The drink for every soldier: Coca-Cola powers Filipino troops in Marawi with beverage supply

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Every day, countless Filipino soldiers display gallantry, courage, and true heroism in the name of duty to our country.

The Coca-Cola System in the Philippines takes this time to honor and salute all Filipino troops stationed in various parts of Mindanao – the men and women who have dedicated their lives to reclaim and ensure peace for our fellow Filipinos.

Starting  August 4, Coca-Cola Philippines, bottling partner Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines, and Coca-Cola Philippines Foundation, commit to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines by providing supplies of beverage products that will contribute to their well-being during their time of service.

The troops deployed in Marawi City will be given priority. A steady supply of beverages, which includes sports drink brand Powerade, Coca-Cola, and bottled water Wilkins Pure will be provided daily. Aside from being a beverage, bottled water is also used in the battlefield to clean and treat wounded soldiers.

Major General Benjamin Madrigal Jr., Division Commander of the 4th Infantry Division in Northern Mindanao said that the support given by companies like Coca-Cola and private individuals boosts the morale of the soldiers. While combat is the expertise of the troops, going to war and putting their lives on the line is the least of the things that they hope for.

The Coca-Cola System in the Philippines will also be extending additional support through the implementation of various sustainability programs for the Filipino troops and their families. A memorandum of agreement will be signed between the parties to formalize the support for our uniformed personnel.

Coca-Cola Philippines brings a new taste to the sound of Pinoy music thru #CokeStudioPH

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“Coke has always been about encouraging personal expression among the younger generation of teens, and what better way to unite them but through a universal language, which is music. This is what Coke Studio is all about. We are making music our tool of choice to connect with teens.” 

                            - - -  Stephan Czypionka, Coca-Cola Philippines Vice President for Marketing

The first of its kind as Coca-Cola turns up the volume on OPM music with Coke Studio! 

The sounds of Pinoy music will get a refreshing taste as Coke Studio opens in the country, bringing a fresh experience for the local music industry.

The first of its kind in the country, Coke Studio is a music TV show that encourages collaborations among Filipino artists – bringing together different musical genres, the young and seasoned artists, and the mainstream with the indie. Coke Studio is a celebration of the rich diversity in OPM and the central unifying role of music among Filipinos.

Coke Studio also serves as a stage that will showcase and highlight the wonderfully surprising new music that comes out from the collaborations between OPM legends and upcoming artists: 

• Noel Cabangon
• Curtismith
• Moonstar88
• Jensen and the Flips
• Sandwich
• BP Valenzuela
• Gabby Alipe and John Dinopol of Urbandub, 
• The Ransom Collective
• Abra
• Gracenote
• singer-composer Ebe Dancel
• Autotelic
• Franco
• and singer-songwriter Reese Lansangan.

• Noel Cabangon and Curtismith 

Coke Studio is hosted by OPM powerhouse Raymund Marasigan and Buddy Zabala, both from Eraserheads – one of the country’s most iconic rock bands. More than just a TV show, Coke Studio brings the viewer to the real experience – giving a first-hand, front seat view of the collaboration and how each artist bares their soul in the performance.

“As soon as they started playing their instruments, they just forgot about everything else,” said Marasigan on the experience inside the Coke Studio. “And a great artist will really come out with something, will produce something! Some artists may have come unprepared, but once they were in there, they just brought it out.”

Abra

But the Coke Studio experience does not stop there. An interactive Coke Studio truck will roam around the country to give university bands an opportunity to perform and interact with the artists.

Coke Studio is also joining some of the biggest fiestas and festivals nationwide with the Coke Canreaoke – an interactive installation loaded with OPM hits for anyone who wants to showcase their singing prowess. 

Taste the sounds of pinoy music as Coca-Cola launched Coke Studio at SMX Hall 1, Pasay City.with live viewing party of the pilot episode, sing along with your favorite Pinoy music artists and enjoy tons of fun activities. 

Coca-Cola Philippines recognizes the strong influence of music in the lives of Filipinos – a unifying thread that goes beyond language and dialect, political views and boundaries, and even religion.

With Coke Studio, Coca-Cola Philippines brings a new taste to the sound of Pinoy music.

Ebe Dancel

Sustainability programs of Coca-Cola honored at 15th Philippine Quill Awards!

