PLDT, Smart, ATRIEV empower visually impaired persons with digital training in Negros Oriental

PLDT, Smart, ATRIEV empower visually impaired persons with digital training in Negros Oriental

Friday, September 29, 2023

PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), together with non-profit organization ATRIEV, held a ten-day Android accessibility training in Dumaguete City to upskill twenty visually impaired persons from eleven municipalities in Negros Oriental.

This training seeks to help participants navigate their Android devices independently with the help of a TalkBack screen reader.

“We want to share with them the power of technology and how it can make a difference in their daily lives. Through this initiative, we also intend to provide them with the knowledge they need to establish their own businesses,” said Jaelene Cristel Mina, Master Trainer II at ATRIEV.

ATRIEV is a non-profit organization that capacitates visually impaired persons using technology-enabled assistive programs. This digital training was also conducted by visually challenged members of ATRIEV.

Participants, composed of students, working adults, and small-time business owners, were also equipped with the basics on financial management and technology for business. ATRIEV trained them on how to use digital tools and applications that they can maximize for their daily activities and businesses, such as social media, email services, editing apps, and online word processors, among others.

Kris John Santillan, 32, from Valencia City, has been visually impaired since he was in high school. He can only see with his left eye now, and it is likewise foggy. “It's my first time using my device's screen reader feature, and it has been very helpful. This training has given me a lot more confidence, especially in my job search,” he said.

To provide additional livelihood opportunities, PLDT and Smart briefed participants about online payments and how they can start their own e-loading business. They also learned about the different types of phishing and how they can protect themselves from online scammers.

“This experience has given me a deeper appreciation for technology. It dawned on me that technology should be most accessible to those who have unique circumstances, like the visually impaired, because they deserve to experience the best things life has to offer,” said Armel Malijan, head of Consumer Business Fulfilment for PLDT Negros-Siquijor Division.

The success of Dumaguete City's training program relies heavily on the crucial support from the local government unit, private institutions such as PLDT and Smart, and NGOs such as NORFIL Foundation/Liliane Fonds and Voice Philippines. These collaborative efforts are vital in ensuring the program's effectiveness and its ability to positively impact the community.

The initiative forms part of PLDT and Smart’s Infoteach program, which is aligned with the group’s commitment to help the country achieve UNSDG #10 on reducing inequality by empowering and promoting the social, economic and political inclusion of all, including persons with disabilities. It also helps underscore the PLDT Group's commitment to innovation and digital inclusion, and to assist in the government's key digitalization efforts. The PLDT Group is a founding member of the Digital Infrastructure pillar of the presidential Private Sector Advisory Council or PSAC.

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Coca-Cola PH, partners collect more than 1,000 kgs of waste in coastal cleanup in Tanza, Cavite

Coca-Cola PH, partners collect more than 1,000 kgs of waste in coastal cleanup in Tanza, Cavite

Coca-Cola Philippines, together with Plastic Bank Philippines and Lighthouse Legacy Foundation, led over 200 volunteers to collect debris and marine waste at Julugan Fish Terminal in Tanza, Cavite, on September 16, as part of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC).

Plastic Bank Philippines, ICC Philippines, Lighthouse Legacy Foundation, and the Don Bosco School of Theology were some of the organizations that joined Coca-Cola Philippines in collecting debris and marine waste during the coastal cleanup.

Employees from the Coca-Cola Philippines system, together with waste collection members of its Ecosystem Impact Program with Plastic Bank Philippines and volunteers from ICC Philippines, Lighthouse Legacy Foundation, the Local Government of Tanza, Philippine Coast Guard Cavite Chapter, and Don Bosco School of Theology collected more than 1,000 kgs of waste to help address coastal waste issues in the area.

Zed Avecilla, President of Lighthouse Legacy Foundation, commended Coca-Cola Philippines for its longstanding commitment to responsible waste management, highlighting the company's "World Without Waste" strategy that was initiated in 2018, well before the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law was enacted in the country.

Avecilla also emphasized the impact of raising awareness on the importance of managing waste to prevent them from getting into Philippine waters- through events like ICC. “What we are achieving through these events is the creation of awareness on responsible waste management and educating Filipinos about the EPR Law. In a way, we are appealing to their emotions to help the environment,” he said.

The ICC is renowned as the world's largest volunteer effort for ocean sanitation, with The Coca-Cola Company serving as a founding member of the Trash Free Seas Alliance since 1995. In partnership with its local bottling partners, the company is engaging employees, consumers, and communities in cleanups, providing resources, grants, and in-kind donations to help remove trash from beaches and waterways.

