Food, Lifestyle

Profitable HOME Business from your KITCHEN

 

Are you planning to start a home business or just a working from home. Start new venture especially now that we’re experiencing pandemic and we need to stay at home. And majority of us love food, with that you can start a work from home business from your kitchen.

If you’re looking for ways to augment your income during these challenging times, you don’t need to look farther than your kitchen to start a business. As you may have observed, many Filipinos have already started putting up their own little ventures by offering something that we all love—food.

The Vice President for Finance and Marketing of Hanabishi Philippines, Ms. Cherish Ong-Chua. Hanabishi is one of the leading home appliances in the country and paved the way for its tagline “Kapartner from Start to Forever.” Ms. Chua graduated with a degree of Marketing at De La Salle University- Taft and being a homemaker she would like to share some tips on how to start your home business in the midst of pandemic. From ube pandesal to baked sushi, to new twists to fries and cheesecakes, our enterprising kababayans have shown their resiliency and inventiveness through these food ventures.

If you’d like to start a home business from your kitchen, here are some tips that may help you in establishing one:

  1. Think of the product you want to offer.

Are you or someone in your family good in baking or cooking? Capitalize on your skill and passion in determining the product you want to offer.

  1. Know your target market.

Ask yourself if the product you’d like to put out there has a market. Food, for one, can have an immediate market—your family, colleagues, and friends.

  1. Make your product worth your customers’ money.

Of course it goes without saying that you have to ensure that the items you sell should satisfy your customers. Offer products that they will like so that they can tell their other friends and relatives about it. This way, more people will be interested in your products.

  1. Invest in good equipment.

If you’re going to pursue a business in food, make sure that you have quality equipment. At Hanabishi, we have a range of products that can help you with your cooking and baking needs. broilers, grillers, fryers, and electric cookers. For those who are into baking, we have our mixers, food processors, ovens, and more.

  1. Make it more convenient for customers to purchase your products.

For example, most businesses have gone online these days and customers can easily buy the product of their choice and have it delivered safely and securely to their home. We have been running our e-commerce site for about two years now and with the new conditions dictated by the pandemic, we had to review its system and implement the necessary updates in its features to address the anticipated influx of online shoppers. Our customers can now easily place an order with just a few clicks and taps on their computers and mobile devices. Likewise, we are now offering them the option to have their products delivered or picked up from our warehouse.

  1. Set up a Facebook or Instagram account.

Most Filipinos are social media users and being on FB and IG makes you more visible to them. In fact, according to a recent Nielsen Home panel Tack-on survey, 49 percent of Filipinos who shop groceries online prefer Facebook. In making your goods available through these social media apps, make sure that you take good photos. Food, most especially, need to look delicious and enticing to attract customers.

  1. Be forward-looking.

Expect challenges to come your way and make sure you keep up with consumers’ changing behavior. It’s not easy, but with hard work and foresight, success will come your way.

For more information about Hanabishi, please visit www.myhanabishi.com/shop/ and like them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MyHanabishiAppliances/

 

Health and Wellness

The Top Nutrition Myths Commonly Believed and the Facts That You Must Know

It’s hard to know where to start with so many nutrition myths that we gather and with all the information at our fingertips today. Even internet is rife with misinformation, we need to gather the evidence based by reading the original research. Since myths can be spread like a wildfire through social media, blogs and even print media. Then we seldom think to verify it but we treat it as fact. In my opinion, common nutrition myths gives more harm, rather than help your health.

“The prevalence of nutrition myths on the Internet has led to widespread confusion over nutrition facts versus fiction. Not only do the majority of consumers believe that consuming carbohydrates alone will result in weight gain, many of them also believe that less protein is required as they grow older – which is far from the truth. To help address these nutrition information gaps, we have been working with leading health and nutrition experts to make accurate nutritional knowledge widely available for Asia Pacific’s consumers.We believe a collective effort by governments, healthcare institutions and the nutrition industry would be more effective in keeping consumers better informed in the long run, and hope more can partner with us on this journey to help people lead healthier lives,”  said Stephen Conchie, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Herbalife Nutrition.

