News

• 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

Marking 30 years in the Philippines, Schneider Electric transitions its Cavite Smart Factory to renewable energy–first in a Luzon government economic zone–reinforcing its commitment to clean power. Photo from Schneider Electric Philippines.

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.

Schneider Electric celebrates the 100% renewable energy milestone at its Cavite Smart Factory with partners PEZA, CEZ, MEP, IEMOP, and ACEN RES, highlighting the power of cross-sector collaboration in advancing the Philippines’ energy transition. [L-R: Engr. Alejo Macaraeg, Deputy Administrator, Cavite Economic Zone; Engr. Ronald Torres, General Manager, Meralco Ecozone Power; Antonio Cheng Jr., Cavite Cluster Plant Director, Schneider Electric Philippines, Tony Valdez, Senior Vice President for Market Transformation (Philippine Operations), ACEN RES; Ireen Catane, Country President, Schneider Electric Philippines; and Arjon Valencia, Corporate Planning and Communications Manager, IEMOP]

“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.

(From left to right) Princess Balingit, Pru Life UK Chief Investment Officer; Francis Ortega, Pru Life UK Financial Consultant; Sanjay Chakrabarty, Pru Life UK President and Chief Executive Officer; Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Frederick Go; Beth Villahermosa, Pru Life UK Chief Actuary; DOF Assistant Secretary Kristine Joy Diaz-Teston; and Atty. Calvin Kohchet-Chua, Pru Life UK Chief Legal and Government Relations Officer

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 sustains massive expansion of water service connections. From January to November 2025, the company installed 19,421 new water service connections, bringing the total to 1,213,213 across the East Zone concession area since 1997. Supporting this growth is a water supply network that extended by 92.59 kilometers from January to November 2025.

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.

From L to R: Cisco PH Partner Account Manager Kate Apodaca Dayanghirang, Cisco PH Manager, Partner Operations Rommel Angeles, Cisco PH Managing Director Zaza Nicart, Eastern Communications (EC) Coordinator Aileen Regio, EC Coordinator Jaeson Evangelista, and EC Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer Edsel Paglinawan

Eastern Communications has been officially recognized by Cisco as a Cisco Preferred Networking Partner, placing the Philippines’ pioneer telecommunications and ICT solutions provider among the first in the Philippines to earn the designation ahead of the global rollout of the Cisco 360 Partner Program in January 2026. The designation is given to partners that demonstrate advanced technical capability, strong lifecycle practices, and deep customer engagement. This recognition marks a strategic milestone for Eastern Communications as it strengthens its role in the country’s rapidly evolving, AI-enabled digital economy.

The Cisco 360 Partner Program, considered the company’s most significant partner transformation in 25 years, introduces new specializations, incentives, and bonuses that place greater weight on value delivery and specialized expertise.

With the needs of customers evolving in the AI era, the program’s evolution connects partner success to how they meet customer needs and ambitions, rewarding partners for driving profitable growth through lifecycle value creation, managed services, software adoption, and renewals.  Cisco partners that have achieved advanced technical expertise, invested deeply in customer engagement, and built foundational practices are designated as Cisco Preferred Partners.

“On behalf of Eastern, we are incredibly proud of our entire team’s relentless drive for innovation. This recognition and new designation as Cisco’s Preferred Networking Partner signifies a validation of the quality and strategic relevance of our product roadmap, positioning us to deliver even more advanced, high-impact solutions to our customers,” said Edsel Paglinawan, Eastern Communications Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer.

By achieving this distinction ahead of the formal rollout, Eastern Communications signals that it is not only prepared for the next era of enterprise technology, it is already operating in it.

Strengthened capabilities, long-standing collaboration

Eastern Communications’ early elevation is an outcome of its continuous investment in its technical workforce, lifecycle service maturity, and innovation-led solutions across cybersecurity, cloud, networking, and managed connectivity. For customers, this means faster deployment, stronger security outcomes, and more consistent end-to-end service delivery supported by deeper access to Cisco expertise and AI-ready architectures. These efforts have also shaped its long-standing relationship with Cisco, which began in 2020 and has since yielded industry recognition such as Top Small Business Partner of the Year (2021) and Breakthrough Partner of the Year (2024).

