Category: Business

Manila Water Foundation boosts potential of eco-friendly products

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Photo shows:(From left to right) Carla May B. Kim,  Executive Director of Manila Water Foundation; Errol Barba, Chairman of Makati Persons with Disability Multi-purpose Cooperative; Danny Villas, Department Head of Makati Cooperative Development Office; Hon. Tosca Camille Puno-Ramos, Head of Committee of Cooperatives; and Ferdinand M. dela Cruz, President of Manila Water Foundation 

Manila Water Foundation supports the livelihood and sustainable endeavours of the Makati Persons with Disability Green Consumers Cooperative, through its Kabuhayan Para Sa Barangay (KPSB) program. With confidence and high hopes, the Foundation hands-over a P200,000 zero-interest loan payable in 24 months that will serve as the Cooperative’s seed-capital.

As an organization that focuses on underlining the capacity of persons with disabilities (PWD) as a significant part of a business production line while upholding environmental stewardship, the Makati Persons with Disability Green Consumers Cooperative manufactures and retails eco-friendly bags, pillows and pillowcases, swatch rags, and other sewn products. Recyclables such as used plastic tetra packs and old tarpaulins are reused as basic materials for its products.

Danilo Villas, Department Head of the Makati Cooperative Development Office, applauds the Cooperative for its desire to make a difference critically needed by the environment. “The local office truly salutes these PWDs who, in their own ways, live up to our environmental obligations” he shares. “We extend this respect to Manila Water Foundation for recognizing and strengthening such efforts. May the cooperative value this support to embolden the Foundation to continue its pursuit” he furthers.

Photo shows:Member of Makati Persons with Disability Green Consumers Cooperative, Jocelyn Broqueza sewing used juice tetra packs to eco-friendly bags.

Together with its 39 members, the Cooperative accepts the seed-capital with a promise to expend this on the road to better operations. “Each of us (members of the Cooperative) will work hand-in-hand to make this source of opportunity flourish”, says Errol Barba, Chairman of the Cooperative. “We are overwhelmed, and at the same time proud of the trust given to us by Manila Water Foundation. All the help we are receiving attests the trust granted to us by various parties as well as the local government” he adds.

The said beneficiary is the 14th cooperative that has received financial backing from the Foundation’s livelihood assistance program. Since its initiation in 2003, the KPSB program has already touched the lives of 2,265 families from Base of the Pyramid (BOP) communities. According to Ferdinand dela Cruz, President of Manila Water Foundation, the KPSB project aims to aid formed cooperatives like the said PWD group that are struggling to carry out its goals. “We are presenting the maximum grant of P200,000 to the PWD Green Consumers Cooperative not only because of their great potential, but also because of the immense optimism they exhibit towards their work and their cause” he voices.

Manila Water recognizes green vendors

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Photo shows Manila Water Environmental Planning Department Head Mark Tom Mulingbayan (leftmost) as Manila Water recognizes its top green vendors at the recently-held Environment Forum for contractors and consultants

As part of the company’s continuing programs to motivate its various “green” contractors and vendors to take part in implementing environmental initiatives and best environmental practices, Manila Water Company has recognized 14 of its pool of accredited service providers for their exemplary performance and commitments to the Green Islands of Sustainability project.

The awarding took place during Manila Water’s 7th Contractor’s Forum dubbed as “Greening the Supply Chain” that aims to educate and strengthen the environmental awareness of our contractors and to ensure that they are in compliance with environmental legal requirements  and reduction of environmental impacts as part of Manila Water’s greening the supply chain initiatives.

The Green Vendor Awards were given CRL Environmental Corp., Dolomatrix Philippines, Inc., E.I. Construction and Development Corp., Electrical Equipment & System Integration, Inc., G.D. Reyes Construction, GPM Industries Corp., Honda Cars Philippines, Inc., Lanange Construction, Lane Archive Technologies Corp., Link Energie Indus for their outstanding environmental performance and successful implementation of measures to lessen environmental impacts of their operations, reduce business cost and provide better workplace to its employees.

Manila Water also gave Green Star Awards to Link Energie Industries and Moldex Products as they both achieved a four-star rating equivalent to 80-95%. Green Star Awards are given by Manila Water to its contractors for achieving a four to five-star rating.

Manila Water Operations Group Director Geodino Carpio said that the recognition it gives its contractors and vendors aims to influence and motivate its various contractors to implement environmental initiatives in climate change mitigation and adaptation, environmental protection through reduction of environmental impacts through the implementation of best environmental practices.

“It’s been a commitment of Manila Water to pursue environmental sustainability programs to protect our resources and environment,” Carpio added.

In the same forum, Manila Water Environmental Planning Department Manager Mark Tom Mulingbayan shared the pressing problems of climate change and its impacts as well as strategies on climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Mulingbayan also stressed the importance of what we can do as individuals and business entities to lessen our carbon footprints.

Aside from climate change, also discussed during the forum are the Philippine Environmental Laws and Regulations that needs to be complied such as Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Philippine EIS System, Ecological Solid Waste Management and Toxic and Hazardous Waste Acts.

