ACG Set to Hold FAST FORWARD 2025 International Tax and Investment Conference

The Philippines is set to be the host of the International Tax and Investment Conference dubbed "FAST FORWARD 2025" aimed to promote ESG investing in the country. For those who don't know, that stands for Environmental, Social and Governance, a way to evaluate sustainability and ethical impact of a company.

The conference will be very instrumental in this discussion and encouraging more foreign investments in the country. March 26 will start panel discussions, exhibits on local products and the ACG Global Awards to recognize champions and advocates of sustainability. Lead Convenor for this event is Mon Abrea, the CEO of Asian Consulting Group who's tax reform advocacy has moved mountains in the region. To date, ACG has over 191 Billion pesos of savings from BIR cases of their clients. Dr. Bing Limjoco Head of the Philippine Franchise Association and Franchise Asia will be Vice Chairman of this event.

The event will also mark the launch of Mon Abrea's newest book "Re-imagining the World Without Climate Change" which includes real world studies of FAST industries who follow ESG principles, proving it can be done. The press conference also was graced by the one and only Madame Loida Lewis, who was given honors before she left for New York. Young entrepreneur and actress Bea Binene also shared why she trusts ACG and how ESG efforts have made her even trust the firm more in managing her tax and businesses to this date.

Here's the press conference in its entirety!

If you want to join FAST FORWARD 2025 you may email them at itic@acg.ph or visit their website itic2025.helixpay.ph if you want to secure a slot to the event.

Legarda Pushes for Women's Hand at Disaster Risk Efforts

Change has been happening but more has to be done. In the midst of a huge typhoon today, it is but a good time to see how women play a huge role in disaster risk reduction. Honorable Senator Loren Legarda puts emphasis on how their roles whether lead or not, can actually spark change in the management of it.

At the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, she says "It is important that women have access to resources, training and education to make sure it becomes a reality. This includes those who are marginalized, whether women, girls or those with disabilities in the region. The countries in these areas have to have systems in place to warn people early, evacuation plans, and even recovery if needed be.. with everyone participating."

Her efforts on pushing for legislation that promote gender equality, the Clean Air Act, plus the Magna Carta for Women and the PDRRM act would help promote and protect them in times of disasters in the country. This puts policy making procedures include women as a requirement. Women's role in all these aspects remain important, to hopefully, also put their needs forward, without prejudice, in any decision that has to be made. 

It just makes total sense.

Loren Legarda Emphasize Significance of IP's in Environmental Measures

What's nature without people taking care of it? Surely, this has been something in the mind of Senator Loren Legarda last August 12 when she did a privilege speech on National Indigenous Peoples day. She deem these communities have centuries worth of experience in these vast areas they reside on and should take this as an advantage in making sure they are well taken cared of. 

Senator Legarda adds "They are after all the ones who could take good care of it, toil, first hand, especially if we are taking lengths to make efforts for the environment and nature. We need to harness their expertise since they have their families in these communities, one that could do work and benefit our country. They live and breathe in nature, this we have to make sure."

In recent reports by the world bank, she mentions how "No Data, No Story: Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines" painted a huge picture about the ancestral domains that includes over 44 percent of land in the country, where only 17 percent have been approved of.

She reiterated the need to support them and recognize how huge their contributions are for the cause. She also wants their rights to be protected. If you would want to know more about her efforts, you may follow her social channels where she discusses these lengthily especially on FB. 

Acer Launches Chromebook Vero 514 and Showcased Green Sustainable Production

It's the ACER Green Day celebrations this morning and starting off the festivities, they showed us all about ACER GREEN DAY.

Acer CEO Jason Chen says "We have been doing the Carbon Disclosure Program to our supply chain since 2008. This year we are doing it in three tiers, from starting to increase recycled content in our notebook packaging, to having our Acer wide eco-friendly initiatives and green philosophy through Project Humanity, bringing sustainability efforts to all our supply chain through Earthion last year, and launching the Acer Vero line in 2021 that sets the bar for Eco Friendly laptops, we now have expanded the Vero to include the TravelMate Laptops bringing us to numerous awards for our efforts, we are not working on smart solutions for a better tomorrow."

