Globe, SMAC renew partnership vs involuntary hunger via Hapag Movement

Leading digital solutions platform Globe and SMAC, the customer loyalty program of SM Retail Inc., have renewed their partnership to raise funds for the Hapag Movement, an initiative that aims to help Filipino families battling involuntary hunger.

Globe and SMAC are holding a second run of the fund-raising campaign, inspired by last year’s success that led to PHP5.5 million in funds raised for the movement, with the support of SM brands and retail affiliates, and millions of SMAC members. 

 From December 15, 2023, to January 31, 2024, each SMAC kit bought at SM Stores will turn into a meaningful contribution to the movement, with PHP50.00 from every sale going to the Hapag Movement and the SM Foundation. SMAC’s participating brands will also donate on behalf of members when they shop at their stores during the campaign period.

These brands have joined forces with SMAC to support the cause and make the program a much bigger success this year. Participating brands include:

 ●       SM Fashion at the SM Store

●       Levi’s

●       Forever 21

●       Ecco

●       Simply Shoes

●       The Body Shop

●       SM Beauty

●       Our Home

●       Crate & Barrel

●       Kultura

●       SM Appliance Center

●       Surplus

●       Sports Central

 Reflecting on the partnership’s journey, Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer at Globe said: “The Hapag Movement is about creating lasting change. Our partnership with SMAC shows how collaboration and shared values can create a powerful force for good. As we enter our second year, we remain dedicated to harnessing the power of technology and community to make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.”

Over the past year, Globe and SMAC have synergized their resources and networks to significantly impact people’s lives. In the first year of their partnership.

The support not only provided immediate relief to affected families but also fostered a sense of solidarity and purpose during the festive season. It also funded Supplementary feeding and livelihood initiatives carried out by Hapag Movement implementing partners Ayala Foundation Inc, Tzu Chi Foundation, and World Vision.

We have been moved and inspired into action by the Hapag Movement as it fights a major issue in the country today. We believe and have seen the malasakit of our brands and members basing off the results from last year’s campaign, where we raised PHP5.5M through our member purchases. Not only did we help make Christmas get brighter last year, it also became much more meaningful. This is what inspired us to do another round of the Hapag Movement campaign this year,” said Jay Beltran, Head of Sales and Marketing, Digital Advantage Corporation (DAC), which operates SMAC.

 With their partnership renewed, Globe and SMAC are committed to expanding the reach and deepening the impact of the Hapag Movement.

Nearly 1 in 10 Filipino families experienced involuntary hunger at least once in the past three months, according to the Q3 2023 Social Weather Stations Survey conducted from September 28 to October 1. To help address the problem, Globe and SMAC invite individuals and organizations to join this noble cause.

 Aside from SMAC points, contributions to the Hapag Movement can also be made through various channels, including GCash, credit card donations, and Rewards points via the GlobeOne app.

Know more about the campaign via https://digiweb.smac.ph/perks/ibalik-ang-sarap-ng-pasko. To learn more about the Hapag Movement, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/globeofgood.

#Globe #SMAC #HapagMovement #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph 

Uratex’s CSR Initiative: Delivering Comfort Beyond the Guinness World Record

Uratex Philippines, a leading foam company, recently marked its 55th anniversary with a notable feat – breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest Human Mattress Domino. However, the celebration goes beyond setting records, as Uratex reaffirms its commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) by donating 2,355 mattresses to various charity foundations across the Philippines.

In an interview during the event, Mrs. Naty Cheng, CEO and president of Uratex, emphasized the company’s dedication to giving back to the community. “Noong 40th anniversary, nagbigay na kami to forty charities. Noong 50th year, nagbigay ulit kami. Maraming nabigyan namin, buo pa yung kutson nila kaya bibigyan namin yung mga iba naman” (During our 40th anniversary, we donated to forty charities. On our 50th year, we did it again. Since many already received mattresses, we decided to help others).

Charity Foundations and Beneficiaries

The recipients of Uratex’s mattress donations include orphanages, homes for the elderly, and various other organizations providing sanctuary for those in need. Notable beneficiaries include CORA Non-Profit Organization, Gawad Kalinga, Philippine Red Cross, and Bethany House Sto. Niño Orphanage. These charities were carefully chosen based on their alignment with Uratex’s vision and their urgent need for mattresses.

