Holcim Circular Explorer Wins ESG Award

Holcim Circular Explorer Wins ESG Award

Thursday, September 25, 2025

Holcim’s Circular Explorer Wins Silver at ESG Edge Impact Awards 2025

Sustainability took center stage at the inaugural Inquirer ESG Edge Impact Awards 2025, and Holcim Philippines emerged as one of the standout winners. The company’s Circular Explorer, a first-of-its-kind solar-powered catamaran that tackles marine plastic pollution, bagged the Silver Prize for Waste Management & Responsible Consumption, Production, and Manufacturing under the Environment category. This recognition is not just a win for Holcim but also a milestone for the Philippines’ fight for a greener, more circular future.

Celebrating ESG Champions

The Inquirer ESG Edge Impact Awards, organized by the Inquirer Group of Companies (IGC), shines a spotlight on organizations advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. Held at the Inquirer Media Resource Plaza in Makati, the awards recognized projects that prove sustainability and innovation go hand in hand.

Holcim’s Circular Explorer stood out for its pioneering efforts in promoting circularity. More than just a cleanup vessel, the catamaran doubles as a hub for collaboration between industries, government agencies, and local communities.

Circular Explorer: More Than a Vessel

Unlike traditional marine clean-up initiatives, the Circular Explorer goes beyond simply collecting plastic. It runs on solar power, recovers waste from waterways, and sparks conversations about responsible consumption. By promoting education, innovation, and systemic change, the project aims to inspire long-term environmental solutions across the country.

Nathalie Inductivo, OIC-Sustainability Manager and Project Coordinator of Circular Explorer, shared that the award is a powerful motivation: “The Circular Explorer embodies Holcim’s commitment to sustainability, and this recognition drives us to continue accelerating solutions for a greener, more circular Philippines.”

Collaboration for a Sustainable Future

The awards are part of the broader advocacy of the Asia ESG Positive Impact Consortium (A-EPIC), co-founded by IGC alongside Malaysia’s Star Media Group and Indonesia’s KG Media. Together, these organizations are building regional momentum around sustainability through education, engagement, and community-driven action.

Holcim’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Jill Iris Ramos, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility: “With the Circular Explorer, we aim to show that collective action can protect marine ecosystems and inspire communities to adopt sustainable practices.”

A Win for the Planet

This recognition not only highlights Holcim’s role in advancing the country’s sustainability agenda but also encourages more organizations to embrace circular solutions. By combining technology, education, and community action, projects like the Circular Explorer prove that meaningful environmental impact is possible when stakeholders work together.

The Circular Explorer’s success at the ESG Edge Awards is a timely reminder that sustainability is not a buzzword—it’s a call to action. For Filipinos who care about protecting our seas and ensuring a healthier environment for future generations, this project is proof that innovation and collaboration can make real change happen.

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PSBank Celebrates 65 Years of Banking

PSBank Celebrates 65 Years of Banking

PSBank Marks 65 Years of Simple, Reliable Banking for Filipinos

Not many banks can say they’ve grown alongside Filipino families for six and a half decades. This year, Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) celebrates its 65th anniversary, a milestone that highlights its enduring promise of “Simple lang. Maaasahan.” From its very first branch in Plaza Miranda in 1960 to its digital-first services today, PSBank has been a trusted partner in making everyday banking easier and more accessible.

From Plaza Miranda to Nationwide Growth

When PSBank opened its first branch in Quiapo, Manila—the heart of commerce at the time—banking was a tedious process filled with paperwork and limited only to big business districts. PSBank changed that by offering services ordinary families could access, making it a trailblazer in inclusive banking.

Over the years, it stayed true to its brand of simplicity and reliability, guided by malasakit—a uniquely Filipino value of genuine care. This philosophy continues to drive its growth across 250 branches and more than 500 ATMs nationwide.

Innovations That Put Customers First

Staying relevant in an increasingly digital world, PSBank has consistently introduced customer-friendly innovations:

PSBank Mobile App – open a savings account anytime, anywhere, with no minimum deposit and no maintaining balance.

Digital Onboarding – just a valid ID, a smartphone, and a selfie are enough to start banking.

Cardless Withdrawal – withdraw cash from any PSBank ATM without a physical card.

Mobile Check Deposit – a convenient way to clear checks digitally.

Online Loan Applications – apply for car or personal loans anytime through their website.

These innovations are designed to make financial services more inclusive, helping Filipinos manage their money with ease and confidence.

Strong Performance and Reliability

PSBank’s focus on customer-centric solutions has also fueled its financial success. In 2024, the bank posted a net income of ₱5.21 billion, its highest ever, marking a 15% increase from the previous year. More than the numbers, PSBank remains a key partner in helping Filipinos finance their homes, vehicles, and small businesses.