 

Innovative smart solutions for everyday lives is a tall order but they have been working with partner agencies and government institutions to make it happen. They want a connected and sustainable lifestyle for you and me. They are gearing to be 100 percent sustainable in 2035. The Vero product line also started the ball rolling for green innovations for Acer's 3 other product lines. They introduced the new Acer Chromebook Vero 514. It's got a 12th Gen Intel Core i7, accurate color display, it uses fully recycled plastic at 30% PCR for the chasis, OceanGlass touchpad amd eco friendly materials. It has also undergone rigorous strength of material tests (MIL STD 810H standard) you have military grade durability no matter where you go. They also have the Acer Chromebook Enterprise Vero 514 which is made for pros. This is the product of their extensive years of partnership with Google. Them trusting Acer made way to achieve faster production of environmentally sound products which sustainability, green energy and excellent design. You can see this on the Earthion documentary they also produced which you can watch online on their social channels.

On their Earthion documentary, they showed how they were able to do environmental solutions for their supply chain by working together with other companies and look for ways to do green products. It took a whole town, but they have made lots of progress now. From materials, packaging to logistics, everyone chipped in to make this happen.

From green laptops, products and even sustainable packaging, Acer is making headway with the new Vero product line. If you're an environmentally conscious consumer, or just a regular joe who needs a work companion that does the job, Acer presents this option for you to Reuse, Recycle, Reduce, Re-Think.

Beko Does Make It Healthy

Why doesn't everybody do it? That's the question I would probably ask when Europe's #1 appliance brand Beko pursued the path to making their products bring their customers to healthier and convenient lives. This just begs the question on why they continue to innovate and create things like HarvestFresh Technology that fools the veggies to think that it's still getting sunshine while in the comforts of your cold refrigerator, or the ProSmart Inverter Motor to keep your energy consumption low while washing your clothes, or the dryer that's 50% more efficient than the usual ones once the spinning's done.

No wonder they got in the list of the recent Real Leaders Top 200 Impact Companies for 2022, imagine the amount of work they do in order to impact the environment from individual homes they serve. They also have bio composites, recycled materials, lower carbon footprint and detergent saving appliances for years. They are also making these all sustainable.

If you want to know more about Beko and the work they do, just visit their official website Beko.ph or their FB page at Facebook.com/bekoph. It's all there!

Antique: Where the Mountains Meet the Sea on Discovery Channel

Just got off the press conference on Antique: Where the Mountains Meet the Sea hosted by the office of DS Loren Legarda and the Department of Tourism. This has been attended by several government dignitaries and executives from Discovery Channel where this will be shown this coming March 23, 2022. This documentary is produced by Studio H20 through DS Loren Legarda's office, the DOT and in partnership with the Province of Antique.

 

 

DS Loren Legarda says "I would want to give my full undivided attention to this project which is close to my heart. During the pandemic, we worked on this which delves on marine biodiversity. This is a Senate project with the DOT so funds will be allocated to them. This is not the first I've done with several groups. We have legislated 94 laws, and if mandated there would be a multitude of national parks and they will be given management plans, this will be my legacy. The loss of plants, animals, on land and underwater could be detrimental for the future. I put all it into bills, together with Senator Villar, and covers 2 areas in Antique which will be part of the feature. This houses marine riches, that puts food in the table, and the discoveries of Studio H2O is just a paradise. We give due recognition to UP Marine Science Institute and RARE Philippines, all our 18 Mayors, Vice Mayors, who will enact local versions. What they did was a community based coral reef monitoring, hired and worked with local people, fisher-folks around the designated areas. They discovered areas suitable for coral growth, more places for fish diversities, 2 endangered species found in our waters, and Manta Rays found only in the country. More exploratory dives should be done as more remains to be seen. I would like to do a project with the DOT, the DENR and LGU's."

 

Boogs Rosales of Studio H2O adds "We really worked hard to push through with our shoot, it will be shown on Discovery Channel for two days. We're glad that we got to work with the various government agencies and have this shown to an international audience. As DS, the funding was from their office, through the DOT. It's a process that went through bidding, it was very hard to work on it. Part of the funding went to also showcasing it in Discovery channel, to promote and highlight the province through visuals and our storytelling."   

