SM Prime widens the landscape in renewable energy

by Info @Brand Zone | July 31, 2024

As part of its net-zero commitment by 2040, one of Asia’s leading real estate and property developers, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), partnered with global integrated energy company TotalEnergies for the installation of a 2 Megawatt-peak (MWp) Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Rooftop project in Pasay City.

The partnership venture aligns with SM Prime’s efforts in expanding its renewable energy portfolio and affirms TotalEnergies’ commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions in various urban settings. 

Designed with a power yield of 3,000 Megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity annually, the solar partnership project has over 3,672 PV panels installed and is expected to provide huge cost savings for SM Prime. Located at the MOA Square in the Mall of Asia Complex, the solar installations are expected to reduce the building’s carbon footprint by about 1,430 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually.

More than 3,600 solar panels were installed on the roof of MOA Square in the Mall of Asia Complex. 

"SM Prime is proud to work alongside TotalEnergies on this project. This partnership is our commitment to sustainability and achieving Net Zero by 2040. We are also taking a proactive stance in supporting the Department of Energy’s (DOE) target of reaching 35% renewable energy by 2030. Together, we’re driving meaningful change towards a more environmentally conscious future," said John Nai Peng Ong, SM Prime Chief Finance Officer.  

“We are thrilled to announce the successful deployment of solar rooftop installations at the Mall of Asia in the Philippines, marking a significant achievement in both environmental and economic sustainability for SM Prime,” said Elodie Renaud, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Renewables Distributed Generation Asia. 

For the past few years, SM Prime continues to grow its partnerships with key clean energy players, leveraging its relationships and earned experiences to drive its environmental stewardship campaign. Capitalizing on these partnerships has provided for SM Prime huge economic, environmental, and social dividends.

In 2022, SM Prime secured a long-term deal with AboitizPower for its clean energy supply. Under the agreement, AboitizPower will provide reliable and responsibly-sourced energy from Tiwi-MakBan Geothermal Power Plants, and PV Sinag’s Power Plants, operated and managed by AboitizPower subsidiary, Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. (ARI). 

The following year, SM Prime signed a memorandum of agreement with Citicore Renewable Energy Company (CREC), wherein SM Prime will source 90 megawatts (MWac) from CREC’s upcoming Lumbangan Solar Power Plant in Tuy, Batangas. 

Apart from contributing to the DOE’s 35% renewable energy goal by 2030, all these partnerships are aligned with the energy department and Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) policy of expanding the adoption of Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) in the energy industry.

To date, SM Prime currently sources at least 50% of its electricity utilization from clean, renewable energy. 

SM Prime supports the Philippine government’s aim to increase the country's renewable energy supply component to 50% by the year 2040. It remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon on integrated property development and onward to building sustainable cities of the future.

Feeling wa’ na pag-asa? Mga dapat gawin para madaling makahanap ng trabaho

by Info @Business News | July 29, 2024

Photo: File

Isa ka rin bang fresh graduate na hirap makahanap ng mapapasukang trabaho na swak sa iyong kagustuhan o natapos? Aba, para sa iyo ito. Kaya ano pang hinihintay n’yo? Halina’t basahin natin ito!

Ngayong taon, mas tumaas ang datos ng mga walang trabaho na Pilipino. Marami rin sa ating mga kababayan ang hirap makahanap ng trabaho na swak sa kanilang natapos sa kolehiyo. Ang iba pa nga ay pinili na lamang na pagtiyagaan ang trabaho na malayo sa kanilang natapos, habang ang iba naman ay hindi na pinursue ang trabaho na nakaayon sa kanilang natapos dahil sa kahirapang mag-apply. Dahil dito, mas naging challenging ito sa mga hindi nakapagkolehiyo. 

Ayon sa career expert na si Leo Gellor,  mainam umano na habang nasa kolehiyo pa lamang ay inihahanda na natin ang ating resume at ang mga mahahalagang detalye na dapat ilagay dito upang hindi makalimutan ang mga seminars, activities at ang mga na-achieve mo habang tayo’y nag-aaral pa. 

Narito ang mga diskarte tips upang matanggap agad sa trabaho na nais mong mapasukan, at maging angat sa iba pang aplikante na kumukuha ng kahalintulad sa kinukuha mong trabaho.

• Suriing mabuti ang mga impormasyon na ilalagay sa iyong resume, siguraduhing tama at makabuluhan ang mga ito.

• Tiyakin na maayos ang grammar at spelling sa iyong resume.

• Kapag nagsimulang mag-apply sa isang kumpanya, ibida mo ang iyong sarili at skills na mayroon ka.

