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Clark Water Corporation, an operating unit of Manila Water Non-East Zone subsidiary Manila Water Philippine Ventures and the sole water and wastewater service provider of the Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ), highlighting major milestones and announcing plans to further enhance its services for customers and locators.

The only provider of water and wastewater services in the Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ), Clark Water Corporation, an operating division of Manila Water Non-East Zone subsidiary Manila Water Philippine Ventures, recently commemorated its 25 years of operation by highlighting significant achievements and revealing plans to improve its offerings for clients and locators.

Clark Water has invested about P6.6 billion to modernize water and wastewater systems throughout the Freeport Zone since Manila Water took over operations in 2011. Strong cooperation with its regulator, the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), headed by President and CEO Atty., made these changes possible. Agnes VST Devanadera and the locators’ ongoing assistance in the area.

As a result of these strategic investments, Clark Water consistently delivers 100% coverage for water and wastewater services, continuous service, full regulatory compliance, and industry-leading performance—solidifying its position as a benchmark in the Philippine water utility sector.

Clark Water upholds operational excellence through four strategic pillars: Efficiency, Environmental Protection, Customer Value, and People & Community. These guide its mission to deliver sustainable, high-quality water services in the Clark Freeport Zone.

Clark Water ensures competitive rates, 24/7 service, and full compliance with Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water. The Company maintains world-class Non-Revenue Water (NRW) levels at just 6%, supported by a 20% supply buffer for reliability. It has achieved 100% sewer network integration and operates a centralized, compliant wastewater treatment facility, meeting DENR standards (DAO 2016-08 & DAO 2021-19).

These achievements come amid growing demand, with locators increasing from 1,096 in 2021 to 1,213 in 2025, and total water service connections reaching 1,894.

“Hindi pwedeng walang tubig, and we have lots of restaurants and hotels. We cannot afford to have water that is below standard. These are the challenges to Clark Water, and I am very proud to say that they have kept their commitment, their promise, and their performance,” shared Devanadera.

Beyond its core operations, Clark Water champions a safe and inclusive workplace while promoting the well-being of employees and communities through responsible water resource management. The Company also extends its impact beyond the Freeport Zone by supporting water access initiatives in Pampanga, building vital water supply facilities, and installing refrigerated drinking fountains to encourage hydration and public health.

Clark Water continues to recognize the importance of continued investment in its facilities as the CFZ continues to thrive as one of the Philippines’ major tourism and investment hubs.

“Continuous investment in water and wastewater infrastructure is critical to sustaining the growth of the Clark Freeport Zone as one of the Philippines’ premier tourism and investment destinations. By upgrading our facilities and introducing innovative solutions, we ensure that locators and communities have access to reliable, high-quality, and sustainable services. These improvements not only support economic development but also reinforce our commitment to environmental stewardship and long-term resilience,” said Lyn Zamora, General Manager of Clark Water.

Since Manila Water assumed operations in 2011, Clark Water has invested approximately P6.6-billion to upgrade water and wastewater systems across the Freeport Zone.

Clark Water has created the 2026 Service Improvement Plan, a strategic project centered on four major areas, as part of its long-term vision. Diversifying water sources is a top priority for water security in order to lessen dependency on groundwater and guarantee resilience and sustainability. In order to ensure safe and effective service delivery, service quality drives facility modifications to meet changing water and wastewater regulations. In order to satisfy the expanding needs of Clark Freeport Zone locators and ensure continuous operations, service accessibility and continuity promote service expansion and dependability. Lastly, Regulatory Compliance demonstrates Clark Water’s dedication to fulfilling all legal obligations while attending to the water and wastewater requirements of its stakeholders.

Clark Water plans to invest P17.3 billion for system improvements and infrastructure renovations between 2026 and 2040.

“As we celebrate 25 years of service, we reaffirm our commitment to world-class water and wastewater solutions for the Clark Freeport Zone. This milestone is a promise for the future—where sustainability, innovation, and excellence remain at our core. With the investment, we will continue supporting growth while protecting our environment and communities. Thank you to our partners and stakeholders for your trust as we build a stronger, more resilient Clark.” – Melvin Tan, COO of Manila Water Non-East Zone Operations said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A call to strengthen the country’s cyber defense

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

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

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

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

Supporting advocacy with action

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aldevinco Shopping Center 2015

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

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

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

Preparing the historic site for the future

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

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

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

Looking ahead

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

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

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

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

Calbayog City, Samar welcomes Eastern Communications as it officially launches its reliable business internet and ICT services in the city

Eastern Communications, the leading provider of ICT solutions and telecommunications in the Philippines, has expanded its network and digital services throughout the Eastern Visayas with the official launch of its services in Calbayog City, Samar.

On October 15, 2025, the company’s signature “Via Eastern” event took place at the Baypark Hotel in Calbayog to commemorate the milestone. It brought together local business leaders, government officials, and community stakeholders to discuss how Eastern is promoting digital transformation and facilitating inclusive growth in the area.

Local officials and partner organizations, including Calbayog City Mayor Raymund Uy, Vice Mayor Rex Daguman, and ICT Council President Nancy Lanuza, joined the Via Eastern Calbayog celebration, recognizing Eastern’s contribution to advancing the city’s development agenda and promoting technology-driven progress across Samar.

