Globe Delivers Over PHP 510 Million in Savings Through Green Network Initiatives

As cities and businesses seek practical ways to advance sustainability while managing resources more efficiently, Globe continues to demonstrate how technology can help address both priorities. Through investments in energy-efficient network infrastructure, the company generated more than PHP 510 million in energy savings in 2025 while expanding technologies that can help build more liveable and intelligent cities nationwide.

Globe highlighted these initiatives during the Liveable Cities Lab held at the Asian Institute of Management, where government leaders, local government representatives, businesses, and sustainability advocates gathered to discuss solutions that can help accelerate the transition to cleaner and more sustainable communities.

"By adopting Green Network and AI-driven energy efficiency technologies, Globe is proving that resource efficiency and environmental sustainability go hand in hand. Our commitment to sustainability-related innovations isn't just about upgrading networks; it's about empowering cities and enterprises to build cleaner and more liveable cities," said Raymond Aguilar, Globe Vice President for Risk and Property Management.

A key contributor to these savings was Globe's continued investment in its Green Network program. In 2025 alone, the company deployed 20,800 new energy-efficient technologies across its operations, helping reduce energy consumption throughout its network and facilities.

Artificial Intelligence plays an increasingly important role in these efforts. Globe uses AI to automatically calibrate the energy consumption of cell sites based on network demand, while AI-powered cooling systems help optimize energy use in company buildings.

The company has also deployed storage optimization technologies within its Network Function Virtualization (NFV) environment, enabling unused servers to automatically shut down when not needed. Additional measures include replacing legacy lead-acid batteries with more energy-efficient Lithium-ion and Sodium-Nickel battery technologies, alongside the continued expansion of renewable energy and hybrid electric vehicle initiatives.

Beyond improving its own operations, Globe highlighted how these innovations can support cities and municipalities in advancing sustainability goals while aligning with the objectives of the New Government Procurement Act or Republic Act 12009. The company noted that technologies that improve resource efficiency can help communities pursue their environmental objectives while supporting long-term development goals.

Technology will play an increasingly important role in helping communities balance growth, sustainability, and resource efficiency. Through its Green Network initiatives, AI-driven and IoT solutions, Globe continues to support cleaner, more intelligent, and more liveable cities.

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.

Coca-Cola Philippines Drives Water Stewardship With Reforestation Activity at La Mesa Watershed

MANILA, Philippines – Coca-Cola Philippines employees gathered at La Mesa Dam on December 17, 2025, for a tree-planting activity with the Million Trees Foundation, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability through hands-on volunteerism. The effort highlighted how corporate participation and community action can help protect one of Metro Manila’s most critical water sources.

At the Million Trees Nursery and Eco Learning Center within the La Mesa Watershed in Quezon City, Coca-Cola Philippines employees came together to plant native seedlings. The initiative forms part of the larger Annual Million Trees Challenge (AMTC), a long-term watershed rehabilitation program that began under Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and is now being sustained by the Million Trees Foundation, Inc. (MTFI) with the goal of planting 10 million more trees by 2030.

La Mesa Dam is Metro Manila’s primary watershed and one of the remaining major forest reserves in the region. Its protection is essential to ensuring a clean, stable water supply for the capital. Reforestation efforts—especially those that focus on tree-growing, not just tree-planting—contribute to soil conservation, improved groundwater recharge, and long-term ecological resilience.

“The strength of the Million Trees Initiative comes from collective effort. When partners like Coca-Cola Philippines show up on the ground, it accelerates our work to restore critical watersheds like La Mesa,” Mr. Melandrew T. Velasco, Million Trees Foundation Inc, President and Executive Director. “Each seedling planted today is part of a bigger commitment to protect the ecosystems that support millions of Filipinos.”

For employee volunteers, the activity was a meaningful way to take part in environmental protection while gaining a deeper appreciation of watershed stewardship — a core focus of the company’s Sustainability Matters campaign. “Today proved that sustainability is about action — and that small efforts become meaningful when we work as one,” said Maria Christine Garcia, Senior Director of Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability of Coca-Cola Philippines.

Tony del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines and Vice President for Franchise Operations East of Coca-Cola Far East Limited (CCFEL), underscored how employee volunteerism strengthens the company’s sustainability goals.