As PSBank President Jose Vicente L. Alde shared, the 65th anniversary is about honoring customer trust and looking ahead to a future where banking remains simple, reliable, and meaningful.

The Future of Simple Banking

Looking forward, PSBank plans to further strengthen its lending business in auto, home, and SME loans, while enhancing operational efficiency and digital processes. Whether through branch banking, digital platforms, or 24/7 customer support, PSBank is committed to giving Filipinos fast, reliable, and caring service.

From passbooks and long queues in the 1960s to today’s instant digital transactions, PSBank has stood the test of time as a true partner in every Filipino’s financial journey. As it enters its 66th year, PSBank proves that banking doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs to be reliable.

If you’re looking for a dependable banking partner that understands your needs, PSBank remains one of the most trusted names in the industry.

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Manila Hotel Wins Tourism Pillar Award

Manila Hotel Wins Tourism Pillar Award

The Manila Hotel Wins Tourism Pillar Excellence Award at Philippine Tourism Awards

When you think of iconic Filipino hospitality, one name always comes to mind: The Manila Hotel. Recently, this legendary landmark received the Tourism Pillar Excellence Award at the first-ever Philippine Tourism Awards organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT). The recognition highlights more than a century of service, heritage, and innovation—qualities that continue to shape the country’s tourism industry.

A Recognition of Heritage and Excellence

The Department of Tourism, under Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, launched the inaugural Philippine Tourism Awards to honor institutions and individuals that have set the standard for excellence, sustainability, and innovation in Philippine tourism. Among the distinguished awardees, The Manila Hotel stood out for its pivotal role in shaping tourism and preserving Filipino hospitality for generations.

Marvin Kim Tan, Vice President for Sales and Marketing of The Manila Hotel, expressed pride in receiving the award, saying it reaffirms the belief that true hospitality is found in memorable experiences—from a heartfelt welcome to personalized service at every step of a guest’s stay.

More Than a Century of Filipino Hospitality

Since opening its doors in 1912, The Manila Hotel has been a witness to Philippine history and a host to countless distinguished guests, from world leaders to local luminaries. With over 500 rooms, 22 function rooms, and celebrated dining outlets like Café Ilang-Ilang and the Champagne Room, the hotel continues to be a venue where tradition meets modern luxury.

Its location beside Kilometer Zero in Rizal Park also makes it a cultural gateway—just steps away from Intramuros and the National Museums. Beyond lodging, the property offers wellness facilities, a Heritage Museum, and an Art Gallery that celebrate both the past and the present of Filipino artistry.

A Symbol of Filipino Pride

The Tourism Pillar Excellence Award is more than just a plaque for the hotel’s walls—it is a testament to its enduring mission to be the “true heart of the Philippines.” For Filipinos, this recognition is a reminder that our hospitality is not just service, but a legacy we share with the world.

For anyone looking to experience world-class service infused with Filipino warmth, The Manila Hotel remains a must-visit destination. Whether for staycations, events, or simply enjoying its historic ambiance, this award-winning institution continues to set the gold standard for Philippine tourism.

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Visa Pushes xPay Adoption in the Philippines with Banking Workshop

Visa Pushes xPay Adoption in the Philippines with Banking Workshop

Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay set to change the way Filipinos pay

Cashless payments in the Philippines continue to grow at a rapid pace, with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reporting that digital transactions already make up more than half of retail payments. Riding on this momentum, Visa Philippines is preparing banks for the next big step: the adoption of xPays—digital wallets like Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay.

Through a recently held enablement workshop, Visa worked with partners across Southeast Asia, including Google Southeast Asia, Vietcombank, and Starbucks Vietnam, to share global best practices on how banks can successfully integrate and scale these payment solutions for the local market.

What xPay Means for Filipinos

Unlike traditional e-wallets, xPays don’t store funds. Instead, they link directly to your existing credit, debit, or e-money accounts. Once you add your Visa card to Google Pay, Apple Pay, or Samsung Pay, you can tap and pay in stores, online, or through apps without pulling out your physical card.

The best part? Every tap is backed by Visa’s advanced security, giving Filipinos both convenience and peace of mind.

How Visa Makes Payments Safer

A major innovation behind these digital wallets is tokenization. Each time a Visa card is added to an xPay, the real card number is replaced with a unique digital token. This token, along with a dynamic cryptogram, is used to approve every transaction. The result? Your actual account number is never exposed to merchants or stored on your device—dramatically reducing the risk of fraud.

Visa has already issued over 10 billion tokens globally and enables 1.5 million merchants daily through its Visa Token Service (VTS). In 2023 alone, VTS drove a US$2 billion uplift for Asia Pacific merchants, while cutting payment fraud by more than 58%.

