Special Father’s Day Deals at Rizal Park Hotel Rizal Park Hotel is thrilled to present special Father’s Day deals. Treat dad to an amazing experience with exceptional deals meant to make this Father’s Day genuinely memorable. Valid from June 15 to June 30, 2024, the Father’s Day hotel special is only P8,000 and includes overnight lodging in a deluxe room, complimentary breakfast for two, and a soothing 90-minute massage for two. This offer is an excellent way to express gratitude while also allowing dad to relax in comfort.
Additionally, The Deck, the hotel’s rooftop bar, is offering discounts on wines and spirits until June 30. Get a 10% discount on purchases of P1,000, 15% off purchases of P2,000, and 35% off purchases of P5,000 or more. Open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., enjoy breathtaking views of Manila Bay while sipping your favorite wines and spirits. This limited-time offer is the ideal opportunity to celebrate Dad and share special moments together.
Rizal Park Hotel is a top choice for elegance and comfort in the center of Manila. With its rich history and gorgeous architecture, the hotel provides a unique blend of classic elegance and modern conveniences. Rizal Park Hotel offers an outstanding experience, whether you’re seeking for a quiet break or a place to celebrate significant occasions.
For reservations and queries, please call Rizal Park Hotel at 0917 657 1334.
Couple wedding pictures courtesy of Nice Print Photo, a major sponsor of the event
Themes and Motifs is organizing the nation’s top bridal fair, the Philippine Wedding Summit 2024, which will take place on June 22 and 23 in a new location, SPACE at One Ayala in Makati. This biennial exhibition of the newest fashions and trends is the most extensive collection of wedding vendors in the Philippines, showcasing both talented up-and-coming experts in the wedding business alongside dependable and seasoned professionals.
Church wedding photo courtesy of Nice Print Photo, a major sponsor of the event
A wide range of event specialists, including event stylists, retailers and designers of wedding attire, photographers and videographers, hotels and venues, and more, are expected to be featured in the Philippine Wedding Summit 2024.
This year’s summit also introduces the PWS Specials – exclusive offers, promotions, discounts, add-ons, and more that are available only at the summit. These deals are not accessible anywhere else or at any other time, making it essential for couples to come prepared to secure these special opportunities. Bringing checkbooks and cash for reservation fees and down payments will help soon-to-weds stretch their budgets and take full advantage of these exclusive offers.
Adding to the excitement is the “Book-to-Win Promo,” which encourages soon-to-weds to make on-site bookings during the expo. For every PPHP 2,000 worth of merchandise or services booked on-site from any exhibitor, participants receive one raffle coupon. This increases their chances of winning fantastic prizes, making it beneficial for couples to book as many of their wedding requirements as possible at the event.
Couples who register online on or before June 20, 2024, will be eligible to fill out a raffle coupon at the event and stand a chance to win amazing prizes. This opportunity is exclusive to soon-to-wed couples, adding extra incentive to register early and attend the summit. Register for free entrance on or before June 20, 2024 through www.themesnmotifs.com or www.inspirations.ph.
Sample table set-up from Hizon’s Catering, an official caterer of the event Sample food serving for the Grand Food Tasting session, courtesy of Richgold Weddings, an official caterer of the event Sample food serving for the Grand Food Tasting session, courtesy of Josiah’s Catering, an official caterer of the event
Additionally, a Grand Food Tasting session by topnotch wedding banquet experts Hizon’s Catering, Josiah’s Catering, & Richgold Weddings is slated to happen during the 2 – day bridal fair. This will be the best opportunity for soon-to-weds to taste & feel the beauty of their dream wedding and choose the venue and banquet style that suit them best.
Themes & Motifs, the most esteemed bridal fair and wedding expo organizer in the Philippines since 2001, produces and coordinates the Philippine Wedding Summit #BestMidyearBridalFair. Its innovative bridal fairs served as a model for all other bridal fairs and helped propel the extraordinary expansion of the local wedding industry over the previous 20 years. Prominent wedding and celebrity photographer Nice Print Photo, steadily rising to the top of bookings and sales for Goldenhills Jewelry, and a recent addition to the wedding scene, NYXSYS Philippines, a top provider of digital media and business technology solutions in the nation, all sign on as significant sponsors.
The Philippine Wedding Summit 2024 new venue, SPACE at One Ayala, Makati
Make your ideal wedding a reality by attending The Philippine Wedding Summit 2024, which will be held at SPACE at One Ayala on June 23 and 24, 2024, from 11 AM to 8 PM. Don’t miss this opportunity.