“Our sustainability journey is grounded in strong partnerships, long-term commitments, and the dedication of our people. Initiatives like this underscore the vital role each of us plays in safeguarding essential resources such as the La Mesa Watershed,” said Tony del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines and Vice President for Franchise Operations East of Coca-Cola Far East Limited. “This activity reflects our broader commitment to environmental stewardship and to collaborating with communities and partners to create lasting, meaningful impact.”

To learn more about Coca-Cola Philippines’ sustainability initiatives, the public may visit www.coca-cola.com/ph/en/sustainability.

Philippine Companies Double Down on Sustainability to Drive Growth Amid Economic Uncertainty: Schneider Electric

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Schneider Electric, a global energy technology leader, today announced the results of its annual Green Impact Gap survey, revealing that Philippine business leaders increasingly view sustainability as a driver of growth and competitiveness, even as they cite economic uncertainty and geopolitical instability as barriers to further sustainability investment.

Ninety-seven percent of companies have established sustainability targets. Among them, 58% report that sustainability reporting has become easier over the past year, largely due to technology advancements. Yet, 32% still face challenges, citing factors such as rising costs.

This year, 55% of company leaders identify innovation and competitiveness as key drivers of sustainability, with the strongest emphasis from the semiconductors (71%) and data centers (60%) sectors, followed by real estate (53%) and healthcare (52%). This underscores how industries increasingly link sustainability with business innovation.

Sustainability is also delivering tangible business value. This year, 52% of leaders say it creates new business opportunities, up from 42% in 2024. Similarly, 42% pursue sustainability to strengthen brand and reputation, compared with 32% last year, while 46% cite cost savings and financial benefits, up from 43%. These year-on-year gains demonstrate that sustainability has evolved from a peripheral initiative into a core strategy for competitiveness and resilience.

While findings underscore the growing commitment to sustainability in the Philippines, they also reveal a persistent ‘Green Impact Gap’ — the misalignment between companies' declared sustainability goals and the tangible actions taken to achieve them. This year, 97% of companies set targets, but less than half are taking comprehensive action, keeping the regional Green Impact Gap at 46%.

With 2025 marking a critical milestone on the path to 2030 climate goals, companies remain optimistic. Around 84% express confidence in meeting or exceeding their 2030 targets, while 20% report being more than three years ahead of schedule.

“Companies across the Philippines are not just weathering the storm—they’re using sustainability as a compass to navigate it,” said Ireen Catane, Country President, Schneider Electric Philippines. “Despite volatile economic conditions, early movers and adopters are turning to digitalization and AI to drive efficiency, mitigate risk, and create lasting value.”

In parallel, two-thirds of companies (66%) report being very or moderately familiar with Republic Act 11285, the Philippines' Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act. Among these, 85% express moderate to high confidence in meeting its requirements, signaling readiness to implement concrete energy-efficiency measures. This trend aligns with the DOE's national efforts to promote energy efficiency, supporting businesses and local governments in optimizing energy use while advancing sustainability goals.

AI unlocks cost savings and energy efficiency

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is helping companies address financial and energy risks. 92% of companies in the Philippines this year are already applying or are interested in applying AI to advance their sustainability ambitions. At 59%, AI for energy consumption optimization now tops the list of energy and resource efficiency applications, surpassing waste management (50%) and smart building management and automation (49%).

Companies see AI’s biggest impact on sustainability in automating data collection and reporting (51%), optimizing energy use (44%), and enhancing product design (44%). By improving energy efficiency, AI helps mitigate cost risks, aligning with the 46% of company leaders who cite financial benefits and savings as key drivers for sustainability amid persistent energy price concerns.

With the rise of energy demand in the Philippines, which the Department of Energy (DOE) projects will grow 4–5% annually and potentially double total power consumption by 2040 under the Philippine Energy Plan, companies continued to adjust their decarbonization strategies in 2025. The most widely adopted measures were switching to low-carbon or electric vehicles for transport (27%, up from 25%), and investing in research and development to drive innovation in low-carbon technologies (27%, up from 25%).

From 2024 to 2025, companies advanced in cutting Scope 2 emissions—indirect emissions from purchased energy such as electricity, steam, heating, and cooling—through onsite renewables (34%, up from 29%) and energy-efficient equipment (41%, unchanged). They also adopted emerging measures like Green IT plans (31%). Efforts to reduce Scope 3, or value chain, emissions also grew, with gains in supply chain optimization (33%, up from 29%) and in promoting remote work and video conferencing to cut commuting and travel-related emissions (31%, up from 30%).

