Corporate Roundup: September 24, 2024

September 24, 2024

DMCI Holdings, SMPC honored anew

Integrated energy company Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC), and its parent company, DMCI Holdings, have been recognized with a 3 Golden Arrow award at the prestigious Asean Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS) Golden Arrow Awards. Both companies have been consistent recipients of this award since 2019.

*(From left) Francisco Dizon, SMPC independent director; Herbert Consunji, DMCI Holdings EVP and CFO and SMPC director and; Ferdinand Dela Cruz, SMPC lead independent director.*

The awards, conferred by the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), honor publicly listed companies for exemplary adherence to the Philippine Code of Corporate Governance and internationally recommended corporate governance practices as promoted by the ACGS.

“Our 3 Golden Arrow awards reflect our unwavering commitment to good corporate governance. We remain dedicated to upholding transparency, accountability, and ethical business practices to protect stakeholder value and support sustainable progress.” said DMCI Holdings and SMPC chairman, Isidro Consunji.

The ACGS evaluates companies based on key performance areas, including the protection and equitable treatment of shareholders, fostering strong stakeholder relationships, promoting transparency and accountability through timely disclosure of material information, and the board’s effectiveness in providing strategic direction, overseeing management, and maintaining accountability to both the company and its shareholders.

RASLAG gains Asean recognition

RASLAG Corp., the first Kapampangan solar energy producer of its scale, has been awarded a Golden Arrow for its high performance according to the Asean corporate governance scorecard.

*RASLAG Corp CEO Rogie Nepomuceno with the RASLAG Board of Directors and SEC chairman Emilio Aquino*

“Our mission of lighting the future with renewables will always include a higher standard of accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership,” said Robert Nepomuceno, president and CEO of RASLAG. “

The company has built on the legacy of being run by the Nepomuceno group, with most of its directors hailing from Angeles Electric Corp, which has provided electricity to the region for over one hundred years.

The Golden Arrow awards is an initiative by the Institute of Corporate Directors to champion internationally recommended corporate governance practices in the Philippines. RASLAG is proud to have established top-tier practices within its operations, such as enterprise risk management, internal audits, and yearly sustainability reports. As they aim to support the future of the nation’s energy security, the company has appointed an expert in the renewable energy space as lead independent director, together with other corporate governance experts.

The company utilizew innovative designs and technologies to strengthen equipment and facilities against natural disasters.

RASLAG also consistently uplifts the communities where its plants are based, providing Corporate Social Responsibility programs for the schools in various Pampanga barangays.

Waste-to-energy solutions

West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. teamed up with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to explore waste-to-energy solutions, particularly in converting biosolids – an organic byproduct of Maynilad’s wastewater treatment process–into biogas.

Rebosura (right) of the DOST's Balik Scientist Program is shown mentoring Maynilad employees on biosolids characterization techniques. These lab-scale activities aim to help Maynilad better understand biosolids, with the goal of converting them into valuable resources like energy and nutrients. — Rebosura (right) of the DOST’s Balik Scientist Program is shown mentoring Maynilad employees on biosolids characterization techniques. These lab-scale activities aim to help Maynilad better understand biosolids, with the goal of converting them into valuable resources like energy and nutrients.

This partnership, which emerged from Maynilad’s participation in the DOST’s “Balik Scientist Program,” involved tapping the expertise of returning Filipino scientist Dr. Mario Rebosura to help assess and pilot technologies that can transform biosolids into a source of renewable energy.

Maynilad is the first water utility to participate in the DOST-Balik Scientist Program, a government initiative aimed at promoting the exchange of scientific knowledge and advancing technology in the country. The program encourages Filipino scientists to return to the Philippines and share their expertise, enhancing the development of various sectors, including health research and development.

During his six-month stint with Maynilad under the program, Rebosura shared innovative approaches in biosolids management to fine-tune Maynilad’s ongoing study of waste-to-energy technologies. This collaboration supported Maynilad’s goal of reducing the environmental impact of biosolid disposal while also providing opportunities for energy generation.