Calbayog City Mayor Hon. Raymund Uy welcomes new telco provider Eastern Communications in the city.

“It is with great pride and excitement [that I join] today’s launch of Eastern Communications, a new [telco] player in our city. We know that connection should not only be faster, but it needs to be stable with the modern digital era at this time. Congratulations to Eastern Communications and thank you for helping move our city forward,” said Calbayog City Mayor Hon. Raymund Uy.

Driving digital growth in Samar’s emerging business hub

The expansion underscores Eastern Communications’ commitment to bridging digital gaps and empowering emerging business cities nationwide. As part of its strategy to strengthen regional presence, Eastern Communications identified Calbayog as a key business city in its joint Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) project, the largest submarine cable infrastructure project in the country. The PDSCN Express Route is made up of 80% undersea cables, allowing it to deliver resilient and reliable connectivity and bring world-class telecommunications services to more Filipinos.

As Calbayog positions itself to become a premier economic, ecological, and tourism center in Samar, Eastern Communications’ entry will play a vital role in building the city’s ICT backbone. The telco will provide advanced business connectivity services, including Eastern Fiber 1 shared internet and Internet Direct Service (IDS) dedicated connectivity. These solutions are designed to empower local MSMEs, agribusinesses, retail enterprises, and hospitality establishments to thrive in the digital economy.

Beyond connectivity, Eastern Communications will also offer a complete suite of ICT solutions such as Network Solutions, Cybersecurity, Cloud and Data Center Services, and Business Applications. These tools enable enterprises to enhance productivity, efficiency, and customer engagement.

Eastern Communications Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer Edsel Paglinawan at the Via Eastern launch in Calbayog.

“Our expansion to Calbayog aligns with Eastern Communications’ vision to strengthen our presence across the Visayas region,” said Edsel Paglinawan, Eastern Communications Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer. “By making Calbayog our entry point to reach more areas in Samar, we aim to empower local communities and businesses with resilient and reliable internet services. Through our strong connectivity and comprehensive ICT solutions, we’re committed to helping the region thrive and support the country’s digital growth.”

Eastern’s services are expected to benefit Calbayog’s key industries, starting with agribusiness, where reliable connectivity will support operations across farming, processing, and logistics. The trade, retail, and services sector will also gain from improved efficiency and business continuity through dependable internet and ICT solutions. Meanwhile, the hospitality and tourism industry will be strengthened as hotels, restaurants, and tourist destinations enhance their guest experience and digital access, helping promote Calbayog as a vibrant destination for both local and international visitors.

Eastern Communications’ “Project Maaasahan” official turnover ceremony to Pinamurolan Integrated School, providing strong connectivity to empower the next generation of leaders in Calbayog City. [From L to R:] Eastern Communications (EC) Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer Edsel Paglinawan, Department of Education (DepEd) Calbayog Administrative Officer V Grace Pagusan, Pinamurolan Integrated School Principal Hernan Verano, Calbayog City Mayor Hon. Raymund Uy, EC Chief Marketing and Experience Officer Jed Estanislao, EC Segment Marketing Manager Dindo Cabatingan

Call 5300-7000 or visit www.eastern.com.ph for additional details about Eastern Communications’ offerings.

PRULove Wealth Direct, the first single-pay traditional endowment life insurance product on the market that can be purchased online, is introduced by Pru Life UK. The company’s goal to simplify and make financial solutions more accessible for Filipinos while meeting their demands for protection and financial rewards is reflected in this innovation.

The new medication is solely available on PRUShoppe.com and may be bought online without requiring physical proof or medical exams. In addition to a complete refund of the premium at the conclusion of the seven-year term and 125% of the single premium as life insurance coverage, it offers guaranteed net annual cash payouts for seven years that are equivalent to 4% of the single premium.

“PRULove Wealth Direct opens doors for individuals who wish to secure their future but face barriers like limited time, restricted access, or insufficient resources,” said Garen Dee, Chief Product Officer at Pru Life UK. “It is a straightforward solution that enables more Filipinos to make most out of life and prepare for key milestones—through a seamless online purchase experience.”

“This streamlined digital process is designed to empower consumers with direct access to life insurance—particularly those looking for services beyond traditional financial channels, and those seeking alternative tools that offer growth and protection,” Dee added.

Policyholders can also access their money for large needs or emergencies thanks to loanable cash values. Policyholders can obtain guaranteed payouts equivalent to high-yield time deposits with a single payment. With the extra benefit of a safety net in the form of life insurance, the product functions as an alternative to traditional savings.

As the Philippine life insurance market continues to develop through digital innovation, PRULove Wealth Direct’s launch coincides with a significant turning point in the sector. Pru Life UK is responding to the growing number of Filipinos looking for flexible, easily accessible ways to safeguard their financial future by offering solutions that enable people to follow their passions and get ready for life’s milestones—for every life, for every future.

Please visit PRUShoppe.com and consult the relevant product terms and conditions for further information.