Beyond commercial success, Eastern Communications, in its role as a Cisco Partner, has supported the local business community through Eastern Communications’ thought leadership program — Access Eastern — which equips organizations with insights to navigate digital transformation, AI integration, and security challenges.

Raising the bar as businesses adopt AI

As enterprises accelerate their shift toward AI-enabled operations, the Cisco 360 Partner Program emphasizes partners capable of delivering bundled, high-impact solutions that match emerging customer needs. Eastern Communications’ Preferred Networking Partner status affirms its ability to support organizations through these shifts, both with advanced technical skill and a service philosophy rooted in “High Tech” and “High Touch.”

The recognition directly supports Eastern Communications’ 2025 commitment to exceeding expectations, reinforcing its direction to offer secure, future-proof solutions while maintaining the personalized support that sets it apart in the industry.

With over 145 years of experience, the telecom provider keeps growing its position as a reliable technology partner for companies across the country by giving them the knowledge, resources, and direction they need to prosper in a rapidly evolving digital environment.

Visit www.eastern.com.ph or call 5300-7000 to find out more about Eastern Communications’ offerings.

In the photo (from left): Director Annabelle V. Briones, Director of Department Of Science and Technology – Industrial Technology Development Institute; Asec. Leonila T. Baluyut, DBA, Assistant Secretary of Department Of Trade and Industry; Ms. Rungphech “Rose” Chitanuwat, Country General Manager of Informa Markets in the Philippines; and Dr. Joseph Ross S. Jocson Mnsa, President of Asian Pagkaging Federation.

The sixth edition of ProPak Philippines, the nation’s premier international trade show for the processing and packaging sectors, is scheduled to take place at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City from February 4–6, 2026, with the compelling theme “Consumer-Conscious Innovation: Driving Global Competitiveness and Sustainability.” Under the well-known ProPak brand, the event will bring together stakeholders, industry leaders, and innovators to discuss innovative ways to meet the increasing need for consumer-focused and sustainable processing and packaging technology.

ProPak Philippines is an essential venue for companies to display innovations, share expertise, and promote partnerships that support global sustainability objectives as the Philippines continues to establish itself as a major player in the global market.

The event highlights how companies must listen to changing consumer needs while also taking responsibility for environmental impact. Seeing industry leaders come together reinforces the idea that collaboration and shared innovation are key for the Philippines to stay competitive globally. Overall, ProPak Philippines shows that sustainable practices and smart technology are not just trends, but essential drivers of long-term growth and global relevance.

The Processing and Packaging Industry: A Growing Force in the Philippines

The processing and packaging industry in the Philippines has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by the country’s expanding food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and personal care sectors. According to a report by the Philippine Statistics Authority, the manufacturing sector grew by 7.3% in 2025, with food and beverage processing accounting for a substantial share. This growth underscores the increasing demand for advanced packaging and processing solutions that cater to both local and international markets.

However, with this growth comes the challenge of meeting evolving consumer expectations.  Studies reveal that Filipino consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of the products they use. A 2025 survey by NielsenIQ found that 78% of Filipino consumers prefer brands that prioritize sustainable packaging, while 65% are willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly products. This shift in consumer behavior highlights the urgent need for businesses to adopt innovative and sustainable practices to remain competitive.

Market Trends: Sustainability and Consumer Awareness

Sustainability has become a defining trend in the global packaging and processing industries.  Some companies are now focusing on reducing waste, using recyclable materials, and adopting energy-efficient production processes. In the Philippines, the rise of e-commerce and the increasing demand for convenience have further strengthened the need for sustainable packaging solutions that balance functionality with environmental responsibility.

Filipino consumers are not only looking for products that are eco-friendly but are also scrutinizing the entire supply chain from sourcing raw materials to disposal. This increasing awareness is pushing businesses to innovate and align their practices with sustainability standards, creating opportunities for growth and differentiation in the market.

ProPak Philippines 2026 is the right venue for businesses to address these challenges and opportunities. “Consumer-conscious Innovation is not just a theme, but it is a call to action for businesses to align with the evolving demands of sustainability and global competitiveness. ProPak Philippines is in the frontline to do this transformation, and equip

industries with the tools, insights, and partnerships needed to create solutions that are both environmentally responsible and market-driven”, said Ms. Rungphech Chitanuwat, Country General Manager of Informa Markets Philippines, the organiser of ProPak Philippines.