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Coca-Cola Philippines wins three Quill Awards for their sustainability programs – two merit awards in the communication management category for its 5by20 STAR Program, and one merit award in the communication skills category for its “Replenishing Communities, Replenishing Lives: The Coca-Cola Water Report” publication.

Manila, Philippines – Coca-Cola Philippines took home three trophies for their sustainability programs during the 15th Philippine Quill Awards held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, Newport City. 

Coca-Cola received two merit awards in the communication management category for its 5by20 Sari-sari Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) Program which economically empowers women in various sectors with the help of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Department of Labor and Employment.

Since its launch in 2011, the 5by20 STAR Program has impacted the lives of over 80,000 women micro-entrepreneurs across the country.

Coca-Cola also received a merit award in the communication skills category for its “Replenishing Communities, Replenishing Lives: The Coca-Cola Water Report” publication which narrates the impact of the Company’s Agos Program among its beneficiaries.

“We, at Coca-Cola Philippines, are honored to receive these awards that recognize the effectiveness of our sustainability programs in making a difference in the communities we serve and the lives of Filipinos,” said Atty. Adel Tamano, Coca-Cola Philippines Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications.

The success of the sustainability programs of Coca-Cola have been made possible through partnerships with government and non-government organizations for its implementation, the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, bottling partner Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines, and with public relations firm, Strategic Works, Inc., for the communication amplification of the programs. 

Organized by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines, the Philippine Quill Awards is an annual competition that recognizes excellence in professional communication.

Coca-Cola plants a greener future in Hinatuan

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Along the rocky terrain of Mindanao’s eastern coast, in the town of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, is a lush 10-hectare community farm that has been cited as one of the model farms by various government agencies, including the Department of Agriculture (DA). Despite the unpredictable weather, which includes month-long monsoon rains and even longer dry spells, the farm has yielded fruits and vegetables beyond what the land and its surrounding areas has ever seen.

Arsocena Cabiling, farmer and mother, holds up harvested corn in their fields in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

This verdant bounty and pockets of rain forests belies the fact that most of Hinatuan lies on limestone bedrock. The constant salty winds blowing from the Pacific Ocean, alongside the lack of access to fresh water has contributed to the less than ideal environment for agricultural cultivation and has restricted most farming activities to coconut and corn production. The lack of water source also discounts the possibility of livestock-raising.

“In 2012, we decided to farm better with the assistance from various stakeholders. We made sure that every help we received would be maximized,” said Arsolino Cabilin, chairman of the Tagasaka Coconut Farmers Association (TACOFA).

In that same year, TACOFA became a recipient of the Coca-Cola Agos Program in partnership with Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation, Inc. (AIDFI). Through this project, the community was able to effectively shift to a more sustainable farming system – organic farming.

The Coca-Cola Agos Program installed a modified version of a simple technology called ram pump that allows lowland water to be brought to elevated areas without the need for electricity.

Making barren landscapes lush with the Coca-Cola Agos Program

“The unpredictable weather made it difficult for us to veer away from planting only coconuts and corn. There were times when it would suddenly have three weeks of no rain, sometimes it would stretch for two and a half months. Vegetables could not hold it out that long without rain,” said Dina Bayarcal, a TACOFA member and former treasurer. “We would fetch water from the river and manually bring it to the farm and water the plants. That’s the only thing we would do the whole day during a dry spell,” Bayarcal added.

Dina Bayarcal shows off her soybeans in her portion of the 10-hectare TACOFA demo farm. With water easily accessible with the ram pump, Bayarcal and her group are rotating crops, from soybeans to cantaloupe to corn.

With the availability of water through the ram pumps, TACOFA was able to diversify its crops that now include cantaloupes, watermelons, soybeans, corn, coconuts, and other vegetables that are grown throughout the year. The association is even putting up a coco fiber rope and coir (coconut fiber) production facility.

Large tracts of land are now watered in more efficient ways with the help of the ram pumps that draw water from the river.

Today, TACOFA membership has grown to over 100 farmer members tilling and developing the 10-hectare land, tapping its water source from the Coca-Cola Agos Program. The organization even plans on leasing some of the neighboring farms in order for them to expand their production.

