PCX Solutions report shows Philippines’ new EPR Law making an impact on plastic pollution

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The majority of large plastic producers met or exceeded targets in first year

New EPR Law creates recycling livelihood for communities

 

The Filipino people, economy, and environment have been heavily hit by the escalating plastic pollution crisis. The nation, which is made up of thousands of islands with a limited and fragmented waste management infrastructure, is one of the world’s largest contributors of marine plastic litter. This is made worse by the ‘sachet economy’, where brands deliver goods in small units that are affordable for the majority of the population.

Two years ago, the Philippines rolled out one of the world’s most ambitious laws on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which holds manufacturers accountable for waste resulting from their products and packaging to enable a circular economy. That act, which lapsed into law in 2023, requires companies with at least one hundred million pesos in assets to take responsibility for an increasing percentage of their plastic footprint, rising from 20% in 2023 to 80% in 2028.

A case study published by PCX Solutions, “Extended Producer Responsibility in the Philippines: Early Learnings and Insights for Emerging Markets Battling Plastic Pollution”, shows that while it’s still early days, the country’s approach to EPR is showing promising results.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Environmental Management Bureau estimates that 2,130 businesses fall into the current Obliged Enterprise scope. The DENR-EMB reports that as of August 2024, a total of 947 companies had registered an EPR program. Together, those companies enabled the recovery and diversion of 163,000 metric tons of post-consumer plastic packaging waste in 2023.

While not all Obliged Enterprises complied in the first year, continued education efforts aimed at raising awareness and compliance levels are ongoing. Companies that don’t comply also face escalating fines, and ultimately the loss of their business license for repeated offenses. The majority of the largest plastic packaging producers have complied, and many went beyond the minimum 20% recovery target for 2023, indicating strong support among the country’s largest Obliged Enterprises.

There are still significant milestones to unlock, like dealing with decades of legacy plastic pollution; enabling policies to create the supply and demand for recycled materials and to reduce and eliminate unnecessary plastic packaging; further mechanisms and guidance to achieve social inclusion and just transition; and national standards to establish transparency, credibility and accountability, according to PCX Solution’s analysis.

But enacting and implementing EPR has allowed the country to see immediate results, start constructive discussions, realize and understand the gaps, and gather support from stakeholders through an inclusive and systematic approach, PCX Solutions says in its report.

“This case study offers insights and analysis for other developing countries in a similar situation to boldly and urgently address the problem, and for negotiators of the UN plastics treaty to consider innovative approaches and voices from the Global South,” said Stefanie Beitien, Managing Director of PCX Solutions.

There are already well-established EPR regimes in a number of developed markets, including Europe, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, which typically involve government funded collection, sorting and processing of plastic waste.

The Philippines has taken a pragmatic approach and crafted an accessible law that makes these goals achievable. There are six upstream measures that can reduce their footprint, such as the use of recycled content, reusable packaging or refilling, and six downstream measures to recover their footprint, and plastic crediting is one of them.

“The Philippines’ approach shows that a market-based mechanism like credits, which facilitates the cleanup of plastic waste and encourages the private sector to invest in waste infrastructure, can play a pivotal role in supporting EPR laws - particularly in emerging markets that lack collection and recycling systems,” said Nanette Medved-Po, Founder of PCX Solutions.

Century Tuna’s “Saving Our Seas” continues to champion Plastic Circular Economy and strengthens efforts in Reef and Coastal Clean-up

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After its successful run in 2023, Century Tuna, the country’s no.1 tuna brand, continues to lead the charge in marine conservation in the Philippines, further solidifying its commitment to fighting plastic pollution with the 2nd year of its “Saving Our Seas” campaign.

Representatives and volunteers from Century Pacific Food Inc. (CPFI), Century Tuna Superbods 2024 finalists, HOPE, and the Local Government of Mabini, Batangas, gathered for the “Saving Our Seas” International Coastal Cleanup Day activity on the coast of Anilao in Batangas.

This 2024, Century Tuna expanded its efforts by leading education drives on the Plastic Circular Economy and responsible plastic waste management, spearheaded initiatives to restore and protect vital coastal areas, and actively engaging with local communities across the country.

