News

VIYLine CEO Viy Cortez–Velasquez joins merchants and influencers at the caravan, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to uplifting MSMEs.

This September 17–23, the VIYLine MSME Caravan will descend at SM City Masinag, bringing its colorful display of local entrepreneurship and proudly Filipino goods to the east. SM Supermalls and VIYLine Group of Companies organized the caravan, which has grown to be a popular venue for MSMEs to exhibit their businesses in some of the busiest shopping centers in the nation. From fashion treasures, home needs, and gourmet faves to beauty and wellness necessities, consumers can expect to learn about the creativity, tenacity, and grit of Filipino business owners.

Members of the dance group Mastermind—Jepoy Pelingo, David Inere, Ericson Apelado, Cedrick Mateo, Emil Kristian, Raymund Arago, and Kristian Vienn Gonzalez—energize the crowd with a special performance during the caravan’s opening program. Mastermind is known for their viral dance covers and creative collaborations with local brands.

Toni Fowler, owner of FAB, and Vince Flores make their grand entrance at SM City Muntinlupa to show support for the VIYLine MSME Caravan.

Host Tita Krissy Achino (middle) and Even PH co-owners Venice Velasquez and Eve Castro show their support for fellow MSMEs during the caravan’s opening week.

At its previous stops around Luzon, such as SM City Dasmariñas, Bacoor, San Pablo, Santa Rosa, Calamba, Fairview, Cabanatuan, and Muntinlupa, the caravan has already created a stir, attracting excited crowds ready to meet influencer-entrepreneurs and support local brands.

“At SM, we are proud to partner with VIYLine in championing MSMEs by giving them spaces where they can thrive, connect with customers, and grow,” said Joaquin San Agustin, Executive Vice President, SM Supermalls. “The caravan has proven that supporting local is not just a trend, but a movement.”

Expect a lively week at SM City Masinag, complete with interactive booths, meet-and-greets with influencer-entrepreneurs, and budol-worthy deals that celebrate the best of Filipino MSMEs.

All eyes were on stage as VIYLine’s roster of influencer-entrepreneurs gathered for a special meet-and-greet at SM City Muntinlupa. Students, fans, and young shoppers filled the venue with excitement, eager to catch a glimpse of their favorite celebrities while celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of the VIYLine MSME Caravan.

From September 17 to 23, you can catch the VIYLine MSME Caravan at SM City Masinag’s Upper Ground Level. Encourage local. Make purposeful purchases. Attend the VIYLine MSME Caravan to honor Filipino talent.

Bringing Innovation & Business through SUSTEX 2025

SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman Hans T. Sy and DOST Secretary Renato Solidum seal their commitment to environmental stewardship at the launch of the first-ever SM Sustainability Expo.

The first SM Sustainability Expo (SUSTEX 2025) was formally held at the SMX Convention Center Aura in Taguig by SM Prime Holdings, Inc. through SM Supermalls, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the ARISE Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies.

SM and DOST Leaders strike the Beat of Sustainability and lead the ceremonial Solidrum and angklung performance, symbolizing harmony and collective action at the inaugural Sustainability Expo 2025.

Over 50 exhibitors, representatives from government agencies, the commercial sector, the international community, and sustainability advocates gathered for the two-day event, which had as its theme “Innovation for Environmental Stewardship,” to present innovative solutions that promote a more resilient and environmentally friendly future.

Symbolic Opening: “Beat of Sustainability”

The Expo opened with the ceremonial “Beat of Sustainability,” led by DOST Secretary Renato Solidum and SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman Hans T. Sy, who together struck the Solidrum—a bamboo drum shell developed by the DOST – Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI).

They were joined by SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, SM Prime Vice President Jessica Sy-Bell, SM Supermalls Vice President Engr. Liza Silerio, and other dignitaries, who played the angklung, a UNESCO-recognized bamboo instrument. The performance symbolized harmony and collective action in advancing sustainability.

