Maynilad partners with DOST to develop waste-to-energy solutions through the DOST-Balik Scientist Program

by Info @Brand Zone | Sep. 21, 2024

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

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

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

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

“As part of our commitment to environmental stewardship, Maynilad constantly seeks ways to reduce waste and promote circular economy principles. This partnership with the DOST allowed us to address the challenge of biosolid disposal while tapping into renewable energy solutions, which can benefit both our operations and the environment,” said Maynilad President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez.

The DOST’s Balik Scientist Program played a pivotal role by linking Maynilad with Filipino scientists who have gained specialized expertise abroad. “We are excited about the potential of this project to contribute to the country’s renewable energy goals. This collaboration with Maynilad underscores the critical role of science in overcoming key challenges in the water sector.  Indeed, through science and technology, we can provide solutions and open opportunities for the Filipino people,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr.

Embracing net zero: The Philippines' urgent call to climate action

by Info @Brand Zone | August 28, 2024

As we enter the typhoon season, recent extreme weather events have once again underscored the Philippines' vulnerability to such conditions.

As the nation grapples with the potential aftermath, it is clear that being part of the global conversation on achieving net zero emissions is imperative. This typhoon has highlighted the urgency for the Philippines to be an active participant in the fight against climate change, not only to mitigate future impacts but to also contribute to global solutions.

The concept of net zero refers to balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted with an equivalent amount removed from the atmosphere. For the Philippines, a country frequently in the crosshairs of severe weather, achieving net zero is a crucial step towards enhancing climate resilience. The recent typhoon has made it evident that the country cannot afford to be a bystander in the global efforts to combat climate change. Instead, it must be a proactive player, advocating for and implementing strategies that contribute to the global net zero target.

One of the key areas where the Philippines can make a significant impact is by leveraging its abundant natural resources to transition to renewable energy sources. By increasing investments in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, the nation can reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, thereby lowering its carbon footprint. 

This transition is crucial for achieving net zero and offers the added benefit of creating a more resilient energy infrastructure less susceptible to disruptions caused by extreme weather.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. recognizes the equal importance and urgency of both climate change adaptation and mitigation. As part of our strategy, we are investing 10% of our Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) in sustainability and disaster resilience design.

A significant initiative supporting this commitment is SM Prime’s pledge to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. As the country’s leading integrated sustainable property developer, we have committed to the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), a recognized global standard for corporate decarbonization targets. This makes us one of the few corporations in the Philippines to do so. To ensure our near and long-term science-based targets for 2030 and 2040 align with the global commitment to achieve net zero by 2050, SM Prime collaborates with the World-Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF) through their Corporates for a Better Planet Initiative (CBPI) program.

This ambitious target is supported by concrete actions, such as the installation of onsite solar panels across various properties and strategic partnerships for renewable energy sourcing. These initiatives not only reduce the company's carbon footprint but also set a precedent for other businesses to follow, demonstrating that sustainable practices can be integrated into core business operations.

Pledging to advance every person’s right to a better quality of life through heightened climate action, disaster risk reduction, biodiversity protection, and our strategic corporate social responsibility programs, this commitment places climate action at the forefront as one of SM Prime’s sustainability agenda.

Using solar panels or other renewable energy sources lowers the carbon footprint, leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and decreased reliance on non-renewable energy.

Ginawa na ang lahat, pero wa’ pa rin epek?Gamification, susi para ganahan ang mga bagets na mag-aral

ni Mabel Vieron @Life & Technology | August 27, 2024

Problema mo rin ba ang iyong chikiting na hirap papasukin sa iskul, lalo na kapag maaga ang oras ng pasok? Ang pag-aaral at pagpasok sa school ay isang mahalagang aspeto para sa mga bata, at dapat itong maipaliwanag sa kanila nang mabuti kung ano nga ba ang magandang naidudulot ng pag-aaral para sa kanila. 

Bilang isang magulang, dapat tulungan din natin sila na matutunan kung ano nga ba ang kanilang gustong maging trabaho, at pangarap sa buhay. 

Ngunit, ang pagharap sa hamon ng araw-araw na pagpasok sa paaralan ay hindi laging madali. Maraming bata ang nawawalan ng gana at interes sa pag-aaral dahil sa iba't ibang dahilan, gaya na lamang ng pagod, pagkabagot, kawalan ng motivation, at kawalan ng kaibigan. 

Sa patuloy na pag-unlad ng teknolohiya at pag-unawa sa mga makabagong paraan ng pagtuturo, isang epektibong solusyon ang lumitaw– ang gamification. Kaya ano pang hinihintay n’yo? Halina’t alamin kung ano nga ba ang ibig sabihin ng gamification.

Ang gamification ay ang paggamit ng mga diskarte mula sa mga laro na maaaring magamit sa edukasyon. Ang layunin nito ay gawing mas engaging, at rewarding ang isang aktibidad na kadalasang itinuturing na obligasyon. Binabago ng gamification ang paraan ng pagtuturo sa pamamagitan ng pagpapasok ng mga elemento tulad ng puntos, badges, leaderboards, rankings, at mga challenges upang gawing mas nakakaengganyo.

PAANO NGA BA NAKAKATULONG ANG GAMIFICATION SA PAG-PUSH NG MGA BATA NA PUMASOK SA PAARALAN?

• MOTIVATION. Sa pamamagitan ng gamification, nakadaragdag ito ng motivation sa pamamagitan ng instant rewards. 

Kapag ang isang bata ay nakakakuha ng puntos o badges para sa kanilang mga nagawang gawain, nakakaramdam sila ng achievement na nagtutulak sa kanila upang magpatuloy at magpursige pa lalo. 

Ang pagkakaroon ng mga goal na maaaring marating ay nagbibigay ng karagdagang dahilan para sa kanila upang pumasok sa paaralan araw-araw.

• IWAS BAGOT. Sa pamamagitan ng paggawa ng mga aralin na hinahaluan ng laro, nababawasan ang pagkabagot ng mga bata. 

Ang mga learning activities na may halong laro ay nagiging mas interactive at nakakaaliw, ito ay nagreresulta sa mas aktibong partisipasyon ng mga estudyante. 

Ang mga laro ay nagbibigay din ng pagkakataon para sa collaborative learning na nagpapalakas ng pakikipag-ugnayan ng mga estudyante sa isa’t isa.

• PAGKAKAROON NG FOCUS AT DISIPLINA. Ang gamification ay hindi lamang tungkol sa kasiyahan. Ito rin ay nakakatulong sa kanila para mag-focus at magkaroon ng disiplina. 

Ang mga larong pang-edukasyon ay kadalasang nangangailangan ng strategy, critical thinking, at problem-solving skills. Habang naglalaro ang mga bata, natututo rin silang maging mas organisado at responsableng mag-aral.

Ang gamification ay isang makabagong paraan upang mahikayat ang mga bata na sipaging pumasok sa paaralan. 

Sa pamamagitan ng pag-transform mula sa tradisyunal na paraan ng pagtuturo tungo sa isang mas interactive at rewarding na sistema. 

Ang pagtataguyod ng ganitong mga inisyatiba ay hindi lamang nagpapasaya sa mga bata, kundi nagpapalakas din ng kanilang motivation, focus, at overall academic performance. 

Maaari ding gamitin ang gamification sa ating tahanan, sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaroon ng reward para sa mga anak kapag sila ay may nagawang mabuti o natapos na gawain. Kuha mo?