In the Philippines, Coca-Cola is doing its part to prevent marine debris through community-based initiatives like the Ecosystem Impact Program with Plastic Bank. This initiative helps build collection and recycling systems in communities to prevent plastic bottles from ending up in places where they should not be, while at the same time, empowering workers in the solid waste management sector.

Dhang Tecson, Global Director for Country Operations of Plastic Bank, thanked Coca-Cola Philippines for its annual coastal cleanup activity as well as the company’s invaluable contribution to advancing the circular economy of plastics in the Philippines. “Maganda ‘yung ginagawa ng Coca-Cola kasi hindi lang sa ating mga bahay nasisimulan ‘yung action, kundi pati sa ating komunidad(What Coca-Cola is doing is great because change doesn't just start in our homes but also in our community),” Tecson said.

Coca-Cola bottles can have many lives

Coca-Cola Philippines President Tony del Rosario emphasized that coastal cleanup activity is part of the company’s wider commitment to help tackle plastic waste. “No one wants to see empty packaging end up where it doesn’t belong. Our World Without Waste program is an ambitious global sustainable packaging strategy that aims to help drive a circular economy for our packaging in the Philippines. Together with our partners, we are making progress with still much more to do,” he said. 

Coca-Cola Philippines President Tony del Rosario reaffirms the company’s commitment to help address the plastic waste problem through the World Without Waste global sustainable strategy and the May Ikabobote Pa consumer engagement initiative

The Coca-Cola Company’s World Without Waste global sustainable packaging strategy aims to make 100% of its packaging recyclable globally by 2025, use at least 50% recycled plastic in its packaging by 2030, help collect the equivalent of every can and bottle it sells by 2030, and bring people together to support a healthy, debris-free environment.

In line with this, Coca-Cola Philippines recently introduced new bottles made from 100% recycled PET plastic (rPET) for Coca-Cola Original (190ml and 390ml) and Wilkins Pure (500ml), in addition to Sprite 500ml introduced in 2019. The company also launched "May Ikabobote Pa" a consumer engagement initiative aimed at educating people about the actions they can take around recycling. Currently, Coca-Cola Philippines is expanding its network of over 2,800 recycling drop-off points across the country to make it easier for consumers to return their empty bottles.

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Coca-Cola Philippines continues efforts to meet World Without Waste goals

Coca-Cola Philippines continues efforts to meet World Without Waste goals

Monday, September 4, 2023

Coca-Cola Philippines continues to make progress on its ambitious sustainable packaging program, World Without Waste, with significant milestones.

Since the company’s global launch of World Without Waste in 2018, Coca-Cola Philippines has rolled out a series of innovations and partnerships in the Philippines to achieve its goals by introducing packaging innovations; collaborating with different sectors to create and support existing collection hubs across the country to bring collection and recycling closer to communities; and forging strategic alliances with the government, non-government organizations, and civil society to help establish a circular economy for plastic packaging in the country.

For 2023, Coca-Cola Philippines pledges to continue serving Filipino consumers with their favorite brands of beverages while supporting communities and growing a sustainable business in the Philippines for the future. Among the company’s immediate targets is to make recycling easier and more engaging for consumers by expanding its over 2,800 waste collection hubs across the country through increased partnerships with like-minded organizations and institutions. This also includes enabling the participation of microentrepreneurs, particularly sari-sari stores, through the Tapon to Ipon and Tindahan Extra Mile Balik PET Bottle programs, to help create a community-backed circular economy of plastic packaging while promoting economic empowerment among micro-retailers.

At present, Coca-Cola Philippines has launched more than 600 Tapon to Ipon store hubs across the country. The company has also partnered with the provincial governments of Iloilo and Davao del Sur for large-scale collection of recyclable plastic bottles.

In addition, Coca-Cola Philippines helps improve the welfare of informal waste sector workers by supporting the work of social entrepreneur, Plastic Bank Philippines. The partnership has activated 38 waste collection locations and 651 collection community members in the South Luzon area and has resulted in the collection of 546,000 kilograms of post-consumer bottles for recycling since 2021.

In the Philippines and around the world, The Coca-Cola Company continues to work to create a more accessible way of recycling and working toward a more sustainable future for packaging. The global World Without Waste program is anchored on three interrelated goals: Design, Collect, and Partner.