• Ihanda ang sarili at mag-research patungkol sa kung ano nga bang klaseng kumpanya ang iyong papasukan.

• Siguraduhing nakahanda ang mga valid id/s na mayroon ka, panatilihing updated ang iyong permanent contact number upang madali kang matawagan.

• Galingan sa Interview at panatilihing nakangiti habang nakikipag-usap sa iyong employer.

• Kung ikaw ay isang college graduate at wala pang experience, gamitin mong panimula at training ground ang iyong internship. Galingan at paghusayan ang training upang malaki ang tsansa na ma-absorb ka ng kumpanya.

Gamitin mo ang mga paraan na ito upang magkaroon ka ng ideya kung papaano magsimulang maghanap ng trabaho. Huwag mong sayangin ang mga pagkakataon, at ugaliin ding maglaan ng sapat na oras. 

Maraming pagsubok ang darating sa’yo habang ikaw ay naghahanap ng trabaho na

swak sa iyong kakayahan. Kaya kung makaranas ka ng internship sa kolehiyo, galingan at ibigay mo ang buong puso mo sa training. Ugaliing magpursigi dahil makakamit mo rin sa dulo ang tagumpay na iyong inaasam-asam. Oki?

Angkas awareness reaches nationwide: Transforms stigma into opportunity as Filipinos support formalizing habal-habal

by Info @Brand Zone | July 15, 2024

Angkas has come a long way in shaping and changing public perception about motorcycle taxis (MC Taxis). The company's efforts have not only increased awareness but have also created significant advocacy that has led to the industry's success.

According to WR Numero, a leading research firm in the Philippines, awareness of Angkas is notably high, with 48% of Filipinos recognizing the brand.

Furthermore, the study reveals that 45% of Filipino participants now use habal-habal for transportation, with 14% reporting regular usage and 11% using it two to four times weekly.  

A recently published study by WR Numero reveals that 58% of Filipinos "agree with or strongly support" the legitimization of habal-habal, an unregulated motorcycle transport service. Additionally, 78% of Filipinos consider having an advocate in Congress essential, underscoring the significance of MC Taxis in the lives of Filipino commuters.

The WR Numero Philippine Public Opinion Monitor, a pioneering and innovative public opinion research initiative, surveyed individuals 18 years and older nationwide regarding habal-habal.

These findings highlight Angkas' instrumental role in bringing nationwide awareness and advocacy for the motorcycle taxi industry.  

Since its inception in 2016, Angkas has tirelessly worked to dispel the belief that using motorcycles to ferry passengers is unsafe, proving that with proper training and education, motorcycle taxis can be a viable and safe alternative form of transportation.

The company has set new standards in the industry, demonstrating its commitment to safety and reliability. By 2019, Angkas had established its safety credentials with a remarkable 99.997 percent safety record, as presented in multiple court and congressional hearings. This success led to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) forming a technical working group (DOTr-TWG) to pilot a feasibility study on MC Taxis, with Angkas and 2 other players participating.  

Transitioning from the achievements of Angkas, George Royeca, co-founder and now CEO, has emerged as a leading transport advocate. For nearly a decade, Royeca has championed job opportunities for habal-habal riders and provided legitimate two-wheel transport options for commuters.

His visionary leadership has been central to Angkas' success and the elevation of the motorcycle taxi industry.  

In its early days, Angkas faced multiple threats of termination due to regulatory challenges and skepticism about the safety of MC Taxis.

Royeca addressed these concerns by implementing rigorous biker training and promoting excellent service delivery to ensure safety and viability.

To date, over 50,000 motorcycle drivers have been lifted out of poverty through Angkas, thanks to Royeca’s biker welfare initiatives like reliable loan programs, benefits, and incentives that formalized the once-informal habal-habal sector.  

Royeca's dedication to the motorcycle taxi industry and his advocacy efforts have paved the way for significant developments. The strong support (58%) for legitimizing habal-habal riders underscores the success of Royeca and Angkas in advocating for the inclusion of the informal sector in the country’s labor force and in offering commuters a safe, quick, and comfortable transport experience.

Currently, Congress is working on regulatory laws for MC Taxis, structured according to the TWG’s recommendations. Royeca and Angkas’ belief in habal-habal riders has paved the way for this historic development in the local transport industry.  

Angkas’ success in reaching nationwide consciousness and creating awareness and advocacy has been pivotal in the motorcycle taxi industry’s growth. George Royeca’s leadership and relentless advocacy have made him a champion of the industry and the 18 million-strong motorcycle rider community.

Together, Angkas and George Royeca continue to drive forward the industry, ensuring a brighter future for millions of motorcycle riders across the Philippines.