New mattresses arrive in Tahanan na Walang Hagdan.

The decision-making process was guided by the company’s founder, Mr. Robert Cheng’s vision: “We will not stop until we give every Filipino with a comfortable and affordable mattress to lie on.” Uratex collaborated with external partners to identify charities supporting shelters for the aged, women, children, and adults with special needs, as well as community hospitals in need of proper bedding.

The 2,355 mattresses found their way to diverse communities, including the Muslim community, orphanages, homes for the aged, hospitals with outdated mattresses, and troubled teens in need of a fresh start. Some recipients were living in poor housing conditions, relying on uncomfortable bedding or, in some cases, had never experienced the comfort of a mattress.

Uratex and National Childrens Hospital representatives poses in front of the mattresses.

Locations of the charities spanned across Cebu, Agusan del Norte, Cagayan de Oro City, Isla Verde in Batangas, Metro Manila, and nearby provinces.

Isla Verde, a secluded and simple community within Verde Island in Batangas, was one of the recipients. In an interview, recipients expressed their gratitude. One recipient stated, “Maraming salamat Uratex dahil natulungan nyo kaming mabigyan ng foam dahil sa sahig lamang kami natutulog. Ngayon ay komportable na kaming matulog dahil sa foam ng Uratex” (Thank you very much, Uratex, for helping us receive a foam. Before, we only slept on the floor. Now, we can sleep comfortably because of Uratex’s foam). Another recipient also conveyed appreciation, “Akoy nagpapasalamat at kami’y inyong nabigyang pansin… Maraming salamat sa Uratex. Kami ay makakahiga sa malambot” (I am thankful that you noticed us… Thank you, Uratex. We can now sleep on something soft).

The Mattresses: A Symbol of Quality and Generosity

Uratex donated 2,355 pieces of its best-selling Classic Uratex Single (36 x 75) mattresses, the same mattresses used in the Guinness World Record attempt for the Largest Human Mattress Domino. The record-setting attempt, which lasted 14 minutes and 25 seconds, not only showcased Uratex’s commitment to quality but also became the platform for a broader CSR initiative.

By combining the excitement of breaking a world record with a substantial charitable donation, Uratex is exemplifying how corporate success can be leveraged for the betterment of communities, aligning with its enduring vision of providing comfort to every Filipino. This unique initiative demonstrates that, for Uratex, giving back is not just an event; it’s a commitment woven into the fabric of its 55-year journey.

#Uratex #givingback #charitabledonation #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Watsons Inspires Change and Impact – A Year of Doing Good for People, Community, Customers, and the Planet

Watsons, the leading health, wellness, and beauty retailer,  is dedicated to making a positive impact across four pillars: People, Community, Customers, and the Planet. Through these pillars, Watsons aims to uplift the health and well-being of the communities it serves, ensure a sustainable and healthy workforce, provide customers with sustainable options, manage supply-chain risk, and reduce its ecological footprint.

At the heart of Watsons’ business is its mission to inspire its customers to feel their best while looking good and doing good for themselves and those around them.

In 2022, Watsons made significant achievements in its mission to Do Good by inspiring both its employees and customers by making a meaningful impact on communities and the environment.

People:

The health, beauty, and wellness retailer ended 2022 with an impressive 1,048 stores and a dedicated workforce of 9,228 employees, with an outstanding 98% of them being trained in sustainability practices.

Transforming its employees into sustainability advocates, Watsons initiated the Live Green campaign, a waste segregation initiative in its stores nationwide, which involves the active participation of its people.

In pursuit of nurturing talent and fostering leadership development, Watsons aims to achieve the Gold Health & Wellbeing certification from Investors in People by 2025.

Watsons believes in the importance of nurturing talents and developing leaders who are essential in building a strong, sustainable and high-performing organization.

Community:

In line with its commitment to uplifting the health and well-being of underserved communities, Watsons conducted medical outreach programs throughout the year.

In collaboration with Operation Smile Philippines, Watsons played a vital role in changing the lives of 116 children through cleft surgeries in 2022, bringing the total number of surgery beneficiaries since their partnership began in 2013 to 2,152. Additionally, Watsons provided medicines to 910 people through medical missions in 2022, contributing to a cumulative total of 6,579 beneficiaries since 2013.