Investments hold steady despite economic uncertainty

With business leaders seeing the bottom-line benefit of sustainability, planned investment in sustainability transformation has held steady, with 23% of companies planning to invest at least $US1 million over the next two years.

While investment in sustainability continues to face key limiters, most have eased slightly year-on-year. Economic uncertainty remains the top concern, but dropped from 49% in 2024 to 45% in 2025.

Internal budgetary constraints show a sharper decline, from 48% to 37%, while regulatory and policy difficulties (37% to 35%) and poor incentives (36% to 35%) also decreased marginally. These shifts suggest that, while structural and financial challenges remain, the investment landscape in 2025 is relatively more favorable for corporate sustainability than the previous year.

Now in its third year, the Schneider Electric Green Impact Gap survey, conducted with Milieu Insight, gathers insights from 4,500 middle- to senior-level executives across nine Asian markets—Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam—on how businesses are prioritizing and investing in sustainability through a 30-question assessment.

Schneider Electric Achieves Strong Start to 2025 in Sustainability Goals

Rueil-Malmaison, France – Schneider Electric, a global leader in digital energy management and automation, has reported a strong performance in the first quarter of 2025 through its Schneider Sustainability Impact (SSI) program, achieving a score of 7.95 out of 10, inching closer to its end-of-year goal of 8.80.

The company, recently honored by Corporate Knights as the world’s most sustainable corporation, continues to build momentum in its sustainability journey. This follows an impressive 2024 SSI score of 7.55, which exceeded its target of 7.40. Schneider’s sustainability performance is evaluated quarterly based on 11 global ESG commitments, forming the core of the SSI framework.

SSI tracks progress from a 2020 baseline and uses a 10-point scoring system. The scoring is calculated across key performance indicators and verified through external audits, reinforcing the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability. In 2024, the SSI’s eighth indicator received "reasonable" external assurance, highlighting the reliability of Schneider’s ESG data.

Chief Sustainability Officer Chris Leong emphasized the company’s mission to transform ambition into action. “With the support of our ecosystem, our people, and all our Impact Makers, we will succeed in 2025,” she stated.

One of Schneider’s most notable Q1 achievements was helping customers save or avoid nearly 700 million tonnes of CO₂, adding to the 679 million tonnes avoided since 2018. Through the Zero Carbon Project, Schneider also helped reduce emissions by 42% from its top 1,000 suppliers.

On the social front, the company has made remarkable progress. Supplier compliance with decent work standards jumped from 21% in 2023 to 63% in 2024. Schneider also provided clean electricity to 53.4 million people and trained over 824,000 individuals in energy management, moving closer to its target of one million trainees by 2025.

The company’s consistent performance has earned it multiple honors: inclusion in the Dow Jones World Index for the 14th consecutive year, a CDP A list spot, a AAA rating from MSCI ESG, and a Platinum rating from EcoVadis.

Schneider Electric’s drive to integrate sustainability with innovation and social impact remains a blueprint for businesses worldwide. As 2025 unfolds, the company is well on track to achieve its ambitious sustainability goals while inspiring a global movement for change.

New SHDA Leadership Charts Bold Agenda to Address Housing Backlog and Advance Sustainability in 2025

January 2025, PHILIPPINES - The Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA), the Philippines’s foremost organization of housing and urban developers, has unveiled its 2025 leadership team with a renewed focus on tackling the country’s growing housing backlog and advancing sustainability in the sector. 

Under the leadership of Architect Leonardo B. Dayao Jr., who continues as Chairman, and newly elected National President Engr. Francis Richmond Z. Villegas, SHDA is set to implement strategies that prioritize affordability, innovation, and regional collaboration to create a more inclusive and sustainable housing industry.

“The housing sector is at a critical juncture, and SHDA is committed to driving meaningful reforms and innovative solutions to address the country’s growing housing challenges. With the 2025–2040 Housing Roadmap as our guide, we aim to foster stronger collaboration with government and private stakeholders, promote sustainability, and empower our members to deliver quality, affordable housing to Filipino families,” said SHDA Chairman, Ar. Dayao.