●Design: Make 100% of its packaging recyclable globally by 2025 and use at least 50% recycled material in its packaging by 2030

● Collect: Collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle and can it sells by 2030

● Partner: Bring people together to support a healthy, debris-free environment

For more information on the sustainability initiatives of Coca-Cola Philippines, follow the company’s social media channel: @CocaColaPhilippines on Facebook and @cocacolaph on Twitter and Instagram — or visit www.coca-cola.com.ph.

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Smart ‘Creativity Camp’ inspires artistry, love for sustainability among Mindanao students

Smart ‘Creativity Camp’ inspires artistry, love for sustainability among Mindanao students

Sunday, September 3, 2023

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) helped welcome students to the school opening activities at the University of Mindanao (UM) and the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU), with its Smart Creativity Camp. The fun-filled events, run by Smart as part of a broad program to engage young people nationwide, enables students to bring out the artist in them as they learn more about sustainability.

University President Fr. Guillrey Anthony "Ernald" Andal, SJ, shared, “ADZU has been active in promoting sustainability, and one of our efforts is encouraging students to bring reusable water containers. We are happy that Smart hosted this Creativity Camp, enabling aspiring artists to personalize their water containers, showcase their creativity and learn the value of our sustainability programs at the same time.” 

Bringing their own metal beverage containers, students trooped to the colorful booths to join the camp. Using their own tumblers as canvas and art materials provided by Smart, the students personalized their beverage containers with designs that represent their passions and their vision of a sustainable future.

“Smart empowers the youth to pursue their passions. Our creativity camp allows them to express their emotions through visual arts. Through their creations, they tell us about their passion for sustainable practices,” said Melvin Consunji Nubla, FVP and Head of Smart Go-To-Market and Subscriber Management.

“Art is very important and joining this camp has enhanced my creativity. It also made me realize that we can create art using non-hazardous materials which are safe for the environment,” said 18-year-old UM Fine Arts student, Marylove Eclarinal.

To motivate students, especially those who feel intimidated handling a paintbrush, Smart invited Davao-based multi-disciplinary artist, Goldie Siglos, to hold a workshop on basic design techniques for the UM students. In Zamboanga, resident artist Bel Garcia conducted an art class for the ADZU students. With their help, the students crafted unique artworks using water-based paint and custom stickers from Smart. 

Smart will continue to roll out its Creativity Camp to more schools, to encourage more students to unleash their passion for the arts and at the same time, raise awareness on sustainability. The Smart Creativity Camp is part of the PLDT group’s broad range of activities that empowers and builds bridges of collaboration across sectors and communities towards a sustainable future.

 

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Change Make Her: The Coca-Cola Foundation Joins Forces with Microloan Platform Kiva to Support up to 45,000 Entrepreneurs Around The World Including the Philippines

Change Make Her: The Coca-Cola Foundation Joins Forces with Microloan Platform Kiva to Support up to 45,000 Entrepreneurs Around The World Including the Philippines

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

The Coca-Cola Foundation has announced its support for Change Make Her, a new five-year partnership with microloan nonprofit Kiva to improve financial access for under-represented entrepreneurs around the world.

The announcement was made at the Coca-Cola “Level the Playing Field” DEI Summit in Sydney as the company builds on its long legacy of support for the FIFA Women’s World CupTM. Coca-Cola continues to work with influential partners around the world in a broader push for progress for women and under-represented groups across business and society. 

Kiva is best-known for its global lending platform, which provides a simple way to connect lenders with borrowers through crowdfunding microfinance. This is an effective strategy to help get loans to people who would not otherwise have access to commercial bank services. 

Over the next five years, Change Make Her will act as a revolving loan fund, supporting entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia, South Pacific, Africa, Latin America and Europe across a number of impact areas, including sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, water and retail. 

Saadia Madsbjerg, president of The Coca-Cola Foundation, said repayments from borrowers will return to the fund, allowing funding to be loaned and re-loaned to borrowers around the world. This structure will allow a $1.1 million grant in 2023 to have up to a $4.5 million impact on loan volume by 2028. 

“We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with Kiva, which goes beyond traditional forms of giving,” Madsbjerg said. “By joining forces with like-minded lenders and partners from around the world, the Change Make Her fund will enable us to lend, and relend, alongside thousands of others. It is a partnership based on a shared belief in the power of access to finance to uplift communities. 

“Micro-enterprises are important contributors to job creation and global economic development,” Madsbjerg said. “We hope that in addition to directly supporting entrepreneurs, Change Make Her will create a ripple effect for generations to come as these entrepreneurs go on to create new jobs and drive prosperity in their communities.” 