Through the Alagang Pangkalusugan program, Watsons offered free doctor’s consultations and various screening services such as bone scanning, ECG, glucose check, eye check, and so much more, furthering its commitment to the community’s well-being.

Moreover, Watsons played an instrumental role in making COVID-19 booster shots accessible to more than 25,000 people nationwide by partnering with the Department of Health and various LGUs. Over 80,000 customers also received flu, pneumonia, and HPV vaccines from Watsons in 2022.

By 2030, Watsons aspires to perform 3,300 cleft surgeries and benefit 20,000 individuals through the provision of free medicines.

Customers:

A key component of the Watsons Philippines ecosystem is its team of 1,702 trained pharmacists who played a pivotal role in guiding customers towards informed purchases. In 2022, customers were delighted to explore an extended selection of 1,632 Sustainable Choices products, reflecting Watsons’ dedication to providing more sustainable options.

To empower shoppers to make environmentally responsible choices, Watsons provided additional information and guidance on making eco-friendly purchases through the “ Do Good for the Community and the Planet Campaign.”

By 2025, Watsons aims to have 15% of sales derived from Sustainable Choices products and aims to collect 65,000 kg of trash by 2030.

Planet:

With a firm commitment to sustainability, Watsons made significant strides in adopting eco-friendly practices in 2022. A total of 1,691,000 plastic bottles were recycled within the Watsons ecosystem, while 25,454 kg of trash were collected, highlighting the retailer’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact.

Among its eco-conscious measures, Watsons minimized the use of plastics in its e-commerce parcels by 79% and switched to 100% recycled packaging. The introduction of two Refill Stations contributed to a notable 46% growth in refills. As of end-2022, four Watsons stores nationwide integrated solar panels to harness renewable energy.

Energy-efficient appliances, such as LED lights and inverter air conditioners, were employed in Watsons stores to reduce electricity consumption. Smart switches for automatic light control and air curtains were also utilized to preserve energy. Store personnel received comprehensive training in energy-conserving practices and are now monitored and incentivized to achieve reduction targets.

Watsons took an active role in environmental conservation by partnering with CORA Philippines for a coastal cleanup project in the Las Piñas Parañaque Critical Habit and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA). Moreover, the retailer collaborated with Plastic Bank to recover plastic bottles from the ecosystem, minimizing local plastic manufacturing.

Through the Trash for Cash program, customers were encouraged to participate in recycling efforts with designated drop-off bins at participating SM malls, allowing them to exchange recyclables for discounts or vouchers from partner brands redeemable at Watsons stores.

Danilo S. Chiong, Watsons Philippines Managing Director.

“Our heritage of Doing Good has brought about our passion to support the community and the planet. We are proud of many achievements – children whose lives we have transformed, families given access to health services and products, more sustainable products made available to our customers, drastic reduction of plastics in our packaging, and tons of plastics we have recycled. The task is too enormous. We have to continue on and  accelerate our pace by building greener stores and investing more in renewable energy,” said Danilo Chiong, Watsons Philippines Managing Director.

Through its relentless pursuit of positive change and sustainable practices, Watsons continues to lead the way as a responsible and impactful retailer, promoting the well-being of people, communities, customers, and the environment.

#Watsons #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

SMAC turns over P5.5M in funds raised for the Hapag Movement, thanks customers for support

SMAC (SM Advantage Card), the biggest loyalty program of retail giant SM, has donated P5.5 million to the Hapag Movement gathered over the holidays through vigorous support from its members. The donation to the Globe-led program aims to address involuntary hunger among Filipinos affected by the pandemic and economic challenges.

Under the month-long campaign over the Christmas season, proceeds from every SMAC card sold was donated to the movement and SM Foundation programs.

Additionally, part of SMAC members’ extra points are earned through purchasing select items from SM’s partner establishments– SM Store, SM Beauty, SM Appliance, Kultura, Surplus, Our Home, Baby Company, Crate and Barrel, Levi’s, The Body Shop, Forever21, Ecco, and Miniso – were donated to the Hapag Movement from December 15, 2022, until January 15, 2023, making holiday shopping even more meaningful and impactful. This is very empowering as each SMAC member can participate in doing a Globe of Good!