Leadership Perspectives

In his opening remarks, Hans T. Sy emphasized that sustainability lies at the heart of SM’s business and highlighted the importance of partnerships—“Public-private partnerships such as this show how science and business can unite to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. We encourage more of this as the private sector can provide support to projects by local scientists.”

Secretary Solidum echoed this view, noting that SUSTEX demonstrates how innovation and science can strengthen national resilience and drive a circular economy, as championed by similar DOST efforts.

“Through OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All, we ensure that the science, technologies and innovations we develop are not just theories in journals or prototypes in laboratories—they are real solutions, accessible to businesses, communities, and every Filipino. This is also what we mean by Agham na Ramdam—science that is not distant; science that is felt, lived, and experienced by people in their everyday lives,” Solidum shared.

“My call is simple: enough talk. We’ve had summits, forums, declarations that fill up shelves and inboxes. What we need now is proof. Businesses must set their sights on real, tangible goals—not pretty brochures, not slogans, but numbers you can measure, promises you can check.”

Mr. Hans Sy and Ms. Jessica Sy-Bell and visit the DOST-AKO Packaging booth at SUSTEX 2025, underscoring their support for innovative and sustainable packaging solutions.

Engaged discussions take place at the PARMS booth during SUSTEX 2025, aboutas visitors learn collaborative solutions for recycling and materials management.

Innovation Marketplace: Over 50 Exhibitors

SUSTEX 2025 featured more than 50 exhibitors showcasing technologies, initiatives, and products that reflect Filipino ingenuity and global collaboration. Notable exhibits included SM Prime and SM GUUN’s “Waste-Free Future” campaign, which highlighted their joint initiative with Japan’s GUUN Environmental Company on advanced waste management.

ARISE Philippines showcased efforts to advance disaster resilience through private sector collaboration. The DENR’s Loop Forward Program promoted circularity and large-scale waste reduction. The DOST-FPRDI centerpiece featured sustainable Lalang Pandan furniture, essential oils from Philippine plants, and bamboo musical instruments. Meanwhile, the DOST-CHRG presented innovations in electric vehicle technology.

A panel discussion at the Ignite Stage during SUSTEX 2025 gathers experts to share actionable insights on sustainability and innovation.

DOST leaders engage in a Fireside Chat at the Ignite Stage during SUSTEX 2025, sharing perspectives on science-led development and collaboration.

A Catalyst for Action

Running from August 29 to 30, the Expo featured interactive sessions, product showcases, and knowledge exchanges. The event reinforced SM’s continuing sustainability roadmap, including its Waste-Free Future campaign and commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2040.

“May this Expo be more than an event. May it be a catalyst for collaboration, a hub for practical solutions, and a reminder that business can be a force for good—when guided by purpose, discipline and partnership,” Sy concluded.

By incorporating green design, energy efficiency, disaster resilience, and environmental stewardship into its 88 malls in the Philippines, SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers—is celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving with Every You. This evolution aims to create inclusive spaces that enhance communities, support climate action, and guarantee a better, more sustainable future for generations of Filipino shoppers.

This September, the country’s biggest celebration of books is back—and REX is making it extra special!

The Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) returns this September, and Rex Education is set to mark the occasion with a milestone celebration. As the company commemorates its 75th anniversary, REX is bringing extra excitement to the country’s biggest book event through free admission tickets, exclusive promos, and a showcase of its journey in championing education.

Running from September 10 to 14 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, the celebration begins with a special treat from REX—free admission tickets. What’s great? Claiming a pass is quick and easy! Just scan the QR code below, download and print the ticket, and present it at the entrance. With this free ticket in hand, guests are in for a 5-day treat at the fair—filled with books, fun learning activities, and new offerings waiting to be explored.

Promos, discounts, and exclusive deals await you!