Mr. Carlo Endaya, Vice President and General Manager of the Branded Tuna Division, Century Pacific Food Inc., talked about the second year of the “Saving Our Seas” Initiative

“With the second year of the ‘Saving Our Seas’ campaign, Century Tuna is reiterating its commitment to taking proactive steps in protecting our marine environments,” said Mr. Carlo Endaya, Vice President and General Manager of Branded Tuna Division, Century Pacific Food Inc. (CPFI). “That’s why we’re doing this—aside from cleaning the ocean, we want to continue spreading the word and fostering the mindset that we must always work to prevent plastic pollution.”

Ms. Bea Ballesca-Martinez, Century Tuna Marketing Manager, helmed the Coastal Clean-up leg of Century Tuna “Saving Our Seas” in Mabini, Batangas.

In celebration of International Coastal Cleanup Day, Century Tuna initiated a school-based plastic recycling drive in several elementary schools in Mabini, Batangas. In partnership with HOPE’s Aling Tindera Waste-to-Cash program, elementary students were encouraged to collect plastic waste, exchange it for cash, and learn more about the Plastic Circular Economy - where all plastics collected and recycled are diverted away from nature to ensure that it won’t leak back into the open environment.

Ms. Ilusion Farias, HOPE Managing Director shared the importance of teaching students about the Plastic Circular Economy at the Century Tuna “Saving Our Seas” School Plastic Drive

“The idea is to help everyone realize that by picking up that piece of plastic, you can not only earn a little extra money for your family but also contribute to solving this global problem and help clean up the Philippines and the world,” said Ms. Ilusion Farias, HOPE Managing Director.

Century Tuna Superbods 2024 finalists led by Century Tuna Superbods 2024 Runner-up Patrick Patawaran, participated in the Century Tuna 'Saving Our Seas' International Coastal Cleanup Day in Mabini, Batangas.

Following the initiative and coinciding with the International Coastal Cleanup Day, representatives from Century Tuna, together with finalists from Century Tuna Superbods 2024 led by Runner-up Patrick Patawaran, CPFI employees, and volunteer divers participated in a coastal and reef cleanup activity in Mabini, Batangas. They were able to collect a total of 357 kilograms of plastic waste from both the shoreline and underwater.

Volunteer divers participated in the Century Tuna ‘Saving Our Seas’ reef cleanup activity 

in Mabini, Batangas.

The award-winning Century Tuna’s “Saving Our Seas” campaign is a continuation of its bigger mission to aid in marine conservation. Last year, the campaign was able to surpass its initial target of collecting 10 metric tons of plastic waste and avoiding it getting leaked into our seas.

CPFI employees and the Local Government of San Juan, La Union collaborated for the Century Tuna “Saving Our Seas” Earth Day Palit-Plastic Project in San Juan, La Union.

Early this year, “Saving Our Seas” made notable progress with key events such as the Earth Day Palit Plastic Project in La Union and the Superbods Cleanup Drive in Subic Bay, Zambales. These efforts highlight Century Tuna’s dedication to the bigger cause of fighting plastic pollution and educate people on the idea of a Plastic Circular Economy.

Century Tuna Superbods finalists and CPFI executives spearheaded the Century Tuna 'Saving Our Seas' coastal cleanup in Subic Bay, Zambales.

For more information, please visit https://centurytuna.ph/ or visit Century Tuna on Facebook

 at https://www.facebook.com/centurytuna or @centurytunasuperbods on Instagram for more updates.

Mangroves: Nature-Based Solutions for the Philippines Coastal and Coral Reef Sustainability

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The ocean and the coast play important roles in Southeast Asia as a residential area and a source of livelihood. The region’s coastline spans a total length of 234,000 km and its ocean supplies around 40% of the global fish supply; at the same time, it is also the home to a third of mangroves and coral reefs in the region. Out of that many, 36,289 km of coastline belongs to the Philippines, making it an integral part for the nations. However, ocean and coastlines’ conditions greatly impacted due to the rising global temperature and climate crisis, including in the Philippines.