Premier global nutrition company, Herbalife Nutrition, today released additional findings from its Asia Pacific Nutrition Myths Survey 2020, uncovering that 60 percent of consumers were confused about nutrition facts. The survey was conducted with 5,500 respondents from Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan,Thailand and Vietnam in March 2020.

In a general nutrition knowledge quiz administered together with the survey, a total of 48 “True or False” questions spanning nine nutrition areas – general nutrition, protein, carbohydrates, fats,vitamins, minerals, caffeine, weight management and breakfast – were presented to survey participants. The results revealed that less than a quarter (23%) of the respondents scored passing marks (answered half or more of the questions correctly).

The quiz also found that the top three areas with the biggest nutrition knowledge gaps were:

  • Minerals: only 28% of respondents answered the questions in the category correctly
  • Caffeine: only 33% of respondents answered the questions in the category correctly
  • Protein: only 34% of respondents answered the questions in the category correctly

Based on the results from the quiz, Herbalife Nutrition also uncovered a list of the top nutrition myths commonly believed by Asia Pacific consumers, with more than six in 10 consumers providing incorrect answers or said that they are unsure of the right answers to the nutrition statements presented to them.

Top Nutrition Myths in Asia Pacific Uncovered by the Survey

Myth #1: Carbohydrates make you gain weight

Fact: Carbohydrates alone don’t cause weight gain; consuming excess calories do. The Herbalife Nutrition Philosophy recommends that carbohydrates form 40 percent of daily calorie intake. Healthy sources of carbohydrates such as vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains also provide important nutrients like calcium, iron and B vitamins.

Myth #2: Less protein is required as we grow older

Fact: Starting in our early 40s, we may experience a gradual, progressive loss of muscle mass and function known as sarcopenia. This process can be mitigated by boosting protein intake and incorporating resistance exercise as we age.

Myth #3: Caffeine causes dehydration

Fact: While caffeine has diuretic properties, moderate intake of between 2 to 3 cups of coffee a day is unlikely to cause dehydration. A study by Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee also found that coffee can be as hydrating as water.

Myth #4: Peak bone mass can be optimized at any age with sufficient calcium intake

Fact: Our peak bone mass (max bone size and strength) is dependent on calcium intake and reaches its peak by age 30. However, sufficient calcium intake throughout life can reduce the risk of osteoporosis.Calcium supplementation can protect against bone loss at older ages, especially for post-menopausal women who have higher calcium needs.

Myth #5: A ketogenic diet is a healthy way to lose weight

Fact: Very low in carbohydrate, moderate in protein and very high in fat, the ketogenic diet forces the body to rely on body fat for fuel, resulting in weight loss. However, healthy carbohydrates are beneficial to the body, supplying energy, vitamins and minerals. To lose weight sustainably, adopt a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

Myth #6: A very low-fat diet is the best way to lose weight

Fact: Studies have shown minimal reductions in weight after the first year from very low-fat diets, making it an ineffective long-term weight loss strategy. In fact, our bodies need some fat to stay healthy, as it helps to build cell membranes and hormones, and aids the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.

Myth #7: The Glycemic Index is a good tool for choosing the healthiest carbohydrates

Fact: The Glycemic Index measures how the carbohydrate in a food impacts blood sugar levels but cannot be relied on alone for choosing a healthy diet. The amount of carbohydrates you consume as well as what the food is being eaten with also needs to be considered in totality.

Myth #8: Protein powder is not a healthy source of protein as compared to protein from natural foods

Fact: Protein powder can be as good as protein from natural foods if derived from high-quality sources.For instance, soy protein from soybeans is a complete protein, providing a full range of nine essential amino acids for the body’s nutrition requirements.

For more information, please visit IAmHerbalifeNutrition.com.

