Schneider Electric: Smarter Systems Key to Continued Progress in Visayas and Mindanao

Cebu, Philippines — The energy challenges facing the Philippines are not new. But as investments, infrastructure developments, and energy pressures converge across Visayas and Mindanao, Schneider Electric, a global energy technology leader with 190 years of innovation expertise, is forging partnerships with the regions’ industries, building owners, and government institutions to accelerate the shift toward more resilient systems through electrification, digitalization, and automation. At Innovation Day Philippines 2026: Powering Progress through Future-Ready Industries, held on June 24 at Bai Hotel in Mandaue City, the company outlined how this framework for progress applies across sectors.

As Visayas and Mindanao continue to attract investments and expand infrastructure, the systems supporting this growth are evolving, and Schneider Electric is helping accelerate that momentum. The company said electrification, digitalization, and automation are already proving foundational for long-term resilience across the regions.

“Together, this strategy provides organizations with greater visibility and control over energy use, enabling a more responsive and efficient approach to operations,” said Ireen Catane, Country President of Schneider Electric Philippines. “As energy reliability becomes increasingly critical, these capabilities help improve operational performance and efficiency.”

Building on the region's momentum

As development accelerates, Visayas and Mindanao are already building the infrastructure foundation for long-term growth.

In Visayas, investment approvals reached PHP 27.96 billion across 22 projects in 2024, along with developments such as the New Cebu International Container Port and upgrades to the Bohol-Panglao International Airport. In Mindanao, World Bank-approved projects are expected to improve transport connectivity and health services for at least 19 million Filipinos. As these developments progress, their continued success will depend on energy infrastructure that is resilient, efficient, and intelligent; and managing demand has become as important as securing supply.

Recent power outlooks show the Visayas grid may continue experiencing yellow alerts despite imports from Luzon and Mindanao, while Mindanao’s reserve margins are also expected to tighten in the coming years. Energy resilience is becoming a key factor in business continuity and long-term competitiveness across both regions.

Global pressures

During the event, Schneider Electric highlighted three global forces: rising electricity demand outpacing grid expansion, rapid digital transformation, and shifting supply chains that favor resilient and efficient regions. The company said sustainability has become a business requirement tied to efficiency, resilience, and competitiveness.

“Visayas and Mindanao are already in this environment. By understanding where and how energy is consumed, organizations in these regions can make better decisions that reduce costs, improve reliability, and support growth,” said Harold Lim, Country Solutions Head of Schneider Electric Philippines.

The case for collaborations

Innovation Day Philippines 2026 convened industry leaders, government officials, and developers for a day of dialogue on the future of energy and infrastructure in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Atty. Kvyn Honoridez delivered the keynote message on behalf of Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano, alongside Atty. Nancy Fajardo, Executive Director of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). Their addresses were followed by segment spotlights on grid modernization, urban development, and manufacturing automation.

Panel discussions and fireside chats featured Hon. Greg Gasataya, Mayor of Bacolod City; Anton Perdices, Chief Operations Officer – Distribution Utilities, AboitizPower Corporation; Engr. JP Claudio, Visayas and Mindanao Operations Director, Ayala Property Management Corporation; Engr. April Joy Medico, Economic Zone Deputy Administrator, Mactan Economic Zone; Felix Taguiam, Regional Governor for Central Visayas, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Allan Roy Calderon, SVP - Corporate Solutions Head, UnionBank of the Philippines, alongside Schneider Electric leaders. The event concluded with a call to action for stakeholders to collaborate on pilot projects and regional initiatives.

Building a more resilient energy future for the regions will take more than technology; it will need collaboration across government, regulators, and industry partners. "Strengthening partnerships across the public and private sectors is key to building systems that support long-term growth," said Atty. Norman Ocana III, Head of Government Affairs of Schneider Electric Philippines.

