Lifestyle

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.

Jolla A. Soriaga, newly appointed Vice President and General Manager of Alsons Dev, has been with the company since 1998 for the Las Terrazas project.

Jolla A. Soriaga has been named Vice President and General Manager of Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev), with effect from November 1, 2025. She takes over for Eric D. de la Costa, who served with dedication for 26 years until retiring. Alsons Dev’s ongoing dedication to organizational strength and operational excellence is demonstrated by the leadership change.

Soriaga has worked at Alsons Dev for more than 25 years. Las Terrazas, Northcrest, Fernwood, Wood Lane, Eden Ridge, and Northtown are just a few of the notable residential and mixed-use projects that she has successfully completed thanks to her innovative leadership roles in business growth. She was the Assistant Vice President for Business Development and Operations prior to her appointment. Soriaga will be in charge of the company’s daily operations, strategic plans, and governance in her new role.

Her appointment comes as Eric D. de la Costa concludes a remarkable tenure with the company. He began his career with Alsons Dev in 1995 and rose from consultant to Vice President and General Manager. Under his leadership, the company broadened its footprint and product mix with the launch of Northtown, Alsons Dev’s first township project; Nurtura, Alsons Dev’s mid-cost housing brand; and Avia Estate, a major township development in Sarangani. His guidance and people-centered approach have shaped the organization and its culture over the years.

Alsons Dev thanks de la Costa for his vital support as the company begins this new chapter and gives Soriaga complete confidence to carry on the organization’s aim of creating thriving, sustainable communities in her new position.

Go to https://alsonsdev.com/ to find out more about Alsons Dev and its advancements.

Manila Water continued its strong performance, reporting another period of double-digit net income growth. Earnings rose by 25%, reaching almost ₱12.6 billion. The company’s solid results were largely driven by sustained revenue momentum in both the East Zone Concession and the Non-East Zone Philippines (NEZ PH) operations. Supported by ongoing efforts to boost efficiency and productivity, Manila Water achieved a 14% increase in EBITDA, exceeding ₱21 billion. This pushed its EBITDA margin up by three percentage points from the previous year, reaching 73%. The company also recorded a ₱1.1-billion gain from the sale of its investment in Thailand’s East Water. Excluding such one-off items, core net income grew by 15% to ₱11.6 billion, with the core net income margin improving by two points to 39%.

For Manila Water’s East Zone Concession, revenues similarly increased by double-digits to reach ₱24 billion for the period, driven primarily by the implementation of the 3rd tranche of the approved Rate Rebasing tariff adjustment in January 2025. On the other hand, water demand saw a 1% decline in billed volume with lower consumption from residential customers with lower reading days, as well as lower cross-border volume. Expenditures related to technology platform costs drove operating expenses for the period, but overall, were offset by efficiencies realized in power and other direct costs. These kept total costs muted at a 1% growth to ₱5.9 billion. EBITDA increased by 14% to ₱18.2 billion, with EBITDA margin improving by two percentage points to 75%.

Beyond the East Zone Concession, the company’s businesses across the rest of the country saw earnings growth of 11% to reach ₱852 million in net income for the period. This was driven by strong contributions from several of its key business units, by way of implemented tariff adjustments and a 5% increase in total billed volume. Main contributors during the period are several of the group’s core domestic businesses, namely Clark Water, Estate Water, as well as several subsidiaries operating in Visayas-Mindanao namely Boracay Water, Cebu Water and Tagum Water in Davao. This solid performance pushed revenues up by 8% to ₱7 billion, resulting in a 5% improvement in net income to ₱1.1 billion. For Manila Water International, equity share in net income jumped significantly to ₱1.1 billion. This was driven mainly by the gain on the sale of the East Water investment which was fully impaired in prior years.

Manila Water continued to invest in critical infrastructure towards the fulfillment of its regulatory and service commitments. Group-wide capital expenditures (CAPEX) reached nearly ₱18 billion for the first nine months of the year, with the East Zone Concession accounting for 85% of total CAPEX at ₱14.9 billion.

Manila Water President and CEO Jocot de Dios is encouraged by the solid performance of the business units, even as the company begins to see significant benefits from its disciplined management of its portfolio, and its deliberate approach to new business growth:

“We are happy to see that the foundation laid for efficient and responsible operations, both within and outside our Metro Manila Concession, is lending towards the resilient performance we are seeing in our businesses. Equally important, our disciplined approach to managing our portfolio is now beginning to bear fruit.

“We will maintain the same level of rigor and discipline in managing our current operations and in seeking new growth opportunities. We understand that consistently executing our strategy is key to creating long-term value for both our shareholders and stakeholders.”

What makes you genuinely happy? Perhaps it’s the sense of financial security you’ve been striving for, that long-overdue beach trip, or just the knowledge that your funds are increasing for what really matters—your peace of mind.

Whatever makes you happy, no matter how large or small, Metrobank wants to make you feel even happier. Because of this, it has launched the Spark Joy Promo, which will reward your regular saving behaviors and bring you one step closer to your goals.

Because if you think about it, saving isn’t just about numbers on your bank account— it’s about the life moments you’re working toward. Now, Metrobank is giving you an extra reason to feel good about it with a guaranteed eGift of up to PHP10,000 just for growing your money with the Spark Joy Promo.

The promo runs from October 24, 2025 to February 28, 2026. It’s simple: the more you save, the more you earn — not just in interest, but in instant rewards that give you additional money boost.

Joining is easy. If you do not have a deposit account with Metrobank yet, you can open an account at any Metrobank branch or start an eSavings account through the Metrobank App.

Once your account is set or if you already have a Metrobank deposit account, simply register for the promo via the Giftaway portal and start building your savings. All you need to do is reach the required average daily balance (ADB) of at least PHP15,000 and maintain it for six months — or continue adding up.  The higher your ADB growth, the bigger your eGift reward will be.

For example, if your savings grows by PHP15,000 and you maintain it, you’ll get a PHP300 eGift. If you reach and sustain PHP 500,000, you can unlock a guaranteed PHP10,000 reward. It’s like hitting a “level up” moment in your savings journey— and who doesn’t love a good win?

Consider this a joyous challenge to yourself: to save with intention, to accomplish significant goals, and to reward yourself along the way. Spark Joy literally makes the journey rewarding, whether you’re saving for long-term stability or short-term delight.

Visit the Metrobank Spark Joy Promo page or visit the Metrobank branch that is closest to you to find out more or to register.

Because when you utilize Metrobank, your savings not only increase but also provide you happiness.