The event is strongly supported by esteemed organizations such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Science and Technology – Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Design Center of the Philippines, and other industry leaders. Their involvement underscores the importance of ProPak Philippines in advancing the country’s industrial capabilities and global competitiveness.

Content-Driven Activities to Empower the Industry

ProPak Philippines 2026 not only offers a wide array of manufacturers and suppliers, but it also shows a rich lineup of activities designed to empower businesses and professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed. Some of the event activities include:

• Australasian Institute of Packaging Training Course: A paid training course hosted by the Australasian Institute of Packaging, on accessible and inclusive packaging, and sustainable packaging practices.
• Australasian Institute of Packaging Packaging Forum:A platform for industry experts to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities in sustainable packaging and also led by the Australasian Institute of Packaging
• DrinkTech:DrinkTech will offer insightful discussions on the latest advancements in beverage technology, covering the entire value chain from production and processing to packaging.
• Green Impact Stories:Collection of successful sustainable packaging stories from key sustainability champions
• Halal Conference:This will delve into the growing importance of halal-certified products in the global market, with a focus on processing and packaging standards that meet halal requirements and discuss growing challenges and opportunities in the halal market.
• Packaging Clinic:A hands-on consultation where participants can receive expert advice on improving their packaging solutions.
• Philippine Economic Zone Authority Conference:This will focus on exploring investment opportunities in the Philippines, particularly within the processing and packaging industries. This session aims to highlight the country’s potential as a hub for innovation and manufacturing, attracting both local and international investors.
• Technical Seminars:Sessions covering the latest advancements in processing and packaging technologies.

These activities, combined with the event’s extensive exhibition, make ProPak Philippines a must-attend for anyone looking to stay ahead in the competitive and rapidly evolving processing and packaging industries.

Driving the Future of Sustainability and Competitiveness

ProPak Philippines enables companies to embrace sustainability, improve their worldwide competitiveness, and satisfy the needs of an increasingly conscientious and discriminating market by concentrating on consumer-sensitive innovation.

Over 250 exhibitors and 10,000 trade visitors are anticipated during ProPak Philippines 2026. Free admission provides the market with an unmatched chance to network with innovators and leaders in the industry. Become a part of the ProPak Philippines community and help shape the processing and packaging industries of the future.

For more information, contact the ProPak Philippines Team

Contact Person: Ms. Jomia Pagkatotohan | Assistant Marketing Manager Email Address: J[email protected]

Telephone: +63 2 8581 1917

Website: www.propakphilippines.com

For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.

Pru Life UK Chief Legal, Government Relations, and Sustainability Officer, Calvin Kohchet-Chua together with PRUVolunteers, the ASSIST team, and beneficiaries from the Maricaban and Sulangan communities of Bantayan Island, Cebu.

Through Ulan Alang sa Bantayan, the company’s climate resilience initiative, and its yearly gift-giving event, leading life insurer Pru Life UK reaffirmed its dedication to the Bantayan Island community in Cebu.

With an emphasis on water security, Ulan Alang sa Bantayan was established in 2024 with the goal of educating communities and fostering long-term resilience against the effects of climate change. Pru Life UK provided two rainwater harvesting systems for its chosen villages during the program’s inaugural year, giving more than 500 families a dependable 2,000-liter supply of clean water. To guarantee long-term support for the communities, training courses on the correct use and upkeep of the systems were also held.

Bantayan Island residents received gift packs as part of Pru Life UK’s annual gift-giving tradition.

This year, the company continued the programme by facilitating Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) training and distributing gift packs as part of its annual gift-giving tradition. To further community capacity-building, Pru Life UK also conducted a pilot run of a new financial literacy programme for adults developed by Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential plc.

