Lenovo Strengthens ESG Leadership with Bold Commitments and Sustainable Innovations

Lenovo continues to cement its position as a global leader in sustainability, reaffirming its dedication to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) excellence through a comprehensive approach that spans product design, packaging, supply chain operations, and customer-focused solutions. At the ITIP 22nd National Conference, Lenovo showcased its ongoing ESG strategy through a presentation by David Sutton, emphasizing the company’s commitment to innovation, responsibility, and long-term environmental impact.

A cornerstone of Lenovo’s sustainability roadmap is its ambitious target to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with goals validated by the Science Based Targets initiative’s (SBTi) Net-Zero Standard. These science-backed commitments highlight a rigorous, measurable approach to environmental accountability. By 2030, Lenovo aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50%, cut Scope 3 emissions from sold products by 35%, and lower Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and services by an impressive 66.5%.

Innovation plays a critical role in this journey. Lenovo has developed low-temperature soldering technology, significantly reducing energy consumption during manufacturing. Since its implementation in 2017, this advancement has already eliminated 10,000 tons of CO₂. The company is also advancing a circular economy model by integrating recycled materials into its products. Since 2005, Lenovo has used over 100 million pounds of recycled plastic across devices and packaging. Through its Asset Recovery Services, the company refurbishes and recycles end-of-life IT products, promoting responsible resource use.

Lenovo’s future goals further demonstrate its commitment to sustainability. By FY 2025/26, Lenovo plans for 100% of its PC products to incorporate post-consumer recycled materials and aims to reach a 76% repair rate for returned PC components, reducing waste and improving lifecycle management.

Packaging innovations also highlight Lenovo’s ESG progress. The company has eliminated 3,737 metric tons of packaging weight since 2008 and introduced bamboo fiber packaging that reduces weight by 30%. By adopting smarter packaging designs, Lenovo has also cut 54 tons of plastic tape annually. Partnerships with industry leaders like Intel® further support the integration of sustainable materials such as sugarcane and bamboo into packaging solutions.

Lenovo is equally focused on reducing emissions across its supply chain. Targeting the removal of 1 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions by FY 2025/26, the company works closely with logistics partners to drive meaningful reductions in CO₂ output.

To support customers in meeting their own sustainability goals, Lenovo offers a range of Sustainability Solutions, including CO₂ offset services, bulk packaging options, TruScale as-a-Service models, and Asset Recovery Services. In 2023 alone, these services diverted 31,532 metric tons of products for recycling and reuse.

Through bold targets, innovative technologies, and responsible operations, Lenovo continues to push the boundaries of what sustainable leadership looks like—demonstrating that environmental responsibility and technological progress can move forward hand in hand.

VITRO Inc. and BDO: A Strategic Partnership Powering the Philippines’ Digital Resilience

In today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, financial institutions face increasing pressure to ensure business continuity, data security, and operational resilience. Recognizing these imperatives, VITRO Inc., the data center arm of the PLDT Group, has forged a strong partnership with BDO Unibank Inc., one of the country’s leading banks, to support its digital infrastructure strategy.

Already operating on a strong and secure digital foundation, BDO continues to enhance its infrastructure to meet the growing needs of its customers and communities. Through VITRO’s robust network of data centers, BDO fortifies its capability to deliver uninterrupted, reliable, and efficient banking operations, especially for mission-critical services such as its core banking, digital payments, and financial transactions. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to robust security, seamless service, and business continuity—critical pillars for financial institutions in today’s digital-first economy.

“We aim to anticipate future needs, delivering a digital infrastructure that is secure, resilient, and robust. Our partnership with VITRO complements this commitment, enabling us to deliver seamless banking experiences for our clients even in times of possible disruption,” said Paul Siy, BDO Unibank’s Senior Vice President for Information Technology Initiatives.

“Financial institutions like BDO require more than just infrastructure—they need trusted partners who understand the magnitude and scale of what they do,” said Victor S. Genuino, President and CEO of VITRO Inc. “We are proud to support BDO’s long-standing commitment to finding ways for its clients by providing secure, scalable, and resilient digital infrastructures that power their business.”

BDO’s dedication to innovation and customer-centricity is reflected not only in its financial services but also in how it manages its systems and operations. By leveraging VITRO’s advanced data center capabilities, BDO ensures that its digital backbone remains robust, secure, and future-ready.