Zest-O Chief tops MVP Bossing Awards

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One of the country’s most celebrated nationwide searches for top SMEs recently hailed new MVP Bossing awardees as PLDT SME Nation continues the tradition of recognizing exemplary Filipino entrepreneurs across the country.

Together with Sun Business and Go Negosyo, PLDT SME Nation has awarded Alfredo Yao of Zest-O Corporation with the Grand MVP Bossing title leading this year’s set of ‘Bossings’ during the awarding night held at the NBC tent in Bonifacio Global City.

Completing this year’s roster of ‘Bossings’ are Catherine Dizon-Posas of Dizon Farms, Dr. Mary Chan of Ideal Vision, Michael Deakin of Lifeline Ambulance Rescue Inc., Felix and Prudencio Garcia of Mekeni Food Corporation, Glenn Yu of Seaoil Philippines Inc. and Dr. Genevieve Ledesma-Tan of Southville International School and Colleges. Special awards were also conferred to the Gilas Pilipinas Basketball Team and Philip Golding of S&L Fine Foods Inc.

This year’s theme, “Ang Gilas ng Filipino Entrepreneur” aims to highlight the Filipinos’ distinct characteristics to succeed and thrive amid challenges.

As part of its advocacy to nation-building, PLDT SME Nation also shared the awarding night to raise funds to help the typhoon-hit areas in Visayas, driving donations from SMEs in attendance, and other fund-raising activities.

“The best traits of the Filipino always shine through during these difficult and challenging times. As we continue to celebrate the ‘Gilas’ of the Filipino, we also aim to recognize and honor the resiliency of our countrymen in these trying times” said PLDT First Vice President and Head of PLDT SME Nation Kat Luna-Abelarde.

“The Filipino spirit of Bayanihan continues to live and is well pronounced today, as we witness many of our kababayans contribute their time, talents and resources to make sure that our countrymen get relief in the soonest time possible. Our Bossings, along with PLDT, have dedicated this evening for the victims of super typhoon Yolanda.”

Through the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF), PLDT SME Nation and the SMEs pledged to contribute funds to help rebuild the affected areas of the typhoon through “Blocks of Hope.” People can also send in their contributions via SMS (through local and international carrier networks) and telegraphic transfers through www.help.ph where proceeds will support immediate relief efforts and shelter and resettlement organized by DSWD, DepEd, Philippine Red Cross, Caritas Manila, Gawad Kalinga, Habitat for Humanity, Alagang Kapatid Foundation and the PLDT-Smart Foundation.

Bossings throughout the years have also partnered with PLDT SME Nation to raise funds and awareness on how to help the victims of the recent calamities such as the shirt drive of Jay Aldeguer’s Cebu-based Islands Souvenirs.

Aside from honoring local businesses, the MVP Bossing Awards was also part of the international celebration of Global Entrepreneurship week which started on November 18 until November 24. This is the biggest international celebration of entrepreneurship with over 35,000 events marking the festivities by more than a hundred countries.

The MVP Bossing Awards was also made possible with the support of Smart Communications, Meralco, Maynilad, Philex Mining Corporation, TV5, ePLDT, and Manila North Tollways Corporation.

Deutsche Post DHL promotes educational opportunities through partnership with Teach for the Philippines.

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From left to right: Stephen Ly, Country Managing Director of DHL Global Forwarding Philippines; Teacher Theresa Carlos, one of the teacher fellows, part of the Teach For the Philippines Program; Clarissa Delgado, COO, Teach For the Philippines; Suzie Mitchell, Country Managing Director for DHL Supply Chain Philippines; Dr. Frank Appel, Global CEO Deutsche Post DHL; Margarita Delgado, CEO, Teach For the Philippines and DHL Express Philippines Country Manager, Nurhayati Abdullah posed together during Appel’s visit to Manila last October 9, 2013.

Deutsche Post DHL, the world’s leading logistics company has partnered with Teach for the Philippines as it expands its efforts to promote educational equity in the Philippines. Teach for the Philippines is an official network partner of Teach For All which Deutsche Post DHL has been supporting since 2010. With this new partnership, Deutsche Post DHL is now supporting the Teach For All network partners in seven countries – Argentina, Chile, Germany, India, Peru, Philippines and Spain.

“Education plays a vital role in every country’s economy and companies need to contribute to creating educational equity and improving employability worldwide. This belief has been the driving force behind our partnership with Teach For All which started in 2010. The long-term success, sustainability and innovative power of the economy and society depend on a strong educational system and targeted professional development. Therefore, an investment in the education and training of young people is an investment in the future,” said Frank Appel, CEO of Deutsche Post DHL.