The confluence of rising investments and energy pressures has made electrification, digitalization, and automation necessary. Innovation Day in Cebu advanced the conversation on what that transition looks like at scale and how Visayas and Mindanao are leading it.

Named as the world's most sustainable company by TIME Magazine and Statista for three consecutive years, and recognized by Corporate Knights and Sustainability Magazine for its sustainability leadership, Schneider Electric has helped industries and institutions worldwide expand access to clean electricity, reduce emissions, and strengthen operational resilience.

LG Electronics Philippines Strengthens Hospitality Industry Partnerships Through Technology Showcase in Subic

LG Electronics Philippines reinforced its commitment to the country's hospitality industry by hosting a two-day technology showcase in Subic, bringing together key industry partners and hospitality professionals to explore the latest innovations designed for modern hotels, resorts, and event venues.

The exclusive event served as a strategic platform for LG to strengthen its presence in the hospitality market across Luzon while fostering stronger relationships with industry leaders. Through hands-on product demonstrations and meaningful discussions, attendees gained valuable insights into how advanced display technologies can transform guest experiences and improve operational efficiency.

Among the highlights of the showcase were LG's latest Hospitality TVs, designed to provide personalized in-room entertainment while enabling hotel operators to manage content and services more efficiently. The company also demonstrated its cutting-edge LED wall displays for both indoor and outdoor environments, offering vibrant visuals ideal for hotel lobbies, convention centers, restaurants, and public spaces.

In addition, LG introduced its Interactive Digital Boards, which are tailored for business meetings, conferences, training sessions, and collaborative events. These solutions offer seamless communication and enhanced engagement, making them ideal for hotels that cater to corporate clients and large-scale events.

Guests at the event had the opportunity to experience these technologies firsthand, allowing them to better understand how digital innovation can elevate hospitality services. From creating immersive guest environments to streamlining business operations, LG showcased solutions that address the evolving needs of the modern hospitality industry.

Beyond the products themselves, the event highlighted LG's vision of enabling smarter hospitality spaces where technology supports both exceptional guest satisfaction and operational excellence. As customer expectations continue to evolve, hotels and resorts are increasingly investing in digital solutions that improve convenience, communication, and overall service quality.

The collaboration with LG's industry partners also underscored the importance of building strong relationships within the local hospitality ecosystem. By engaging directly with hotel owners, property managers, and decision-makers, LG further strengthened its market awareness while gaining valuable insights into the industry's growing technological demands.

As the hospitality sector continues its digital transformation, LG Electronics Philippines remains committed to delivering innovative solutions that empower businesses to create memorable guest experiences while improving efficiency and long-term competitiveness. Through initiatives like the Subic showcase, LG continues to demonstrate its dedication to supporting the industry's growth with reliable, future-ready technology designed for the next generation of hospitality.

Coca-Cola Philippines Shares EPR Implementation Perspectives at ASEAN- EU Summit in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — Government, business, and development leaders recently convened in Cebu for the ASEAN-EU Sustainability Summit 2026, a regional forum focused on practical approaches to environmental and economic challenges across Southeast Asia.

The summit was organized by the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), in partnership with the Philippines’ role as ASEAN Chair, and brought together public and private sector stakeholders to discuss policy alignment, implementation realities, and investment conditions.

Coca-Cola Philippines participated as a sponsor and speaker in the flagship session, “Making Circularity Work: Scaling Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in ASEAN.” Discussions focused on how EPR frameworks can move from policy design to consistent execution on the ground.

As a total beverage company, Coca-Cola shared several considerations for effective EPR systems and to maximize compliance models, including: clear and enforceable regulatory EPR system design; alignment with local collection and recycling infrastructure; inclusion of informal waste workers within recycling value chain and recovery systems; and stronger incentives that support recycled material use and infrastructure investment across the region.

Antonio “Tony” Del Rosario, president of Coca-Cola Philippines, joined fellow panelists from government, ASEAN institutions, and civil society to discuss implementation challenges and lessons from early-stage EPR markets.

