• Schneider Electric’s Cavite Smart Factory is the first manufacturing site in a Luzon economic zone and the first Schneider Electric factory in East Asia to operate on 100% renewable energy.
• The transition was made possible through partnerships with Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Cavite Economic Zone (CEZ), Meralco Ecozone Power (MEP), Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP), and ACEN Renewable Energy Solutions (ACEN RES).
• The Cavite facility, a key hub in Schneider Electric’s East Asia supply chain supporting 1,300 employees, now serves as a model for sustainable, smart manufacturing

A new standard for industrial sustainability in the Philippines was set when Schneider Electric, a leader in worldwide energy technology, recently converted its Smart Factory in Rosario, Cavite, to 100% renewable energy.

The Cavite Smart Factory is the first Schneider Electric facility in East Asia to run totally on clean electricity and the first industrial facility in a government-run economic zone in Luzon to switch completely to renewable energy. The changeover, which was finished on December 26, 2025, marked the end of Schneider Electric’s 30th year in the Philippines. On January 14, 2026, the firm celebrated its 190th global foundation year.

The milestone was achieved through collaboration with partners including the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Cavite Economic Zone (CEZ), Meralco Ecozone Power (MEP), Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP), and ACEN Renewable Energy Solutions (ACEN RES), underscoring the role of cross-sector partnerships in accelerating the country’s energy transition.

“By moving our Cavite Smart Factory to 100% renewable energy, we are demonstrating that sustainability and industrial competitiveness can go hand in hand,” said Antonio Cheng, Jr., Cavite Cluster Plant Director. “This facility shows what can be achieved when innovation and collaboration come together and we hope it serves as a model for more Philippine manufacturers to follow.”

The transition to 100% renewable energy was made possible through the Green Energy Option Program (GEOP), which allows eligible customers to choose renewable power suppliers. With the program relying on multiple stakeholders, ACEN, PEZA, CEZ, and MEP emphasized that partnerships between companies and institutions are critical to accelerating the country’s energy transition. “We commend Schneider Electric for collaborating with partners and embracing innovations that align with our shared vision of a more sustainable and inclusive energy future,” said Arjon Valencia, Corporate Planning and Communications Manager of IEMOP, the central registration body for the GEOP.

The move is also part of Schneider Electric’s broader effort to decarbonize its operations and value chain in line with its net-zero targets. Since 2018, the company has helped customers save and avoid 729 million tonnes of CO₂, reduced emissions across its top 1,000 suppliers by 53% since 2020, and expanded access to green electricity to more than 60 million people since 2009. Over the same period, Schneider Electric has trained more than 1 million people in energy management, underpinning the company’s long-running sustainability program and contribution to its repeated global recognitions–including from TIME Magazine and Statista, and from Corporate Knights, as the World’s Most Sustainable Company, in 2025.

With over 1,300 employees, the Cavite Smart Factory now serves as a strategic hub within Schneider Electric’s East Asia supply chain network. Established in 1996 and integrated into Schneider Electric in 2007 through the acquisition of American Power Conversion (APC), the site supports global markets across North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa through the production of secure power and industrial automation solutions.

“We will continue to provide solutions that help industries reduce carbon emissions while maintaining efficiency and resilience in the way we operate,” shared Antonio Cheng, Jr., Cavite Cluster Plant Director of Schneider Electric Philippines.

Schneider Electric is positioned as a leader in the deployment of sustainable energy thanks to the Cavite Smart Factory switch, demonstrating how innovation transforms sustainability pledges into practical effects.

 

 

 

 

If seeing more of the world is in your 2026 vision board, consider this your sign to schedule that vacation. Top airlines, hotels, luxury cruises, travel agencies, tourism boards, and other travel necessities will all be together under one roof at The Metrobank Travel Fair, which will take place in the Glorietta Activity Center from February 20–22, 2026.

Whether you’re planning a solo backpacking trip across Southeast Asia, a family cruise, or a long-awaited luxury retreat, the three-day event is aimed to help visitors get fantastic deals for their 2026 adventures.

The fair officially opens on February 20 (Friday) with an exclusive early morning access (10:00 AM to 12:00 NN) for Metrobank World Mastercard and Metrobank Travel Signature Visa credit cardholders, offering them first pick of the deals. Then from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM of February 20 and 10:00AM to 8:00 PM of February 21 to 22, the event welcomes all Metrobank credit, debit, and prepaid cardholders.

This year’s travel partners features the industry’s heavy hitters, including:

• Airlines:Philippine Airlines, AirAsia | TravelOnline PH, All Nippon Airways, Cebu Pacific (bookings facilitated by select travel agencies at the fair) Gulf Air, Japan Airlines, Jeju Air, Korean Air, SAUDIA, STARLUX Airlines, Sunlight Air, Thai Airways, Qantas Airlines, and United Airlines
• Hotels and Resorts:Accor Plus, Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts, Crimson Resort and Spa, Boracay, Discovery hotels and resorts, El Nido Resorts, Edsa Shangri-La, Manila, Makati Shangri-La, Manila, Quest Plus Conference Center, Manila, Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu, and The Ascott Limited
• Travel Agencies: Ark Travel Express, Inc., AMKOR Travel and Tours, Constellation Travels Inc., D’World Specialists Travel & Tours, Island Resort Club Tour Services, Inc., Rakso Air Travel & Tours, Inc., Sharp Travel Service
• Cruises:Executive Resources, Inc., Disney Cruise Line, Amawaterways, Swan Hellenic Expedition Cruises, Riverside Luxury Cruises, and Star Dream Cruises
• Other Services: Enjoy discounts for your travel essentials from American Tourister, AXA, Big Sky Nation, Klook, Power Mac Center, and Samsonite.
• Tourism Boards:Featured booths from the tourism boards of Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, and Thailand
• Online Merchants: You may book via the self-service online merchant counters at the fair or through the online platform of Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Agoda, com, AirAsia MOVE, and Trip.com