SMAC’s donation will support supplementary feeding and livelihood initiatives by the Hapag Movement’s implementing partners– the Ayala Foundation, Inc, Caritas Philippines, Tzu Chi Foundation, and World Vision.

“We are very grateful to SMAC and the SM Group for their generous support for the Hapag Movement. This donation will have a significant impact on the lives of those who are experiencing involuntary hunger, especially as the movement aims to expand its reach this year to help more of our vulnerable kababayans,” said Globe Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer Yoly Crisanto.

“This program is a true demonstration of the heart and generosity of SMAC members as well as the SM brands and its affiliates who came together and supported this campaign. All SMAC membership cards sold and all purchases made with SMAC converted a donation amount that far exceeded our expectations.  SMAC became a channel through which members were able to bless our fellowmen who are experiencing involuntary hunger with the Hapag Movement,” said Jay Beltran, SMAC Head of Sales and Marketing.

“Without the help of our members, we would not have been able to raise as much as PHP5.5 million in just one month. We are immensely grateful to our customers for choosing to shop for a cause by using SMAC. Through your support, vulnerable families will get proper meals and livelihood training,” Beltran said.

Globe’s Hapag Movement leverages on technology and collaboration to help 100,000 families experiencing involuntary hunger through supplemental feeding and livelihood support.

An estimated 2.7 million Filipino families experienced involuntary hunger in the first quarter of 2023, according to the latest Social Weather Stations survey.

Those who would like to support the Hapag Movement may donate via GCash and credit cards or send their unused Globe Rewards points to the cause via the GlobeOne app.

To learn more about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.

#Globe #HapagMovement #SMAC #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

#SEATED: Bumble and LGBTQ+ Filipinos discuss the importance of kindness in online dating in honor of Pride Month

Bumble, the app that started a movement by putting women in charge when dating, has been taking steps to improve the experience of its nonbinary users within the app, showing its commitment to creating an inclusive and kind environment where people of all genders can connect authentically.  This Pride Month, Bumble has partnered with Metro Manila Pride to raise the importance of creating kinder and safer spaces for the LGBTQ+ community.

In recent years, online dating has become essential to the LGBTQ+ community’s pursuit of love, companionship, and support. Ahead of Metro Manila Pride March and Festival on June 24th, Bumble and Metro Manila Pride held their first joint Pride virtual event, #SEATED: Conversations around creating Kinder, Safer, and Stronger online spaces for the LGBTQ+ community together with a diverse panel of LGBTQ+ advocates from all walks of life. The event sparked discussions around what it means to date with kindness in mind, safety in online dating, and ways for allies to continue to foster connections built on mutual respect.

“Beyond celebration, Pride is a continuous movement for the community and allies alike to work toward a future that recognizes and respects the rights of LGBTQIA+ Filipinos. This includes both online and offline spaces, which is why as part of the community and as a long-time volunteer of the organization, Metro Manila Pride and I appreciate companies like Bumble, who genuinely reach out to us as allies to help in amplifying the voices of the LGBTQIA+ community so we can be better heard. ,” said Fats Santos Roxas, one of the leads of Metro Manila Pride, “We hope that through this virtual event, we can kickstart the process of making online spaces a safer and kinder environment for all Filipinos.”

An Inclusive and Welcoming Space

To help the Filipino LGBTQ+ community embrace their authentic selves, Bumble enhanced the member experience for matches with nonbinary people where either person can make the first move on Bumble Date. Women will continue to make the first move in matches with men and, in matches between people of the same gender, either person can make the first move. In 2022, Bumble also introduced an expanded selection of gender options to better provide a space that allows everyone across the gender spectrum to feel safe and seen. Allies, regardless of gender, may also declare their support for the community through Bumble’s LGBTQ+ Rights badge.

“We believe that kindness is the foundation of building authentic and meaningful connections, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. This Pride Month, Bumble aims to contribute to a more inclusive and positive landscape for LGBTQ+ people pursuing love and connection, and we are honored to partner with Metro Manila Pride to bring to life important conversations around Allyship, even if they may feel difficult, unfamiliar, or uncomfortable,” Bumble APAC Communications Director, Lucille McCart said. “By showcasing and promoting the power of kindness when it comes to online dating, we hope to create a ripple effect of compassion and kindness in communities extending far beyond our platform.”