“With a secure source of water, through the Coca-Cola Agos ram pumps, we were able to think of ways on how to better improve the way we farm. Access to water opened us to an endless possibility of options on what we can plant and raise,” said Cabilin. “We are also looking at ways on how we can further add value to our products.”

This year, the association has completed its coco coir production facility that would enable them to produce ropes, fiber mats, and coir logs – natural and biodegradable ways of preventing soil erosion, and contour farming. Tagasaka’s coconut nurseries have even boosted its contribution to the Department of Agriculture’s continuing effort to rehabilitate the ageing coconut industry, with seedling mortality rates now reduced from 55 to 20 percent.

Colorful murals are painted on the exterior walls of the water reservoir of Coca-Cola Agos Program.

Coca-Cola Agos Program: A gift to the next generation

TACOFA serves as the association for managing the Coca-Cola Agos Program after the ram pumps were turned over to the community. As the recipient organization and on behalf of the whole community, they are responsible for the maintenance and assurance that the ram pumps will continue to serve its purpose. Prior to the turn-over, TACOFA underwent workshops and orientations conducted by AIDFI on how to maintain and manage the ram pump as well as their natural environment. Two members of the organization also underwent hands-on mechanical training and have been certified by AIDFI to maintain the ram pumps for the community.

The organization serves as the unifying body for all household and farm recipients of the Coca-Cola Agos Program. They work hand-in-hand in taking care of the gift of water brought about by the installation of ram pumps for their community. They envision the project to serve the water needs of now and preserved for the next generations of TACOFA members.

“The Coca-Cola Agos ram pump is a gift to us, and it will be our gift to the next generation. Today, we will show the people the many ways one can farm; we will show those who have given much to us that we are grateful for their gift,” said Cabilin. “And we will show the next generation that with hard work, perseverance, and unceasing faith, things can and will be better.” 

UN women’s forum features Coca-Cola Philippines 5by20 partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)

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(Courtesy of the Philippine Commission on Women)

The UNCSW 61 session was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City with the theme “Women’s Economic Empowerment in the Changing World of Work.”The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) recently concluded its 61st session at the UN Headquarters in New York City.

A local delegation to the UNCSW session was led by officials of the Philippine Commission on Women; the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA); and Coca-Cola Philippines.

(Courtesy of the Philippine Commission on Women)

Philippine Commission on Women Chairperson Dr. Rhodora Bucoy deliberates the stand of the Philippine delegation on the sphere of women economic empowerment.

During the two-week forum, a parallel event session entitled "Here4Her: Making Reintegration Work for Filipino Women Migrant Workers" featured the partnership of Coca-Cola Philippines and DOLE under the Women Entrepreneurs Reintegrated and Economically Active at Home (WOMEN REACH) program.

Through the panel discussion, Coca-Cola and DOLE were able to share the journey and accomplishments of the WOMEN REACH program during its first year of implementation.

Panel speakers (from left) DOLE National Reintegration Commission for OFWs (NRCO) Executive Director Chona Mantilla; DOLE Assistant Secretary Gloria Jumamil-Mercado; Cabinet Undersecretary Gloria Tango of the office of the Office of the President of the Philippines; and Coca-Cola Philippines Sustainability and 5by20 Lead Gilda Custodio-Maquilan, together with the rest of the Philippine delegation.

Among the panelists were DOLE National Reintegration Commission for OFWs Executive Director Chona Mantilla; Coca-Cola Philippines Sustainability and 5by20 Lead Gilda Custodio-Maquilan; DOLE Assistant Secretary Gloria Jumamil-Mercado; and moderated by Cabinet Undersecretary Gloria Tango of the Office of the President of the Philippines.

"The WOMEN REACH program partnership was conceptualized to help facilitate women economic empowerment and the effective reintegration of returning women overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) by providing them access to livelihood programs, building their entrepreneurship know-how and connecting them to resources that will help them establish their own small enterprises," shared Gilda Custodio-Maquilan, Coca-Cola Philippines Sustainability and 5by20 Lead.

The WOMEN REACH program is a collaboration of the 5by20 Sari-sari Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) Program initiatives of Coca-Cola Philippines and the Assist WELL (Welfare, Employment, Legal and Livelihood) centers of DOLE. Central to the program intervention is to help improve the plight of returning women OFWs and mitigation measures to help address the impact of the feminization of migration to women OFWs and their families.