Global Learnings, Local Application

During the workshop, leaders from across the region discussed how xPays are shaping consumer behavior.

Nguyen Hong Thanh of Vietcombank shared how Vietnamese consumers embraced xPays since their rollout (Google Pay and Samsung Pay in 2022, Apple Pay in 2023).

Google’s TG Ramakrishnan highlighted strategic opportunities for banks to partner with tech providers.

Starbucks Vietnam’s Nguyen Bao Tram showcased how retailers benefit from seamless mobile payments.

Visa Philippines Country Manager Jeffrey Navarro noted that digital wallets amplify Visa’s mission: “Each tap is protected by Visa’s network token technology, ensuring trust and security while advancing the Philippines’ digital payments landscape.” He emphasized that Visa is committed to supporting the BSP’s financial inclusion goals by enabling Filipinos to “pay and be paid with confidence.”

The Philippines’ growing digital economy makes xPays timely. According to Visa research, 97% of Asia Pacific travelers prefer to bring cards, while only 17% bring foreign currency. Yet, 44% of travelers in the Philippines still experience payment challenges such as merchant non-acceptance.

With xPays, these barriers can be reduced, improving the experience for both locals and international visitors. As digital retail payments in the country already account for 57.4% of transactions, the adoption of xPays will push the nation closer to the BSP’s 70% target by 2028.

The arrival of Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay in the Philippines is more than just a tech upgrade—it’s a step towards a more inclusive, seamless, and secure cashless society. For Filipinos who are always on the go, these solutions promise convenience at every tap. Keep an eye out for your bank’s announcements, because the next time you shop or travel, you may not even need to carry your wallet.

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HONOR and Alibaba Partner on AI Mobile Ecosystem

HONOR and Alibaba Partner on AI Mobile Ecosystem

A New Chapter in AI-Powered Smartphones

Artificial intelligence is no longer just a buzzword—it’s the future of how we live, work, and interact with technology. Two industry giants, HONOR and Alibaba, have officially signed a landmark strategic cooperation agreement in Hangzhou, China, with the goal of transforming mobile experiences through deep cloud-device AI integration.

This partnership aims to push the boundaries of what AI can do on smartphones, from personalized services to next-level convenience in everyday life.

What the Collaboration Covers

The cooperation between HONOR and Alibaba is multi-faceted and systematic, focusing on three key areas:

AI Agent Ecosystems – Creating intelligent services and applications across travel, tourism, e-commerce, mobile office, lifestyle, and entertainment.

AI Models and Capabilities – Joint development using Alibaba’s Qwen open-source model, tailored for on-device AI, multimodal experiences, and scenario-specific improvements.

MaaS (Model-as-a-Service) – Advancing text, image, video, and voice AI capabilities, and exploring new ways to integrate on-device and cloud models seamlessly.

By combining HONOR’s expertise in hardware and operating systems with Alibaba’s large-scale AI and service ecosystems, the partnership promises a globally leading “cloud-device integrated” experience.

Why This Matters to Users

The collaboration will bring AI beyond research labs and into everyday life. Through Alibaba’s multi-cloud platform (MCP), services like Ele.me (food delivery), Damai (ticketing), and Taopiaopiao (movie tickets) will be integrated into HONOR devices, giving users faster, smarter, and more efficient access to services.

This means that from ordering food to booking concert tickets, AI-powered agents will make tasks quicker, smoother, and more personalized.

The HONOR Magic8 Series: A Glimpse of the Future

The upcoming HONOR Magic8 Series is set to be the brand’s first AI-native smartphone, embedding many of the features and services born from this collaboration. Designed as a self-evolving AI device, it will showcase what’s possible when cloud intelligence and device capabilities converge.

The HONOR–Alibaba partnership signals how AI-driven industrial transformation is reshaping the tech landscape. With both companies leveraging their strengths in AI models, services, and ecosystems, this collaboration is more than just a business deal—it’s a vision for how AI can redefine mobile life.

For Filipino consumers and businesses, this reflects a growing global trend: devices are no longer just tools but intelligent partners that can support lifestyle, work, and commerce in ways that were once unimaginable.

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Gawad Madiskarte Marks Five Years of Celebrating Filipina Mompreneurs

Gawad Madiskarte Marks Five Years of Celebrating Filipina Mompreneurs

A Movement Rooted in Heart, Hustle, and Community

When the pandemic pushed many Filipinas to find new ways of supporting their families, a movement was born. What began as a lifeline has now flourished into one of the largest communities of women entrepreneurs in the country. This year, PLDT Home and Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH) are celebrating five years of empowering mompreneurs through training, mentorship, and a thriving network of support.