Books have the power to cross borders, carrying the voices, experiences, and cultures of those who create them. This capacity to bring people together takes center stage at the Asia Stage of the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025. From October 15 to 19, illustrators, writers, publishers, and thought leaders from across Asia will gather to share their stories, celebrate their craft, and showcase the richness and diversity of Asian literature to the world.

The Asia Stage is the vision of Rex Education, brought to life in partnership with Frankfurt Buchmesse and supported by the National Book Development Board. Its journey began in 2018 as the ASEAN Forum, evolved into the ASEAN Stage in 2019, and in 2024, it embraced its current identity: the Asia Stage. What began as a noble idea to highlight regional publishing has grown into a recognized platform, a stage where the depth of Asia’s literary voices can shine on the global scene.

At the heart of this initiative is Atty. Dominador D. Buhain, Chairman and President of Rex Education. His lifelong passion for literature and publishing has guided this vision from the start. As a co-founder of the Asia Pacific Publishers Association and the ASEAN Book Publishers Association, he has long believed that the stories of Asia deserve a wider audience. Through this initiative, he has sought to open doors for publishers to share works that mirror their nations’ creativity, hopes, struggles, and resilience.

For REX, the Asia Stage has grown beyond a program. It has become a brand, a symbol of years of dedication to supporting Asian publishers and content creators at one of the world’s most important book fairs.

This year, with the Philippines as Guest of Honor, the Asia Stage brings a deeper dimension to the country’s participation. It reminds us that Filipino literature is part of a much larger story—one that connects with the voices and visions of Asia. For 5 days, the Asia Stage will host conversations, panels, and presentations that explore the education landscape, the evolving world of publishing, and the many ways culture continues to shape and inspire the region’s literature. Through this collaboration, REX and Frankfurt Buchmesse renew their shared commitment to uplifting Asian stories and ensuring that these voices continue to be heard, seen, championed, and remembered.

As the Frankfurt Book Fair opens its doors, the Asia Stage will stand with much gratitude and pride, inviting the world to witness and listen. It is a reminder that stories carry power. They connect us, inspire us, and transform us. For 5 days, Asia will speak, and the world will listen.

BPI and Philippine Coast Guard volunteers navigate the Pasig River as part of a joint clean-up drive and disaster response initiative. (Photo from the Philippine Coast Guard)

Through its inaugural River Clean-Up Drive at the Mexico Plaza Ferry Station in Intramuros, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and the Philippine Coast Guard Maritime Security and Law Enforcement Command (PCG MARSLEC) celebrated a significant milestone in environmental sustainability, community resilience, and disaster preparedness.

In order to restore the Pasig River, the program brought together BPI officials, Coast Guard officers, auxiliary groups, and employee volunteers.

In accordance with a Memorandum of Agreement, BPI gave the rescue boats to PCG MARSLEC earlier this month, and the activity also marked the vessels’ first formal sea trial.

Through the combined efforts of BPI, PCG MARSLEC, the Coast Guard National Capital Region–Central Luzon (CG NCRCL), PCGA 109th Squadron, and volunteers, the cleanup collected 200 sacks—equivalent to more than 10,000 kilograms of waste and debris. The collective action underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing both disaster readiness and environmental stewardship.

“These boats symbolize more than just preparedness for emergencies; they represent BPI’s commitment to protecting our communities and the environment,” said Dominador Bernales, Jr., BPI Chief Security Officer.

“By working with the Philippine Coast Guard, we ensure that our resources are managed by experts and put to effective use for both disaster response and sustainability initiatives like this river clean-up.”

Two rescue boats and support vessels were deployed along the Pasig River during the BPI and PCG’s river clean-up and boat launch activity. (Photo from the Philippine Coast Guard)

The two boats, equipped with outboard motors, will be used for rescue operations, disaster response training, and environmental activities such as river and coastal cleanups. PCG MARSLEC will manage their safekeeping and operational readiness for three years, after which BPI will formally donate the boats.

Volunteers from BPI and the PCG collect waste from the Pasig River, reaffirming their shared commitment to environmental protection and community resilience. (Photo from the Philippine Coast Guard)

The cleanup highlighted strong collaboration across agencies and organizations. Volunteers from BPI’s Enterprise Operations and Human Resources Segments joined PCG units and auxiliaries in clearing river waste, while tugboats, safety marshals, Emergency Medical Team stations, and logistics support ensured smooth and safe execution.

In photo (L-R): PCG MARSLEC’s Capt. Leopoldo Apillanes, Jr., Chief of Staff; Capt. John Lyndon Baxinela, Acting DCS for Operations, M3; Commo Fideles Sallidao, Deputy Commander; and Radm Inocencio Rosario, Jr., Commander; with BPI’s Dominador Bernales, Jr., Chief Security Officer; Col. Nicolas Suemith, Physical Security Incident Management Head; and Leonido Gomez, Physical Security Technology Head. (Photo from the Philippine Coast Guard)

Section 147 of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Manual of Regulations for Banks, which requires efficient security and emergency response procedures, is reflected in the cooperation between BPI and PCG, which was initially established through an MOU in April 2025. The program exemplifies BPI’s overarching goal of improving the Philippines, one neighborhood at a time, in addition to compliance.