Coca-Cola Philippines, represented by Sustainability and 5by20 Lead Gilda Custodio-Maquilan, is the only private sector panelist invited by the UNCSW 61 Philippine delegation.

The STAR Program is part of the 5by20 global initiative of The Coca-Cola Company to help economically empower five million women by 2020. Present in over 80 countries, the Philippines is a lead market in the said global initiative. DOLE’s Assist WELL center, on the other hand, is an integrated resources accessing mechanism established to address the challenges faced by returning women OFWs in the areas of welfare, employment, legal, and livelihood needs. The expertise and resources of these two programs posits a promising intervention that will help women OFW stakeholders under the WOMEN REACH Program.

The UNCSW panel discussion served as a platform for the sharing and exchanging of ideas and experiences both from the panel speakers as well as the audience in the constantly evolving world of work for women overseas workers.#

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands and more than 3,800 beverage choices. Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world's most valuable and recognizable brands, our company’s portfolio features 20 billion-dollar brands, 18 of which are available in reduced-, low- or no-calorie options. Our billion-dollar brands include Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero, Fanta, Sprite, Dasani, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Del Valle, Georgia and Gold Peak. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, we are the No. 1 provider of both sparkling and still beverages. More than 1.9 billion servings of our beverages are enjoyed by consumers in more than 200 countries each day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates. 

For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo, visit our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com or find us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/the-coca-cola-company.

Coca-Cola introduce Wilkins Delight

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This Wednesday, April 5 at the Mckinley Road events place, Coca-Cola adds color to your life with new Wilkins Delight,  the first water – flavored with real fruit juice, in the Philippines.

Beverage giant, Coca-Cola,  brings innovation to a whole new level, officially introduced the newest addition to the growing water portfolio of the Wilkins Brand. Wilkins Delight is an exciting water brand for young adults and anyone who want more than just water. It is just the right kind of light; made from pure drinking water from your most trusted water brand, Wilkins, and infused with fruit flavors from real fruit.

“Young adults hate boredom. They want their lives to be interesting and colorful.”, said Coca-Cola Philippines Vice President for Marketing Stephan Czypionka. “[They] want to see new places, meet new people and taste new colorful products that are not only healthy and hydrate, but also entertain their taste buds.”

It’s a colorful, fruity twist that hydrates your body naturally, while at the same time excites your palette and teases your vision with fun light colors of amber - for the Apple infused flavor, pink – for that hint sweet taste of Pomelo flavor, and orange – for that fizzy Orange twist. The hydrating burst of flavors in the new Wilkins Delight will surprise Pinoy millenials to break-free from the monotony by adding color to their routinely lives.

“This is why today we create a new generation of water – a unique fusion of all the natural benefits from your no. 1 trusted water brand Wilkins (Pure) and all the joyful goodness and fun extracted from real fruit– great refreshing taste, amazing colors, and an endless option of interesting flavors from fruits!,” added Czypionka.

Media attendees, Coca-Cola partners and some of your favorite millennials in the local scene who graced the event experienced an afternoon of breaking free from their usual ‘everyday’ routines and get to enjoy tons of fun and colorful activities! 

That’s not all as more surprises came with the reveal of the official TVC for Wilkins Delight along with the brand’s new powerful set of ambassadors – Kapamilya’s talented star Matteo Guidicelli and the Philippines’ very own Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa!

“As someone who's from the beauty pageant industry, I need to take good care of my health and my complexion by drinking safe and pure drinking water. With Wilkins Delight, drinking water gets even more fun as it helps rejuvenate me — keeping my skin healthy. The good thing about Wilkins Delight is that it comes in three exciting fruit flavors. All three variants of Wilkins Delight are delicious, although my personal favorite is the apple flavored one. There’s definitely one for everyone!”, Kylie says.

Matteo also shared how important water is in his every day routine especially with his busy schedule as an artist, and a sports enthusiast —

"As an actor, singer and triathlete, water is always a must for me to help me stay focused, refreshed and energized. Wilkins has always been my no. 1 go to water for hydration. Now, drinking water doesn’t have to be boring because of Wilkins Delight! With the benefits of safe and pure drinking water of Wilkins (Pure) combined with the infused flavor from real fruits, my daily water routine just got more colorful with Wilkins Delight!”, Matteo added.