Over the past 17 years, Kiva has deployed over $2 billion to 4.7 million borrowers globally, more than any other crowdfunding platform. More than 80% of Kiva loans go to women, with a 96% repayment rate. In the Philippines, Kiva has provided loans of over $185,000 or nearly P10.5M to more than 587,000 borrowers across the country.

“Kiva is honoured to partner with The Coca-Cola Foundation in expanding our work of financial access through life-changing loans,” said Vishal Ghotge, CEO of Kiva. “Together, we will be able to serve thousands more individuals than we would be able to do alone, demonstrating the collective power of value-aligned organizational partnerships. We are grateful to The Coca-Cola Foundation for its commitment and look forward to working alongside one another as we continue to advance gender equity, refugee financial inclusion, and climate-smart solutions in communities across the globe.”

Over the last four decades, The Coca-Cola Foundation has supported many economic empowerment programs across the world, including the decade-long 5by20 program, which together with The Coca-Cola Company and its bottling partners, enabled the economic empowerment of over 6 million women. 

Through the Change Make Her program, Coca-Cola employees will be able to help direct Kiva loans to entrepreneurs and directly engage in supporting The Coca-Cola Foundation’s mission. To find out more about Kiva’s platform, visit www.kiva.org. 

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P&G donates New Health Center to Improve Lives in Pastrana, Leyte

P&G donates New Health Center to Improve Lives in Pastrana, Leyte

Procter & Gamble (P&G) Philippines, the leading consumer goods manufacturer of health and hygiene products such as Safeguard, Tide, Joy, Head & Shoulders, and Oral-B, recently completed the construction of an eco-friendly health center in Pastrana, Leyte to ensure the community has access to quality health services. This marks the second health center P&G built in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Philippines.

As part of its commitment to highlighting the importance of health and hygiene to Filipinos, P&G has partnered with Habitat for Humanity Philippines to build a health center to improve access to quality health services in the community. 

"The new health center will greatly improve access to basic essential healthcare for our residents, making a profound impact on our community's well-being. We sincerely appreciate P&G's unwavering support and commitment to enhancing the lives of Filipinos by promoting the importance of health and hygiene," says Maritess Marcos, Mayor of Pastrana. “This project empowers vulnerable sectors, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens by addressing health, hygiene, and sanitation challenges while giving them access to health services”, she added.

The health center is built using eco-bricks made from 64 kilograms of plastic waste produced by the Homeowners Association of North Tacloban Eco-Hub in Kawayanville, Tacloban. The center is equipped with essential medical equipment and facilities. It serves as a vital resource for approximately 1,100 individuals, catering to their healthcare needs and giving them access to proper pre and post-natal care for pregnant women as the center features accredited birthing, labor, and treatment rooms. 

"We are grateful for the support of partners like P&G in providing much-needed health centers for Filipinos in rural areas. The community in Pastrana can now have improved access to quality health care and services," said Lala Baldelovar, Chief Development Officer of Habitat for Humanity Philippines.

For over 87 years, P&G has remained steadfast in its dedication to supporting Filipinos by promoting health and hygiene through its products, partnerships, business, and investments. In April 2021, P&G built its first health center in partnership with Habitat for Humanity in Marilog, Davao to improve the lives of nearly 2,000 individuals in Barangay Baganihan by implementing a comprehensive health and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) program. The project also focused on educating marginalized and vulnerable groups about health, hygiene, and sanitation. In addition to training sessions and workshops, P&G also provided hygiene kits containing its trusted products from well-loved brands such as Safeguard, Tide, and Whisper to promote proper hygiene.

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Pru Life UK, Prudence Foundation partner with ASSIST for Project Padayon

Pru Life UK, Prudence Foundation partner with ASSIST for Project Padayon

Sunday, August 20, 2023

Gizelle Camua, Pru Life UK Vice President of Community Investment and Advocacy (3rd from left), Francis Macatulad, ASSIST Executive Director (2nd from right) and the ASSIST team is joined by Bantayan, Cebu Mayor Arthur Despi 3rd from right) during the Padayon Bantayan Island launch.

Leading life insurer Pru Life UK and Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential plc in Asia and Africa, have joined hands with the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) for Project Padayon Bantayan Island.

The project which is funded by Prudence Foundation’s COVID-19 Recovery Grant aims to help uplift the lives of residents of Bantayan Island, Cebu through a series of community-based training and development programs.