And beyond discounted fares, Metrobank is layering on rewards to make your spend even sweeter:

• Win a Dream Vacation to the Land of Hallyu:Spend at least PHP10,000 single-receipt at the fair for a chance to win a 5-day, 4-night trip to Seoul, South Korea for two (2 winners) or a get full cashback of your total spend, capped at PHP100,000 (five winners).
• Metrobank Mastercard Exclusive:Get PHP1,000 Giftaway eGC for a minimum single-receipt spend of PHP10,000 at any participating merchant.
• Metrobank Visa Cashback:Enjoy up to PHP10,000 cashback when you purchase from participating airlines:

• PHP2,500 cashback for a minimum single-receipt spend of PHP25,000
• PHP10,000 cashback for a minimum single-receipt spend of PHP100,000
  • Online Booking Bonuses:Planning to book via Agoda or Booking.com? Get PHP5,000 OFF for a minimum single-receipt spend of PHP30,000 (registration required).
  • On-the-Go Treats:Play the Travel Fair Game on-site! Choose the right suitcase and you could win 1 pc. Chicken McDo with Drink to keep you fueled while you shop.

Have you not yet obtained a Metrobank credit card? Prior to the Travel Fair, you can apply for a Metrobank credit card online at https://application.metrobank.com.ph/ or in person.

Are you prepared to make a reservation? Don’t let your travel ambitions stay on paper. Mark your calendars for February 20-22, 2026 and head to Glorietta Activity Center to convert your 2026 vacation dreams into reality, made even more rewarding when you pay with your Metrobank credit and debit card.

Visit https://www.metrobank.com.ph/promos/2026-the-metrobank-travel-fair to learn more about The Metrobank Travel Fair.

To know more and get the latest on Metrobank, visit our website, https://www.metrobank.com.ph/home and follow our official social media pages on Facebook, X, Instagram, and Tiktok.

 

Pru Life UK met with the Department of Finance (DOF) to help advance policy debates that enable a more robust, inclusive, and sustainable life insurance business as more Filipino families seek more financial security in the face of a rapidly changing economic scenario.

Pru Life UK executives, led by President and CEO Sanjay Chakrabarty, held a courtesy meeting with DOF Secretary Frederick Go and Assistant Secretary Kristine Joy Diaz-Teston to discuss specific regulatory reforms that can improve access and customer experience for Filipino consumers while strengthening the industry.

The dialogue reflects shared priorities around financial inclusion and economic resilience. It reinforces Pru Life UK’s role as a committed public-private partner in supporting national development goals and long-term household security.

During the meeting, key policy areas discussed included:

• Making it easier for banks to offer life insurance and related products, improving customer experience and widening access
• Reviewing life insurance tax rules to help keep protection affordable and support long-term financial security
• Updating investment rules under the Insurance Code to strengthen industry stability and support sustainable long-term returns

These reforms can help broaden insurance reach, strengthen consumer protection, and enable the life insurance sector to contribute more meaningfully to inclusive economic growth, supporting families, communities, and national development.

“Our engagement with the Department of Finance reflects our shared goal of making long-term financial protection more accessible to more Filipinos, while ensuring the life insurance sector remains strong, stable, and sustainable,” said Chakrabarty. “We look forward to continued collaboration and policy dialogue that supports responsible growth, strengthens consumer outcomes, and advances a more resilient and inclusive insurance landscape for the Philippines.”

Pru Life UK is still dedicated to working with the government and regulators to advance reforms that Filipinos can rely on to enhance the experience, fortify the industry’s foundations, and assist larger initiatives to create a more resilient and financially secure Philippines.

Notes:

*New Business Annual Premium Equivalent (NBAPE) – premium for a new policy paid in a year 

 

 

 

Manila Water maintains a significant increase in the number of water service connections. The company’s dedication to satisfying the rising demand for dependable and clean water is demonstrated by the 19,421 new water service connections it established between January and November 2025, bringing the total to 1,213,213 throughout the East Zone concession area since 1997.

A strong water supply network, which expanded by 92.59 kilometers between January and November 2025 to reach a total length of 5,656.23 kilometers, supports this expansion.

This substantial infrastructure, combined with a non-revenue water level averaging below 15%, comparable to benchmarks in developed nations, enables Manila Water to continuously supply round-the-clock water service to its customers.

Non-revenue water refers to water lost through system leaks and illegal connections. Keeping this figure low is critical to sustaining reliable supply and operational efficiency.

“Our sustained expansion and operational efficiency reflect Manila Water’s commitment to delivering safe, reliable water service to every customer. Maintaining low non-revenue water levels and investing in a strong pipeline network allow us to ensure 24/7 water availability while supporting the growing needs of our communities,” said Jeric Sevilla, Manila Water Corporate Communication Affairs Group Director.

Looking ahead, Manila Water remains dedicated to significantly expanding its water delivery network and boosting operational efficiency through continued investments in infrastructure and new technology. The corporation, which serves over 7.8 million consumers in the East Zone and is still expanding, wants to guarantee a sustainable water supply and meet the growing demands of the communities in its concession area in Metro Manila and Rizal.