Globe clinches 3-Peat win

For three years running, Globe has been honored as Employer of the Year at the 3rd HR Excellence Awards 2024. With a total of six awards, Globe’s dedication to a supportive, and forward-thinking work culture continues to set the company apart.

In addition to the coveted Employer of the Year gold accolade, Globe secured two more golds in the Total Rewards Strategy and In-House Talent Pipeline Strategy categories. It also received silver awards for Best HR Team (MNC), Business Transformation, and Change Management.

“At Globe, our journey to uplift Filipino lives begins with the way we support and invest in our team. At our core is a relentless dedication to addressing our employees’ needs while creating opportunities for their growth. Being recognized as an industry leader for our dedication and excellence is a testament to our efforts,” said Renato Jiao, Globe Chief Human Resource Officer.

The company’s success at the HR Excellence Awards underscores its holistic approach to employee welfare and development. Globe has consistently demonstrated its ability to support and innovate wellness, learning, and growth programs that enable employees to live their best lives, despite the diverse nature of its workforce.

Cultural sensitivity training

PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications continue their partnership with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), through a recent cultural sensitivity training for their employees and external contractors based in Baguio City. This initiative is part of the PLDT group’s continuing efforts to equip its workforce and partners with the knowledge and skills in engaging with Philippine indigenous peoples (IPs).

Titled “Essentials and Accelerators for Engaging with Indigenous Cultural Communities,” the training session was conducted by NCIP Region IV-A Director Dr. Carlos P. Buasen Jr. The session covered the history and story of Philippine indigenous peoples; assertions of and learning insights from indigenous cultural communities/IPs; and essential considerations and expected multi-stakeholder responses in engaging with IP communities.

“Through this program, we hope to help our workforce gain a better understanding on the culture and practices of the various IP communities all over the Philippines. This will in turn help us improve our programs, services, and communications with them as our customers and partners,” said Joy E. Lapuz, head of PLDT and Smart Stakeholder Management-Luzon Relations.

PLDT and Smart have been capacitating their employees on engagements with IPs and local communities as part of the group’s human rights impact assessment and due diligence processes. The Group has also been supporting IPs throughout the years with diversity and inclusion programs aimed to preserve and enrich their unique culture, and initiatives that open economic opportunities for their communities.

KATHA Awards

As the 72nd edition of the Manila FAME draws near, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is currently accepting nominations to one of its main features — the KATHA Awards 2024.

Now in its 41st year, the Manila FAME 2024 will be held from October 17 to 19 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City, Philippines.

The Philippines’ premier trade show for quality home, fashion, and lifestyle (HFL) products, Manila FAME 2024 carries the theme “Reimagination” with different subthemes, demonstrated at the creative settings namely Design Commune Home, Design Commune Fashion, Artisans Village, and two new settings: Nostalgia and Philippine Components.

Aside from the Special Citation for Best Booth Design and Best Sustainable Design for Booths Awards, nominations and the deliberation for this year’s KATHA Awards will be done prior to the show. One winner will be selected for each Best in Design category: Furniture; Home Décor and Houseware; Lamps and Lighting; Fashion; and Holiday Décor and Gifts. There will also be an Eco-Design Award for products made with sustainability in mind.

The winners will be announced as part of the opening day activities of Manila FAME at the WTC Lobby on October 17. T

Interested parties must provide the necessary requirements such as the self-nomination form, product photos, product information/narrative, and other conditions relevant to the submission to the CITEM Katha Awards Secretariat on or before September 30.

Save Our Coconuts launched

Coco Mama, the country’s leading local gata brand recently launched the “Save Our Coconuts” project which commits to distributing 100,000 quality coconut seedlings in a span of five years to replace aging trees

Coco Mama team and guests at the launch — Coco *Mama team and guests at the launch*

Launched on World Coconut Day in General Santos City, South Cotabato, Coco Mama held a tree planting activity with its brand ambassador Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo, together with representatives from the Philippine Coconut Authority, City Environment and Natural Resources Office — General Santos City, local government unit of General Santos City, Century Pacific Agricultural Ventures Inc., and coconut farmers.