Along with free admission, visitors can look forward to special promos, exclusive discounts, and exciting surprises to be announced in the coming days. Expect budget-friendly deals on activity books, storybooks, and other educational resources, as well as discounts on some of REX’s bestselling titles in Basic Education, Higher Education, and Law.

Raffle prizes and fun activities for young children will also be part of the REX booth experience, making it a highlight for teachers and families, especially, their little explorers. With thousands expected to attend, visitors are encouraged to come early to catch the best offers before they run out.

A 75-Year Journey—A Celebration with Every Edukampyon

For Rex Education, MIBF is a tradition that supports its mission of nurturing every child for lifelong learning. This year, as REX celebrates seven and a half decades of standing alongside Filipino learners, its presence at the fair takes a deeper meaning. The booth will not only showcase books and learning solutions but also highlight the milestones, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped REX’s 75-year journey. From publishing trusted titles to creating innovative educational tools, REX has always walked hand in hand with teachers, parents, students, schools, and learning communities in championing quality education for all.

As MIBF 2025 opens its doors, REX invites every Edukampyon to join in this milestone celebration. Whether you are searching for affordable and high-quality books, exploring new resources for teaching and learning, or simply enjoying the love of reading with your family or friends, REX will always have something special for you.

The MIBF has long been the country’s biggest and longest-running book fair, bringing together over 200 local and international exhibitors and consistently drawing massive crowds each year. It has become a gathering where readers, teachers, students, parents, and professionals connect, share their love of reading, explore educational resources, and create memorable experiences together.

For updates on promos and activities at the fair, follow REX on Facebook and Instagram, or visit the official MIBF website at www.manilabookfair.com.

See you at MIBF 2025! We can’t wait to welcome you to REX’s booth!

From left to right: Mr. Mervin Pereda, Area Head of Member Services Operations–NCR North Area; Mr. Ronnald S. Guevarra, Vice President for Pag-IBIG Fund Member Services Operations Group–NCR; Ms. Sue Geminiano, Marketing Manager of Global Comfort Group Corporation; and Ms. Mariel Quinto, Ads & Promo Manager of Eurotel. Eurotel Hotels and Pag-IBIG Fund sealed their partnership during a MOA signing ceremony at Eurotel Cubao–Vivaldi on September 2, 2025. The collaboration grants Pag-IBIG Loyalty Cardholders exclusive discounts and privileges at Eurotel branches nationwide.

On September 2, 2025, Eurotel Cubao–Vivaldi, a member of the Global Comfort Group, formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Pag-IBIG Fund. The collaboration reaffirms both groups’ dedication to offering Filipino families across the country useful and reasonably priced services.

I see this partnership between Eurotel and Pag-IBIG Fund as a meaningful move in supporting Filipino families. It’s great to know that Pag-IBIG Loyalty Cardholders can now enjoy exclusive privileges at Eurotel branches, making quality hospitality more accessible and affordable.

Pag-IBIG Loyalty Cardholders are granted special treatment at Eurotel locations across the country as per the agreement:

• 30% discounton room accommodations (based on published rates)
• 10% discounton function room rentals
• 10% discounton food and beverages

These discounts will be honored at Eurotel branches in Las Piñas, Pedro Gil, Makati, North Edsa, Angeles Pampanga, Cubao, and Boracay, with the partnership valid for two (2) years and subject to automatic renewal.

“This partnership is more than just a signing — it is a celebration of shared service and commitment,” said Ms. Sue Geminiano, Marketing Manager of Global Comfort Group Corporation. “As our tagline says, Eurotel is Where Service and Comfort Meet. By joining forces with Pag-IBIG Fund, we ensure that every Loyalty Cardholder enjoys the comfort and value they deserve.”

Mr. Ronnald S. Guevarra, Vice President for Pag-IBIG Fund Member Services Operations Group-NCR, echoed the importance of the partnership, emphasizing how collaborations with private institutions like Eurotel expand the benefits and rewards that Pag-IBIG Loyalty Cardholders can enjoy beyond housing and savings services.