With over 215,000 members and 25,000 mompreneurs trained since its inception, MMPH has become more than just a group—it’s a sisterhood of women building businesses that uplift families and strengthen communities.

Gawad Madiskarte: More Than an Awards Show

At the heart of this milestone celebration is the 4th Gawad Madiskarte, an annual recognition that honors exceptional mompreneurs who embody leadership, innovation, and compassion. Beyond trophies and titles, the awards serve as a powerful stage where inspiring women are seen, heard, and celebrated.

As PLDT COO and Technology Head Butch Jimenez emphasized, mompreneurs excel in three important arenas—home, self, and business. “At PLDT, we believe in the power of community, and our Madiskarte Moms exemplify this through their dedication and innovation.”

Categories That Celebrate Purpose and Impact

This year’s Gawad Madiskarte will once again honor inspiring women under two divisions:

Start-Up Mompreneurs – for businesses running at least six months

Scale-Up Mompreneurs – for businesses operating 13 months or more and DTI/BIR-registered

Core awards include:

Diskarteng Angat – for growth and innovation

Diskarteng May Puso – for social good and community impact

Diskarteng Eco-Friendly – for sustainability and environmental stewardship

Special recognitions also highlight digital creativity, peer recognition, and leadership icons.

Stories of Triumph That Inspire

Last year’s Diskarteng Angat – Scale-Up Division Award went to Heidie Ricca del Rosario, founder of HTP Clothing, who transformed a preloved clothing business into a thriving fashion brand employing community seamstresses.

Reflecting on her win, Del Rosario shared that the awards validated the hard work behind every business run by a mother. “Gawad Madiskarte allows us mompreneurs to be seen, heard, and celebrated. It fills our hearts to know the awards recognize that behind every successful business is a mom who made it happen.”

How to Join the 4th Gawad Madiskarte

Filipina mompreneurs with inspiring stories and impactful businesses are invited to apply for this year’s awards. Winners will receive cash prizes, capital support, and national recognition to help scale their ventures.

Application Deadline: November 15, 2025

Apply through the Madiskarte Moms PH Facebook Group or the official MMPH website.

Mompreneurs are not only running businesses—they are redefining success by weaving purpose, resilience, and compassion into every venture. Gawad Madiskarte proves that when Filipina moms are empowered, they don’t just change their families’ lives; they transform communities and contribute to nation-building.

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TP and TESDA Launch Near-Hire Training in Negros

TP and TESDA Launch Near-Hire Training in Negros

Bridging Education and Employment in the Philippines

The IT-BPM industry continues to be one of the country’s strongest job creators—but many near-hires still struggle to meet industry standards for communication and customer engagement. Recognizing this challenge, TP in the Philippines (Teleperformance) has partnered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to roll out the Near-Hire Communication Training Program in Negros Occidental.

This initiative, registered under TESDA’s Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) framework, ensures that young professionals are not just trained but industry-ready—equipped with the practical skills to succeed in customer service roles.

What the Training Program Offers

The 10-day, TESDA-accredited course is designed to prepare near-hires for potential careers at TP while strengthening the local talent pipeline. The curriculum features two modules:

Communication 101 – Builds technical articulation, pronunciation, grammar, thought organization, and conversational confidence.

Call Center 101 – Prepares trainees for the contact center environment through call flows, scripting, active listening, empathy, and problem-solving.

By focusing on both technical and practical aspects, the program immerses participants in the realities of the customer service sector, setting them up for long-term success.

Voices from the Partnership

Jeffrey Johnson, Chief People Officer of TP in the Philippines, emphasized that the program is more than skills training. “This program goes beyond skills training, giving students a tangible gateway as they step into meaningful careers in the IT-BPM industry.”

TESDA also underscored the significance of enterprise partnerships. Director General Jose Francisco Benitez noted that EBET allows companies to directly shape the skills of future workers. “Enterprises can now dictate what skills and competences they need, and TESDA now needs to respond flexibly to the demands of today’s complex world of work.”

Meanwhile, Niña Connie Dodd, TESDA Negros Island Region Interim Regional Director, described the partnership as EBET in motion, bringing to life TESDA’s vision of an empowered, work-ready youth.

Customer service remains one of the most dynamic career paths in the Philippines, particularly in provinces like Negros Occidental where new opportunities can uplift families and local communities. By collaborating with Bacolod City College and TESDA, TP demonstrates how government, academe, and private industry can work together to provide more accessible pathways to employment.

This program is not just about landing jobs—it’s about building confidence, careers, and stronger communities.

The Bigger Picture

The Near-Hire Communication Training Program reaffirms TP’s reputation as one of the country’s top employers while showcasing TESDA’s ability to evolve with industry demands. For young Filipinos seeking careers in IT-BPM, this program offers a vital bridge between classroom learning and real-world success.

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