Building on the momentum of 2024, SHDA’s 2025 agenda focuses on addressing the housing backlog through strengthened partnerships and regional engagement. These efforts aim to tackle local concerns faced by developers in various regions and include plans to establish new SHDA regional chapters. SHDA also plans to enhance engagement with sponsors and partners through expanded networking events and collaborative agreements, ensuring mutual growth and benefit for developers, sponsors, and stakeholders.

Engr. Villegas highlighted the importance of collaboration and grassroots support in achieving these goals. “Our primary focus for 2025 is sustaining SHDA’s collaborative partnerships with government agencies to continue lobbying for housing policies and initiatives. At the same time, we are committed to bringing services closer to our members by empowering regional chapters and addressing grassroots concerns. These combined efforts aim to make housing more accessible and sustainable while fostering a deeper connection between SHDA and its stakeholders.”

SHDA continues its pledged support for the government’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program (4PH), which seeks to eliminate the housing backlog within six years. The association is working with public and private stakeholders to explore innovative solutions, including rent-to-own schemes and public housing programs, to cater to various segments of the population. Sustainability remains at the forefront of SHDA’s initiatives, with a focus on promoting climate-responsive designs, the use of indigenous materials, and green building technologies.

To enhance its members’ competitiveness, SHDA plans to conduct study tours in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam to adopt best practices and innovative housing models. Additionally, the association is integrating emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to streamline housing production and improve developers’ operational efficiency.

Preparations are also underway for the 2025 National Developers Convention, which serves as a vital platform for industry collaboration. The event will bring together key stakeholders, including government officials, developers, and experts, to discuss actionable solutions for the sector’s most pressing challenges.

In 2024, SHDA made significant strides that laid the foundation for its 2025 agenda. One of its landmark achievements was the development of the Philippine Housing Industry Roadmap (2025–2040), a comprehensive framework created in collaboration with national and local government agencies, academic institutions such as the University of Asia and the Pacific, private developers, and other housing organizations such as OSHDP, NREA, and CREBA. The roadmap identifies critical gaps in housing delivery and outlines strategies to reduce the housing backlog while aligning with the country’s economic goals.

The association also successfully lobbied for the adjustment of the socialized housing price ceiling, resulting in DHSUD-NEDA Joint Memorandum Circular 2024-001. This policy increased the guarantee ceilings for low-cost housing to PhP4,900,000 and for medium-cost housing to PhP6,600,600, making homes more accessible to Filipino families. Additionally, SHDA championed the inclusion of housing in the government’s Strategic Investments Priority Plan (SIPP) for 2025–2027, which provides incentives to private developers. Legislative advocacy also played a crucial role, with SHDA engaging policymakers to address issues such as the removal of the land conversion requirement and the regular adjustment of socialized housing price ceilings.

Joining Dayao and Villegas on the 2025 leadership team are Arnold Leigh Ryan Choa as 1st Vice President, Atty. Mena R. Ojeda Jr. as 2nd Vice President, Atty. Marianne Reyna Lina-Cruz as Corporate Secretary, Kerwin Padua as Assistant Corporate Secretary, Edgardo Tantoco as National Treasurer, Jazmin Paz Trinidad as Auditor, and Renelyn Tan-Castillejos as Chief Marketing Officer. SHDA’s Board of Governors consists of Grandii Abarico, Russell S. Lim, Herbert Joseph G. Tan, Gena Valerie U. Chua, Regina Hahn Siy, and Cesar Lee Hiong Wee, Jr.

Regional leaders from South Luzon (Dennis R. Leveriza Jr.), Central Luzon (John Paul T. Dy), Central Visayas (Anthony L. Noel), Eastern Visayas (MGen. Rufo A. De Veyra), Negros (Steven Brian L. Jison), Panay (Elizabeth O. Belmonte), Southern Mindanao (Engr. Kenneth Y. Yap), and Northern Mindanao (Voltaire Antonio M. Flores) will also play a vital role in implementing SHDA’s strategies and addressing regional concerns.

Newly appointed Board Advisers include Armenia C. Ballesteros, Ricky M. Celis, Bansan C. Choa, Guillermo C. Choa, Raphael B. Felix, Arlene C. Keh, Jeffrey T. Ng, Mariano D. Martinez, May P. Rodriguez, George T. Siy, and Rosie S. Tsai.

As the largest industry association of housing developers in the Philippines, SHDA remains committed to championing inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation. With its 2025 leadership team at the helm, the association is prepared to deepen its impact and drive meaningful progress in the housing sector.