The MOA signing was attended by key representatives from both organizations, including Mr. Mervin M. Pereda, Area Head of Member Services Operations–NCR North Area of Pag-IBIG Fund, together with Eurotel Senior Managers Mr. Allen Vallerio and Mr. Marlon Hermosa, as well as Ms. Mariel Quinto, Eurotel Ads & Promo Manager.

With media friends

Along with a video presentation that highlighted the successes of both organizations, the event included a fellowship program with partners and members of the press, token exchanges, and official photo opportunities.

This program is a reflection of Eurotel’s continuous goal to increase Filipinos’ access to and satisfaction from hospitality. With locations thoughtfully placed throughout the nation, Eurotel keeps up its brand promise of “Where Service and Comfort Meet” by offering reasonably priced lodging and event spaces.

Go to www.eurotel-hotel.com, give (02) 8353-6000, (+63) 917-548-6000, or (+63) 998-958-8758 a call, or send an email to [email protected] to make a reservation.

Executives from Alsons Dev and The Abba’s Orchard join parents and young learners in celebrating the school’s opening at Avia Estate, marking a new chapter for quality Montessori education in SOCCSKSARGEN.

The Abba’s Orchard School opened on August 11, 2025, marking a significant turning point in the development of Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev), the company’s flagship township in Avia Estate in Alabel, Sarangani. Avia Estate’s goal of becoming a well-rounded and future-ready community is strengthened by The Abba’s Orchard, which brings real Montessori education to SOCCSKSARGEN.

Nurturing young minds with true Montessori

The Abba’s Orchard is a high-fidelity Montessori school system offering programs from infancy through adolescence. Known for its authentic Montessori approach, the school offers the Erdkinder program (German for “children of the earth”), a unique adolescent curriculum that integrates classroom learning with hands-on experience through an on-site farm environment. Adolescents experience “production and exchange” in a micro-economy that addresses their evolving sense of self-worth (or dignity) in their maturing journey to adulthood.

With its opening at Avia Estate, The Abba’s Orchard becomes the first true Montessori school in the SOCCSKSARGEN region. The new campus will initially offer programs for preschool up to Grade 3, with plans to expand in the future to Upper Elementary and High School levels.

“We’re proud to bring our unique approach to families in Alabel and the wider region. We envision this campus as more than just a school; it is a space where children grow through meaningful and authentic experiences. We’re excited to begin this journey in Avia Estate, helping shape a new generation of independent, purpose-driven learners,” said Chris Barrameda, President and Founding Director of The Abba’s Orchard. He added, “Through our partnership with Alsons Dev, we can further our mission of making quality Montessori education more accessible across SOCCSKSARGEN.”

A month before the school’s opening, a ceremonial tree planting took place, symbolizing The Abba’s Orchard School’s and Alsons Dev’s shared commitment to creating a nurturing and sustainable environment for the region’s young learners and their families.

[L–R] Alsons Dev Vice President and General Manager Eric de la Costa, Assistant Vice President for Business Development and Operations Jolla Soriaga, and The Abba’s Orchard President and Founding Director Chris Barrameda and Chief Growth and Marketing Officer Abram Barrameda during the ceremonial tree planting held on June 24, 2025, at the Avia Estate campus. The activity served as a symbolic gesture of both organizations’ shared commitment to nurturing thriving communities.

The school’s presence in Avia Estate was made possible through a two-hectare land donation by Alsons Dev, solidifying a shared vision of enabling families to experience authentic Montessori learning in the region.

“At Alsons Dev, we believe quality educational institutions are essential pillars of master-planned communities,” said Miguel Rene A. Dominguez, President and CEO of Alsons Dev. “The Abba’s Orchard reflects Alsons Dev’s efforts of making education an integral part of daily life for families in the township.”

This collaboration reflects Alsons Dev’s ongoing efforts to integrate key institutions and lifestyle drivers into its communities, strengthening its developments not just as residential enclaves but as hubs of growth and opportunity.