“Ug alang kanako, dako kaayo og impact ang WASH program, labi na sa tubig tungod kay ang tubig maoy naghatag og kinabuhi alang kanatong tanan, ug naghatag og limpiyo sa atong matag usa. Ug labaw sa tanan, dako kaayo ikatabang kanato, ingon nga paglimpiyo sa atong kaugalingon, ug labaw sa tanan, personal hygiene alang kanato. Dako kaayo ni’g ikatabang tungod kay kon limpiyo ang atong kaugalingon, limpiyo sab ang atong palibot. (For me, the WASH programme has a huge impact, especially when it comes to water because water gives life to all of us and provides cleanliness for each one of us. Above all, it greatly helps us in cleaning ourselves and maintaining personal hygiene. This is very important because when we are clean, our surroundings are also clean,” said Rolly Giducos, community leader from Maricaban, Santa Fe on Bantayan Island, one of the community beneficiaries).”

Pru Life UK’s support for Bantayan Island started when the Prudence Foundation formed a multi-year partnership with Habitat for Humanity Philippines to help rebuild the homes of residents affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda. When the housing initiative was completed in 2017, the company continued its annual outreach, which has since evolved and expanded through the Ulan Alang sa Bantayan programme, which was developed in collaboration with the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) to align with its broader climate and health advocacy.

Calvin Kohchet-Chua – Pru Life UK Chief Legal, Government Relations, and Sustainability Officer

“Our work in Bantayan reflects our belief that progress is built through trust and shared responsibility,” said Calvin Kohchet-Chua, Pru Life UK Chief Legal, Government Relations, and Sustainability Officer. “As Ulan Alang sa Bantayan grows, so does our dedication to helping communities prepare for the future with confidence and security.”

Pru Life UK continues to exemplify what it means to be a reliable partner in protection—one that Filipinos can rely on today, tomorrow, and for generations to come—through enduring partnerships and programs that serve both current and future needs.

East Zone concessionaire Manila Water continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship through its flagship advocacy program Lakbayan, which provides educational facility tours designed to give participants an in-depth look at the Company’s water and wastewater facilities.

Through its flagship advocacy program Lakbayan, which offers educational facility tours intended to give participants a thorough look at the company’s water and wastewater facilities, East Zone concessionaire Manila Water continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Through this effort, communities, partners, and stakeholders will learn the importance of water and be encouraged to use it responsibly.

Lakbayan offers a unique opportunity for participants to experience the entire water cycle: from the raw water source and treatment to distribution and wastewater management. Through guided tours of Manila Water’s state-of-the-art facilities, visitors gain firsthand knowledge of the processes that ensure safe, clean, and reliable water supply, as well as the systems that treat wastewater before returning it to the environment.

Since its inception in 2006, Lakbayan has engaged thousands of students, local government units, and private organizations, fostering a deeper understanding of the water cycle and the collective role in preserving this vital resource. In 2025, Manila Water, led by its Advocacy Managers and Facility Managers, conducted a total of sixty-five (65) Lakbayan tours, participated by 2,151 individuals.

Among the organizations who participated were the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, DILG-National Capital Region, Bureau of Fire Protection, City Government of Makati, Sangguniang Kabataan of Quezon City, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office of Pateros, San Agustin Seminary, University of the Philippines, Technological University of Philippines, Mariano Marcos State University, Western Mindanao State University and other public and private schools and private businesses.

“Water is a finite resource and its responsible use is a shared obligation, yet it is often overlooked,” said Jeric Sevilla, Manila Water Corporate Communication Affairs Group Director.

“Lakbayan allows us to share the science, innovation and our dedication behind every drop. Our goal is to inspire individuals and organizations to take meaningful action, whether through simple daily habits or large-scale programs, to conserve water and protect the environment. Every effort, big or small, creates a ripple of impact,” he added.

The initiative highlights Manila Water’s support of environmental preservation and water saving. Lakbayan enables participants to become advocates for sustainability in their local communities by highlighting the intricacy and significance of water and wastewater management.

Manila Water invites everyone involved to enjoy Lakbayan. Interested parties should send an email to [email protected] for schedules and reservations.

Representatives from the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Maldives, Vietnam, and the Solomon Islands — from government, academe, and NGOs — gathered in Iloilo City for the Asia Regional Large-Scale MPA Workshop, organized by ZSL Philippines with the Blue Nature Alliance and Big Ocean, to share insights and advance science-based, community-driven marine conservation. Photo from ZSL Philippines.