Wilkins Delight comes in three exciting flavors! Pink Pomelo, Apple and Orange. Each rehydrates the body because of the water, and tickles the tongue because it has real fruit juice. Wilkins Delight is now available in 425ml pack at the suggested retail price (SRP) of P15 in your leading supermarkets, groceries, and convenience stores; and in 250ml pack for an SRP of P10 in your favorite sari-sari stores nationwide.

Add flavor to your water. Add color to your life. Enjoy new Wilkins Delight.

Coca-Cola brings safe drinking water to earthquake-stricken communities

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As the people of Surigao recover from the devastation wrought by the 6.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Surigao Province last Friday, the Coca-Cola System offered quick and ready assistance to the families. 

At least 11 towns including the provincial capital and two major bridges essential were damaged. The earthquake and its aftershocks have left an estimated ₱601.8 million in damage in its wake. 

In light of this, the beverage company immediately arranged to send aid in the form of a vital resource--safe and clean drinking water. 

On February 11 – the day after the quake, 100,000 worth of Wilkins Distilled water were unloaded at Surigao City Hall. The drinking water was distributed through the efforts of the local government, with the assistance of Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines pre-sellers, 301B personnel of the Philippine Army, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. 

In addition to the products, Coca-Cola Philippines, Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines, and the Coca-Cola Foundation are working with the local government of Surigao for the deployment of the SETA Potable Water Machine – a mobile drinking water facility with the capability to treat and produce 3000 l/h of potable drinking water a day – to sustainably ease the community's need for this resource, and will continue to support the rehabilitation efforts in the province. 

Coca-Cola 5by20 Artisans present Miss Universe candidates with upcycled neckpieces

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Beautifully handcrafted neckpieces by the Artisan Women of Tondo made from upcycled Coca-Cola pull tabs recently took center stage during one of the preliminary events for the 65th Miss Universe Pageant. The artisan women presented each candidate with her very own neckpiece during a sunset cruise around Manila Bay and a dinner at the exclusive Pico de Loro Cove at Hamilo Coast in Batangas.

Beyond the glitz and glamour that surrounds the prestigious Miss Universe event is its heart – women empowering women. During the sunset cruise, the candidates took the time to talk with the artisan women to know their stories and admire their handiwork, while also sharing their personal experiences and journey through the pageant.

“This is a great way of showcasing the artistry of the Filipino women artisans to the world and it also highlights how women are contributing to the empowerment of other women, wherever they may be in the globe,” said Atty. Adel Tamano, Coca-Cola Philippines Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications.

Each of the neckpieces was individually crafted by the women artisans in their workshop located in Tondo, a district in Manila known as one of the most densely populated and economically-challenged areas in the country. The work of art they produce provides additional income for the artisans. The women engaged in the workshop are mostly single mothers and sole bread-winners; they play a challenging role in order to support their respective families.

The Artisan Women of Tondo is among the various women economic empowerment programs supported by Coca-Cola Philippines under the 5by20 global initiative. The women artisan program was made possible in partnership with ASA Philippines Foundation, one of the leading local microfinance institutions in the country that help uplift the poorest of the poor communities.

“In line with its commitment to empower women across the globe under the 5by20 initiative, Coca-Cola will continue to provide an enabling environment for women in its value chain so they can help themselves and their families become sustainable, and uplift their communities,” said Gilda Custodio-Maquilan, Coca-Cola Philippines 5by20 Lead, Sustainability and Community Affairs Manager.

Other than neckpieces and accessories, the artisan women also produce handbags, clutches, and other home décor from the pull tabs found in Coca-Cola beverage product cans. The Artisan Women of Tondo, through the help of Coca-Cola Philippines and its partners, is planning to further expand its product line and market reach in order to achieve sustainable livelihood.

The Coca-Cola 5by20 Artisans is part of the global initiative of the Company to empower 5 million women around the world by 2020. In the Philippines, the Company is enabling thousands of underprivileged women through the 5by20 Artisans and the 5by20 Sari-Sari Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) Program.

For more information about the artisan women of Tondo and their products, visit Gifts That Give Back on Facebook.