Coco Mama’s “Save Our Coconuts” Project is part of the brand’s efforts to contribute to the Philippine Coconut Authority’s bigger mission of rehabilitating the coconut industry and uplifting the lives of the coconut farmers.

Brother champion marine conservation

Brother International Philippines Corp. in collaboration with its manufacturing facility, Brother Industries (Philippines), Inc. successfully conducted their annual Coastal Cleanup activity along the coastline of Brgy. Ticalan, San Juan, Batangas last June 22.

*Brother International Philippines volunteers*

The event aligns with the companies’ dedication to environmental sustainability, particularly during the crucial hatching season of the endangered pawikans(sea turtles).

A total of 178 dedicated volunteers from both Brother organizations gathered to clean the shores of Brgy. Ticalan. Equipped with sacks and tongs, the volunteers removed plastic waste and other debris along the shorelines, ultimately filling 50 sacks of trash.

This year’s efforts follow last year’s impactful cleanup, where 120 sacks of plastic waste were collected at the Pawikan Sanctuary in San Juan.

Medical mission

Over the past week, the Chiayi Christian Hospital’s medical mission team went to remote towns of the Philippines, providing medical services to underprivileged people and signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the provincial government of Negros Oriental in central Philippines to deepen Taiwan-Philippines medical cooperation. From September 10, the hospital’s superintendent, Dr. Chen Wei, led over 20 team members to the Philippines, conducting free medical services in the towns of Mabinay and Bais in Negros Oriental, as well as in Pasig City in Metro Manila. They also visited the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office(TECO) in the Philippines on September 13, and returned to Taiwan on September 16.

On September 13 TECO Deputy Representative Yang Deng-shi (center in white) met with the Chiayi Christian Hospital team, who came to the Philippines for a medical mission, and discussed future medical cooperation with Superintendent Dr. Chen Wei (next to Yang, wearing an ID badge). (Photo provided by the Chiayi Christian Hospital medical mission team)

The three medical missions served over 1,000 local residents, offering services including orthopedics, pediatrics, and traditional Chinese medicine.

In Mabinay, a female patient has a tumor size over 25 cm on her back, which has gone untreated for nine years due to poverty and lack of hospital equipment. The medical team hopes to collaborate with local hospital’s surgery department in the future to assist in its removal. In Pasig City, the medical team partnered with their sister hospital, Rizal Medical Center (RMC), using a portable ultrasound equipment they brought to diagnose several cases of heart failure and bone deformities requiring urgent care. These patients were referred to RMC for follow-up treatment. During this visit, Chiayi Christian Hospital signed an MOU with the provincial government of Negros Oriental to establish a long-term cooperative relationship.

The hospital’s medical mission embodies the “Taiwan Can Help” spirit. The Chiayi Christian Hospital team also actively participated in a children’s feeding program, distributing “Gifts of Love” with essential supplies to disadvantaged children, and delivering warmth and care from Taiwan.

Dr. Chen stated that in addition to continuing to promote various medical aid programs in the Philippines, the hospital plans to deepen cooperation with the country through the assistance of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, benefiting more Filipinos and showcasing Taiwan’s medical strength and humanitarian spirit.

From September 10 to 16, the Chiayi Christian Hospital medical mission team went to remote towns in the Philippines to provide medical services to underprivileged communities. The photo shows the medical mission in Bais. (Photo provided by the Chiayi Christian Hospital medical mission team)

During the time when the Chiayi Christian Hospital medical mission team conducted a medical mission in the Philippines, they also organized a feeding program for underprivileged children and distributed gifts, spreading warmth and care from Taiwan. (Photo provided by the Chiayi Christian Hospital medical mission team)

HAVAS Red expands offering in ESG

HAVAS Red, the PR arm of HAVAS Ortega, has announced the launch of Red Impact, a global ESG communications offering that integrates environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) expertise.

This new platform strengthens HAVAS Ortega’s legacy of creating a meaningful difference by bringing purpose-driven communications designed to inspire brands and organizations to make lasting positive changes.