The Zoological Society of London-Philippines (ZSL), in collaboration with the Blue Nature Alliance (Alliance), and regional partners from the government, academia, and non-governmental organizations recently convened in Iloilo City for the Asia Regional Large-Scale Marine Protected Area (LSMPA) Workshop, which was held as the world races to protect 30% of its oceans by 2030. The purpose of the workshop was to discuss community-driven, science-based approaches to large-scale marine protection.

The two-day workshop brought together representatives from the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Maldives, Vietnam, and the Solomon Islands to discuss opportunities and challenges in ocean protection at scale, from policy gaps and governance issues to climate impacts, illegal fishing, and transboundary protection. It was co-hosted by Big Ocean, a peer-learning network created by and for managers of large-scale marine areas, with technical and financial support from the Alliance, a global partnership aiming to conserve 18 million square kilometers of ocean.

“With the highest nearshore marine biodiversity in the world, Asia has long been at the forefront of coastal protection,” said Laure Katz, Executive Director of the Alliance. Building on this leadership, the workshop addressed the urgency to extend marine protection to areas beyond 12 nautical miles through advancing science-policy-community interrelationships, preparing the foundations for an Asia Regional LSMPA Community of Practice, and developing a roadmap for large-scale marine protection.

Advancing Regional Collaboration in Conservation

The workshop underscores  ZSL Philippines’ leadership in science-based conservation and demonstrates how multi-sector, multi-country collaboration, supported by BNA, can accelerate progress toward the 30×30 target.

The Alliance believes that partnership is key to advancing ocean conservation. “The Blue Nature Alliance is working with over 130 partners globally to advance ocean conservation in 5% of the world’s ocean as a significant contribution to the global 30×30 goal,” said Katz.

Representatives from the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Maldives, Vietnam, and the Solomon Islands, including government officials, academics, and NGO members, gathered during the Asia Regional Large-Scale MPA Workshop at Courtyard by Marriott in Iloilo City to share insights and discuss science-based, community-driven strategies for large-scale marine conservation. Photo from ZSL Philippines.

Participants collectively agreed that the main pressures on Asia’s marine ecosystems are pollution and climate change, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, sea-level rise, and habitat destruction.

They also emphasized key recommendations, including aligning marine conservation with food security objectives, developing long-term and equitable financing mechanisms with government support, harmonizing ocean-related policies for easier adoption, and enhancing public participation in conservation. These efforts showcase Asia’s ingenuity in building a strong foundation for marine protection.

“The potential for Asia is huge. It can be a trailblazer, creating a ‘Big Ocean 2.0,’ leading the second wave of large-scale protection, and showing the world that fisheries, food security, and conservation can be addressed together,” said Naiʻa Lewis, Director of Big Ocean.

Philippine Rise: One of Asia’s Most Ambitious Conservation Efforts

The proposed Philippine Rise Ocean Conservation Area, implemented by ZSL, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Fisheries Management Area 1, and the Alliance, would span approximately 150,000 square kilometers or 7.5% of the Philippine waters, potentially making it Asia’s largest single marine protected area  protecting biodiversity while supporting long-term food security.

During the Asia Regional Large-Scale MPA Workshop held at Courtyard by Marriott in Iloilo City, Edwina Garchitorena, Country Director of ZSL Philippines, emphasized the shift toward large-scale marine protected areas, acknowledging the challenges from community understanding to governance alignment while committing to achieving meaningful impact. Photo from ZSL Philippines.

“The thinking around marine protected areas has long been at a much smaller scale,” said Edwina Garchitorena, Country Director of ZSL Philippines. “We know the challenges remain—from community understanding to governance alignment—but we also know the impact will be there. We are committed to helping make this shift happen.”

“The movement for large-scale protection with comprehensive solutions both nearshore and offshore has started in Asia with governments, particularly in the Philippines and Indonesia, taking bold steps in turning commitments into action,” added Katz.

Toward a Collective Path for Ocean Protection

The workshop demonstrated that, when based on science, policy, community involvement, and international cooperation, large-scale marine protection is becoming more and more possible. According to Katz, “the Asia Regional LSMPA Workshop is the beginning of a meaningful journey to inspire bold action for marine protection for the benefit of people and nature.”

In order to accomplish the worldwide 30×30 ocean preservation target, ZSL will continue to advance initiatives to enhance large-scale marine governance and organize collective action in collaboration with the Alliance, Big Ocean, and regional partners.