Herbalife Nutrition also encourages investors to visit its investor relations website at ir.herbalife.com as financial and other information is updated and new information is posted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lifestyle, News

Ride Safely during COVID-19 Pandemic

Honda Philippines since in the beginning joins the country’s fight against COVID-19 as it helps to promote safety protocols, such as physical distancing, through its motorcycles that provide a safe mode of mobility. For Honda Philippines, Inc., the No. 1 Motorcycle Manufacturer in the country, this situation reinforces the need for motorcycles as a convenient and safe mode of solo transportation, helping riders get to their destinations faster and safer.

The government recently relaxed the community quarantine guidelines, which gradually reopens up the economy. Thousands of workers are finally allowed to go to their offices, provided they follow strict health and safety protocols. Although public transport will be operational, still, there are lots of limitations to ensure social distancing among passengers. For instance, in the National Capital Region (NCR), the resumption of public transport systems will be done in two phases, says the Department of Transportation (DoTR).

For Phase 1, covering June 1 to 21, augmented trains and buses, taxis, transport network vehicles (TNVs), shuttle services, point-to-point buses, bicycles, and tricycles can operate but, with limited passenger capacity; while provincial buses are not allowed to enter Metro Manila.

For Phase 2, covering June 22 to 30, public utility buses, modern public utility vehicles (PUVs), and UV Express will be permitted to operate with limited passenger capacity, along with the initial set of transport modes allowed to run during Phase 1.

While anticipating the increase of solo riders on the road, it is most important that road safety must be observed at all times. Road Safety experts from Honda Safety Driving Center listed some of the key things you can do to stay safe on the road while observing physical distancing:

1.Check Your Motorcycles

You will most probably need to use your motorcycle more often now, because of the limited transportation. However, the quarantine probably left your motorcycle collecting dust the past months, which is why a thorough motorcycle check is important before hitting the road.

So, before going out to ride, just remember this acronym: G.O.T. T.O. B.E. S.A.F.E. 

  • General Appearance – Make sure your bike looks good and is in a rideable condition.
  • Oil – Ensure that the engine oil is between the maximum and minimum levels using the engine dipstick.
  • Tires – Check for any cracks, bulges, or signs of wear in the treads (Low tire pressure or any defects could cause a blowout).
  • Tension of chain – Check the chain if it’s well lubricated. Chain tension must be following your motorcycle model.
  • Operation of Controls – check throttle play, and must maintain snapback operations. Check clutch lever for free play.
  • – Check operation and cable conditions. Test both front and rear brakes to ensure these are working properly.
  • Engine – Make a visual check on your engine to see any leakages or loose fittings.
  • Side Mirror – Make sure that the side mirror is free from scratches and must be clean and clear.
  • Alignment of steering – Check smoothness of play and make sure the handlebar is securely bolted.
  • Fuel – Make sure the gasoline cap is securely closed and not leaking.
  • Electrical / Lights – Ensure all electrical-based switches and devices, like the horn and lights, are properly functioning.

2.Wear Proper Protective Gears

All riders are required to wear a helmet and a mask when riding a motorcycle. A complete safety gear with gloves, leather jacket with an elbow and back support, and knee pads are also perfect for your riding. It pays to wear these gears to ensure your safety on the road.

3.Follow Traffic Rules and Guidelines

Aside from traffic rules, riders must also follow and be aware of the additional guidelines set by the authorities. It is also as important to bring necessary documents, such as your license, working certificates, valid IDs, among others, since authorities may require you to show them in checkpoints.

New Riders need to take note of these rules and regulations to avoid any unnecessary rookie mistakes. So for the newbies, keep in mind to check both sides before changing lanes and use turn signals, only use the horn to communicate with other riders, and simply be alert at all times.

At this point, all road users should be aware that everyone has equal rights on the road and should not be taken advantage of.

Being a Road Safety Advocate, proven by the existence of Honda Safety Driving Center, it only shows that Honda Philippines has been true to its “ONE DREAM” campaign. This campaign envisions to fulfill people’s dreams while experiencing the joy of mobility, at the same time instill a safety mindset and to properly educate road discipline and courtesy while driving.