The launch of Red Impact took place at the inaugural La Conférence Bleue, the sustainability summit organized by the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines (CCI France-Philippines). As the conference partner, Red Impact played a pivotal role in co-creating the event’s theme and program, which aimed to share stories of various organizations and their journeys into sustainability.

Talented tyke Ryrie Sophia shines bright as Mujigae

September 23, 2024

ALEXA ILACAD and KYRIE SOPHIA

Smart and lovable new discovery Ryrie Sophia Turingan is capturing hearts as the lead in “Mujigae,” the comeback project of Unitel/StraightShooters, formerly known as Unitel Pictures.

At just 6 years old, Ryrie, who first gained attention through commercials, is stepping into her first film role. She is Mujigae, a Filipino-Korean girl whose name means “rainbow” in Korean. At the movie’s press conference, Ryrie impressed the media with her versatility, delivering her lines in Korean and singing a portion of the movie’s theme song, “Laban Fighting.”

When asked what she wants to be when she grows up, Ryrie simply said, “To be an actress.”

“I want to help my mom because she’s working hard for me,” she added, as tears welled up in her eyes.

Ryrie’s sincerity, expressive eyes, intelligence, and professionalism were some of the key qualities that made her stand out during auditions. “Mujigae” director Randolph Longjas sees her as following in the footsteps of multi awarded drama actress Judy Ann Santos.

She had to learn Korean for her role as a Fil-Korean girl, said Direk Randolph.

“She was a fast learner and spoke it with impeccable accent in a month,” he said.

Korean actor Kim Ji Soo, who was last seen in GMA’s “Black Rider,” shared his admiration for the young actress: “She’s going to be a big star. She’s a good kid, very cute, and super talented.”

In this heartwarming family drama, Ryrie’s character, Mujigae, is the daughter of Rainalyn, who dies, leaving her in the care of her Aunt Sunny (played by Alexa Ilacad). Sunny is unprepared for the responsibilities of being a guardian, let alone a mother, but as the two bond, they learn to navigate life together with love and understanding.

Director Randolph said the film is dedicated to everyone – from parents to those considering having children, and even to those who choose not to.

Alexa Ilacad, who reflected on her own experiences while filming, shared that although she’s a fur mom at 24, she doesn’t see herself having children anytime soon. As an aunt to two children, she said, “They’re the only two kids I like, but now I like one more–Ryrie,” revealing how much she had grown fond of her young co-star.

“Mujigae” also features performances from Richard Quan, Donna Cariaga, Kate Alejandrino, Cai Cortez, Anna Luna, Lui Manansala, Rolando Inocencio, Scarlet Alaba, Peewee O’Hara, and Rufa Mae Quinto. The film opens exclusively in SM cinemas on October 9, with a premiere night on October 8.

Papua New Guinea celebrates 74th Independence Day

September 20, 2024

PORT MORESBY, bejeweled at night.

PORT MORESBY, bejeweled at night.

Richly endowed with natural resources, including mineral and renewable resources, such as forests and marine resources that include a large portion of the world’s major tuna stocks, Papua New Guinea (PNG) is believed to be the home of many undocumented species of plants and animals. It is a country blessed by nature and enriched by a culture that celebrates nature as well.

The Independent State of Papua New Guinea celebrates Independence Day every September 16, the official federal holiday commemorating Papua New Guinea’s independence from Australia. A Commonwealth country, PNG adopted a monarch system with King Charles III as monarch, or the King of Papua New Guinea. The monarch is represented by the Governor-General of Papua New Guinea, a position currently held by Bob Dadae.

With 840 known languages of PNG (including English), the country is considered as the most linguistically diverse country in the world. It is also one of the most rural countries, with only 13.25% of its population living in urban centers in 2019. Most of its people live in customary communities. According to official estimates the country’s population is 9.4 million, it was reported in December 2022 that its population was in fact closer to 17 million, making Papua New Guinea the most populous Pacific island country.

The International Monetary Fund has classified Papua New Guinea as a developing economy. Subsistence farmers, which make up nearly 40% of the population and are part of traditional social groupings explicitly acknowledged by the Papua New Guinea Constitution, which hopes that traditional villages and communities should remain as viable units of Papua New Guinean society. The Constitution protects their continuing importance to local and national community life.