The latest report from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) states that the world is experiencing the fourth global coral bleaching event. This coral bleaching will certainly have an impact, including in reduced livelihoods and food sources due to disturbed fish habitats. The challenges in the Philippines are exacerbated by environmental degradation, including pollution, overfishing, and destructive fishing practice.

To prevent the coastal area from becoming more deteriorated, the Philippines has several approaches, including creating a network of marine protected areas. There is also focus on community based resources management that aims at sustainable fishing practices, mangrove reforestation, and coral reef restoration. One of them is the San Vicente Mangrove Forest and Marine Protected Area in Palawan, where the community is committed to safeguarding and restoring the mangrove area for 25 years since 1999, and extended to 12 more years.

Sustainable Mangrove Management by Communities in Indonesia

In Indonesia, similar to the Philippines, there has been a sustainable mangrove management by involving the community in Bali, specifically in Budeng Village.

Since September 2023, the Wana Mertha Forest Farmer Group (KTH Wana Mertha), that’s based in Budeng Village, has been assisted by Pesisir Lestari, a non-governmental organization (NGO) that focuses on coastal area management through Community-led Sustainable Natural Resources Management model approach. The program aims at enabling the community to preserve the mangrove forests and gain livelihood opportunities from it.

Based on a study conducted by Pesisir Lestari in early 2024, the mangrove ecosystem area in the Budeng Village spans a total ​​112.51 hectare (ha). From the total area, 25 ha is managed by the community who are members of the Wana Mertha Group.

In order to ensure proper management of the mangrove area, KTH Wana Mertha conducts regular check-ups on the mangroves’ health. Additionally, KTH Wana Mertha also creates an added value to the area by turning it into an eco-tourism culinary destination through the establishment of Warung Mangrove (restaurant) in 2021.

At the restaurant, residents of Budeng Village who are members of KTH Wana Mertha jointly manage the establishment, including managing the fish farm and other seafood such as shrimp, mangrove crabs, shellfish, and even the production and sale of mangrove chips, mangrove tea, mangrove herbal medicine and mangrove nurseries. The collaborative utilization and preservation of mangroves extends the benefits beyond Budeng Village but also for its surrounding villages.

"Warung Mangrove offers a unique dining atmosphere with a view of the mangrove forest and serves a variety of menus made from the community's catch and directly cooked by the women's group of Budeng Village," said I Putu Madiasa, Chair of KTH Wana Mertha, Budeng Village, Jembrana, Bali.

Beyond its presence as a unique tourist attraction, Warung Mangrove becomes an example of how sustainable environmental management can support creative ways to preserve the environment and strengthen community livelihoods. This case also highlights the importance of legal entity such as Wana Mertha which unlock opportunities for them to receive fiscal transfers and development funds from the government.

"The existence of the Mangrove forest makes us feel protected, we can now enjoy catching shrimps, crabs, and other seafood that contributes to our local economy," said I Kadek Sudiarsa, Secretary of KTH Wana Merta, Budeng, Jembrana, Bali.

Business Analysis and Community Engagement as Key to Sustainability

The community-led development approach carried out by Pesisir Lestari can be a complement of how communities can manage coastal areas in other Southeast Asian countries, especially the Philippines, including to develop existing potential to elevate the economy.

There should also be a balance between development and community empowerment. The government plays an important role in creating regulations that can protect coastal areas and encourage community involvement in managing coastal areas. The success of sustainable mangrove management will also impact various aspects including the marine industry, tourism, and coastal area resilience.

Pesisir Lestari hopes that the work they do can inspire other coastal communities in Southeast Asia, so that more appropriate methods for sustainable mangrove management will emerge. This is needed to ensure that Southeast Asia continues to have healthy coasts and oceans in the future.

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About Pesisir Lestari (YPL)

Pesisir Lestari is a local non-governmental organization (NGO) that focuses on marine conservation by prioritizing the Community-led Model in realizing the vision of building a sustainable future for coastal communities. Some of the programs currently underway include sustainable mangrove management through social forestry in Jembrana (Budeng Village), Banggai (Uwedikan Village), West Manggarai (Golo Sepang Village) and North Minahasa (Darunu Village), developing a tool box to identify opportunities for Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECM) and advocacy for the Octopus Fisheries Management Plan (RPP) in Indonesia.