“EPR systems work best when design, enforcement, and on-the-ground realities are aligned,” Del Rosario said. “That requires coordination across government, industry, and waste management stakeholders.”

Discussions throughout the summit similarly underscored that successful EPR systems require coordinated action across governments, businesses, financial institutions, waste management stakeholders, and communities. Speakers also highlighted the importance of ensuring that frameworks remain practical and locally relevant, recognizing the differing levels of infrastructure and market maturity across ASEAN economies.

Coca-Cola Philippines referenced examples from its local experience supporting collection and recycling efforts locally. These include Tapon to Ipon, a collection initiative now operating through more than 6,000 community drop-off points nationwide, and partnerships focused on waste recovery and recycling infrastructure. The company also noted the role of its philanthropic arm, the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, in supporting programs that engage informal waste workers in the recycling value chain.

The company also cited PETValue Philippines, the country’s first bottle-to-bottle PET recycling facility established through a joint venture between Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines, and Indorama Ventures, as an example of private sector investment contributing to domestic recycling capacity.

Speakers across the summit emphasized that EPR outcomes depend on consistent implementation, investment-enabling policies, political stability, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration across markets, particularly given differences in infrastructure maturity across ASEAN economies.

Coca-Cola Philippines said it will continue to engage with government, industry peers, and community partners as EPR frameworks evolve across Southeast Asia.

Learn more about Coca-Cola Philippines’ sustainability initiatives at Coca-Cola Philippines Sustainability.

DOST-PTRI to Launch ONWARD, Pushing Nonwoven Textiles Toward Sustainable Manufacturing and Industrial Use

Manila, Philippines — The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) is set to launch ONWARD: Philippine Nonwoven Textile Innovation on July 1, 2026, at the SM North EDSA Annex Atrium, introducing nonwoven textiles developed through specialized machines and facilities to advance sustainable, natural fiber–based alternatives to synthetic plastics across a wide range of applications.

The launch sets a new direction for the Philippine textile industry, expanding beyond traditional woven fabrics and positioning nonwovens as a scalable response to environmental and climate challenges. This direction responds to findings from the Center for International Environmental Law, which notes that plastic-related emissions occur across the entire product lifecycle, from raw material extraction to disposal — the dependence that natural fiber–based nonwovens are designed to reduce.

“We have already established ourselves in woven materials, and now we want to leverage sustainability and technical innovation, and nonwovens are the perfect fit,” said Dr. Julius L. Leaño Jr., Director IV of DOST-PTRI. “The focus is on creating greater value, achieving larger-scale production, and expanding applications beyond traditional woven products and apparel.”

Open to the public, the launch will feature an exhibition and expert discussions led by DOST-PTRI and its development partners, highlighting how agricultural resources such as banana pseudostems, pineapple leaves, bamboo, water hyacinth, and other locally available materials can be engineered into high-performance nonwoven products.

Nonwoven textiles differ from conventional fabrics in that they are produced by directly bonding or interlocking fibers through mechanical, thermal, or chemical processes. This enables faster production, functional versatility, and broader industrial applications. While often unnoticed, nonwoven materials are widely used in everyday products such as face masks, wipes, automotive interiors, footwear components, filtration systems, medical supplies, and construction materials.

Central to the initiative are DOST-PTRI's natural textile fiber-based nonwovens, developed using technologies composed of more than 75 percent natural textile fibers. These materials demonstrate how high natural fiber content can deliver functional and durable alternatives while reducing dependence on petroleum-based plastics and supporting circular manufacturing goals.

The exhibition will showcase nonwoven materials produced through drylaid, wetlaid, airlaid, and spunlaid processes, demonstrating their durability, adaptability, and suitability for diverse performance requirements. Applications on display span transportation, furniture and interiors, construction, healthcare, fashion, accessories, agriculture, and infrastructure—highlighting the technology’s market potential beyond traditional textile uses.