There is a lot more to explore from Honda’s wide array of motorcycles. For more details about Honda products and promos, visit our website at www.hondaph.com and follow our social media pages: Facebook, Honda Philippines, Inc., and Instagram, @hondaph_mc.

After quarantine, we know you are excited to travel. Standby for our next article, “Post-Quarantine: Where do you want to go?”

 

Entertainment

Benjamin Kheng and Ben&Ben to grill each other

Benjamin Kheng and Ben&Ben

Singapore-based alt pop artist Benjamin Kheng and award-winning Filipino band Ben&Ben will be blessing the regional social media feeds once again with their follow-up collaboration on Instagram Live next week, June 23 at 10 pm. After their much buzzed TikTok collaboration which attracted an audience of more than 3 million. The nine-piece collective behind hits such as “Lifetime,” “Pagtingin” and “Doors” will be joining Benjamin Kheng’s IG Live show, B.B.Q.—short for Ben’s Burning Questions.

Known for its hilarious banters and challenges, B.B.Q. encourages celebrity guests to pass 10 challenges with varying levels of difficulty. If the participants surmount the test, they will be given a chance to “grill” Benjamin through a burning question or a flaming dare. The online show airs live on Benjamin Kheng’s Instagram every week.

Benjamin Kheng releases solo debut EP

Following his previous singles “Wicked,” “Find Me,” and “Lovers Forever,” the Singaporean multimedia star has just released his highly anticipated EP, A Sea That Never Stops. The 6-track EP features three new tracks ‘Shiny’, ‘Already Home’, and ‘Make Do’ in addition to his previous singles.

A Sea That Never Stops focuses on fresh music – with each song embracing nuanced stories paired with novel production, yet heavily drawing upon Benjamin’s musical influences of gospel, rock, and musical theater. It fully encompasses Benjamin’s creative range and lends promise to his future musical endeavors.

Reflecting wholeheartedly on the significance of the EP title, Benjamin says, “Time has a way of teaching us how to say goodbye to things and people we’re not ready to – it just happens. Things simply end, people simply die, and we’re dragged on with time. We’re saying hello to new chapters before we’ve closed old ones. I guess I started writing these songs at the biting point of saying goodbye to the old and hello to the new, and I slowly began accepting the fact that I was part of a sea of waves that would eventually crash, disappear and go back into the ocean.”

Ben&Ben’s “Lifetime” amasses more than 5 million hits in a week

The critically acclaimed group is breaking records once again with the release of their new single, “Lifetime.” The folk-pop ballad has amassed more than 5 million streams on Spotify and YouTube combined, giving listeners a taste of their introspective songwriting in a time that needs comforting words and hope.

Ben&Ben premiered the hit song on TikTok Live! last June 13.It’s their first live performance together in one place after the lockdown period. Benjamin Kheng’s solo debut EP, A Sea That Never Stops! and Ben&Ben’s latest single, “Lifetime” are both available on all digital and streaming platforms worldwide via Sony Music.

 

Health and Wellness, Lifestyle

GO FOR THE PERFECT 10! Nothing to lose workout at Home

Who wants to stay fit and lose some pounds at the convenience of your own home just using your mobile phone or laptop? Since gyms closed due to the coronavirus pandemic and we need to find way to adapt to these new conditions in order to go for the perfect 10.

The Fit Filipino Movement (FitFil) led by Health & Fitness VIP Coaches Jim & Toni Saret and co-presented by NOVUHAIR®, nature’s answer to hair loss,wish to invite you, your family and loved ones to join a 20-day Facebook Live FREE workout session designed for all beginners and active fitness buffs starting June 22, 2020 (Monday) at 4pm.