Legarda calls for stronger action on clean air and climate resilience

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As the world marks the fifth annual International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, Senator Loren Legarda issued a call for stronger measures to address the ongoing battle for clean air and climate resilience. Reflecting on the passage of the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (Republic Act No. 8749), Legarda emphasized the need for renewed commitment to environmental protection and public health.

“When I championed the Philippine Clean Air Act 25 years ago, we knew the battle for clean air wouldn’t be easy. Yet today’s headlines reveal a troubling truth: we are still fighting for clean air, and the climate crisis is taking a grave toll on public health,” Senator Legarda said.

Legarda underscored the urgent need for more robust enforcement of environmental laws, as well as the implementation of effective climate resilience strategies to safeguard both the environment and the well-being of Filipinos.

“I say enough is enough. We need stronger implementation and more effective climate resilience. The future of our people and our planet is on the line. Let’s finish what we started.”

As a long-standing advocate for environmental protection, Senator Legarda continues to push for legislative reforms that strengthen climate action, renewable energy development, and the protection of vulnerable communities affected by climate change.

Leonie Agri Corp. Opens Its Doors to the International Market

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LAC, the first and largest organic-certified farm and manufacturing plant in the Philippines¹ 

welcomes DENR international delegates 

 

Leonie Agri Corp. (LAC), a subsidiary of one of the top pharmaceutical companies in the Philippines PascualLab, takes a step into the international market via the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) - Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 2023 ASEAN Conference on Medicinal Forest Trees tour held last September 7, 2023.  

LAC welcomes the 2023 DENR Asean Conference onf Medicinal TreesMR

 

Opening the Doors to an International Market 

LAC, the first and largest organic-certified farm and plant in the Philippines,¹ recently welcomed 80 delegates of the ERDB from Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal, at its 42-hectare home in Nueva Ecija. As part of their three-day itinerary, the delegates from the business, academe, and public sector, were given the tour of the newly refurbished LAC. 

 

ERDB OIC Asst. Director (For) Conrado Marquez and LAC President and CEO Antonio Causing

According to ERDB OIC-Assistant Director Forester (For) Conrado B. Marquez: “We have carefully chosen LAC as the ideal location for the conference tour. LAC is a renowned agriceutical company and the tour provided invaluable insights to every individual regarding the importance and utilization of medicinal plants, as well as the various forest tree species. This immersive experience further enhanced the understanding and appreciation of the potential benefits that these natural resources hold for society." 

 

Leonie Agri Corp. 

LAC recently renovated its farm and manufacturing plant, to further its parent company’s mission of providing quality health and wellness products and services, with highlight on its combination of organic-based farming methods and produce as well as its pharmaceutical-grade processes and products. Along with its farm and plant improvements comes the widening of its product and service portfolio. 

 

Home of Ascof Lagundi and WellGreens plus C-Lium Fibre  

LAC natural products on display at the DENR delegates' tour of the agrieceutical company

Home of the first Lagundi cough relief in the market, Ascof Lagundi² and the first commercially available Sinta food supplements, WellGreens Sinta, LAC is also home to premium and   organic-certified raw materials including Sambong (Blumea Camphor) and Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa). It also mostly manufactures C-Lium Fibre³, the leading psyllium fiber brand in the Philippines while another food supplement, PureGreens Malunggay is in the pipeline.  

 

Government-recognized  

LAC, certified by the Department of Agriculture for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and by the Islamic Da’Wah Council of the Philippines for Halal, produces premium organic raw materials to meet the various toll needs of clients.  

 

Industry-compliant  

Also certified by Department of Health’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), LAC offers reliable toll manufacturing services such as:   Sachet filling, Blistering, Dehydration, Milling, Encapsulation, Packaging, Spray drying, Extraction, Essential oil extraction, and Sterilization. 

LAC President and CEO Antonio Causing with some of the Asean delegates

Antonio C. Causing, LAC President and CEO affirms: “We share with DENR, the same passion for sustainability, and their vision of a nation enjoying and sustaining its natural resources and a clean and healthy environment. LAC for one, adheres to these sustainable practices and quality standards.” 