LGBTQ+ Allyship at Bumble, for Pride Month, and Year-Round

Bumble Inc., the parent company of Bumble, Badoo, Fruitz, and Official, is committed to supporting the LGBTQ+ community during Pride month and beyond. As part of its corporate allyship efforts, Bumble Inc. has partnered with the Human Rights Campaign, the largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organization in the United States, to advance its mission of ending discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and promoting fairness and equality for all. Throughout the year, Bumble Inc. will also partner with region-specific organizations throughout the world that are dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals in their communities.

Bumble has previously supported organizations that do important work for LGBTQ+ communities, including Trans Lifeline, Equality Texas, My Sistah’s House, and others. Bumble takes a strong stance against hate speech, transphobic language, and anti-LGBTQ rhetoric. In addition, last year Bumble introduced an identity-based hate policy, which prohibits content or behavior that promotes hatred and contempt against marginalized or underrepresented groups with protected attributes. Engaging in identity-based hate, including making a false report, may result in content being removed, an account receiving a warning or being banned from the app.

To learn more about Bumble Inc.’s allyship efforts and the organizations we will partner with throughout the year, please visit our editorial hub The Buzz for more details.

About Bumble app: Bumble, the women-first dating and social networking app, was founded by CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd in 2014. Bumble connects people across dating (Bumble Date), friendship (Bumble BFF), and professional networking (Bumble Bizz). No matter the type of relationship, women make the first move on Bumble. Bumble is built on the importance of equitable relationships and how crucial they are to a healthy, happy life. They’ve built their platform around kindness, respect, and equality – and their community plays an important part in that. Bumble holds its users accountable for their actions and does not allow any form of hate, aggression, or bullying. Bumble is free to download and widely available in the App Store and Google Play.

About Metro Manila Pride Organization: Metro Manila Pride (MMPride) is a volunteer-managed, non-partisan, and not-for-profit organization registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as Metro Manila LGBTQ+ Pride, Inc. Metro Manila Pride educates, equips, and empowers the LGBTQIA+ Filipino and their communities to work toward a future that recognizes and respects the rights of LGBTQIA+ persons to a dignified life without discrimination and prejudice.

*Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and other gender minorities

#Bumble #PrideMonth #LGBTQ+ #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Pilipinas Kontra Gutom helps lower hunger incidence in the country

More than a year after its launch in November 2020, Pilipinas Kontra Gutom (PKG) partners share milestones towards the movement’s goal of less hungry Filipinos.

Pilipinas Kontra Gutom is a multi-sectoral movement of Task Force Zero Hunger with the public sector and 80 partner members from private corporations and non-government organizations working hand in hand to address the country’s concerns on involuntary hunger – food production and distribution, malnutrition, food surplus and immediate food needed during times of disasters.

Four-Fold Mission

Divide and conquer is one of the guiding principles of the movement. Multi-sectoral working groups were set up targeting specific beneficiaries and focused on different priorities toward achieving zero hunger in the country.

The first priority is food availability and accessibility with the vision to elevate farming as a dignified, sustainable profession among smallholder farmers and other food producers. The goal is to increase farmer income by as much as 20% in the first year and double productivity by 2025. Key programs include the expansion of value chain projects by partner companies through capacity building and logistics improvement in the farm-to-consumer process.

Second is the nutrition adequacy goal. The group is eyeing zero undernourished Filipino children across all households by 2030. The key program to drive this objective involves a sustainable, nutrition education program for pregnant mothers that guides them during the first 1000 days of a child and teaches them how to build a healthy food culture at home through nutritious, delicious yet budget-friendly recipes for the family.

Food assistance and security during disasters are the third priority of the movement. A strengthened and synchronized public and private sectors’ disaster response initiatives during disasters to ensure efficient food distribution is the end in mind.

Food banking is the landmark project for availability and assistance, the fourth priority. The aim is to establish an effective food banking system in Metro Manila that will help supply and ensure a sustainable flow of food to communities in need.

 Milestones

On food availability and accessibility, 4,000 farmers and agripreneurs have been assisted through programs such as Nestle and GIZ’s Project Coffee+, TESDA-Nestle’s Coffee Farmer Scholarship Program, Cargil’s Yellow Corn Project with Aboitiz, Cargill, Bayer, Pilmico, Vitarich, Save the Children and PPSA, and Learning Series led by Jollibee Group Foundation with Harbest and PPSA.

