Lifestyle

Atty. Jan Mari Adan, Senior Manager for Legal and Corporate Governance (left), and Atty. Donna Mendoza, Vice President for Legal (right), accepted the Four Golden Arrow award at the Golden Arrow Awards 2025.

The Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) awarded Pru Life UK the coveted Four Golden Arrow award, demonstrating its unwavering dedication to corporate governance excellence. This honor also demonstrates the company’s leadership in the insurance industry, which is demonstrated by its commitment to accountability, transparency, and regulatory compliance.

The top Philippine publicly traded and insurance firms in terms of corporate governance were honored at the Golden Arrow Awards, which were recently hosted at Okada Manila in Parañaque City. As part of the 2024 ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS) and the Corporate Governance Scorecard (CGS) assessment results, Pru Life UK has been recognized for the ninth time in a row this year, along with 25 other insurance businesses.

“We are grateful for this recognition from the Institute of Corporate Directors, which also demonstrates our consistent efforts in fostering shareholder engagement and sustainable business practices,” said Atty. Donna Mendoza, Vice President for Legal of Pru Life UK. “This award further inspires us to uphold world-class corporate governance standards and provide responsible and ethical services.”

The rights and fair treatment of shareholders, timely disclosure, and strategic and efficient board monitoring are just a few of the important areas in which the ACGS evaluates business performance. The framework, which consists of 193 assessment questions based on publicly accessible disclosures on the companies’ websites, seeks to improve governance standards and draw investors to the region’s well-run businesses.

Pru Life UK is unwavering in its commitment to assisting Filipino families in achieving financial stability through creative insurance and investment solutions, even as it continues to promote best practices in corporate governance.

Notes:

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

The Manila Water enterprise continues to lead the way in sustainable energy adoption as it transitions fifty-six (56) additional facilitites to the Energy Regulatory Commission’s Retail Aggregation Program (RAP)

As it moves fifty-six (56) more facilities to the Energy Regulatory Commission’s Retail Aggregation Program (RAP), Manila Water continues to set the standard for the use of sustainable energy.

The 56 facilities include 45 Estate Water facilities in Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Metro Manila, 10 additional facilities from Manila Water Non-East Zone operating unit Laguna Water, and the Manila Water Foundation’s La Mesa Ecopark, which is the first and largest ecopark to run solely on renewable energy under RAP, demonstrating the dedication to sustainable operations and creative energy solutions. A total of 1,682 kW of demand is represented by the changeover.

This milestone was marked with another RAP switching ceremony held at the La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City, which is the 4th switching for Manila Water this year.

“Manila Water’s participation in RAP demonstrates its commitment to innovation and consumer empowerment. By aggregating demand and leveraging competitive supply options, Manila Water is helping pave the way for a more inclusive and resilient energy sector. At the ERC, our mandate is clear: to promote consumer welfare while ensuring a fair and competitive energy market, and RAP is a key component of this vision.” said ERC Director for Market Operations Service Sharon Montaner.

“Since Manila Water’s first switching in February 2025, RAP participation has grown by 70%, a rate faster than RCOA, reflecting greater inclusivity and freedom of choice”, Director Montaner further noted.

Then 56 facilities consist of 10 additional facilities from Manila Water Non-East Zone operating unit Laguna Water, 45 facilities of Estate Water covering Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Metro Manila and Manila Water Foundation’s La Mesa Ecopark.

The event was also graced by ERC Chair Francis Saturnino Juan, MWSS Corporate Office Department Manager for Policy, Planning, and Public Relations Christian Nicole Baluca, MWSS-RO Legal Affairs Department Manager Crescenciano Minas Jr., PrimElectric Holdings Chief Operating Officer Richard Nethercott, IEMOP Vice President for Administration Sheryll Dy, MERALCO AVP and Head of Enterprise Commercial and Conglomerates Bernice Rama, and representatives from the Climate Change and Sustainability Department of the Quezon City Local Government.