 

Originally servicing clients in Southeast Asia, LAC is gearing up to explore more markets in Asia and the rest of the world in the coming years. 

 

Corporate Social Responsibility 

While LAC’s vision remains aligned with its parent company PascualLab’s vision for Strong, Healthy Families and its focus on market expansion, the Filipino-owned agriceutical firm continues to draw from its core – a passion for CSR. LAC is a socially responsible organization that employs sustainable methods. It also supports community development and the livelihood of local farmers. It partners with the local communities not only of Nueva Ecija, but also of Aurora and Bulacan in Luzon, Philippines to train farmers with the processes and standards of organic farming, providing them opportunities to improve the quality and increase the quantities of their crops, through earth-friendly methods, while earning a sustainable living as agripreneurs. 

 

Beyond this, LAC reaches out to sectors in need and survivors of natural calamities. 

 

Leonie Agri Corporation – continuously evolving to provide purposeful health solutions to its current and emerging markets. 

 

For more information, visit http://www.leonieagricorp.com/ 

LGEPH and Pasig City Government Collaborate for a Greener Future on World Environment Day

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LG Electronics Philippines (LGEPH), in collaboration with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Pasig City, celebrated World Environment Day by organizing a tree planting activity. The event, held on June 5, 2023, aimed to promote environmental conservation and sustainability in the community.

Turnover of plants / Commencement of the Tree Planting Activity

MD, CFO, and PDs with the representatives from City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)

World Environment Day, established by the United Nations in 1972, serves as a global platform to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment and natural resources. Recognizing this crucial initiative, LGEPH Managing Director, Mr. Sungjae Kim, expressed gratitude to the volunteers for their participation in the tree planting activity.

"Our goal is to create a more nature-friendly environment, ensuring a sustainable community in the long run," stated Mr. Sungjae Kim during his opening remarks. "LG has always been committed to making the world a better place, and this event reflects our dedication to environmental stewardship."

Turnover of plants / Commencement of the Tree Planting Activity

MD with the representatives from The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Ms. Sonia Fuentes Fuentes (the person holding the plant) and Mr. Jimster Samson.

The tree planting activity saw the active involvement of 51 LGEPH employees, including the Managing Director, CFO, and Product Directors. They were joined by 10 volunteers from the CENRO of the Pasig City government, forming a collaborative effort to make a positive impact on the local environment.

51 LGEPH employees including the Managing Director, CFO and PDs volunteered to the Tree Planting Activity. They were joined by 10 volunteers from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of the Pasig City government

A total of 350 saplings were planted, comprising various tree species. The selection of trees included 50 Salingogon Trees, 50 Bougainvillea, 10 African Talisay, and 240 Pintabebua. These saplings will contribute to the beautification and enhancement of the local ecosystem.

LGEPH Managing Director Mr. Sungjae Kim planting a sapling

during the Tree Planting Activity on World Environment Day.

LGEPH remains committed to corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability. Through initiatives like the tree planting activity, the company aims to inspire others to take an active role in preserving the environment and fostering a greener future.

"We would like to express our sincerest appreciation to all the volunteers who participated in this meaningful event," concluded Mr. Sungjae Kim. "Together, we can make a significant difference and create a more sustainable world for future generations."

For more information about LG Electronics Philippines and its environmental initiatives, follow LG Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Tiktok. LG products are available in all authorized dealers nationwide both in-store and online. Visit lg.com/ph for a complete list of our retail partners. You can also visit LG's Official Flagship Stores in Lazada and Shopee.

Making Waves: How Uratex Is Helping Save The Oceans with its Trill Seave Collection

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You can now sleep better at night and contribute to saving the environment at the same time.

Uratex hosted a beach and underwater cleanup at Caban Cove, Batangas in collaboration with Pure Oceans in an effort to reduce the waste in our waters. 

Pure Oceans is a social enterprise based in the Philippines that advocates for marine conservation. This partnership between Uratex and Pure Oceans brought to life an unforgettable experience for the participants and hopefully, a change, no matter how big or small, to water pollution.