Another program that helps with food availability and accessibility is Feed Back, a community-based vegetable exchange, that helps solve hunger in just 5 weeks. It creates a path for families to source food from their backyards, exchange excess produces with their neighbors, and sell it to their community, nearby villages, and towns.

In the area of assistance during times of crisis, the group collaborates with local and national organizations, corporations, civil society groups, and local government units to execute efforts for the victims of calamities, and pre-evacuation for typhoon-affected families.

On availability of food surplus and repurposing it through assistance, this team has set up a food bank portal where companies and groups can key in their food surplus to be distributed via the Assistance workstream. Through the collaboration of DOLE, Grab, San Miguel Corporation, URC, Scaling Up Nutrition, and Supply Chain Management Association of the Phils., the goal is to establish an effective food banking system that will help supply and sustain food to communities in need.

Lahat kasali, lahat kasalo.

To date, the movement has reached more than 450,000 Filipinos across its four-fold mission where incidences of hunger and malnutrition are high.

In a recent PKG gathering, Task Force Zero Hunger Chair, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles shared that the hunger incidence in the country has improved. “The Philippines also improved its ranking in the 2021 Global Hunger Index. The Philippines ranked 68th out of 116 countries. With a score of 16.8, we have a moderate level of hunger. This is a notch higher than in the 2020 GHI when we ranked 69th with a score of 19.0,” shared Chair Nograles.

PKG invites every Filipino to help. Lahat kasali, lahat kasalo. Individuals may visit kaintayopilipinas.com for details and private corporations, non-profit organizations, and groups who would like to be part of the movement may send an email to pkg@ph.mcd.com.

 

#pilipinaskontragutom #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Join the global celebration of Earth Hour 2022

On March 26 at 8:30 p.m. local time, WWF-Philippines invites Filipinos to turn off their lights during the annual celebration of Earth Hour as a symbol of a broader commitment toward the planet. This global celebration started as a symbolic event in Sydney, Australia in 2007 and has grown into one of the world’s largest grassroots environmental movements spanning over 7,000 cities and 193 countries and territories.

This year’s Earth Hour takes place at a particularly crucial time as it calls for increased ambition and urgent action to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030. It also takes place before the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP15, initially scheduled for April 25-May 8, where leaders from around the world will gather to decide on a new global action plan for nature for the coming decade. WWF aims to build a groundswell of actions and noise en-masse, including on the news, to put pressure on world leaders in the build-up to CBD COP15.

Earth Hour 2022 also puts forward a broader call to action for individuals to step towards living sustainably and for companies and governments to help build an equitable, nature-positive, and net-zero carbon future.

WWF-Philippines’ Earth Hour Ambassador Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski shared what this movement means for everyone saying “Earth Hour might be symbolic, but it’s the most powerful reminder that we care, and how many of us all over the world do care.”

 

For a decade since its inception back in 2007, Earth Hour focused on building awareness of climate change. From 2018, the focus of the movement pivoted to include both climate and nature as their interconnectivity became more evident with human activity causing direct negative impacts on nature and the environment, which then contributes to biodiversity loss and climate change.

Most of the events and campaigns for Earth Hour Philippines 2022 will be celebrated online. The #ShapeOurFuture social media mini-series that ran from March 1 to 11 features select individuals encouraging the public to probe into the election candidates’ platform for the country’s biodiversity conservation.

Earth Hour Virtual Run, a self-paced virtual run that aims to promote a sustainable and healthy lifestyle, raise environmental awareness, and support conservation efforts of WWF-Philippines, will span from March 26 to April 22. Participants can choose their distance from 10 km to 60 km. The registration started February 2 and will end April 9.

Jefferson Lo, founder of Pinoy Fitness, which partnered with WWF-Philippines for the Earth Hour Virtual Run said he believes that “protecting the planet is everyone’s responsibility, especially for us runners and those who are into fitness knows how important the environment is.”

On the day itself, an hour before the switch-off, there will be a Countdown to Earth Hour roundtable discussion hosted by WWF ambassadors Marc Nelson and Pia Wurtzbach. The speaker line-up includes representatives from the Green Thumb Coalition, farmers and fisherfolks, and on-the-ground environmental workers.

