pocket – because every peso counts, especially for your everyday expenses.

• AXA Personal Accident Insurance: Life happens, and unexpected expenses can derail your plans and deplete your savings. With this insurance coverage, you can focus on your goals, knowing that you have a safety net for unexpected events in your life. Keep at least PHP50,000 in your account every month for a year to enjoy this added protection.

Save for the future you dream of. Influencers and friends from the media pose with their creative vision-to-action boards– as they commit to saving more intentionally for their life goals with the help of Metrobank.
 

With these rewards, Metrobank aims to encourage more people to be able to save money, and ultimately, start building the financial habits that will allow you to reach your life goals. To enjoy these offers, head to your nearest Metrobank branch and open your first Metrobank account.

As you save for your life goals in 2025, give yourself a threefold bonus.

 Money-festing Friends from the media excitedly create colorful vision boards for their life goals, with Metrobank’s Triple Bonus promo being the enabler of their dreams.

Visit the Metrobank location that is closest to you or visit https://metrobank.com.ph to find out more.