In addition to financial support, individual DHL employees get involved in their respective partner countries. Through meaningful volunteering activities, employees support their local organization. Last year, more than 800 Deutsche Post DHL employees engaged directly with students and teachers through internships, career planning sessions, mentoring and donation drives.
DHL Express Philippines Country Manager, Nurhayati Abdullah, sits in an on-going class in one of the Teacher Fellows of the Teach for the Philippines Program during the school visit.
“Employee volunteerism is key to the success of the Teach For All program, and it gives the young people some very practical – and useful – insight into working life,” Frank added.
Teach for the Philippines is a for-purpose, non-stock, non-profit organization that works to provide all Filipino children with an inclusive, relevant and excellent education. Teach for the Philippines identifies, selects, and trains the most promising recent graduates and young professionals to teach in the nation’s highest-need public schools. Throughout their two-year Fellowship, the Teacher Fellows have access to professional development opportunities that enhance their teaching skills and reinforce their leadership skills.
“Teach for the Philippines Fellows hail from diverse backgrounds,” said Clarissa Delgado, COO of Teach for the Philippines. The Fellows have demonstrated a bias for action, and drive, resilience, a sense of civic responsibility and a commitment to our vision,” Clarissa added.
The partnership is central to Deutsche Post DHL’s contribution to promoting educational opportunities and employability around the world. Its commitment to education is one of three Corporate Responsibility programs towards fulfilling the company’s motto of Living Responsibility. The three programs focus on environmental protection (GoGreen), disaster management (GoHelp) and education (GoTeach).

Caltex-Pugad Coffee & Saints Training Café Re-Opens

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Don Bosco Pugad Foundation Director, Fr. David Buenaventura, proudly introduces Pugad graduates who have landed full-time jobs in renowned hotel and restaurants across the country.

Coffee and Saints (C&S) café, a Caltex-Don Bosco Pugad livelihood project for migrant youths, a favorite of the office crowd and church-goers at Don Bosco parish, has reopened for business.

The new C&S has a fully furnished upper level and improved menu. Up to 25 people can enjoy dining and hang out on the upper deck, al fresco. The added deck doubles the capacity to 50 customers including patrons at the main dining area. The café is fully equipped with an air-conditioned dining area, expanded kitchen and a professionally trained crew in new uniforms.

Diners can choose from a wide selection of meals, which include the new King David’s Chicken and Roast Baby Back Ribs. The secret to the café’s success and the real story behind its popularity is the C&S crew. C&S is manned by migrant boys rescued by Don Bosco Pugad Center or Pugad from a life of child labor, vagrancy, abuse and poverty.

C&S equips these young men in the field of food preparation, food business and restaurant operations to expand their employable skills. Attending to customers also helps the youth develop healthy self-esteem, improve their social proficiency and reinforce   positive values learned from Pugad’s Salesian doctrines.

In 2003, Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of the Caltex brand of fuels and lubricants partnered with Pugad to start a bakery skills training project called Caltex Pugad Pandesal. The outstanding success of the bakery led to the opening of Manna from Heaven bakeshop, also a joint project of CPI and Pugad.

C&S opened as a natural offshoot of the food ventures of CPI and Pugad in 2006. With its popularity and the changing customer needs, C&S was renovated in 2012 to bring a more contemporary look and improve the menu. Success again dictated another renovation in 2013 to expand the kitchen, add the roof deck and strengthen the food offerings. CPI provided grants for each renovation and also helped promote C&S, linked with partners for professional training, and generate publicity.

Pugad center director Fr. Dave leads in saying grace for media and other guests before they sample the best-sellers and new offerings of Coffee & Saints during the re-opening.

“The success of Coffee and Saints Café is not the steady flow of income; it is the lives of ex-migrants who are presently manning the coffee shop, not to mention those who have found full time jobs in well-known restaurants in the country and abroad. Much thanks to Caltex for providing an avenue where these boys receive their livelihood training” says Fr. David T. Buenaventura, SDB, Pugad director.  

This remarkable change has allowed some of Pugad’s youth to land jobs in five-star hotels, first-class restaurants both here and abroad.  Tracing back to 2011, out of the 40 graduates of C&S 38 alumni are currently employed.

“What was once envisioned as a simple means to an end is now one of the favorite go-to-places of Don Bosco Parishioners and residents in the nearby condominiums. C&S now competes with food and restaurant establishments in the area. Today, we are really excited to re-open the café with our improved menu and newly furnished upper deck with Caltex tents to accommodate our growing clientele,” said senior C&S cook, Bryan Rabino.

On average, C&S caters to about 60 customers a day and generates enough revenue to sustain other Pugad projects.

Raissa Bautista, Manager for Policy Gov’t and Public Affairs, CPI, adds. “We are proud to partner with Don Bosco Pugad Center who shares the same belief that helping disadvantaged youth is not only a worthy cause but a good, long-term investment in the future of the Philippines.  Through Caltex Energy for Learning (EFL) initiative, we support livelihood programs that empower beneficiaries by providing them with skills that will expand their job opportunities.”

CPI’s other joint projects with Pugad are as successful as C&S such as Pugad Pandesal which was the mother project. Others are Manna from Heaven Bakeshop, the outlet for Pugad’s pastry products, and Mobile Mechanic, a car repair service.