Driving Sustainability, Shaping Futures: USANA PH Donates 200 Recycled Plastic Chairs

Driving Sustainability, Shaping Futures: USANA PH Donates 200 Recycled Plastic Chairs

Monday, December 2

USANA Philippines, the number one vitamins and dietary supplements in the country, has taken an empowering step of donating 200 recycled plastic chairs to the students of Pulilan Central School. This activity is part of USANA’s broader commitment to sustainability and community empowerment. The donation highlights their efforts to reduce carbon emissions while actively supporting local education and fostering environmental awareness.

The chairs, composed of 30 kilos of compressed plastic each, are byproducts of USANA’s internal campaign among its employees and associates which encourages them to donate their used plastics and USANA product bottles. Huge transparent bins are placed in their offices nationwide alongside a sample of the recycled plastic chair – a proof of the possible outcome of their donations and efforts.

“We want to impart awareness among our customers, employees, and associates by ensuring that they are aware that those plastic bottles can be recycled to something that would actually be beneficial to the community”, shared Cherry Dionisio-Ampig, USANA Philippines’ General Manager. “In doing so, we can ensure that USANA can inspire a community of environmentally conscious individuals as we maintain our responsible company practices through our sustainable activities especially since we are reaching our 16th year in the Philippines”, she added.

This donation to Pulilan Central School not only provides the students with durable and eco-friendly school chairs but also serves as a testament to how USANA is turning its sustainability efforts into tangible benefits for local communities. Moreso, it serves as springboard to the endless possibilities a simple donation of a used plastic can do.

USANA Philippines is anchored on its core values of community, integrity, excellence, and health. Through the value of community which rests on three main pillars namely people, product, and planet, USANA aims to foster a culture of responsibility and encourage individuals to take proactive steps in waste reduction and environmental stewardship.

As USANA continues to expand its reach and impact across the Philippines, the company remains dedicated to creating a more sustainable and healthier future for all.

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M Lhuillier Empowers Students through Adopt A School Program

M Lhuillier Empowers Students through Adopt A School Program

Monday, July 8

M Lhuillier is all about giving back, and education is a big one for them. The Philippines' go-to for financial services reaffirms its commitment to educational advancement through its active participation in the Adopt a School program. The company is proud to announce its ongoing partnership with Villa Jacinta National Vocational High School (VJNVHS) located in Antipolo City.

This initiative underscores M Lhuillier's dedication to bolstering educational programs and empowering underprivileged students within the community. VJNVHS has consistently benefitted from the company's generosity, receiving essential facilities, learning kits, and most recently, much-needed school supplies for its Grade 8 students.

On February 23, 2024, a dedicated M Lhuillier team led by Ms. Grace L. de Gracia, ML Regional Manager, along with Area Managers and OPEC Officers, visited VJNVHS. The team was graciously welcomed by Ms. Violeta A. Makiling, the school principal, who expressed her sincere gratitude for the company's unwavering support.

The donation of school supplies held particular significance for students from low-income families. These essential materials will undoubtedly enhance their educational experience. Ms. de Gracia further inspired the students with a message emphasizing the importance of hard work and perseverance in achieving their academic goals. The Grade 8 students eagerly received their bags and notebooks, their faces reflecting joy and appreciation. The impact of M Lhuillier's support was evident,instilling a sense of hope and encouragement among the student body.

M Lhuillier takes immense pride in supporting educational institutions like VJNVHS. By providing essential resources, the company empowers students and actively contributes to their academic journeys. M Lhuillier firmly believes that access to quality education and proper tools paves the way for a brighter future, enabling students to reach their full potential.

Through this partnership, M Lhuillier goes beyond supporting individual students; it invests in the future of the community. By bridging gaps in education and providing necessary resources, the company fosters an environment where students can excel and realize their dreams.

To know more about M Lhuillier's projects to promote social responsibility, visit https://mlcares.mlhuillier.com/home. 

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Addressing Hunger and Food Waste: Allianz PNB Life Supports Food Sustainability

Addressing Hunger and Food Waste: Allianz PNB Life Supports Food Sustainability

Sunday, June 2

One of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals is to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. In the Philippines, food security has been a long-standing problem, with millions of children going hungry due to poverty and lack of access to food. Conversely, food waste is an environmental problem, as food materials that are thrown into the landfills decompose and release carbon dioxide, thereby contributing to the climate crisis.