“We’ve been supporting the Bantayan Island community for almost a decade now and we are happy to see how it has grown. With Project Padayon, we are positive that it will bring transformative improvements, enabling the residents to thrive in multiple aspects of their lives,’’ says Marc Fancy, Executive Director, Prudence Foundation. 

Project Padayon will run from 11 July to 1 December 2023 and include workshops focused on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) empowerment, family health and nutrition, jobs and careers, disaster risk preparedness, and climate change resilience. Participants will receive modules that will be cascaded to up to 2,000 students and community members. 

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner once more with Pru Life UK and Prudence Foundation. This partnership aims to empower the residents of Bantayan Island through a comprehensive learning program that will touch on different topics like financial well-being, health, and disaster resilience to help them prepare for the future,’’ says Francis Macatulad, Executive Director, ASSIST. 

The project will culminate with an appreciation and recognition program in December, followed by a Pamaskong Handog with Habitat for Humanity communities that Pru Life UK and Prudence Foundation helped build after typhoon Yolanda

Transforming lives in Bantayan Island

The project was launched at Beach Placid Resort in Santa Fe, Cebu and was attended by local government unit representatives and community leaders of Bantayan Island. 

“We are happy to be back in Bantayan Island and see familiar faces. At Pru Life UK, it is our mission to help Filipinos get the most out of life. This project is a big opportunity for us to fulfill our commitment to help Filipinos lead healthier and wealthier lives,’’ says Gizelle Camua, Vice President for Community Investment and Advocacy, Pru Life UK. 

Close to 100 micro-entrepreneurs joined a workshop with the theme “MSME Empowerment.” Attendees received modules on business management, finance, and digital marketing materials, which will also be cascaded to 1,000 other micro-entrepreneurs. They also learned best practices from young local entrepreneurs that shared their real-life experiences.

In addition, over 80 mothers with their newborns were given free PRUMedCare Select Infectious Disease coverage plan as part of the PRUBabies campaign. The coverage offers cash assistance for diagnosis and death due to any of the four common types of infectious diseases: dengue, typhoid, measles, and malaria.

Propelling impactful conversations

Project Padayon is a continuing initiative rooted in Pru Life UK and Prudence Foundation’s commitment to developing Filipino lives through impactful conversations on the importance of financial literacy and health awareness.

Pru Life UK has been actively involved in aiding Bantayan Island since 2013 by means of humanitarian initiatives, including gift-giving programs, the provision of essential food packages, and the establishment of water supply networks alongside the deployment of portable ultrasound machines.

The same year, Pru Life UK and Prudence Foundation launched Build Better Now. The project brought PRUVolunteers all over Asia and the United Kingdom to build 126 disaster-resilient homes and disseminate 183 motorized boats with fishing nets and 140 cycle pedicabs to Yolanda survivors on the island.

Build Better Now ran until 2017 and earned the Award of Merit under the Communications Management – Corporate Social Responsibility category.

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Seniors in Cebu join PLDT, Smart and PNPh’s Digital Literacy and Mental Health Awareness Training

Seniors in Cebu join PLDT, Smart and PNPh’s Digital Literacy and Mental Health Awareness Training

 PLDT Inc. and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have partnered with the local government of Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City, and Passerelles numériques Philippines (PNPh) in upskilling over 200 senior citizens on basic smartphone usage, internet safety, and mental health awareness. 

“We see these training sessions as a way to include and empower our senior citizens in knowing how to navigate the path toward modernization. At PLDT and Smart, we do not only seek to continuously innovate our services, but we also work to guide our senior citizens, who are among our most vulnerable customers. This is also one of our ways to ensure that no one gets left behind in an increasingly digital world,” said Marylou Gocotano, PLDT and Smart Stakeholder Management Visayas Relations Head. 

Further, over 100 student-scholars from PNPh have participated in the training to guide senior participants on digital literacy, covering topics on basic parts of smartphones, social media applications, surfing the internet through search engines, cybersecurity, and identity theft. 

"Thank you PLDT and Smart for organizing this initiative for our senior citizens in Lapu-Lapu City. We are lucky that we are not the only ones caring for our senior citizens, but we also have private institutions like PLDT, Smart, and PNPh that have programs that will enable them to adapt and make use of digital technologies today," said Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard "Ahong" Chan. 