The roundtable will be anchored on the importance of legislation and policies for the future of the Philippine environment. With 2022 being a critical year for both the environment and Filipinos, this aims to empower voters with the proper knowledge to create well-thought-of choices in the upcoming national election and elect leaders that will put sustainability on the pedestal.

Follow WWF-Philippines on social media for updates and events related to Earth Hour Philippines 2022.

#EarthHour2022 #EarthHourPhilippines2022  #ShapeOurFuture #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

Globe customers raise P1.9M for Typhoon Odette survivors

Globe customers have raised P1,925,284 worth of Globe and TM Rewards points to help survivors of Typhoon Odette, sending critical aid to families reeling from the impact of the deadly December storm.

The donations have been turned over to Globe’s partner organizations — the Ayala Foundation, GMA Kapuso Foundation, and Rise Against Hunger Philippines.

Such support came at a crucial time when typhoon survivors needed life-saving aid, as Odette destroyed over 344,000 houses and damaged more than 1 million others. The destruction displaced over 58,000 families, leaving them straining for basic needs.

A total of 406 people were killed, while 1,265 were hurt and 65 remain missing.

“The devastation left by Typhoon Odette called for a swift response. We are very grateful to our customers who are with us in this undertaking.  The Rewards points that they donated will go a long way in helping step up humanitarian efforts to help as many people as we possibly can,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP for Corporate Communications.

Globe Rewards currently has 15 non-government organizations, charitable institutions, and foundations in its program roster, supporting several advocacies in line with the company’s vision towards national development and upliftment of lives. These include disaster relief, reforestation, child protection, hunger mitigation, education, animal welfare, marine biodiversity, mental wellness, and medical support.

Through Globe Rewards, Globe and TM subscribers can provide support and malasakit to worthwhile causes in time of need within the safety of their homes.

For Odette response, one of Globe’s major partners Ayala Foundation through its disaster relief and recovery efforts under the #BrigadangAyala program continues to provide food packs in heavily affected areas in partnership with the Ayala Group of Companies.

Another partner is the GMA Foundation, which provides aid through the “Operation Bayanihan” program. The organization extends immediate relief and assistance to victims of disasters and calamities nationwide.

Other donation partners that extend support to disaster survivors are ABS-CBN Foundation and the Tzu Chi Foundation.

To date, relief efforts led by Globe and its partner organizations have now reached over 10,000 families in Palawan, Visayas, and Mindanao.

With thousands of Filipinos affected by the disaster still in need of urgent help, Globe continues to send out a call for support to its customers.

Globe and TM customers can still donate their Rewards points to ongoing relief operations for as low as P1 via the New GlobeOne app at glbe.co/NewGlobeONE. Customers can go to the Rewards section, click the “DONATE” icon, choose the organization and corresponding denomination, and then press “REDEEM.” A confirmation message will be sent by 4438 upon successful donation.

The company strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 9, highlighting the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. Globe is committed to upholding the United Nations Global Compact principles and contributing to 10 UN SDGs.

To learn more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

#globe #typhoonodette #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

The climate crisis should be on the agenda of candidates in the 2022 elections

Political candidates in the 2022 national elections must put the climate crisis on their agenda and ensure that the Philippines complies with our international commitments, environmental group WWF-Philippines said.

“The climate, nature, and environment should be on the agenda of candidates along with our advocacies on climate justice and equity. There needs to be a lot of thought and attention on how we will implement the proper actions in line with our international commitments,” Atty. Angela Consuelo Ibay, WWF-Philippines’ Head of Climate and Energy, said.

“I think now is the time to ensure that. We need to lobby with the candidates to put the climate on their agenda and to think of it carefully. All of us will be impacted by climate change and are already feeling it,” she said during an online webinar co-organized by the Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology (CREST) and WWF-Philippines titled “Energy Transition to Halt the Climate Crisis.”

 

UN Climate Change Conference (COP26)

 In the recently concluded UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, the Philippines was a signatory in the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use which commits to halting deforestation and restoring forest land, the COP26 Coal to Clean Power Transition Agreement, and the Global Methane Pledge.

The Philippines sent a delegation led by Department of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III to COP26 which ran from October 31 up to November 12. The conference ended one day beyond the schedule due to the negotiations over the text of the Glasgow Climate Pact.