Antique: Where the Mountains Meet the Sea will be shown on the Discovery Channel this March 23rd at 6:15PM and will be replayed on March 24 at 8:15AM and 11:25AM Philippine time. This will also be aired in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan and India where Discovery Channel is available.

"Exceptionally Empowered Filipina" PH Bets Vie for 3 Crowns

It feels so surreal that our queens from Miss World Philippines are on their way to the respective countries of competition as they vie for different titles this 2022. Kathleen Paton Miss ECO Philippines 2021, Tracy Maureen Perez Miss World Philippines 2021, Michelle Arceo Miss Environment Philippines 2021 graced the send off ceremonies at B Hotel in Quezon City. The Miss World Philippines National Director and President of ALV Group of Companies Arnold Vegafria was there to wish the ladies well as they head on their way to Egypt, Puerto Rico and India this month.

Here's our video coverage of it this afternoon

 

First up is Kathleen Paton who is on her way to Cairo, Egypt as of this writing to compete at the 7th Miss Econ International pageant which will be held there from March 6-18. On the other hand, the coronation night for Miss World will be done on March 16 (around 12:30am on the 17th Manila time). The Miss World Organization has previously postponed the coronation night on the date itself because of heightened COVID-19 cases in Puerto Rico, but Tracy is raring to go because she's done really remarkable and won the Head to head and Beauty with a Purpose Challenge for the Miss World competition. Albeit a little frustrating that festivities had to be stopped like that, she's keen on winning the crown... using the time off to prepare even more before the actual crowning happens this year. Meanwhile, Michelle Arceo who's going to Mumbai, India from March 21 to April 2 (Crowning on April 2) just impressed us all with her looks and capacity to answer quite eloquently during the Question and Answer part of the presscon this afternoon. She's quite prepared, a little nervous, but confident that she's also getting that crown. It will be shown on April 2, 7:30PM Manila time. Make sure you're following the Miss World Philippines Facebook page for updates on their appearances and schedule.

Miss World Philippines also has changed their mantra starting this month, with the words "Exceptionally Empowered Filipina", a fitting tribute to the powerful and influential women who have gotten crowns from the pageant. This coincides with International Women's Month which is celebrated this March. The three peat is definitely within reach, go support them on their social media channels and help them get there!

Birthday Cheers for Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda!

I've been watching her for years on ABSCBN, and in different shows. She's a very good broadcast journalist. Her work in the Senate and Congress formulating laws that help different sectors like education, the environment, women , youth, history and culture has always been there, consistent and has been lauded by many.

Til now, she's been steadfastly moving to generate jobs for indigenous folks, mothers and artisans in her lone district of Antique and in many places across the country, some of which have also weathered the pandemic and changed the lives of many in her own little ways. She's a leader, Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda. She's also celebrating her birthday today.

 

 

Happy happy birthday Deputy Seaker Loren Legarda! Cheers to more years of serving the people in this blessed country of ours!

Personal Collection Does Recyclable to Biodegradable Shift

Doing good for themselves, the community and the environment has always been in the goals of Personal Collection Direct Selling, Inc. In a nutshell, they've made efforts to do packaging for their products from recycled to biodegradable, and done it real good. Good enough to have an award from DENR.

As Personal Collection President and CEO Jerome Tuguin says “We have dared to do the shift from recycling to a more sustainable solution by using biodegradable packaging. We proudly have pioneered this in hopes to impact every Filipino home. We'll be promoting more initiatives to increase our tribe, and have the #GreenLifeGreatLife a reality in communities across the country. Expect more coastal cleanups (like what they did last October 2021) and plant more mangrove trees in sites like Pampanga and Bataan."

PC has also partnered with Marine Conservation Philippines and did coastal cleanups in Siaton Negros Oriental, Siliman Beach in Dumaguete City, and Bayawan in the same province. It was participated by PC employees and volunteers from different PC branches. Here's hoping it'll grow more in the next few years. 

Congratulations Personal Collection!

Acer Outs Aspire Vero National Geographic Edition

The good people from Acer just came out with a very special laptop, specifically the Aspire Vero National Geographic Edition (AV15-51R). True to its name, it's a special model that depicts Acer's commitment to more sustainable years which they have a capacity to do technology wise. This particular model will also benefit the National Geographic Society, a US based NGO which does so much work in exploration, research and education in the preservation of nature. The company already has done a lot of effort in bringing down its ecological footprint specifically with their Earthion platform, that produced their Vero line today. Acer hopes this inspires not just the public but their tech compatriots and do the same.

Talking the Talk, Walking the Walk

Acer Aspire Vero is made of 30% post-consumer recycled plastic. It still maintains a tough chasis, but doesn't sacrifice overall design. It follows the National Geographic template of a yellow border and a printed line “For Planet Earth” in its keyboard. The outside packaging can be also used for different things after using the laptop, with its nicely designed box, you can use it as a container or even a laptop stand when folded. This gets you 21% less in carbon emissions and lesser footprint, but have easy access when you need to upgrade its hardware later on.You may check acer.com for price and availability, but it's easily there in authorized retailers nationwide.

Environmental Efforts Frutition Liquid Hand Soap from Destileria Limtuaco & Co. Inc

World class and oldest distillery in the Philippines Destileria Limtuaco & Co. Inc (established 1852) has been producing Paradise Mango Rum Liqueur since 2002. It's one of the first things they did in order to produce alcoholic beverages that are 100% Filipino made.  Through further research and innovation, they started doing Manille Liqueur de Calamansi in 2014, then Dalandan a few years after. These have been all locally produced and is part of their enduring corporate passion to help farming communities in the country. Farmers also profit more by dealing with the company directly.

They have also done waste management efforts and get byproducts of oil from calamansi and dalandan skin. There is also pulp, seeds and rinds. They thought of making these into other things, ground it up, and make it into an active ingredient for soaps they call SI ANTI BACTERIAL HAND SOAP. I've seen it and used it in my home today, and by any standards, this looks and feels phenomenal... Destileria Limtuaco & Co. Inc has a gem in their hands!

They produced this hand soap with whitening and antiseptic properties, something that you wouldn't see in the Philippine market or the rest of the world. That right there is produced from innovations in the byproduct of Manille Liqueurs and Destileria Limtuaco & Co. Inc continues to do a lot of research in order to have less carbon footprint, less wastage in operations. I'm impressed with what they have thought of and imagine the impact this could do with the environment and the thousands that could benefit in generating jobs by selling them. I hope they could device a way to do that especially for those who have no access to work these days because of the pandemic.

Congratulations Ms. Olivia Limpe-Aw, this is impressive!

Huawei Philippines Participates in CEPSI 2021: Pushing Greener Solutions in Power Production and Management

Tech giant Huawei Philippines just recently announced their participation in CEPSI 2021 which is the Conference of the Electricity Power Supply Industry which happened yesterday. It aims to bring action in sustainable power production in the region and encourages social inclusiveness for their efforts. In the event, Huawei Philippines VP and CMO of Huawei Digital Power Dr. Fang Luangzhou shared information about how the company is moving for low carbon and smart societ using digital ways.

Over 44 countries have already joined the global mission of being carbon neutral. They believe this is what's going to happen in the coming decades which includes those who produce power, consume and even industries that would want to upgrade their hardware. It's going to be beneficial not just for the entities, but the world if we get involved in their mission of being carbon neutral. They identified it to come from Electricity production, manufacturing and transportation. Getting transportation to use electric power and produced it in low carbon emitting ways would be good for the earth. It will also lessen costs in the long run which will benefit more industries who depend on these old power producing systems. They suggest off grid solutions like those who utilize sun or wind to make them. They also have green ways to manage them, it will make their research (10 years and over 90 Billion spent for it) even better as it will be utilized by the greater public. Huawei looks forward to have a greener future.

We can't wait to see what's going to happen in the next few years!

What Does It Take to Have a #WorldWithoutWaste?

A couple years ago, Coca Cola launched a global campaign with a very bold and ambitious goal. The aim was to collect and recycle a bottle or can of what the company sells by 2030. Year after year, they stepped up, become successful, and that also included the Philippines. Their movement in the country has spawned different models including this NGO called Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation, Inc. (AIDFI). A component of what they did in 2019 called Blastik made use of recycling centers that is funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation. In it, they learned to spread awareness about environmental efforts, earn and provide for themselves, and recycle a lot of plastic. As you may know, a lot of companies make products with packaging and these efforts would hopefully make a dent on that challenge. Coca-Cola currently is recycling over 93% of their waste in bottling plants and now utilize plant based renewable material called PlantBottle.

Blastik's success as a pilot project continued in a partnership wtih PeacePond Farmers Organization based in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental. Farmers from this organization have empowered their community and provided environmental education so they would learn waste segregation, recycling and putting up livelihood projects via workshops, webinars which they host in a regular basis. The Blastik Project taught them how collecting, recycling used and clean plastic bottles would be beneficial and create opportunities for townsfolk so they could earn from re-using plastics in projects, so they could feed their families. Beneficiary Jo Guanco (who's a 53yo farmer from the same place) says "The Blastic Project showed us how important it is to teach our neighbors about segregation and recycling. We are also working with other communities these days so they too can coordinate and schedule collection of plastic bottles in towns, nearby areas and offices, of which some personally call us so we could collect it for them. We continue to be Blastic Eco Rangers til now."

The movement has gone to other communities like Bakyas Community in Oringao, Kabankalan Negros Occidental, Elite Ads Corp in Paranaque City, and Elite Ads Corporation in Carmona Cavite. They also have active partnerships with Seda Hotel in Bacolod City plus Southland College in Kabankalan also. During the pandemic, they continue to process almost 17 tons worth more or less of mixed bottles, bottle caps, plastic sachets and labels too. As of now, Coca-Cola Foundation is supporting over 40 zero waste communities around the countries, and are continuing to grow more in the next few months. Ms. Cecile Alcantara puts this as Blastik's initial success, and says "we are really happy and excited about it."

If you want to know more about their initiatives, just head on to coca-colacompany.com/reports/business-environmental-scoal-governance-report-2020 or their social channels and be part of that change, make the #WorldWithoutWaste possible today! 

Personal Collection Goes Green

Filipino owned and operated Personal Collection Direct Selling Inc. just recently laucnhed their flagship products Tuff TBC (Toilet Bowl Cleanser) and sof & mmmmm..... Concentrated Fabric Conditioner in their all new green biodegradable packaging. This is in line with their stern commitment on their core values and mission to provide a Great Life for every Filipino.

 

This new packaging is pretty good as it doesn't need to decompose in landfills for thousands of years, as it disintegrates in around 5-10 which is good for the environment. You can also up-cycle it in different ways and doesn't affect what's inside it. Your cleanser and conditioner stays fresh, able to clean, and reliable as always.

 

 Tuff TBC kills up to 99.99% of disease causing germs, bacteria and makes sure you are safe at home, offices, public spaces. sof & mmmm.... on the other hand is a fabric conditioner that contains perfume micro crystals that prevent those amoy kulob moments. It also helps your clothes from getting stretched, discoloration, fading, and makes your clothes smell fresh up to 30 days (when you keep it).

The company advocates #GreenLifeGreatLife and makes sure to deliver products that are of quality and use packaging that have bodegradable solutions. They are also planning to do mangrove planting and reforestation as part of their environmental efforts. This is a nationwide campaign to help minimize/rid of single use plastic ans wastes, hoping that the public would also follow suit.

I am so happy to see your efforts, I use the Tuff brand too and knowing that the company behind it is this responsible, I would really look forward to my next purchase and see how it goes to good deeds like these.

Top 5 Getaway Hotels that Run on Eco-Friendly Concepts

Travelers are becoming much more conscious of the environmental effect of their vacations, which is increasing the demand for eco-friendly hotels and activities especially in Asia countries such as Thailand, the Philippines, and more. Thankfully, in recent years, the world has experienced an increase in sustainable travel alternatives and experiences. Most of the hotels all around the world such as in Thailand and the United States are making attempts to be more environmentally friendly. There seems to be an infinite number of choices for properties to decrease their environmental effect, ranging from using less water to building using sustainable materials.

The list that you are going to see below is the hotel that is practicing the eco-friendly theme in their hotel or resort.

1.Qi Palawan Boutique Resort, Palawan

Qi Palawan's concept has always emphasized sustainability. The resort was created with fuel efficiency and sustainability in thought, making use of bamboo, a fast-growing tree that doesn't require pesticides, as well as 100 percent local labor and materials.

Just like a few hotels in Vietnam, Qi Palawan has fulfilled its aim of becoming a genuine eco-resort over the previous year by adding 40 KwH of solar panels and 128 KwH of batteries, enough to give this boutique resort 100% electricity even during high occupancy seasons. Furthermore, Qi Palawan does not offer plastic bottles, has almost abolished the usage of plastic bags, using locally sourced utilities, and offers environmentally safe sunscreen for its island hopping and diving tours.

2. Cabins Hotel, Tagaytay 

Biophilic design ideas were being used at Cabins to integrate nature into the interiors by recognizing natural airflow and illumination. Solar electricity is also used throughout the hotel, while rainwater collection is used for cleaning and gardening.

What differentiates Cabins is that most of its structure is constructed of recyclable materials, including handmade tiles and sustainable wood for the exterior and sustainable pinewood for the mattresses in all 16 of its rooms. Cabins by Eco Hotels in Tagaytay give visitors a one-of-a-kind staycation experience in any of its 16 rooms, which are believed to be inspired by cruise ship cabins. Although much of the interior and furnishings are constructed of recycled and recycled materials.

3. Chewton Glen, Hampshire 

Chewton Glen is located in the English countryside, close to the New Forest National Park and the Solent shoreline, and is just two hours by rail from London. The estate currently features 14 eco-friendly Treehouse Suites scattered across 130 miles of land, gardens, and parkland.
These suites are built several feet above the ground, overlook the New Forest National Park, and have air-source heat pumps, solar panels, low-energy lighting, and rainwater collection. The site also has 50 active bee colonies of "extremely well-behaved bees" on the ground. There is also a Walled Kitchen Garden and Nursery, which supplies fresh fruits and vegetables from the surrounding area.

4. Garonga Safari Camp, Limpopo  

Adventure seekers may stay at the Garonga Safari Camp, which is spread on 54,363 acres in the Greater Makalali Pidwa Private Nature Reserve in the heart of the African wilderness. The region is home to wild creatures such as elephants, lions, rhinos, cheetahs, and leopards, making it the ideal wildlife getaway. Six deluxe tents with individual decks and spectacular views of the region are available at the camp.

The Garonga Safari Camp looks to the sun for electricity and uses solar energy to meet 30% of its electric demands. To reduce their carbon footprint in the wild, they've also installed a heating pump system, water purification, a vegetable garden, and a biogas system.

5. h2hotel, Healdsburg 

The h2hotel is tucked away at the heart of Sonoma Wine Country and provides 36 eco-chic accommodations. They have covered their roof with solar panels to power the facility, which heats the swimming pool and the water in the hotel rooms.

They've also built an EcoSpace elevator, which consumes 60% less power than standard elevators. When attempting to reduce energy usage, even the windows were taken into account. The windows of H2hotel feature twin panes to minimize heat, and the window blinds are cradle-to-cradle approved.

BEKO Initiatives for Climate Change

In a product showcase done this evening, European brand BEKO told us how it is possible to use recycled materials, bio composites and detergent saving technologies on appliances. It is their company's contribution in order to rid of climate crisis, something we all can start at home.

Present during the occasion was Arcelik's CEO Hakan Bulgurlu and their CMO Zeynep Yalim Uzun. They also had their CCo Ragip Balcioglu discuss how it became their mission to do sustainability efforts in manufacturing their line of products in order to have a positive impact on the world we live in.

Arcelik's CEO Hakan Bulgurlu says "COVID has changed our lives in the past two years, but with science, we have been able to see the end of the tunnel. We have been doing a lot of work with our product range. By coming together, we are defeating COVID by science. The climate crisis also is a concern, so with this, we are also addressing it with science as well. The climate crisis is man made, we can overcome this too. We have reduced emissions, but we have to do more. Unless we do the necessary, we are not going to be in the right track. Respecting the world, respecting worldwide is our slogan. We want to reduce emissions by 30%. Products that consumers buy as it goes into homes also are included. Today, Arcelik will work tirelessly and stretch our goals over the coming months. Hopefully we can do this in all our value chain. We commit to have fuel, plastic, waste, water, become reduced as part of our goals. The green wave is coming, it's here and here to stay. It makes good business sense that you can do the right thing without costing much. We are doing this because we believe it brings us an opportunity for our business to create a new brand, especially when you want to be different compared to your competitors. I believe when we do this, we'll get ahead. It makes business sustainable. Appliances should use less energy, and be built with quality recycled materials. We have products that reflect this principle. We will apply this across the board including packaging, in almost all areas of our business, it's a long journey but we have to lead by example. We need to continue, so others will follow, so we can fight this challenge in climate crisis. The urgency is real, we need to act together. Every decision we make, this will be in our attention."

Brendan Edgerton the Director of World Business Council for Sustainable Development adds "Everything is connected, COVID is seen as a restart for all of us."

Ragip Balcioglu the CCO of Arcelik says "Regardless of how business starts, there is one thing consumers want. They want CHANGE. Everyone changed shopping habits during the pandemic. Arcelik has always been doing sustainability efforts for a number of years now. We are a leader in our industry, working with a vision to an entire ecosystem."

Zeynep Yalim Uzun the CMO of Arcelik says "We are aligned with our consumers sustainability goals. We have been developing products that make healthy living possible. We are commited in recycling, have energy efficient products that support sustainable living. This is what the consumer wants. It's great to see we are in the same page as this. Working towards a healthier planet, we need technologies that  lower carbon footprint. It's a great push for us, but we encourage other manufacturers to follow suit as well. We utilize AI, did videos that reached millions of people so more people can join our journey."

From washing machines, dryers, these things can use recyclable materials in order to create these appliances. They also do fishnets on plastic parts, including industrial threads waste and integrate it to plastic parts in the last two years. The company also use environmentally friendly materials in their Bio Cycle Refrigerators. They use bio plastics, with egg trays made from soybean oil, egg shells and other materials.

They have several campaigns that address obesity in the past like "Eat Like a Pro", and now evolved it to something that is more shifted to the attention to the community, and the world. They do "Healthy Living on a Healthy Planet". And I think that's a good thing to address.

DENR-BMB Launch Digital Wildlife Training Platform on World Wildlife Day

March 3, 2021 marks the celebration of World Wildlife Day. Part of the celebrations in the Philippines include DENR-BMB's launc of their digital wildlife training program which is now available online. Aside from that, they also held art/poster making contest. This year's theme also talks about "Forests and Livelihood: Sustaining People and Planet" which is quite an important subject. 

DENR is making sure that the government conservation and protection efforts would be continued and this includes wildlife. All these even during the pandemic. The online conference was also hosted by eco warrior and celebrity Antoinette Taus.

Jim Sampulna Mining and Muslim Affairs of DENR says "The theme for the world wildlife day this year has a vital role in sustaining not just biodiversity but the livelihood of people globally. The green oasis not just provide food but wildlife. Forests are important for our indigents to provide energy, food and shelter. By working together we can stop bio-life traders. Happy world wildlife day to everyone." 

Senator Cynthia Villar says "Thank you for having me in the World Wildlife Day 2021 celebration. I'm happy to be here with you today. This is very relevant for our time, as a legislator, I have filed yesterday an act strengthening the wildlife conservation particularly the wildlife protection act. RA 9147 is a measure that enables PH protect wildlife comprehensively including acts detrimental to wildlife including fines and penalties. The trade and transport of wildlife species has been international in nature and we have to have more teeth of which this new RA provide with more protection with our resources. The constant exploitation of wild fauna may have effects on diseases which are from animals, in turn spread viruses. We need not to only create awareness, but to take action with its protection. It would be too much for a country such as ours if we don't take care of our environment. Our country is one of a few biodiversity hot-spots. The more we protect, the less we lose wildlife. Now more than ever, there is a real need to strengthen our laws and include the protection of the world's most bio-diverse areas. As in any environmental issue, our actions are essential. It's part of our duty to make this world better than we found it." 

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri Senator announced during this occasion filed SBN 2079 An Act Providing for a Revised Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. This appropriates funds for this cause and other purposes. 

Ricardo Calderon AFoCO Executive Director says "This crisis reminded us the relationship between animals and human, the global efforts has started and the Philippines through DENR should recognize these developments. We are hoping to work more closely with DENR, the Biodiversity Management Bureau in making sure our resources and fauna are protected."

Eco Warrior and Artist Joey Ayala performed during the online event

Also present during the occasion was Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu. He lauded the addition of two online learning platforms launched on this day as it enables the DENR to uphold its mandate of educating the people about the country’s wildlife resources despite the prevailing COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) pandemic. He says "Thanks to technology, we are able not only to communicate remotely, but also make sure that the Filipinos can continue to educate themselves about the environment, especially in protecting our wildlife species. Thanks to partner organizations as these breakthroughs would not be possible without their help."

The DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) launched this eTraining Course on  Basic Wildlife Law Enforcement (BWLE) which can be accessed through https://elearn.adb.org. The site contains 7 modules and 19 stand alone topics which professionals can use which includes topics such as Wildlife Law Enforcement in the Philippines, Species Commonly involved in Wildlife Crimes and more. Aside from that, they also introduced the Wildlife Philippines Podcast which were developed with 20 higher education institutions under their Institutes of Environmental Governance. It is available on streaming platforms worldwide.

During the event, they also announced the automation of the issuance of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) permits which aims to improve to control international trade of endangered species and reduce opportunities for corruption and fraudulent documents. This will also enhance their capacity for information exchange with other countries.

This is a step ahead for those who care about the environment, our flora and fauna. The Philippines is in the middle of it all and if the right things happen to local agencies, the laws and regulations are passed, then all of the improvement and red-tape lessened, this could benefit more Filipinos and our future generations.

WEEXPRESS Starts Operations in Metro Manila

Bicycles and Motorcycles are in a way a tad environmentally apt especially in Asian countries. Manila traffic has been horrendous - so why not make it the opportune time to just stay at home, the office and be more productive and let other people take the job of delivery. This is where WeeXpress comes in.

Soon they are going to have total logistics solutions but for the mean time, they have a fleet of bikes and Motorcycles that would be able to deliver mails, packages,and just about anything imaginable that their mode of transportation can carry. Payment right now is only cash and their guarantee is 8 hours from sender to receiver, yeah same day delivery, wouldn't that be a nice thing?

Book a pickup, wait for the rider, track your parcel and get it delivered! Their Facebook page is Facebook.com/WeeXpresstm. First three kilometers only cost 60 pesos, there is a 10 peso difference if you plan to do it via roadside or door to door. Their delivery men are mostly bikers so it is environmentally safe. They can go through traffic with ease so if you plan to surprise people this Christmas, you know who to call. They are also planning Visayas and Mindanao operations next year so don't worry. As of now, they will service the greater Manila area. Easy, stress free, and would you believe, environmentally responsible to do it.

Michael Maranan the WeeXpress Chairman says "This was my concept in 2010 and I want the riders to have an opportunity to earn, to make those who need work to actually have something he or she could live by. I have been industry for a few years and everything is fast, we aim to be the cheapest fastest and environmentally conscious delivery service. We earn and help other people. They bike, exercise and stay healthy while they are earning through our app. Online sellers also will benefit from this, we have safeguards also in hiring riders so your parcel will always be safe."

Aside from that, they have dedictaed people to answer your queries and support you with your rider needs.

Make sure it's 5 kilos for bikes, 15 kilos for motorbikes. Download the app today!

KUMAGCOW

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