Candidates of the 65th Miss Universe Pageant admired the beautiful neckpieces they received from the Coca-Cola 5by20 Artisans. Each neckpiece is made out of the pull tabs from canned beverages of Coca-Cola.

Candidates were unable to resist the urge to try on the neckpieces given by the Coca-Cola 5by20 Artisans. The neckpieces were made by the women artisans from the pull tabs of Coca-Cola products.

“It is a really proud moment for us. For the candidates, and even the universe, to see our creations,” said Marlene Nival, one of the 14 Coca-Cola 5by20 artisan women who personally gave their handcrafted neckpieces to the candidates of the 65th Miss Universe Pageant. The women are joined by James Debauden, project coordinator of the Coca-Cola 5by20 Artisan Women of Tondo.

The Artisan Women of Tondo got to meet the candidates up close and personal during a sunset dinner at Pico de Loro in Batangas.

Coca-Cola says ‘thank you’ to our Tagahatid Pasko

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The holiday season is often marked with its trademark rush – people hustling through their shopping lists trying to complete it before Christmas Eve and passengers crowding bus stations, airports, and other terminals to get home in time for noche buena. But it’s not the same for everyone, as every Christmas season, thousands of people work tirelessly just to make sure that everyone else can celebrate and feel the yuletide spirit.

This year, Coca-Cola paid tribute to people more popularly known as “Tagahatid Pasko”, highlighting how their hard work, dedication, and sacrifice has made it possible for everyone to have the merriest celebrations this season. All throughout December, the Company gave gifts and surprises to over 15,000 Tagahatid Pasko around the country as their way of thanking the various unsung heroes of Christmas who tirelessly work to bring a merry season for everyone else.

On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, several Tagahatid Pasko were surprised by Christmas carolers and associates with ice-cold bottles of Coca-Cola at their workplaces. Over 15,000 Santa packs filled with food items and special gifts greeted the unsung heroes of Christmas who were still in their workplaces.

“This is our way of expressing our gratitude to the people who help us make Christmas happen in our own homes – be it the grocery clerk who makes sure the shelves are well-stocked, or the gift-wrapping teams who work until midnight at department stores, or the toll booth operator who works overtime just so everyone can come home in time for Christmas. To all of you, thank you!” said Stephan Czypionka, Coca-Cola Philippines Vice President for Marketing.

One of the Tagahatid Pasko is Carla Dominique Diego, who works in the gift-wrapping section of a leading department store. Since the onset of the Christmas season, she has been working longer hours in order to accommodate all the customers. “Pag Christmas season, napakarami po talagang nagpapagift-wrap. Nakakalungkot lang isipin na hindi ko manlang naaasikaso yung mga regalo para sa family ko dahil busy ako sa pagbabalot ng mga regalo ng ibang tao,” she said.

Wait staff are also one of those who tirelessly work overtime during the Christmas season to allow others to celebrate the festivities with their loved-ones and friends. Jerico Gonzales, who works the night-shift at a restaurant, says that the holiday rush makes its more challenging for them. “May mga guests ako na bumabalik-balik, at naiisip ko, ang saya nila, sana ganyan din nararanasan ko ngayon. Paskong-pasko, di ko manlang nakakasama ang pamilya ko,” he said.

24-year-old Red Cross volunteer and Tagahatid Pasko Brenda Paule recalls joining her team in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda to bring the spirit of Christmas to typhoon survivors and other relief workers.

“Sharing the joy of Christmas is more than gifts; it’s about being there for others. There is no joy like seeing the smile on the face of others because of something that you have done. And that for me is the priceless reward of what we do,” a misty-eyed Paule said.

For the past four years, Paule has spent her noche buena in the streets, ready to respond to any untoward incident that may arise.

Even on Christmas Eve and at work, a doctor at the hospital finds time to share a smile with patients and enjoy a bottle of Coca-Cola, too. Like many other medical practitioners who are on duty during Christmas, they are one of the Tagahatid Pasko.

The Coca-Cola Christmas campaign did not stop with giving out Santa sacks, celebrities also joined the celebration by being this year's Tagahatid Pasko during the Metro Manila Film Festival 2016 Parade by giving out ice-cold bottles of Coca-Cola. While a Christmas Concert, top-billed by the country’s best musicians and most popular love-teams, together with Coca-Cola Ambassadors James Reid, Nadine Lustre, Enchong Dee, Ylona Garcia and Bailey May, serenaded and performed for over 300 unsung heroes of Christmas from partner companies earlier this month.