This partnership also aligns with BDO’s support for the country’s digital transformation. As a key backer of VITRO Sta. Rosa, the Philippines’ first AI-ready hyperscale data center, BDO is helping to position the nation as a competitive player in the global digital economy. Through strategic financing and tailored banking solutions, BDO has enabled VITRO to deliver infrastructure that meets the demands of AI workloads, cloud services, and hyperscale deployments.

Sari-Sari Stores Using AI See 46% Sales Jump - Packworks Report

Manila, Philippines — Artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to reshape how local sari-sari stores operate, helping small retailers make smarter decisions and improve profitability through practical, data-driven insights.

New findings from tech startup Packworks.io show that AI is no longer a distant concept for microenterprises but is becoming a tool that directly supports day-to-day store management and sales performance for neighborhood stores.

Packworks analyzed more than 300 stores in its network over a two-week period following data collection in September 2025 and recorded a 46% increase in daily gross merchandise value (GMV). This increase highlights substantial gains in overall store efficiency, resulting in a 17% rise in total sales for stores during the same period.

Packworks also found that stores that applied AI-driven recommendations earned higher revenue despite operating on 20% fewer active selling days—dropping from five to four days over two weeks. This indicates how AI can guide store owners in managing inventory, improving product mix, and planning demand more efficiently, enabling owners to maximize sales during their operating hours.

The insights come from Packworks’ analysis of sari-sari stores that accessed its Store Insighting Project (SIP) document, a personalized report that turns each store’s transaction history into actionable recommendations powered by AI. By reviewing pre- and post-performance across stores, Packworks quantified the impact of engaging with the SIP document on business outcomes for its partner stores. The analysis also showed that the increase in sales was driven by underperforming products identified by the AI tool, giving store owners insight into which stock to move to maintain operational efficiency.

Packworks’ AI-powered precision marketing tool was developed with DOST-PCIEERD’s Startup Grant Fund (SGF) Program, awarded in 2024 to support wider AI adoption in the country’s micro-retail sector. The company also partnered with ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (Philippines) (STT GDC Philippines) to access its AI Synergy Lab to run large-scale machine learning models, and with Ateneo’s Business Insights Laboratory for Development (BUILD) to build a comprehensive data warehouse and business intelligence tools.

"Even at this early stage of adoption, we've recorded increased sales and enhanced operational efficiency from stores by using the AI tools we've developed with support from DOST and through our collaborations with STT GDC and Ateneo BUILD. As stores learn to leverage the recommendations from the AI-driven insights they can access through SIP, microretailers can make smarter decisions that translate into higher sales and more efficient operations," Packworks Chief Data Officer Andoy Montiel said.

Packworks' latest innovation aims to complement the government's efforts in helping micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) adopt AI. While AI adoption could unlock PHP 2.8 trillion economic benefits by 2030 across sectors, a report by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) shows that only 14.9% of local businesses currently use AI tools. This wide gap, despite widespread computer ownership and internet access, indicates a slow rate of adoption and highlights the need for accessible solutions.

"Our mission at Packworks is to close the gap by making AI practical, accessible, and useful for the smallest retailers. Our latest innovation highlights the immense potential of how technology, especially AI, and strategic partnerships can drive sustainable growth for neighborhood stores across the Philippines," Packworks Co-Founder Hubert Yap said.

Packworks’ mission to bring AI into micro retail stores aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which recognizes the role of digital transformation and emerging technologies like AI in increasing efficiency and revitalizing industries and services.

For more studies and data trends insights in sari-sari stores, you may visit http://packworks.io/ or Packworks’ Facebook page to learn more.

Security Bank Exceeds 2025 Sustainable Finance Target, Disbursing PHP99.4 Billion Ahead of Schedule

Makati, Philippines -- Security Bank Corporation (PSE:SECB) has surpassed its 2025 Sustainable Finance target ahead of schedule, disbursing PHP99.4 billion in sustainable finance loans as of October 2025—18% above its full-year goal. The milestone reinforces the Bank’s ambition to become the preferred partner in sustainable finance and signals strong demand for green and social financing in the Philippines.

Driving green growth at scale

Of the total disbursed, PHP69.9 billion supported green finance initiatives, accelerating the country’s shift to cleaner, more resilient infrastructure. Security Bank’s financing has helped enable:

• 1.37 GW of additional renewable energy capacity from solar and wind projects
• Four green-certified buildings contribute to reduced emissions and energy savings
• Rehabilitation of 8 kilometers of electric train rails in Metro Manila, improving mass transport safety and reliability

These investments position the Bank as an enabler of the Philippines’ transition to low-carbon development and energy security. 