As the election season heats up in the Philippines, Ibay called on those officials to ensure that the agreements they signed in the international conference with hundreds of other countries will become institutionalized and continue to be implemented by the next administration.

 

PH ranked 7th globally in coal expansion

“Even though historically the Philippines’ GHG emissions are small compared to developed countries, we should not belittle our contribution to the climate crisis because our emissions are higher compared to 100 other countries and in 2020, we are ranked 7th globally in terms of coal expansion,” Atty. Avril de Torres of the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED) said.

“That’s how many coal power plants are planned to be built. And there should have been more coal plants operating and in the pipeline, because back in 2012, the forecasted energy mix of the Department of Energy (DOE) was 70 to 80% from coal,” Torres said.

Torres cited the 2020 coal moratorium by the DOE as an important step in the energy transition as this halted 6 gigawatts of coal capacity. However, a CEED study published July 2021 found that proponents of 10 coal projects are still in the process of obtaining permits while 6 proposed projects were allowed to continue.

Maris Cardenas, Executive Director of the Center for Empowerment, Innovation, and Training on Renewable Energy (CENTRE) emphasized the need to speed up the growth of the renewable energy sector so that it can contribute 35% of the total Philippines energy mix by 2030.

“That target should be higher but the 35% target is already low and yet very hard to achieve,” Cardenas said. “That should be a reality. We need to make the 35% target an imperative and not merely an aspirational target.”

Climate and renewable energy institutions that also co-organized the event include Laudato Si Philippines, Power 4 People Coalition, and Renewable Energy Transition Institute (Reboot PH).

Watch the full webinar here: https://www.facebook.com/WWF.Philippines/videos/4431707490199990

 

#climatecrisis #wwfph #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

 

Gardenia delivers more bread to calamity-stricken areas

Bread market leader Gardenia Bakeries sends more bread to regions hit by Typhoon Odette in Eastern, Western, and Central Visayas and Northern Mindanao.

Gardenia president Jun Umali confirmed in a statement that the company is exerting efforts to provide adequate bread supply in areas affected by the onslaught of the tropical cyclone.

“We are doing our best to ship bread products from our plants in Laguna and Cagayan de Oro to typhoon-hit areas in Visayas and Mindanao. To avert food shortage, we continuously resupply goods using our large feeder trucks thru the RORO shipping system. Additional Gardenia stocks are being delivered to Sorsogon, Samar, Leyte, Bohol, Panay, Negros, Cebu, and affected parts of Mindanao,” Umali explained.

He noted the need for ready-to-eat food in times of calamities. “Food is one of the immediate needs of typhoon-affected families in, especially to those areas with no electricity and enough water supplies. Convenient and ready-to-consume goods like Gardenia bread, which do not require cooking, are essential.

Strategic facility location

Umali said that the locations of Gardenia factories in the country are strategically situated to continuously serve the Philippine communities especially during crisis periods like floods, typhoons, earthquakes, and other natural disasters.

“Gardenia currently operates five bakery plants in the Philippines – three in Luzon, one in the Visayas (Cebu), and one in Mindanao (Cagayan de Oro). Our facilities are purposefully located not only for commercial operations. All plants also serve as support to other factories and markets. We can also dispatch bread easily to other areas when the need arises, during unforeseen events or major calamities, or natural disasters. This way we can ensure continuous food supply, especially when it is needed most,” he explained.

Gardenia bread donation bound to Siargao.

Umali also cited the importance of its unique logistics and distribution systems to ensure the proper delivery of products nationwide. “Our extensive and sophisticated distribution system and large fleet of trucks are indispensable to distribute Gardenia loaves across various distribution channels all over the country,” he said.

Bread donation

Gardenia is also at the forefront of relief efforts to alleviate the suffering of the victims in the severely affected areas. Umali shared that Gardenia is also donating bakery products, aside from its efforts to stabilize the bread supply.

Gardenia works with the Philippine Red Cross, government agencies, media foundations, and socio-civic organizations to extend help to damaged communities.

Gardenia plants in Laguna and Cagayan de Oro are operating continuously and set at maximum production capacity to serve bread to consumers and provide bread donations for relief works in the Visayas-affected areas.

Gardenia, the country’s largest bread manufacturer, accounts for more than 60 percent market share of the branded loaf bread market in the country.

#gardenia #donation #typhoonodette #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph