SPARK CHANGE: The 12th Philippine Electronic Vehicle Summit

Went to the 12th Philippine Electronic Vehicle Summit this morning at the SMX Convention Center. Things may have looked like distant future 12 years ago, but today, electric vehicles are a norm. Government passed laws, and an electrified Philippines is here.

The DOT, BYD, EV Corp, Hyundai, Nissan, Vinfast, AC Mobility, MG, Seres, Meralco, Honda, NWOW, Toyota, Vapor, Toyo, Chery, Lynx, and a whole lot more joined the event and made things possible. They called the event SPARK CHANGE which makes sense because people haven't been as adaptive (though sales are aggressively up), hence the need for more people to plug in, and make travel environmentally friendly. There are a lot more players from China and locally, so the options for different kinds of vehicles are still growing. They were all eager to showcase their latest ones, from Trucks, Jeeps, SUV's, sedans and bikes, so you should definitely go give them a visit because they'll be there til the 28th this month.

Edmun Araga of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines says "We are 15 years old today, but rolling out this event for 12. This will be bigger than last year to push for the electric vehicle use. We still have a long way to go, but plan to grow more in the coming years. We want to have transformative shift, and invite to make the change for an electrified future, not just 4 wheels, but boats, buses, trucks, even airplanes too. We are starting to target students, and reaching the ASEAN region to introduce on EV Technology and build careers in this industry. There will be challenges, but there are experiences to learn to debunk myths, have a panel discuss more about policies here and globally."

VP of Meralco Ronnie Aberrocho also sent their message about sustainable mobility and how it could impact the future. They are powering structures, to hopefully have 25 percent be in clean reliable energy. From zero emissions, it would drive the Philippines into the future.

DOE Undersecretary Felix Fuentabella says "We are fastracking technology in the country and LGU's anticipating the need for it in other parts of the country. Usually we find difficulty in making policies as with our ASEAN neighbors. The procurement of vehicles is a must, for government to pursue that, there will be unconditional things we have to do. The climate commission approves incentives for green jobs, like in this industry. To the EVAP, thank you for opening your doors 24/7, we see this as a community. This is a great opportunity for us to gather individuals who see this as a simpler technology. The incentives, lower taxes, are already happening. We have to look into our targets, try to look into the data of other countries doing it. This will enable the Philippines to compete, and encourage more to invest. We need to have 50 percent penetration of EV's, that's our target. Congrats EVAP and more power!"

VP and Executive Director for the Climate Change Commission Secretary Robert Borje adds "Today's event shapes the future we desire. This requires change, and when we were appointed, we immediately set a talk with DOE to understand it fully. We now see concrete changes, and the future is bright. There are challenges, but it is an issue that affects everyone. Renewable energy is one aspect, to increase capacity and lessen emissions. We want to have 10 percent adoption by 2040. Decarbonizing is part of it, of a broader climate strategy because lives are at stake. Our role is vital and we are working closely with other government units to make this a reality. We need to approach it with a multi mode manner, not only cars but mass transportation. We need an integrated plan for green transportation and see the need how public and private partnerships ensure this be done by more green jobs and implementation. Investing in the skills of the workforce, build infrastructure and define the world for the next generation. We need to decide, to be responsive to the needs of our economy."

Let's all push for greener energy, spark change and see the possibilities of how you can drive electric. Visit the event at SMX Convention Center today til the 26th.

Foundation Implements Programs: Improves Lives in SOCCSKSARGEN Region

Continuing on their efforts on health and livelihood, BingoPlus Foundation (the social development part of DigiPlus Interactive) is taking their social development work down south, particularly in General Santos City. Choosing this place amongst places that needed help must have been a hard task especially for what they plan on doing.

This means they will be bringing KalusuganPLUS and KabuhayanPLUS which are some of the programs they have successfully implemented in other areas which need access to public health, job opportunities too. After all, they wouldn't be just giving out things, but have them learn to fish correct?

This not only would affect individuals, but more of families and communities. Sanitation facilities were awarded to different barangays like San Isidro, Tinagcan, Ligaya, Bawing and Calumpang. This area alone houses 3000 people, so now they all have access to clean water and proper sanitation which is important in urban living. Some of these towns actually have indigent families from the Badjaos, a sea/shore dwelling tribe in the region. This also coincides with the local government unit's efforts especially in health and sanitation, to prevent folks from getting sick from waterborne diseases which happens a lot in the SOCCSKSARGEN region.   
 
KabuhayanPLUS also gives them proper training so they could achieve skills and use it to earn a living. They even teach people dressmaking and tailoring. They get TESDA certifications which they can use later on if they want to pursue something in the industry. This has also given single mothers/parents opportunities to earn, to put food on their table... and for their families.   

From beyond providing aid, this foundation's programs will not only give them what they need now, but beyond that. It would give them hope, and a future that is stable, healthy, and still living.

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.

SB19 and G22 Given Accolades in TAIWAN

You wouldn't believe what Acer ambassadors and some of the country's hottest PPOP group did in Taiwan. Your favorite boys Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken and Justin of SB19 and ladies AJ, Alfea, and Jaz of G22 visited Formosa as part of their responsibilities and duties as Acer brand reps, and were welcomed by giving them honorary employee titles in the Taiwan headquarters because of their contribution for promoting them in the Philippines.

Aside from that, they appeared in Atom Boyz 2, a reality show and had some of their contestants tour the boys at Shilin Night Market, something they really enjoyed. They ate a lot of canides, chicken cake, the infamous Stinky Tofu, sweet potato balls and joined other activities in the show. G22 did the same and performed at the variety show with Sandy and Jacky Wu, popular Father Daughter hosts of the show. Acer's Sue Ong Lim was ecstatic on how they were received because she knew how both groups had so much fans in the region. There will also be a bring project she hinted, something we should look forward to in the coming months. She hopes you remember how the Limitless Acer Day 2024 song was, there might be bigger news about more projects soon.

Acer has over 36 percent market share in the Philippines, and of course, fans had a hand with that for sure. They plan to maintain this post, and introduce more technologies that are environmentally good. Make sure you follow their socials and acer.com to know more about these.