Food

(L-R) Ma. Cecilia L. Alcantara, President of CCFPI; Carlos Primo David, DENR Undersecretary for Integrated Environmental Science; Tony Del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines and Chairman of the Board of CCFPI; and Elvin Ivan Uy, Executive Director of PBSP, during the MOA signing held at the Coca-Cola Philippines office.

The Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Inc. (CCFPI) is reaffirming its dedication to supporting the nation’s waste management and water access initiatives. In order to legally launch the Flowing Opportunities: Clean Water, Healthy Ocean, and Entrepreneurship Project—which aims to provide clean water and support sustainable livelihoods for the island residents in Tingloy, Batangas—it signed a Memorandum of Agreement on May 20, 2025.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) will collaborate as important partners in technical assistance, implementation, and community involvement through a five-year grant from CCFPI.

“With our water stewardship programs, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines has been helping fund projects to provide access to safe water in local communities in the country,” said Tony Del Rosario.

“The Flowing Opportunities project exemplifies our long-term vision to help build more water-secure communities through innovative and sustainable solutions. Combining clean water access with livelihood opportunities enables us to empower communities while contributing to broader efforts in securing the country’s water future.” Del Rosario added.

A multi-sector approach to improving water access

Tingloy is a remote municipality in Batangas that has long struggled with limited access to clean drinking water. The Flowing Opportunities project will establish two climate-resilient water refilling stations (WRS) in two barangays — Sto. Tomas and San Jose — each tailored to address the unique water challenges of the areas.

In Brgy. Sto. Tomas, a solar-powered groundwater treatment facility will treat the area’s groundwater supply. Meanwhile, the project will provide Brgy. San Jose with a solar-powered desalination system to convert its high saline water sources into potable water. These systems aim to address the long-standing water scarcity in Tingloy.

The idea for the Flowing Opportunities project was conceived during a 2024 learning session hosted by PBSP’s Water Alliance and CCFPI. During the event, DENR Undersecretary David noted the role of the private sector to help bring solar-powered water filtration to around 100 island communities as sustainable, community-run enterprises. He emphasized the need for community-led water enterprises that would sell treated water, ensuring both access and long-term sustainability of the systems. CCFPI joined forces with PBSP and DENR to develop a solution that is now underway in Tingloy, bringing safe water access and livelihood opportunities to its underserved communities.

“This initiative exemplifies our shared goal of providing more sustainable water solutions through collaborative effort. By working together, we can make a difference and improve the lives of these communities,” Del Rosario added.

Sustaining the flow

A key aspect of the Flowing Opportunities project is to build local capacity through the creation of a dedicated water association with an entrepreneurial mindset. PBSP and its partners will work with barangay local government units (BLGUs) to identify suitable people’s organizations (POs) to manage the WRS. These POs will be formalized into Water Associations and trained to operate and maintain the system, ensuring its long-term sustainability and empowering the community to become self-sufficient.

Beyond access to water, the initiative also supports sustainable solid waste management. Each barangay will be equipped with a materials recovery facility (MRF) or plastic bottle exchange storage. In partnership with Pure Ocean, these structures will serve as hubs for a “palit-tubig” system, allowing residents to exchange plastic bottles for water to promote recycling and environmental awareness.

The project will last for 65 months in total, during which time CCFPI, DENR, and the LGU will receive progress reports and ongoing monitoring.

In addition to supporting The Coca-Cola Company’s larger sustainability goal on water stewardship, waste reduction, and community resilience, this program reaffirms CCFPI’s dedication to water security and community empowerment.

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

• Trailblazing Women taking the Lead and Breaking Traditional Roles
• Policies, flexible work, and equal caregiver benefits drive inclusion in the workplace

SHE LEADS THE RIGHT WAY. (from L to R) Mondelēz International’s Plant Director Tanya Lim, Managing Director Aleli Arcilla, and General Counsel Mae Corona guide the organization’s journey towards its mission to empower people to snack right.

In the Philippines, Mondelēz International is dedicated to fostering an environment where inclusivity is ingrained in daily operations. This dedication is evident in the leaders as well as in the policies.