Nationwide Power Mac Center (PMC) locations are getting ready for a joyous weekend honoring all fathers and father figures. It’s time to spoil them with unexpected delights!
The top Apple partner is hosting an exclusive event called “Super Deals for Super Dads,” complete with big savings on Apple products, high-end accessories, and services, free shipping, and a chic makeover as well as other surprises.
“Dads are often the resident techie in the family, so it will be a nice surprise to turn the tables and have them on the receiving end. We’re making it easier for our customers to find gift ideas that thoughtfully encapsulate their gratitude for Dad not just on Father’s Day but always,” said Joey Alvarez, PMC Director for Marketing and Product Management.
Treat Dad to a stylish makeover with an exclusive voucher from Bruno’s Barbers. Simply make a purchase on June 16, 2024 at the new Power Mac Center Apple Premium Partner store in SM Megamall. This offer is valid until voucher supplies last.
From June 14-16, 2024, customers can enjoy as much as P19,500 off on select Apple devices and 20% off on select premium accessories from LAUT, ADAM elements, Rivacase, SwitchEasy, JTLegend, and Jabra in all PMC and The Loop retail stores.
Deals on Apple devices and accessories include:
Get P19,500 off on the 13-inch MacBook Air M1 256GB for straight cash or card payments.
Get up to P17,000 off on select iPhone models for straight cash or card payments.
Get P2,500 off on AirPods (2nd generation) with Charging Case for straight cash or card payments.
Discounted accessories include but are not limited to:
Jabra Elite 7 Pro True Wireless Earphones (Discounted Price: P9,340)
JTLegend Hybrid Cushion Case for iPhone 15 (Discounted Price: P872)
SwitchEasy EasyPencil Pro 4 (Discounted Price: P3,032)
PMC’s official service arm, Mobile Care, is also offering 10% off on diagnosis, software fixes, and non-repair services for Apple devices in all its service centers for a limited time only.
Over at the official The Loop by Power Mac Center store on Shopee, customers can check out their favorite items and enjoy free shipping with no minimum spend from June 15-17, 2024.
BDO Credit Cardholders can enjoy exclusive discounts on select Apple devices when they purchase with their BDO Credit Card at any Power Mac Center or The Loop stores until July 15, 2024. Offers include:
Get up to P9,500 off on the iPhone 15 Pro series when you purchase with your BDO Credit Card at 0% installment for up to 24 months. Pay 3 months later
Get up to P4,000 off on select iPad (9th generation) models when you purchase with your BDO Credit Card at 0% installment for up to 24 months. Pay 3 months later.
‘Road to 30’ celebration, raffle
Power Mac Center first opened shop in the Philippines in 1994 to bring Apple technology closer to Filipinos. As a premium partner, PMC offers the complete Apple experience covering retail, training, education, and service. Now, it is in over 100 locations nationwide and online to help customers easily upgrade their tech devices for work and play. For a quick recap of PMC’s past 30 years, watch here.
There’s a “Road to 30” event going on, leading up to a major raffle where 30 lucky patrons will win brand-new cars—BYD ATTO 3 electric vehicles, Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles credits, Apple devices, gift cards, and high-end accessories—among the prizes.
Customers can enter the “Miles and Milestones: The 30th Anniversary Raffle” by becoming a member of PMC’s loyalty club, 1 Infinite. Here, creating an account is simple and cost-free. After registering, get raffle tickets by spending at least P30,000 on a single receipt at any Power Mac Center or The Loop location nationwide or on PMC’s official website, powermaccenter.com. From May 31, 2024, to August 31, 2024, is the promotional period. There are terms and conditions. On September 13, 2024, the winners will be revealed on the official PMC social media platforms.
Keep yourself informed about the most recent anniversary events by subscribing to PMC’s official Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, Viber, and YouTube accounts.
Partnership for the Planet. The Jollibee Group has pledged support to the LLDA’s waste recovery program to help mitigate the adverse effects of plastic waste on Laguna de Bay. Photo by LLDA.
By sponsoring environmentally conscious initiatives like the Laguna Lake Development Authority’s (LLDA) “Abot-Kamay Para sa Laguna de Bay: Mission in Action–Solid Waste Recovery,” the Jollibee Group is demonstrating its continued commitment to environmental stewardship.
In observance of Earth Day 2024, the LLDA carried out a solid waste collection operation in Barangay Sucat, Muntinlupa City, on April 30, 2024. This year’s Earth Day, with the theme “Planet vs. Plastics,” called for more worldwide awareness and initiatives to cut plastic manufacturing by 60%. The LLDA has continuously backed these kinds of environmental projects and concentrated on reducing the negative impacts that plastic waste has on Laguna de Bay and the ecosystems that surround it.
“The Abot-Kamay campaign not only exemplifies a localized response to a global crisis but also serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a cleaner and healthier Laguna de Bay for future generations,” said LLDA Acting General Manager Atty. Senando Santiago.
The Jollibee Group sent employee-volunteers from select stores of Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, and Burger King to participate in the said waste recovery activity. In addition, the Company also provided meals to all 200 volunteers from different organizations.
Pepot Miñana Jr., Jollibee Group Chief Sustainability and Public Affairs Officer, underscored the importance of the Company’s active participation in these initiatives as a manifestation of its global sustainability agenda called Joy for Tomorrow: “As stewards of our environment, we recognize that our commitment to sustainability extends beyond the confines of our facilities, and requires collective action from all stakeholders. Participating in lake clean-up drives is a tangible expression of our dedication to preserving natural resources and safeguarding the communities we serve. This collaboration with local organizations and the government amplifies our impact and cultivates a shared sense of responsibility for our planet.”
Jollibee Group Employee Volunteers. Some 100 employee-volunteers from Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, and Burger King joined the clean-up of Laguna de Bay in Sucat, Muntinlupa City. The Jollibee Group also provided meals for all the 200 volunteers from different organizations.
Employee volunteers for the planet
Fostering a behavior of shared responsibility for the environment is an essential part of Jollibee Group’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Since 2023, the Jollibee Group, through its corporate development arm the Jollibee Group Foundation, Inc., has implemented a mangrove reforestation program with a string of tree-planting activities held in several coastal provinces.
In Lemery, Batangas, and along the coastlines of Alaminos, Pangasinan, and Carmen, Cebu, more than 200 employee-volunteers from the company’s operations, manufacturing, and logistics divisions—which include the brands Jollibee, Greenwich, and Red Ribbon—planted 2,250 mangrove propagules and 1,700 mangrove seedlings.
Employees of the Jollibee Group and local JGF implementation partners planted about 1,400 mangrove propagules at the Bued Mangrove Ecopark in Alaminos, Pangasinan, on May 9, 2024.
Beyond Spreading Joy. Jollibee Group employee-volunteers signed their pledge of dedication in support of LLDA’s solid waste recovery program. Many employees of the Jollibee Group are active ambassadors of the planet, actively participating in various initiatives that help protect the environment.
The Jollibee Group will keep encouraging staff volunteerism to assist different environmental preservation and protection programs and activities in the future.
“We hope that through employee volunteerism and engagement, we can inspire more partners and customers worldwide to embrace environmental stewardship and create changes that will positively impact the people and the planet,” Miñana added.
Araw ng Kalayaan, or Independence Day, honors the heroes of the past and present who have battled for the freedom of the Filipino people. Ortigas Malls has planned a number of events and activities that celebrate our rich cultural heritage and history as we approach the yearly vacation.
Shoppers shouldn’t miss the amazing Independence Day activities that GH Mall, Tiendesitas, and Estancia will be kicking off on June 12:
Greenhills
Starting at 10am, GH Mall will hold a Pagtaas ng Watawat (flag-raising ceremony) at the East Wing Atrium of GH Mall. A Marching Band will also energize shoppers at 12pm.
From 3pm to 6pm, there will be an entertaining and educational Likhang Sining at Kalayaan presentation by the Tanghalang Tula, Kundiman at Katutubong Sayaw. This wonderful display of talent will highlight our beloved Filipino culture through different facets of art.
Shoppers can also marvel at the extraordinary Philippine flag display at GH Mall made out of 1,400 origami flowers courtesy of Origami Philippines. The origami flowers symbolize the enduring bonds and deep-rooted friendships that define Filipino culture. Feel free to take photos in front of the display and share it on social media!
Tiendesitas
Known for being a home of local goods and handicrafts, Tiendesitas is celebrating Independence Day with a whole day of musical performances. Start the day off with a heart-thumping Marching Band performance at Level 1, Food Village from 10am to 11:30am. Musika’t Kalayaan at Level 2, Food Village will delight shoppers with Filipino tunes from 3pm to 9pm.
Estancia
Estancia Mall will also showcase local music for its Independence Day celebration. From 10am to 7pm, shoppers can sing and dance to their favorite P-pop songs at the P-Pop Music Fest: Hiraya at 2/F East Wing. They can also catch the Independence Day Marching Band performance on the ground floor of the East Wing from 11am to 12pm.
See these lively and patriotic celebrations if you want to spend your Independence Day at Ortigas Malls. Make sure to use the Ortigas Malls app to register for the Ortigas Community Card in order to have first access to incredible offers, savings, and benefits.
Make sure to like and visit the Greenhills Mall, Estancia Mall, and Tiendesitas official Facebook sites for additional details and updates on the activities held by Ortigas Malls.
The ‘Factory Sustainable Solutions’ solution from Tetra Pak is a new factory-wide strategy for optimizing water, energy, and cleaning-in-place (CIP).
The ‘Factory Sustainable Solutions’ business is a recent addition to Tetra Pak’s wider sustainability offering. It provides food and beverage (F&B) producers with a customized combination of cutting-edge technologies and industry-leading plant integration capabilities. In order to assist clients in achieving their sustainability goals and cutting expenses associated with operations, it aims to assist food and beverage businesses in optimizing their use of energy and resources.
Food and beverage companies, who have historically relied on fossil fuels and energy-intensive procedures, are facing mounting pressure to maximize resources and boost energy production from renewable sources. This occurs at a time when operating costs are going up because of increased raw material costs, new CO2 levies, and water waste fines. It will be crucial to find answers to these problems, as companies seek to their manufacturing and supply chains for assistance in cutting costs.
Complementing its resource-efficient equipment and services portfolio, Tetra Pak’s ‘Factory Sustainable Solutions’ embodies a systematic, factory-wide approach. Solutions can be integrated at any stage to recover and reduce the consumption of resources, such as energy, water, and chemicals. Optimized resource consumption reduces long-term operational costs and related greenhouse gas emissions, while supporting compliance against ever-tightening sustainability standards.
The Tetra Pak Factory Sustainable Solutions team will support customers by finding the right technologies and integration solutions for their needs, advising them on the best practice set-up for their line or facility. This results in a tailored pipes and installation diagram that optimizes water, energy, and CIP according to the specific needs of the customer’s operations.
The ‘Factory Sustainable Solutions’ offering boasts state-of-the-art technologies, such as:
Nanofiltration, developed by Tetra Pak,reclaims caustic cleaning liquid used for CIP. This technology allows for the recovery of clean chemicals and water for future reuse, enabling up to 90% recovery of the total spent liquid.
Reverse Osmosis, developed by Tetra Pak, uses proprietary membrane filtration technology to improve resource efficiency across multiple applications, including milk separation and water reuse.
Tetra Pak is also collaborating with innovative technology partners to offer additional solutions, including:
HighLift™ heat pump technology, in collaboration with Olvondo Technology A/S, can be integrated into operations to facilitate the reuse of waste heat to produce steam across plant equipment, including the Tetra Pak Direct UHT unit, at pressures up to 10 bar.
High-temperature heat pumps, in collaboration with Johnson Controls, which up-cycles processed waste heat to use elsewhere in the factory.
Solar thermal collectors, in collaboration with Absolicon, utilize the sun as an unlimited source of clean and renewable energy to power hot water and steam delivery – at temperatures above 150°C – making it suitable for UHT applications.
Stefano Vittor, CEO at Olvondo Technology A/S, says,“By incorporating our HighLift heat pump technology into its Factory Sustainable Solutions business, Tetra Pak is offering an impactful solution to reduce carbon emissions across the food and beverage industry. We’re delighted to be part of this collaboration and play a role in the change Tetra Pak is driving.”
Fredrik Norrbom, Director, Sweden at Johnson Controls System and Service AB, added, “Approximately two-thirds of industrial energy use is driven by heat demand, derived largely from fossil fuels. Heat pumps are vital for increasing energy efficiency and delivering net zero heating when combined with renewable electricity. We are proud to collaborate with Tetra Pak on smart building solutions to help customers achieve sustainability targets while helping the industry make critical progress on emissions reduction.”
Nicole Uvenbeck, Director of Factory Sustainable Solutions and OEM Components at Tetra Pak, says, “This launch is an incredibly exciting and significant milestone for us at Tetra Pak – especially our team who have been working hard to push the boundaries of the impact and value such an approach can bring for our customers.
To date, we have mainly focused on machine and line optimization, and we have realized the overwhelming benefit of replicating this at a factory level, providing a more holistic optimization approach. Factory Sustainable Solutions is an evolution of our expertise, spanning water, energy, and CIP recovery. This will redefine how we support our customers in achieving their sustainability ambitions while reducing operational costs.”
Fiona Liebehenz, Vice President of Key Components, Plant Solutions and Channel Management at Tetra Pak, says, “I’m extremely proud of the team. Our customers are under more pressure than ever to operate as efficiently as possible regarding resource usage. This is, for many, an existential challenge to secure the future of their operations. Through working with them and understanding their individual needs and objectives, we’re providing them fit-for-purpose equipment enriched with our holistic food & beverages application knowledge to address that challenge, delivering tangible improvements in a financially advantageous way.”
Tetra Pak’s Factory Sustainable Solutions expertise and guidance are available worldwide as the firm begins today. Tetra Pak wants to keep growing and improving its product line in order to meet the constantly changing needs of its clients in every market.
More information about Tetra Pak is available at www.tetrapak.com.
The birthing facility in Brgy. Irawan, Palawan was given a new lease on life with the improvements done by SM Foundation, enabling the facility to secure necessary licenses to resume operations.
Given the difficult lessons learned from the most recent pandemic, investing in healthcare has never been more crucial.
During the peak of COVID-19, one of these lessons exposed the fragility of health institutions collapsing under the weight of enormous medical demands. The need for the public and private sectors to step up was evident, but the need to plan forward rather than just react to potential health crises is even more pressing.
This highlights the significance of accessibility and the efforts made by the private sector to narrow the socioeconomic divide in healthcare. Better community access to high-quality primary healthcare in collaboration with national and local governments is what this implies for SM and its foundations.
Mission NOT impossible
Medical missions allow access, especially of remote or economically disadvantaged communities, to medical care, education and support. SM Foundation’s (SMFI) medical missions provide free consultations, basic laboratory tests, dental check-ups and proper dosage of appropriate medicine. SM Foundation reached an important milestone by conducting more than 1,600 medical missions, benefiting nearly 1.3 million patients year-to-date.
“Patients who once endured long queues at crowded healthcare facilities now find relief as we bring healthcare services to remote barangays or provide them conveniently at our malls and properties,” Connie Angeles, SM Foundation Executive Director for Health and Medical Programs said.
And more than just a structure
While health facilities offer a venue for the conduct of medical services, fixing it up through thoughtful and meaningful design could do more for the community than just provide space. Rural health centers are considered as lifelines, offering a comprehensive range of health services at a minimal cost or even free to the most vulnerable.
“These opportunities to rebuild health centers do more for human well-being. The refurbishment of public healthcare facilities not only enhance their capabilities by way of improvements and new equipment but also make these facilities more responsive and conducive to the health needs and recovery of those they serve,” Ms. Angeles said.
Furthermore, the renovation allows public health centers to meet PhilHealth Accreditation standards, resulting in an increase in PhilHealth utilization and helping decongest city hospitals and minimizing the spread of communicable diseases.
Through these accredited health centers, patients could avail themselves of PhilHealth benefits such as primary care, maternity care and pharmacy needs at the barangay level. These efforts also result in increased capitalization for local governments.
Many sectors also benefit from these renovations including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, terminally ill patients and women and children to name a few.
SM Foundation’s 200th rural health center in Laguna is a classic example. “Marami kaming programa na hindi namin malagyan ng lugar kasi kulang ang space kaya’t naghahagilap kami kung saan ito ipu-pwesto,” said Dr. Elmira Montesa who leads the Santa Cruz Rural Health Unit (SCRHU). [We have many programs that we can’t accommodate because there is not enough space and we are scrambling for places for these.]
Following the Department of Health’s (DOH) guidelines, SM Foundation elevated the
SCRHU. The rehabilitation transformed the center into a welcoming space, featuring comfortable waiting areas, a reception area for health workers and designated facilities for breastfeeding mothers, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. It has a mobile play cabinet for children coping with illnesses. SM also included a rainwater catchment system to the renovated facility to contribute to water conservation.
In 2023, SM Foundation breathed new life into UP-PGH’s post-COVID & PulmoCare hub.
Prior to the rehabilitation, UP-PGH Division of Pulmonary Medicine chief Dr. Lenora Fernandez recalled that the facility struggled to expand its services to meet the growing needs of the community.
“PGH does have many donors but they have so many competing priorities, too. Those patients who continued to suffer from debilitating shortness of breath in silence still lacked essential services such as pulmonary rehabilitation equipment,” Dr. Fernandez said.
The newly refurbished facility now has a new lobby to receive patients and spacious rooms with dedicated areas for rehabilitation, ultrasound, cardiopulmonary exercise testing and virtual consultation. Dr. Fernandez expressed optimism about the future of the hub and sees the number of patients served growing every year.
In Brgy. Irawan, Puerto Princesa, a community birthing facility’ serving thousands of residents and indigenous people, had to halt operations in 2018 as it was unable to meet government health requirements.
“Kahit ilang kilometro ang layo nito sa mga kapwa ko katutubo, ito ang pinakamalapit na birthing facility dito sa aming lugar. Kaya malapit ang loob ng komunidad sa facility, lalo na ng mga kapwa ko katutubo. Noong kami ay nahinto, may mga pagkakataon na may nanganganak na sa loob ng sasakyan,” midwife Narcisa Jagmis, a member of the Tagbanua tribe, and who leads the birthing facility said.
[Even though it is several kilometers away from my fellow natives, this is the closest birthing facility here in our area. When we were stopped, there were times when someone was giving birth inside the car.]
SM Foundation supported the community by revamping the birthing facility in 2023, enabling it to obtain the required licenses to resume operations. Dedicated rooms and spaces for storage, scrub-up, breastfeeding, consultations, birthing, clean-up and sterilization, as well as labor and recovery wards were added. It also introduced a rainwater harvesting system and installed energy-efficient lighting fixtures and appliances.
Another SM affiliate, BDO Foundation, also achieved a major milestone as it rehabilitated its 160th rural health unit (RHU) in 2023. This involved renovating exteriors, layout and interior design, lobbies and waiting areas, offices, birthing clinics, consultation rooms, treatment rooms and pharmacies as well as installing breastfeeding stations for nursing mothers, play areas for children, and waiting lounges for senior citizens.
BDO Foundation also installed new signages, furniture, and fixtures to help health workers accommodate more patients in environments conducive to good health and well-being. The improvement of facilities empowers doctors, nurses, and midwives to provide quality primary healthcare services more often and more efficiently to their constituents. The initiative also benefits mothers, infants and children, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and indigenous peoples living in remote areas.
Officers from BDO Unibank and BDO Network Bank also suggested health centers that required support. The DOH, local government representatives, and health authorities supported the project by offering advice on RHU renovations. The BDO Foundation assisted health centers in obtaining accreditation from PhilHealth and favorable DOH assessment ratings in healthcare delivery through the rehabilitation program. One of the objectives of the Philippine Health Agenda is to enhance the healthcare delivery system.
A total of 364 health centers and medical facilities have been constructed or renovated by the combined efforts of the SM Foundation and BDO Foundation.
By continuously granting fair access to high-quality basic services, the organization hopes to effectively contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health & Wellbeing) and pave the way for a brighter and healthier future.
Moving forward with clean energy. Leaders from the Jollibee Group and First Gen Corporation have culminated the four-site solar project at the Jollibee Worldwide Services-Logistics plant last May 6. In attendance were (L-R) Michael Ong, Jollibee Group’s Vice President and Head of Supply Chain; Joseph Tanbuntiong, Jollibee Group’s Chief Business Officer; Hon. Eric Olivarez, Mayor of Parañaque City; Hon. Maria Kristine Esplana, District 2 City Councilor; Vincent Martin Villegas, First Gen Corporation’s Senior Vice President and Pi Energy’s Chief Operating Officer; Atty. Voltaire dela Cruz, City Administrator; and Ashley Antonio, Jollibee Group’s Vice President and Head of Logistics.
The Jollibee Group has installed almost 16,800 solar panels at its four primary manufacturing locations in the Philippines, demonstrating how serious it is about using renewable energy.
This solar energy project, which the Jollibee Group and First Gen Corporation collaborated on, was completed on May 6 with a switch-on ceremony at the Jollibee Group’s logistics center in Parañaque City.
The Jollibee Group partnered with First Gen Corporation to install over 16,800 solar panels that generate over 9 megawatts of solar power at four of its key supply chain facilities. The fourth and final site (in photo) was completed last May 6 at the Jollibee Group’s C3 facility in Laguna.
“This is a significant milestone in our sustainability journey at the Jollibee Group. These initiatives are more than just technological advancement, but more importantly a shared commitment to preserving our planet and furthering our collective responsibility to create a more sustainable future,” said Michael Ong, Jollibee Group Vice President and Head of Supply Chain.
The shift to renewable energy for supply chain first materialized in November 2023 with the powering up of the Jollibee Group’s Zen3 facility in Canlubang, Laguna. Continuing its commitment, the Jollibee Group then added clean energy options to its largest manufacturing site, the Canlubang Baking Facility (CBF). The two solar projects have combined capacity of 5.05 Megawatts.
Rounding out the list are two newly solar-energized sites: Jollibee Worldwide Services-Logistics (JWS-L) in Parañaque and the C3 manufacturing site in Laguna, which have a combined energy capacity of 4.05 megawatts.
Jollibee Group’s state of the art JWS-L site in Parañaque City is the third plant to incorporate solar power as one of its energy sources this year with the installation of 2,100 solar panels.
All four manufacturing facilities can reduce their power consumption from the grid with a combined average of approximately 15 percent a year, a significant step towards a greener future.
The use of renewable energy in Jollibee Group’s manufacturing sites are part of the Company’s global sustainability agenda called, Joy for Tomorrow. This sustainability agenda, which serves as the Jollibee Group’s strategic framework, treats the planet responsibly and builds a sustainable future in response to the United Nation’s urgent call to action. Under this agenda is a focus on Planet, of which energy efficiency is a priority area.
“We are pleased to have partnered with the Jollibee Group on their sustainability journey, helping them develop their capacity to generate solar energy. We look forward to continuing our partnership to help the Jollibee Group bring not just the joy of eating to consumers, but also a sustainable and regenerative future,” said Vincent Martin Villegas, First Gen Corporation senior vice president and concurrent chief operating officer of Pi Energy.
With the greatest portfolio of clean and renewable energy-powered power plants is First Gen Corporation, a division of the Lopez-led conglomerate First Philippine Holdings Corporation (FPH).
In addition to renewable energy, the Jollibee Group continues to focus on packaging sustainability and waste reduction for all of its businesses.
In support of the 1st Saksi Ngayon Bouyanihan and Coastal Clean-up Drive, BingoPlus, your go-to entertainment platform in the nation and provider of your favorite online tongits, bingo, and perya games, searched the shores of Villa Estelita’s beachfront in Anilao, Batangas alongside a number of organizations.
The event organizer, Saksi Ngayon, came up with the Bouyanihan event name to unite people in the shared spirit of environmental stewardship and support. The word “bouya,” which is the Filipino word for buoy, is combined with the word “bayanihan” to refer to the clean-up drive. BingoPlus, Saksi Ngayon, Hotel Sogo, the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, independent professional divers, and community members came together for this event.
BingoPlus began cleanup mid-morning, meeting up with other participants at the beachfront. Several trash bags were gathered at the meet-up area by the one-hour mark, where attendees meticulously decided on which was the oddest item in the pile. During the cleanup, BingoPlus also gave out merchandise to event-goers who were taking a break from the summer sun.
Once the shores of Villa Estelita were cleaned up, BingoPlus and Hotel Sogo were invited to take a speedboat out into the waters where buoys with their respective brand logos were going to be set up by professional divers. These buoys are meant to provide boats with a place to moor as an alternative to using anchors that have a possibility of destroying corals and disturbing the local aquatic life.
Saksi Ngayon recognized BingoPlus’ support and participation at the end of the cleanup with certificates of participation and acknowledgement, thanking the brand for its partnership.
Despite its reputation as an advocate for Philippine amusement and leisure, BingoPlus makes sure to uphold its environmental and community obligations. The brand’s investment in culture also encompasses the flora and fauna that contribute to the distinctive and internationally renowned biodiversity of the Philippines. BingoPlus viewed the clean-up campaign as a chance to demonstrate environmental responsibility and community cooperation.
Digiplus Interactive Corp.’s core brands, BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, firmly establish the company as the nation’s leading provider of gaming and entertainment. Visit www.bingoplus.com and www.arenaplus.net for additional updates, or get the apps right now from Google Play and the App Store.
The Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) has partnered with microfinance institution Ahon Sa Hirap, Inc. (ASHI) since 2013. In 2022, one of the farmer groups supported by ASHI, AGAP (ASHI Grameen Agricultural Program) became the first group in Luzon to have delivered various vegetables directly to Chowking branches in Laguna. Angel Dorado, ASHI’s Business Development Department Head said this progress is attributable to the change in mindset among the AGAP farmers.
According to 2021 data issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Filipino farmers continue to be among the poorest in the nation, with roughly one in three of them living below the poverty line.
The World Bank stated in 2022 that enhancing farmers’ access to financial services and markets is essential to raising their standard of living.
Through its Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP), the Jollibee Group Foundation, the social development arm of the Jollibee Group, has pledged to improve the lives of smallholder farmers in the nation in response to the appeal to assist Filipino farmers. In order to assist smallholder farmers in transitioning from producers to agro-entrepreneurs capable of supplying corporate markets like the Jollibee Group, the FEP brings together stakeholders from many sectors.
“JGF has always been focused on pursuing innovative solutions that will make a lasting impact on the communities we serve and ensure food security and access. As we envision every Filipino family having food on the table alongside our goal to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals’ Zero Hunger (SDG 2), we find it important to uplift the lives of our smallholder farmers, the very people who bring food to our table,” said JGF President Gisela Tiongson.
To do this, the Foundation partners with various institutions that assist and advise farmers in every step of their agro-entrepreneurship journey to increase and maintain a steady income. To facilitate this assistance, FEP introduced the Agro-Enterprise Clustering Approach (AECA), which aims to achieve inclusive agricultural productivity by guiding cooperative and associations in the country in the clustering and collective marketing of their agri products.
Microfinance institution Ahon Sa Hirap, Inc. (ASHI) is among JGF’s reliable partners. ASHI became an FEP partner in 2013, and they saw AECA as an opportunity to assist more farmers by combining it with their financing services.
Financial Goals
Arnolfo Pan, Area Manager of ASHI Grameen Agricultural Program (AGAP) Luzon, has been with ASHI for 20 years and has been part of FEP for 12 years now.
“Dahil sa FEP, na-encourage ako lalo matuto ng farming. Natuto ako mag-marketing at magkaroon ng negosyo at mag-set ng financial goals (I was encouraged to learn more about farming. I also learned to do marketing, have a business, and set financial goals because of this program).”
Taking a holistic approach to empowering farmers, ASHI also improves the capability of its farmer-beneficiaries through training, consultations, and seminars that aim to boost their confidence as entrepreneurs. ASHI now combines financing and non-financing services, including financial literacy training, values formation, farmer organizing activities, and linkage to markets to empower the farmers to become self-sufficient while being proactive members of their clusters.
Like FEP, ASHI also hopes to give the farmers a better grasp of the demands and makings of the institutionalized farmers market and the capacity to empower other smallholder farmers needing assistance.
“Bilang anak ng isang magsasaka, tumutulong rin akong magturo ng makabagong agricultural practices sa ibang tao. Isa sa mga naituro ko sa iba kong kapamilya at mga ASHI members ay kung paano paangatin pa ang buhay nilang magsasaka upang maging farmer entrepreneur, at kung paano makakatulong sakanila ang ASHI dahil hindi nalang pa-lending ang ginagawa namin (As a farmer’s son, I also help educate people on new agricultural practices. One of the many things I shared with my family and my co-ASHI members is how to improve their livelihood as farmers by becoming a farmer entrepreneur. And how ASHI can help them transition to one as we offer other farmer support besides financial assistance),” Pan added.
Empowering farmers.Taking a holistic approach to empowering farmers, ASHI now combines financing and non-financing services, including financial literacy training, values formation, farmer organizing activities, and linkage to markets to empower the farmers to become self-sufficient while being proactive members of their clusters.
Farmer Entrepreneurs
In 2022, AGAP became the first group in Luzon to deliver directly to Chowking branches in Laguna.
Angel Dorado, ASHI’s Business Development Department Head, said this progress is attributable to the AGAP farmers’ mindset change. “Pag pasok ko sa department na ito at sa FEP, new challenge para tulungan ang mga farmers. Dati mas individual sila mag-isip. Ngayon, importante na ma-develop sila into cluster na merong one goal, one dream, and one mindset (Being part of this department gave me a new challenge to help our farmers. Before, they had individual approaches to farming. Now, we needed to put them into clusters with one goal, one dream, and one mindset).”
Currently, 94% of FEP farmer groups are certified under the Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP), ensuring that crop production complies with food safety standards. This was made possible by the mentoring and training they received from FEP and other partner organizations.
30 FEP farmer groups nationwide have supplied the Jollibee Group with 11 million kilograms of fresh veggies valued at over P500 million in sales as a result of these activities.
Not only do these achievements guarantee Jollibee Group a sustainable supply chain, but they also improve the lives of farmers and their families. Pan proudly stated that he used the program’s assistance to finance his nephews’ schooling, build a home, and purchase a car, among other things.
Like Dorado, the AGAP farmers have become determined to achieve and scale their business even more. “Mas lumalabas na ideas nila. Pangarap na nila na araw-araw na sila maka-deliver, na maging mas maayos pa ang samahan nila dahil nakikita na nila ang benefit ng ginagawa natin sa kanila na mapaayos ang kanilang buhay (They now begin to think of more ideas. They also have dreams of consistently being able to deliver and to have better relations with their cluster because they now see the benefit of the program in uplifting their lives),” he said.