“Our senior citizens have already adjusted to the modern world and teaching them how to use modern devices such as smartphones will prevent them from being easily scammed. Thank you PLDT, Smart, and PNPh for partnering with Cebu City LGU for such a wonderful advocacy,” said Atty. Paolo Manit, Office of Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA), Cebu City. 

This initiative to equip seniors with digital literacy and internet safety training to improve their quality of life, and to underscore the importance of mental health in today’s digital age through its Better Today PH platform, are aligned with the group’s digital inclusion and digital wellness thrusts. 

It also helps underscore the PLDT Group's commitment to assist in the government's key digitalization efforts. The PLDT Group is a founding member of the Digital Infrastructure pillar of the presidential Private Sector Advisory Council or PSAC.

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Ronald McDonald House Charities Builds Small Houses for Big Dreams

Ronald McDonald House Charities Builds Small Houses for Big Dreams

Sunday, August 6, 2023

Early childhood development is an essential part of a child’s growth that starts at home and is further strengthened in schools and community centers. Since 2002, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philippines, Inc. (RMHC) has recognized that not all Filipino children have equal access to opportunities that support their development and have since remained committed to supporting early child development in local communities in need. 

Laying Foundations for a Brighter, Happier Tomorrow

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), McDonald’s Philippines’ charity of choice, has been building learning centers known as the Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit across the country to support communities by providing safe spaces where children can learn and play. Every Bahay Bulilit is open to low-income families, offering a place where parents can entrust their children with accredited daycare workers, ensuring the children engage in age-appropriate learning activities and play.

“Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit is one of our flagship programs that bring to life RMHC’s mission of supporting Filipino children’s need for shelter, education, and happiness. We are grateful for the support of McDonald’s Philippines, our government, and community partners in forging a better, brighter, and happier tomorrow for the kids,” said Marie Angeles, Executive Director of RMHC.

Each Bahay Bulilit is a collaboration wherein RMHC through McDonald’s Philippines, constructs the learning center, the LGU donates the land where the learning center is built, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provides trained and capable social workers to ensure the quality of the children’s learning. This way, parents are assured that their children’s welfare and safety are prioritized.

A Cradle of Hope and Light

More than a daycare center, each Bahay Bulilit answers a community’s need for safe spaces where their children can learn and socialize. The learning centers are carefully built to incorporate facilities that contribute to the learning experience of around 90-100 children on average per learning center.

The primary feature of a Bahay Bulilit is the Learner’s Area where children are taught basic lectures on values and ethics. A Reading Corner is also placed inside the learning center to encourage early appreciation for reading where children get to read interesting stories with the help of the social workers.

While in the Play Corner, children are encouraged to have fun, express creativity, and learn to make friends among their peers. Basic hygiene is also taught among little ones through the help of the Handwash Area and separate comfort rooms for boys and girls.

Being a “house for the little ones”, the Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit enriches and cradles big dreams that grant underserved Filipino children the chance to receive quality childhood education that is critical in their formative years.

On to a brighter future

In a span of 2 decades, RMHC now has opened 38 active Bahay Bulilit learning centers nationwide and has supported over 78,500 Filipino children to date. Celebrating its most recent turnover last July 31, 2023, RMHC has opened its doors to another Bahay Bulilit at Brgy. Alapan 1-A, Imus, Cavite.

McDonald’s Philippines is always actively searching for ways to be a step ahead in helping the communities they serve. Through the quick service restaurant giant’s support, RMHC aims to open its third Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit within the year in San Fernando, Pampanga. The location of each learning center is strategically decided based on the needs of the community as well as the recommendation of the local government.

“As a company with a mission to create feel-good moments for all, McDonald’s Philippines recognizes its responsibility and ability to make a positive impact in communities. We are committed to support RMHC in building a brighter future for Filipino children through learning,” said Margot Torres, McDonald’s Philippines’ Managing Director.

To learn about Ronald McDonald House Charities or RMHC Philippines and how to help, visit www.rmhc.org.ph

To learn more about McDonald’s Philippines, visit www.mcdonalds.com.ph, McDo.ph on Facebook, @mcdo_ph on Instagram, @McDo_PH on Twitter.

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LRMC champions safety thru KaligtaSakay; partners with various schools

LRMC champions safety thru KaligtaSakay; partners with various schools

Friday, June 16, 2023

LRT-1 private operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) is going the extra mile as it extends efforts in fostering a safe environment not just for LRT-1 employees and passengers, but also for the communities that LRT-1 serves. LRMC recently sealed a Memorandum of Understanding with various educational institutions in Pasay City as the launch partners for its safety education program, dubbed as “KaligtaSakay.”