Together with Coca-Cola in thanking all our Tagahatid Pasko this year are partner organizations Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall, Rotary Club Philippines, Shakey’s Pizza, McDonald’s, Grab, iFlix, Robinsons Mall, Jollibee, Zomato, 5by20 Women Artisans of Tondo, 7-Eleven, Shell, Select, Mini Stop, Metro Manila Development Authority, Djarn Manpower, Sentinel, Tropical Hut Pasay City, the Philippine National Police, and VXI.

To see how Coca-Cola paid tribute to our #TagaHatidPasko, 

check out the video

 https://www.facebook.com/CocaColaPhilippines/videos/1254441844601851/ 

on their official Facebook page.

Coca-Cola Agos Program brings water to 16 communities with hydraulic ram pump

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The Philippines is known for its water resource – seas that are abundant with fish and other marine ecosystems, rivers and lakes that host freshwater flora and fauna, and springs that are considered to be one of the cleanest. However, there are communities that still do not have access to water.

For generations, upland communities have lived lives that required them to wake up early to draw water from distant sources; a life where children would spend more time drawing water for household use than playing outdoors; a life where mothers juggle between providing water for their families and finding the time to care and nurture.

Residents of a village near Mt. Kanlaon easily get water for their daily use from a common tap stand.

In line with its global thrust of returning the same amount of water used in the production of its beverages to nature and communities, Coca-Cola Philippines installed 13 hydraulic ram pumps this September and October through the Coca-Cola Agos Program. In 2015 alone, 1,984 million liters of water have been returned to nature and communities through the project’s water ram pump installations.

A section of the Coca-Cola Agos ram pump sits at the edge of a rice field in the foothills of Mt. Kanlaon, the highest peak and an active volcano in Negros Island.

The interiors of the Agos ram pump show that it is made of materials that are easily accessible at a local hardware store. The pump was designed in such a way that once turned over to the villagers, they can easily maintain and repair it on their own.

“We believe that water is an integral resource in ensuring the sustainability of communities. Through the ram pump’s simple and sustainable mechanism, we are able to bring water to people who need it most. More than the water, it is giving these communities a fresh start, an opportunity to create a more sustainable future,” said Diego Granizo, president and general manager of Coca-Cola Philippines.

The red tap stand is like an oasis in a desert – a source of refreshment for most villagers that are benefitting from the Agos ram pump. Most villages installed with an Agos ram pump are dotted with the red tap stand where they can draw clean water without having to travel directly to the source.

In the last two months, the villages of Ebag in Barugo, Templanza and Luwan in Matalom, all in Leyte, together with the villages of Libtong, Villa Caneja, Cabunga-an, Caray-Caray, and sitios Puro, Mocal Bocal, and Baras, and the village proper of Barangay Catmon in Naval, Biliran will be receiving the Coca-Cola Agos ram pumps. Completing the list of recipients are Sitio Sadsadan in Barangay Balbalan, Sitio Bullalayao in Barangay Pantikian, both in Kalinga Province, and two areas in Barangay Camias, including Sitio Pasbul, and Barangay Inararo in Porac, Pampanga.

After the Coca-Cola Agos Program ram pump was installed in Lake Lahit, residents started getting water from tap stands near their homes. Gone are the days when they have to trek for hours to get water for their daily needs.

Fetching water downhill was the way of life Todena Fadon was born into. She is more than thankful that the Coca-Cola Agos Program allows her to spend more time caring for her children and nurturing their future.

In partnership with the Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation, Inc. (AIDFI), Coca-Cola Philippines has been bringing the ram pump technology to various upland communities who do not have access to water. The ram pump technology allows the elevation of water from a remote source to upland areas without the need for complex machinery and electricity. The ram pump used in the Coca-Cola Agos Project relies on gravity-assisted hydraulic force to propel water into reservoirs which brings water to conduits near clustered households.

Since its introduction in 2011, there are already 30,817 households that have benefitted from 129 water pump installations made by the Coca-Cola Agos Project, 118 of which are ram pumps while the 11 are gravity installations.