To further emphasize the importance of creating a change and saving the environment, Uratex Philippines starts its sustainability journey with this latest collection.

The Trill Seave Collection

In partnership with the Seaqual Initiative, the Trill Seave Collection of Uratex is its newest addition to their growing line of sleep products. “Seave” is derived from the words save and sea, which the collection features a mattress, topper and pillow. The collection was designed and made with the least amount of possible negative impact on the environment as all products are made from post-consumer recycled plastic gathered from the ocean floor that was turned into woven fabric. This collection makes Uratex the first company in the country to offer Filipinos a sustainable mattress option.

Go check out the Trill Seave Collection of Uratex on uratex.com.ph and follow them on their social media pages for more updates.

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About Uratex

Uratex is the leading foam company in the country, offering products that help enrich lives and create meaningful moments such as mattresses, pillows, toppers, etc. For more than 54 years, the brand is committed to provide comfort through its products and services.

Hamilo Coast --- committed to nurture and protect the marine life

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Home to the most diverse marine ecosystem in the world, the Philippines has been tagged as one of seven biodiversity hotspots across the planet. This means that a high number of endemic or endangered species are found in these tropical isles, which are now a conservation priority region due to the threat of severe habitat loss. Add to this the adverse effects of climate change, and a variety of destructive practices that impact our rich coastal areas, and one could say that our much-touted aquatic biodiversity is constantly imperiled.

Native giant clams re-stocking, spawning and orientation for ocean nursery project of UP Bolinao Marine Lab done in partnership with DENR, Rotary Club of Nasugbu and the LGU.

Fortunately, the Philippines’ coastal communities are relentlessly pushing for sustainable practices that are primed to help preserve our marine rersources. One such community, Hamilo Coast, is unwavering in its campaign to protect and preserve its picturesque sanctuary located in Nasugbu, Batangas.

A 40-hectare premier leisure resort complex, Hamilo Coast is only an hour and a half commute from Mall of Asia via the Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) and Ternate-Nasugbu road. A development of Costa Del Hamilo, Inc. (CDHI), a duly recognized SM Prime company, Hamilo Coast is a masterplanned community that features the idyllic Pico De Loro Cove, which integrates residential, resort, leisure, commercial, and institutional land uses.

Stepping up its game to protect and nurture the incredibly rich and breathtaking marine life surrounding it, Hamilo Coast recently renewed its partnership with the World Wide Fund of Nature Philippines (WWF). The collaboration will continue to expand and enhance the scope of its sustainability initiatives that have covered coastal resource management, ridge-to-reef management, solid waste management, mangrove reforestation, the use of renewable energy sources, and environmental awareness since the year 2007.

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle hatchlings are immediately released to the ocean as part of Hamilo Coast’s Marine Turtle Conservation Program.

"Hamilo Coast has always made an effort to preserve our marine resources, as it is not only a responsibility but a privilege to do so. Our partnership with WWF manifests our resolve to ensure that our community remains a safe haven for marine life, and that we continue to be a model for sustainable coastal development in the Philippines," shares Ms. Imee G. Francisco, Vice President and Head of CDHI Projects and Operations.

Hamilo Coast has gone beyond expectations to ensure that its slice of paradise remains pristine for the years to come. To fulfill this advocacy, Hamilo Coast currently engages in several marine and environmental activities in partnership with the local government and non-government organizations (NGOs).

Leading such efforts is its collaboration with the University of the Philippines Bolinao Marine Lab, which provides training in the culture and ocean rearing of giant clams through the Giant Clams Restocking and Spawning Program. This activity is a conservation strategy that aims to improve the biodiversity and productivity of stressed coral reef habitats.

SM Leisure Resort Residences Executives and Management team led the Coastal Clean-Up at Hamilo Coast’s Pico De Loro Cove in support of the company’s advocacy to save the environment

 and marine life.

Next, with Hamilo Coast’s beautiful and well-kept beach fronts as favorite nesting grounds of Olive Ridley Turtles, the community regularly implements the Marine Turtle Conservation Program. In this undertaking, Hamilo Coast’s Estate and Sustainability teams proactively monitor and protect the turtle nests until the eggs hatch, after which the hatchlings are immediately released to the ocean.