Agriculture, for subsistence and cash crops, provides a livelihood for 85% of the population providing about 30% of GDP.

Mineral deposits, including gold, oil, and copper, account for 72% of export earnings. Palm oil production has grown steadily over recent years and is now the main agricultural export together with coffee. Coffee remains the major export crop, followed by cocoa and coconut oil/copra, tea and rubber.

PNG’s real GDP growth rate was 3.8% as of 2019. This economic growth has been primarily attributed to strong commodity prices, particularly mineral and agricultural. The high demand for mineral products was largely sustained even during the crisis by the resilient Asian markets, and the booming mining sector together with the construction phase for natural gas exploration, production, and exportation in liquefied form. Papua New Guinea adopted the National Vision 2050 in 2009, leading to the establishment of the Research, Science and Technology Council. The Council has re-emphasized the need to focus on sustainable development through science and technology.

According to Thomson Reuters’ Web of Science, Papua New Guinea had the largest number of publications (110) among Pacific Island states in 2014, followed by Fiji (106). Nine out of ten scientific publications from Papua New Guinea focused on immunology, genetics, biotechnology and microbiology. Nine out of ten were also co-authored by scientists from other countries, mainly Australia, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Spain and Switzerland.

Papua New Guinea is home to numerous people from other parts of the world including Chinese, Europeans, Australians, and people in the Austronesian family such as Indonesians, Filipinos, Polynesians, and Micronesians. According to World Bank data, about 0.3% of the Papua New Guinean population is made up of international migrants as of 2015.

The Papua New Guinea flag is an embodiment of the nation’s identity and heritage. The flag is divided diagonally from the upper hoist side corner. The upper triangle is red and in the middle, a soaring yellow bird of paradise, an emblem of regional tribal culture and represents the rise of Papua New Guinea as a nation. The bird of paradise is also found in the national coat of arms. The lower triangle is black with five, white, five-point stars of the Southern Cross constellation, visible from the country, symbolizing Papua New Guinea’s connection with Australia and other countries in the South Pacific. The colors of the flag represent Melanesian culture, the sun’s radiance, friendship and strength. These have been traditionally the colors of the tribes. Black, white and red are also the colors of the German Empire, a former colonizer of Papua New Guinea.

Port Moresby

Port Moresby is the capital city of Papua New Guinea and the principal international gateway into the country. Its spectacular location on a headland facing out into the Gulf of Papua, draws much interest from among many expats and the well-to-do.

(Inset) Port Moresby is also known for its diving spots which have been attracting not only the expat community but international enthusiasts as well.

POM, as it is often described locally, is the largest city in the South Pacific with a population of around 350,000.

Food

MUMU (left photo) is the national dish of Papua New Guinea. A slow-cooked assortment of fruits, vegetables, root crops, and meat, Mumu is also referred to as a method of cooking in Papua New Guinea where a makeshift outdoor oven is created using hot stones. All of the ingredients are layered in the pot and slow-cooked until everything is tender. Mumu is traditionally eaten with the hands.

TALATU (right photo) is a traditional Papuan dessert that is prepared using shredded coconut flesh, pineapple pieces, sugar, lemon juice and coconut milk. All these ingredients are mixed in a bowl and then consumed, ideally in coconut shells.

Bioma

Bioma figures are wood-carved figures from Papua New Guinea that have human forms but represent the spirit of animals, particularly those of wild pigs killed in organized hunts. The pictured work on the left was created by Subhashish Panigrahi.

Fire Dancers of the Baining Tribe

The people of the Baining Mountains create art forms that have a very ephemeral existence. One of these is the dance mask which is laboriously made from bark cloth, bamboo and leaves and used just once for the firedance ceremony before being thrown away or destroyed. The origin of these firedance ceremonies was to celebrate the birth of new children, the commencement of harvests, and also a way of remembering the dead. The Baining fire dance is also a right of passage for initiating young men into adulthood. A totally male event, the fire dance traditionally does not include the Baining women and children.

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