Expanding social impact nationwide

On the social development front, Security Bank disbursed PHP29.5 billion to projects that expand access to essential services, promote inclusive growth, and generate employment. These projects delivered:

• Access to clean water for about 500,000 households
• 1.5M TEU capacity enhancements to strengthen the supply chain and community access to vital goods
• 544 hospital beds and clinic rooms
• Job and socio-economic opportunities for over 400,000 individuals, with a majority benefiting women
• These outcomes underscore the Bank’s commitment to supporting both economic and social resilience.

Accelerating sustainable finance impact

Security Bank continues to deepen its sustainable finance expertise and broaden its market leadership through capability building, strategic partnerships, and industry engagement.

Strengthening internal capabilities

The Bank invested heavily in upskilling teams through learning sessions with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Department of Energy (DoE), and Board of Investments (BoI)— equipping Relationship Managers and frontliners with tools to identify, structure, and evaluate green and social finance opportunities.

Programs included:

• Training on the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act
• A two-day IFC-led program on identifying and financing green projects
• Immersive site visits to a solar farm and a green-certified commercial building

These initiatives enhance team readiness and ensure the Bank can originate high-quality, sustainable finance deals.

Expanding market presence and thought leadership

Security Bank amplified its role in renewable energy and climate finance by:

• Becoming the only financial institution participating in Solar & Storage Live Philippines
• Sharing insights at the Philippine Conference on Energy Efficiency and Conservation, where EVP John Cary Ong presented the Bank’s strategy for greening value chains
• Engaging with clean energy developers, technology providers, and government partners to unlock scalable investments

These engagements reinforce the Bank’s position as a credible partner in the energy transition.

Security Bank participated in the Solar and Storage Live event at SMX Convention Center on May 20, 2025. As the only financial institution at the event, the Bank showcased its sustainable finance initiatives and products.

Enhancing client & employee access to tools and knowledge

To further support clients and internal teams, the Bank launched:

• A Sustainable Finance webpage — a public platform to educate businesses on green financing options and generate leads
• An Assets Business Division (ABD) Knowledge Hub — a centralized internal resource housing product information, market insights, and materials to empower faster, informed decision-making

Both platforms strengthen the Bank’s ecosystem for sustainable finance and improve client engagement and internal productivity.

Looking ahead

Security Bank’s significant progress toward its sustainable finance goals demonstrates continued momentum in delivering positive economic, environmental, and social outcomes. By expanding capabilities, deepening partnerships, and investing in knowledge platforms, the Bank is well-positioned to help accelerate the country’s green and inclusive transition.

The early achievement of its 2025 target reflects not only strong market demand but also the Bank’s commitment to long-term value creation for clients, communities, and investors.

Purposeful Connections: Globe Celebrates Women’s Sports at The Blueprint

This holiday season, Globe is showing how purposeful connectivity and meaningful connections can bring Filipinos together to celebrate moments of pride and inspiration.

At The Blueprint event held on November 13, Globe highlighted how its products, services, and initiatives empower communities, connect families, and create meaningful experiences. A highlight of the event was the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025, the first FIFA tournament, with the Philippines as the inaugural host.

From November 21 to December 7, 2025, 16 international teams, including the Philippine Women’s National Futsal team, will compete in Pasig City, uniting fans and communities nationwide. Globe is offering every Filipino the chance to be part of the celebrations through ticket giveaways via Globe One and the chance to connect to live streaming via FIFA’s official digital channels.

To extend Filipino hospitality, Globe is providing visiting delegates with seamless connectivity, keeping them effortlessly connected with loved ones and colleagues during their stay. This allows them to enjoy every moment of their visit while staying in touch at all times.

“This event is more than a tournament, it’s a celebration of hope, unity, and empowerment,” said Chelo Flores, Director for Marketing Strategic Partnerships at Globe. “By connecting fans, communities, and athletes, Globe is helping create meaningful moments and showcase Filipino pride on the world stage.”

Through The Blueprint, Globe demonstrates that purposeful connectivity can transform every cheer, every goal, and every shared moment into opportunities to unite Filipinos and inspire the next generation, making this World Cup more than a game, but a nationwide celebration of Filipino excellence.

As Globe connects Filipinos to historic moments like the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025, it reminds us that every connection can inspire, unite, and celebrate what it means to be Filipino. This holiday season, Globe continues to turn technology into experiences that bring families, communities, and the nation closer, one connection at a time.

For more information about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.