Advancing Avia Estate’s growth

Avia Estate continues to make steady progress in its transformation into a future-ready township. One of the community’s key facilities, the Alabel Public Safety & Security Complex, was formally turned over last January 2025, reinforcing Alsons Dev’s commitment to ensuring safety and well-being within the estate. The Avia Estate football field is also opening this September 2025, further enriching the township’s recreational amenities.

As part of ongoing efforts to support growth and enhance estate-wide connectivity, construction of the estate’s main spine road is in progress. Land development for commercial areas is also set to begin this year, strengthening Avia Estate’s position as a growing economic hub in the region.

Avia Estate is a 121-hectare master-planned township in Alabel, Sarangani, envisioned to be SOCCSKSARGEN’s premier address. It will feature residential communities, commercial hubs, educational institutions, and generous open spaces designed to support a vibrant, integrated lifestyle for the region’s growing population.

By the end of the year, the first batch of house units in Narra Park Residences Avia will be completed, with turnovers scheduled to begin in Q1 2026. Key community features, such as gates and guardhouses, parks, and shared amenities, will also be completed, ensuring a livable and welcoming environment from day one.

Shaping the future in Alabel

Shaping the future in Alabel Avia Estate is gradually evolving into a vibrant, master-planned community where families may prosper, with first-rate education now integrated into the estate and key features almost finished. These achievements highlight Alsons Dev’s overarching goal of building welcoming, mission-driven communities that improve people’s lives throughout Mindanao.

Visit www.aviaestate.ph to discover more about the master-planned features of Avia Estate and to experience its changing landscape.

In an era where uncertainty permeates every aspect of daily life, Pru Life UK is making yet another audacious move to provide Filipinos with reliable promises.

With the relevant theme “The Power of Two: Count on Guaranteed Income and Protection with PRU,” Pru Life UK recently launched a first-of-its-kind curated culinary journey at Electric Garden, Bonifacio Global City. The event introduced two potent solutions, PRUSteady Income and PRUWealth 10, which are intended to offer consistent payouts and long-lasting protection to assist Filipinos in planning, growing, and confidently securing their future.

The launch of Pru Life UK’s new solutions reminded me how important it is to secure both income and protection, especially in uncertain times. It showed me the value of planning ahead, so I can grow with confidence and feel more assured about my future.

Ms. Garen Dee

“Life is about the meaningful moments—big and small,” said Garen Dee, Chief Product Officer of Pru Life UK. “And no matter what every day brings, we want Filipinos to know they can count on PRU. With these two products, we give them the tools to embrace every chapter of life while ensuring that their financial plans are backed by guarantees.”

Pru Life UK aims to make financial planning simpler, accessible, and more empowering for every Filipino through its reliable solutions. By combining guaranteed payouts with reliable protection, the company addresses the growing need for stability amid life’s uncertainties. These reliable solutions were thoughtfully designed to cater to different priorities—whether it is securing steady cash flows, preserving wealth, or preparing for future milestones—helping customers take control of their financial journey with confidence.

PRUSteady Income is a 20-year endowment plan for individuals who value predictable income while ensuring strong protection for the future. It provides 10% guaranteed annual cash payouts from the 11th to the 20th policy year, a 100% maturity benefit at the end of the term, and up to 200% life insurance coverage. It delivers financial stability without sacrificing long-term growth—ideal for parents and professionals preparing for major milestones.

Targeted for affluent clients, PRUWealth 10 offers a balance of growth, preservation, and protection. Available only for a limited time, this endowment plan provides a guaranteed 5% net annual cash payout for 10 years, a 100% full premium back upon maturity, and 110% life insurance coverage based on single premium paid. Beyond these guarantees, the plan builds cash value over time, allowing flexibility to access funds when needed.