LRMC is piloting a 1-year partnership with Marcela Marcelo Elementary School (MMES), Philippine National School for the Blind (PNSB), and Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) for the implementation of a safety education program composed of modules on health and safety trainings, emergency preparedness, hazards mapping, and commuter etiquette.

The partnership was recently sealed and was led by LRMC Head of Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ) Department Dr. Louernie F. De Sales; MMES Principal IV Reynaldo L. Yakit; PSD Officer-in-Charge Principal Shery P. Funcion; PNSB Special School Principal I Corazon B. Salvador; and Pasay City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Supervising Administrative Officer Ronald Rae Salvador.

LRMC HSEQ Head Dr. Louernie F. De Sales shares, “Safety is a way of life and a fundamental value in LRMC. This is the mindset across the organization that we would like to share with our partner communities and schools. We aim to share our best-in-class safety programs being implemented at our LRT-1 depot and stations to deepen our understanding of each other’s needs in addressing safety concerns, as well as create an inclusive and supportive environment inside and outside the classrooms. By instilling safety early on, we are equipping our future generations with the right discipline.”

“Disaster preparedness is a team effort according to Eric Whitaker; the reason why MMES has teamed up with the LRMC to work together for a better implementation of Disaster Risk Reduction Management programs of the school,” says MMES Principal IV Reynaldo L. Yakit.

PSD Officer-in-Charge Principal Shery P. Funcion shares, “The entire Philippine School for the Deaf family is very delighted to have this partnership with LRMC. This engagement strengthens our advocacy on inclusive community. This is a great opportunity to ensure that equal provisions in terms of social services are provided to our Deaf community especially making a comprehensive safe leaning environment for our dear learners.”

“Through the initiative of the Light Rail Manila Corporation, inclusivity is being felt with this kind of partnership, and undertaking the safety of our learners who are visually impaired will be ensured. Thank you for being a part of this exemplary service. Mabuhay LRMC!,” says PNSB Special School Principal I Corazon B. Salvador.

This project is a testament to LRMC’s initiative of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable anchored on United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 which offers opportunities for all to contribute to the betterment of the society. It also aims to support the Department of Education (DepEd)’s Adopt-a-School Program, wherein private entities provide assistance and services to different public schools. LRMC looks forward to the successful roll-out of the ”KaligtaSakay” program to more schools and cities.

For more updates and info on the LRT-1, follow LRMC on Facebook at facebook.com/officialLRT1, Twitter at @officialLRT1, or download the ikotMNL mobile app for free on Google Play and App Store.

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Turning Plastic into School Chairs: CitySavings supports public schools through sustainable practices

Turning Plastic into School Chairs: CitySavings supports public schools through sustainable practices

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

City Savings Bank (CitySavings), the thrift bank subsidiary of the Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank), makes supporting public schools more sustainable through its initiative, Turning Plastic into School Chairs.

Spearheaded by the Bank’s Branch Operations and Human Resources teams, the goal was to collect as much plastic waste from the employees in a month. The recycling drive gathered almost 2,000 kilograms of waste plastic from CitySavings branches and corporate offices nationwide. These were then turned over to Envirotech Waste Recycling Inc, a company based in Davao City, which produced the school chairs, each made out of 30 kilograms of plastic waste, at a discounted rate.

CitySavings Human Resources Head Hannah Contreras shared, "We are proud of our CitySavings Bankers for their all-out support as sustainability stewards. The success of this initiative clearly showed how the spirit of Ubuntu moved us to connect and partner with our stakeholders and communities to minimize our impact on the environment for a better and more sustainable future. This is employee engagement and sustainability in action.”

PITCHING IN PLASTICS: CitySavings Bankers donate their plastic waste to produce sustainable school chairs. The recycling drive gathered almost 2,000 kilograms across branches and corporate offices. 

A total of 50 chairs were produced and donated to the beneficiaries, Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. Central Elementary School in Davao City and Tunasan National High School in Muntinlupa City in support of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Matatag agenda to supplement basic education facilities and services. 

During the turnover ceremony, Principal Dr. Ador Querubin mentioned, “Our school population has grown from 6,000 to 9,000 students in the past few years. With this, there is a need to increase the number of facilities to be used by our learners at Tunasan National High School. These sustainably produced chairs donated by CitySavings will not just help 25 students, but generations of students to come.” Principal Querubin also highlighted how sustainable practices can make the learning environment more conducive and comfortable for students.