ONWARD also highlights DOST-PTRI’s collaborations with local development partners, including Sarao Motors, Inc., Creative Definitions, Base Bahay Foundation, Inc., Jed Yabut Furniture & Design, Junknot, Fivecent Global Corporation, the Fashion Accessory Makers of the Philippines, and Renz Reyes, reflecting the growing interest in nonwoven technology across sectors.

“ONWARD is our new development in textiles and a new chapter in Filipino fabrics. We hope it will be given the space and support it deserves,” Dr. Leaño added as he called on the public to support this emerging innovation in textile science.

ONWARD brings together textile science and sustainable design, signaling a strategic shift toward resilient and environmentally responsible manufacturing that positions nonwoven technology as a key driver of the Philippine textile industry’s future.

The public, industry stakeholders, and design professionals are invited to witness the launch on July 1, 2026, at the SM North EDSA Annex Atrium, which serves as the venue partner. The exhibition will run until July 2, 2026.

For more information on ONWARD: Philippine Nonwoven Textile Innovation, visit ptri.dost.gov.ph/ or facebook.com/ptri.dost.

PLDT, NTSC Join Forces for Intensified Fight vs Cable Thieves

PLDT, through its Asset Protection & Security Risk Governance (APSRG) Group, is spearheading tighter industry-wide collaboration to protect telco infrastructure with the launch of ‘Oplan Balikatan’ with fellow members of the National Telecommunications Security Council (NTSC) to ensure the continuous delivery of connectivity and digital services in communities.

Spearheaded by the PLDT APSRG team in June 2021 for the mutual protection of telco infrastructure nationwide, the NTSC is an industry-wide alliance of corporate security professionals representing the country’s major telecommunications companies, including PLDT, Smart, Globe Telecom, DITO, Converge ICT Solutions, and other stakeholders.

‘Oplan Balikatan’ is an expansion of PLDT’s existing Bayanihan campaign, which aims to strengthen ties between telcos and barangays to protect telco equipment and enhance community vigilance to combat cable thieves and vandals.

"Keeping our communities safe and connected is an effort that needs all of us. By standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our colleagues from other telcos and our partners from the local government, we can embody the true spirit of Balikatan, and empower our respective communities as well,” said Col. Wilfredo Gonio, Head of PLDT and Smart’s Security Central Command & Administration Center, APSRG.

In its pilot Balikatan session in Brgy Upper Bicutan, Taguig City, representatives from PLDT led by GMM South Asset Protection Division (APD) Head Willie S. Antalan, Jr., Security Risk Management, Head Lucky Arjay V. Macapilit, and GMM South APD Team Head Jonie Prinzes Marie Valle, joined NTSC members led by Col Jaime Fernando Hidalgo (Ret), along with Jerome Rubrico and Eugene Carlos of DITO, Gerald Bechayda of Globe and Joel Trinidad of Converge in a dialogue with officials and security personnel of Brgy Upper Bicutan led by barangay chair Francisco Sunga.

In addition to discussing telco-related concerns of the barangay, NTSC also turned over Barangay iProtect items for use by the barangay police during their patrol duties, which included coffee mugs, reflectorized vests, security batons, and handcuffs.

“Across the industry, we may be competitors, but when it comes to securing our networks, we share a common responsibility. Through NTSC, we are working as one to deter illegal activities and ensure reliable service for the communities we all serve,” said NTSC Chairman Gen Ramiro Manuel Rey (Ret) of Converge ICT Solutions. “The safety and connectivity of our communities are our joint priority. Under NTSC, we can combine resources and expertise to protect our infrastructure and keep essential digital services running.”

Through its network protection and community security initiatives, the PLDT group, together with its telco partners, is helping create safer, more resilient communities where digital inclusion can thrive, through a community-centric approach that strengthens trust, fosters accountability, and ensures that technology continues to serve as a bridge to progress for millions of Filipinos.

These initiatives are also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.