Backed by Prudential plc’s over 175 years of global legacy, and with more than two decades serving Filipinos, Pru Life UK continues to stand as the market leader in new business premiums as of H1 2025 and serves over 930,000 individual policyholders nationwide.

“With this latest launch, we reinforce our mission to empower Filipinos to live fully today and feel secure about tomorrow,” added Dee. “We promise to provide certainty in an uncertain world with customer-focused financial solutions that are built on guarantees. Whatever your stage in life—earning, growing, or preserving—Pru Life UK has a solution that fits.”

To learn more about PRUWealth 10 and PRUSteady Income, go to www.prulifeuk.com.ph or follow Pru Life UK on  Facebook.Terms and conditions of the product apply***.

The international NGO Lever Foundation has recognized Winford Resort & Casino Manila for its commitment in becoming the first gambling complex in the Philippines to officially commit to a full plant-forward effort. By the beginning of next year, the casino complex promised to have 30% of its menu items be plant-based across all of its food service activities.

This project complements Winford’s larger sustainability plan, which calls for lowering water consumption, carbon emissions, and food waste, encouraging ethical sourcing, and offering guests healthier dining options. Additionally, it supports local and international initiatives to lessen the negative effects of food consumption on the environment. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Philippines has urged people to reduce their ecological footprint by eating more plant-based cuisine.

“Winford Resort & Casino Manila is proud to be the first gaming complex in the Philippines to publicly commit to making 30% of its food offerings plant-based, a shift we will carry out by next year,” said Justine Anne Vergara, Director of Hotel Operations at Winford Resort & Casino Manila. “Consumer demand for healthy and sustainable food is rising across all segments, including gaming, leisure and luxury hospitality. Winford’s early action positions us ahead of the curve, proving that sustainability can also be smart business while enhancing the overall guest experience.”

“As a chef, this commitment excites me because it challenges us to reimagine familiar favorites and create new dishes that celebrate fresh, local ingredients,” said Al Josif Tagra, Sous Chef at Winford Resort & Casino Manila. “Our 30% plant-based goal is more than a number—it’s an opportunity to inspire our guests to try something different, enjoy healthier options, and join us in making dining a more sustainable experience.”

“Winford is setting an inspiring precedent that we hope others in the gaming and hospitality sector will follow,” said Marielle Lagulay, Sustainability Program Manager at Lever Foundation. “Their initiative proves that environmental responsibility can align with business goals and elevate industry standards. This initiative contributes not just to Winford’s sustainability goals, but also to broader global and local efforts to address climate change through more responsible food choices. It’s a forward-looking step that we’re proud to support.”

According to Research, compared to animal proteins, plant-based proteins can produce up to 90% fewer greenhouse gas emissions and consume up to 90% less water and land. Additionally, compared to meat and dairy, plant-based diets produce roughly 50% less food waste, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has also found.

Earlier this year, at the Envision 2025 Global Partner Conference, which took place in May at the Shanghai Museum East in China, Winford Resort & Casino Manila was named Trip.com’s Top Engaged Hotel of 2025. Leading hotels and travel industry partners from all around the world came together for the event to recognize exceptional establishments.

SEAL-BETA entrepreneurs proudly showcase their products and innovations,
highlighting the program’s role in fostering growth, creativity, and community impact.

In order to enable microbusinesses to expand their operations and improve their industry strategies, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) launched the Small Enterprise Acceleration Lab-Business Expansion through Training and Application (SEAL-BETA) in several provinces throughout the nation through its social development arm, the BPI Foundation (BPIF).

370 microbusinesses from the provinces of Rizal, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Leyte, Samar, and South Cotabato received thorough business training and mentorship sessions from BPIF in collaboration with BPI Direct BanKo and DTI’s Philippine Trade Training Center – Global MSME Academy (PTTC-GMEA).

According to Department of Trade and Industry, micro, small, and medium (MSME) enterprises account for 99.63% or 1,241,733 of the business establishments in the country as of 2023. Micro enterprises comprise 90.43% of total establishments, followed by small enterprises at 8.82%, and medium enterprises at 0.38%.