Hamilo Coast also continues to hold the annual Coastal Clean-Up Program, a highly effective collaboration between the management and employees of Costa Del Hamilo Inc. and the local government. The volunteers collect trash and debris from Pico Beach and neighboring coves, identify the sources of the litter, help change behaviors that cause pollution, and raise awareness on the extent of the marine debris problem.

“As we strive to create a more sustainable future, we are proud of what we have accomplished and continue to do here at Hamilo Coast,” Francisco relates. “While we are very excited to do even more to preserve our aquatic biodiversity, we hope that we may also inspire other communities to do the same.”

For more information on Hamilo Coast, its marine conservation efforts, and its other sustainability initiatives, you may check out the Hamilo Coast official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/hamilocoastph), website (www.hamilocoast.com), and Instagram (@hamilocoastph).

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ABOUT HAMILO COAST

Hamilo Coast is a master-planned seaside residential community in Nasugbu, Batangas. Developed and managed by Costa del Hamilo, Inc., a subsidiary of SM Prime. It is approximately 90 minutes from Manila via Cavitex and the Ternate-Nasugbu Road. For inquiries, call (632) 7-945-8000 or visit www.hamilocoast.com.

Asia's Multimedia Star Alden Richards advocates the fight against plastic pollution with Century Tuna Saving Our Seas initiative

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Asia's Multimedia Star and Century Tuna Ambassador Alden Richards leads the reef cleanup for the Century Tuna Saving Our Seas Initiative at Anilao in Mabini, Batangas

For the first time ever, Asia’s Multimedia Star and Century Tuna Ambassador Alden Richards dived the seas of Anilao in Mabini, Batangas to join the Century Tuna Saving Our Seas initiative, an advocacy that highlights the importance of preserving the local marine biodiversity and plastic waste management in the country.

Century Tuna Ambassador Alden Richards shows a piece of shoe he found during the reef cleanup.

“I'm not going to scuba dive for leisure but I'm going to scuba dive to help protect the planet and to save our seas,” said Alden pointing out how important it is for celebrities like him to use their platform to influence and amplify the messages on pressing issues including plastic pollution, climate change and other environment concerns.

Century Tuna Ambassador Alden Richards leads the Saving Our Seas initiative with Century Tuna.

The Saving Our Seas program is an initiative of the local canned tuna brand, Century Tuna, that aims to raise awareness about the current challenges that we are facing because of plastic pollution that affects not only marine biodiversity but the human population as well.

Century Tuna recognizes that the Philippines is part of the ‘Coral Triangle’ that is the center of the world’s marine biodiversity which is why the local tuna brand exerts efforts in addressing the ecological challenges that currently affects the Philippine seas.

Century Tuna, through Saving Our Seas, encourages people to join the fight against plastic pollution and become part of the solution to conserving the environment. In partnership with Aling Tindera Waste-to-Cash program by HOPE, an impact organization, communities can collect plastic wastes that they can exchange for an amount of money. The Saving Our Seas project reinforces the Plastic Circular Economy which diverts collected and recycled plastic away from nature.

Alden Richards also revealed that Century Tuna Saving Our Seas is his first environmental advocacy project and that this initiative opened his eyes to the impact of plastic pollution on the ecosystem.

Century Tuna Ambassador Alden Richards collects the trash in the seas of Anilao, Batangas

The superstar said, “This is the first and it’s saddening that people still take waste management for granted. Way back, I used to think that throwing a piece of wrapper wouldn’t hurt but when I saw the reef, it made me ask myself what would happen if 10,000 people thought the same? I believe that change starts in you. If you want to see change, be the change you want to see because the things that we take for granted will make an impact on the future generations.”

Century Tuna Ambassador Alden Richards preparing for the Reef Cleanup

Through the Saving Our Seas initiative, Century Tuna hopes to help strengthen the Plastic Circular Economy which entails that all plastics collected and recycled will not leak back into the open environment. In partnership with HOPE, the Saving Our Seas project aims to collect 10 metric tons of plastic this 2023.