With these developments, Manila Water now sources electricity for a total of 214 facilities, representing an aggregated demand of 11 MW. Under the enhanced RAP framework, these facilities are supplied by PrimeRES Energy through Meralco’s distribution network.

“This is all about the power of choice. We have 214 facilities switched now to RAP… and that’s very powerful because at the end of the day, we are held as a utility accountable to the costs that we charge our customers. We’ve tried to rethink our approach towards tariff and our customer base and really be as sufficient as possible,” says Jocot De Dios, Manila Water President and CEO.

Earlier this year, Manila Water pioneered the country’s first transition to the enhanced Retail Aggregation Program, consolidating ten (10) of its wastewater facilities under a single electricity sourcing. This marked a significant step in leveraging the RAP framework to streamline energy procurement and reduce costs.

Building on this momentum, the Company expanded its aggregation efforts through its operating units. In April, Laguna Aquatech facilitated the switch of 25 facilities, representing a combined demand of 900 kW. Additionally, Laguna Water transitioned 67 more facilities, contributing a substantial 4.3 MW to the total aggregated demand.

In May, Boracay Water made history as the first utility in the Visayas region to adopt RAP. Its switch included 11 facilities, ranging from water treatment plants and pumping stations to wastewater treatment facilities and lift stations, further highlighting the adaptability of RAP across diverse operational setups.

Under the enhanced Retail Aggregation Program (RAP) framework, consumers like Manila Water are now able to group the electricity requirements of its facilities located within the same distribution utility franchise areas. This approach strengthens the principle of consumer choice and opens the door to more cost-effective energy options available in the retail electricity market, which is one of the core mandates of the EPIRA.

Snapshot from Eastern Communications’ latest Thoughts on Tech vodcast episode with host Justin Quirino and guest speaker Maez De Guzman, Cybersecurity Leader at EY Global Delivery Services (EY GDS) Philippines

Snapshot from Eastern Communications’ latest Thoughts on Tech vodcast episode with host Justin Quirino and guest speaker Colonel Francel Padilla, Spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)

Cybercriminals are discovering new ways to take advantage of artificial intelligence as it gets more integrated into corporate operations. Eastern Communications is pushing Philippine businesses to take a more proactive approach against AI-driven cyberthreats in honor of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This issue has gotten more pressing as attacks get smarter, faster, and more difficult to identify.

In order to assist businesses in navigating this changing landscape of digital threats, the telco provider’s Thoughts on Tech vodcast series recently released special Cybersecurity Month episodes. Colonel Francel Padilla, a spokesman for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and Maez De Guzman, a cybersecurity leader at EY Global Delivery Services (EY GDS) Philippines, are featured in the episodes. Their segments explained how businesses may safeguard the country’s digital infrastructure and increase cyber resilience.

A call to strengthen the country’s cyber defense

Maez De Guzman, Cybersecurity Leader at EY Global Delivery Services (EY GDS) Philippines

De Guzman stressed that businesses, especially small and medium enterprises, must keep pace with the speed of technological change. “We’re being attacked [at] machine speed, but we’re actually defending [at] human speed,” she said, noting that adapting a stronger cybersecurity mindset begins with adopting the right frameworks, such as Zero Trust. “So, the framework actually means zero trust from its name meaning trust no one, verify everything. All the technologies now actually support zero trust — from micro segmentation, from all identity-related proxies — everyone should align to the framework of zero trust.”

Colonel Francel Padilla, Spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)

In another episode, Col. Padilla emphasized that cybersecurity is no longer confined to individual organizations but is now a matter of national defense. “Cyber has no barriers, so you cannot really say, ‘You’re intruding [into] the Philippine cyberspace.’ “There’s no such thing,” she said. She added that digital protection must extend beyond institutions to strengthen national resilience, noting, “If we have a secured country, we have a secured economy then.”