Everyone is invited to join for FREE & win exciting prizes! Discover more: https://bit.ly/2BhwAtz

How NOVUHAIR can help

NOVUHAIR® Topical Scalp Lotion is formulated with 19 natural ingredients that work in synergy to help prevent hair loss.

As a hair loss remedy, this VIP promo kit offers an extra 120ml bottle worth P1,990 for FREE. That’s 64% savings for an effective hair treatment for men and a safe female hair loss treatment.

Get started with NOVUHAIR®: https://bit.ly/3esWWaY

Entertainment

Singapore Electronic Producer Xinister Teams Up With Asian-American Rapper Blahza To Release ‘Break’ Via Umami Records

Singapore electronic producer Xinister teams up with Los Angeles-based Asian-American rapper Blahza to release their first collaboration ‘Break’ via Singapore based indie label Umami Records.

‘Break’ is about the importance of staying humble while keeping up the grinding and hustling for that big break. Blahza shares: “Rappers nowadays feel like you have to be loud and obnoxious to get on. This song has a similar message but approaches it in an opposite style. Plus with the whole Covid-19 thing going on now, I feel hating is at an all time high, people seem to be so quick to point fingers.”

Known for his intense, high energy trap/dubstep tracks which have already been featured on Spotify’s Bass Arcade, Beast Mode, Dubstep Don, and Trap Mojito, ‘Break’ is Xinister’s first hip hop production. “I want to be more versatile and to keep pushing myself out of my comfort zone”, says Xinister, “with ‘Break’, I was going for a chill Covid-19 stay home vibe. It seems people around the world are just getting more angsty right now, so I wanted them to chill and bop to our song. Blahza definitely killed it.”

In the midst of the Covid-19 lockdown, from their homes on opposite sides of the world in Singapore and Los Angeles, the 2 artists created ‘Break’ without ever having met each other in person. Xinister says: “it’s just two guys from different countries, only talking to each other online, yet we connected with each other instantly.” “It was pure musical chemistry”, adds Blahza.

Xinister has 3 more singles planned for release in 2020 and Blahza will be releasing his LP ‘Sad Songs For Happy People’ over the next 12 months. Listen to ‘Break’ by Xinister and Blahza everywhere at this link: https://www.umamirecords.sg/break/

About Blahza

Los-Angeles based Asian-American hip hop artist and producer Blahza’s makes music with a larger than life sound about his afflictions, aspirations, and accomplishments, inspired by the American counterculture of the late 1960s and music from the early 2000s.

Blahza recorded, mixed and mastered Blueface’s record ‘Next Big Thing’ in 2018. In 2019, Blahza opened for Members Only at the first stop of their album tour, and released his EP ‘Bloom’.

Born and raised in Van Nuys, of Puerto Rican and Chinese parents, Blahza grew up surrounded by music and diversity. He fell in love with rap music and especially how it bridged different cultures.

Blahza is currently working on his full-length debut album ‘Sad Songs For Happy People’ slated for release later this year.

About Xinister

Singapore electronic producer Xinister is known for his intense, high energy trap/dubstep tracks which have already been featured on Spotify’s Bass Arcade, Beast Mode, Dubstep Don, and Trap Mojito.

With more than a million Spotify streams, Xinister’s music has also been featured on Russian football club FC Zenit Saint Petersburg’s YouTube channel totalling more than 4 million views.

‘Break’ is Xinister’s first hip hop track and will not be his last as he continues to develop his versatility with several more releases planned across genres the rest of this year.

 

Health and Wellness

P&G Safeguard much-loved soap brand declares plans to help safeguard the country thru the vision of a SAFE Philippines

Despite of our current situation we are hoping that we can continue to be safe and healthy. That does not stop us from being a hero to one another and keeping each other SAFE.

Since our country slowly lifts the lockdown restrictions and to help the country on the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Filipinos adjust to the new normal by making hand washing more accessible for everyone, P&G Safeguard declares their ambition for a SAFE Philippines.