SUSTAINABLY PRODUCED CHAIRS: Students from Tunasan National High School try out the chairs made from recycled plastics donated by City Savings Bank.

In Davao City, Principal Riza Lobitos of Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. Central Elementary School was grateful for the donation. “We are very excited to use these unique and sustainably produced chairs given to us by our partners from CitySavings. We will have them in our Reading Village and Reading Kiosk to help encourage our students to read more.” The school pledged to support the continuation of this initiative by collecting more empty plastic bottles so CitySavings and its partner can produce more chairs.

CONDUCIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT: The warm smiles from teachers of Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. Central Elementary School in Davao City as they receive 25 sustainably produced chairs from City Savings Bank for the school’s reading kiosk.

As CitySavings incorporates sustainability practices into its operations, the Bank commits to #BEESustainable by continuing its sustainability-driven initiatives that further support our educators and learners while significantly helping the environment. Principal Lobitos summed it all up as she closed her thanksgiving message during the turnover, “Alam niyo na kung saan kayo lalapit kung nangangailangan kayo. Nandiyan lagi ang CitySavings para tumulong (You know who to turn to when you’re in need. CitySavings is always ready to help.)”.

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Coca-Cola Philippines expands partnership with Plastic Bank PH, accelerates collection and recycling in Laguna

Coca-Cola Philippines expands partnership with Plastic Bank PH, accelerates collection and recycling in Laguna

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Coca-Cola Philippines continues to strengthen its partnerships with like-minded organizations to help address the issue of plastic waste in the country. As part of its efforts, the company has expanded the Ecosystem Impact Program in partnership with Plastic Bank Philippines, a social enterprise that builds collection and recycling ecosystems in communities to prevent ocean-bound plastic waste.

Since the program began operations in Cavite in 2021, it has now expanded to Laguna, with nine new partner shops on board, adding to a total of 15 recyclable wastes collection branches within Coca-Cola Philippines and Plastic Bank's program areas. Furthermore, over 160 new waste collection members have joined the Plastic Bank ecosystem, bringing the total number of members to 600. These new additions to the ecosystem have helped scale the collection of the Program.

"Together with our partner, Plastic Bank Philippines, we are delighted to see the expansion of the Plastic Bank Ecosystem in Laguna. At Coca-Cola, we recognize our responsibility in helping address the global plastic waste problem, and we remain committed to growing our collection and recycling efforts across the nation, in collaboration with partners and communities," said Atty. Cashmer Dirampaten, Director for Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability of Coca-Cola Franchise East Region.

Through the Coca-Cola Philippines and Plastic Bank Ecosystem Impact Program, partner branches, such as junk shops, are given access to tools and equipment for efficient waste collection, such as sacks, branch uniforms, weighing scales, and shop signages. In addition, members are also provided with training sessions on financial and business literacy, operations management, and health and sanitation. The Program also teaches them how to use the Plastic Bank app, which assists shop owners in tracking collections and sharing their waste collection impact online and at the same time provides ease of access to receive useful information and other benefits from the Program.

Roving waste collection members gather recyclable plastic from households, businesses, and other waste generating sources in the communities and bring the material to partner collection branches. They are the important link or the intermediaries between waste generators and recycling facilities playing a crucial role in the country’s waste management system by helping increase the recycling rate and reducing landfill waste.

The Program’s waste collection members bring the plastic waste to partner collection branches and receive an above-market rate for collected plastic, which is convertible into cash or digital tokens that can be used for health, work and life insurance, digital connectivity, and social and fintech services.

Gidget Velez, Chief Supply and Countries Officer of Plastic Bank, expressed gratitude for the continuously growing 3-year relationship with Coca-Cola Philippines. “Plastic pollution is a major crisis that affects all life on Earth. It requires the collective effort of all humanity to address this issue. We thank Coca-Cola Philippines for being part of our mission to stop ocean plastic and alleviate poverty for three years. Now that we opened a new ecosystem in Laguna, our journey together will create an even bigger impact for our planet and our society.”

The Coca-Cola Philippines and Plastic Bank Ecosystem Impact Program intends to empower and equip local junk shops to be able to independently sustain their waste collection ecosystems moving forward, through livelihood opportunities, social and financial benefits, and acceleration of collection capacity and processes. With this growing partnership with Plastic Bank, Coca-Cola Philippines remains committed to its World Without Waste vision and to helping create a sustainable packaging future for Filipinos.

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