Allianz PNB Life's Commitment to Zero Hunger

Allianz PNB Life (AZPNBL) is taking a proactive role in addressing these pressing issues by partnering with Scholars of Sustenance PH (SOS PH), a non-profit organization that rescues good quality surplus food to make nutritious meals available for the most vulnerable communities. This partnership signifies a crucial step towards Zero Hunger and sustainable food management.

Donation of "KaGat" Food Truck

Through this partnership, AZPNBL donated a food truck named “KaGat,” which SOS PH uses for collecting and distributing meals to the communities. “KaGat,” which means 'bite' in Filipino, reflects the company’s unwavering dedication to taking a substantial "bite" out of food waste and hunger.

Engaging Employees in Community Efforts

To bring them closer to the communities, AZPNBL employees participated in a food drive and kitchen immersions, benefiting 1,500 individuals, including children in conflict with the law and their relatives, in 2023. They also participated in the 2023 KaGat Summit. This year, AZPNBL will continue supporting the SOS PH Food Rescue Program by investing time and talents of employees in two food rescue and food drive activities, and as a partner of the Zero Summit Philippines. The summit rallies food industry leaders and sustainability advocates from academia, business, civil society, and government agencies towards the vision of ZERO food waste and ZERO hunger future.

Significant Impact on Communities

The partnership between AZPNBL and SOS PH has already made a positive impact on the communities they serve. Through the Allianz-sponsored truck KaGat, Scholars of Sustenance Philippines has been able to rescue 286 tons of food, curbing 779 tons of CO2 emissions. They have likewise distributed and served 1.2 million meals to more than 60 community partners.

Reaching Vulnerable Communities

With the support of Allianz and their sponsorship of KaGat, SOS PH has been able to reach various communities facing food insecurity, delivering much-needed meals directly to those in need. "This collaboration has enabled us to rescue surplus food efficiently, ensuring it doesn’t end up in landfills where it could cause significant environmental harm. This partnership is not only fighting hunger but also promoting sustainability and reducing our environmental footprint. It embodies our shared commitment to making a positive impact on both people and the planet. One of the key impacts of the Allianz-SOS PH partnership is that having a reputable name like Allianz associated with us serves as a 'stamp of quality' for our work and organization as a whole,” says Arthur Winston Bitagcol, SOS Global Director of Operations.

Statements from AZPNBL Leadership

AZPNBL Chief Marketing and Sustainability Officer Gino Riola says, “We are proud to support this endeavor to end hunger among our vulnerable sectors and offer more access to good nutrition in our communities. With our mission to secure the future of the Filipino, we are tasked to do our part in ensuring more equitable access to food. Through the ‘KaGat’ food truck we can take a bite out of hunger and replace it with hope.”

Future Initiatives

SOS PH is set to expand its reach this year with the Healthy School Meals Program that will provide nutritious meals to students, ensuring they can concentrate on their education, and the Rescue Farm Program which aims to reduce agricultural waste and support farmers simultaneously.

For more information about Allianz PNB Life and its sustainability programs, visit www.allianzpnblife.ph.

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AIA Philippines and Tottenham Hotspur Raise Over PHP1 Million for ICanServe Foundation

AIA Philippines and Tottenham Hotspur Raise Over PHP1 Million for ICanServe Foundation

Wednesday, May 15

AIA Philippines, formerly known as AIA Philam Life, in collaboration with their parent company AIA Group—the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group—and English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, recently held a charitable auction. The event featured signed team shirts worn by Tottenham players during their #AIAGoalForGood charity match against Luton Town. This initiative successfully raised over PHP1 million for the ICanServe Foundation, a prominent breast cancer advocacy group in the Philippines.

Unique Auction for a Noble Cause

The auctioned shirts were distinctive as they sported a bespoke ICanServe Foundation emblem in place of the usual AIA logo. This symbolic gesture highlighted the significance of the cause and the deep commitment of AIA Philippines to the ICanServe Foundation. The substantial amount raised from the auction underscores the importance of community support and corporate responsibility in addressing critical health issues.