“It's really about the cause that made me say yes – a combination of scuba diving and reef cleaning.  I've never done that in this lifetime so I’m very honored. Thank you, Century Tuna for considering me to be a part of this,” said Alden.

Alden Richards encourages the people of Barangay Ligaya to support the Saving Our Seas Initiative.

Alden Richards was joined by Century Tuna executives including Century Pacific Food Inc. Executive Chairman Mr. Chris Po, Director & Treasurer Mr. Leo Po, EVP & COO Mr. Greg Banzon, VP & GM for Branded Tuna Business Mr. Carlo Endaya, HOPE Founder Ms. Nanette Medved-Po and Managing Director Ms. Ilusion Farias, Century Tuna Superbods winners and finalists together with volunteers from the community.

Century Tuna Ambassador Alden Richards joins the crowd of Brgy. Ligaya, Mabini, Batangas

Coinciding with the celebration of Earth Hour, the commencement of the Saving Our Seas initiative was filled with environment-conscious activities including shore and reef clean up, community visit, and the observance of Earth Hour.

Aside from Asia's Multimedia Star Alden Richards, the newest Century Tuna ambassador Pia Wurtzbach also supports the Saving Our Seas advocacy.

For more information, feel free to visit the newest Saving our Seas microsite at https://centurytuna.ph/SavingOurSeas/ or visit Century Tuna Superbods on Facebook or @centurytunasuperbods on Instagram for more updates.

SM Prime helps address water scarcity in PH through water recycling in SM malls

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Water scarcity is one of the biggest issues that the world is facing today. Defined as a problem that occurs when the demand for water exceeds the available water supply, water scarcity is seen as a problem that will only get worse, especially since water use continues to increase at an unprecedented rate globally.

According to 2019 figures from UN-Water, an interagency mechanism that coordinates the efforts of United Nations (UN) entities and international organizations working on water and sanitation issues, global water demand is expected to continue increasing by 1 percent annually until 2050.

As a company with sustainability at the core of its operations, SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) knows that there is a need for solutions that help address the degradation and depletion of the world's natural resources. In line with this, the company has been continuously working towards strengthening its commitment to a circular economy, implementing solutions that help improve efficiency when using natural resources, including water.

“We all know that fresh water is a finite resource, so it is important that we try our best to conserve it. This is why SM has been adhering to a circular framework when it comes to our resource consumption, including the way we use water in our malls,” said Engr. Liza B. Silerio, Vice President for SM Supermalls Corporate Compliance Group and SM Cares Program Director for Environment.

To improve water efficiency in its mall operations, SM employs facilities that help reduce its consumption of fresh water. Among these are sewage treatment plants that treat wastewater plumbing systems. This allows the water to be reused, helping ensure that there is enough water for the malls and the communities nearby.

All wastewater from tenants and mall restrooms are treated in the sewage treatment plants to become non-potable water. The recycled water is then used for air conditioning operations, specifically by cooling towers, as well as for flushing toilets and watering of gardens.

In 2021, SM was able to save a total of 8.7 million cubic meters of water—enough to fill 3,480 Olympic-sized swimming pools—with the help of these facilities, which are present in 72 SM malls nationwide and have been in operation since the early 2000s.

"Aside from minimizing our impact on common water resources, recycling water through these sewage treatment plants allows our malls to save big on water costs," Engr. Silerio said. "Now, imagine if we all did it. I think we can leave a significant positive impact on our country's source of fresh water."

SM Prime is committed to supporting the United Nations in achieving its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), including “SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation” which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Other initiatives of SM aimed toward this include the Trash-to-Cash Market and Plastic Waste Collection initiative, both promoting responsible disposal of plastic waste so they don't end up in seas and oceans; the AweSMSeas campaign in partnership with the USAID and PRRCI, which raises awareness of the importance of managing plastic pollution affecting the world's waters; and the International Coastal Cleanup that gathers thousands of volunteers annually.

Visit www.smprime.com/sustainability-overview to learn more about the sustainability programs of SM Prime Holdings.