Keeping every Filipino SAFE

Throughout its 54-year history, the brand has consistently demonstrated community support, making a meaningful difference to the health and safety of the country with partnerships with the DOH, DepEd, PAMET and the Red Cross. Handwashing and hand sanitizing education has been a long-standing program for Safeguard throughout the years. Just last year, more than 100,000 students benefitted from hand washing facilities built by Safeguard in public schools nationwide.

Beyond this, it’s especially during times of crisis that Safeguard truly steps up. Just this year, the brand has been at the forefront of Taal Volcano eruption relief efforts. In the past months, while under the restrictions of quarantine, Safeguard mobilized its nationwide distribution network to provide aid to a total of 15,000 frontliners nationwide in more than 50 COVID-19 hospitals. The brand also established the BayaniHands Project that enabled Filipinos to take part and support the frontliner efforts of the Philippine Red Cross from the safety of home.

Building a SAFE New Normal

In order to help achieve the ambition for a SAFE Philippines, the much-loved antibacterial soap makes it a mission to help the country adjust to a new normal. As establishments reopen, Safeguard lends a hand to various institutions by making its wide range of degerming products like soap and hand sanitizer more accessible. Beginning by making Safeguard hand soap available in mall restrooms nationwide, Safeguard calls out to different public and private spaces to collaborate and help rebuild a SAFE Philippines. Raffy Fajardo, General Manager of P&G Philippines says: “Safeguard’s mission has always been to help keep the Filipino family safe. Now, more than ever, hand washing has been at the top of Filipino’s minds, and that is where we are stepping up as a force for good. As the country reopens, I’m proud to share that Safeguard is opening its doors to partnerships that make handwashing more accessible for every Filipino. By bringing our hands together, we all work towards building a SAFE ‘New Normal’ for the Philippines.”

Together with Safeguard, we can continue to help keep the nation SAFE, free from germs and worries.

Find out more about Safeguard’s SAFE Philippines mission by sending an inquiry on Safeguard’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SafeguardPhilippines/.

 

 

Entertainment

Listen to Twenty-Nine Eleven’s take on 6cyclemind’s “I”

Filipino pop-rock outfit Twenty-Nine Eleven has finally released their remake of 6cyclemind’s “I,” off the upcoming Sige I-Cover Mo Lang Project.

The song serves as the second single of the online compilation, produced by 6cyclemind and their management Soupstar Music, and released by Sony Music Philippines.

The aforementioned tribute record aims to introduce the band’s legacy as reliable hitmakers that continue to define an entire generation’s collective consciousness.

A captivating take

Twenty-Nine Eleven’s version of the alt-rock classic was handpicked as one of the three winners of the Sige I-Cover Mo Lang Project—an initiative that encouraged fans to submit covers of their favorite songs from 6cyclemind’s catalog.

Their captivating take stands out with its earnest simplicity and delicate arrangements, giving the song a refreshing spin while maintaining the original’s timelessness and emotional appeal.

According to Fony Alfonso, the lead vocalist of the five-piece band, the song is already great on its own. “However, in order to make it sound like us, we wanted to rearrange the song and add more of our personality to it. As with all of the songs that we’ve done before, we experimented with it until we got the right ‘feel’ that we wanted to express as a band.”

An inspiration to young musicians

The independent band considers 6cyclemind as one of their inspirations. “After spending time with the members of 6cyclemind, we were able to understand that it wasn’t only their music style that made them successful, but also their perseverance in pursuing their career and passion,” guitarist Alexandre Abesamis shares. “As they’ve told us back then, there were a lot of other better and more skilled bands than them, but what made them stand out is that they never stopped playing.”

Currently, Twenty-Nine Eleven is working on new material and experimenting with various sounds and techniques culled from their individual music influences. Drummer Jerell Co adds, “Ever since high school, we were subjected to various styles and genres of music from the most dramatic love songs to the heaviest rock songs. That alone has developed the kind of music we could make now.”

Twenty-Nine Eleven’s rendition of “I” is now available on various music streaming and download platforms worldwide.
 