AIA Philippines' Commitment to Health and Well-being

Melissa Henson, the Chief Marketing Officer of AIA Philippines, expressed pride in the successful fundraising effort. "We’re proud to have raised over a million pesos that will benefit the ICanServe Foundation’s programs. Our support for this organization and their efforts brings to life our Purpose of helping people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives," Henson stated. Her role in overseeing the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts underscores AIA Philippines' dedication to social responsibility and sustainable practices.

Long-standing Partnership with ICanServe Foundation

AIA Philippines has maintained a robust partnership with the ICanServe Foundation, contributing to various initiatives aimed at breast cancer control. These initiatives include collaborations with local governments for breast cancer programs, promoting early detection, ensuring access to accurate diagnosis and timely treatment, and providing comprehensive survivorship care. Additionally, they focus on palliative and hospice care, alongside patient navigation services to support individuals through their breast cancer journey.

Nikoy De Guzman, President of ICanServe Foundation, expressed gratitude for the continued support. “Thank you, AIA Philippines, for your continued support for ICanServe,” De Guzman said. “These funds will go a long way in supporting the various initiatives of the foundation, giving us much-needed resources to spread information and hope in the fight against breast cancer.”

Extending the Fight Against Breast Cancer

In addition to supporting the ICanServe Foundation, AIA Philippines is spearheading its own breast cancer initiative through the Hope for the Breast program. This program offers free breast cancer screenings across various communities in Metro Manila, making essential health services accessible to more people.

AIA Philippines’ partnership with Tottenham Hotspur and the subsequent auction is a testament to the company's commitment to social causes and community health. By supporting the ICanServe Foundation and launching initiatives like Hope for the Breast, AIA Philippines continues to champion the fight against breast cancer, embodying their mission of helping people live healthier, longer, better lives.

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Tindahan Extra Mile: Coca-Cola Philippines' Innovative Recycling Program Takes Metro Manila by Storm

Tindahan Extra Mile: Coca-Cola Philippines' Innovative Recycling Program Takes Metro Manila by Storm

Friday, January 19

Consumers in Metro Manila now have a convenient and environmentally friendly way to dispose of their empty PET bottles, thanks to the Tindahan Extra Mile (TEM) initiative. Coca-Cola Philippines, in collaboration with Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies, Inc. (BEST), has rolled out this Balik PET Bottle Program, involving over 2,200 sari-sari stores and carinderias. Not only does this program extend the life of PET bottles, but it also provides financial incentives for participating store owners.

Promoting Environmental Sustainability and Earning Incentives

The TEM collection bins are strategically placed in front of participating stores, making it easy for consumers to drop off their empty bottles and cans for recycling. After collection, PET bottles are weighed at each store, and the data is recorded in the store owner's bXTRA app account. Points are earned based on the quantity of bottles collected, and store owners can exchange these points for cash or opt to acquire Coca-Cola products and merchandise.

Carolina Catimbang, a store owner in Brgy. West Bicutan, expressed her gratitude, stating, “Malaking tulong sa amin ‘tong programa, kaya salamat talaga sa Coca-Cola. Kumikita na kami, nakatutulong pa kami sa kalikasan” (This program is a big help to us. We are earning while also helping the environment).

Inspiring Collective Action Toward Recycling

Store owners like Lolita Repia find inspiration in recycling, noting that it is exciting to know that the collected bottles will be reused. The program has gained such momentum that customers now automatically deposit their PET bottles in the bins, showcasing the success of collective action toward recycling.

PASCO National President Elilyn Gadia and National Treasurer Emma Alvarez commend the TEM Program for setting an example for children and promoting responsible waste management. They highlight the positive impact on children witnessing their parents segregating waste and cleaning their surroundings.

Advancing Circularity of Plastic Packaging

In 2024, Coca-Cola Philippines plans to expand the TEM Program to 2,400 stores, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability. The collected PET bottles are sent to PETValue Philippines, a groundbreaking partnership that enhances the circularity of plastic packaging.

Jan Vincent Mercado, Senior Vice President for Business Development of BEST, praises the partnership, stating, “Our commitment to sustainability and waste innovation comes full circle through this partnership. Indeed, it is refreshing to walk the talk in circularity.”

