DOST SOCCSKSARGEN Engages Cotabato Vice Governor on Project SARAI for Smart Agriculture

by Info @Brand Zone | January 21, 2026

𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐬, 𝐊𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 | The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) SOCCSKSARGEN Project SARAi team, paid a courtesy visit to the Office of Vice Governor Rochella Marie Ella Taliño Taray, on January 12, 2026, at Amas, Kidapawan City. This is part of its continuing engagement with provincial and local leaders to strengthen science- and technology-driven agriculture in North Cotabato.

The discussion highlighted how Project SARAi—Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines—can support evidence-based planning and policy formulation for the province’s agricultural sector. The team shared how climate, crop, and data analytics generated by SARAi can be translated into practical tools that guide farmers and local decision-makers in improving productivity and climate resilience.

Vice Governor Taliño-Taray welcomed the initiative and stressed the importance of integrating smart agriculture solutions into provincial development programs, noting that access to timely and science-backed information is crucial in empowering farmers and safeguarding livelihoods amid changing climate conditions.

The meeting also opened discussions on the Knowledge, Innovation, Science and Technology (KIST) Park/Ecozone Program, emphasizing its potential role as a hub for agri-innovation, research collaboration, and technology commercialization in the province. North Cotabato’s participation in the KIST Park/Ecozone orientation held in June 2025 was cited as an initial step toward fostering an enabling environment for innovation-led growth.

The courtesy visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of DOST SOCCSKSARGEN, led by Regional Director Engr. Sammy P. Malawan, and the Provincial Government of Cotabato, headed by Governor Emmylou Lala Taliño-Mendoza, to advance sustainable agriculture and innovation through strategic partnerships and science-based solutions

Maynilad employees join “Walk the Line” to boost water recovery

by Info @Brand Zone | January 21, 2026

Photo: Maynilad President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez (second from right) and Central NRW Head Engr. Ryan B. Jamora (third from right) observe a “Walk the Line” deployment in Manila, demonstrating top management’s active support for field-level operations and NRW reduction efforts. Date of Release: January 19, 2026

More than 90% of employees of Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) joined “Walk the Line” field activities in 2025, demonstrating the company’s commitment to inclusive, on-the-ground action in the fight against water loss.

With support from local government units and barangay officials, these employee deployments spanned 199 locations across 12 cities, covering over 1,070 kilometers of pipelines and resulting in more than 1,700 actual leak repairs. These outputs significantly bolstered ongoing water loss management activities, helping to expedite leak detection and response on the ground.

The initiative forms part of Maynilad’s broader campaign to reduce Non-Revenue Water (NRW) and improve service reliability for its customers across the West Zone.

“Walk the Line encourages employees from all levels to see, firsthand, the challenges our technical teams face on the ground. It’s a chance to help detect leaks, inspect pipelines, and identify signs of water loss,” said Central NRW Head Engr. Ryan B. Jamora. “Their observations and reports helped surface issues faster and contributed meaningfully to our field operations.”

The monthly field activities not only deepen internal appreciation for Maynilad’s water loss management efforts, they also reinforce a culture of sustainability and accountability within the organization.

“The ‘Walk the Line’ initiative reflects Maynilad’s commitment to responsible water stewardship. It shows how every individual—regardless of role—can make a real contribution toward sustainable resource management,” said Chief Sustainability Officer Atty. Roel S. Espiritu.

The program complements the company’s comprehensive NRW reduction strategy, which includes active leak detection, pressure management, pipe rehabilitation, and community engagement. Employee involvement is key to strengthening these efforts and ensuring long-term water security.

SPNEC, itinangging may pananagutan sa DOE kaugnay ng P24B penalty sa Solar Philippines

by Info @BUSINESS NEWS | January 19, 2026

Photo: File / Leandro Legarda Leviste - FB

Nilinaw ng Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN) na hindi ang Solar Philippines New Energy Corp. (SPNEC) na binili nila kay Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste ang pinagmumulta ng Department of Energy (DOE).

Iginiit nila na hindi liable ang SPNEC sa P24 billion penalty na ipinataw sa Solar Philippines, na pagmamay-ari ni Leviste.

“Of the 12,000 MW worth of contracts that have been terminated, only one for the 280 MW Sta. Rosa project is under SPNEC. The former management of the Sta. Rosa project offered and was awarded 280 MW in the first round of the Green Energy Auction Program of the DOE,” nakasaad sa pahayag ng MGEN.

Idinagdag nito na ang Sta. Rosa project ay naghain na ng notice of force majeure sa DOE noong nakaraang taon, dahil wala sa kanilang kontrol na pumigil sa pagkumpleto ng proyekto bago ang target nito noong December 2025.