Women are now in charge of positions that have historically been held by men throughout the company. Aleli Arcilla, the organization’s first female country leader, serves as Managing Director. As General Counsel, Attorney Mae Corona offers strategic counsel to the entire organization. Additionally, Tanya Lim, the company’s first female Plant Lead, is in charge of manufacturing. Their participation in these roles isn’t merely symbolic; rather, it’s the outcome of a climate at work where leaders are empowered by their abilities rather than their gender.

TRAILBLAZER. Managing Director Aleli Arcilla leads the organization as the first female managing director of Mondelēz International in the Philippines.

“Growing up, I didn’t think gender was a barrier,” shares Arcilla. “But when I entered sales, I realized how often women were left out of the conversations that matter. There’s a bias that once women become mothers, they’re no longer as committed to their roles. That’s simply not true.”

Mondelēz International’s commitment to inclusion is deeply rooted in its structures and systems. Workplace flexibility is built into the culture, with hybrid arrangements and personal leaves that support both collaboration and balance. Parental leave policies go beyond compliance, offering inclusive benefits for solo parents and caregivers regardless of family structure or birth method.

“For me, the work flexibility at Mondelēz International is priceless,” says Corona. “The company has found a good balance between allowing employees to come to the office to meaningfully connect with colleagues and being able to work from home.”

Corona’s journey to leadership was defined by clarity of purpose. “Like everyone else, I rose from the ranks—starting as a Junior Associate in a law firm, then moving to an in-house role 14 years ago. Becoming the Head of Legal for a multination company had always been my target role, so I kept my eyes on the prize.”

Lim’s path was similarly driven by curiosity and commitment. “I’ve always had an interest in how things work,” she says. “Engineering was a natural choice, and from there it became a career.” But early on, being heard was a challenge. “In my earlier days, the issue was getting people to listen. Over time, I proved my capability to lead.”

BREAKING THE MOLD. Plant Director Tanya Lim more than earned her seat at the table in an industry traditionally dominated by men, demonstrating that leadership knows no gender or boundaries.

More recently, she faced a different kind of balancing act—one shared by many working mothers. “The plant runs 24 hours a day and issues don’t follow schedule. Working remotely isn’t an option for my specific role.” What helped, Lim says, is a culture that genuinely values inclusion. “Mondelēz International has given me equal opportunity and fair treatment, and I’m very grateful for that.”

This culture of inclusion doesn’t stop at gender. Employees across a wide range of identities and orientations are supported through frameworks that reinforce fairness, safety, and respect. From mentoring programs to succession planning, the company ensures leadership development is inclusive by design.

Arcilla notes, “Mondelēz International culture recognizes that each person brings something unique. Flexible work, caregiver benefits, and equal leave policies create an environment where people—especially women—don’t have to choose between family and career. That’s what makes the difference.”

And for the next generation of women in the workplace, these leaders aim to model what’s possible.

EYE ON THE PRIZE. Atty. Mae Corona had the ultimate career ambition of one day becoming a legal head of a global organization which she has now realized as the General Counsel of Mondelēz International.

“Everything starts at home,” says Corona. “Allowing my daughter to see me in a key position—while still growing and learning every day—matters most to me.”

Lim echoes the sentiment: “I want to keep growing talent and helping others unlock their potential. I also see myself as proof that women can lead in any field they choose.”

Their advice to young women: Stay curious, stay grounded, and stay resilient. “Learn as much as you can and value every experience,” Lim shares. “Tap into your perseverance and grit—because in this field, problems can be solved, and skills can be learned. What sets you apart is your mindset.”

“Gender doesn’t matter as much as technical skills, emotional intelligence, and authenticity,” adds Corona. “That’s what leadership is built on.”

Aleli concludes by advising anyone walking a similar route to “find your voice.” Like everyone else, you deserve to be in the room. Additionally, while you are in that room, remember to assist others in entering.

In the Philippines, Mondelēz International keeps creating a workplace where everyone, regardless of gender or background, can achieve by creating systems that represent the actual demands of its workers.

Sustainability Index. Visit www.mondelezinternational.com or follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDLZ.

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