Coca-Cola Philippines' commitment to plastic waste reduction is further exemplified by the introduction of new bottles made from 100% recycled PET plastic. These innovative bottles are available in Coca-Cola Original (190ml), Wilkins Pure (500ml), and Sprite 500ml, contributing significantly to reducing the use of virgin plastics.

Coca-Cola Philippines' Tindahan Extra Mile program is not just a recycling initiative; it's a testament to how collaboration between corporations and local businesses can create positive environmental and economic impact. As the program expands, it inspires consumers and businesses alike to actively participate in the journey towards a more sustainable and circular future. To discover more about Coca-Cola Philippines’ recycling initiatives and locate the nearest collection points, consumers can visit the Coca-Cola Sustainability Hub.

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Celebrating everyday Filipino heroes

Celebrating everyday Filipino heroes

Wednesday, January 10

‘Not all heroes wear capes’ and this is especially true for the everyday heroes who selflessly and consistently go the extra mile to improve the daily lives of others or help those who are in need.

HOPE, an impact organization that invests 100% of its profits for the building of public school classrooms and environmental interventions, recently paid tribute to everyday heroes by recognizing three Filipino heroes through the recent virtual HOPE Hero Awarding Ceremony.

“Our Hero Awards was inspired by the many stories we have heard over the years at HOPE. Whether it is a farmer who has so little and yet decides to donate part of his parcel of land so that a school may be constructed for the village children, or a teacher that walks 4 hours each way to accompany her students who live in a remote area to school - we are constantly blown away by the selfless actions that guarantee - HOPE for others.,” said Nanette Medved Po, HOPE founder and chairwoman.

Leading the roster of inspiring awardees is Cynthia Caridad Abdon-Tellez, who won Hope Hero of the Year, the top award of the recognition program, for establishing the Mission For Migrant Workers in (MFMW) in 1981. The organization provides essential services to approximately 30,000 domestic workers in Hong Kong, many of whom are women from underdeveloped countries. Her work extends to addressing issues of underpayment, overwork, debt, discrimination, and even physical and sexual abuse.

“The recognition means a lot to my organization. It is giving light to the plight of migrant workers, which is not a bed of roses,” exclaimed Abdon-Tellez. 

But her work doesn’t stop there. In order to keep her advocacy going, she also admitted that she needs the support of others. “We need more people to help us raise funds or connect us to people and organizations who can financially support our work. Support services for migrant domestic workers is one of the least-funded sectors in Hong Kong.”

Another HOPE Hero is runner-up Anton Mari Lim, co-founder, president and CEO of the Yellow Boat of HOPE Foundation. Through this project, he was able to donate safe transportation in the form of 5,000 yellow boats, ensuring that children in remote areas can access education which has led to increased school attendance in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

With this recognition from HOPE Hero Awards, Lim hopes to raise more awareness about their work, drawing more attention to the challenges faced by children in remote communities in the Philippines. “Getting involved in our advocacy is open to everyone who believe in the power of education and community empowerment. People can contribute by volunteering their time and skills, donating to our cause, or simply spreading the word about our mission,” he concluded.

Like Lim, HOPE Hero runner-up Zacarias Mansing is also focusing on education of children. A wheelchair-bound PWD, Mansing embodies the spirit of a socio-civic volunteer and motivational speaker. Despite being paralyzed from the chest down, he continues to inspire others through his initiative “Books for Kids” that aims to be a catalyst for children to develop a love of reading and elevate literacy levels in public schools, especially in the remote areas of Negros Oriental.

“Being the only finalist and runner-up with physical disability is a huge honor because I was able to prove that community service is not exclusively meant for the physically abled,” said Mansing, adding that the award will help him gain the attention and respect, especially among school children because they can easily relate and connect the lesson they have learned in class about being a hero. 

HOPE Hero Awards is a recognition program that shines a spotlight on those who have dedicated time, resources, and creativity towards uplifting the lives of others, earning them well-deserved recognition for inspiring others to follow their footsteps to create meaningful and lasting change.

To know more or if you are interested to volunteer for their advocacies, contact the following:

Mission for Migrant Workers: Call / WhatsApp 95290387

Yellow Boat Project: Email chief.hopepaddler@yellowboat.org

Books for Kids: Email zmansingjr@yahoo.com

To know more about HOPE, visit https://www.generationhope.ph/

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