Supporting advocacy with action

Eastern Communications is backing its advocacy with practical solutions for local enterprises. In partnership with Nexusguard, a global leader in DDoS mitigation and cybersecurity, Eastern now offers DDoS-Protected Eastern IDS (Internet Direct Service), empowering businesses with seamless dedicated business internet backed by 24/7 reliable security.

According to Nexusguard’s 2025 DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) Trends Report, the average size of DDoS attacks surged by 69% year-over-year, with peak attacks reaching as high as 962.2 Gbps, creating unprecedented strain on networks worldwide. The report highlights end-to-end hybrid protection solutions, combining cloud scalability and on-premise responsiveness as the most effective defense against today’s diverse DDoS threats.

For companies seeking enhanced protection, Eastern’s DDoS security solutions are also available as standalone services, ensuring continuous, efficient, and worry-free operations in today’s digital landscape.

“Eastern Communications remains steadfast in advocating for a safer, more secure digital Philippines,” said Edsel Paglinawan, Eastern Communications’ Chief Revenue and Experience Officer. “Through our Cyber Defense solutions and platforms like Thoughts on Tech, we aim to empower enterprises to build digital resilience and strengthen the Philippines’ cybersecurity ecosystem. This is part of how we continue exceeding expectations and serving with malasakit.”

Eastern Communications is reiterating its position as a reliable technology partner dedicated to safeguarding the country’s digital future and assisting Filipino businesses in being connected, competitive, and secure in an increasingly AI-driven world as cyber threats continue to change.

Go to www.eastern.com.ph to find out more about Eastern Communications and its projects. or visit its Facebook page.

Aldevinco Shopping Center 2015

Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev) revealed plans to start redeveloping the Aldevinco Shopping Center site by the end of October 2025. Situated at the intersection of C.M. Recto and Roxas Avenue, the property has been a well known landmark in downtown Davao for decades. The redevelopment aims to transform the historic site into a contemporary mixed use hub that fosters the city’s ongoing progress and urban renewal while preserving its rich cultural heritage.

Aldevinco Shopping Center served as one of Davao City’s earliest commercial hubs and stood as a cultural landmark for over five decades.

Established in 1965, the Aldevinco Shopping Center was among Davao City’s first commercial landmarks. For more than fifty years, it evolved from a bustling marketplace for local merchants into a cultural symbol celebrating Mindanao’s diverse heritage through its textiles, antiques, and crafts. Although it closed its doors in December 2021, its legacy lives on at Poblacion Market Central, where many of its original tenants continue to uphold the same tradition of culture, creativity, and trade.

Preparing the historic site for the future

The redeveloped property is envisioned to become a flagship mixed-use development that reflects Alsons Dev’s vision for vibrant, sustainable, and people-centric spaces.

The transformation will begin with the demolition of the buildings on the premises, a necessary step due to the structure’s age and safety considerations. The work will be carried out in sections to minimize disruption and ensure the safety of pedestrians, workers, and nearby establishments. The company is also working closely with the Office of the City Building Official (OCBO) and other relevant government agencies to ensure full compliance with local regulations.

While long-term plans are being finalized, Alsons Dev will temporarily use the 5,106-square-meter site into a paid parking facility by Q2 2026. The interim space will feature designated areas for food trucks and carts, offering convenience and new opportunities for small businesses while keeping the property active and vibrant in the heart of the city.

Looking ahead

As Aldevinco enters a new chapter, Alsons Dev reaffirms its dedication to thoughtful and sustainable development that contributes to the vitality of Davao’s urban landscape.

The aging buildings will be cleared to make way for a redevelopment that continues to cultivate Davao’s growth.

“Our vision is to build developments that balance heritage and progress, ensuring that every project we undertake supports the city’s growth. As a homegrown developer, we take pride in helping shape Davao’s evolving environment,” said Miguel A. Dominguez, President and CEO of Alsons Dev.

The company will share regular updates to keep the public informed as the redevelopment progresses. For further details, follow the official Alsons Dev Official Facebook page.