BPI SEAL-BETA is a project specifically designed for micro enterprises to undergo intensive training that covers product diversification, digital payments, costing and pricing, negotiation, and entrepreneurial finance—aligned with BPI’s advocacy to help marginalized communities achieve financial wellness.

“We carried out this initiative recognizing that our microbusinesses, especially those situated in local barangays, have the potential to thrive when equipped with suitable training tailored to their needs. By empowering them to grow and innovate, we believe they can become self-sustaining and deliver services to their customers well,” said Carmina Marquez, BPIF Executive Director.

The implementation of the program also provided access to market by showcasing participants’ products and services during a market fair, which generated a total of Php2,250,000 in sales across six provinces. As part of the program, participants pitch their products and services, applying the knowledge gained from the training. Select entrepreneurs were awarded pitch grants of Php25,000 and booth set-up awards of Php20,000.

As of 2024, BPIF has supported 514 enterprises under SEAL-BETA.

BPI demonstrates its dedication to making a long-lasting and inclusive impact through sustainable financial education by offering microbusinesses hands-on learning and implementation.

Go to https://www.bpifoundation.org/ for additional details. For updates, follow BPI Foundation on Facebook (@BPIFoundation) and Instagram (@bpifoundationinc).

Manila Water Foundation, in partnership with Manila Water Service Area teams, recently conducted a series of handover ceremonies to distribute Refrigerated Drinking Fountains (RDFs) across select cities in Metro Manila and municipalities in Rizal.

In collaboration with its Service Area teams, Manila Water Foundation, the social development division of East Zone concessionaire Manila Water Company, recently held a number of handover ceremonies to distribute Refrigerated Drinking Fountains (RDFs) throughout a few Metro Manila cities and municipalities in Rizal.

This program seeks to enhance solid waste management, stimulate the use of reusable water tumblers to lessen the pollution caused by plastic bottles, and promote hydration for improved health.

The handover events took place at Taguig Integrated School in Taguig City, San Isidro Labrador Elementary School in Rodriguez, Rizal, and both the Philippine Science High School and University of the Philippines Integrated School in Quezon City.

A total of over 60 Refrigerated Drinking Fountains will be installed in 60 schools and public spaces, reinforcing the importance of hydration and the role of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programs in advancing health and nutrition outcomes.

To further promote sustainable practices, drinking kits were distributed to select learners during the ceremonies, along with hygiene info-education posters on the 7 Steps to Proper Toothbrushing and the 7 Steps to Proper Handwashing. These kits encourage the use of personal water tumblers, aiming to reduce PET bottle usage, contribute to cleaner waterways, and improve solid waste management.

Key officials attended the ceremonies, including Rodriguez Rizal Municipal Vice Mayor Edgardo Sison and MWSS Regulatory Office Chief Regulator Atty. Patrick Ty, who underscored the importance of regulatory and service-area support for WASH initiatives.

Noel Balubal, Chief of the Schools Governance and Operations Department of DepEd Taguig-Pateros, expressed gratitude for the program, noting that Manila Water Foundation’s WASH efforts help expand DepEd’s initiatives in health and nutrition.

Through the Erceflora’s Batang Matatag campaign, boxes of Erceflora probiotics were also handed over to school leaders in Marikina City and Municipalities of San Mateo and Montalban as a support to manage diarrheal, gastrointestinal disorder on campus and to promote overall gut health.

This initiative aims to promote hydration for better health, support solid waste management, and encourage the use of reusable water tumblers to reduce plastic bottle pollution.

More than 500,000 students, instructors, and staff in Metro Manila and Rizal Province are anticipated to gain from the Lingap RDF Program, which offers consistent access to clean drinking water.

In addition to commemorating Manila Water’s 28th anniversary, these transition activities highlight the organization’s ongoing dedication to WASH for all communities.