Food

Father’s Day with Dairy Queen’s limited-edition Basketball Ice Cream Cake

DQ Father’s Day Cake

Have you plan the perfect Father’s Day for your Dad? This year’s celebrations might be different with the things going on but you still take the time to commemorate. If you’re not able to dine out, maybe you can just surprise him by giving something.

Just like the Dairy Queen is offering a limited edition exclusive until June 22, the basketball-designed ice cream cake made especially for dads. Starting at P799, you can pick-up the cake from any Dairy Queen store or have it delivered to your home through GrabFood, FoodPanda, LalaFood, or their new delivery hotline 8911-11-11.

If you want to celebrate early? Order from GrabFood between June 15 to 19 to get P100 off for every purchase of the limited-edition Dairy Queen Father’s Basketball Day Cake.

“Make dad feel extra special with Dairy Queen’s limited-edition ice cream cake. With its fun basketball design, we’re sure that basketball dads will find this treat extra special,” Angela Cruz, Marketing Manager for Dairy Queen said.

For more information about this offer and to keep updated about Dairy Queen follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

News

Holcim advocates embedding sustainability in COVID recovery programs

Holcim Philippines’ Plan 2030 targets are designed to support the achievement of the United Nation’s Sustainability Goals.

Leading cement manufacturer Holcim Philippines, Inc.reiterated its commitment to improving environmental and social performance as it supported calls for COVID-19 recovery programs to be aligned with efforts to address larger sustainability challenges.

Holcim Philippines President and CEO John Stull: “We are determined to help where we can to ensure that new ways of doing business supports the overall efforts to preserve gains in improving the quality of life for people all over the world and build resilience against similar global challenges.”

On 20 May, over 150 global corporations released a joint statement urging governments all over the world to align socio-economic recovery programs for COVID-19 with actions that build resilience against future shocks caused by climate change. Global building solutions leader LafargeHolcim Group is among the signatories to the statement.

LafargeHolcim CEO Jan Jenisch: “At LafargeHolcim, we are going back to business firmly committed to building a healthier world together. More than ever, we want to demonstrate leadership by connecting the dots between this unprecedented health crisis and the need for a sustainable recovery.”

The Group noted that 50% of research resources are focused on low-carbon products, with 40% of patents currently in this area. Over 40 million tons of wastes were processed as Alternative Fuel and Alternative Raw Material while a third of sales were in sustainable solutions such as carbon-neutral concrete in 2019.

Lafarge Holcim’s gains in these areas were recently recognized by Sustainalytics, a global leader in environmental, social and governance risks (ESG) and corporate governance research and ratings. Sustainalytics rated LafargeHolcim as first among 101 construction materials companies and in the top 20% of all 12,000 companies assessed across all sectors.

As a member of LafargeHolcim, Holcim Philippines is committed to supporting the achievement of targets aligned with the United Nation’s Sustainability Goals. The company has made good progress in lessening the environmental footprint of operations and offerings as well as uplifting its communities.

As of 2019, Holcim Philippines has progressed in its 2030 targets of reducing carbon emissions by 40% vs. 1990 levels and freshwater withdrawal per ton of cement by 30% vs. 2015. Among the drivers of its lower emissions are its introduction of more blended cement options and use of low-carbon fuels.

Last year, Solido, a blended cement designed as a better alternative to Ordinary Portland Cement for roads and light infrastructures, sales became a significant portion of Holcim’s product mix in 2019 with its lower environmental footprint among its main selling points.

Holcim also used more than 170,000 tons of alternative fuel and alternative raw material processed from biomass and waste materials from industries. This helped the company avoid coal in cement production for 38 days leading while helping its partners manage their wastes in an eco-friendly manner.

Furthermore, corporate citizenship programs under Holcim Helps benefitted 229,170 individuals last year. With this, the company has helped more than 800,000 people since 2015, surpassing its commitment to the LafargeHolcim Group of assisting 400,000 people by 2020.